Thursday, December 30, 2010

Mitten Tree



Thank you to all who donated to our Mitten Tree at Nesconset! We had such a great response! There will be many warm and cozy hands this cold winter! Look for our Mitten Tree to return next December.
Curl up with a good book and check out these
stories about mittens to keep you warm!




Thursday, December 23, 2010

Paint like Pollock!


A digital Pollock inspired masterpiece!
Gray winter day got you down? Play like Pollock at the stellar website, http://www.jacksonpollock.org/, Create your own colorful, splatter painted masterpiece, digitally, leaving behind no mess!

Lavendar Mist, by Jackson Pollock, 1950
Want to learn more about this radical artist? Check out the picture book biography, Action Jackson.Get a behind the scenes look in Pollock’s studio, and learn more about his time living on Long Island! Aspiring artists and their families can visit Pollock's home, now a historical landmark, and tour the studio and home.

Happy painting!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

There's SNOW Better Time to Read


Beat the winter blues in storytime!


The days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping - winter is the best time to warm up with a good book!

Check out some of our favorite picture books set in the winter season, filled with tales about hibernation, seasonal changes and plenty of imagination. Reading some of these titles is a perfect way to pass the time, as we wait for warm weather and beach reads!



Crafting the winter away...
The Snowy Day


Don’t forget to stop by the Children’s Department, holiday books are on display and may be borrowed for seven days.




Monday, December 13, 2010

Design a Book Mark Reception


Children's Librarians with some of our talented winners!

Friday, December 10 was a day to celebrate! The Nesconset Branch hosted the 19th  Design a Book Mark Reception. Twelve artistic Smithtown children were honored for their bookmark creations. Beginning in January 2011, each bookmark will be available in the Children’s Departments for a two month span, featured in the library’s newsletter and posted here, on the Book Bites Blog!

Congratulations to all of our winners!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

It's Turkey Time



We had a blast stuffing plushie turkeys on Tuesday, November 23 at the Nesconset Branch, in our tween program "Stuff That Turkey!". Sixteen third through fifth graders made eclectic and colorful turkey centerpieces for their Thanksgiving table. We went green this holiday creating projects from recycled materials and everyone's favorite winter accessory - gloves!

Looking for something to do before you dig into your Thanksgiving dinner?

Check out some of these:




Remember, the best thing to do after a big meal is gobble up a good book! Curl up and share a story with someone you are Thankful for. Having trouble choosing a story? Check out some of our favorite Thanksgiving tales:

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Mitten Tree

The Mitten Tree at the Nesconset Library is back!
For the month of December the Children's Room will have the Mitten Tree up by the Circulation Desk. Any patrons that would like to donate new mittens, gloves, scarves and hats are welcome to bring them in to put on our tree. We are accepting donations for both children and adults. At the end of the month we will be giving all our donations to a local church.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Good Reads: Eleven

Follow Winnie during her eleventh year in Eleven by Lauren Myracle. She’s a Bonnebell Dr. Pepper Lipsmaker lipgloss fan who just turned eleven years old. She’s your average tween-ster on the brink of full on teen-dom, dealing with a grumpy older sister, an adventurous little brother, the awkward transition between peer groups and exploring the curiosities and anxieties that accompany the onset of puberty.

This novel is great for girls in grades 5-6 who are looking for a story about someone “just like themselves” and may be a great tool to break the ice about bullying, cliques and lunch time drama and politics, allowing for great discussion for a girl’s book club or a mother-daughter book discussion. Uniquely told in chapters outlined by the month’s events, it follows Winnie a whole year, beginning with her eleventh birthday, and ending with her twelfth.

Can’t get enough? Don’t worry, the story continues with Twelve. Cheer Winnie on as she falls, and gets back up again – as she follows her heart and does what she feels is right.

Check out Lauren Myracle’s children’s books:

Get more information on the author at her website: http://www.laurenmyracle.com/

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Read to Rover

Last night our Read to Rover program started at the Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library. Three friendly therapy dogs were paired up with different children to enjoy some quiet reading together. The perfect end to a busy day! Reading to a non-judgemental audience, reluctant readers can improve their literacy skills.
You can book individual time with certified and trained therapy dogs from Therapy Dog International too! Register for 11/8. Sessions are 15 minutes long. Watch our newsletter for December dates!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Award Season is Just Around the Corner

Get ready for award season hype!
Not the Oscars, not the Grammys – but the Newbery!
Mockingbird vs. The Night Fairy

The Newbery Medal is awarded every year by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children’s book published in the previous year; winners are announced in January of the New Year. In 1922, when the first Newbery medal was awarded, the purpose of the award was “to encourage original creative work in the field of books for children.” Each year, librarians read, select and debate children’s books, and select a winner, and a few “runner’s up”, called Newbery Honor Books. Members of the Newbery committee must consider all types of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, even plays. View the full list of Newbery Award and Honor Books, from 1922-Present.


Check out some of the books we think are Newbery contenders:

She's voting for One Crazy Summer

Have a Newbery assignment coming up? View our Newbery Bibliography here, it highlights some of our favorites!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Monster Mania!


Roar!
Halloween is right around the corner and it's that time of year when it's fun to get a little scare or laugh a bit about a silly monster or creature! The days are shorter and cooler and it's a good idea to snuggle up with somebody and enjoy a book or two!



Here are some of our favorites...

Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett
Bump in the Night by Edward Hemingway
Even Monsters Need Haircuts by Matthew McElligot
The Monster Trap by Dean Morrissey
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The Lima Bean Monster by Dan Yaccarino

Scary...but cute!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Good Reads: 13 Treasures

Of course fairies exists, but there are good ones and evil ones! It seems as though thirteen-year-old Tanya is the only one that can see them! Though her mother cannot see the evil fairies that rouse Tanya from her sleep, torturing her at the slightest mention of their existence, they are as real to the thirteen-year-old as anything she's ever known. If she could wish them away, she would, but instead she is sent away to live at her grandmother's secluded countryside manor...
There is much to explore and even more to fear in the woods surrounding the estate. But the forest isn't the only source of dark secrets and Tanya soon finds herself entangled in a mystery that could trap her in the fairy realm forever.

Check out 13 Treasures and read this intriguing book which blends mystery and fantasy together!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

LEGO Club Has Begun!

Children, no matter what gender they are, love to build things with LEGOs, it is not just for boys! Building is not just fun, it serves a purpose in your child's development. This month, when LEGO club started, many of the kids came in with ideas of what to build that they had been thinking about all summer! Check out some of these awesome creations that they are currently working on! Registration for Nesconset's November sessions start Tuesday the 19th or sign-up for King's Park Saturday session!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

You Can't Beat Sesame Street!



Q: What do Ice-T, Barbara Bush, Matt Lauer, Spike Lee, Ziggy Marley, Michelle Obama and R2-D2 all have in common?

A: They all have appeared on Sesame Street!

Sesame Street is one children’s show that never seems to go out of style. Have you checked out Grover spoofing an Old Spice commercial? It’s great for kids and parents alike.

Do you have an Elmo, Zoe or Abby fan at home?

Check out some of these books, movies and CDs.



Also, visit http://pbskids.org/sesame/ for print outs, games and much more.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Keeping the Peace

The back to school season brings many new situations for children, waiting at the bus stop, recess and meeting new people. As parents and caregivers, we are always concerned with physical and emotional well being of the children in our lives.

October is Bully Prevention Month. To spread awareness, the Smithtown Library is offering several different informational programs for children and their parents and caregivers.

Stranger Danger and Bully Busting -Empire State Karate School will be here to give you the 411 on being safe on the playground, in your school and around the neighborhood. Using role playing techniques and audience participation students will learn to identify potentially sticky situations and how to resolve issues peacefully and with confidence. This program will meet at the Nesconset Branch, Thursday, October 14 at 4:30pm. Register your 4-7 year old here.

How to Zap a Bully - News headlines have been filled with stories about bullying and its sometimes tragic circumstances. Whether it's bullying or cyber-bullying, Dr. Jackie Humans, author of 15 Ways to Zap a Bully!, brings her expertise in this area to provide parents with ways they can help their children stop the bullying. She will also address how to recognize bullying behavior in your own child and what to do about it. This a program exclusively for parents and caregivers, meeting on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:45pm at the Main Branch, register here.

Storytime with Cheryl: Anti Bullying - Join author/illustrator Cheryl Taborsky, for an anti-bullying storytime adventure. Learn about feelings and needs with Fang, the bullying dragon at the Main Branch on Monday, November 15 at 7:00pm. Register your student in grades K-2 here.

Can’t make it to a program? Check out our extensive bullying bibliography, including books on bully busting, self esteem, strangers, play ground and school safety etiquette and internet resources.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

"Good-bye summer! Hello fall!"

Can I join you?
 Knuffle Bunny has been spotted! On one my trips over to Fire Island I had the opportunity to meet Knuffle Bunny! Turns out, like me, he was celebrating one of the last warm weekends by the sea. So, as we say "good-bye" to summer and "hello fall"...I wonder, where Knuffle Bunny will turn up next??

Friday, October 1, 2010

Good Reads: It's Raining Cupcakes

The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole have left Long Island with a ton of rain, bummer! The best thing to do on a rainy day is to curl up with a good book. Our new favorite is It’s Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder.

Twelve-year-old Isabel dreams of seeing the world, but has never left her home in Oregon. A cupcake recipe is the ticket to her dreams, when her contest winning recipe takes her on a trip to New York City. However, when she is so far from home she learns what is really important. Not only is this a sweet story about a middle grade girl, it includes delicious recipes, so you can make some the confectionaries mentioned in this book.

Have you or your child read It’s Raining Cupcakes? If so, drop us a comment and let us know what you thought.

Looking for more books like It’s Raining Cupcakes? Try some of these:

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Good Reads: Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion



On Wednesday, September 29th we celebrated the release of the last book of the much-loved Knuffle Bunny series by Mo Willems. Our celebration included a storytime, Knuffle Bunny look-a-like treats and a craft! If you stop by the library or log on to our website you can reserve Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion to enjoy at home. Mo Willems has created a humorous, bittersweet ending for our beloved characters that should not be missed!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

The ABC's of Early Literacy

It is never too early to start developing a healthy reading habit.

For the youngest of infants and toddlers select board books, books with sturdy cardboard pages, they may feature “lift the flap” and tactile elements. Sharing these books with a loved one or caregiver allows children to bond with those individuals who are special in their lives, and also books.
Some of our favorite board books are:
Moreover, it is important for parents and caregivers to be positive reading role models. As a grown up in your child’s life, you are the equivalent of a rock star, super athlete and movie star all rolled into one! Children want to imitate the adults they are surrounded by, create an environment with plenty of reading material not only for children, but yourself. When children see thier parents and caregivers reading, this will encourage them to be readers for life at an early age.

Early literacy programs at your library also aid in the development of emergent reading and language skills. Programs such as Book Babies, Mother Goose, One is Fun and Wonderful Ones introduce children to stories, songs, finger plays and rhythmic activities that are the building blocks of literacy. Moreover, these programs allow children to develop socialization skills. Check out our children's program schedule, remember you can even register for programs online, with your library card!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Art on Display: Eric Carle, Wayne Thiebaud and Monet!

This summer the kids of Smithtown learned about their favorite authors and artists and recreated some popular artwork. Using paints, pastels, colored pencils and other supplies these budding artists were able to come up with some beautiful results! Stop by the community room and check out our display. Be sure to check our newsletter for upcoming autumn art programs!

Good Reads: More Ramona!

We caught Erin reading Ramona's World by Beverly Cleary at the Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library. If you and your children are fans of spunky Ramona and her sister Beezus, check out some of these titles:

Monday, September 20, 2010

Good Reads: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Of course Origami Yoda is real, however are his magic powers? Can he predict the future? Is his advice really helpful or jibberish from a galaxy far, far away? You can form your own opinion when you read The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger (2010, Amulet Books). Follow Tommy and his sixth grade classmates as they write in journal entries about their experiences with the Origami Yoda. Recommended for students in grades 3-6, and is sure to please fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Frindle.  With your Smithtown Library Card, reserve your copy online here.