Staff Review: "Thanksgiving for Emily Ann" by Teresa Johnston

"Thanksgiving for Emily Ann" may remind you of your house around the holidays.  It's loud and messy and she's been kicked out of her own bed to make room for the guests.  It's hard to be thankful for things like that, and she get's mad.  But once Emily Ann takes a step back and watches her family laugh and play together, she knows that's what Thanksgiving is all about.
I feel like Emily Ann sometimes.  I like things to be kind of quiet and scheduled.  Holidays are not like that at all.  But it doesn't matter because being together means it's noisy and hectic and you try your best to squeeze in as many stops as possible.  The giggling and squealing and being displaced is all part of the fun!

Emily Ann makes her family special turkey place mats that look very much like this example.  That's a great activity to remind you of all the people you are thankful for.
--Angie RH, Headquarters

Alphabet books

"Campbell Kid’s Alphabet Soup: An ABC Book" is an older book but worth a look. Check out other alphabet books here.

The Campbell Kids are back. These rosy cheeked kids, known for advertising Campbell’s Soup in the early 20th century, are helping today’s kids learn the alphabet. Enjoy some nostalgia as you read through this rhyming alphabet book.




Kids can practice their letters with a simple alphabet soup craft. Cut out a large circle of colored paper for the bowl. Glue a slightly smaller circle of white paper to the bowl. Add a paper spoon if you would like. Kids can then stick self adhesive foam letters into their soup. They can spell things out or just place them randomly and practice letter recognition.

--Shelley A., WR

Staff Review: "Crafty Chloe"

“Crafty Chloe” by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Heather Ross

I am a crafter. I love to create unique presents for a friend or family member and see how much they appreciate the extra effort of a handmade gift. Chloe is just like me! She’s not great at many things, but she’s awesome at making stuff.

Her best friend, Emma, is having a birthday party, and Chloe wants to get her the newest doll from the toy store. Her dreams are shattered when another girl, London, buys the doll just before Chloe can. What will she do now? Not to worry, Chloe is crafty and she’s going to make Emma a gift that is so special and unique that she’ll forget all about the doll from London. Chloe stays up all night gluing, painting and sewing. What she makes is perfect, and I don’t want to spoil the surprise. But in the end, she saves the day with her beautifully crafted birthday gift for Emma!

If Chloe's story moves you to make your own creations, be sure to look for craft books for children available at the library. Also, be sure to check out Chloe’s blog with craft ideas just for kids, inspired by the book.

--Angie R., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Setting the Turkeys Free"

Its turkey time! “Setting the Turkeys Free” by W. Nikola-Lisa and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max is a great book to kick off November. While not actually a Thanksgiving book itself, it fits right in with them.

A young boy uses a little paint, some glitter, and a lot of imagination to create a family of turkeys. But, then his imagination gets the best of him, and his turkeys find themselves in trouble. The boy must think quickly to save the turkeys he loves.

This book is a wonderful way to get kids to use their imagination and make up stories of their own. Request a copy of “Setting the Turkeys Free” from St. Louis County Library and get ready for some turkey trouble of your own.

“Setting the Turkeys Free” activity:

In the book the turkeys are made with paint and embellished with sequins, feathers, and even toothpicks. For a less messy version, just trace your child’s hand on a piece of paper and let them color their turkey however they would like. They can then glue on any embellishments they want to make their turkeys extra special.

--Shelley A., Weber Road