Today we experimented using Wordle.  It's a free web toy that allows you to cut and paste (or just type) text to create "word clouds."  Words that are used most frequently get prominence and appear larger.  You can change the font, the colors, and the layout. 

I created this word cloud by copying and pasting a Wikipedia article about Captain Underpants (click for a larger image):

You can make your own word clouds and leave the link in the comments section!

Did you grow up laughing along with books like Homer Price and Mr. Popper's Penguins?  Check out these modern read-alikes that will have you and your child busting a gut!

The Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Pinkwater

Stinky: A Toon Book by Eleanor Davis

Frindle by Andrew Clements

The Talented Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Double Trouble in Walla Walla by Andrew Clements

The Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer

For advanced readers with a refined sense of irony, try Richard Peck's The Teachers Funeral and Here Lies the Librarian. 

Make-your-own costumes...what comes to mind?  Sewing, elaborate, taking lots of time?  It doesn't always have to be that way, right?! 

Many costumes can start with a sweatshirt or a box.  My favorite costume was in 4th grade; I was a pair of dice with my friend Kerry.  She and I painted the boxes, pasted on paper dots, and wore tights and a turtleneck.

Some DIY costume links:

A Seattle Times article, that links to FamilyFun and parents.com, so we might as well too!  FamilyFun also has creepy cuisine

A Baltimore Sun article with lots of links

About.com has costumes and family crafts too
 

HGTV has 3 minute video clips that include no-sew costumes and toddler costumes

Some DIY costume books for kids and adults:

Hey Kids!  Did you know that TODAY people all over the country will be voting to elect the new President?

Are you concerned about our environment?  Do you have opinions on how to make our world a better, more peaceful place?  Have you wondered about how all this talk about the "economic crisis" will affect you and your family?

Just because you aren't 18 (that's the age when you first get to vote) doesn't mean you can't be involved in this historic election!

Check out these websites for an election countdown, information about the candidates, a mock election for kids, polls, and more:

Weekly Reader Election Center

Scholastic Countdown to Election 2008

Brain Pop: Presidential Election

PBS Kids Democracy Project

You can also find books at the Darien Library about elections, U.S. government, and past presidents.  Some of our favorites are:

We have some great new biographies about Senator Barack Obama, Senator John McCain, and Senator Hillary Clinton.

 Doing a report? Check out our online resources (stuff you can't get through Google).

     SPOOOOKY STORIES!

The cool weather makes me want to settle in with a spooky story!  When I feel like that, the first three authors I turn to are Peg Kehret, Betty Ren Wright and Joan Lowery Nixon.

Check out Kehret's  Horror at the Haunted House for a chilling tale about a town's Halloween haunted house that turns out to be truly haunted. Maybe? And then there's Danger at the Fair, about a boy who receives a ghostly message at a carnival seance.

Betty Ren Wright gifted mystery/suspence fans with The Dollhouse Murders, a truly spooky modern classic, and Christina's Ghost , in which a boring summer vacation in an isolated victorian home becomes an eerie adventure!

More?  No problem! Joan Lowery Nixon comes to your rescue with The Name of the Game is Murder, and, for young adults, The Other Side of Dark.   Wait Til Helen Comes is a popular ghost tale by Mary Downing Hahn.

And, you might also consider The Wrath of the Grinning Ghost  and The Mummy, The Will and The Crypt, both featuring a clever young character named Jonhhy Dixon, and his mentor Dr. Childermass. John Bellairs is the author.

We are here to help, if you need more spoooky ideas. And one last suggestion.....

                                                  Keep the lights on!

Local favorite artist Dre Towey is here this Thursday (10/9) at 10:30 am to entertain your little ones! 

Come to the Children's Room early, she's sure to sell out! Tickets will be distributed 15 minutes  before the performance and the program is free and open to everyone.

Known for her original tunes from the hit CD, "Ants Wear Underpants" (performed by Wendy Gelsanliter), and her solo debut, "Chester the Dog Unleashed" Dre Towey comes to amuse children ages 2 to 6.  Joining Dre will be Kwame Henry Jones of Infinite Roots on the African Drums. Sample her sounds on the website here.