Subscribe to this pageTake 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!
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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:
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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.
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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!
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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!!!!!
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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.
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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:
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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:
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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"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!
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Miss Carol's theme of the week
Hats
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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!
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Carol's storytime theme of the week
Chickens are the theme for this week!
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