You know that thing that takes a huge amount of coordination and causes a fair amount of stress in both the planning and execution? What if we just didn’t do it. What if we went back to the drawing board and started at square one. What if we reimagined what summer at the library looks… Continue reading What if the Summer Reading Club Didn’t Exist?
2022 Favourite Storytime Picture Books
Better late than never! OG followers will know how much I look forward to sharing this list every year and to hearing about your favourites in the comments. One person said it’s like Christmas for children’s librarians, ha! Here are the picture books published in 2022 I think work great in storytime. After the Buzz… Continue reading 2022 Favourite Storytime Picture Books
The Three Little Pigs Oral Story
Last year I did a workshop for early childhood educators on using puppets in storytime. I wanted some fresh ideas to share, particularly ones that didn’t involve laying down $50 on a new puppet. When searching the wonders of Pinterest I stumbled upon this picture and I thought, “yes, that is something I can realistically… Continue reading The Three Little Pigs Oral Story
STEM is More Than Coding
You know what I love? Writing that stretches my thinking. Writing that helps me ask questions. Writing that asks me to be reflective of my own practices. If you don’t follow Adventures in Storytime (and Beyond) I highly recommend you do. Jen writes fantastic programming and reflection posts. Her recent post, S-T-E-M is a Four-Letter… Continue reading STEM is More Than Coding
The Book Menu
YOU, yes you. You gems of the online community who take the time out of your day to say something thoughtful to another person (me!). The comments on my last post had me bawling in the best way. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kind words and feedback. I heard… Continue reading The Book Menu
Taking it Back
It’s me, hi. I would like to start blogging again. Like I haven’t said that before, right? I realize I have a problem though. Instead of hopping on here and jotting down quick thoughts and reflections, I’ve turned blogging into writing research papers. I’m not even joking. Part of this is my own fault (I’m… Continue reading Taking it Back
Threshold by Angela J. Reynolds
Today’s guest post is by a dear friend of mine – the talented and creative Angela Reynolds! You may know Angela from her blog ValleyStorytime which she’s been writing at since 2011. Angela has been a mentor and a friend to me over the years even though we’re on opposite sides of the country. I… Continue reading Threshold by Angela J. Reynolds
Movement Matters and ANIMALS MOVE
I am excited and proud to share a guest post today by my colleague and famous picture book author Jane Whittingham. You may have seen Jane’s books on your library shelves, at bookstores, or on many of my storytime books lists. In sum, they rock. And the good news is she has another one out… Continue reading Movement Matters and ANIMALS MOVE
What I’m Reading and Watching: Winter 2022
Look at me, keeping up with my once-a-month blog post goal! My goal is to stay active on here, even if it’s a short, check-in style piece. I try to write posts I would want to read as a children’s librarian, and one thing I always want to know is what other people are reading… Continue reading What I’m Reading and Watching: Winter 2022
2021 Favourite Storytime Picture Books
We made it, friends. Another year of programming in a pandemic. Whether it was online, indoors, or outdoors, I feel like we should take a collective deep breath. We’re hanging in there. I hope this list helps you feel reinvigorated to do a magical part of our jobs: sharing stories with families in whatever way… Continue reading 2021 Favourite Storytime Picture Books