Summer storytime

Summer is a very busy time here at the library, and new books are coming in every day! Here are my choices for some summertime storytime fun!

Up, Tall, and High by Ethan Long

Young listeners and early readers will learn some directional concepts as well as be delighted with this fun little book. A collection of cartoon birds demonstrate the meanings of the concepts of tall, high, and up- -with flaps that make the book interactive. You’ll be building VOCABULARY when you share this short chapter book.

Can YOU Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas

This one was published in 2009, so not really new, but it is new to my Storytime Bookshelf. Jan Thomas is the Queen of Silly for storytime. Turn up the volume and get out your craziest voice and read this book while acting out the zany storyline. Add some physical activity to your storytime with this ladybug that tries to scare away a great big, scary… frog!

No Bears by Meg McKinlay

The illustrations are a detailed, so this book may be best for small groups. But small groups will enjoy this slightly fractured fairy tale, especially when you alert them to watch for bears. Pairs nicely with Silly Doggy! and a rousing version of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”. 

Cock-a-Doodle Do, Creak, Pop Pop, Moo by Jim Aylesworth

Just the title is fun to say! An old-fashioned farm romp with lots of rhymes and a fun rhythm. Would go nicely with Duck on a Bike by David Shannon.

The Duckling Gets a Cookie? by Mo Willems

It is headline news! A new Mo Willems book is reason enough to plan a storytime. This time, Duckling and Pigeon teach a gentle lesson about manners (well, Duckling is gentle. Pigeon is his usual wild self). Yes, Duckling gets a cookie. How? You’ll have to read to find out. Be prepared for repeated readings. Pair this with Pat Hutchins’ The Doorbell Rang and Laura Numeroff’s  If You Give a Mouse a Cookie for a fun cookie-themed storytime.

Lady Hahn and her Seven Friends by Yumi Heo

For groups that are a bit older or can sit for a longer story, this is a great folk tale from Korea. Her friends, Mrs. Ruler, Newlywed Scissors, Young Bride Needle, Young Bride Red Thread, Old Lady Thimble, Young Lady Flatiron, and Little Miss Iron help her with her sewing, but when they start to brag, she turns her back on them only to discover how much she needs them. Pair it with a sewing craft for a really fun storytime.

Silly Doggy! by Adam Stower

A girl finds a dog (bear) and really wants to keep him as a pet. This is a sweet little story that would be fun for summer storytimes, and would pair nicely with No Bears! by Meg McKinlay. Create some “Lost Dog” posters for craft time and you’ll add writing skills into the storytime stew.

Great Sheep Shenanigans by Peter Bently

The rhymes are funny and though sometimes a bit forced, the ending with a wolf in poo is certain to elicit giggles. This wolf is a full-blooded meat eater, so make sure your audience is ready for jokes about lamb stew (and vindaloo). Vocabulary and rhyming skills abound.

Pete the cat and his four groovy buttons by Eric Litwin

Pete is back, this time singing about buttons. Prepare for an earworm when you listen to the song  HERE and sing it with your group. This one adds MATH to the storytime equation in a very fun way.  

Two Little Monkeys by Mem Fox 

Toddlers will enjoy the sing-song rhymes and repetition in this simple story and you’ll be giving them a great little Early Literacy experience. Read it again to reinforce the fun learning!