Beyond books: Spring Break recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

This post is part of a series of monthly blog posts by Ottawa Public Library children’s librarians! We hope you enjoy today’s post and remember to check back every month for great children’s books ideas. by Angela Madore, Children's Librarian, Greenboro District Branch

Do you have a child, or possibly more than one? Will he, she or they be at home driving you bonkers this March Break? Are you trying to figure out how to keep them entertained for a couple of hours without taking out a second mortgage?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these question-but especially if you’ve said ‘heck, yes!’ to all of them, you should check out your local branch of the Ottawa Public Library. We’re teaming up with some pretty amazing people and organizations this year to bring you some fantastic programs for all ages. Plus, they’re free! Yes, I’ll say it again-they’re free!

Not convinced? Check this out...

The Billings Estate Museumwill be on hand to teach the kids about fossils and they’ll even be able to make their own to take home. Now, if you’re like me you may be wondering what the connection between the Billings Estate museum and fossils is-right? Well, apparently Elkanah Billings was Canada’s first palaeontologist. Who knew?

CKCU radio station will show your kids how to make and record a radio ad-how cool is that? The Currency Museum will be on-hand to teach them how to play fan-tan, a Siamese game of chance and to show them how to make their own tokens. Aboriginal Experienceswill show them how to make petroglyphs or rock art and folks from the Ottawa Lumière Festival (love it!) will help them decorate their own lanterns.

Wait, there’s more…

Staff from Pinhey’s Point Historical Sitewill show the youngsters how to do paper quilling while the Cumberland Heritage Museum will show them how to create their own print and teach them about printing technology from the 20’s. Magician Elliott Smith will astound the kiddies with his nimble hands and trusty scissors (rocks and paper will also be involved) and Darcy Whyte will show them how to make their very own rubber-powered paper planes. Apparently they can fly up to 4 football fields in length. Pretty impressive don’t you think?

And to kick it all off, Surfsidewill be hosting an RPS (Rock, Paper Scissors) tournament, for kids and teens up to age 18, at our Nepean Centrepointe branch on Saturday March 12 @ 2. The winner of the tournament will walk away with a pretty sweet skate deck.

And just so you don’t think that we’ve brought in loads of presenters in order to get out of doing our own programming, here’s just a sampling of some of the fine things that our library staff have in store for you.

We have music-based programs, dance programs, origami programs and puppet theatre programs. We have paper doll programs, writing and drawing programs, family storytimes and gaming programs-yes, we have Wii! I’ve always wanted to say that!

Some of our branches are also offering great programs for teen including gaming, crafts and anime. There is also a babysitting course at Cumberland and two career-themed programs at Nepean Centrepointeas well as a button making program and Wii tournament at Greenboro.

Now that we’ve completely won you over, here are some important things to keep in mind when browsing through our programs database. First of all, not all of these programs are offered at every branch. To make it fair, we’ve tried to offer a few at each branch. Also, because we are a bilingual organization, many programs are offered in French. Check out our website for specific details like program times, dates and locations.

Oh yeah, one more thing: Don’t despair if the programs at your local branch have already filled up. See what other branches still have openings and try somewhere different. There really are many interesting and varied branches in and around the City. Just think of it as an adventure. You may be very glad you did. And the library is always a great place to visit, browse and choose some great reading. See you during the break!

Love and friendship: picture book recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

This post is part of a series of monthly blog posts by Ottawa Public Library children’s librarians! We hope you enjoy today’s post and remember to check back every month for great children’s books ideas. by Jessica Roy, Children's Librarian, Alta Vista Branch

One story that is often told in children’s books today is that of two oddball characters who are brought together, against all odds, to form an unlikely and heartwarming friendship. This is one of my favorite themes and, fortunately for me, these books are not hard to find. It is my guess that this is because people of all ages enjoy a story where love, friendship and togetherness rule the day. Here are a few favorites to share with your family this Valentine’s Day.

Hello My Name is Bob by Linas Alsenas.

Bob and Jack are two friends that couldn’t be more different. Jack is all about wearing loud colors and being rambunctious while Bob, the quintessential introvert, enjoys counting toothpicks, dusting plants and hanging out in empty parking lots. The story of these two wildly different personalities and their peculiar friendship is told with a deadpan humour that will appeal to both adults and children.

Smitten by David Gordon.

Sock and Mitten are lost and lonely singles.  The unusual pair set out on a perilous journey to find their other halves and end up helping each other through some tough times along the way. When Sock shrinks in the dryer, Mitten helps him cope and when mitten comes undone, sock knits him back together. In the end they discover that what they are really looking for is each other. 

A Circle is Not a Valentine by H. Werner Zimmerman

Alphonse, a well-intentioned but blundering artist, attempts to paint a valentine for his adorable mouse friend. Alas, our hapless hero manages to paint every kind of shape but a heart. Luckily, his rodent companion is able to help him out, and in the process, demonstrates what true friendship is all about. This is a great read aloud that begs audience participation.

Jennifer Jones Won’t Leave Me Alone by Frieda Wishinsky 

Jennifer Jones is crazy about her classmate who is less than crazy about her.  When Jennifer moves to Paris, however, the reluctant object of her affections is surprised to find that he actually misses her. The whimsical illustrations and humorous, rhyming verse are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

What About Bear? by Suzanne Bloom

Bear and Goose have a splendid friendship indeed but Bear feels left out when Fox tries to join in. Fortunately, Goose knows that more friends equal more fun and he finds a way to soothe Bear’s hurt feelings without leaving Fox out. “Bear is my big, old, sometimes grumpy friend,” Goose says to Fox, “You can be our new friend.” This story takes a sensitive and thougtful look at the sort of friendship conundrum that many kids can relate to.

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

When a boy tries to help a lost penguin find his way back to the South Pole he discovers that his little friend was not so much lost as he was lonely. Oliver Jeffer’s charming illustrations, uncomplicated text and loveable characters make for an endearing tale about the affection between a boy and his penguin.

Storyteller's favorites - recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

This is the fourth post in a series of monthly blog posts by Ottawa Public Library children’s librarians! We hope you enjoy today’s post and remember to check back every month for great children’s books ideas. by Anne-Marie Miller, Children’s Librarian, Hazeldean Branch

When it’s  this cold outside maybe we’d rather just stay indoors and have a story about the winter.   Here I’ve introduced a few of my favourites.  Once you’ve had a chance to share these, check out the library for more stories by the same authors.  They will never disappoint you.  Especially if, like myself, you prefer your storybooks to be lovely, lively and humorous!

One of the liveliest newer winter-themed storybooks is Playful Little Penguins written by Tony Mitten and playfully illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees.  The story is told in rhyme and the text winds around the illustrations so both the oral and visual effect s are as playful as the penguins themselves.  The story has a suspenseful little plot involving the rescue of a baby seal and concludes with a family cuddle in a stunning double-spread illustration of a vast Antarctic penguin huddle.  With lots to see and discuss on every page you will want to read this one over and over.

In The Missing Mitten Mystery written and illustrated by Steven Kellogg one little girl, Annie, discovers that she has lost her mitten in the snow.   In the low light of the late afternoon, Annie searches everywhere finding only the sweaters and boots lost by her friends.  Maybe the birds took her mitten, she surmises; or maybe a mouse.  She dreams of planting the remaining mitten and growing a mitten tree.  She dreams of having so many mittens, she can give them away to her family and classmates.  Finally,  she goes inside for tea, but, as it begins to rain, the mitten emerges from the snow in a very special spot that Annie had never thought to check.  Annie is a delightful child  and the ending is a grand surprise.

In The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming the narrator dresses the first snowman of winter one item at a time and the text follows the format of the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’.  So, on every page the list of winter wear is cumulative and repeated in the text.  The snowman in the illustrations becomes more and more colourful as he acquires one hat, two mittens, 3 scarves and so on.  At the end, there is a charming two page spread of the snowman in his full winter finery.  This is a book that your child can ‘read’ with you as the text is repetitive and the illustrations provide the visual clues for the next item of attire.   Denise  Fleming uses many different  mediums in her illustrations to create a rich visual experience as well as, a satisfying narrative.

More fine visuals await you and your child in Bear Snores On written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman.  The rhyming text brings some of the smaller forest animals out of the nighttime blizzard into the warmth of bear’s den.  Chapman’s acrylics are a delight and each little animal has lots of personality.   As the animals gather, they bring along a little food to share and before long there is a party going on.  But, as we learn on every page – Bear snores on.  When he finally awakes, there is only one tense moment before Bear himself  is ready to join party.  Get ready, though, for the surprise ending to this delightful story.

Lois Ehlert is another author who illustrates her stories in mixed media collages.  Her book, Snowballs, is pretty well a storytime classic and great introduction to her work.  With oversize text and double page illustrations throughout, this book will catch your child’s interest instantly.  There is an entire snowman family to see, including the cat and the dog, and each one is lavishly, uniquely  dressed.  Mom, for example sports a colourful  knitted purse full of peanuts!  In the end the snow family melts away, but Ehlert gives you a detailed spread of all the bits and pieces she has used to create her masterpieces.  Maybe this will inspire your next snow, or even paper creation.

This winter check out these and other fun titles at  biblioOttawalibrary.ca .

Christmas reading recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

This is the third post in a series of monthly blog posts by Ottawa Public Library children’s librarians! We hope you enjoy today’s post and remember to check back every month for great children’s books ideas. by Jean McCarthy, Children's Librarian

The Santa Parade has come and gone and the excitement is building with “I can’t wait for Christmas” heard around Ottawa.  What can a parent do between now and December 25?  Why not try reading together?  

It is often very hard for children to understand why one group will celebrate Christmas and another will celebrate Chanukah.  This new Canadian offering from Sharon Jennings  is the perfect place to begin.  In “A Chanukah Noel”  Charlotte moves to France with her family and in the small French village feels very much an l’ètrangere, a foreigner.  And what makes things worse in Charlotte’s eyes are all the preparations for the Christian holiday,  Christmas.  How can she combine Chanukah and Christmas?  This charming book not only illustrates life in a small French village, it also illustrates how holidays can be shared.  Charlotte’s story makes an excellent discussion starter for young children about the value of sharing.  And what a magical holiday Charlotte was able to create!

To continue the magic generated with  Charlotte’s story, try “The Christmas Magic” by Lauren Thompson.  Santa knows that the magic is coming but not just yet.  So he must prepare as perhaps your household is preparing as well.  Reindeer bells are polished, toys are packed and beard and moustache are trimmed.  And “suddenly, a warm tingling spreads from his whiskers to his soles.  And around him, the night begins to thrum with magic, the kind of magic that makes reindeer fly.”  Using watercolours to illustrate the book, Jon Muth has made the magic come alive.  

And to help the magic come alive, try making some Christmas crafts and bakery goods to give and to eat from the following craft books.  These are only a few of many owned by Ottawa Public Library.  

“Big Fun Christmas Crafts and Activities” by Judy Press “Christmas Crafts” by Jean Eick “Christmas Decorations Kids Can Make” by Kathy Ross “Easy Christmas Cut-up Cakes for Kids” by Melissa Barlow “Fairy Tale Feasts:  A literary Cookbook for Young Readers and Eaters” by Jane Yolen “Jewish Holidays Cookbook:  Festive Merals for Celebrating the Year” by Jill Colella Bloomfield

Among my favourite ideas are making a Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer using your child’s hands and feet, p. 10-11, “Christmas Crafts” byJean Eick and when done, invite family and friends over to share a Red-Nosed Reindeer cake, p. 38-39, “Easy Christmas Cut-Up Cakes for Kids” by Melissa Barlow.

And speaking of sharing:  when a meteorite falls through the window of Mrs. Walter’s fifth-grade class, out pops a Genie who will only grant one wish.  What will it be?  Will the class share the wish?  This very funny read, “The Christmas Genie” by Dan Gutman,  is written for ages 9-11.       

                                                                                                                                                                                                   Sharing is something that Miss Penelope Lumley certainly knows how to do.  As an orphan herself and a star graduate at the age of 15 from The Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope is hired as a governess for two very wild children, Cassiopeia and Beowulf, both of whom have no manners but lots of canine tendencies.  Will they be tame enough and able to attend the holiday ball, Lady Constance’s very special holiday ball?  Written by Maryrose Wood for children ages 8-12, “The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1:  The Mysterious Howling” begins the adventures of two children and one governess.                                       Have a wonderful Holiday Season and all the best in the New Year!

Jean

Curling up with some holiday classics

by Carly I had no idea just how many holiday-themed books we had kicking around the house until I started rounding them up for this post.  It really comes as no surprise since our family is big on Christmas and the Little Man is no exception.  However, since our personal collection was full of books appropriate for the 0-5 year old set, I happily spent a couple of hours exploring some local bookstores and libraries  (online and in person) to rediscover some old favourites and some new stories too.

Favourite Stories for Babies and Toddlers

• Merry Christmas Mouse by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond tells the story of "Mouse" as he counts his way through decorating the Christmas tree.
• The Lights of Christmas by Joanne Barkan with pictures by France Brassard was an inexpensive book with a huge appeal - Jake loved hitting the button that caused lights on every page to flicker and dance.  The rhyming story of little bears dreaming of the North Pole was equally sweet.
• After watching a Sesame Street video about different holiday traditions, the Little Man wanted to know more about them.  We found A Kwanzaa Celebration Pop Up Book by Nancy Williams and award-winning illustrator Robert Sabuda in our local library.  The vibrant colours and great pop-ups kept us busy for days.

Favourite Stories for Preschoolers

• In our home you just can't go wrong with the stories of the precocious "David", written and illustrated by David Shannon.  It's Christmas, David! is no exception.  I must have some little boy in me too as my favourite page is the one where David runs up the street in his birthday suit.
• Room for a Little One is beautifully illustrated by Jason Cockcroft and written by Martin Waddell.  Telling the story of the birth of Christ through the eyes of the peaceful animals who may have also sought shelter in the stable through simple prose and that stunning artwork.
• A Reindeer Christmas by Mark Kimball Moulton and illustrated by Karen Hillard Good is Jake's pick this year.  When Donnor loses his way during a dry run prior to Christmas, some loving children take good care of him even without knowing who he is.

• Finally, My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel and illustrated by H.B. Lewis tells us what happens when Joe sends a very detailed letter to Santa regarding a certain arctic bird.  This story has resulted in a similar letter from Jacob . . . only his penguin is to be named "House".  Huh?

Favourites Stories for School-Aged Children

• The Best Hannukah Ever was recommended by our favourite librarian when I asked about Jewish holiday traditions.  Barbara Goldin Diamond and Avi Katz tell the story of a family that gives one another humourous gifts after misunderstanding their Rabbi's advice.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss remains one of my all time favourites.  The illustrations perfectly match this classic story of materialism, greed and child-like giving.
• Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick won the Benjamin Franklin Award and the International Reading Association Award.  Given to Jake when he was born, he's only recently starting to pick it up on his own and page through the beautiful photography.  I think he'll enjoy it even more as he gets older.
• The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg with illustrations by James Bernardin tells of the mystery and miracle of Christmas, by highlighting the Christian symbolism found in the candy cane.

Favourite Books for Pre-Teens

• My nephews always loved Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas.  Not my personal favourite, but it the story held the attention of restless tween boys who didn't always like to read.
• Dicken's A Christmas Carol has also been re-written under a number of different publishers for 9-12 year olds.  The classic story of Scrooge's late-night visit of the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future is must read - especially if like me, you love The Muppet's version.
• When her older brother dies in an accident, Darcy is left feeling responsible for his death . . . until she meets the boy who received his donated heart.  Searching for David's Heart: A Christmas Story by Cherie Bennett is heartwarming and touching.

Favourite Books for Teens

• Love Santa: A Different Kind of Christmas Story by Sharon Glassman is a collection of children's actual letters to man in red himself.  In addition to the cool illustrations, Ms. Glassman also takes the time to encourage her teenage readers to become "undercover Santas".  Though she references the U.S. Postal Service, I loved the idea of turning things back on the reader with a challenge to reach out to younger children.
• Based on a true story and taking place in 1918, The Golden Ring: A Christmas Story by John Snyder tells the story of a father and daughter who share some puzzling dreams about a golden ring.

No post on holiday reading would be complete without the classic The Night Before Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore.  There are so many beautiful versions to chose from, but our family's favourite is one illustrated by Alison Edgson with "lift-the-flap" options throughout.

What are your family's favourites?

Carly has red hair and occasionally the temper to match.  She loves potatoes, rainy nights, photography, her husband and her 4 year old son, Jacob.  Probably in reverse order.   She also blogs.