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    by Dawn Stoops | Feb 27, 2017
    Homeschoolers at the Grabill Branch Library had fun with Physics today!
    students working on marble run
    students working on marble run
    students working on marble run
    students working on marble run

    Click HERE for a list of more library homeschool programs. We'd love to see you there!

    by Kris L | Feb 24, 2017
    As many pet owners know, animals can be wonderful listeners.  Quiet and non-judgmental, they simply sit and listen.  Have you tried reading to your pet, lately?

    Read to a book-loving dog at the library.  Winston listening to a reader at the Georgetown branch.

    Many Allen County Public Library locations offer a program called Paws to Read, in which trained therapy dogs, along with their handlers, visit the library so children can read to them!   Click here to see upcoming dates and times.

    We hope to see you soon at the library!
    by Dawn Stoops | Feb 22, 2017
    Celebrate National Library Week by transforming an old, worn out book into a work of art!
    cover of altered book art
    Several workshops are planned at libraries around the county to help get your creative juices flowing and give you the supplies you need to make your masterpiece.
    picture of kids working on altered books
    Children's Services will host an Altered Book Workshop at Main Library on Saturday, March 25th from 2:00-3:00.

    Here are some other workshops open to all ages. Younger ones will need adult help.
    Main Library - Meeting Room A       Tuesday, March 14th 2:00-4:00 pm
    Tecumseh Branch Library               Thursday, March 16th 7:00-8:00 pm
    Grabill Branch Library                     Saturday, March 18th 10:30-11:30 am
    Main Library - Teens Dept.              Monday, March 20th 7:00-8:30 pm
    Shawnee Branch Library                 Tuesday, March 28th 7:00-8:00 pm

    Also consider entering your altered book into our contest. Deadline for contest entries is April 3rd and you can take a look at the entry form here.


    by Dawn Stoops | Feb 17, 2017
    It's always a good time for books about chickens!
    Here are a few that might make the preschoolers in your life laugh and learn.


     cover image for the sky is falling

    The Sky is Falling
    by Mark Teague

    Maybe you know of Chicken Little and how terrible it was going to be for everyone at the farm if the sky was truly falling. This story takes the traditional one and spins it on its head, with lots of dance moves thrown in. As Chicken Little says, "Everyone dances when the sky is falling".

    cover image for a chicken followed me home

    A Chicken Followed Me Home: Questions and Answers about Familiar Fowl
    by Robin Page

    What if a chicken followed you home? How would you know how to take care of it and what kind of chicken it was? This nonfiction book has all the answers for just that kind of silly situation.



    cover image for peep and egg I'm not hatching

    Peep and Egg: I'm Not Hatching
    written by Laura Gehl
    pictures by Joyce Wan

    Peep wants egg to hurry and hatch! There are so many fun things to do together but Egg thinks everything sounds too noisy or too dangerous. Will Egg ever hatch?

    cover image for my dog's a chicken

    My Dog's a Chicken
    written by Susan McElroy Montanari
    pictures by Anne Wilsdorf

    Lula Mae really wants a dog, but mama says 'no'. Her family has plenty of chickens so maybe one of those would make a good pet? Sure! Pookie turns out to be a great guard chicken and lots more too.


    There are hundreds of books featuring these feathered friends so stop by your library for more suggestions.

    by Dawn Stoops | Feb 15, 2017
    The Allen County Public Library is your place for hot new titles and just released DVDs but we've got so much more!
    Consider this gem recently returned to the Grabill Branch Library.
    cover image for bugs bunny's space carrot
    This is Bugs Bunny's Space Carrot by Seymour Reit, published in 1977. I had flashbacks to my cartoon watching days when I read how Bugs Bunny was preparing his "wocket fuel" and building his space carrot "Out of tin cans. And bed springs. And cookie cutters. And old bicycle parts. And some pieces of used bubble gum." Walking down memory lane with a book like this is so much fun and fairly easy to do. Librarians love searching the catalog for books customers remember from childhood, even if we don't have complete title and author information to work with.

    This copy shows a little love, but that's just evidence of many trips to the homes of happy library book readers. The Allen County Public Library has more than a million physical books. Some, like this one, are fantastic, fun blasts from the past.




    by Kris L | Feb 12, 2017

    It Came In the Mail

    In this fun new picture book by Ben Clanton, Liam learns how fun it is to send and receive letters in the mail.

    With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it's a great time to help your young children write notes and decorate cards for friends and loved ones. Preschoolers can even “write” notes themselves – and then have you help them address the envelopes and mail them.  Both activities help build important early literacy skills. You’ll be having fun and building your child's brain at the same time!

    drawing

    Looking for more ideas to build early literacy skills in your children?  Talk to your local children’s librarian, download the ACPL Family App, or visit one of our storytimes.    Write on!

    by Dawn Stoops | Feb 09, 2017

    It's cold and shivery outside. We've been bundling up the kids with hats and mittens for what seems like forever, but summer is on the way (despite the groundhog seeing his shadow last week). Did you know that library staff have been working on plans for our 2017 summer reading program since last September?

    image of kids with bike

    Here are just some of the things we've got in the works for June and July.

    A magic show by Daniel Lusk

    A kids yoga program

    Free lunch sites

    More than 5,000 free book awards for participants

    More than 1,000 storytimes and programs for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age kids

    hundreds of smiling library staff here to help


    It takes a lot of time and dedication to plan, schedule, and prepare for all this great stuff. We take summer fun pretty seriously (and we toss in lots of summer learning, too). June 1st will be here before we know it so keep an eye on the library's website for more information coming this Spring.


    by Dawn Stoops | Feb 07, 2017
    Ready to have fun with language?
    cover image for a greyhound a groundhog
    Here's a new picture book, written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Chris Appelhans, about two creatures who have a tongue twister of a playdate. First we meet greyhound and then we meet groundhog. Both are round and both love to run...around of course!

    Preschoolers will love the big, washy illustrations. Little ones will also love listening to adults try to read all those 'ou' words without mixing it up with a 'groundhoug' in there too.

    To check out this, and other astOUnding books, visit your library today!




    by Dawn Stoops | Feb 04, 2017
    Anyone who loves to garden knows that this is a very special time of year! It's the dreaming and planning part of the year when seed catalogs arrive and hopes of a great harvest begin to germinate.

    Kids and gardens go great together! There are heaps of studies that show how kids grow by spending time outdoors, learning about where food comes from, and getting dirty. There are also plenty of books about how to grow gardens with kids. Here are some great books to get you started.



      cover image for kids in the garden

    Kids in the Garden
    by Elizabeth McCorquodale

    About half this book is basic gardening info and common practices that every good gardener knows. The other half of the book are two page projects like starting sunflower seeds in pots and growing different kinds of potatoes. There are also recipes for some really tasty stuff!



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    Let's Garden: A step by step introduction
    by Clara Lidstrom & Annakarin Nyberg

    I love the look of this book but it feels a little less like "A Step by Step Introduction" and a little more like a collection of fun and funky gardening projects. The text is brief, but there are projects to paint "Head Pots" and plant "Rabbit Poop Beads".


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    First Garden Activity Book
    by Angela Wilkes

    With a little wider range than just garden vegetables, this book presents info on growing a variety of things from seeds, pits, and cuttings.

    cover image for roots shoots buckts and boots

    Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots
    by Sharon Lovejoy

    With charming illustrations instead of photos, this 158 page book covers lots of topics and has great ideas for kid-friendly garden projects like climbing plant tents and garden stepping stones.


    I also recommend a book called The Victory Garden Kids' Book by Marjorie Waters that explains a lot of details that other kids' gardening books miss, like how to prepare the soil in the spring and how to clean out your garden and get it ready for winter.

    Ask about any of these books the next time you're at the library. We'd love to help you find just the right gardening inspiration!

    by Kris L. | Feb 01, 2017
    Babies love to look at bright colors and simple illustrations.  Check the Great Books for Babies Booklist for more fun titles, ask your local children's librarian, or attend a Baby Storytime.   Sharing books with babies is important!

    Look, Look! Baby Animal Friends
    Five Green and Speckled Frogs
    Goodnight Bear
    Hello Lamb by Jane Cabrera
    Moving Blocks
    I See You See Day




    by Heather G. | Jan 27, 2017
    Marvelous Mitten














    How do you make a picture book story come to life? The best way is to allow children to become a part of the story. This is exactly what the Allen County Public Library has been doing for 18 years with the story of The Mitten by Jan Brett. In the story a little boy loses his white mitten while playing in the snow.  The animals of the woods discovered this knitted mitten and one by one crawl in to get warm. Even though each animal is bigger than the last, the mitten just keeps stretching to fit them all.

    In 1998 the library commissioned the creation of a giant size mitten to help Jan Brett’s story come to life. The current mitten measures 9 feet long and 4 feet wide and has been used for storytimes throughout ACPL as well as in child care centers and schools.  

    Preschool through 2nd grade children have enjoyed being a part of the magical story The Mitten. After the story has been read to the children each child gets to decide what animal from the story they would like to be as they crawl into the mitten. Once the mitten is full, the storyteller pretends to sneeze and all the children come out of the mitten just like when the mouse tickled the bear’s nose and he sneezed in the book.

    If you have young children you won’t want them to miss The Magnificent Mitten Program. The schedule for this program is:

    Grabill Branch Wednesday, February 1, 10:30 am
    Waynedale Branch 10:30 am on Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 7.
    Pontiac Branch Friday, February 10, 10:30 am
    Woodburn Branch Friday, February 17, 10:30 am

    Can't make it to a program? Get The Mitten on hold and print this "Put the Animals in the Mitten" activity for retelling! Story retelling helps your child reinforce that stories have a beginning, middle, and end as well as reiterate the meaning of included vocabulary. The Mitten features a mole, hedgehog, and other animals that may be unfamiliar.

    by Dawn S | Jan 23, 2017
    This morning the American Library Association announced the 2017 Youth Media Awards. Congratulations to all the winners!

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    Newbery Medal Winner

    The Girl Who Drank the Moon
    written by Kelly Barnhill

    Honor Books
    “Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan,” written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan 
    “The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog,” written by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly
    “Wolf Hollow,” written by Lauren Wolk


    cover image for radiant child
    Caldecott Medal Winner

    Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
    written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

    Honor Books
    “Leave Me Alone!” illustrated and written by Vera Brosgol 
    “Freedom in Congo Square,” illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, written by Carole Boston Weatherford 
    "Du Iz Tak?" illustrated and written by Carson Ellis
    "They All Saw a Cat," illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel 


    cover image for march book three
     

    Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
    for most distinguished informational book for children

    March: Book Three
    written by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powel

    Honor Books
    “Giant Squid,” written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann,
    “Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story,” written by Caren Stelson
    “Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience During World War II,” written by Albert Marrin
    “We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler,” written by Russell Freedman

    cover image for we are growing

    Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
    for the most distinguished beginning reader book

    We Are Growing: A Mo Willems’ Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! Book
    written by Laurie Keller.


    Honor Books
    “Good Night Owl,” written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli 
    “Oops, Pounce, Quick, Run! An Alphabet Caper,” written and illustrated by Mike Twohy “Go Otto Go!” written and illustrated by David Milgrim
    “The Infamous Ratsos,” written by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Matt Myers



    Many of these titles are available in eBook and audiobook formats as well as traditional print versions. Take a look at the winners for yourself!
    by Miriam R | Jan 20, 2017
    Today, children and teen librarians as well as book lovers all over the world, are waiting for the American Library Association Youth Media Award announcements on Monday, January 23. 
    Poster image for Best Early Reader Book of the Year program
    While you are waiting, you have an opportunity to vote in this year's ACPL Mock Geisel election this Sunday, January 22.  Drop by Children's Services at the Main Library any time between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and look over our collection of some of the best early reader books published in 2016.  Vote for your favorite and learn about the real Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. 
    You may even win a book!

     cover image for duck duck porcupine
      cover image for snail and worm
     cover image for they all saw a cat
     cover image for we are growing

    Here are some of the books we are considering:
    Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World
    Duck, Duck, Porcupine!
    Go, Otto, Go!
    Is That Wise Pig?
    My House
    Owl Sees Owl
    Rabbit and Robot and Ribbit
    Snail and Worm
    Swap!
    The Cookie Fiasco
    The Thank You Book
    They All Saw a Cat
    We Are Growing
    We Found a Hat

         
    by Dawn Stoops | Jan 18, 2017
    I initially picked up this book because it was so pretty! All that pink with flowers called to me when I first saw it in November. After reading The Lines on Nana's Face by Simona Ciraolo, however, I had many other reasons to love this book.
    cover image for lines on nana's face
    Our young narrator wonders why her grandma has so many lines on her face. She seems to look happy and sad and worried and excited all at once. Nana explains that the lines on her face are where she keeps her memories. For the majority of the story, the little girl points to lines and asks about the memory for each one. Each time, the grandmother gives a short, simple explanation then we turn the page and see a beautiful full page spread of the event she is thinking about. So, for instance, one of Nana's wrinkles contains the memory of "that morning, early one spring, when I solved a great mystery". The next picture shows a young Nana peeking behind a bush to find her cat tucked away snugly with four new kittens.

    I can think of so many people who will enjoy this story; small ones with grandparents either near or far, older kids who like to ponder how the pictures tell important parts of the story, and adults who love sharing memories and appreciate the wisdom (and wrinkles) that many memories bring. The art is such a treat too! I encourage you to stop by your local library and take a look.
    by Miss Heather | Jan 14, 2017
    While it is important to read picture books (often over and over again) with your preschooler, reading non-fiction is just as valuable. Often the theme of a picture book will lead you to a non-fiction book naturally. Researchers have acknowledged the importance of non-fiction particularly when building background knowledge and vocabulary. Gone are the factual books meant only for research with few pictures and lengthy paragraphs. Today our shelves feature non-fiction picture books meant for sharing or even for reading independently.

    Hibernation is a fascinating topic for kids and there is much to learn about the variety of animals and different ways those animals prepare and deal with winter. Here are four books about hibernation--two are non-fiction titles heavy on photographs; two are illustrated with drawings and use repetitive phrases making them more along the line of a traditional picture book. Click on the book cover to find the book at ACPL.

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    As you share these or other non-fiction titles you'll want to take notice of unusual words particular to the topic. For this theme, hibernation itself may not be known to your child. There are two kinds of hibernation: true hibernation in which woodchucks, ground squirrels, hedgehogs, chipmunks, and bats enter a state of lowered body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and torpor, the state bears, raccoons, skunks, and opossums enter. Torpor is more like a state of light sleep that includes time to forage between winter snows. Cold-blooded animals like snakes, turtles, and frogs bury themselves below the frostline.

    Ask a librarian for more non-fiction books great for preschoolers and enjoy them while YOU hibernate this winter!
    by Dawn Stoops | Jan 10, 2017
    New fiction for the new year!

     cover image for five days of famous
      cover image for anna takes charge
     cover image for pallas the pal
     cover image for monster mayhem
    cover image for the bad guys
     
     cover image for the sweetest sound
      cover image for agatha parrot and the heart of mud
      cover image for hidden rock rescue
    cover image for flower girl dreams
    by Dawn Stoops | Jan 06, 2017
    Downtown Fort Wayne will have winter fun of all kinds at Winterval on Saturday, January 28th. Some of the many events happening that day take place at the Main Library.
    Children can get crafty with snowflakes anytime between 2:00-4:00 pm in the Children's Services department.
    snowflake craft supplies
    There will also be an ice sculpting demonstration on the Library Plaza from noon to 2:00 pm.
    ice sculpture of stack of books
    Come celebrate the wonders of winter at Winterval 2017!
    by Dawn Stoops | Jan 04, 2017
    Duck, Duck, Porcupine! is a delightful book by Salina Yoon.
    cover image for Duck Duck Porcupine

    With a nice mix of big colorful pictures and word bubbles, this picture book spans categories by feeling kind of like a comic book and a little like a chapter book with three sections. As the stories progress, Big Duck and Porcupine have all of the speaking parts, and Little Duck does much of the comedic work while not saying a thing.

    My favorite chapter is called "The Campout". Bossy Big Duck has some crazy ideas about what they should take on their camping trip. Little Duck works silently to collect the few items he needs and then has a lovely time by the fire while the others load themselves down with snacks, shovels, and other odd things on Big Duck's list. This is one of those great books for young readers where the pictures tell a part of the story all on their own. It's also great that Little Duck seems to occasionally 'talk' to the reader with glances like the one on the cover. Sometimes I imagine him saying "Really?" and rolling his eyes.

    Give this book a try and keep a lookout for another collection of stories by Yoon coming later this month!
    cover image for my kite is stuck

    by Dawn Stoops | Dec 29, 2016

    I love collecting materials for preschool storytime. There are so many wonderful books, songs, rhymes, and activities to share! Just this week I piled my desk high with teddy bear books to decide which ones should make the cut for read-alouds next week.

    I'd like to share some of my favorites. They all hit that preschool audience, though, some are better one on one and others work great with a room full or preschoolers.



    cover image for where's my teddy
     
    Where's My Teddy?
    by Jez Alborough

    It's not just kids who need teddy bears! This story has an adorable twist as a little boy searches the woods to find his lost teddy. Preschoolers will love the cartoonish pictures.

    cover image for my bear and me
    My Bear and Me
    written by Barbara Maitland
    illustrated by Lisa Flather
    The youngest bear lovers will enjoy this story with bright pictures and simple text like "We sing together, we swing together,". This girl and bear pair share a fun day and a cozy night.


    cover image for george in the dark
     
    George in the Dark
    by Madeline Valentine
    It's tough to be brave in the dark, but when you're without your bear, then it's almost impossible! Preschoolers will love this relatable book with such an expressive protagonist.

    cover image for i love you mister bear
    I Love You Mister Bear
    by Sylvie Wickstrom
    Mister Bear is a yard sale find, and in this three part story he gets a new home and a little extra love. Showcasing pretend play and everyday activities like taking a bath and getting dressed, this is a preschool crowd-pleaser.

    cover image for ira sleeps over

    Ira Sleeps Over
    by Bernard Waber
    I have to add a childhood favorite! This one is pretty long and thus not really suitable for group read-alouds. When you've got a preschooler snuggled on your lap, this is such a fun read. And afterwards, you can have conversations about fears and friends and sisters and all sorts of things.



    What are some of your favorite Teddy Bear stories?
    by Dawn Stoops | Dec 27, 2016
    We know you love these fabulous characters, so enjoy their new books!

     cover image for i am batman
      cover image for greatest inventions
     cover image for monster high character encyclopedia
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    cover image for moana hairstyles and looks
     
     cover image for skywalker strikes volume 4
      cover image for the huanted boardwalk
      cover image for from ghosts to pirates
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