Kids
R.E.A.D. Program Sign-ups
Written by claire on 10/12/2010There is still space for the R.E.A.D. program for this Thursday, February 2 at 4:15pm.
Kids can sign up for individual reading sessions with Darien Library's R.E.A.D.er dog Brasil and his friends.
Winter R.E.A.D. sessions*. Register by selecting the date.
March 1
April 5
May 3
*All sessions begin at 4:15pm, and are 15 minutes each
*Sessions are for kids reading on their own, or with help. Ages 4 and up recommended.
To find out more about the R.E.A.D. program at Darien Library click here.
Book Review of The Dead Gentleman
Written by claire on 02/02/2012
2013 Nutmeg Nominee author Matthew Cody has a brand new book on the shelves. One of the Kids Galley Bloggers decided to share their thoughts.
The Dead Gentleman is a great book. There are many things I like about this book. One is that the author always keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is a ton of action. the main characters are Tommy and Jezebel. Tommy is a 20th century homeless kid who gets involved in the secret explorers society. The explorers travel through portals to different worlds and times. Jezebel lives in the apartment complex that Tommy got trapped in a hundred years earlier. There she gets a message from Tommy. The message is: to beware of the dead gentleman. That is when the adventure starts for both Tommy and Jezebel. This book is very well written. Not too much action, but just enough to keep you reading.
Jonathan
Crow by Barbara Wright
Written by claire on 02/02/2012
The Darien Kid Bloggers bring you two new book reviews this month.
This historical fiction book is about a boy named Moses around the year of 1900. His father works at the local newspaper company, and he makes a decent living. Moses is teaching his grandmother named Boo Nanny to read. She is also finally telling the stories of when she was a slave. African Americans are finally somewhat getting the respect and positions of power in Wilmington, North Carolina. But not everyone is happy with the situation. Some of them will do anything, including a violent plot, to maintain what they are comfortable with.
I, personally, like the style of Christopher Paul Curtis better about the same topics. With grandma’s stories jumping back and forth, it is hard to keep track and easy to get confused for me. But I do think it is a good book and most kids will enjoy this story.
John
If you are interested in becoming a Darien Kid Blogger, email the Children's Library at childrenslibrary@darienlibrary.org for further details. Kid Bloggers are given ARCs (advanced reader's copies) of soon to be published books and asked to write a review for the Library's website.
UnBEARably Cute Books
Written by KieraP on 01/30/2012
The New York Times Book Review recently profiled three new picture books about bears including Otto the Book Bear and Maudie and Bear. Whether they are of the grizzly, polar, or teddy variety, we love picture books about bears! Here are a few of our very favorite bear stories:
Did you know...? Snow!
Written by marianm on 01/21/2012
All this snow might have you wondering more about the white stuff, so here are some interesting snow facts to satisfy that curiosity.
Every winter one SEPTILLION (1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000!) snowflakes fall! Each snowflake is made up of 180 billion molecules of water. That's a lot of zeroes.
The biggest snowball fight took place in Korea and 5,387 people participated. Hmm, maybe it's time for that record to be broken...
New York State has the snowiest cities: Rochester averages 93 inches of snow a year, and Syracuse averages 115 inches!
The average winter snowfall along the Connecticut coastline is 30-35 inches.
Check out the Guinness Book of World Records website for more snow facts.
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Written by KieraP on 01/15/2012
This Monday, January 16th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which celebrates the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was one of the most famous and respected civil rights leaders in the 1960s. He fought against racial discrimination using non-violent methods such as sit-ins, marches, and boycotts. Whether you're working on a school assignment or interested in learning more about Dr. King, check out the links and booklist below.
Martin Luther King, Jr. - Life in Pictures by National Geographic Kids
Video of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech via Teacher Tube
Civil Rights Primary Sources for Students via Library of Congress
Celebrating MLK Day- Selected New York Times Articles and Front Pages via NYTimes Learning Network
The Martin Luther King National Memorial
For Teachers: Lesson Plans and Activities via Thinkfinity (use the search term "Martin Luther King, Jr.")
And don't forget the amazing online resources available through Darien Library:
And more!
App of the Month - DoodleCast for Kids
Written by claire on 01/02/2012January's App of the Month is DoodleCast for Kids. This App allows preschoolers to draw, create videos, and practice their Narrative Skills. DoodleCast was also recently voted the "best App for younger children" at the 2012 KAPi Awards, part of the Consumer Electronics Show.
The App gives kids a list of images and adjectives, allowing them to draw and record voice-overs. Their descriptions are then made into short videos which can be emailed or uploaded to YouTube.
Doodling has never been this fun! Grownups are sure to also love the educational elements of this engaging activity. Children can illustrate their knowledge both visually and verbally.
DoodleCast for Kids is designed by Zinc Roe Inc. and can be found online for iPad users.
Dont have an iPad? Did you know that the Children's Library circulates Early Literacy iPads? Place your hold today!
Book Review of The New Kid
Written by childrens library on 12/27/2011
The Darien Kid Bloggers are back with a new book review!
The New Kid
by Mavis Jukes
The New Kid is about a boy named Carson who moves with his Dad to a new town. Carson has trouble fitting in at Valley Oak School.
I loved this story! Mavis Jukes really wrote a wonderful book. The characters in the book are both creative and unique and also very inspiring. The New Kid is full of unexpected twists and turns and surprises.
Written by Danny R.
If you are interested in becoming a Darien Kid Blogger, ask one of the children's librarians for details. Kid Bloggers are given ARCs (advanced reader's copies) of soon to be published books and asked to write a review for the Library's website.
Enchanting Art from Children Around the World...Now on Display!
Written by KieraP on 12/20/2011Have you seen the amazing artwork now on display in the Library's Gallery (on the lower level)?
The art exhibit entitled “Seasons and Celebrations: Children’s Art from Around the World" will be on display until January 11, 2012.
The installation brings 35 holiday-themed pieces of art to the gallery, each piece created by a child between the ages of 7 and 15. The artists are located in more than a dozen countries around the world including Chile, Latvia, Russia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The exhibit was made possible by Creative Connections, a Norwalk-based non-profit international culture exchange, and PG Properties.
Please stop by this holiday season, enjoy the artwork, and sign the guest book. As always, admission is free and open to all.
StoryTubes Competition
Written by childrens library on 11/24/2011
Calling all kid filmmakers! The StoryTubes 2012 competition is on and this is your chance to make a film about your favorite kids' book.
This year, Darien Library is a partner library with Storytubes! StoryTubes is a way to combine kids' love of reading and interest in technology by asking kids to create a video about a book they love, either individually or as a group. The video can be a booktalk, in which the kids tell a little about the book and why it's so great, or it can be a dramatic performance, or even an animated clip.
Check out this StoryTube video:
See the winning and honorable mention StoryTube videos from 2011here.
Here is more information about what the videos should include and who can enter:
- Videos should be less than 2 minutes long
- Kids ages 5 to 18 can enter, as individuals or in a group of no more than 5 kids
Some simple instructions for creating an online video can be found here.
Entries are accepted January 20- February 20.
Storytubes Creation Lab:
Darien Library will have a room and a camera available for kids and groups to use on the following dates. Come with your scripts and ideas and film at the Library! Contact the Children's Library at childrenslibrary@darienlibrary.org or (203)669-5235 to reserve a time.
Tuesday, December 27, Wednesday, December 28 , and Thursday, December 29 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, January 11 and 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Saturdays, February 4 and 18th from 2 to 4 p.m.
Darien Library, 1441 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut, 06820-5419 · 203-655-1234Directions and Contact Information. Twitter: darienlibrary. AIM & Y!M: deweydarien.