Subscribe to this pageNational Pet Day, 2013
Today is National Pet Day. (to find out more, click here)When I was a kid, I had a collie—he would do ANYTHING for me, but about the only thing he’d do for anyone else was… to go get ME! So if I was over at a neighbor’s house, and it was time to go home, Mom wouldn’t bother with the phone- I’d just beg to stay longer. Instead, she would tell him to go get me. He would go to the neighbor’s door, and he wouldn’t leave until I came with him.
Read more
Save Those Campbell's Labels!
We need Campbell’s Labels (and Swanson, Prego, etc.)... Points are doubled on those we mail in by April 30th. The library is only 1500 points away from earning an ipad, and if we all work together, WE CAN DO IT ! ! !
For most items, the part to save is the UPC code (barcode). But for V-8 beverages it’s the cap. There are over 2500 different items that count, from Bic pens to Post cereals, Spaghetti-Os to Pop Secret popcorn. For a complete list of eligible products, click here. Thanks for your help!
Woo-Hoo, It's World Book Day!
Today is World Book Day, a great day to come to the library. It's a celebration of authors, illustrators, books, and TA-DAH!-- READING! This is the 16th year there's been a World Book Day. It's officially the 23rd of March, the anniversary of Shakespeare's death, but often celebrated the 7th of March to avoid other holidays. You can get more information, including book recommendations, games, and other cool stuff by clicking HERE. But don't just celebrate today- you can celebrate World Book Day on the 23rd, too. Better yet, celebrate all month long. While you're at it, read 100 books this year for cool prizes and the right to say "I took the Mayor's 100 Book Challenge- and WON!" (more information HERE)
March is National Craft Month
What's your favorite way to craft? Do you like to sew? (I love the Sewing and Stitchery Expo!) Knit? Paint? Create masterpieces in the kitchen? March is National Craft Month, and a great reason to share some craft time with the kids. The library has books on all sorts of crafts to inspire you. Check out both the kids section and the books for grownups, too. One that I read lately was Cut-up Couture by Koko Yamase. Do you have an aspiring knight, princess, or Dragon-slayer at your house? There's a cool book in the kid's section called Medieval Castle Adventure Crafts by Anna Llimos. There are also many resources on the web. Click here for a webpage with some great family craft ideas to get you started. Read moreCaldecott winning books
The 2013 Caldecott winning books have been announced. Many people consider this to be the top literary prize for illustrated children's books in America. One thing is for certain, these prize winning books make for great reading with the little ones in your life. So take a moment and check out these books at your favorite library!
The 2013 Caldecott Medal winner is This Is Not My Hat, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen, published by Candlewick Press.
What are the consequences when a little fish steals the hat from a big fish? In this darkly, humorous tale, follow the little fish as he contemplates his action while admiring his new hat, that fits perfectly.
2013 Honor Books:
Creepy Carrots!, illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. *** When this book first arrived at the library last fall, my son and I loved it so much we had to share it with his first grade class!
Extra Yarn, illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. *** A selfish archduke threatens to halt a little girl's transformation of a colorless town and steal her box of magical yarn.
Green, illustrated and written by Laura Vaccaro Seeger and published by Neal Porter Books, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press. *** Take a new look at the multiple meanings of "green."
One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small, written by Toni Buzzeo and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. *** A rollicking tale of Father, Elliot and a highly improbable pet (or two).
Sleep Like a Tiger, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Mary Logue and published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. *** An imaginative dialogue between a not-at-all sleepy child and her understanding parents.
A list of past Caldecott winning books (1938 to the present) can be found at http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal.
Come on Down!
We're having fun at the library today! We have a Lego Storytime, and it's also "Take your child to the Library Day".
Read moreStone Soup
Have you ever read the story Stone Soup? Or Nail Soup? There are several variations, but in each story, someone who is hungry manages to get lots of people to pool their resources to build a yummy soup that feeds everyone and brings them all together. Read more2012 Favorites from Miss Carol
Anybody who knows me knows that I love children's books. One of the favorite parts of my job is looking at all the new books as they arrive at the Library. I enjoy looking at the new artwork, the new stories. I like thinking how I can use the new picture books at storytime or which of my young friends would enjoy the new chapter books. So when a new book catches my eye as being "extra special" I take note.
Take a look at my new booklist with all my favorite finds from 2012. You will find it on the Library's webpage under Kids Booklists or just follow this handy dandy link! You never know, you might find a new gem as well.
Miss Carol
Children's Librarian
National Pie Day
Tomorrow, December 1, is National Pie Day. Are you ready to start your holiday baking? Need some new ideas of what to cook up? Your friendly Library is a great place to find books full of recipes. You can find traditional recipes and even some recipes for not-so-traditional baked goods.
How about baking with your children? Baking with children can contribute many healthy developmental skills. Preschoolers can workout their fine motor muscles while stirring, measuring, scraping, and spooning. They even get a chance to learn about sequences and following directions. Elementary school age children can practice math skills such as addition, fractions, and problem solving. They can also learn a little science as well as kitchen safety, cleanliness, and perseverance (wait to finish a task while staying to help clean up). Every child, no matter the age, enjoys spending time with a special grown up. This quality time together helps to form bonds that increase self esteem.
I invite you to come explore the many cook books on the shelves here at your favorite Library. Downstairs or upstairs, you will be amazed at the variety of cook books there are to be found!
Magical Creatures - Miss Carol's theme of the week
Magical creatures of all shapes and sizes are not hard to find in children's books. You can find them as trolls, dragons, fairies, mermaids, and a few rare unicorns. Take a look at these books full of wonder and enchantment, and just a touch of magic.
This week in storytime:
The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, illustrated by Tricia Tusa (jj FOX)
Other books you might enjoy:
The End by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Richard Egielski (jj LAROCHE)
Oscar and the Very Hungry Dragon by Ute Krause (jj KRAUSE)
Ten Tiny Fairies: A Fairy Tale Counting Book by Dawn Bentley, illustrated by Heather Cahoon (jj BENTLEY)
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Peter Christen Asbjornsen, illustrated by Paul Galdone (jj GALDONE)
For older readers:
The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Reid Banks (j BANKS)
Fire and Wings: Dragon Tales from East and West edited by Mariane Carus, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry (j 398 FIRE AN)
Into the Land of the Unicorns by Bruce Coville (j COVILLE)
The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler (j KESSLER)
Movies to watch:
My Neighbor Totoro (DVD CHILD MY NEIG)
Pete's Dragon (DVD FAMILY PETES)
Got Pie TIns?
Wish there was something you could do with those foil pie tins, so they don’t go to waste? Just clean them up and take them to the library! They are used for a multitude of purposes at all sorts of kids programs. They can be tambourines, paint palettes, crayon holders, sorting tins…. The list goes on. So bring them to the library—you know they’ll be put to good use.
Kids get to read and vote
Along with a new school year come many new opportunities for most children. Elementary school teacher-librarians will soon be promoting books of all types. Some books will be new favorites as well as well loved book-friends. Many students will be encouraged to read books from the three favorite "children's choice award" lists. The three favorite lists in the Puyallup area include the Washington Children Choice Picture Book Award, the Sasquatch Award (both sponsored by the Washington Library Media Association), plus the Young Reader's Choice Award (sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Library Association). What this means is that students first read several of the books on a list. The books on these lists were carefully selected as outstanding books. By choosing to read a book from one of the lists, you automatically know that it will contain a great story. Next, comes the voting at school. This usually takes place around March. The votes are then tallied up by the sponsoring organization and the award is given to the author of the book with the most votes. The children truly have a voice in the winner of these awards!
Do you want to read the nominee books the children will vote from in 2013? Then take a look at the lists below.
Read moreA great summer!
Summer is zooming by soooo fast! But it was a great summer here at the Puyallup Public Library. We had terrific turnout for all of our summer reading programs. There was lots of fun, plenty of laughter, and even some learning going on. Be sure to take a look at our winner's board in the children's area. I see tons of smiling faces. Yet everyone who finished our summer reading program was a winner! Every teen, child, and adult who finished, got something. That is what makes the summer reading program in Puyallup so great.
Our program would not be the success it is without the generous support of the businesses and organizations who donated to the Puyallup Public Library. If you get the chance, please stop and thank the people and businesses for their contributions to another wonderful summer!
Friends of the Puyallup Library
Daffodil Entertainment Center
Northwest Trek
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Aunti Anne's Pretzels
Mcdonald's Restaurants
Puyallup Fair
Rount Table Pizza
Costco
Tacoma Rainiers
Elements Frozen Yogurt
South Hill Mall Applebee's
Taco Time
Girl Scout troop #40819
Anonymous Girl Scout troop
Stuffed Animals Take Over the Library!
Dinos and Tiggers and Bears- Oh my! What happens when stuffed animals spend the night at the library? They get into all sorts of mischief! On August 10th, kids were invited to bring a stuffed animal for stories and a craft. But the real adventure happened after the kids went home. Those curious stuffed animals explored the library, and we took pictures of their escapades. To see what went on, click here. Special thanks to our teen volunteers, Chloe, Jannah, Ana, Brooklyn, Rachael, Nike, Sarah, and Amy- and our summer intern Sarah. They made it possible to finish before midnight, and we couldn't have done it without them!
Reading for fun and prizes!
Summer reading is in full swing at the Puyallup Public Library. If you have not yet joined our summer reading program, it is not too late! We have fun prizes for children, teens, and adults. All you have to do is sit back and read! Even babies and little tykes can participate if someone reads aloud to them. All summer reading tickets for all ages must be turned in by August 11. So keep reading those books. Ebooks count, audio books count, graphic novels count, and don’t forget the good old fashioned paper books. Read, read, read!!!!
National French Fry Day
Did you know that July 13th is National French Fry Day? Many restaurants even give out free fries to celebrate. But the potato is more than just fries. Read moreEasier AR book searching!
The Puyallup Public Library now offers an easier way to search for Accelerated Reader (AR for short) books in our online library catalog. Your Library is partnering with ReadTheBooks.com to match school AR lists with books in our catalog. We offer this service for all of the elementary schools inside the Puyallup city limits.
The AR lists can be sorted by title, author, AR book level, or AR points. Once you find a book you want to read, just click on the green "Check the Catalog" box. Then you can place a hold on the book with your Puyallup Public Library card. If the book is checked in, the book will be placed on the hold shelf with your name on it by noon the next day. If the book is checked out, you will receive an email or phone call from the library when the book is back in the library.
If you or your child want to get a head start on your AR reading this summer, then check out this new service! Click here for more information and access to this new service.
Early literacy iPad apps
Looking for some fun games or apps to put on your new iPad to entertain, and maybe even educate, the toddlers and preschoolers in your life? Now, there is no way playing on a tablet machine will EVER replace one-on-one reading time between an adult and child, but I do admit these machines have their uses. Waiting in line at a bank or sitting in a restaurant can become just a little more educational with the appropriate app that is age appropriate and full of literacy skills. The good people at Darien Library in Connecticut have put together a list of iPad apps perfect for children ages 2-5. Take a look at their list at http://www.darienlibrary.org/2011/09/11/librarian-selected-apps-early-literacy-ipad.Mother Goose Day 2012
Most of us grew up with rhymes like Pat-a-cake, Pat-a cake, Baker's Man or Little Bo-Peep. Nursery or "Mother Goose" rhymes are part of childhood. Did you know that today is Mother Goose Day? It's celebrated every year on May 1st. The purpose is "a day to re-appreciate the old nursery rhymes."
There are lots of ways to celebrate. You could get several different Mother Goose books, and compare how various artists have interpreted the rhymes... Take turns acting out nursery rhymes as a skit... Make up your own tunes and sing them! For more ideas like this, check out the Mother Goose Society webpage. And most of all, have fun!
Golden Teddy Award
We need your votes- and voters will be entered to win a treasure trove of prizes!
Last year Puyallup Public Library (324 S. Meridian) was in the top ten for the storytime section of the Golden Teddy Award. Let’s see if we can be a winner this year!
Read moreCelebrate Earth Day
Tomorrow is Earth Day! Celebrate by learning about the world we live in. The Library is a perfect place to get books and movies about life on planet earth. Take a look at these great materials you can find in the kid's section:
About Hummingbirds : a Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill; illustrated by John Sill (j 598.7 SILL)
After the Kill by Darrin Lunde; illustrated by Catherine Stock (j 591.5 LUNDE)
All About Water Ecosystems (DVD j 577.6 ECOSYST WATER)
Boa Constrictor/Boa constrictora by Cede Jones, traducción al español por Eduardo Alamán (SP j 597.96 JONES, in both English and Spanish)
The Camping Trip that Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Our National Parks by Barb Rosenstock; illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein (j 979.4 ROSENST)
The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle (j 597.8 MARKLE)
Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard by Loree Griffin Burns; photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz (j 590.72 BURNS)
Desert Elephants by Helen Cowcher (j 599.67 COWCHER)
Dive into Diversity (DVD j 591.77 DIVE IN)
Me -- Jane by Patrick McDonnell (jj MCDONNE)
North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration by Nick Dowson; illustrated by Patrick Benson (j 591.56 DOWSON)
Planting the Wild Garden written by Kathryn O. Galbraith; illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin (jj GALBRAI)
The Polar Bear Scientists by Peter Lourie (j 599.786 LOURIE)
Seabird in the Forest: The Mystery of the Marbled Murrelet by Joan Dunning (j 598.33 DUNNING)
Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature written by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Beth Krommes (jj SIDMAN)
Time to Eat written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page (j 591.3 JENKINS)
A Warmer World: From Polar Bears to Butterflies, How Climate Change Affects Wildlife by Caroline Arnold; illustrated by Jamie Hogan (j 363.738 ARNOLD)
Fuzzy Wuzzy?
"Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy, was he?" That's one of the first poems I ever learned. It actually comes from a 1944 song by Al Hoffman, Milton Drake, and Jerry Livingston- but I discovered it in a little book of poems that I found at my library.
Read moreParents and reading are essential to school success
Learning to read begins long before a child starts school. From the time they are infants, through the toddler and preschool years, children learn about language and other skills that will help them learn to read. These developing early literacy skills are the foundation for learning to read. As parents, family members, friends, and neighbors, we can all help the children in our lives build on these literacy skills. It is never too late. There are 5 simple things we should do with children.
TALKING
SINGING
READING
WRITING
PLAYING
These are not terribly difficult things to do. In fact, most of these 5 things come about naturally in the presence of children. Give the child in your life plenty of opportunities to talk with you. Sing a song together. Simple songs like the alphabet or "Happy Birthday" can help your child. Read a book together. What better place to find so many different books than at the library? Write on a piece of paper, even if the writing looks like a bunch of scribbles. Give your child plenty of unstructured playtime or try acting out a scene together with stuffed animals.
Children who start Kindergarten already familiar with many essential pre-reading skills, will have an easier time learning to read, and consquently have greater success througout their school years. Of course you want to help your cute little bugaboo be ready to read. So go out there and have some fun together!
Great websites for Kids!
Looking for a safe website for children on the Internet can be daunting. As a parent, I always wonder if I am truly showing my child a website that will educate or entertain without the inclusion of some risque ad or inappropriate content. But there is a wonderful place to go to find great websites that are kid safe. The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has put together a list of fun websites at http://gws.ala.org/. The list at "Great Websites for Kids" includes sites of the week and month, most popular pages, and top rated selections. Each website also includes a thumbnail preview as well as a description.
Take out the guess work of finding kid friendly and safe websites and check this place out!
(ALSC is a division of the American Library Association.)
Take Your Child to the Library Day
I'd like to invite you to come to the library this Saturday (Feb. 4th). It's National Take Your Child To The Library Day! To help us celebrate, local children's author Wendy Wahman (Don't Lick The Dog, A Cat Like That) will be visiting us at 11 AM for our weekly Family Storytime, especially for ages 2-8.
We also encourage you to make a paper crane- paper is provided- any time during the day. Legend says that folding a thousand paper cranes makes a wish come true! This legend became more widely known through the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr.
See you at the library!
Miss Carol's Favorites from 2011
As a Children's Librarian, I get asked to recommend books for children all the time. As 2011 comes to an end, I created a list of all my personal favorite book finds from 2011. In this list, there is a little something for everyone. There are a few picture books that my son and I enjoyed together. There are some great informative books. Plus, there are some books that I just enjoyed for the pictures or the stories. Take a peek, you might find something that will become one of your favorites.
Go to http://www.cityofpuyallup.org/library/page.php?id=183.
Cookies for the Holidays
Yum, yum, cookies! This time of year I get them from my friends, from my family, and my coworkers. There are some many delicious varieties. There are also a great variety of books about cookies, from storybooks to cookbooks. So sit down with a glass of milk, a plate of cookie, and one of these great books:
Bake and Make Amazing Cookies by Elizabeth Macleod (j 641.8 MACLEOD)
The Bride of Frankenstein Doesn't Bake Cookies by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones (jj 3-4 DADEY)
The Christmas Cookie Cookbook: All the Rules and Delicious Recipes to Start Your Own Holiday Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman and Marybeth Bayer (641.8654 PEARLMA 2010)
The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Marcellus Hall
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins (jj HUTCHIN)
Fortune Cookie Fortunes by Grace Lin (jj LIN)
The Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, and Leslie Meier (D FLUKE)
The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst (jj ERNST)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bon (jj NUMERO)
Making Great Gingerbread Houses: Delicious Designs from Cabins to Castles, from Lighthouses to Tree Houses by Aaron Morgan and Paige Gilchrist (745.5 MORGAN)
Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington (jj WELLING)
Very Merry Cookie Party: How to Plan and Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange by Barbara Grunes and Virginia Van Vynckt (641.8654 GRUNES 2010)
World's Greatest Christmas Cookies Cookbook: A Sweet Collection of Recipes, Tips, & Decorating Ideas, and Inspiration for the Season by Nanette Anderson (641.8654 ANDERSO 2011)
November is Picture Book Month
Do you have a favorite picture book? One you remember from your childhood, or one you've discovered as you read it to a favorite young friend?
November is Picture Book Month, a month to celebrate the importance of picture books. We know they are fun, we know they encourage language development in kids, and we know they can make a lasting impression.
Each day in November there is a post from a picture book champion, telling why he/she thinks picture books are important. Margaret Read MacDonald is one of my favorite authors-- and a really cool person too. Click here to check out what she has to say-- and lots of other authors too! And share a favorite picture book today.
Family Literacy Day
Get ready for National Family Literacy Day. It's coming on November 1st. What will you do to celebrate literacy with your family? Family literacy is something that should be encouraged all year round. Brainstorm ways you can keep your family engaged in reading on a regular basis!
Read more
Happy Birthday, Winnie the Pooh!
Happy 85th Birthday, Winnie the Pooh!
Winnie the Pooh was first published October 14, 1926--85 years ago today.
A.A. Milne wrote about Winnie the Pooh, his son Christopher Robin, and their friends at 100-Aker-Wood. Did you know that Winnie was based on a real live bear? It was Christopher Robin's favorite animal at the zoo, and according to www.just-pooh.com, he often spent time IN THE CAGE with the bear! He then named his own teddy bear after it.
The characters, such as Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, Kanga and Roo were based on stuffed animals belonging to Christopher Robin. Other characters as Rabbit and Owl were based on animals that lived in the surrounding area of Milne's country home Cotchford Farm in Ashdown Forest, Sussex, on which 100-Aker-wood was based.
Of course, many know the Disney version best. The Pooh books were favorites of Disney's daughters, and Disney brought him to film in 1966.
Happy birthday, Pooh!
Girls like comics too!
I am very excited about two books that recently joined out library collection. I can’t wait to read the fourth book in the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi, The Last Council, and the new reissue of the first Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon book by Naoko Takeuchi. Both books have strong female characters. Both books have stories that appeal to the imagination of young girl readers. Best of all, both books are graphic novels
In essence, a graphic novel is a really long comic book. A good graphic novel combines drawings, space, and words into an intriguing story that leaves the reader begging for more. That is not so different from a regular text-based book. Most people who think about comic books still think superheroes and boys. Well, these two new books as well as the books listed below are testament to one fact: Girls like comics too!
Read moreCookies and Learning?
October is National Cookie Month- YUM ! Baking with your kids offers lots of possibiilties for learning: It's an opportunity to expand vocabulary (blend, measure, spatula) or talk about math. ("Which is more, 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup?" "We need 3 eggs. We put one egg in. How many more do we need?") And to keep with the theme, you could even read a book like The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins while you wait for the cookies to bake!
What sweet treat do you like to munch while you relax with a good book? One of my favorites is Rosemary Shortbread. Do you have a favorite recipe? If you're looking for cookie ideas, the library has lots of good books to spark your imagination.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The newest book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is due out in November. This comic series makes reading enjoyable for many kids. But what do you read when you have read all five books in this series a ca-jillion times? Well, for starters, try a different book that is also funny. Or maybe, a book that also has a lot of cartoon-like drawings. Take a look at this new list of books I created for the Greg Heffley fans. I'm sure you will find something to tickle your funny bone.
Miss Carol
Golden Teddy Award
Thanks to all who voted! We're a favorite for Kids and Families!
ParentMap, the award-winning monthly magazine and website, has surveyed its readers on the best businesses and resources for kids and families in Puget Sound. Puyallup Public Library was voted as a finalist in the ParentMap 2011 Golden Teddy Awards, storytime section. Check us out! http://www.parentmap.com/golden-teddy
Puyallup Public Library was one of 7 finalists (and the only one in Pierce County).
We are proud of our wonderful storytimes and glad that parents recognized the importance of stories and related learning activities for kids.
Save Those Labels!!!
Many of you have been saving the UPC codes from
You might already know that you can save the UPC code from SpaghettiOs, and Pepperidge Farm, too. (Goldfish- YUM!) Now the Labels for Education® program has added new participating brands–GLAD® Food Storage, Emerald® Nuts, Dannon® kids yogurts and select magazines purchased at retail, including People, Real Simple and more.
Spread the word about which UPCs to clip and save! For a PDF that shows the brands, click here::
Get a head start on National Dog Day
August 26 is National Dog Day! Get a start on celebrating a day all about our favorite canine friends with some great books from your library. Young or old, here are some favorite dog reads:
Read more
Mouse Tales - Miss Carol's theme of the week
I do not like to see mice running around my house, but I do enjoy them in a good book. Take a look at these books featuring some clever, cute, and adorable pint sized rodents.
Read more
Magic - Miss Carol's theme of the week
This week is full of magic here at the Puyallup Public Library. Later today, Magician Louie Foxx will come to amaze the kiddos. But magic can also be found in ordinary books. Read about something extraordinaire. Teach yourself how to do a card trick. Learn something new. There is so much to explore at the Library!
Read more
Do You Love The Library?
Is the Puyallup Public Library one of your favorite places to take your kids? ParentMap is giving out their 2011 Golden Teddy Awards!
Go online at www.parentmap.com/golden-teddy to vote and tell your story. Do you have a favorite memory of storytime? There's a special storytime category. It only takes a minute to give Miss Bonnie and Miss Carol your vote. You can vote once per day until July 14th. As an added bonus, each time you vote you can enter to win a San Juan Island getaway!
While you are there, check out the other resources and information that ParentMap has. You'll find information on health, education, and fun things to do.
And have you signed up for the Summer Reading Program yet? We've got lots of fun and prizes in store. See you at the library!
Summer Reading registration is going on now!
School is almost out! For us here at the Puyallup Public Library that means SUMMER READING!!!!!
Read more
Children's Choice Book Awards
When I was a child in elementary school and junior high, I loved participating in the children's choice book awards brought in by my school librarians. I would read the books that interested me, cast my vote, then wait to see if my favorite book won the award. I know these reading programs introduced me to books I probably would not have read otherwise. So now as an adult, I am a big fan of these book awards. The elemenatary school children of our area can participate in three children's choice awards. A few weeks ago the winners of these awards were announced. Check out these great books. The children of Washington state (and beyond) think these books are tops this year!
2011 Sasquatch Reading Award winner (from the Washington Library Media Association): Found: The Missing Book 1 by Margaret Peterson Haddix (also available as a Playaway and as Large Print)
2011 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award winner (from the Washington Library Media Association): Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, and a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larsen, and Mary Nethery (also available as a Playaway)
2011 Young Reader's Choice Award winner junior division (from the Pacific Northwest Library Association): Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
The Sun Came Out of Hiding!
Didn't the sunshine this weekend feel good? Did it inspire you to get out and do something?Whether it's a few flowerpots on the windowsill, or a great big backyard, now's the time to grab some books on gardening, and decide what you'd like to plant. You can feast your eyes on beautiful flowers, and drool over the pictures of yummy fruits and vegetables. And kids, isn't it more fun to eat something when you grow it yourself? We have information books on how things grow-- for ALL AGES!-- and stories, too.
Read morePurple Cows
"I never saw a purple cow,
I never hope to see one.
But I can tell you anyhow-
I'd rather see than be one!"
Read moreEarth Day is coming soon
With Earth Day coming up in a few days, now is the time to look at some children's books about the world we live in. These books will inspire, educate, and help you appreciate the world around us.
Read more
Rainy Days
What a wonderful, rainy day! It may seem strange, but when I lived in Walla Walla, I actually missed the rain!
Read moreMy favorite book was...
Do you have a favorite book? Maybe it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy... maybe it makes you cry, or laugh... maybe it makes you think about something in a new way. But for some reason, it just grabs you and won't let go. Read moreThink green for St. Patrick's Day - Miss Carol's theme of the week
Shamrocks and leprechauns, St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. Let the green bug bite you with these fun children's books:
Read more
Early Literacy Tip for Today- 2/23
Early literacy is everything children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write-- and there are lots of things you can do to help. Today's tip? Spend time with the children talking, telling stories and singing songs. These are fun and important activities that help children get ready for reading. Songs are important because the rhythm helps children hear the individual sounds of the words. Telling stories stretches the imagination. And even just talking exposes children to the vocabulary they need to hear and understand. Did you know that kids who hear more conversation at home do better when they learn to read? So talk to your child, and talk to others when your child is around. It's an easy way to help your child get ready to read.President's Day is coming!
Celebrate President's Day with some fun children's books about your favorite national leaders of the past and present:
Read more
Creatures of the night - Miss Carol's theme of the week
They swoop, they prowl, they're all around, those creatures of the night. Most of the time, there is nothing to be scared of. Besides, there are some great books about these nocturnal animals for us all to enjoy.
Read more
New storytime session starts up
Next week the Winter-Spring session of storytimes starts up! We did a lot of changes for this new session so be sure to double check the time and date for the storytime(s) you want to attend with the little ones in your life. Read moreScarlet the therapy dog is coming
Need a good excuse to get your child to practice reading aloud? Well then, the Puyallup Public Library has your solution!
Read more
Come join the game!
Playing games is fun. People of all ages play games. Games are not just for kids. Whether it is board games, computer games, role playing games, tabletop miniature games, or card games, games are played around the world. Games are loved for the challenge they provide. Games are enjoyed for the social interactions they bring. On Saturday, November 13, from 2 to 4 pm, the Puyallup Public Library hosts its very own gaming party.
Read more
Getting Wet - Miss Carol's theme of the week
Walking in the rain, jumping in puddles, or even reaching for a stick in a pond, there are many ways of getting wet at this time of year. Take a look at these watery, fun books... but don't get the pages wet!
Read moreTeaching babies and young children to read
Over the past several months, a good number of parents have approached me about teaching their babies and young children to read. I applaud these mothers and fathers for wanting to help their children to get a head start in reading. There really is no need to teach your baby to read before starting school, but there are many things you can do to get them ready to learn to read. I offer a few words of advice: Read moreFamily fun pre-Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner, and believe it or not, the Puyallup Public Library is a great place to come for some fun the day before Halloween. Check out this fun for the whole family in and around your library on Saturday, October 30: Read moreBaby/Toddler Communications
Sign language is a wonderful tool for communicating with babies and toddlers. These little bugaboos are not yet talking but they have a need to tell you their wants and desires. On Wednesday, October 20 at 10:30 am, the Puyallup Public Library invites you to come learn some Sign Play: Using Sign Language to Communicate With the Little Ones in Your Life. A one hour workshop for parents and caregiviers of any type with children ages 0 to 36 months. Read moreWish list for your Library
I love this time of year! School is now in full swing. Children start to get excited about reading in a whole new way compared to summer. This is the time of year when many school students get exposed to "Children's Choice" book awards. These are awards in which the children vote for the winner of this award. Three of these awards are popular with teachers and librarians in our area. There is the Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award (WCCPBA) put out by the Washington Library Media Association for children in grades K through 3. There is also the Sasquatch Reading Award put out by the Washington Library Media Association for chapter books meant for children in grades 3 through 6. Plus there is the Young Reader's Choice Award (YRCA) put out by the Pacific Northwest Library Association with seperate levels for elementary, intermediate, and seniors. Beleive it or not, the students hear about the books nominated for these awards and they get excited to read these books. Throughout the school year there is a huge demand for the nominated books. Due to recent budget cuts, the Library is unable to purchase enough copies of these books to keep up. So your help is needed.
Read more
September Already!
Wow, I can’t believe it’s already September- school has started…. summer just FLEW by! We had more kids than ever in the Summer Reading Program: over 2000 kids signed up.
I hope everyone enjoyed all the great activities. What a fun time! The Pirate Party took over the whole library….BubbleMania out in the park… 3-D drawing…decorating beachwear… learning about boats…songs with Nancy Stewart… even making things out of Duck Tape! So where do we go from here? How do we top this summer? What would YOU like to see at the library next year? If you have a great idea, let us know. Of course, we can’t do everything, but we’d like to hear from you. We’re already starting to brainstorm about next year, and maybe your suggestion is just what we need.
A children's author comes to talk
The process of writing can be difficult for children and adults. But it can also be fun and rewarding. Author Chellis Jensen comes to the library on Friday, July 30 at 3 pm to talk about her book Mrs. Annathena Gilly Gully from Puddle Rumple Tilly Willy.
Read more
Bubbles
Bubbles, bubbles floating everywhere. Bubbles floating above my nose and toes. Read moreCool beachware for your summertime fun!
Coming up on Friday, July 9, we want you to spruce up your summertime garb. You don't want your beachwear to look plain. You want designer wear, designed and decorated by yourself! Read moreDrawing a 3-dimensional fishbowl
Summer reading is off to a roaring good start! Hundreds of children are already sign up to read 10 or more hours before school starts up. Over one hundred children attended our Pirate Party or Chalk the Walk summer reading events last week. And there is still so much more to do... Read moreGet cool with a Fan!
Are you thinking about coming to downtown Puyallup on Friday, June 18? Are you thinking about taking a look at what the Meeker Days folks have in store for you? Then don't forget to stop by the Puyallup Public Library while you are in the area. All day while the library is open (Friday, June 18 from 10 am to 5 pm) you can come in to get cooled off and make your own fancy fan. Walk around the boothes with a paper fan showing your artistic style. Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome. No previous art experience required. Read moreMake a Splash - READ!!!
Despite how the weather feels outside, I can definitly tell that Summer is almost here. Why? Because today is the first day that children and teens can sign up for Summer Reading!
Read moreSigning at Storytime
Today's storytime for little ones (ages 0-24 months) had a little extra surprise. Ruth Briggs joined us, and introduced some basic sign language. She also talked about how signing with young children helps them express themselves before they can talk, and that decreases frustration. We laughed as we incorporated some signs into the stories and songs. What a great combination: we had books, music, sign language, colors and numbers all working together to reinforce language development! There's only one week left of this session, and I'm already looking forward to more storytimes this summer. Read moreRocket science is fun!
Blast off to the library for a fun science program all about rocketry. Read moreSpring! - Miss Carol's theme of the week
Spring begins today, so grab a crop of books on the topic and welcome the coming of warm weather!
Read moreGet inspired by the Celts!
On March 13 the Puyallup Main Street Association kicks off another Celtic Faire (see http://www.puyallupmainstreet.com/celticfaire.html for full information), and the Puyallup Public Library will host a craft table to honor the Celtic spirit.
Read more
Storytime on your computer!
Computers are an instant fascination for children. Of course it is, they see us parents on it several times a day. They want to imitate us. They want to play on the computer too. Now the Puyallup Public Library offers a fun tool perfect for those moments when young children want to take over your computer. Introducing (big fanfare), TumbleBook Library!
Read more
Drum Up Some Fun
I was at a storytelling workshop once when the person in front started tossing (well, PASSing) drums out into the audience until everyone in the room had one. Then he got us all beating rhythms, and laughing, and just having fun with the sounds we were creating. Now, this was nearly twenty years ago, and I still remember how much fun it was. So I thought it would be great to have that same person come to the Puyallup Public Library.
Read moreMovement... Miss Carol's theme of the week
Get out there and move! Children need many opportunities to move around. Large movements like running, skipping, hopping help children to learn how to control their large muscles or gross-motor skills. This is important for learning balance, coordination, and even impulse control. Small movements like scribbling, cutting with scissors, and opening evelopes help children learn how to control their small muscles or fine-motor skills. This builds strength in the muscles children use to hold a pencil (an important step in learning to read and write). Young children tend to be natural movers, but the action songs and fingerplays we use at stortyime are a fun way to use all those muscles. Plus, the children are learning a lot of great words and building up their vocabulary.
Read morePeanut Butter Playdough
As I was making cookies the other day, I thought about how much fun I used to have in the kitchen with my cousin's kids. We would make all sorts of things! They did the measuring (never realizing it was math!) and stirring, and rolling (fine motor skills!) and we just had fun! If you are looking for a great way to have fun in the kitchen, here are two play dough recipes that kids can help make and enjoy. If you get hungry, help yourself—these are edible. And if you play on top of waxed paper, it’s easy to clean up!
Peanut Butter Play Dough: Mix equal parts of peanut butter and nonfat dry milk in a large bowl.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Play Dough: Blend: 2 c. peanut butter, 1 lb. powdered sugar, 1 stick butter, softened. Melt 1 small (6 oz) pkg. chocolate chips in microwave or over double boiler. (Heat just until chips start to soften. They will melt the rest of the way as you stir.) Add to peanut butter mixture, knead to make a smooth dough.
Monsters... Miss Carol's theme of the week!
Roar, growl, and prance about. Sure, monsters can be scary, but they can also be ugly, cute, and fun to hang out with. Miss Carol's storytime theme for this week is MONSTERS!
Read more
Let's make stomp rockets!
On Wednesday, January 20th the Library will be hosting a true family program, it is our Star Party! Once again the Tacoma Astronomical Society will be coming to the Library to help you make stomp rockets and view stars through telescopes (weather permitting). Read moreTumbleBook Library
Have you discovered TumbleBook Library on our website? It's a fun way to read books, right on the computer. The stories are animated, and you can choose whether to read the text, or have it read to you. There are lots of books, and some even have "Word Help" to make it easier to sound out words. You will also find book-related puzzles and games to play. Stories are available in 4 languages, too!
You will find TumbleBook Library in two places on our website: When you click on the "Kids" tab, just scroll down the page and you will see where to click. Or click on the Catalog and More tab, and go down to reference databases. It's listed under Interactive Books.
Fun evening storytime!
Is your child too old for the Preschool Storytime? Can't make it to the Thursday or Friday morning storytimes? Want to learn a little Spanish? Then the storytime on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 is perfect for you! Read moreLive birds @ your library!
Come see some real live birds at the libray when Ashley's Avian Antics comes on Saturday, January 2 at 1 pm.
Read moreScience Illuminated... for kids!
Want something to do while school is on break? Want your children to do something entertaining and educational? Want something that is free? Then come to the library for one of our science programs! Afterwards, check out a science book and learn even more about the fascinating and varied world of science. Read moreCheck Out Our Theme Boxes !
Theme boxes now check out for 4 weeks instead of 2!
“What’s a theme box?” you ask? It’s a box containing books and related items - puppets, toys, CDs, DVDs - all pertaining to a particular theme. For instance, a unit on firefighters might include several books as well as firefighter’s hats, a puzzle, a DVD, a model fire engine and a book of activity ideas.
Read moreAuthor visit on November 17
Come meet Settle writer Matthew Amster-Burtun, author of the book Hungry Monkey: A Food-Loving Father's Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater.
Read moreCome have fun on National Gaming Day!
Games for big kids, little kids, and kids in between. Games for teens, games for tweens, and even some games for adults to join in. That is the fun of National Gaming Day! Read moreUpcoming magic workshop for kids!
Coming up on November 9th children (ages 5 to 12 years old) can join Magician Louie Foxx for a FREE magic workshop. Read moreFall Thoughts
Fall is definitely in the air. The trees are turning beautiful colors, leaves are falling to the ground.
Read moreCelebrate Fire Safety Month with stories
Fire-fighters are Miss Carol's storytime theme of the week!
Read moreThe art of 3-dimensional drawing
Add a little perspective to your drawings. Some simple three-dimensional drawings will do the trick.
Read more
Fall Storytimes 2009
The line up of fall storytimes begins this week. We invite families with children from babies on up to come in and join the fun!
Read more
"Ready for School, Ready for Life"
It's back to school time!!!
KING 5 TV and Thrive by Five Washington did a special on what it means to be "kindergarten-ready", why it's important, and the impact we can have on a child's life.
Read moreMiss Carol's theme of the week
Birds are the storytime theme of the week!
Read more
Miss Carol's theme of the week
Hats
Read more
Summer Reading!
Summer Reading is going strong! Have you read your ten hours yet? Lots of kids have claimed their free book and other prizes, and the special programs each week have been great! Mikael the Mime had everyone laughing last week with the kitten who kept trying to steal the show. Earlier this summer, Kim Zeiger showed how to create art with dots of color, proving that pointillism isn't so scary. And we laughed ourselves silly with the Chicken Dance.
There are still two programs left-- Radical Reactions with Pacific Science Center on Aug. 7., and the Parrot Lady on Aug. 14. What a great way to make it fun to keep reading during the summer!
Miss Carol's theme of the week
Berries are the storytime theme of the week!
Read more
Carol's storytime theme of the week
Chickens are the theme for this week!
Read more