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HPL Kids

The Kidzone has programs galore as well as books, movies, and other cool stuff. Read our blog below for more information and check out our upcoming events to get an idea of what's happening at the Kidzone! Our main phone number is 205.444.7830.

Recent Book Reviews

Horten's Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery & Another Very Strange Adventure
Lula Bell on Geekdom, Freakdom & the Challenges of Bad Hair
A Mutiny in Time
Starry River of the Sky
Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School
Iron Hearted Violet
Jake and Lily
Paris Pan Takes the Dare
Me and the Pumpkin Queen
Read All About It!
The Boy on Cinnamon Street
Nerd Camp
The Classroom
Smells Like Dog
Mission Unstoppable
On the Road to Mr. Mineo's
The Mark of Athena
A Whole Lot of Lucky
Alien on a Rampage
One for the Murphys

More of our favorite books on GoodReads »

Kidzone Blog

Dead Voices

I am NOT a reader of spooky books.  But every once in a while, for the sake of reader's advisory, I pick one up.  Usually, I put it right back down again.  But last year I read Small Spaces by Katherine Arden.  And I loved every creepy minute of it.  The sequel comes out this week.  Should I read it now, or save it to read near Halloween?  Decisions, decisions.

Full STEAM Ahead to Camp Out!

Miss Lindsay is hosting our first Full STEAM Ahead of the school year.  She's bringing your favorite outdoor camping activities indoors at Camp Out! on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 4 p.m.  And she's giving it a science spin.  What does that mean?  I'll give you a hint.  One of the activities involves making s'mores . . . with a solar oven.  I don't want to reveal more than that.  Camping is always an adventure, right?  This event is open to campers ages 6-12.  Sign up online or by phone (444-7830) beginning 08/27.

Storytime: Back and Better Than Ever!

We know you've been missing storytime.  We have, too!  Our award-winning schedule resumes after Labor Day!  Find the one that's right for you!

Together with Twos on Mondays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Miss Lindsay leads this weekly storytime for two-year-olds and their caregivers.  It includes a craft.  Registration is required each week.

Story Lab on Mondays at 4 p.m.
Miss Katie Jane leads this weekly S.T.E.A.M.-based storytime for 3 to 8-year-olds.  It features a single story and 8 hands-on learning stations.

Mother Goose on Tuesdays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Miss Emma leads this weekly storytime for one-year-olds and their caregivers.  It includes a snack.  Registration is required each week.

Early Birds on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
Miss Polly leads this weekly storytime for children under one and their caregivers.  It includes a free play time.  Registration is required each week.

Story Sprouts on Wednesdays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Miss Anna Beth leads this large weekly storytime for children under four.  It includes acion-packed stories and lots of dancing.

ExploraStory on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Miss Traci leads this weekly storytime for children age three and up.  It features stories, music, and hands-on activities that promote school readiness.

NOW WEEKLY! Sensory Storytime on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.
Miss Christine leads this weekly storytime designed for children (ages 2-6) with autism and other sensory challenges.  Registration is required each week.

PJ Storytime on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Mr Justin leads this weekly storytime for all ages.  Wear your pajamas for stories, songs, a short movie, and a bedtime snack.

NOW WEEKLY! Movers & Shakers on Fridays at 11 a.m.
Miss Alyssa leads this weekly music and movement storytime for 3 to 5-year-olds and their caregivers.  Registration is required each week.

NEW! 1, 2, Me and You on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
A rotation of storytellers lead a monthly weekend lapsit for toddlers (12-36 months) and their working parents.  Registration is required each week.

Storytime Allstars on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
A rotation of storytellers lead a monthly weekend storytime for all ages.  It includes a short movie and a snack. 

* You can register for storytimes online, by phone (444-7833), or at the desk. *

Little Senses

I started our Sensory Storytime last fall, so I've been on the look out for stories for kids with sensory challenges.  And when I stumbled across these books, I absolutely FELL IN LOVE!  Combining accessible storytelling and playful design, the Little Senses picture book series by Samantha Cotterill gently offers practical advice for coping with new experiences to sensitive children on and off the autism spectrum.  I highly recommend them.  If you are a child (or have a child) who is 2-6 years old, I also recommend signing up for Sensory Storytime this fall.  Miss Christine is taking over, and she'll be able to offer it every week!  The first one is Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.  The theme is ABCs, and registration opens 09/05.  You can sign up online or by phone (444-7830).

This Beach Is Loud!
E  COT  NEW BOOK
Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky…and it gets everywhere!  A sensitive boy gets overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations at the beach. Luckily, this kiddo’s dad has a trick up his sleeve to help his son face these unexpected obstacles.

Nope. Never. Not for Me!
E  COT  NEW BOOK
Children are often picky eaters, but for kids on the autism spectrum or with sensory issues, trying new foods can be especially challenging.  A young child refuses to try a bite of broccoli–that is, until her mom guides her through a careful exploration of the new food.  First she looks, then she sniffs, then touches, and finally takes one tiny bite.  What do you know?  Broccoli isn’t so overwhelming after all!

My Pet . . . Truck?

Puppy Truck by Brian Pinkney (June 25, 2019)
E  PIN  NEW BOOK
Vroom…beep…bark!  Carter wants a puppy, but he gets a truck instead. So he pets it, puts a leash around it, and takes it to the park.  But the truck won’t sit still! What will Carter do with his rascally Puppy Truck?

How to Walk a Dump Truck by Peter Pearson (June 25, 2019)
E  PEA  NEW BOOK
This vehicular spin on pet adoption features an unlikely pet: a dump truck. Kids will not only laugh, but learn.  Just like a new pet, a new dump truck is a heap of responsibility, but it’s also loads of fun. Just remember: If you take care of it well, your dump truck will be your forever friend.  Includes tips on: selecting the perfect leash at the hardware store; whether to feed your truck diesel or regular; cleaning up your truck’s messes at the dump; socializing with other trucks, and much more.

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