May 05, 2012

Summer Reading is Coming!




Summer Reading Programs: “Dream Big: READ!”

     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.  There are some not-to-be missed shows taking place: guest storytellers, puppet shows, cultural arts programs, animal presentations, music & magic—usually all coming your way thanks to the Friends of the Library (PLEASE become a member; it’s cheap, and the Friends are any library’s lifeblood)!

This is a good time of year to gather up the event calendars of every library system within your personal stomping grounds!  Here’s a website that can connect residents of the SF Bay Area with many of the libraries in the region: http://www.santaclaracountylib.org/locallib.html

 As for the library system where I have the pleasure of booking the special events, the Livermore PublicLibrary, there is a big summer ahead, and you will definitely want to pick up the event calendar when it’s available!  Signups for the game are ONLINE this year, and the independent readers will enjoy the return of the spinning wheel of prizes (which made its debut last year).  There will be crafts at each library appearing on the calendar, plus…

Storytimes (beginning 6/11):
Mondays, 10:30am at Civic Center: A NEW SCHOOL-AGED ONLY READING CLUB hosted by John (hey, that’s me!) outside, and PRESCHOOL stories inside with Kelly
Mondays, 7pm at Civic Center: FAMILY Storytime with John (wear your pajamas; the kids can, too!)
Fridays, 10:30am at Rincon: All-ages Storytimes with John

Free Special Events!

Wednesday, June 13  10:30 Civic Center     
South Indian Art & Dance
Clap & dance along as Livermore resident Swetha Dixit and the Kalaikoil dancers present the culture, language, geography and music of South India through the traditional art form of Baharatanatyam.  The classical dance, much like ballet & the hula, tells a story through a combination of dance, music & drama.  Kalaikoil dancers will show you how to dance a few of the steps and even teach you to say a few Indian words.
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+.

Wednesday, June 20  10:30 Civic Center     
Wild Americas
Meet beautiful wild animals including a Canada Lynx & an Armadillo, and hear their stories as Wildlife Associates takes you into the secret world of wildlife, right at the Livermore Library.
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Coming Wednesday, June 20 to Livermore's Civic Center Library!

Tuesday, June 26                   6pm Springtown
The Magic of Gerald Joseph
Gerald keeps the laughs going from start until finish, with stunning surprises, amazing sleight-of-hand magic and outrageously funny sight gags. The hilarious audience participation is no trick!
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 
Wednesday, June 27  2:30 Rincon                                                                
            Cowgirl Tricks with Karen Quest
Don’t miss this return visit from America’s funniest cowgirl!  Karen’s fun-filled Vaudeville-style Western comedy act features trick roping, whip cracking, magic, and a whole passel of kooky, family-friendly cowgirl shenanigans.
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Wednesday, July 11   10:30 Civic Center     
The Busy Bee Dogs in “3 Billy Goats Gruff”
Canine actors reenact the classic story using colorful props, silly dog comedy and amazing stunts! The doggie stars—formerly homeless shelter animals—will also present their production of “The Library Lion.”
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Wednesday, July 18   7pm Civic Center       
            Goldilocks & the Three Sharks
Using the magic of black light, Puppet Art Theater transports the audience deep into an ocean environment to join Goldilocks the Mermaid under the sea as she looks for adventure and finds nothing but trouble
**INDOOR EVENT: Space limited, and no strollers allowed in room.  Attendees are advised to arrive quite early, as space is not guaranteed.  Just a few chairs will be out, for those with limited mobility.  Event recommended for ages 4+**

Saturday, July 21        2:30pm Civic Center  
            Lion Dance
Watch a performance of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance—and learn how to dance like a lion, yourself!  San Francisco’s Jing Mo Athletic Association martial arts group will be bringing the 1500-year-old art to Livermore, along with some nice loud drumming & a few martial arts moves!  Library-goers are invited to bring their own cameras to take photos with the Lion.
**INDOOR EVENT: Space limited, and no strollers allowed in room.  Attendees are advised to arrive quite early, as space is not guaranteed.  Just a few chairs will be out, for those with limited mobility.  Event recommended for ages 4+**  **LION DANCE programs can be LOUD!**

Tuesday, July 24                    6pm Springtown         
Storyteller Kenneth Foster
Kenneth Foster has collected a lifetime of stories, from his fond memories of his New Mexico childhood, to his travels far & wide, to his 28 years with the Livermore Lab.  Kenneth enjoys sharing the joy at wit of storytelling with audiences of all ages, and showing us we all have surprising stories to share.
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+.  

Wednesday, July 25   2:30 Rincon
            Music & Stories with Juan Sánchez
Spanish-born recording artist & teacher Juan L. Sánchez performs internationally for adults and children.  He will be performing music on instruments including a charango, a daf (frame drum), and a violin, and will be sharing stories from Japan, Central America, and South Africa—including the beloved song-story “Abiyoyo.”
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+.  

Wednesday, August 1             10:30 Civic Center
            House of Samba Drum & Rhythm Show
Expect to dance, sing, get involved and be transported around the globe through the sounds of drums and percussion!  Samba Samba is an interactive educational workshop that uses music, rhythm, percussion instruments, and drums as tools for capturing the imagination of the participants. This program is suitable for all ages from children to adults. 
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2:30 Rincon
            Hansel & Gretel
Puppet Art Theater presents a hilarious new take on the Grimm old classic!  Will Hansel & Gretel escape the witch’s gingerbread house and find their way home?
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 


GROWN-UPS: Please remember that many libraries offer an ADULT Summer Reading Program, and your participation—your example of reading—is an important gift to your child!

May 01, 2012

Upcoming Events

Public events!
 STORYTELLING appearances are in red,
and STORYTIMES at the Livermore Public Library are in brown.

Returning to Children's Fairyland May 12-13 & June 30-July 1


Friday, May 4
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime


Monday, May 7
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
(Final Spring Pajamatime Family Storytime)


Tuesday, May 8
Wednesday, May 9
Augmented Reality Event
Santa Clara Convention Center
Voice Talent: I'll be heard but not seen, as the theater announcer at this special technology conference & expo!


Friday, May 11
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime
(Final Spring Storytime)


Saturday, May 12
Sunday, May 13
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 and 2:30 each day
(weather dependent)

Thursday, June 7
Storytelling at 10am
3251 20th Avenue, San Francisco


Monday, June 11
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, June 15
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Saturday, June 16
Storytelling at 5:30pm

Monday, June 18
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, June 22
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime


Monday, June 25
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, June 28
Alameda Free Library, West End Branch
788 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda
Storytelling at 2pm


Friday, June 29
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime


Saturday, June 30
Sunday, July 1
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 and 2:30 each day
(weather dependent)

Monday, July 2
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, July 6
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 9
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, July 12
Daly City Library, Westlake Branch
Storytelling at 10:15am

Friday, July 14
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 16
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, July 19
Milpitas Library
Storytelling at 3pm

Friday, July 20
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 23
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, July 26
Storytelling at 4pm

Friday, July 27
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 30
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Tueday, July 31
Storytelling at 7pm

Friday, August 3
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, August 6
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime
(Final Family Storytime of the Summer)

Friday, August 10
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime
(Final Storytime of the Summer)


Saturday, August 18
Sunday, August 19
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 and 2:30 each day
(weather dependent)

Wednesday, October 24
Storytelling at 2pm
310 B Street, Cayucos, California

Wednesday, October 24
6:30pm: Scary stories for kids ages 7+
421 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, California


Saturday, October 27
Storytelling at 11am
1010 Nipomo Street (at Monterey), San Luis Obispo, California


Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education for The Dorris-Eaton School, Hacienda CDC, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Heads Up Palo Alto, Children's Academy of Danville, Learning Links Burlingame, Acorn Learning Center, Tutor Time, and Fremont Unified School District.  Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above.  For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!

April 30, 2012

Author Spotlight: Leslie Patricelli



Leslie Patricelli’s books are simple in style & concept, but huge on fun.  The art & action are bright & sassy; the simplicity and the brevity of text keep things moving along quickly, but I always slow down to appreciate the artistry on each page:  look at the texture of the acrylic on canvas—you can almost feel it!  The Patricelli books I’ve read seem to be about different members of the same family; another thing they have in common is a celebration of imagination.  Here are just a few titles to get you started:




The Birthday Box

The baby got a birthday present—what is it?  It’s a BOX! There’s something IN the box, but the baby loves the container so much, he may well be part cat.  It’s a tribute to the joy of imagination that goes will with Antoinette Portis’s Not a Box.






 
Higher!  Higher! 


How high can you go?  Most children don’t seem to want to be pushed TOO high in a swing—I remember it getting kind of scary once I was above the bar—but for the little girl in this book, the moon is not enough!  As you read this with your child, it’s fun to ask what the girl sees now, what you think she may see next, and whether or not it’s all real.







No No Yes Yes

The baby is back, demonstrating good & not-so-good behaviors: drawing on the walls is a no-no; drawing on paper is a yes-yes.  The behavior gets increasingly outrageous—I express extreme outrage during storytime when the baby tears pages out of a book—and with any luck, way outside the range of what any child of yours would ever do!  The book offers a great opportunity for you & your little one to discuss what is a “no-no” and what is a “yes-yes” in your own home, & perhaps collaborate on a book of your own.



 
Faster!  Faster!

The girl who wanted to go higher now wants to go faster!  She rides her daddy’s back, urging him to go faster than a bunny, faster than a horse, faster than a cheetah!  How fast can Daddy go, and for how long?









 After you’ve checked these out, let me know what you think!  And if there are any books you’re really excited about—by Leslie Patricelli, or not—please tell me all about them!



.

April 28, 2012

NICE "Dear John" Letter!






Received from the director of a school in Palo Alto:

"I am not sure who had more fun, the teachers or the kids!  We were still laughing about it today in the staff room.  You have such a gift and I am so thrilled that you are using your gift in this manner.

 

"In this day and age parents,  and even some schools, rely so heavily on media to educate their children, that they are missing the single most important piece and that is a child’s imagination. You nailed it right on the head when you were telling the children that their imagination is what makes the story come alive; for each of us will imagine the same character in a different way.  You said it much more eloquently than I just did but you know what I mean!"

 

 

 

April 19, 2012

Read Up: Surprise Endings


Expect the unexpected when you settle in with any of this set of five eye-openers!  You may find yourself going along, & going along, & going along, and... then... BAM!  A turn of events that came out of seemingly no place (though in one case I was HOPING for a certain ending--but not expecting it at all)!




 Penguin
Polly Dunbar

Ben gets a penguin as a gift, but it doesn’t seem to DO anything.  Is it even real?  The most oft-repeated phrase in the book is, “penguin said nothing.” One gets the distinct impression Ben is about to ask for the gift receipt by the time a gasp-worthy moment or two finally comes along! 






I Want My Hat Back
Jon Klassen

Bear has lost his hat, and he goes around asking all of the forest animals whether they’ve seen it.  Is (at least) one of the characters lying?  It’s fun to read this one in a deadpan voice—at least for MOST of the proceedings!








I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean
Kevin Sherry

 (previously mentioned here
 The biggest BOOR in the ocean, you mean!  Giant Squid gleefully points out that he’s bigger than jellyfish, bigger than turtles, bigger than octopus—the biggest thing in the ocean!  Or is he?  This is a book with a definite gasp, and perhaps a nervous chuckle!  I love the illustrations—and the window clings that came in the copy of the book I purchased!




The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?
Mo Willems

A new Pigeon book from Willems is always something to look forward to, so I picked this one up the second I saw it in the bookstore.  That adorable, annoying little duckling is also back; he asks for a cookie—using his best manners—and actually GETS one!  It seems to be chocolate chip with nuts, and Pigeon is furious!  There is a surprise twist at the end—one in which I learn how much Duckling & I have in common (in addition to that “adorable, annoying” description)!

 


Hungry Hen
Richard Waring & Caroline Jayne Church

This little hen spends most of the book eating & eating, and growing & growing.  I know the feeling.  Before long, a hungry fox enters the picture, and things don’t look so good for our heroine.  The fox makes his move, and…the book ends!  Almost just like that, but with a bit of a shock in-between.

 

 Do you have any favorite books with surprise endings?  Please let me know so that I can check them out!


March 27, 2012

Upcoming Events


Public events!  STORYTELLING appearances are in red,
and STORYTIMES at the Livermore Public Library are in brown.


Friday, March 30
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime

Monday, April 2
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, April 6
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime

Monday, April 9
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime


Friday, April 13
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime

Saturday, April 14
2-4pm: Many tellers, many tales!
(I'll be on at approximately 3:10.  Come early & enjoy the whole event!)

Monday, April 16
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, April 20
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime

Monday, April 23
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime


Friday, April 27
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime


Monday, April 30
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime


Friday, May 4
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime


Monday, May 7
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
(Final Spring Pajamatime Family Storytime)


Tuesday, May 8
Wednesday, May 9
Augmented Reality Event
Santa Clara Convention Center
Voice Talent: I'll be heard but not seen, as the theater announcer at this special technology conference & expo!


Friday, May 11
10:30am Baby/Toddler Storytime
11am Preschool Storytime
(Final Spring Storytime)


Saturday, May 12
Sunday, May 13
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 and 2:30 each day
(weather dependent)

Thursday, June 7
Storytelling at 10am
3251 20th Avenue, San Francisco


Monday, June 11
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, June 15
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Saturday, June 16
Storytelling at 5:30pm

Monday, June 18
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, June 22
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime


Monday, June 25
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, June 28
Alameda Free Library, West End Branch
788 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda
Storytelling at 2pm


Friday, June 29
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime


Saturday, June 30
Sunday, July 1
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 and 2:30 each day
(weather dependent)

Monday, July 2
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Friday, July 6
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 9
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, July 12
Daly City Library, Westlake Branch
Storytelling at 10:15am

Friday, July 14
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 16
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, July 19
Milpitas Library
Storytelling at 3pm

Friday, July 20
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 23
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Thursday, July 26
Storytelling at 4pm

Friday, July 27
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, July 30
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime

Tueday, July 31
Storytelling at 7pm

Friday, August 3
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime

Monday, August 6
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
Pajamatime Family Storytime
(Final Family Storytime of the Summer)

Friday, August 10
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am All-Ages Storytime
(Final Storytime of the Summer)

Wednesday, October 24
6:30pm: Scary stories for kids ages 7+
421 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, California


Saturday, October 27
Storytelling at 11am
1010 Nipomo Street (at Monterey), San Luis Obispo, California


Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education for The Dorris-Eaton School, Hacienda CDC, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Heads Up Palo Alto, Children's Academy of Danville, Learning Links Burlingame, Acorn Learning Center, Tutor Time, and Fremont Unified School District.  Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above.  For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!