Artist Trading Cards, December Session- Collage

We hosted another installment of our Artist Trading Cards Series, this session focusing on the collage technique. 

Check out all of the artwork created this month on our digital gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54405004@N05/  Some of the artwork has already been traded, but some artists have generously donated their cards to the Library's Collection to be enjoyed by our patrons.

Stop by the Children's Department anytime to see the ATC Catalogue, or perhaps to trade with one of your own creations.  Just make sure your ATC measures 2.5" x 3.5", and includes your name, title, and date on the back. 

The Mock Caldecott Awards

It's that time of year...Time to think about some of your favorite illustrations in Children's picture books! Who will take home the esteemed Caldecott Award for 2011? As Children's Librarians we get very excited about this and hold our own Mock Caldecott Award ceremony where we deliberate and vote for a winner and a runner-up. Our meeting took place at The Suffolk County Library System led by Miss Danielle and Miss Kelly from Hampton Bays Public Library and Miss Julie and Miss Christine from the Smithtown Library who did a fabulous job leading the lively discussions! In the end it was voted that Grandpa Green by Lane Smith should win the Mock Caldecott and Where's Walrus by Stephen Savage and A Ball for Daisy by Christopher Raschka would take the honors. Now, some of these books may not even make the real Caldecott list... but stay tuned for the results in the new year!

Some of the books that we considered include:

A Ball for Daisy
Brother Sun, Sister Moon: St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures
Grandpa Green
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China
Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat
The Man in the Moon
Where's Walrus

Mark Your Calendar: Neil Numberman is Visiting the Nesconset Branch!

We are so excited! Author and illustrator Neil Numberman will be visiting the Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library on Friday, January 27 from 4:30-5:15pm. Get Graphic: Meet Author Neil Numberman is a drawing workshop for children in grades 2-5 that will focus on creating monstrous characters that pop off the page! In addition, our friends from the Lake Grove Barnes and Noble will be here selling Numberman’s books, and you can have them signed by the author!

Want to learn more about Neil Numberman? Check out his website filled with fun comics!

You can check out Neil’s books at any branch of the Smithtown Library too!

Do Not Build a Frankenstein


Joey Fly Private Eye in Creepy Crawly Crime


Joey Fly Private Eye in Big Hairy Drama

Sleeping With or Without Baby

Recently a public service announcement was introduced to stop parents and caregivers from sharing their beds with infants. The announcements have provoked strong responses from co-sleeping advocates. Check out some of these helpful blogs that discuss co-sleeping safely with your child.

Ask Dr. Sears

Attachment Parenting International

Mothering

Natural Family Online

We also have a selection of books for helping you and your child get a good nights rest, whether he is in your bed or his own room! Stop in the Nesconset Branch and browse our Parenting collection.

Better Sleep for Your Baby and Child: A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide to Healthy Sleep Habits by Shelly Weiss

Good Night, Sleep Tight: The Sleep Lady's Gentle Guide to Helping Your Child Go to Sleep, Stay Asleep and Wake Up Happy by Kim West

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child: A Step by Step Program For a Good Night's Sleep by Marc Weissbluth

How to Get Your Baby to Sleep: America's Foremost Baby and Childcare Experts Answer the Most Frequently Asked Questions by William Sears

The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night by Elizabeth Pantley

Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber