Read a Book, Make a Craft

Winter is the perfect time to cuddle up with a good book. To create a more interactive experience with your child, try pairing a craft with your favorite book.

“The Snow Globe Family” by Jane O'Connor is the perfect winter day read. The little family
that lives in the snow globe on the mantle wonders why it never snows anymore. It isn’t until a curious baby happens upon the snow globe that they get their wish.

Try this easy craft at home and make your own snow globe:



Snow Globe Craft

Materials needed:

Jar with lid
Small toy
Glue
Glitter
Glycerin (optional)
Water

1. Glue a small toy to the inside of the jar lid and let dry

2. Fill the jar with water, add glitter and a few drops of glycerin (optional) to
make the glitter float

3. Apply glue to jar’s seal and close it tight on the jar

4. Turn over the jar and enjoy!

--Hannah K., JB

Dewey Discoveries: "I Love You, ZooBorns!"

If you can't get enough of "Zooborns," you're going to love the new Zooborns easy reader books, "I Love You, ZooBorns!" and "Welcome to the World, Zooborns!." Chock full of adorable pictures of zoo babies and animal facts written in simple prose, it's sure to please the early reader in your house. They are both Level One Ready-To-Read books.

Dewey Number: J 591.39 Bleiman Andrew, J 591.392 Bleiman Andrew

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Story Time Favorites

I try to keep my story times as fresh as possible by keeping an eye out for new books. However, I have to admit to having a few titles that I keep on hand just because I love them so much. Take a look at some of my favorites and then browse your local branch to find a few of your own.

"The Pigeon Wants a Puppy" and "Listen to My Trumpet" by Mo Willems. I admit to being a pushover for a Mo Willems book and who can blame me? These two are my hands down favorites. In the first book, Pigeon wants a puppy but is a little hazy on how to actually take care of one. The second book brings back best friends Elephant and Piggie. Piggie has a brand new trumpet and she wants to share its beautiful sound with Gerald. 

"The Perfect Nest" by Catherine Friend. Any book that allows me to do silly voices gets my vote. Jack the Cat builds the perfect nest to attract the perfect chicken to lay the perfect egg to make the perfect omelet. Things do not go as planned.

"Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons" by Eric Litwin. This one has a great rhythm to it and you can even go online to the publisher's website to hear the story. Pete the Cat is one laid back feline. When his buttons pop off his shirt, does he cry? Goodness no.

"Dooby Dooby Moo" by Doreen Cronin. This one gives me a chance to sing traditional songs with a twist. Farmer Brown keeps an eye on Duck and Duck keeps an eye on Farmer Brown. Those animals are up to something and it involves a trampoline.

"Children Make Terrible Pets" by Peter Brown. Nice clean illustrations make this story that turns the tables on "Look what followed me home, Mom!" Lucy Bear finds a child in the woods and brings him home to be her pet. Turns out children are a lot of trouble to take care of.

"Shark in the Park" by Nick Sharratt. This book is out of print but, if you ever find one at a used bookstore, snap it up. Timothy Pope sees lots of things with his telescope at the park, including what he is positive must be a shark!







-- Desiree S., HQ

"Violet" by Jeremy Messersmith

I don't know about you, but I'm hoping for a snowy winter! So let's get this party started with Jeremy Messersmith's "Violet." Bring on a snow day!

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Dewey Discoveries: "The Wing Wing Brothers: Math Spectacular!"

Some folks love math.  Other people not so much. Clearly, author Ethan Long loves him some math, because he has given us an extravaganza of addition and subtraction in "The Wing Wing Brothers: Math Spectacular!" Illustrated with bright comic-like artwork, Long introduces us to the all-around circus performers, the Wing Wing Brothers. As the brothers juggle, balance plates, perform magic, and compete against one another they demonstrate important math concepts like comparing amounts, addition, and subtraction. I ask you, what better way to learn subtraction than by throwing pies? Appropriate for the kindergarten set. Click on the link above to reserve a copy.

Dewey Number: J 513.2 Long Ethan

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Dewey Discoveries:"Do You Know Dewey?"

What better book to highlight on Dewey Discoveries than a book about the Dewey system? While helpful and informative, the Dewey system is arguably not an exciting topic. Or at least it wasn't until Brian P. Cleary wrote this simple rhyming guide, and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff illustrated it so charmingly. "Do You Know Dewey?: Exploring the Dewey Decimal System" is a quick and enjoyable way to teach your child how to navigate the non-fiction stacks at your library. Appropriate for any school-aged child.

Dewey number J 025.431 Cleary, Brian

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Winter Reading Club Winners Announced

Our Winter Reading Club was a great success! Thanks to all who participated in our first year. Don't worry, we are sure to do it again next year. In the meantime, don't forget to join the Summer Reading Club also. There will be prizes for all who participate. 

Here are the winners of the Winter Reading Club Kid's Prize Pack:


Bridgeton Trails Viktoria C.
Cliff Cave         Michael B.
Daniel Boone        Jackie G.
Eureka Hills     Sarah G.
Florissant Valley Jessi H.
Grand Glaize   Rory C.
Headquarters   Brandon B.
Indian Trails     Nate C.
Jamestown Bluffs Miranda M.
Lewis & Clark Chase B.
Mid County      Ezra K.
Meramec Valley Brayden B.
Natural Bridge DeAsia G.
Oak Bend        Caleb B.
Prairie Commons Sam H.
Rock Road      Abbie C.
Sachs              Amanda B.
Tesson Ferry   Caleb H.
Thornhill           Sasha S.
Weber Road   Xavier A.

Congratulations to all the winners!