Thanks!

I had a lot of fun this weekend storytelling for the children & their families at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto!  I just got this e-mail from the staffer who made it all happen:



"I was so pleased with how well it went!  The kids and parents and staff all enjoyed our time with you very much.  I got your name from a Palo Alto librarian, and I will be sure to thank her for her great recommendation.  A couple of parents even took flyers AFTER your visit so that they would remember who you were :) We hope to have you visit here again!"

Reading Together: A Family Tradition!

Listen to this story from NPR's Weekend Edition about the father & daughter who decided to read together for 100 nights in a row. Did they read for 100 nights? NO: they read for 3,218! This is fantastic. Many parents wonder about how to "find the time" to read to their kids, but this family shows how just by making a commitment to start, reading together can become a cherished tradition. This parent & child got so much more out of the experience than simply the words on the pages.

Check out the link: there's the audio of Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon interviewing Jim Brozina & Alice Ozma (the parent & child readers); a text version of the story; an excerpt from Ozma's book, The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared; and from that book, a list of suggestions for families looking to start a reading streak of their own!

The Littlest Storyteller

Are you ready for a story about a boy named Jack?  Two-year-old Dalton will tell you all about "Jack & the Beanstalk," and he'll do it with tons of enthusiasm!  I think my favorite part is about the food laid out by the giant's wife, a feast that includes potstickers & pizza!
 

Libraries: Recession-busters since FOREVER!

Did you know that all of the live entertainment at libraries this summer is FREE?  I see full schedules of storytellers, puppetry, music, crafts, clowning, wildlife, magic, authors--and in Kaneohe, Hawaii, STORMTROOPERS!  And ALL of it is presented in real-life 3-D that won't strain your eyes or your pocketbook!

Reading with Character(s)

Reading with Character(s), a photo by Storyteller John Weaver on Flickr.

Just unearthed this photo from 2008: Storytime with Strawberry Shortcake & Curious George at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, California.

Upcoming Events

Summer Reading Game season is here!  Check with your library for information on the games & prizes, storytimes, special performances and fun for all age groups (yes, there are summer reading programs for adults, too--a fun chance to set a good example).

School-age & Family Storytimes
Livermore Public Library
Join John for the fun each week (June 13 - August 12):
Mondays: 10:30am School-age Storytime outside under the tree;  
7pm Family Storytime, Civic Center
Fridays: 10:30am School-age Storytime outside under the trees, Rincon


Storytelling Appearances:

Saturday, June 18

Sunday, June 19

CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND

Lake Merritt, Oakland

Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day

Wednesday, June 29

San José Public Library, Rose Garden Branch

Storytelling at 2pm

Saturday, August 13

Sunday, August 14

CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND

Lake Merritt, Oakland

Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day

Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Bright Horizons/Garner Preschool Learning Center in Alameda, The Child Day School in Lafayette, Husky House, Children's Academy of Danville, Club Sport Pleasanton, and Girl Scouts/Coyote Hills Service Unit.  For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!

SUMMER READING GAMES are Here!

Note: Before the dawn of up-to-the-moment social media, I kept folks up to date on my doings through an e-mail newsletter list.   Now that most people have access to online resources such as Facebook & Blogger, I decided it's time to phase out the labor-intensive, old-school newsletter.  Here's the final one:

June is here, and lots of summer reading fun & prizes for all ages lay ahead!  In this e-mail, I'll talk about what's up at local libraries, where I'll be performing (and where I've been lately), and share a few resources.  Finally, I'll be signing off from these e-mail newsletters, giving you new options to keep track of the family & literacy-related bits that I share.

1.      Join your local library for the Summer Reading Game!

2.      Where I've Been, & Where Else I’ll Be

3.      A Few Great Books

4.      GOODBYE... to this newsletter (but let's stay connected)

1. Summer Reading Games: One World, Many Stories @ Your Library!

            When school is out, reading is in, with library calendars that are packed with FREE shows, storytimes, crafts and prizes!  Each library is a little different, but look and you will find games for pre-readers, school-aged kids, teens, and even adults.  Stop by your local library & ask how to sign up & get in on the fun!  There are some not-to-be missed shows taking place: animal programs, magic, puppets, music & dance—check out the calendars of your libraries with a simple web search, or start with one click here! 

            As for the library system where I present storytimes & book special events—the Livermore Public Library—here’s just part of what you can find going on there this month (a printable calendar of ALL of the summer's performances, storytimes & crafts is available at this link):

Every Monday (beginning 6/13):

10:30am: Preschool Storytimes with Kelly; School-age Storytimes with John

7pm: Family Storytimes with John

Every Friday (beginning 6/17):

10:30am: Preschool Storytimes & Music with Clara Yen; School-age Storytimes with John

FREE Special Family Performances!

June 15, 2:30: Folk music, stories, & dance of Mexico & the Caribbean with Dúo Cascada de Flores

June 22, 2:30: Chinese-style juggling, balancing & contortion with Red Panda Acrobats

June 28, 6pm: An interactive "Adventure in Space" with Kenn Adams' Adventure Theater

June 29, 10:30: Hilarious & exciting Cowgirl Tricks with Karen Quest

--and that's just for starters!  In July & August, the Livermore Libraries will welcome guest storytellers, a gamelan orchestra presenting the music of Bali, silly clown magic, a juggler who will leave you in stitches, puppetry-- and a REAL-LIVE MOUNTAIN LION.  If the times & locations do not work for you, explore the other library links above, as many of these presenters will be appearing at other libraries in the region this summer.

2. What I've been up to-- & what I'll be getting up to!

     I've not been sending out these newsletters much; I've found I keep in touch much more quickly through my page on Facebook and on my blog.  I'm still sharing stories all over, though!  I started 2011 in Hawaii, with storytelling visits to the Waikiki Aquarium and the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center-- you can see several photos of my performances at that Facebook link.  Back in California, I attended the annual Asilomar Reading Conference, and was soon back at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, a perfect place for fertilizing budding imaginations with lively stories!  In the spring, I took part in the annual Sunnyvale Library Storytelling Festival, and also have been storytelling at libraries in San Jose & San Leandro, as well as at elementary schools & preschools throughout the Bay Area. 

THIS MONTH (in addition to my Livermore Library duties), I'll be doing my storytelling at the following public locations:

June 18 & 19th at 1:30 & 2:30: Children's Fairyland, Oakland

June 29 at 2pm: San Jose Public Library, Rose Garden Branch

Hope to see you somewhere along the way!

3. Looking for some good reads?

From time to time on the "Read Up" section of my blog, I'll share some great picture books, both old & new. Take a look--I think it's a good place to get started on some fun family summer reading!  I'd also love to hear of any favorite books you have.  Ready to get started? READ UP!

4. Goodbye-- but not really, I hope.

I started communicating by e-mail "newsletter" long before the days of Facebook.  I used to do this about once a month--and it takes a LONG time!  Through my Facebook page and my blog, though, I can add bits of news and longer entries alike on a more timely basis, and you don't have to wade through (or delete) a long email (which may be landing in your spam folder in the first place)!  PLEASE-- do get reaquainted with me over on the social network, and/or subscribe to the blog; I try to share useful information, funny bits, and hopefully something you'll occasionally find worthy of passing along to your own friends & contacts.  Please do connect & say hello.

Here’s to a beautiful summer with your family, & thanks for supporting storytelling,

--John

Read Up! May Flowers

This time around, just a small Spring arrangement of books about gardening. All are blooming with fun & imagination, and can be enjoyed indoors or out.


Fran's Flowers
Lisa Bruce & Rosalind Beardshaw
Fran finds a flowerpot with a tiny bud growing inside, and she tries to make the bud flower. Did you know that pizza & ice cream are unlikely to make plants grow? It's fun to read this book along with the children in your life, and talk to them about their ideas as to what Fran is doing wrong.




 

My Garden
Kevin Henkes
The girl in this book knows her way around a garden, but she has big dreams about what a garden of her own would look like. Would you also like jelly-bean bushes?






Rose's Garden
Peter H. Reynolds
Reynolds is responsible for a growing list of beautifully-illustrated stories about amazing transformations in the lives of their young characters. The "Rose" here, with the help of a diverse group of new friends, cultivates a colorful garden in a formerly-dreary & neglected neighborhood. Reynolds books inspire.


Koala and the Flower
Mary Murphy
Poor little Koala lives with a couple of grownups who can only see things in black & white, and always think they have the answers to everything--without ever seeking out any actual information. Koala finds the place where information blooms from the shelves, and her garden soon flowers like magic.




 The Apple Pie Tree
Zoe Hall & Shari Halpern
Part storybook, part nonfiction, this book is the least fanciful of the set--but still asserts that apple pies grow from trees. The collage illustrations are beautifully done, and the pie recipe at the end looks full of possibilities.

Me...Jane

In the summer, when I conduct many book-based library programs geared toward school-aged children, I am constantly on the lookout for biographies that can introduce an important figure to young children, but still be simple & snappy enough to manage to engage a large, mixed-age group. This is a tall order, especially when the program takes place on a lawn, on a bright and breezy summer morning!

I was lucky enough this week to discover a new book that I know will work not just for these motley groups I describe, but is great for preschoolers, as well! Me...Jane, written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell (of "Mutts" comic strip fame), is a simple-looking picture book about an adventuresome young girl. Young Jane loves to explore and play outdoors, often accompanied by a stuffed chimp toy she names Jubilee. Jane studies nature, drawing and making notes on what she sees, and she dreams of living among the animals. At the end of the book, we learn that the girl's dreams have come true, as we see a photograph of a real-life, grown-up Jane with a real-life chimpanzee.

I find McDonnell's picture-book story treatment of the early childhood of the famous primatologist Jane Goodall to be ingenious; not only does it function as a beautifully-illustrated, stand-alone picture book story for pre- and early readers, but it also introduces Goodall, with more detail on her and her life's work at the end of the story itself. We have the biography aspect, animals, and themes of dreams, achievement, and girl power. Love it!

The first group of preschoolers with whom I shared Me...Jane enjoyed the story, and the idea it was about a real person. This is a book I can look forward to sharing again and again, knowing it will reach each child at his or her own level.

John's Inbox

Here's a very nice email I received from the director of Heads Up Early Learning Institute in Palo Alto, where I recently had a great time sharing stories:


Hi John:

Thank you!  The kids had so much fun and the teachers were still talking about how much fun it was during lunch hour. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

It was such a breath of fresh air in storytelling.  My kids are a great judge of character and they clearly felt very comfortable with you.  I have been asked numerous times when you are coming back.  We will definitely do this again in the very near future.

National Library Week: How to Celebrate?

National Library Week is here!  How to celebrate?  Here are just a few simple ideas: 

READ.  Parents, please notice I didn’t say, “read to your children.” That’s vital.  Do that more.  Fit it in to your everyday routine, and also fit it in, in non-routine ways.  But it’s also vital to let your children catch you reading to yourself!  This action models reading as a worthwhile pursuit.  Last year, I had a parent admit to me that her children thought she could not read—because they had never seen her do so!  Sadly, it would seem she has also not read to them within the span of their memory.  Do not let this happen to you!

GET A LIBRARY CARD.  If you have one, dust it off.  The best way to celebrate libraries is by using the ones you have.

TAKE A FRIEND TO THE LIBRARY. Maybe your friend does not have a library card.  You probably have friends who aren’t even aware of the locations of the local libraries.  Some people think they don’t have time, but do they have time for coffee?  Meet them for a coffee at the closest library café, and then take a stroll through the building.  Some people say they don’t like to read, don’t have time to read—but maybe they’ll actually see something they like.  Does your friend like TV?  You know, the library has quite a collection of book featuring TV characters, like Scooby-Doo and Spongebob Squarepants, Dexter and Paula Deen.

CHECK THE EVENTS CALENDAR.  Your local libraries have tons of events happening every month—storytimes, travelogues, author visits, puppet shows, movies, game days, even homework, legal, and tax help—synch your calendars!

TAKE YOUR LIBRARY CARD ONLINE.  Do NOT abandon your library building, but DO check out its website (you can even do so from inside the library itself—your computer or theirs)!  The library pays for all kinds of premium services, and then gives you free access—all you need is your library card.  You could get help finding a job, or starting a new business, buying a new car, repairing an older one, or learning a new language.  Check different library’s sites, because not every library has every resource.  You’ll be surprised what is open to you and the students in your house, for free!

JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY.  Please join.  The Friends of the Library are a vital lifeline in this financially-troubled time when layoffs are common & resources are stretched.  The Friends provide the funds that support library programs such as the annual Summer Reading Game and all of its amazing free performances.  They enrich the library at every turn, and libraries would be in dire straits indeed without these groups.  Join.  It’s cheap.  Shop at their book sales regularly.  You’ll be able to build your home library at a bargain rate.

EVANGELIZE.  The libraries need to be utilized by you, supported by you—and they need you to be their cheerleader!  Talk about what you are reading.  Talk about libraries.  Write a letter to the editor of your newspaper.  Write a letter to your elected representatives at every level.  Pick up or print out a flyer of the library’s family programs and hand a copy to your child’s teacher, put it up at the school office, bring it up at the PTA meeting.  Put one up on the bulletin board of the supermarket, coffee shop, ad infinitum.  The key to supporting and saving libraries is to have enough people who care to save them.  Most people don’t even know the range of programs available.  Most people spend more time at Target than they do at their local library.  Put a flyer up at Target.

COOKIES FOR YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIANS?  Well, that’s sweet, but using your library regularly, getting new people (and old friends) in, and supporting the Friends group—that is ever so much sweeter, and exponentially more sustaining.

Finally, and most importantly:

FORGET NATIONAL LIBRARY “WEEK.” Your library needs you all year long.  Your library cannot subsist on one weekly push, so keep coming in, keep utilizing the resources, and supporting them, and telling everyone about them!  Keep reading!

Upcoming Events

Toddler, Preschool & Family Storytimes
Livermore Public Library
Join John for the fun each week:
Mondays: 10:30am Toddler Storytime; 7pm Family Storytime, Civic Center (through May 9)
Wednesdays: 10:30am Toddler Storytime, Civic Center (through May 11)
Fridays: 10:30 & 11:00 Toddler & Preschooler Storytimes, Rincon (through May 13)


Storytelling Appearances:

Saturday April 9

San Jose Public Library

Vineland Branch
Storytelling at 1pm

Wednesday, April 13

San Jose Public Library

Cambrian Branch
Storytelling at 3pm

Saturday, April 23

Sunnyvale Public Library

Storytelling at 3pm

Saturday, April 30

San Jose Public Library

King Branch
Storytelling at 3pm

Sunday, May 1

Cooleykatz Toys, Livermore

Special library-style storytime and preview of the Livermore Public Library's Summer Reading Game
1pm

Sunday, May 1

The 22nd Annual Sunnyvale Library Storytelling Festival

This 2-hour event runs from 2-4pm.  I'll be on at 3pm.


Saturday, May 21
San Leandro Library
Manor Branch
Storytelling at 10:30am

Saturday, May 21

Sunday, May 22

CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND

Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day

Saturday, June 18

Sunday, June 19

CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND

Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day

Wednesday, June 29

San José Public Library, Rose Garden Branch

Storytelling at 2pm



Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling for Heads Up Early Learning Institute in Palo Alto, Elan Esprit preschools in Milpitas & Santa Clara, Bright Horizons/Garner Preschool Learning Center in Alameda, The Child Day School in Lafayette, Husky House, and Children's Academy of Danville.  For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!

Read Up: Spring is Pop-Up Book All Over!

If you want to experience 3-D entertainment, there’s no need to sit through the latest overrated blockbuster movie, which is guaranteed only to assault your senses, intelligence, & eyesight.  Go old-school, and seek out some pop-up books!  They cover every genre, from cute animal story, to humor, to action—even the classics are out there, such as Alice in Wonderland, Winnie-the-Pooh, and works by Shakespeare and Mother Goose, herself.  The paper engineering will cause some oohs & aahs, and maybe even inspire the craftier folks in the crowd.

Here’s a tiny list of just a handful of my favorites; seek them out, but also keep your eyes open for some new favorites of your own!

Charlie Chick

Nick Denchfield & Ant Parker

Charlie Chick is big and round, with big feet & a big beak—but what’s even bigger than Charlie Chick?  I love this book!  It’s big & bold, simple & sturdy—and very funny!

I Love to Eat Bugs

John Strejan

In this version of the traditional tale of one-upmanship, we meet several animals who pop out of the book & tell us about their dining habits.  Talk about your favorite foods as you read this book, and don’t miss the opportunity to make a few animal sounds.

Big Frog Can’t Fit In

Mo Willems

Big Frog has a hard time fitting into her own book, but she eventually gets by—with some help from her little friends.  The simple, eye-appealing art of Mo Willems pokes & flies out of this chunky book, thanks to some amazing paper engineering by Bruce Foster. 

Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me

Eric Carle

Monica wants to play with the moon, so she asks her Papa to bring it to her.  The moonrise in this book is so big, I’m tempted to hold it near my bathtub to see if it can make waves.

Under the Bed

David Wood & Richard Fowler

The simplest of this set, this is the familiar story about a small child’s (in this case, a small bear child’s) claim of a monster under the bed.  Watch out for the surprise, pop-up, ending!

Do you have any favorite pop-up books?  Please tell me about them—I don’t want to miss out on the 3-D fun!

Author Spotlight: Janet Stevens

Janet Stevens made me bark like a dog in front of hundreds of teachers at the 2011 SCCRC Asilomar Reading Conference!

Stevens was giving a presentation to the group, and got around to a book of hers called "Help Me, Mr. Mutt: Expert Answers for Dogs with People Problems." Lots of confused, barking dogs in this one. Stevens suddenly pointed to the person seated directly before her to get up & do the "heavy barking." That was me. She had no idea she was calling up a professional--and I never told her!

Curl up in a comfy place when you open a book by Janet Stevens, because you (and your child, if you're sharing) will both want to take your time to explore the intricate, witty illustrations on each page. Hidden surprises abound. Janet's artwork has enhanced works by authors including Eric Kimmel and Coleen Salley, and Stevens herself has penned many books, both alone & with her sister, Susan Stevens Crummel. Here are just a small handful:

Tops & Bottoms
The star of this book is a hare who once “lost a risky bet with a tortoise.” Now he has to get his food by tricking a lazy bear. Kids can laugh along with this trickster tale, and learn a little bit about their veggies at the same time.

My Big Dog
Merl the cat seemed very happy to have his home & his family all to himself—so obviously a dog had to come into the picture. Colorful illustrations are integrated with real photographs, and a very cute puppy.

Cook-a-Doodle-Doo!
Fans of the Little Red Hen will be interested to learn that great-grandson is a baker, as well. Rooster has a lot of help—but it is not necessarily helpful help. The story is funny, there are a lot of lessons about kitchens & cooking along the way, and there’s a tasty recipe at the end.

The Great Fuzz Frenzy
This book is the true story of how Janet's dog, Violet the Golden Retriever, dropped her ball down a prairie dog hole—and the fantastical imagining about what may have happened next. You’ll turn the book, fold out pages—and maybe even want to set about puzzling some prairie dogs, yourself!

Plaidypus Lost
A little girl gets a very special homemade plaid friend from her grandmother, and what’s the first thing she does? She loses it! And she gets it back. And she loses it again. Everybody should recognize the pattern, even if they have no idea what a platypus (or plaidypus) is!

The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon
Where did dish & spoon go? Little Dog isn’t laughing—it’s time to round up a search party! Everyone gets involved: Little Boy Blue, Little Miss Muffet’s Spider—even the Big Bad Wolf!

That should be enough to get you started.  You can also visit the author's web page to view a larger list of titles, download coloring sheets, learn about her art process, and more.

Check out Janet Stevens, and let me know what you think!

Upcoming Events

Preschool & Family Storytimes
Livermore Public Library
Join John for the fun each week:
Mondays: 7pm Family Storytime, Civic Center (through May 9)
Fridays: 10:30 & 11:00 Toddler & Preschooler Storytimes, Rincon (through May 13)

Saturday, March 5

Sunday, March 6

CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND

Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day

Saturday April 9

San Jose Public Library

Vineland Branch
Storytelling at 1pm

Wednesday, April 13

San Jose Public Library

Cambrian Branch
Storytelling at 3pm

Saturday, April 23

Sunnyvale Public Library

Storytelling at 3pm

Saturday, April 30

San Jose Public Library

King Branch
Storytelling at 3pm

Sunday, May 1

The 22nd Annual Sunnyvale Library Storytelling Festival

This 2-hour event runs from 2-4pm.  I'll be on at 3pm.


Saturday, May 21
San Leandro Library
Manor Branch
Storytelling at 10:30am


Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling for Brier Elementary in Fremont, Brentwood Elementary, The Child Day School in Lafayette, and Children's Academy of Danville.  For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!