Saxy Storytime

Today’s storytime theme was music, which means I got to read/sing one of my favorite picture books, Thatcher Hurd’s Mama Don’t Allow. In the book, Miles gets a saxophone and starts up his own Swamp Band. I brought in my brother’s saxophone to show the kids what one looks like close up (no reed, though, … Continue reading →

Flannel Friday: Horse and Hat, Fish and Flower (and Happy Birthday, Flannel Friday!)

I created this activity to accompany the book  Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon. In this sweet story of friendship and loyalty, Penguin and Pinecone become the best of friends.  While reading the book aloud, I emphasized the ‘p’ sound at the beginning of both words, and wondered if one reason Penguin and Pinecone became … Continue reading →

I am oh so sloooowwwwww

Hi everyone who has asked me for information here recently (or not so recently too), I am so sorry. I promise I will send you what you asked for, and as soon as I can.  I am sloooooowwwwww. –Tracey  

Flannel Friday: Button Button, Who’s Got the Button game

My grandma was a children’s librarian, and when I was very small, I went to her storytimes. I don’t remember the books that she read to us (I was very young, in my defense), but I DO remember her leading the action rhyme Teddy Bear Teddy Bear and playing the game Button, Button, Who’s Got the … Continue reading →

Summer storytimes (or why I have not been posting here lately)

Summer time is crazy town here at the library. We have been particularly busy this year, with over 5000 kids signed up for our summer reading program.  Between 2 weekly storytimes, at least one special performer or program a week, and a weekly movie,  the children’s department rocks out pretty much every moment of every … Continue reading →

Flannel Friday: Round

Not long ago, I did a storytime about things that are round.  After asking the kids to name some things that are round, we did this rhyme. A little ball, a bigger ball, a great big ball I see, Now let’s count the balls we’ve made, 1, 2, 3. We used our hands to make … Continue reading →

(not a) Flannel Friday: 5 Elephants Went Out to Play

Oops, this one doesn’t go with the theme, but I’m going to post it anyway. You can sing or just chant this fun rhyme.  The song can be found on Sharon, Lois and Bram’s The Elephant Show Record (you can get it on itunes, as well). I sing to my own, slightly simpler, somewhat made-up version … Continue reading →

Flannel Friday: Five Little Bunnies

Just a quickie rhyme for today’s flannel friday. 5 little bunnies hopping down the trail, One fell down and bumped her tail. Mama called the doctor–what did she say? No more bunnies hopping today! (Count down from four to one) Alternative: Rather than using these on the flannel board, you could put them on craft … Continue reading →

favorite storytime book of the week

My favorite book from storytime this week is an oldie but goodie, Mama Don’t Allow by Thatcher Hurd. I love to sing a book, and this one is based on a traditional song. There are many recorded versions of the song out there on the internet, and it’s a very simple song and easy to … Continue reading →

(not a) flannel friday: Row Row Row Your Boat, plus alligator

Here’s an alternative version of Row Row Row Your Boat. We sang the classic version a few times first. Then I introduced an alligator to the mix. The verse is: Row row row your boat, gently down the stream, if you see an alligator don’t forget to scream. (Scream!!!!!) I took several of my miscellaneous … Continue reading →