Now that Baby Storytime is starting again, here are some ideas for reading to your baby. One of the blogs I read, The Well-Read Child, had a great list of tips for reading to babies a while back. Here is the link so you can read it yourself. I agree th…
Online StoresReading to Babies
January 5th, 2009 — Baby Storytime, babies from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Jan. 3 - 9)
January 2nd, 2009 — Baby Storytime, Program Fridays, Storytelling Festival, storytelling from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Happy new year! Start off 2009 with a wonderful program of stories to spark the imagination. The first Saturday Showcase of the year, starring storyteller Joy Swift, will be tomorrow, Sat., Jan. 3 at 2:30 pm at the Mitchell Park Library. All ages are w…
Online Stores- Deals Park City Utah Skiing Vacation
- New Year Holidays Postcards Collectibles
- Current Year, Next Year Calendars Paper Collectibles
- Speaking of libraries Generally speaking, I don't buy books, as I absolutely have no place to put even one more -- which doesn't stop me on occasion. I tend to go to the library and have them order a book for me, even if it is outside our library system. When we first......
Continue reading → Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Jan. 3 - 9)
Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Dec. 13 - 19)
December 12th, 2008 — Holidays, Program Fridays, children's programs from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
The Friends of the Library booksale is this weekend, Sat the 13th and Sun. the 14th at the Cubberley Community Center. See their website for times and exact location.On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Magician Brian Scott returns to Children’s Library at 3:30 pm t…
Online Stores Related Websites- Speaking of libraries Generally speaking, I don't buy books, as I absolutely have no place to put even one more -- which doesn't stop me on occasion. I tend to go to the library and have them order a book for me, even if it is outside our library system. When we first......
Continue reading → Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Dec. 13 - 19)
Best Illustrated Books for Kids in 2008
December 10th, 2008 — awards, new york times, picture books from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Watch a short slide show of the New York Times’ picks for the best illustrated kids’ books of the year. Here are a few that made the list. Click on the titles to reserve the books.Ghosts in the House by Kazuno Kohara Tired of living in a haunted house…
Online StoresThe Peace Corps for Kids
December 8th, 2008 — Peace corps, Websites from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
A new website shows kids what life is like in the Peace Corps. Visiting the fictional village of Wanzuzu, they will try to solve eight different challenges by coming up with sustainable solutions. During the course of their adventures they will work…
Online StoresProgram Friday… and Announcements
November 29th, 2008 — Program Fridays from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Well, it’s actually Saturday (we were closed yesterday).Here are a few announcements for adults.We’re looking for your feedback! Take a quick online survey to let us know how we are doing. Please take a few moments to fill out our customer satisfaction…
Online Stores- Library Lamps Home Lighting
- Deals Park City Utah Skiing Vacation
- Deals Winter Park Colorodo Skiing Vacation
- eAudiobooks A friend in New Hampshire was telling me that there are audio books, free from the library, downloadable to your MP3, but you have to have a PC, not a MAC. She was disappointed as she has an iPod and a MAC. Anyway, here's the link to it. I called......
- Books, books, books Life has been so busy lately with extra things on top of regular things that my reading has gone somewhat by the wayside. I love to read when there is something interesting to read! All of a sudden interesting books are falling out of the woodwork, and I haven't finished......
Program Friday…. And a Farewell
November 14th, 2008 — Afterschool Special, Melinda Wing, Program Fridays from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Today is last day for Children’s Library’s and Youth Services’ Supervising Librarian, Melinda Wing. Aloha, Melinda (she’s retiring to Hawaii). You will be missed! There are some great programs coming up this week, so check your calendars! Tomorrow, S…
Online Stores- Deals Winter Park Colorodo Skiing Vacation
- Library Lamps Home Lighting
- Deals Park City Utah Skiing Vacation
- Speaking of libraries Generally speaking, I don't buy books, as I absolutely have no place to put even one more -- which doesn't stop me on occasion. I tend to go to the library and have them order a book for me, even if it is outside our library system. When we first......
A Message from the Library Fairy
November 10th, 2008 — Library Fairy from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
As many of you know, I have a mailbox on the librarians’ desk at Children’s Library. I promise you that I read all of my letters, although I have not answered them recently. But there is good news! I now have my own email account! It is: libraryfairy@c…
Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Oct. 18 - 24)
October 17th, 2008 — Program Fridays from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
There are some wonderful programs coming up in the next week!The popular Paws to Read program returns tomorrow, October 18 at 2:30 pm at Children’s Library. This program pairs trained companion dogs with beginning readers who can spend 15 - 20 minutes …
Online StoresContinue reading → Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Oct. 18 - 24)
Children’s Poet Laureate Announced
October 15th, 2008 — Children's Poet Laureate, Mary Ann Hoberman from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
The Poetry Foundation announced the second Children’s Poet Laureate - Mary Ann Hoberman. Jack Prelutsky won the honor last year. The Library owns a number of wonderful books by Ms. Hoberman, including The Llama who Had No Pajama. Here’s a part of one o…
Online StoresProgram Friday (Upcoming Programs for Sept. 27 - Oct. 3)
September 26th, 2008 — Program Fridays, authors from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Next week is full of exciting programs!Meet the Maasai!Wed. Oct. 1 at 3:30 pmChildren’s Library We are pleased to host and introduce two Maasai leaders from Kenya who will share stories about life as Maasai children, demonstrating vertical jumping, an…
Online Stores Related Websites- Speaking of libraries Generally speaking, I don't buy books, as I absolutely have no place to put even one more -- which doesn't stop me on occasion. I tend to go to the library and have them order a book for me, even if it is outside our library system. When we first......
Continue reading → Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Sept. 27 - Oct. 3)
Happy Fall!
September 22nd, 2008 — Fall from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
The days are definitely getting shorter. How about celebrating the season by checking out some great books on the subject? Take a look at these:We Gather Together: Celebrating the Harvest Season by Wendy PfefferThis lovely book explains why seasons cha…
Online StoresProgram Friday (Programs through September 30)
September 18th, 2008 — Program Fridays, Storytimes from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Here are some reminders about upcoming programs.Wednesday, September 24: Afterschool Special-So You Think You Can Dance?Children’s Library, 3:30pm- for grades K-5 ONLY. All dance participants will get a FREE mini-scoop from Rick’s Ice Cream, and the gr…
Online Stores- Deals Winter Park Colorodo Skiing Vacation
- Linkin Park L Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
- Deals Park City Utah Skiing Vacation
Continue reading → Program Friday (Programs through September 30)
Electing a President
September 16th, 2008 — elections, writing contest from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Everyone’s interested in the upcoming election, and the Library has some great books for kids on the subject AND a fantastic writing contest about it.Books first - click on any title to reserve the book. See How They Run by Susan GoodmanFrom the birth …
Online Stores Related Websites- Draft Al Gore Al Gore should be the president of the United States. He is a visionary and a leader. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for championing the must import cause in the world today: global warming. His movie An Inconvenient Truth brought unprecedented attention to this cause. In order to further the......
Pirate Party Pics
September 13th, 2008 — Children's Library, pirates from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
I hope you made it to our Pirate Party, but if not, enjoy these photos on flickr.All our kid pirates were led by Captains Melinda and Peter Wing.While you’re there looking at photos, take a peek at the ones from Children’s Library’s Grand Re-Opening al…
Program Friday
August 22nd, 2008 — Program Fridays from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
CATCH THE READING BUG SUMMER READING PROGRAM ENDS IN THREE DAYS!!!If you signed up for the reading program, you must pick up your certificate and prizes by August 26th. Don’t miss out on your free book (provided by the Friends of the Library) or your …
Online Stores- Deals Winter Park Colorodo Skiing Vacation
- Time Travel Romance Books
- Deals Park City Utah Skiing Vacation
- Speaking of libraries Generally speaking, I don't buy books, as I absolutely have no place to put even one more -- which doesn't stop me on occasion. I tend to go to the library and have them order a book for me, even if it is outside our library system. When we first......
Olympics Mania!!
August 20th, 2008 — Olympics from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Have you and your kids been fascinated by the Olympics? Here are some titles you might enjoy about the Olympics or Olympic sports.Olympia: Warrior Athletes of Ancient Greece by Dyan BlacklockTake a look at the original games - fabulous illustrations!I …
Online StoresOprah and Kids’ Books
August 18th, 2008 — Oprah, book reviews from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Oprah has teamed up with the American Library Association to come up with some great reading lists for kids. There are actually five lists - for different ages - plus tips for parents on making reading fun for kids.This is a nice new resource - and you…
Online StoresMore on The Graveyard Book
August 9th, 2008 — Neil Gaiman from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Since I posted yesterday about the Neil Gaimin event (October 4th -save the date!) I finished reading an advance reader’s copy of the new book, and I have to stay I loved it! We’re all in for a treat when Gaimin hits town.Catch my short review on Libra…
Program Friday: Authors! Authors!
August 8th, 2008 — Graeme Base, Neil Gaiman, Program Fridays, authors from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
We are so excited about these two author visits! Get the dates on your calendar now so you don’t miss out. Kepler’s Books is bringing author/illustrator Graeme Base to:Children’s Library.Thursday, October 2nd at 6:00 pmPlease note that the library will…
Online StoresProgram Friday
July 24th, 2008 — Game Day, Program Fridays, summer reading from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Well, it’s almost Friday, anyway…. Here’s what’s coming up next week @ your library. Our last Wacky Wednesday of the summer will be The Ant-ics of Carnival of Chaos. Join the fun when these jugglers, musicians, dancers, and physical comedians thrill …
Online StoresAlphabet Awww…..
July 22nd, 2008 — alphabet from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Want to help your child learn the alphabet? And see the most adorable pictures of baby animals - like this one - while doing it? Check out this web page, Baby Animal Alphabet! (Thanks to the blog bb-blog for the link.)Of course, the library has a lot o…
Online StoresSing Me a Story!
July 19th, 2008 — Bill Martin, picture books, videos from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
How fun! Watch the author of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? read (and sing!) his book. Henry Holt Publishers now has a channel on YouTube, and this is one of its offerings. (Thanks to children’s librarian and blogger Fuse # 8 for this link.) …
Staying Cool!
July 7th, 2008 — Fishing, cooking, summer reading, swimming from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
We’re having another heat wave, so here are some books with ideas to beat the heat. (You can check on the title to reserve the book).Make something cool and wonderful to eat! Check out Cool Sweets & Treats to Eat, with recipes for things like Campf…
Online StoresProgram Friday (Upcoming Programs for June 29 - July 5)
June 27th, 2008 — Program Fridays, Storytimes, babies, summer reading from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Baby Storytime returns! The newest 8-week session begins this Tuesday, July 1st, at the Downtown Library (270 Forest Ave.) at 11:00 am. This lapsit program is for babies 6 - 18 months old and their parents or caregivers.
Wacky Wednesday: Tom McCormick…
Online Stores Related Websites- Speaking of libraries Generally speaking, I don't buy books, as I absolutely have no place to put even one more -- which doesn't stop me on occasion. I tend to go to the library and have them order a book for me, even if it is outside our library system. When we first......
Continue reading → Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for June 29 - July 5)
A New Harry Potter Story!!!!
June 25th, 2008 — Harry Potter from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Well, it’s a very short Harry Potter story. In fact, it was written on a two-sided card. And Harry isn’t in it since he wasn’t born yet. But it was written by J. K. Rowling, and it’s a prequel to the books. Waterstone’s had a contest called What’s Your…
Online Stores- Harry Potter Sci-Fi, Fantasy Trading Cards Collectibles
- Figurines, Statues Harry Potter Fantasy, Mythical Magic Collectibles
- Wands Harry Potter Fantasy, Mythical Magic Collectibles
- Trouble with Harry Potter Hallows audio book Tonight I was ripping in the audio book into my MP3 player. Disc 6 ends with Chapter 13e Disc 7 beings with Chapter 13i it is missing 13f, 13g, and 13h. Sure enough, I went to the book and it is missing from p 258 beginning with There were more......
- Harry Potter spoilers here in comment section, not in main post For those of us who would like to discuss the book without spoiling it for those who haven't read it, use the comment section to this post. It can only be read by clicking on the comments, so if you haven't read the book, come back to this section later!......
Paws to Read Returns!
June 23rd, 2008 — Paws to Read from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
The pilot program was such a success that we’re starting a new Paws to Read series. This unique reading program improves children’s literacy skills and gives them a great sense of accomplishment. How does it work? They read to dogs. Yes, dogs! Childr…
Online StoresCool Ideas for Hot Days!
June 9th, 2008 — crafts, summer reading from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Looking for things for the kids to do this summer? Come to the library, of course! In addition to our wonderful summer reading program, Catch the Reading Bug (sign up here), you’ll find some great new books with ideas that will keep kids busy for hours…
Online StoresProgram Friday
May 29th, 2008 — Program Fridays, summer reading from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Well, okay, so it’s still Thursday, but close enough!Announcing the Library’s exciting programs for next week….(drum roll, please!):Catch the Reading Bug Summer Reading Program begins on Monday, June 2nd! Children up through 5th grade (in the Fall) …
Online StoresReading Aloud to Kids
May 28th, 2008 — Jim Trelease, reading aloud from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
There was a recent article in The Los Angeles Times explaining why it’s important to read aloud to kids. You can read the whole article here. The research concludes that ….”the critical place that literacy develops is the home, not the school,” and “…
Books and Movies and Podcasts …Oh, My!
May 27th, 2008 — City of Ember, Harry Potter, podcasts from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Here are a few news items gathered from various children’s literature blogs:Harry turns 10! That.s right - this is the 10th anniversary of the Harry Potter books, and Scholastic is celebrating by putting a new cover on the first book. Check it out here…
Online StoresPoetry Friday: Shape Me a Rhyme
May 9th, 2008 — Poetry Friday from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Nature is full of shapes, and this book is full of beautiful poems and photographs that reveal some of them. Triangles? Look no further than an alligator’s tooth. Cresecents? The moon, of course. And then there are circles ….Round as a ball,Round as …
A Fun Way to Read!
May 7th, 2008 — Neddiad, Pinkwater, Yggyssey, book reviews from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Daniel Pinkwater is a funny, wacky writer who has been working on a new fiction series for older kids. What’s great is that he is also publishing them in serial form online, before they’re published in print. The first book, The Neddiad, came out this …
Online StoresPaws to Read!
May 5th, 2008 — Paws to Read from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
It’s getting closer, so here’s another reminder about this unique reading program to improve children’s literacy skills and give them a great sense of accomplishment. How does it work? They read to dogs. Yes, you read that right—dogs! Children who …
Online StoresPoetry Friday (and Poetry Month): The World’s Greatest Poems
April 4th, 2008 — Poetry Friday from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Happy National Poetry Month! In honor of that and Poetry Friday, here’s a brand new book the Library just got - The World’s Greatest Poems, by J. Patrick Lewis and Keith Graves. Each clever poem is about a world’s record, from the shortest snake to the…
Continue reading → Poetry Friday (and Poetry Month): The World’s Greatest Poems
Happy April Fools’ Day!
April 1st, 2008 — April Fool's Day from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Did you ever hear about spaghetti trees? Or the baseball star who wasn’t? How did April Fools’ Day ever get started, anyway? Here’s an article in the Christian Science Monitor that explains all about some famous April Fools’ Day pranks, the history of …
Online StoresTonight’s Author Event: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online
March 12th, 2008 — SF Mom Map from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
Parents, teachers and those who work with tweens and teens - tonight is the night author Anastasia Goodstein (Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online) will be speaking on topics concerning kids and technology. It’s free, and Kepler…
Online StoresContinue reading → Tonight’s Author Event: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online
Poetry Friday: Birmingham, 1963
March 7th, 2008 — Poetry Friday from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
This powerful and moving free verse poem by Carole Boston Weatherford is the story a ten-year-old girl tells about her experiences in the civil rights movement in 1963. The book is beautifully designed, and illustrated with archival photographs. This i…
Hooray for Women!
March 5th, 2008 — Amelia Bloomer, Women's History Month from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
March is Women’s History Month. There’s a great display of books up at Children’s Library for you to check out. The Amelia Bloomer Project has come out with its list of books for 2008 that expand the role of girls and women beyond the traditional. You …
Kudos for Trees: An Arbor Day Celebration
March 3rd, 2008 — Arbor Day, Canopy, trees from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
We’re celebrating Arbor Day at Children’s Library with a special program about trees. Canopy, a non-profit advocacy group in Palo Alto, is joining us for this great event this Saturday, March 8th beginning at 1:00 pm. We’ll have some stories, an art pr…
Continue reading → Kudos for Trees: An Arbor Day Celebration
More Best Books Awards - the Cybils
February 19th, 2008 — Cybils, awards from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
This month many of the folks who blog about children’s and young adult books announced their favorites of 2007 - the Cybils Awards. I think they did a fine job; some of my favorites are there, and some I’ve now put on my to-read list. You can check ou…
Online StoresPoetry Friday: Oh, Theodore! Guinea Pig Poems
February 8th, 2008 — Poetry Friday from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
The guinea pig on the cover of Oh, Theodore! is so adorable it just invites you to open the book. If you do you won’t be disappointed. The poems by Susan Katz are as charming as Stacey Schuett’s illustrations. Here is one called Name:He’s soft,plump,fu…
Online StoresContinue reading → Poetry Friday: Oh, Theodore! Guinea Pig Poems
Parents - Save the Date!
February 6th, 2008 — Anastasia Goodstein, authors from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
The Library is bringing author Anastasia Goodstein to speak on Wednesday March 12th at 7:30 pm at Palo Alto High School’s Haymarket Theater. The topic is: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online. Goodstein wrote Totally Wired, an inside guide abo…
Online StoresGet Your Award Winners Here!
February 4th, 2008 — Caldecott Award, Newbery Award, awards from Maya Spector @ PACL Kids
A few weeks ago, the American Library Association announced their yearly book awards for children’s books. Both the major award winners were big surprises this year, and both are wonderful! The Caldecott Award, which goes to the book with the best ill…
Online Stores