Kids Music Friday: "Ice Cream" by Danny Weinkauf and the Red Pants Band

Here's a sweet treat for a hot summer day! "Ice Cream" by Danny Weinkauf (the bassist for They Might Be Giants) and The Red Pants Band is sure to hit the spot. If you like the video, you can check out his work with They Might Be Giants.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Carole Boston Weatherford

Author and poet, Carole Boston Weatherford, has written many award winning picture books that share African American history with young readers. Each picture book informs and celebrates with both a story and accompanying historical notes.

Award winning “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom”, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, presents the courage and spirituality of Harriet Tubman, who led hundreds of slaves to freedom using the Underground Railroad. Carole Boston Weatherford creates a narrative for young readers that awes and inspires.

“Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America” celebrates the creative talents of Gordon Parks who earned the National Medal of the Arts in 1988. A self-taught photographer, Gordon Parks worked for the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and documented the poverty and segregation of the Great Depression.  Later, Gordon Parks became the first African American staff photographer at  "Life Magazine".

“Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins” presents the story of the Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins from a child’s perspective. Connie tells the story of segregation, Dr. King’s visit, the seven months of civil disobedience, and her family’s pride while sharing a meal at the Woolworth counter. At the end of the book we find an author’s note with additional historical information, including an interview with the Greensboro Four.

--Teresa, Sachs

Magic at the Circus: a review of Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

Micah Tuttle has been hearing about Circus Mirandus from his Grandpa Ephraim his whole life. The world's smartest elephant, the unique and mysterious ticket seller, and especially the magical Lightbender and his sensational show have all become legend to Micah. When Grandpa Ephraim falls ill and his unbelieving and grumpy sister Gertrudis moves in, Micah's last hope is for Grandpa Ephraim to finally redeem the miracle that the Lightbender gave him years ago. Only Micah has to escape from his Aunt Gertrudis and convince his friend Jenny to join him as he does everything in his power to make the miracle happen. But what if the miracle Grandpa Ephraim asks for is not the one that Micah longs for? Full enchantment, heart, and wonder, this story is a delight to read. For readers in grades 4-6. To request a copy, click on the link above.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Book Trailer: "It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon" by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

There's a new picture book from Jarrett Krosoczka, and it looks wonderful. Watch the trailer for "It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon" below and decide for yourself. If you like it,  put in a request.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Family Read Night Features R.L. Stine and Marc Brown

St. Louis County Library is a great place for families to gather and discover the joys of reading. We encourage reading in many ways but one of my favorites is our annual Family Read Night. This year's Family Read Night will be held on Friday, September 11, 7:00 p.m. at the Headquarters branch. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. 

This year we welcome two children's literature giants on the same stage! 

R.L. Stine is the king of scary stories with his Goosebumps series. Kids just can't get enough of them. Those books spawned a TV show in the 1990s and be on the lookout for a new movie starring Jack Black in theaters this fall.

Marc Brown is best known for the adored Arthur books which launched a kid's cartoon that is still going strong after almost twenty years. Brown also illustrates many picture books for other authors.

These two authors have teamed up for a not-so-cuddly picture book "The Little Shop of Monsters"where you don't choose the monsters, the monsters choose you.







--Desiree S., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "Tomorrow is a Chance to Start Over" by Hilary Grist

Here's a fun clay-and-paper video for Hilary Grist's beautiful lullaby, "Tomorrow is a Chance to Start Over." If you like the beautiful song, watch the narrated story below.

Enjoy!

--Andrea W., Headquarters

"In a Village By the Sea" by Muon Van

"In a fishing village by the sea
there is a small house.
In that house,
high above the waves,
is a kitchen."

So begins the story of life, family, and art "In a Village by the Sea," written by Muon Van. Taking us from the ocean to a kitchen where dinner is being served, then back out to sea, Van's gentle story weaves together the comfort of home, danger, and even a little fantasy. April Chu's beautifully saturated illustrations bring the story to life. This book is perfect for preschool up to second grade readers.

--Andrea W., Headquarters