Wimpy Kid Wrap-Up

Many thanks to the kids who joined us for yesterday's Wimpy Kid Party! We had a blast playing games, cartooning and celebrating the Wimpy Kid series. Keep a look out on our website for more fun programs coming up in December and into the new year. Also, don't forget to stop by RFPL to check out a copy of the new Wimpy Kid book: The Third Wheel. 

International Reading

Have you ever wanted to practice your high-school French or enrich your child's learning with some basic bilingual vocabulary?

The International Digital Children's Library is a non-profit organization that has compiled an enormous list of children's literature; from glossy, full-color picture books to a complete copy of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in  Wonderland."

The books are in the public domain and are free to read (no registration required). They are available in a multitude of languages--many of which include English translations. The website is child-friendly, with such features as searching by cover color and age range. Why not take a moment to share a book in Polish, Farsi, or Tagalog with your child while also bonding over the magic of reading?

The River Forest Public library has an account with saved, recommended books on our digital bookshelf--come explore a new way to read on our computers and on our borrowable iPads!

We're Thankful!

It’s almost Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, hooray! 

Say what you're thankful for today.

Visit our family-friendly Children’s Room  - we’re thankful for families, especially yours.  Check out a book or DVD from our display “Give thanks for families”. We have  a nonfiction* series, “Families of the World”,  about 20 different countries. Each DVD recounts the lives of 2 children from different areas of the country. It’s narrated by the kids and tells of their everyday lives, cultures, celebrations, and communities. They are great glimpse into kids’ lives around the world.

*Nonfiction DVDs are always free.

RFPL is thankful for books—add your own favorite book to our lobby display.  Just pick up a book shape at one of our desks, jot done your favorite, and add it to our bulletin board. Some children’s favorites already on the board:  Goodnight Moon, Harry Potter, Peter Pan, and Wonderstuck.

 

 

Reading aloud to independent readers

At what age should we stop reading with our children? A good answer to that question would be "as long as they'll possibly allow it... don't stop!"   Everyone knows the importance of reading aloud to emerging readers.  However, did you know that reading aloud remains important as children become fluent, independent readers? 

Reading aloud to independent readers:

·         Helps expand your child’s vocabulary as you may be able to read more complex material to them than they could handle on their own.

·         May increase your child's reading comprehension if you ask questions to encourage interpretation or expand upon ideas to support understanding of the text.

·         Helps to broaden his or her interest in new genres, authors and topics.

·         Offers a starting point for discussion of social concerns and your family values.

Families are busier than ever and shared down time is a precious commodity.   What better quality time can be found than curling up with your child, no matter his or her age, and getting lost in a good book together?  The Children’s Room staff members would love to assist you with finding good chapter books to  read-aloud with your independent reader.   Here are some new books that we think would be great to share aloud and discuss with your 4^th or 5^th grade child.

Reading for Information

Very soon schools throughout the state, including River Forest School District 90, will be adopting the Common Core Curriculum.  One of the important initiatives within this curriculum is the emphasis on reading for information.  This means that our children will be reading more nonfiction.  While great children's fiction from Dr. Seuss to Ramona Quimby to Little House on the Prairie to Harry Potter will never, ever be replaced, reading nonfiction can also be a joyful exploration of new worlds and new ideas.  Here are some books that combine wonderful illustrations, interesting formats, and well-told facts.  I learned a great deal from each!

Resources That Rock: NoveList K-8 Plus

You may or may not know that RFPL offers its patrons a host of Premium Online Resources. These can be found by visiting our website and clicking on the Online Resources tab at the top of our homepage.  

NoveList K-8 Plus is particularly useful for kids, parents and educators looking for their next great read. Librarians use this resource regularly to help patrons find great books--and they’re usually surprised to learn that they too have access to this great tool with their library card! You can search for books by title, author, subject, keyword or genre. You can also limit your search results by age, grade level, and Lexile reading level.

NoveList can also help you find read-a-likes. For example, if your child loved reading Frindle, you can search for that title in NoveList. The record for Frindle will include a list of similar reads that your child may also enjoy.  

NoveList records often include a reading level info, a summary, reviews, book lists and articles. It is worth noting that not all books that are listed in NoveList K-8 plus are available at RFPL, so be sure to check our catalog to see if a title is available. 

For educators, NoveList offers up great features like picture book extenders, book discussion questions, and curriculum-based book lists. 

Go to RFPL Premium Resources page and check out NoveList K-8 plus today.

Calling All Ghosts, Ghouls, and Goblins (Family Fireside Halloween)

 

 

Calling all Ghosts, Ghouls, and Goblins
 

Our Family Fireside Halloween event is almost here! This year we are co-hosting the event with the River Forest Park District. There will be ghoulish games, creepy crafts, spooky stories, wagon rides, s’mores, and pumpkin painting. Although this event is usually at the library, it will be housed within Keystone Park this year, which should make for an even spookier setting. All of the River Forest Public Library  Children’s staff have agreed to dress up for the event. Can you guess what we will be wearing? I’ll give you a few clues. We usually live in castles, many of us have had horrible wicked step-mothers, and we love to dress up and wear beautiful gowns! If these clues haven’t cued you in, I guess you’ll just have to come to the event and see for yourself. See you there!  

Location: Keystone Park and the Park District Depot: 401 Thatcher Avenue
Date and Time: Friday, October 19th, 6-8 P.M.