Katiem's blog

Audubon.  You've heard that word before, but you're not sure what it means.  Or you only have a vague understanding.  That used to sum up my level of knowledge, but that all changed when I read Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt in 2011.  The novel was filled with Audubon references, and it really sparked an interest to learn more.  And now I'm passing that information along to you on Audubon Day.  John James Audubon was a famous ornithologist and painter, who captured the wonder and beauty of wild birds in his art.  His major work was called The Birds of America and is featured in this blog's picture.  He was born on April 26, 1785, which is why we honor him today, April 26, 2013.  There are several ways you can celebrate Audubon's contributions to science and art.  Visit the Audubon Society's webpage to see how the naturalist's legacy continues to this very day.  Read a biography to learn more about his amazing life (JB  AUD in the Kid Zone).  Read a book about some of the birds he found so fascinating (598 in the Kid Zone and Nonfiction).  Walk through your backyard, your neighborhood, or a local park and do some birdwatching.  Follow in Audubon's footsteps -- take some art supplies with you and try to capture what you see.

We're going "classic" for the final post in our National Poetry Month blog series -- nursery rhymes! When I was growing up, my mom recited them all the time. So, naturally, my sister and I recited them all the time, too. This habit has followed us into adulthood. Sadly, many of today's children are not familiar with these traditional rhymes. If you're a parent, I challenge you to check out one of these Mother Goose compilation books and introduce your child to nursery rhymes. If you're a child, I encourage you to do the same -- just share it with your parents instead!

This Just In! had its last meeting of the school year on Monday, April 22, 2013.  So sad.  And so fun!  We read another great group of new books this month.
Elena = The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
Erica = Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery by Deborah & James Howe
Gabby = Dear Know-It-All: Old Story, New Twist by Rachel Wise

Meet Bink and Gollie.  This mismatched pair of best friends star in a series of hilarious, full-color first chapter books.  The newest title in the series comes out on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.  Read them all to find out where their exuberance and roller skates take them.
1. Bink & Gollie
2. Bink & Gollie: Two for One
3. Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever

BONUS!  Did you know that this series is created by another dynamic duo,  Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee?  Wait, make that a triumphant trio.  We can't forget their illustrator collaborator Tony Fucile. 

Whenever we announce the last week of storytime, people panic.  It has an apocalyptic feel to it.  But it isn't the end of the world!  It's just a brief lull before the whirlwind of Summer Reading begins.  Still, you will have to wait until after Labor Day 2013 for our weekly storytimes to resume.  Maybe you should panic a little.  After you attend one of these.
Together with Twos on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. = Best of the Best
Mother Goose on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. = Silly Willy
Early Birds on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10 & 11 a.m. = Favorites
Tiny Tot Tales on Wednesday, April 24. 2013 at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. = Shake Your Beanbag
After Lunch Bunch on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. = Fish Frenzy
Storytime Live on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. = Dig Into Reading!
PJ Storytime on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. = Devoted to Cats

I am not a teenager, but I love teen books.  Does this make me a weirdo?  NO!  Young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre.  The stories focus on friendship, family dynamics, difficult choices, true love -- universal themes that resonate with both teens and adults.  That's why April 18, 2013 has been declared Teen Literature Day.  If you're an adult who has never picked up a teen fiction book, this is a great day to change that.  If you're a teenager, hooray!  This is a holiday made just for readers like you!  Let's all head to the Teen Spot, grab a book, and get this party started.

I originally compiled this list of sing-along picture books for our Mar-Apr 2013 issue of our teacher newsletter.  I am ridiculously proud of it.  Which is why I've made it the third installment in my series of blogs celebrating National Poetry Month.  You don't have to be a trained singer to successfully share these books with your family or your classroom.  In fact, poor singing adds to the entertainment!  So sing on!
All God's Critters by Bill Staines (illustrated by Kadir Nelson)
America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates (illustrated by Chris Gall)

Are you a talented kid?  Do you want to share your talent with the world?  We're here to help!  The Kid Zone is hosting Hoover Has Talent on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

I found an extremely cool book series last week when I was browsing the Kid Zone's nonfiction shelves -- On the Job by Lisa Thompson.  There are ten titles in all, each one focusing on a different career path you could take.  I immediately knew I wanted to blog about them, but I couldn't decide when I should add it to the rotation.  Then it hit me!  This is National Library Week.  My chosen career path is librarian.  Perfect.
J  791.43  THO  Art in Action: Have You Got What It Takes to Be an Animator?
J  363.37023  THO  Battling Blazes: Have You Got What It Takes to Be a Firefighter?
J  394.2  THO  Cordially Invited: Have You Got What It Takes to Be an Event Planner?

Let's face some facts about Alabama weather during the month of April.  It is going to rain.  Yes, sometimes it snows in April, but rain is a far more likely forecast.  And this is a good thing.  In fact, it's a great thing!  Because rainy days make great reading days.  So when those April showers hit, curl up on your couch with a good book.  In the mood to be thematic?  Try one of these Rainy Day reads.  (P.S. Take a look at this blog's matching display the next time you're in the Kid Zone.)
PICTURE BOOKS
E  BAR  Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett