The Picture Books of Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes is a wonderful picture book author/illustrator for pre-K and up. His mouse characters - Lilly and all her friends are always great read alouds for Kindergarten and 1st graders. There isn't a Kindergarten teacher that I know who doesn't read Chrysanthemum.  Mr. Henkes has now moved into new picture book territory with a collection of simple, wonderfully illustrated and award-winning stories. His newest picture book is Little White Rabbit.  My children loved this book from the first reading. They love how the rabbit explores his world and using his imagination literally changes on each page. I would definitley use this picture book for a kindergarten author/illustrator study.

I also recommend looking at the KevinHenkes website for great a biography, information about all of his books, and fun activities and teaching guides.

Ooh La La...it's the Fancy Nancy Tea Party

This past Saturday our library hosted the first ever Fancy Nancy Tea Party. We had over 17 girls (between the ages of 4 and 7). The girls were dressed in their fabulous dresses with fancy boas, and shoes, and hats. I read aloud two Fancy Nancy books to the girls. We also practiced saying some "fancy words."

  We also made corsages out of tissue paper and decorated butterfly placemats. Most of the ideas for the party came from Fancy Nancy Tea Parties by Jane O'Connor.  After making our projects - we started our tea party (no tea actually) - just cupcakes and grapes and juice. The girls enjoyed decorating their cupcakes and eating grapes... with toothpicks!!! Everyone had a  wonderful time and the parents loved it as well. There was not a Fancy Nancy book left in the library.  A perfect activity for the preschool/early elementary grades.

 Jane O'Connor is now writing easy to read  Fancy Nancy books as well as the numerous picture book in this fabulous series.

After a Long Hiatus....

I'm back....

We have a new title and a new direction - Kindergarten. I will be focusing this blog on great read alouds, authors, websites, and early literacy tools. I am preparing for this Saturday's Fancy Nancy Tea Party...
stay tuned. Fancy Nancy is TRES FAB for girls 5 and up. Check out the Fancy Nancy's World website.

If You Give A Mouse a Party

For my next children's program I would like to do a party for the mouse, pig, moose, and cat from the If You Give.. Series by Laura J. Numeroff. She has a great website that is chock full of ideas, printables, and online games from the series.

Mouse Cookie Books

I am still in the planning stage - but I hope to do this program in March 2010.

Colorlicious - saluting those popular books by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann

This past Saturday, I hosted a "Colorlicious Party" at my library. I began by reading aloud Pinkalicious and Purplicious by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. After, all of the children decorated their our own pinkalicious cupcakes. We also served "pink juice" (cranberry juice and ginger ale). The kids also had activities at various tables including word jumbles, pinkalicious coloring pages, and make your own pink, purple and gold bracelets. I was able to get some great ideas for the party from http://www.elizabethkann.com/. It was a great event for a children's library program or even a birthday party - especially for those girly girls who love pink.

What party should I host next?? I'm thinking of a Fancy Nancy Party!

Storytime Ideas

I like storytime when I work at my local public library on Saturdays. I also really like having a theme - which can be difficult when the age range is 0-5 years old. I sometimes walk in to the library with a good theme in my head and then the books I need are not available. This is why I need to prepare in advance! Here is a list of some good websites for Storytime - whether in a school or library setting or at home.

Books to Grow On

The Best Kids Booksite

The Itty-Bitty Bookworm

Any other websites I have missed?

Children's Literature Events

I am back to blogging as I finally have a normal schedule again. The summer was very hectic and we never had a regular routine going. Now my days will be filled with preschool, library storytime, playdates, and the very important nap/quiet time.

I will be busy the next two weekends with exciting Children's Literature events. I am very fortunate to live outside of NYC, and there are many authors signings and festivals here in the next few months.

Here are a few worth mentioning if you love meeting children's authors....

Children's Book Day - Tarrytown, New York
I have attended this event before I had kids and I like it even more now that I have kids. The list of authors who will be signing books is very impressive. This event is divided into three sessions and there are books available for purchase right next to the author. There are even book characters that walk around, and a musical treat from the Magic Garden's Paula and Carol. I personally will be lining up to meet Rebecca Stead because I really enjoyed her When I Reach You novel.

The Great Children's Read - Columbia University, NYC
I attended this event last year with my twins. It is sponsored by The New York Times and Target. The event has famous actors/singers/celebrities reading books aloudon one stage , as well as children's authors and performers on another stage. This event is completely free and there is a huge tent hosted by Target where you may purchase books and cd's of the featured authors. If you look at the schedule you might not know where to go first.

Connecticut Children's Book Fair - Storrs, CT
I have never attended this event, but the fact that Lois Lowry will be signing books is enough for me to drive over an hour. It looks like a fun day for the kids too.


Are there any book festivals or author signings that you have attended?