Growing a Reader: Kids Books, Tips and More

Toronto Pan Am Games 2015 Mascot Voting is live!

The finalists for the Pan Am Games mascot challenge have been selected and the voting has begun. Involve your child(ren) in this exciting opportunity to be part of the selection of who will be the mascot for the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games. You can vote daily until May 5th. Place your vote at the TORONTO 2015 Mascot Creation site.

If your child is interested in the process of how these finalists were selected, watch the video below for a glimpse into how these lively little critters were created.

 

 

Black History Month

Many of the folktales and stories we treasure started out as stories we told, only being put into books as the tradition of oral storytelling became more formalized and less routine. A perfect example of this are the Anansi stories, that started as oral traditions told in West Africa and were brought to North America by the slaves. These stories are largely about how a character (Anansi) is able to turn the tide against his oppressors through cunning and sly calculations. Often depicted as a spider, many Anansi tales have Anansi as the trickster overcoming adversity, while others have Anansi as a perpetrator of tricks that eventually backfire on him.

This month, for Black History Month, Dial-a-Story is featuring a story told by Rita Cox, "Anansi's Riding Horse". To access this story call 416-395-5400 and listen for the prompts. Select 1 for English and then 3 for the Black History story.

As well, the library has many Anansi books available for loan. The books range from the more serious renditions of the tales to those that are humourous and end up with Anansi being the unsuspecting victim of his own tricks.

In Anansi does the Impossible, by Verna Aardema, Anansi and his wife have to not only outwit the Sky God, but also outwit a python, a fairy and 47 stinging hornets in order to buy back the stories of the Ashanti people. The story is conveyed both with brilliant writing as well as vivid illustrations. This is a wonderful book for reading aloud with your child, and is more in the tradition of the cunning Anansi.

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock retold by Eric A. Kimmel is more in the tradition of Anansi being foiled by his own trickery. In this tale, Anansi happens to trip over a strange moss-covered rock. When he says the words ,"Isn't this a strange moss-covered rock", he is knocked sensless. Anansi launches a plot to use this unusual situation to his advantage, and much hilarity ensues. Children of all ages will rejoice in this tale and join in with the repetitive language of the story.

There are many more books about Anansi to choose from, but listening to the story being told by Rita Cox would be a great place to begin your journey with Anansi and his trickster ways.

Family Literacy Fun!

Family Literacy begins at home, with reading aloud, sharing a love of reading, and building it into fun activities (did you see Scott's great ideas?) - but it can make for some pretty great family outings, as well. This weekend, for example, libraries across the city are gearing up for programmes in celebration of Family Literacy Day. From sing-alongs to board games, puppet shows to scavenger hunts, there are great time to be had in your neighbourhood. Take a look at the complete listings here!

There are more events going on around town, as well, including day at the Ontario Science Centre hosted by OwlKids and ABC Life Literacy Canada that features visits from Robert Munsch, Barbara Reid, Wayson Choy, and a pack of other guests.This sounds like an amazing afternoon for anyone who loves kids lit!

 

But! It doesn't have to end once this weekend is over, because there are plenty of fun, literacy-themed events going on in this great city of readers. There is one in particular that I am super excited about, because the starring guest? Amazing.

This year is, believe it or not, the fifth anniversary of Totsapalooza, a great event built around kids by Small Print Toronto. This event brings together music, books, and lots of fun for kids aged 2 to 8, and the guest lineup this year is bound to make for a good time. Kevin Sylvester, artist and author of the Neil Flambe books, and posessor of a wonerful sense of humour! Don Kerr playing music! Tween rap poets Rhyme Stew Crew, as well as their mentors! And last but most definitely not least? Readings and a crafting afternoon led by one of my favourite picture books author/illsutrators, Oliver Jeffers! Yes, Oliver Jeffers. WOW.

What a way to make literacy part of your family fun!

 

Ideas for 15 MINUTES OF FUN!

Every January, Toronto Public Library celebrates Family Literacy Day. This year’s theme, '15 Minutes of Fun', promotes the concept that taking 15 minutes each day to read or try out an activity can greatly improve a child’s literacy skills. This year, Family Literacy Day takes place on January 27th, but many library branches across the city will have activities and events leading up to the big day.

Fifteen minutes isn’t a lot of time to really dig into a hefty novel and not all children have the same kind of reading habits and interests. Sometimes ‘snack-sized’ reading can be less intimidating (especially for reluctant readers) and more light-hearted or fun. The library has many kinds of books that can satisfy the reading snack hunger. 

‘Cool’ information - compendiums of information that speak to relevant and high-interest topics
My pick: Spider-Man: Inside the World of Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero

Trivia - a collection of interesting facts, sometimes with a specific theme or sometimes just a hodgepodge of information
My pick: Quiz Whiz: 1,000 Super-Fun Mind-Bending Totally Awesome Trivia Questions

Jokes – irresistibly funny and yes, still counts as reading
My pick: Just Joking: 300 Hilarious Jokes, Tricky Tongue Twisters, and Ridiculous Riddles

Short Nonfiction – a growing category in kid lit: short, usually hilarious or touching, true stories. Think David Sedaris for kids…
My pick: Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka

Books of Lists – similar to trivia but the information in these books are organized into lists
My picks: Scholastic Canada Book of Lists 1 & 2

What did you read today?

What did you read today?

The National Reading Campaign would love to know the answer to this question. The National Reading Campaign is a coalition of librarians, educators, booksellers, publishers, readers and writers concerned with the impact that the frenetic pace of our everyday lives and new technologies has made on our reading habits. Testing in the various provinces, while indicating an increase in reading scores, is also noting a decrease in the joy of reading in the children being surveyed.

Reading is important, not just the mechanics of it, but the joy we find in it. It is important in building curiosity, imagination and an informed society. Parents and caregivers can highlight this importance by reading with and to their children as well as modeling reading. When you read the newspaper, magazines, books and other materials, your children will note the importance reading has in your lives. So, what did you read today? This contest has just been launched by the National Reading Campaign. Children and adults are being encouraged to tweet your answers to @readingcampaign with #whatdidyoureadtoday?. There are prizes, 10 fully loaded Kobo eReaders have been donated as well as a children's contest where schools and public libraries can win $1000 in new books for the library. Full details of the two contest can be found online at the National Reading Campaign site.

As well, the National Reading Campaign has developed a National Reading Plan over the last 4 years in consultation with concerned citizens across Canada. Take a look online and see if this resonates with you. Be a part of the campaign to keep Canada reading.

The Nutcracker

The original story of the Nutcracker was written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffmann and was called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King". In 1892, the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky  turned Alexandre Dumas père's adaptation of the story into the ballet The Nutcracker, which became one of Tchaikovsky's most famous compositions, and perhaps the most popular ballet in the world. It is staged yearly in Toronto by the National Ballet of Canada, and indeed by ballet companies around the world.

 

The story of the Nutcracker is one that continues to enchant children and adults alike. 

Toronto Public Library has many versions of the story of the Nutcracker available in several formats. In addition to picture books, musical recordings and DVDs, we have recently added a version of the story to our Dial - a - Story service.  By calling 416-395-5400 and selecting English (press 1) and then the  Nutcracker (press 3), you can hear the telling of this magical tale read by Jennifer Fournier, a dancer for the National Ballet of Canada. You and your children can enjoy this story being told aloud from the comfort of your home, or from any phone you choose to use. Don't delay, this story will only be available during the holiday season and then will be tucked away for another time.

And be sure to browse the many different versions of the story that we have available in our branches. A few are pictured below, but there are many different versions available, simply search our catalogue to see what is available.

"Mom, I'm booooored!"

Parents all dread those words, and they are sure to come in the long, lazy days of summer, when school is no longer keeping them busy and friends are often away.

My first suggestion (of course) is to head to the library! Consider this - you can join the TD Summer Reading Club to give your kids incentive to spend some time with their noses in books and pick up some great reading material for that pursuit while you're here. We also have loads of programmes going on all summer long at branches across the city!

Maybe there are only so many times you want to come and visit the library in a week? Fair enough. We do also have great resoures for activities to do at home, too!

Our children's non-fiction section is not only your go-to source for school projects, but full of books to fuel your kids' passions. If they love science, we have books of experiments. Young gardeners can find out more about how to nurture their green thumbs, while budding chefs can find cookbooks aimed at their level. Books on drawing, painting, origami, beadwork, and a whole range of other crafts are a perfect way to help your young artist find inspiration or learn new techniques. Musicians can learn more about instruments or music styles, and sports fans can learn more about their favourite athletic activities. Even better, from a reading standpoint, is that reading instructions and following them is an important literacy skill - and they won't even know they are learning about that!

If you are looking for places to go, things to see, and events going on around the city, there are plenty of online sites aimed at parents, as well. These three local sites are packed with plenty of event and attraction listings: Help, We've Got Kids!; Toronto.com; and Toronto4kids.  They should give you some ideas for outings, if you're looking to see some things around the city.

But my favourite thing this summer? I'm keeping this list of 100 things to do this summer on my fridge, for those moments when I need a little inspiration. (Click for full-size version.) While some of them require planning, there are plenty of things on here that are just simple, classic fun things to do together - just the thing to perk up an unstructured afternoon!

Childhood friendships

Have you ever been totally puzzled by the peregrinations, bumps and grinds that children experience in their friendships? It was always endlessly fascinating for me to watch the way children bicker and argue with those children they declare to be their best friends. Both with my own children and those I taught, it was evident that there were constant readjustments being made in the relationships that children have with each other.

With that I would like to welcome a relatively new author who is able to capture that paradox. Rebecca Bender has just two picture books in print, and is a relatively new voice in Canadian literature, but what a voice it is. She has captured this unusual nature of friendship between children in both of the picture books available.

In Giraffe and Bird, Rebecca introduces us to two characters that are seemingly enemies. They cannot stand each other and are continually finding fault with each other. When Bird makes a face, Giraffe sticks out his tongue; when Bird tweets in his ear, Giraffe invades Birds personal space. Bird can't put up with Giraffes bad breath; Giraffe cant abide it when Bird eats too much fiber and then well, you know. If you ask them, Giraffe and Bird will tell you: they cant stand each other. But once they go their own way, they find that, in fact, they need each other, and maybe, even like each other (though they will not admit it). This book resonated so well with children that it won the 2012 Blue Spruce award voted on by thousands of children across Ontario.

This title has been followed up by a hilarious sequel, Don't Laugh at Giraffe.  In this book, Rebecca examines the delicate nature of embarrassment and friendship. Giraffe and Bird are both thirsty and so they go to the watering hole. Bird leaps in and drinks to his content, while Giraffe has a dilemma. The water level is down and he is so tall, how will he reach the water to drink? As Giraffe tries many creative (but ultimately unsuccessful) solutions, Bird leads the other animals in teasing Giraffe and making fun of his efforts. As the final effort lands Giraffe in the water in the most undignified way, all of the other animals burst into laughter, none so loud as Bird. Giraffe slinks away, still thirsty and embarrassed. How Bird handles this situation is a wonderful blueprint for friendship and problem solving.

 

Your children will go through many situations with their friends that they will have to grapple with and find solutions for. Having books on hand that show this as a normal process in friendships will support them in these journeys, and open the conversations with thinking about how to solve their own problems in a creative and positive way.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival is this weekend!

Looking for something to do with your kids this weekend? Something that will Instantly transform you into parental superstars?

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival is happening this weekend (May 5-6) at the Toronto Reference Library and this year hosts some of the biggest names in comics and graphic novels for kids.

Including:
* Jeff Smith – creator of BONE

* Jennifer and Matthew Holm – writer and artist team for BABYMOUSE and SQUISH

* Kazu Kibuishi – creator of AMULET

* Andy Runton – creator of OWLY

* Raina Telgemeier – author/illustrator of SMILE

And many more!

Sponsored by Owlkids, the two days of the show are packed with programming at Toronto Reference Library’s Novella Room on the 2^nd floor. There you’ll find FREE comic book giveaways, tons of workshops and presentations led by comic book creators, a kids graphic novel reading lounge and crafts led by THE ART GARAGE.

As well, there will be a number of special programs at St. Paul’s Church, a five minute walk from the library, featuring many of the creators mentioned above along with signing times so kids can have their books personalized by the creators themselves.

For more information, be sure to visit www.torontocomics.com

Book Bash!

This Saturday, The Toronto Public Library celebrates its 3rd annual Book Bash - a party for children's books and literacy!

This year, we host fantastic Canadian authors including Jeremy Tankard (Grumpy Bird, Boo-Hoo Bird), Martin Springett (Jousting with Jesters), Philippa Dowding (Gargoyle Overhead), Richard Scrimger (The Nose From Jupiter), L.M. Falcone (The Midnight Curse), Ted Staunton (Pucker Up, Morgan and other Morgan stories), and Andrew Larsen (The Luck of Jude). (Here's a booklist!)

We will also be putting a focus on the art of storytelling, with several tellings from Laurel Dee Gugler, Aubrey Davis, and some of TPL's very own storytellers.

What else? For musical types, Leah Salomaa will be performing! There's a puppet show, author signings, storytimes, and a writing workshop ofr older kids, age 10 and up.

Come and make it an afternoon of wonderful tales to discover, and add some new stories to your shelf at home! 

12:30 - 4:00 pm at Northern District Library.

Download Bookbash 2012 program guide-emailer[1].