February is African American History Month

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...

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!

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!

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...

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!

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!

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.