Free Library Blog - Posts by Megan W.

Warm Up Those Vocal Chords - It's Time to Sing!

Megan W. — 2012-12-29T11:41:00-05:00

Singing with young children is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, and entertainment value aside, studies show it can have a very positive effect on your young child’s development. Songs provide parents and caregivers with a very special way of “talking” to young children, and aid in language acquisition and the development of good social and verbal communication skills.

Try singing traditional songs like “I’m a Little Teapot” or “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” a nursery rhyme such as “Hickory Dickory Dock,” or just make up a song using things that interest your child. Keep in mind, having a great singing voice is NOT a requirement. If you’re off pitch, chances are, the audience won’t even notice!

Check out your local library’s collection of nursery rhyme books and children’s compact discs to help get you started!

Here are just a few ideas:

The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews

Hush, Little Baby by Brian Pinkney

The Wheels on the School Bus by Mary-Alice Moore

Raffi in Concert with the Rise and Shine Band

The Ladybug Music series by Patricia Maertens

Wonderful Winter is Almost Here!

Megan W. — 2012-12-10T08:48:00-05:00

Young children can learn so much about their world through seasonal books and discussions. With the change of the season just around the corner, why not visit your local library and check out all of our great winter-themed children’s books? Whether you’re looking for something on snow, hibernation, a specific holiday, or just a fun story taking place in a winter setting, you’re sure to find some great reads to share with your child! Here are just a few examples:

Winter by Ron Hirschi

Stunning photographs and lyrical language take you on a journey through nature.

Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart

Find out what happens to the animals in the woods, the insects in the garden and the creatures in the pond when the chilly weather arrives.

Winter White by Christianne Jones

This book is part of a series on colors, and offers simplistic text, colorful illustrations, and a fun fact section.

In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? By Lindsay Barrett George

While walking in the snow, two children see signs of life all around them.

White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt

An oldie but goodie, this 1948 Caldecott Medal Winner takes the reader through a snowstorm from start to finish, highlighting different perspectives along the way.

The Hat by Jan Brett

On a cold, windy day, Hedgie finds himself a very interesting hat, which he shows to all of his animal friends.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

A little boy and his dog watch their town transform into a winter wonderland.

For many more choices, stop by your local branch today!

It's Beach Time!

Megan W. — 2012-06-08T08:20:00-05:00

Beach season is almost here, and what better way to get ready for it than a terrific book? Here are three great beach-themed books, all available through the Free Library of Philadelphia, and perfect for sharing with your preschooler! For more suggestions, visit your local branch!

Beach Day by Karen Roosa

Through rhyming text and colorful illustrations, you and your child will experience a day at the beach from start to finish!

D.W. All Wet by Marc Brown

While on a family outing to the beach, D.W. is reluctant to get in the water, but her big brother Arthur won’t take no for an answer!

What If? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

What if two seals were playing with a beach ball and a third seal wanted to join? In this almost-wordless book, three possible scenarios are presented using bright, beachy illustrations.