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
The Day the Crayons Quit: Virtual Family Program
Sometimes something special happens and what I share here on Jbrary inspires people to try new things. A few months ago I shared the amazing work of libraries who created displays, scavenger hunts, and contests around the book The Day the Crayons Quit. Awhile later I heard from Sarah Viviani, a youth services librarian in… Continue reading The Day the Crayons Quit: Virtual Family Program
I’m Back at Babytime!
One of the best things happened last week. I GOT TO DO BABYTIME AGAIN. For two 30 minute sessions I was surrounded by the sweetest little cherubs and their masked caregivers while we sang, read, and danced together. Some things have changed. We do registration now. Masks are mandated indoors province-wide. We try to give… Continue reading I’m Back at Babytime!
Fall Storytime Ideas
Fall is my favourite season. Bring on the Fall Fantasy! Dana wrote a post in 2015 with our fall favourites, and it’s one of our most viewed posts this time of year. I thought I’d do an updated version of that post with more ways to infuse storytimes with a sense of wonder and excitement… Continue reading Fall Storytime Ideas
Self-Directed Library Programs
Truth: I read and respond to 99% of comments left on this blog. That’s time out of your day you spent giving me feedback (for better or for worse!) and I value hearing from diverse perspectives. I recently received a comment asking to update our Passive Programs Throw Down because most of the links are… Continue reading Self-Directed Library Programs
Podcasts for Children’s Librarians
Truth: I have a terrible listening attention span. I know this to be true because this blog post has been TWO YEARS in the making. I can read for hours, but I find it hard to do anything at the same time as listening intently. It is a skill I am working on! Podcasts have… Continue reading Podcasts for Children’s Librarians