RFPL Kids

Award Winning Illustrations

2012-01-26T11:55:00.002-06:00

The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. A picture books is, well, filled with pictures! Those pictures can range from simple line drawings, to elaborate collages, to detailed paintings. While we often talk about reading books we should also consider looking at books--soaking in the art, observing details, and marveling at the use of color (or white space!). The following book just won this year's Caldecott:

The following books were named Caldecott Honor books:

Illinois Book Award Voting Season

2012-01-17T20:04:00.026-06:00

February is right around the corner and that means that students across Illinois are casting their vote for their favorite books. Every year committees made up of librarians and educators from Illinois select 20 high quality and high interests titles to nominate for these awards. They then release the lists and kids start reading! Student can vote for the titles if their school has registered to participate in the awards and if they have read or heard at least 5 of the 20 titles. Voting aside, the books nominated for these awards represent the best of what has been published for children in the last 5 years. Feel free to explore the book lists for 2012 and come to RFPL to get any titles that catch your eye!

The Monarch Award is for readers in grades K-3.

Click here to view the 2012 Monarch titles.

Monarch titles we recommend:

Bridget's Ber et

By Tom Lichetnheld

E FICTION LICHETNHELD

Memoirs of a Goldfish

By Devin Scillian

E FICTION SCILLIAN

The Bluestem Award is for children in grades 3-5

Click here to view the 2012 Bluestem titles

Bluestem titles we recommend:

Knucklehead: tall tales mostly true stories about growing up Scieszka

By John Scieszka

J BIOGRAPHY SCIESZKA

Secret Scie nce Alliance and the Copycat Crook

By Elanor Davies

J GRAPHIC NOVEL DAVIS

The Rebecca Caudill Award is for children in grades 4-8

Click here to view the 2012 Caudill titles

Caudill titles we recommend:

Every Soul a Star

By Wendy Mass

J FICTION MASS

Heart of a Shepherd

By Rosanne Parry

J FICTION PARRY

Author/Illustrator Spotlight: Inga Moore

2012-01-14T12:25:00.000-06:00

One of our new picture books is A House in the Woods by Inga Moore. We read this delightful tale about four friends--two pigs, a bear, and a moose--who build a house together with the help of a team of beavers at RFPL's Story Stretchers last Monday (1:30pm, stories and activities for 4-6-year-olds).

Inga Moore's engaging, detailed drawings bring the animal characters and their world to life. There is an old-fashioned quality to the pictures that reminds one of the illustrations of Tasha Tudor or even Beatrix Potter, as this article in The Guardian noted. Moore lives in England and finds inspiration in the countryside around her home, as well as in Impressionist landscape paintings.

For a longer read-aloud book filled with Moore's lovely illustrations, check out Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows abridged and illustrated by Inga Moore. Perfect for a cozy winter night!

New Audiobooks at RFPL!

2012-01-04T18:24:00.003-06:00

Did you know there are THREE great ways to check out audiobooks at River Forest Public Library: CDs, Playaways and Media On Demand. It doesn’t matter how you listen to audiobooks, they’re a great way to experience any story. Check out some of these new audiobook titles!

The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester
by Barbara O'Connor
In this story, Owen finds a secret submarine hidden in the woods. The pressure is on as Owen and his friends set out to set sail in their submarine–without getting caught by the grown-ups.

A Tale Dark and Grimm
by Adam Gidwitz
In this dark tale, a bumbling narrator weaves together a host of Grimm Fairy Tales with Hansel and Gretel cast in the starring roles of each adventurous story.

Other New Audiobooks Include:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney, Abby Carnelia’s One & Only Magical Power by David Pogue, Zoobreak by Gordon Korman, Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger, Stink: Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald, and Scumble by Ingrid Law.

Family Movie Time

2011-12-20T12:47:00.003-06:00

Here in the Children's Room we provide a wide variety of DVDs. For the preschool set we have Sesame Street or WordWorld. For our superhero fans we have Batman. For our young ladies we have Angelina Ballerina or Disney Princesses. But, when it comes time for the whole family to sit down for a movie night what do you watch? In my family we have a good spread between children and the challenge has always been to entertain my teenage son and his youngest sister. So Will Ferrell in Elf works, but Will Ferrell in Anchorman does not! I think the tone of a movie is very important--is it funny, but not cynical or is it action-packed but not intensely violent. Ratings are not always completely reliable and families have to determine their own tolerance for strong language or adult situations. Movies that feature young characters who are realistic and face real situations also pique my interest. Many parents like to consult www.commonsensemedia.org for advice. In the end, knowing your audience is key, but to get you started here are some of my favorite family movies.
Newer Titles: Soul Surfer, Gnomeo & Juliet, Flipped
Recent Titles: Enchanted, Transformers, The Game Plan, Millions, Night at the Museum, Kung Fu Panda
Older Titles: The Princess Bride, Shrek, Born Free, The Goonies, School of Rock, Iron Giant, The Karate Kid (original), It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World

Boys and Reading

2011-12-14T15:00:00.002-06:00

Last month Miss Katie and I had the opportunity to hear librarian Michael Sullivan's presentation "Connecting Boys with Books." Sullivan spoke about troubling statistics that show boys' interest and proficiency in reading drops off in elementary school. By 11th grade the average boy is three years behind the average girl in terms of reading level. Sullivan believes elementary-age boys become discouraged about reading and therefore do it less and less. He cited brain research that shows boys' brains develop more slowly than girls in their early years, until they catch up at the age of about 14, and says this could explain the reading level gap. Sullivan also highlighted research that shows it is the amount of reading--time spent with text--that makes a child a better reader, not the level or type of book. So, whether a boy enjoys reading comics, dinosaur books, or books about trains, just make sure he reads a lot of them!

Sullivan encouraged librarians, parents, teachers, and all adults who care about kids to do everything they can to keep boys excited about reading. Here are some of Michael Sullivan's recommendations for boys and reading:

Surround boys with light, fun books that they enjoy reading.
Never stop reading aloud to boys! Exposure to narrative helps with their comprehension.
Give boys access to audio books! Many are auditory learners.
Don't pay attention to the reading level of the books they are choosing. What matters is that they are reading! Developing the habit of reading is the most important thing.

For tons of resources about boys and books, including reading lists of books many boys enjoy, check out Michael Sullivan's website: http://www.talestoldtall.com

Stories with Santa Photos

2011-12-10T14:33:00.000-06:00

We had a jolly time with Santa Claus today at RFPL! After Christmas crafts and storytime, Santa spent time with each child.

To view and download photos from your visit with Santa, here is a link to our Kodak Gallery album: http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/landingPageSwitchboard.jsp?token=G190457051507:338897051507&rsvpLink=%2Fsite%2Frest%2Fv1.0%2Fgroup%2Fmetadata%2FG190457051507%3A338897051507&sourceId=179909816903&cm_mmc=Share-_-Event-_-shareCopyLink

New Graphic Novels!

2011-12-07T18:40:00.006-06:00

Do you love comics and graphic novels? We have lots of great, new graphic novels at River Forest Public Library. Here are a couple of our favorites!

Squish: Super Amoeba
by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

This new series is brought to you by the makers of Babymouse. In Squish: Super Amoeba, Squish has to figure out how to save his friend Peggy (a paramecium) from Lynwood (a bully amoeba). Squish is inspired by his favorite comic book hero to stand up to Lynwood to save Peggy from danger.

Chi’s Sweet Home, Volume 1
By Konami Kanata

This hilarious graphic novel tells the tale of a lost kitten who finds a home. Don’t be fooled by this book’s cover or Chi’s cute looks—Chi’s finds all kinds of mischief and adventures as she learns about her new home and owners.

Comment here, or stop by the Children’s Room and let us know which new graphic novels are your favorite!

From the Turkey's Perspective...

2011-11-18T21:56:00.001-06:00

Three funny selections to read aloud as Thanksgiving (a.k.a. Turkey Day) draws near:

Beauty and the Beaks: A Turkey's Cautionary Tale by Mary Jane Auch
Lance the turkey is proud to be invited to the farmer's Thanksgiving Day feast until he learns that he's the main course! How will he hide? Beauty the hen and her pals at the Chic Hen Salon come to Lance's rescue with the perfect plan.

Run, Turkey, Run! by Diane Mayr
It's that time of year when Turkey must do a mad dash around the barnyard to save his skin! Will he be able to elude the farmer this time?

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
This turkey desperately tries a series of hilarious disguises to escape his fate. He dresses up as a cow, a pig, a rooster--all to no avail! Finally, he has a "Eureka!" moment and tries one last disguise...

And one more--but from a mouse's perspective...

One Is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox
As the family takes a post-turkey snooze, mouse decides to make his own feast from the leftovers--taking just one of everything. How will mouse balance his growing mountain of Thanksgiving food?

eReaders for Children's Books!

2011-11-05T16:42:00.005-05:00

Join us this Wednesday for eReaders for Children's Books. In this hands on program, kids and parents can try out eReaders in the RFPL Children's Room. We have iPads, Nooks, Kindles, and Sony Readers loaded with children's books and apps waiting for you to explore.

You can also find out about our eBook and digital collection available through Media on Demand.

This program runs Wednesday 11/9, 11/16 and 11/30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.!

Celebrating Halloween

2011-11-01T18:37:00.007-05:00

Our annual Family Fireside Halloween brought us together to...

make Halloween-inspired crafts like this ghost wind sock...

play games such as toss-the-hula-hoop-on-the-pumpkin...

and read a story or two with a princess!

We also had fun at a Trick-or-Treat Storytime...

attended by superheroes...

a mouse and a dinosaur and...

a firefighter!

We hope you had a happy Halloween!

Books to Play With

2011-10-31T14:17:00.006-05:00

Playing is a child's work! Board games, pretend, blocks, puzzles, balls, trains, and BOOKS. Check out these three unique board books by Herve Tullet that encourage children to play.

You will be encouraged to point, trace, observe, and wiggle your way through these fun books.

Music from the Movies

2011-10-19T16:45:00.005-05:00

Did you enjoy the music in the movie "Tangled"? Then check out the soundtrack from our new additions to the Children's Music Collection. Alan Menken composed the score for "Tangled," as well as many other Disney favorites like "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin."

In the mood for another spin on the Rapunzel tale after singing along with some tunes? Check out this graphic novel with a Wild West twist--Rapunzel's Revenge!

If you are an Elton John fan, then you will LOVE the soundtrack from the movie "Gnomeo and Juliet" (a retelling of the classic love story cast with garden gnomes)! Packed with Elton John's classic songs and two new songs by Sir Elton, this soundtrack also includes singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado on a version of "Crocodile Rock."

Pumpkin Picks: Great Picture Books About Pumpkins

2011-10-12T17:54:00.005-05:00

As you gear up for your trip to the pumpkin patch, look no further than the River Forest Public Library for books about pumpkins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin carving and more! Check out a few of our favorites.

The Very Best Pumpkin
by Mark Kimball Moulton, Illustrated by Karen Hillard Good

A farmer’s son works hard to grow the perfect pumpkin. At harvest time the boy finds that it is the perfect gift for his new friend and neighbor. When it is time to plant crops the next year, the two friends decide to grow pumpkins together.

This story is great for children of all ages and enforces the themes of sharing, friendship, teamwork. Karen Hillard Good captures the spirit of fall with her warm watercolor illustrations.

The Perfect Pumpkin Pie
by Denys Cazet

Old Man Wilkerson loved pie so much that the last thing he ever did was eat pie. After his death, Old Man Wilkerson was buried in the pumpkin patch behind his house—from there he haunts his home's new owners and demands they bake him the perfect pumpkin pie!

This is a great Halloween book with a slightly spooky edge. Cazet’s poetic storytelling has a quick pace that grabs the reader. The book’s illustrations are full of whimsy and add a lot to the fun-filled tale.

Halloween Jack-O'-Lanterns
by Kathryn Stevens

Have you ever wondered why we carve pumpkins? How big can pumpkins grow? Or why we celebrate Halloween? Kathryn Stevens answers your pumpkin and Halloween questions in this book. Stevens offers fun pumpkin facts alongside jack-o’-lantern photographs.

Changing Seasons

2011-10-10T10:41:00.007-05:00

The beautiful and dramatic, colorful trees offer us the opportunity to discuss the seasons. Aren't we lucky to have four big easily identifiable seasons here in the Chicago area! Check out these wonderful picture books that highlight the concept of change.

Seasons by Blexbolex is filled with simple, muted images and phrases that allow you to explore all four seasons.

Old Bear by Kevin Henkes follows a sleeping winter-time bear dreaming of romping through the seasons in his younger days.

Gobble Gobble by Cathryn Falwell begins in the spring as a young girl observes the wild turkeys in her yard. All the seasons are here and you can learn a bit about this very American bird.

New Materials for Greek Mythology Lovers

2011-09-28T09:47:00.011-05:00

Calling all ancient history buffs and Percy Jackson fans! We have some new materials for you! These new items go into greater detail about the Greek Myths that many books for young readers are based on. Here are some opportunities to explore these wonderful stories in new ways.

3 New DVDs (Call Number: J 292.12)

Greek Mythology for Students:

This is an animated video series that captures the drama of Greek myths and illustrates the ancient's beliefs about the wonders of the universe. Each show is enhanced by an informative on-camera host, who helps highlight some of the common mythological themes threaded throughout ancient culture and history, and shows students how these powerful myths still relate to our lives today.

New Book

"Greek Myths"

By Ann Turnbull

Illustrated by Sarah Young

Call Number:

J 292.2 TUR

Enter a world where anything is possible. A god might be a mountain or a shower of gold. A nymph may be a stream or an echo in the wind. The myths of ancient Greece are full of such wonders, as well as a host of courageous heroes, cunning heroines, and terrible monsters. Ann Turnbull's compelling prose enlivens sixteen of the most celebrated myths, from the sadness of Persephone to the ill-fated love of Orpheus and Eurydice, from Pandora's unlucky curiosity to the greed of King Midas to many more age-old tales filled with drama and romance. In vivid, expressive detail, Sarah Young's fine-art illustrations bring this golden world to life, capturing creatures from Cerberus, the three headed dog, to the sinister snake-haired Medusa!

Shel Silverstein's Birthday

2011-09-20T17:13:00.006-05:00

Come to the "Where the RFPL Sidewalk Ends" party this Friday from 4-5pm at the library. All ages are invited to celebrate Shel Silverstein's birthday. We'll be sharing favorite Silverstein poems, writing and drawing on the sidewalk, and having birthday cake!

The writer and artist would have been 81 this year. A brand new collection of Silverstein poems, Every Thing On It, is being released posthumously this month.

You can find Shel Silverstein books in the RFPL childrens's room.

Come See Geronimo

2011-09-13T17:05:00.004-05:00

The Big Cheese--Geronimo Stilton--will be at the library! We're having a party on Sunday, Sept. 18th from 3-4pm with games and activities featuring our favorite mouse secret agent from the popular Geronimo Stilton series. This event is for children in grades 2-5.

Registration is required. Stop by the Children's Room or call (708) 366-5205 to sign up!*

*You can also "Text a Librarian" for reference services, including registering for this event. To get started, text "askrfpl" to 66746. Then send in your question or request! A librarian will text you back promptly. (Standard message rates apply.)

From the Shelf to the Stage

2011-09-07T20:14:00.004-05:00

The lineup of children's theatre in Chicagoland this fall includes a couple of children’s literature greatest hits. If you love theatre and reading you’re in luck. Two theatre companies are taking on stage adaptations of Walk Two Moons and Goodnight Moon. Before you check out these upcoming productions on stage, stop by River Forest Public Library to check out the books!

Walk Two Moons
by Sharon Creech

In this Newbery Award winning book, friends Sal and Phoebe must deal with mothers who have left home. Sal and her grandparents retrace her mother’s path to discover the truth about her absence. Sal recounts their cross country journey to Phoebe as Phoebe learns why her mother has left.

Find this book at RFPL

See it on stage at Adventure Stage, November 5 - December 8, 2011

Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrations by Clement Hurd

Goodnight Moon has been a children’s bedtime mainstay for decades. In this rhyming picture book, a child bunny says goodnight to the things around its room.

Find this book at RFPL

See it on stage at Chicago Children’s Theater, October 27 - December 23, 2011

Two Great Biographies

2011-09-06T12:25:00.006-05:00

Two of America's great artistic icons of the later part of the 20th century are profiled in these outstanding children's biographies. Even if you think you know about Andy Warhol or Bob Dylan, check these books out and share them with the whole family.

In Fabulous! A Portrait of Andy Warhol by Bonnie Christensen you learn about Andy Warhola's childhood and the development of his unique and ground-breaking approach to art. He comes alive in these pages as something more than just a celebrity with kind of crazy hair.

When Bob Met Woody by Gary Golio chronicles folk artist Bob Dylan from his childhood till the early part of his career when he travels to New York and meets his hero, an ailing Woody Guthrie. The illustrations and quotes from Dylan's songs and poems make this a great read.

Rockin' Out

2011-09-03T13:02:00.008-05:00

These recent additions to our CD collection are for kids who like to ROCK!

Billy Kelly's new album The Family Garden offers a refreshing, peppy mix of pop music fun. This is happy music you can jump around to! With plenty of originals, Kelly also does a cover of the B-52's classic "Rock Lobster" that should make parents smile too.

Grandkid Rock by Daddy A Go Go features driving electric guitar and drums on most tracks and makes you want to roll down the windows and let your hair down! With a sound reminiscent of Mellencamp and maybe even a little Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, but lyrics in tune with kids, this album definitely rocks.

Rock & Roll Playground is another great compilation release from Putumayo Kids. Kids' music all stars like Peter Himmelman and Dan Zanes deliver upbeat songs in a rock 'n' roll style on this CD.

Choose some rockin' music at RFPL to kick off the new school year!

Not Your Average Audiobooks

2011-08-20T10:18:00.010-05:00

We have some impressive new audiobooks. What makes these two special? Not only are these engaging stories, but they are read by award winning actors! Here are reviews of two hot new titles that explain just how amazing they are. Come check them out @ the library!

The True Meaning of Smekday
by Adam Rex

read by Bahni Turpin

Get ready to laugh out loud while enjoying a rollicking road trip starring a wisecracking alien and an eighth-grader with attitude who join forces to save the world. Twelve year-old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci is assigned to write an essay that explains the significance of the day that aliens took over earth. She tells about rescuing her mother, kidnapped by space-invading extraterrestrials (the Booy), and reluctantly joining a renegade alien named J.Lo. Turpin channels Tip's sassy sparkle, conjuring the youngster's personality and natural tweenspeak style, sending Tip's voice right into your ear buds. But wait! Without a pause, Turpin miraculously morphs into mangled alien-accented English, complete with an oddball cadence of throat tics and tongue clicks, to bring forth J.Lo's fidgety self right into your brain. The result is pure entertainment, as Tip and J.Lo banter back and forth in stereo, taking listeners along for the ride. - Mary Burkey

The Emerald Atlas
by John Stephens

read by Jim Dale

Wizards, dwarfs, enemies, witches, and more appear in this fantasy story, impressively read by Dale, well-known to listeners as the impeccable voice of the Harry Potter titles. Fourteen-year-old Kate and her younger siblings, Emma and Michael, have grown up in a series of horrible orphanages. But after they find a mysterious book, in which Michael tucks a historic photo, the children are transported 15 years in the past. In a quest to save the town, which is held captive by an evil witch, the children embark on a dangerous journey that tests their courage and resolve. Not surprisingly Dale's British-laced reading is masterful. He handles a multitude of characters with skillful panache, altering accents, pitch, and vocal texture, with seamless consistency. Dale's facility at differentiating characters allows listeners to easily follow the complex plot and shifts in time and place. With Dale reading this satisfying first title in a proposed fantasy series, expect high demand. -Lynn Rutan

Fresh From The Farm

2011-08-17T12:11:00.001-05:00

Do you know where your food comes from? The farm of course! River Forest Public Library has some great new books that focus on letting kids know how the food we eat gets to our plate.

An Edible Alphabet: 26 Reasons to Love the Farm by Carol Watterson | Illustrated by Michela Sorrentino

This book tackles the ABC's of farming on two levels. The author gives the reader a great farm themed word for each letter while also providing in depth farming information on each page. This approach makes An Edible Alphabet a great read for kids young and old. Sorrentino’s mixed media collage illustrations are very appealing and compliment the text beautifully.

To Market, To Market
by Nikki McClure

This picture book begins at the farmers market. As our main character shops for food, the author shows us how each food item is grown and prepared for the market. To Market, To Market concludes with the farmer’s market finds being made into a family dinner. McClure’s illustrations have a cutting edge feel that makes this book a great read for older children and adults.

Folk Music for the Whole Family

2011-08-08T11:30:00.003-05:00

Check out some of our music offerings for your late summer car trip. Classic children's songs and new rendtions in the folk tradition are wonderful ways to connect with our own cultural heritage and to expand our musical horizons. Smithsonian Folkways, the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institute, releases older folk tunes by the likes of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie and new artists offering a fresh take on cherished American songs. Two of my favorites are Smithsonian Folkways Childrens's Music Collection and You are My Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell.

Closer to home the Old Town School of Folk Music continues to educate and entertain little people and their families with their Wiggleworms program of music and movement. Check out Wiggleworms Director Laura Doherty's CD, Kids in the City for really cool folksy Chicago themed songs. See if you can resist her kid-friendly super-fun version of Sweet Home Chicago or her song about Chicago's famous hot dog (no ketchup, please!) Songs for Wiggleworms is a newer CD with 38 classic songs like Wheels on the Bus, Old MacDonald, and You are My Sunshine. Everyone should learn and enjoy these songs!

Around the World

2011-08-04T15:00:00.002-05:00

As part of our "One World, Many Stories" summer reading program, we circled the globe through stories and games. Our travels of the imagination took us to China, Mexico, Kenya,and Australia. Our last trip of the summer was to India. We learned about the Hindu festival of Diwali and heard the stories The Blind Men and the Elephant and One Grain of Rice. We also had special presenters--thank you to the Patel family for sharing your culture and traditions with us! Thanks also to Maison Suzanne for sharing the beautiful Indian textiles.

Need a Laugh? Check out these NEW books!

2011-07-25T13:25:00.012-05:00

The new school year is approaching and we know that you may need some comic relief. We have just gotten in some new Juvenile Fiction that is sure to keep you laughing!

Horton Halfpott: Or the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor, Or the Loosening of M'Lady Luggertucks' Corset

By Tom Angleberger

Find it in New Books, J FICTION ANG

Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide To Not Reading

By Tom Greenwald

Find it in New Books, J FICTION GRE

Charlie Joe Jackson may be the most reluctant reader ever born . And so far, he's managed to get through life without ever reading an entire book from cover to cover. But now that he's in middle school, avoiding reading isn't as easy as it used to be. And when his friend Timmy McGibney decides that he is tired of covering for him, Charlie Joe finds himself resorting to desperate measures to keep his perfect record intact. This is the hilarious story of an avid-non reader and the extreme lengths to which he'll go to get out of reading a book.

When Life Gives You Lemons...

2011-07-20T17:51:00.004-05:00

Today is one of the hottest days on record. As the temperature creeps toward 100 degrees you may start craving a shade tree and a glass of lemonade. You can also stop by the library to beat the heat. While you’re here check out Lemonade and Other Poems Squeezed from A Single Word.

Lemonade is a great pick for any reluctant poetry reader. Author Bob Raczka creates each poem from words that can be found in a single word. For example, from “vacation” Raczka creates the following poem:

Vacation
Action
in
a
van

The illustrations, by Nancy Doniger, are as clever as the poems. Doniger shows each base word being "shaken up" on one page with Raczka’s poem displayed on the following page. Check out Lemonade or another great poetry book during your next visit to the River Forest Public Library!

A Life of Animal Encounters

2011-07-07T12:19:00.004-05:00

As you can see from last week’s blog post, Animal Encounters was a blast! While animals don’t visit our library every day, you can always stop by and check out a great book about animals. We’d like to recommend The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter.

The Watcher is a fantastic picture book biography that covers Jane Goodall’s life from childhood through the present. We see young Jane as she observes the creatures around her home and as she discovers her calling to work with animals in Africa. Jeanette Winter displays adult Jane’s determination as she works and saves money to journey to Africa.

Once Jane arrives in Africa, she quickly finds work observing chimpanzees. The rest, as they say, is history. Read more on Jane Goodall and her life of animal encounters in The Watcher.

Fun With Animals!

2011-07-01T10:34:00.011-05:00

RFPL had a great time with exotic animals yesterday. Despite the hot temperature, a huge crowd gathered on the lawn and the animals did not disappoint. Our animal guests included a five foot long alligator, a Burmese python, and a sixty pound turtle. Here are some photos from the event.

Animal Encounters This Thursday...

2011-06-24T13:16:00.013-05:00

Kinkajou

photo by Francisco Erize, Bruce Coleman Ltd.

Come to the River Forest Library this Thursday, June 30th at 4:00pm to learn about exotic animals from around the world. Animals for Awareness, a Chicago-area animal sanctuary, will present a talking parrot, kinkajou, python, alligator, and more on the Library lawn. This program is for all ages!

Interested in exotic birds and animals? Check out these books from the RFPL Children's Room:

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery

Learn about the efforts of 14 humans to save the endangered kakapo parrots of New Zealand.

Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff

After the 2004 tsunami a special bond develops between an orphaned hippo named Owen and a 130-year-old tortoise named Mzee. They adopt each other and become inseparable!

DVDs for Horse Fans

2011-06-21T13:35:00.002-05:00

Secretariat is a wonderful family film that chronicles the true story of racing's most famous horse and his courageous owner, Penny. There are wonderful scenes of Secretariat, also known as Big Red, being groomed, ridden, and trained, but the big draw of the movie is the determination and vision of Penny, one of the first women to be so involved in the world of horse racing.

Also, check out two older films for horse lovers. Spirit is an animated movie about wild horses, native Americans, and the settling of the western United States. Another feature film that includes stirring, adventurous horse scenes and a great story is The Black Stallion. Remember that DVDs can be checked out for one week for $1 and River Forest card holders can check out two DVDs for free on Wednesdays.

Cool Magazines!

2011-06-20T17:25:00.020-05:00

You may not have heard of Muse magazine or New Moon Girls magazine but they are worth checking out!

Muse magazine covers science, history, and the arts for curious kids ages 9 and up. This magazine captivates readers with insightful articles on topics from robots to mythology to rooftop beekeeping. Kids who can't help wondering whether video games really kill their brain cells, or what a gentleman ladybug is called, will find answers in Muse. Our current issue of Muse features an interesting article about social-networking and the effect that Facebook has had on how people are connected to one another. Each issue also has a funny comic strip and a creative contest that kids can enter. Be sure to check out this entertaining and informative magazine.

New Moon Girls is a safe, educational, and advertising-free magazine for girls ages 8 to 12. Each issue is designed to help girls reach their full potential through self-discovery, creativity, and community. New Moon Girls magazine covers a lot of really useful and relevant information. A reader will find articles about the following topics:
-body image
-puberty
-friendship
-advice columns
-short stories
-real life inspirational women and girls
-crafts, music, books
and much, much more!

Check out these magazines and many others @ your library!

A Fun Father's Day Read

2011-06-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

Father’s Day is right around the corner! If you’re looking for a great read to share with dad on his special day, stop by the River Forest Public Library and check out My Dad, My Hero by Ethan Long. The dad in this story “cannot see through walls” or fly but he’s still a super dad because he spends lots of time with his son. Long illustrates the story in a comic book style that is sure to catch the eye of dads and kids alike. Happy reading and happy Father’s Day from the River Forest Public Library!

We had a blast!

2011-06-10T15:17:00.004-05:00

The sign-up line for Summer Reading stretched out the door at our kickoff party last Friday. We had 325 children and 110 teens register that day. Even more have signed up this week--almost 200! River Forest residents will be reading like crazy this summer!
After signing up for Summer Reading, patrons lined up for snow cones in the park!

Our RFPL teen volunteers helped with face painting!

The bounce house, obstacle course, and lawn games provided lots of fun! More than 500 people attended our Summer Reading Kick-Off Party!You can still sign up through the month of June for Summer Reading--just stop by the Children's Room at the River Forest Library!

Summer Reading Kick-Off Party

2011-06-02T13:55:00.007-05:00

Join us for the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Friday, June 3rd, from 2-5pm. Drop by to moon walk in the bounce house or do the obstacle course, have a snow cone, and, of course, sign up for summer reading!

This year's summer reading theme is "One World, Many Stories" so there will be a variety of global events June 3rd-July 29th!

Click here for a full list of summer reading events and info on the River Forest Library site!

Memorial Day Parade

2011-05-27T15:26:00.005-05:00

Look for River Forest Public Library in the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30th! We will be wearing our "I 'heart' RFPL" t-shirts. The parade begins at 11am at Constitution Park (7715 Greenfield Ave) and ends at Keystone Park (400 Keystone Ave). We hope to see you there!

New Movies

2011-05-12T14:04:00.000-05:00

We've added two new movies to the DVD collection:

Gulliver's Travels starring Jack Black is a comedy-adventure based on the classic story by Jonathan Swift. After a shipwreck Gulliver finds safety on the island of Lilliput where everyone is tiny! He is a giant there and has many adventures with the Lilliputians. Rated: PG

Not sure if this movie is right for your kids? Check out the website Common Sense Media. Its mission is to improve the lives of kids and families by providing trustworthy information about books, movies, and music. Here's a link to their review of Gulliver's Travels.

First Dog is about a boy named Danny who finds a friend in a lost dog. Danny soon discovers that this dog just happens to be Teddy--the President's pup. The two head out on a cross-country adventure to get Teddy home to the White House. This film features original songs by Dolly Parton.

RFPL cardholders can check out 2 free movies on Wednesdays!

A Classic Children's Recording

2011-05-04T19:10:00.008-05:00

If you enjoy singing with your family--or if you want to start--check out Ella Jenkins: Call-And-Response Rhythmic Group Singing. Originally released in 1957, this is the first album by legendary children's music performer and folk musician Ella Jenkins. This CD features 10 simple songs-chants accompanied by Jenkins' light conga drumming. Instructions are given at the start of each song, so before you know it you'll be joining in with "Moon Don't Go" and "Tah-Boo!" Find it in the RFPL Children's Room (J CD JENKINS).

p.s. Folk-music lovers, check out this recent addition to the children's nonfiction collection: the beautifully-illustrated biography Odetta: The Queen of Folk by Stephen Alcorn.

New DVDs for Preschoolers

2011-04-26T10:33:00.003-05:00

When you are looking for some quality preschool TV time consider some of our new titles. We have recently added Yo Gabba, Gabba! and WorldWorld to our collection. Yo Gabba, Gabba! combines colorful high-energy creatures, cool music, and positive stories that emphasize social skills and fun interactions.

WordWorld is an Emmy-winning and Department of Education endorsed TV program from PBS Kids. Letters and words come alive through stories involving the adventures of lively, warm animal characters. These adventures explore the everyday world of mailing letters or going on a first bike ride.

In addition, we have multiple titles of Sesame Street, the gold standard for preschool TV, and other series including SuperWhy? and Reading Rainbow. With DVDs, you can control the particular episode you wish to see and you will eliminate commercials, public service announcements, or pledge drives. Come check out our collection!

Go Green with Arthur for Earth Day!

2011-04-20T16:53:00.010-05:00

RFPL's Laona Fleischer had the opportunity to meet Arthur creator Marc Brown earlier this month! Just in time for Earth Day, Marc Brown has released Arthur Turns Green, a new story about the loveable aardvark. Arthur shows his friends that there are easy things they can do each day to help the planet. Check out a review in School Library Journal.

Librarypalooza!

2011-04-16T14:50:00.012-05:00

To kickoff National Library Week (April 10-16), we had our 2nd annual Librarypalooza last Friday. It was another great turnout! Families created a paper sculpture, bowled in the library stacks, played giant games, listened to the juggling storyteller Chris Fascione and folksinger Rick Pickren, ate ice cream, and, of course, checked out books and movies. Hurray for libraries! Folksinger Rick Pickren: The ice cream social crew: Community Paper Sculpture BEFORE the fun begins... and AFTER--we created a collective art piece!

Fire Station Tour

2011-04-07T18:20:00.012-05:00

Ms. Ellen and a group of our RFPL patrons had a great time this past Thursday touring the River Forest Fire Station. The group got to meet a few of River Forest's heroes including Lt. Bentel. The group also got a look at some of the equipment firefighters use to do their jobs. The tour included a look at where these firefighters sleep and eat while at the station.

Puzzle Day at River Forest Library!

2011-04-06T18:43:00.012-05:00

Families had fun doing puzzles today in the children's room! The Puzzle Day was one of our activities for "Tune In to Your Community & Tune Out TV." You can find a calendar of events and more at the TV Tune Out blog. Screen-free activities are happening through April 17 in Forest Park, River Forest, and Oak Park.

Working on a challenging geometric block puzzle:

Kids creating their own puzzles:

Puzzle fun--piecing it together!

TV Tune Out Week and Librarypalooza coming this April

2011-03-24T14:51:00.007-05:00

Tune In to Your Community and Tune Out TV!

April 3-17 is about choosing to turn off the TV and computer screens and getting involved in your community! Join in on the many activities going on around town such as a community book hunt. Little book shapes like this pic above will pop up all over town, be sure to remember where you spot them! There will also be a concert in the park, fire and police station tours, storytimes, and many other activities. To learn more about this year's TV Out Week programs visit http://www.tvtuneoutweek.wordpress.com/

LIBRARYPALOOZA

April 8, 2011 from 6:30-9:00pm join us at the River Forest Public Library for Librarypalooza!! This year's fantastic night of library fun will include Juggling Storyteller Chris Fascione (please drop by the library's Children's Room to pick up tickets), a community art project, BINGO, Twister, bowling, Peterson's Ice Cream, and a performance by folksinger Rick Pickren. So don't miss out on this super awesome library extravaganza!!!

Mardi Gras Masks

2011-03-09T17:51:00.006-06:00

Check out these photos of colorful Mardi Gras Masks made during Donuts for Dads last Saturday! Click here to view photos: Mardi Gras Masks

Donuts for Dads is on Saturday mornings from 9:30 AM to 11:45, storytime at 10:30 upstairs by the fireplace. Come read books, play games, make crafts! The last Donuts for Dads of the season is Saturday, March 12.

Bayou Boogie in New Children's Music by Ms. Julia

2011-02-24T14:51:00.006-06:00

I enjoyed listening to this fun music while cooking dinner, but really this CD is made for dancing! Buckwheat Zydeco’s Bayou Boogie is an upbeat CD with classic Zydeco sounds of accordion and rubboard playing a big part in all the tunes on this album. Well-known children’s songs like “Loop De Loop,” “The Loco-motion,” and “Hokey Pokey” are featured, as well as originals. In addition to songs, lead singer, Buckwheat, does a spoken word track that describes the culture of the bayou. Guest stars on the album include Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner. Put on your dancing shoes and check out Bayou Boogie!

Teachers' Picks for Best Children's Books

2011-02-21T15:34:00.002-06:00

The Best Children's Books is a website created by teachers with History, Math, Science and Social Science booklists. It's a great way to get your childrened engaged in what they're learning in the classroom. This website was suggested to us by a parent who says that she uses this site to find books on topics her daughter is learning about in school, and then she finds the books at the library. "I think it has really helped her finally like history! Yea!"

The website was created by three sisters who are all teachers. They would spend holidays discussing books they'd read and decided to share their picks through this website.

You can access this website by clicking the title above.

A wild, Wild West Party!

2011-02-14T15:10:00.006-06:00

Thanks to all of the Cowboys and Cowgirls that came to our Wild West Party. We had a great time roasting marshmallows, telling stories by the fire and playing games. Here are some pictures from our the Great Cowfolk Campout at River Forest Library!

Ms. Julia dressed up and ready for the Wild West Party!

Ms. Latrice reading to the cowboys and cowgirls around the fire.

After stories we decorated our vests, boots, and hats.

A few cowgirls having a great time.

Roasting marshmallows by the fire, don't get too close it's hot!!

Nothing says campout like S'mores!

Nice boots little lady!

Brother and sister having a good time.

Perfect Cowboy hat after we read Don't Touch My Hat by James Rumford

Yeehaw!!

New Media On Demand

2011-02-07T15:20:00.003-06:00

These new and well-reviewed chapter books can be downloaded to PC's and Macs, phones, and digital readers (including the NOOK and Sony Reader).

We recently purchased 8 titles include the 2011 Newbery Award Winner Moon over Manifest and 2011 Newbery Honor Books Turtle in Paradise and One Crazy Summer.

Check out the new and growing collection of audio and e-books for kids available to River Forest Library cardholders through mediaondemand.org

Snow Day!!

2011-02-07T15:08:00.003-06:00

Is their a better way to spend a snow day than at the Library with friends? I don't think so, and I think lots of other people feel the same way! Here are some pics from Thursday's snow day...

"Old" Family Movies: A Review by Ms. Kim

2011-02-07T13:22:00.007-06:00

With blizzards and snow days and sub-zero wind chills, it is a wonderful time to gather together for a classic family movie. These two movies explore the tender pull of friendship and are generally appropriate for ages 6 and up.

In the animated feature film, The Iron Giant, a boy in 1950s rural America befriends a 50-foot tall iron giant that has crash landed on Earth. This movie has moments of sweetness and adventure as the boy works to hide his new friend from the military.

In Born Free, Joy and her husband live and work in central Africa. When a litter of lion cubs come into their lives, Joy is drawn to Elsa who she raises to a full-grown lioness. There are fantastic scenes of animal mischief, stunning natural vistas, and soaring Academy Award winning music. Friends, though, must often part and the true life story of Elsa and her human friends will tug on your heartstrings. Both are available in our J DVD collection.

Upcoming Children's Programs

2011-01-27T20:55:00.013-06:00

This Saturday, January 29th 2-4pm in the meeting room is All Ages Gaming Day @ your library! Stop by and play Nintendo Wii games, Twister, Candyland, and more.

Howdy to all the Cowboys and Cowgirls coming February 12, 2011 River Forest is having a Wild Wild West party for children ages 4-8. We'll be telling stories by the fire, square dancing, and playing Wild West games. Saddle up and join us for the party. You must RSVP for this program by calling or visiting the children's desk.

Award Winners You Should Know About

2011-01-27T19:15:00.004-06:00

This is the season for staying warm and snuggling up with a good book. It is also award season for books. Listed below are a couple of award winners that are available at RFPL!

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool is the 2011 Newbery award winner for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.

It's 1936 and Abilene Tucker just jumped off a train in Manifest, Kansas. She remembers in great detail the stories her father told her about the town where he grew up, but when she gets there she discovers that the years have been hard on Manifest. The bustling town her father described has been hit hard by the Depression and drought. Soon, though, Abilene makes friends and finds adventure hidden in the floorboards of the room where she's staying while her father works on the railroads in Des Moines. This is an amazing story filled with rich history, humor, and adventure.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia 2011 Newbery Honor book and Coretta Scott-King Award winner for an outstanding children's book by an African American author.

When 11 year old Delphine's father put her and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, on a plane to Oakland in 1968 to visit the mother who abandoned them seven years ago, Delphine expected a lot of things, but she didn't expect that she and her sisters would spend their days at a camp sponsored by the Black Panthers. She also didn't expect to eat Chinese takeout every night from Mean Lady Mings restaurant or to have her mother, Celine, hole up in the kitchen night and day on her type writer typing up poetry and pamphlets for the Black Panther party, but that's exactly what they got. This book is full of characters you'll never forget. The story is funny and heartbreaking, moving and inspiring.

Thank You Note Workshop

2010-12-30T13:45:00.019-06:00

Kids and their caregivers dropped by the Children's Room on Wednesday for our annual Thank You Note Workshop. Kids made one-of-a-kind cards to say thank you for wonderful gifts received over the holidays. Plenty of craft supplies and sample cards were provided to keep the creativity flowing!

Stories and Santa

2010-12-11T15:11:00.010-06:00

Santa brought the Christmas cheer to the River Forest Library today! Click on the "Stories and Santa" heading above or this link to view photos of a magical day.

Santa Claus is coming to town!!

2010-12-04T11:24:00.002-06:00

Santa is coming!!!

Santa visits the River Forest Public Library next Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 10am until 3pm! Our annual holiday program for children features stories with our talented librarians, crafts in our meeting room, and of course visits with St. Nick upstairs by the fireplaces. This is a drop-in, free, fun family program. Pictures with Santa will be posted here on our Children's Blog after the event, hopefully Saturday night (depending on stamina!) You can print or order from there, and/or bring your camera.

Happy Holidays from your friends at the library!

Happy National Gaming Day!!!

2010-11-13T13:49:00.006-06:00

New Years, Valentines Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving are all great, but who can forget the joys of National Gaming Day! Libraries across the country celebrated today in a variety of different ways, and RFPL was no different. Kids of all ages and their families joined us at the library for Wii Sports games, MarioCart, Twister, Jenga, and Candyland today from 10am until noon. Here are some pictures from the celebration...

Be sure to look out for more family gaming days this coming January.

New Music

2010-10-07T19:11:00.012-05:00

Tired of listening to the same, old radio station on your ride to school? Need some tunes to jam to on your next long car trip?

Well, look no further! We have new music for you to check out. Here are descriptions of a few of our new CDs:

Rockers Doing Family Music

Caspar Babypants is Chris Ballew, lead singer for the '90s Seattle rock group the Presidents of the United States of America. Here I Am! is Ballew's debut
album in the family music genre and has plenty of simple songs you can sing-a-long to.

This well-known Canadian rock band has released Snacktime!--its first album for kids. Twenty-four original songs are featured with titles ranging from "Food Party" to "Allergies" to "My Big Sister."

Milkshake is made up of veteran musicians from a variety of Baltimore bands. Rock out to fast-paced tunes like "Shake It Up" and "You Did It" on Great Day, the group's fourth family album.

Dads Who Rock

This band is made up of three dads who live in Washington, DC. The title song on this album is an ode to the color pink. The album features a variety of folk and pop tunes.

Fronted by Yosi Levin, dad to four kids, this group also features several other musician fathers. This is a rockin' album the whole family can enjoy listening and dancing to!

More new titles include: Dan Zanes - 76 Trombones, Peter Himmelman - My Trampoline, and Chicago-based children's musician Justin Roberts' new album Jungle Gym

To see all our new music, stop by the River Forest Library's Children's Room!

Soaring to New Heights: Children's Room Grand (Re)Opening

2010-09-22T18:23:00.007-05:00

As many of you know, the children's room at RFPL has undergone some dramatic changes. This past Sunday was a chance to show off the new makeover and celebrate our library at the Soaring to New Heights Children's Room Grand Reopening. In case you missed it, the pictures below will make you feel as though you were there!

Sign inviting people to our Grand Opening...check!

Refreshments...check!

New, comfortable seating...check!

We're all set for the ribbon cutting by Joan Cusack Facilities Committe member and Treasurer of the RFPL Board of Trustees.

Her first impressions. I think she likes it!

Then the photo ops.

Then the fun begins! It's not a party without balloon animals and...

fresh popcorn with library friends and trustees!

Great hats are always welcomed as well.

In the RFPL children's room, you can do anything, even go fishing!

The kids have a great time with fun, games, and a balloon sculpter!

Overall, it was a great time at the library. Don't you feel like you were there?

Check out our new furniture

2010-09-10T11:10:00.003-05:00

If you haven't been to the children's room in a while, then you'll be suprised by all the changes that have happened this summer: New desk, new carpet, amazing paint job, and we've also added some new furniture. Check out the pictures below.

Our new tables and chairs look lovely and are accessible to all of our patrons

The play area has added new seating that is colorful and comfortable. The kids will love this new addition!

And behind the desk is a beautiful seating area that's great for independent reading and reading with mom or dad.

Back to School!

2010-09-02T10:45:00.013-05:00

The beginning of school is an exciting time for everyone, and we look forward once again to classes visiting the library, librarians visiting the classrooms, and the great partnership we enjoy with local schools. Some first day pics:

Bye Ms. Parry

2010-08-18T19:17:00.003-05:00

Ms. Parry, a valued member of our Children's staff, had her last storytime at this past Monday's Pajama storytime. She has decided to move on to a better opportunity working at the Bellwood Public Library. We thank Ms. Parry for her time spent at RFPL, and wish her the best at her new job!

Ms. Parry having cookies and juice during Monday's Pajama storytime.

Crazy Costume Caper Pictures Are Up!

2010-08-11T14:41:00.005-05:00

Thank you for joining us for our very first Crazy Costume Caper. Miss Ellen and the kids donned crazy costumes and made connections to some fantastic books! Check out the pictures here, and for more pictures please click here to visit our full Kodak Gallery. If you have any trouble viewing, please comment here or contact us at 708-366-5205.

A pioneer girl with On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

A sweet green dragon with Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow.

A lovely princess with The Persian Cinderella by by Shirley Climo.

An awesome ninja with Wink: the ninja who wanted to be noticed by J.C. Phillips.

A stylin'witch with The Flying Witch by Jane Yolen.

A little bat with Stellaluna by Jannell Cannon.

Some cool cowboys with Cowboys and Cowgirls Yippee-Yay! by Gail Gibbons.

An eerie alien with Aliens by Janet Perry.

A delicate butterfly with Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert.

A lamp! With Mary Had a Little Lamp by Jack Lechner.

Thanks for joining us! We hope you find many opportunities for putting on crazy costumes and reading great books in the future.

Dave Rudolf Beach Party Pics

2010-08-05T18:47:00.011-05:00

Thanks again to everyone who participated in our Make a Splash Summer Reading Program. We had a blast this summer and we hope that you did as well. We ended the summer with a bang at Dave Rudolf's beach party. As you can see below, kids and parents participated in this amazing concert. Special thanks to Dave Rudolf for giving everyone who attended a concert to remember. Summer is not quite over yet so be sure to stop into the library for our upcoming programs. Ms. Ellen's costume caper is Fri. Aug 6 from 1-3pm and the Sharpie Tie Dye event is Mon. Aug 9 from 1-2:30pm. Hope to see everyone soon!

Make a splash with Dave Rudolf!

2010-07-28T13:37:00.005-05:00

Kids! Friday is the last day to turn in your summer reading logs. Celebrate your summer reading success with us on Friday, July 30th, at the Dave Rudolf beach party! Join us for music by the wacky Dave Rudolf, limbo, bubbles, hula hooping and all around crazy summer fun.

Dave Rudolf Beach Party
Friday, July 30th
7:00 p.m.
All are welcome - no registration required

Dave is guaranteed to get the the kids (and the grown ups!) dancing!

We hope to see you there!

Keep making those waves!

2010-06-28T18:33:00.004-05:00

Summer reading is in full swing, and you've definitely been making waves! For those of you who haven't signed up for summer reading, there's still time! Visit us and register - we'll get you reading, meeting other readers, and having lots of fun at your library this summer. Check out these pictures of summer readers crafting at the library today:

Splish Splash! Summer Reading is Here!

2010-06-14T14:17:00.009-05:00

Summer reading is here! From the kickoff, to book bashes, to contest days, to crafting on Mondays, it's been a splash so far. Keep checking in with us (in person, or at our website) for the latest on program info and times. In the meantime, take a look at these pictures of young River Forest patrons making a splash at their library!

Yay for Summer Reading!

Book Bash Splash! (with Miss Ellen on Thursdays)

Relaxing and reading under the sea:

Creating on Mondays:

See you soon! Keep reading!

Summer Reading is Around the Corner

2010-05-27T22:05:00.004-05:00

Summer Reading Kicks Off on
June 4th!

Join us at the River Forest Library on June 4th from 12:30-4 p.m. for our Summer Reading Kick Off Party! Summer Reading is open to all ages, and we’ll have fun incentives to encourage you throughout the program. Summer Reading is sponsored by the Friends of the River Forest Library and fabulous local businesses.

See you there!

Butterfly Days

2010-05-10T13:36:00.009-05:00

Thanks to all who came out on Saturday to celebrate our butterflies! We will be releasing the remaining butterflies this Wednsday, May 12. Please join us for a special Butterfly storytime and release party with Miss Ellen.

Butterfly Release Party

Wednesday, May 12

Noon

Butterfly Picnic and Storytime: Final Dates!

2010-05-05T14:11:00.010-05:00

Our painted lady butterflies have emerged!

The first butterflies came out of their chyrsalides on April 30.

Butterfly Picnic and Storytimes

(Weather permitting)

Saturday, May 8 Noon

Wednesday, May 12 Noon

We hope to see you there!

Librarypalooza!

2010-04-19T16:21:00.009-05:00

We had a blast with you at Librarypalooza this past weekend! Thanks for coming out to celebrate. Enjoy these pictures of library patrons bowling in the stacks, playing giant checkers, eating ice cream, and generally paloozing in the library after hours!

A young patron bowls in the stacks.

Quietly reading amidst the chaos.

Your beautiful community sculpture.

Your lovely stepping stone creations.

Your RFPL children's staff!

Back row, from left: Miss Sue, Miss Parry, Miss Dorothy, and Miss Latrice

In front, from left: Miss Kimberly, Miss Ellen, and Miss Megan

Check it Out: the sounds of Elizabeth Mitchell

2010-03-31T12:47:00.005-05:00

Come check out our selection of new cd's at the River Forest Public Library children's room, including the newest recording from the wonderful Elizabeth Mitchell!

Enjoy this video for her version of the traditional song, Little Bird. This tune can be found on her cd, You Are My Little Bird, J CD MITCHELL.

Fun in the Sun

2010-03-15T20:33:00.009-05:00

Thanks for all who came to our Beach Party this past Sunday. We had a blast hanging out, listening to stories, dancing, singing, limbo-ing and playing games. Oh, and of course...eating popsicles!

Can't wait to visit the beach again next winter!

Great Websites for Girls

2010-03-10T20:15:00.001-06:00

March is National Women's History Month, and we've got a great selection of books where you can read about the lives of strong women in history and in fiction. Come check them out!

In the meantime, here's a list of websites especially for girls - places for girls to learn, play, connect, and share with other girls.

New Moon Girls : A safe online community and magazine by girls, for girls.
Girls, Inc. : Promotes a girl's right to be herself. Offers articles, club news, games, advice and information.
Braincake : An online community for girls especially interested in math and science.
Readergirlz : An online book community for teen girls.

And for the parents of girls:

Daughters.com : From the editors of New Moon Girls magazine. Offers articles and advice from experts on raising girls.
The Amelia Bloomer Project : Recommended feminist literature from birth through age 18.

Beach Party!

2010-03-01T13:04:00.003-06:00

Feeling the need to warm up this March? Come to our Beach Party on Sunday, March 14th! Pull out your summer clothes and join us for stories, games, dancing, and a cool treat.

Ages 4 - 8. Registration is required. Sign up at the children's desk or call 708-366-5205.

Enjoying the RFPL beach party, 2009!

Check it Out: Bookie Woogie

2010-02-25T08:49:00.004-06:00

Today I'm sharing with you a delightful book blog, Bookie Woogie. A dad and his three kids read books (picture books and chapter books), review them together, and create some really cool fan art. Great for book recommendations as well as inspiration for your own book discussions, art creations, or family book blog!

The family puts a new review up every Monday. Here's a link to their review of Jeremy Draws a Monster, by Peter McCarty. (Come by and check it out at the RFPL!)

FYI: Online Resources on Bullying

2010-02-24T13:57:00.007-06:00

Teachers and parents: the following is a short list of online resources on bullying. If you find these websites or other resources to be helpful, please let us know in your comments!

Stop Bullying Now! The Stop Bullying Now! Campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. One portion of the website is aimed at kids, with cartoon webisodes, games, and plenty of kid-friendly information about bullying. The other portion is aimed at adults, with information on bullying awareness, prevention, and intervention.

Stop Cyberbullying An interactive resource for anyone seeking information about cyberbullying. Information is tailored to users' age or capacity in which they work with youth.

Not In Our School Not in Our School (NIOS) is a peer-to-peer learning program that uses film and storytelling to encourage safety and inclusion. Visit their website for access to video content of students having open discussions about bullying, bigotry, and harassment in schools. Here's an example of a video in which middle school students and adult facilitators discuss bullying:

For more websites on bullying, visit ALA's hot issues page (you'll need to scroll down a little for a list of websites on bullies).

This Weekend: All Ages Family Gaming Day!

2010-02-18T10:07:00.006-06:00

Gamers of all ages: join us this Saturday, February 20th, for an afternoon of video and board games!

Drop in any time between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
We hope to see you there!

photo courtesy of Michelle Meiklejohn

2010 Winter Olympics

2010-02-11T13:28:00.004-06:00

The opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held Friday, February 12th! NBC's coverage begins Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.

Want to know more? Here are some links to more information on the web (click on underlined text to visit corresponding website):

Official website of the 2010 Vancouver Games

Everything Olympics in one location!

Team USA

Find out more about the US athletes going to Vancouver.

Meet the 2010 Olympics Mascots

2010 mascots Sumi, Quatchi, and Miga featured in activities and games.

NBC Olympics

The official Olympics broadcaster, NBC Olympics includes news coverage, commentaries, event schedules, television schedules, sport-by-sport analysis, reader polls, and photo galleries.

The Olympics on Facebook

Follow the Olympics by becoming a fan on Facebook!

Donuts for Dads: Good times at the RFPL

2010-02-10T19:35:00.007-06:00

Thanks for all who've come out to our Saturday morning Donuts for Dads! A great time has been had by all - kids, Dads, and moms and grandparents, too. Hopefully we'll see you again in the coming weeks, and some new faces as well. Check out the pictures below!

(For those who don't know, at Donuts for Dads, we welcome you to bring the kids to the library on Saturday mornings (through March 13) from 9:30 am to Noon for some quality family time. Look at books, play some games, or work on a craft together - and of course, enjoy the Blue Max coffee, juice, donuts, and treats.)

Books vs. Sniffles: Part II

2010-02-08T19:05:00.005-06:00

As many of us are all-too-well-aware, cold and flu season continues. Though sick children should not come to the library, remember that we will bring a bit of the library to any little one who home sick. Just ask for a Sneezle Pack!

A Sneezle Pack is a library bag of personally selected books, audiobooks, movies, coloring and activity sheets, customized for your child’s age and interests.

Give us a call at 708-366-5205 x 312 and tell us your child’s age and what types of materials you’d like. We’ll assemble the Sneezle Pack and leave it for you to checkout at the Circulation Desk. Get well soon!

picture from the cover art for A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon.

February is African American History Month

2010-02-02T14:56:00.013-06:00

We hope you will come to the library and check out our collection of books celebrating the lives of extraordinary African Americans.

Take this month, too, to celebrate the African American writers and illustrators who bring their talents to the world of children's literature! For more information/inspiration, have a look at the 28 Days Later project (brought to you by The Brown Bookshelf), which celebrates a different author or illustrator for each day of the month.

Langston Hughes signing autographs for young fans

And the winner is...

2010-01-18T20:22:00.008-06:00

The American Library Association celebrated the best in children's literature by announcing the 2010 Newbery, Caldecott, and Coretta Scott King awards, along with many others.

Below are many of the winners - follow this link to see the complete list of award and honor winners.

John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature:

When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children:

The Lion and the Mouse, illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney.

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson.

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award:

My People illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr.

Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience:

Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day; Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros, illustrated by Rafael López.

Pura Belpré (Author) Award :

Return to Sender, by Julia Alvarez.

Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience:

Django, written and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen wins the award for best young children ages 0 to 10.

Anything but Typical, by Nora Raleigh Baskin is the winner for middle grades (ages 11-13).

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader book:

Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!, by Geoffrey Hayes.

Next time you visit the children's room, ask us about these distinguished books and take one home with you!

2010 Resolution: Laugh More!

2010-01-11T15:29:00.005-06:00

Kids and grown people alike love a good laugh, no?

Come to the library and check out a funny book. Here are some picture book suggestions guaranteed to get you giggling!

Bark, George! by Jules Feiffer

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Hi, Pizza Man! by Virgina Walter

Cowboy and Octopus by Jon Scieszka

Are You a Horse? by Andy Rash

What DO teachers Do (after YOU leave School)? by Anne Bowen

Don't Be Silly, Mrs. Millie by Judy Cox

This post was inspired by School Library Journal's recent column on the importance of humor in kids' lives (where I also got the tip on the hilarious video). Go read it!

Countdown to Donuts for Dads!

2010-01-06T12:42:00.004-06:00

Donuts for Dads is something we look forward to all year, and hope you do, too!

Bring your little ones for crafts, books, games and breakfast treats, including coffee generously supplied by the local cafe Blue Max. Moms, Grandparents, and other caregivers are also encouraged to drop by for the family fun!

Saturdays, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, January 16 - March 14

This is a drop in program, no registration required.

Another Santa link...

2009-12-15T09:53:00.005-06:00

Please disregard the link in the post below. This link will take you to the most complete album - Miss Ellen is better at reading stories than uploading photos!

Please feel free to email me - ellen.cutter (at) riverforestlibrary.org if you are looking for more pictures - we had over 500 photos total.

Thanks to all who came - Santa once again expressed how much he loves coming to River Forest Library and seeing the children.

Top row: Miss Sue, Miss Ellen, Miss Dorothy, Miss Katie
On Santa's lap: Miss Kimberly, Miss Megan not pictured: Miss Parry, who was attending a wedding.

Check out your santa pictures!

2009-12-14T14:05:00.003-06:00

Thank you to all who came out to meet Santa and listen to stories this weekend. Pictures are now available at Kodak Gallery! Please visit this link to browse the entire collection.

Hear Stories, Meet Santa, Be Merry!

2009-12-09T20:19:00.004-06:00

Come to Stories with Santa, this December 12th, an open house from 10 am to 3 pm:

We will have crafts in the meeting room, stories by the North fireplace upstairs, and visits with Santa at the South fireplace. We hope to see you there - bring your camera! No registration is required.

Come pick out your holiday reading!

2009-11-30T19:25:00.007-06:00

We've got a great selection of winter holiday reads here at the library - come check them out!

Here are a few favorites from the children's room staff:

Miss Sue's Pick: The Flying Latke by Al Yorinks

Miss Parry's Pick: Lucia and the Light by Phyllis Root

Miss Kimberly's Pick: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Miss Ellen's Pick: The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder

Miss Dorothy's Pick: The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora

Miss Megan's Pick: Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parrish

Miss Katie's Pick: Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto

Win a trip to the circus!

2009-10-26T14:30:00.002-05:00

Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee enjoy Family Fireside Halloween!

Thanks for visiting the River Forest children's room weblog. More pictures of this year's Family Fireside Halloween are posted below!

To enter to win four tickets to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, please leave a comment to this post with a good kids book recommendation by Friday, November 13th. Kids and adults are welcome to participate; please, one entry per family. (You can leave as many book recommendations in your comment as you like, though!)

Leave your first and last name in the comment, please, so we can enter you in the raffle and contact you if you are a winner!

Family Fireside, 2009

2009-10-26T14:17:00.012-05:00

Thanks to all who came out to this year's Family Fireside Halloween party. You made it a great event! Scroll down to view pictures of all the fabulous costumed young people enjoying the games, stories, marionette show, crafts, and more!

Jackson and Miles scare the pants off passer-by!

Cleoopatra and friends.

Cowgirl was all smiles!

Listening to scary stories...

And not so scary stories...

Puppeteer Dave Herzog performs Captain Cranky and His Crew: A Pirate Adventure!

Dave Herzog with another of his marvelous marionettes.

Ring-toss!

Prizes!

Scooby-Doo makes a sitting jack-o-lantern with the help of our wonderful volunteer Delilah.

Volunteer extraordinaire Cirese helps with owl puppet creations!

Winnie the Pooh makes an owl puppet.

Library Director Sophia Anastos chats with a young patron.

Blaise and Miss Ellen duke it out for the buried treasure!

Superman and a Ballerina play some games.

Storm trooper bowling.

Baby stegosaurus!

Bingo!

Batman enjoys the bean bag toss.

Thanks again for joining us!

Family Fireside Halloween is almost here!

2009-10-21T17:05:00.005-05:00

This Friday, October 23rd, at 7:00 p.m., come to our annual Family Fireside Halloween bash! This year we are partnering with the River Forest Park District to bring you this fun family event, with something for everyone.

Highlights include:

7:00 p.m. Not so Scary Storytime

7:30 p.m. Scary Storytelling

8:00 p.m. Marionette Show by Dave Herzog

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Hay Rides and a bonfire outside in the park!

This is a free event, no registration is necessary. We hope to see you there, come in costume if you can!

Books vs. Sniffles

2009-09-30T15:12:00.007-05:00

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers: next time you have a child home sick, help us bring the library to your little one with a Sneezle Pack!

A Sneezle Pack is a library bag of personally selected books, audiobooks, movies, coloring and activity sheets, customized for your child’s age and interests.

Give us a call at 708-366-5205 x 312 and tell us your child’s age and what types of materials you’d like. We’ll assemble the Sneezle Pack and leave it for you to checkout at the Circulation Desk.

Get well soon!

Photograph courtesy of Microsoft Office Clipart, 2009.

Clear Skies

2009-09-21T13:25:00.005-05:00

Thanks to all who visited us at the Clear Sky Festival on Saturday, September 12th!

The annual event is co-sponsored by the River Forest Park District, River Forest Police Department, River Forest Community Center and Oak Park/River Forest Townships Youth Services.

Happy Birthday Tomie!

2009-09-17T13:34:00.005-05:00

Tomie dePaola turned 75 on September 15th. Happy Birthday Tomie!

If you and your child haven't yet shared a Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POWL-a) book, now would be the perfect time! Tomie has written many original stories as well as retellings of folk tales, all illustrated in his wonderful signature style. You might want to start with the classic, well-loved Strega Nona stories, found in our easy fiction section.

Tomie has also written his childhood memoirs in the 26 Fairmont Avenue series of chapter books (which are accessible even to kids just transitioning into chapter books). These can be found in our biography section.

Happy reading!

p.s. you can check out Tomie's official website here, and a special all-star tribute to Tomie in honor of his 75th birthday here.

All Heads in Helmets!

2009-08-31T14:22:00.006-05:00

Enjoying a cool treat at the August Heads in Helmets raffle drawing.

Did you know that, if you suffer a bike crash, a helmet can reduce your risk of brain injury by 90%?* That's why we think helmets are cool, and that's why the River Forest Park District is encouraging everyone to wear a helmet with the Triple Header Campaign - All Heads in Helmets.

The program continues through October, during which time police officers and public officials are rewarding young helmeted bikers with raffle tickets; plus helmeted parents will receive an extra ticket to give to each child they are riding with. The raffle tickets can be deposited at drop boxes locations around town, including the River Forest Public Library. Each month, a drawing will be held with the winning ticket holders receiving a prize, such as helmets, biking gear, theater tickets, restaurant vouchers, and even a brand new bike. The August 28th drawing was held here at the library, and it was a great event - congratulations to the prize winners Miranda, Thomas, Cindy, and Isabel!

Check out the River Forest Park District's Triple Header Campaign webpage to learn more facts about the benefits of wearing a helmet while biking, and for more details on the campaign.

*statistic from the River Forest Park District http://www.rfparks.com/Triple-Header-Campaign.htm

They were movin' and groovin'

2009-08-31T13:52:00.004-05:00

We shook up the month of August with our Creative Movement for Kids program. Joanne of Flex and Point Dance Studio led the kids in a fun, creative dance session that had everybody moving. Check it out!

A good thing come to an end...

2009-08-03T19:43:00.009-05:00

Summer's not over yet, but the Summer Reading program at the River Forest Library is. It was great, wasn't it?

To mark your accomplishments, the weekend was full of celebration. Thanks for all who joined in the festivities - but most of all, thanks and congratulations to all the kids who participated in summer reading!

Friday evening, musical performer Dave Rudolf joined us for a Beach Party on the library lawn. Songs, dancing, hula hooping, and limbo galore ensued.

Dave got the folks dancing!

How low can you go?

(Did you know Miss Sue is a hula hoop champion??)

For completing the Summer Reading challenge, participants received a t-shirt and the opportunity to come decorate with others. We even tried out a new way to tie-dye - with sharpies! They turned out pretty sharp! (Hee hee, get it?)

Good reading, and good partying, everyone. Keep reading and sharing your good reads with us here at the library, and with your family and friends!

Summertime in the RFPL

2009-07-13T15:14:00.006-05:00

(Patrons enjoying our Be Creative dress up corner!)

Whew! It's a busy summer here at the library. We so enjoy hearing about the books you're reading as you make your way through the summer reading challenge. Remember to come in to claim your final prizes by July 31st!

To celebrate the close of summer reading, everyone is invited to come to a party at the library on Friday, July 31st, at 7 pm. Dave Rudolf, musical performer extraordinaire, will give a fun, participatory concert that will have the whole family moving and grooving together.

But remember, it's not over till it's over!! We still have plenty going on (storytimes, book clubs, crafts, contests...), so check out our children's programming page for a list of upcoming events.

Summer Reading Kick Off

2009-06-15T12:57:00.005-05:00

The summer is upon us and so is summer reading! We started our Be Creative @ Your Library Reading Program on June 5 with our Summer Reading Kickoff Party. Many children enjoyed face painting, a moonwalk, popcorn, games, and the opportunity to sign-up for summer reading. Participants will track their minutes spent reading and will earn free books and entries for weekly prizes. The Kickoff Party might be over but summer reading is in full swing until July 31st. Sign-ups will continue until June 30th in the Children's Room.