Mondays 1 p.m. On our YouTube channel For caregivers with babies age 0-18 months
This program is designed for adults to engage with their babies. Learn stories, rhymes, finger plays, and songs that you can sing together for years to come.
"Each Peach Pear Plum" -- August 17 |
This week Jo reads "Each Peach Pear Plum" by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, published by Harper Collins. If you're hoping to read one of the books that Jo recommends here, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue, then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
Read Aloud:
- Each Peach Pear Plum, written by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, published by Little Puffin Books
Show and Tell:
- Twinkle, Twinkle Mermaid Blue, written by Jeffrey Burton and Zoe Waring, published by Little Simon
- It's a Perfect Fit: In the Wild, published by Yoyo Books
- It’s a Perfect Fit: Words, published by Yoyo Books
- The Babies and Kitties Book, written by John Schindel and Molly Woodward, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- What Is a Family? Written by Annette Griffin and Nichola Cowdery, published by Familius
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"Goodnight Moon" -- August 10 |
Jo reads "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, published by Harper Collins. If you're hoping to read one of the books that Jo recommends here, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue here, then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
- Things That Go - by Violet Peto, published by Dorling Kingsley
- 100 First Words for Canadian Kids - by Harper Collins
- The Animals of Chinese New Year - by Jen Sookfong Lee, published by Orca Trucks
- Things That Go - by Priddy Books
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"Night Night Little Pookie" -- August 3 |
Jo reads "Night Night Little Pookie" by Sandra Boynton, published by Random House.
If you're hoping to read one of the books that Jo recommends here, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue, and then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pickup at any branch.
- Let’s Find Momo - by Andrew Knapp, published by Quirk Books
- Feelings - by David Stewart, published by Scribbler Books
- Animals on the Go - by Ruth A. Musgrave, published by National Geographic
- Out and About - by Violet Peto, published by Dorling Kindersley
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"How do dinosaurs say goodnight?" -- July 28 |
Jo reads "How do dinosaurs say goodnight?" written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague, and published by Blue Sky Press. If you're hoping to read one of the books that Jo recommends here, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue, then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
- Pat-a-cake - by Hazel Quintanilla, published by Flowerpot Press Jack and Jill - by Hazel Quintanilla, published by Flowerpot Press
- Humpty Dumpty - by Hazel Quintanilla, published by Flowerpot Press Humpty Dumpty - by Anthony Lewis, published by Child’s Play
- Zoom, Zoom, Zoom - by Annie Kubler, published by Child’s Play
- Pete the Cat and the Itsy Bitsy Spider - by James Dean, published by Harper Collins
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"Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?" -- July 24 |
This program is designed for parents and caregivers to engage with their babies. Learn stories, rhymes, finger plays, and songs that you can sing together for years to come!
Jo reads "Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle, published by Henry Holt & Co.
If you're hoping to read one of the books that Jo recommends here, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue, then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
- Classic Munsch: 123 – by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, published by Annick Press
- Will Ladybug Hug – by Hilary Leung, published by Cartwheel Books
- Discovering Words: English French, Cree - by Neepin Auger, published by Rocky Mountain books
- Animals on the Go – by Ruth Musgrave, published by National Geographic Children’s Books
- The Secret Life of Squirrels – by Nancy Rose, published by Puffin Canada
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Thursdays 4 p.m. On our YouTube channel For ages 3-8
Join us every week for stories to foster curiosity and play, with Rachel and some friends from the community.
The Book with No Pictures -- August 20 |
Rachel reads The Book with No Pictures, written by B.J. Novak, published by Dial Book for Young Readers Our Director of Library Services/CEO, Val, reads: How do Dinosaurs Learn to Read? Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Mark Teague, and published by Scholastic.
If you're hoping to read one of the books that Jo recommends here, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue, then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
- Goodnight Sleepyville, byBlake Liliane Hellman, illustrated by Steven Henry, published by Bloomsbury
- PJ Masks: the Flying Factory, published by Simon Spotlight
- Sloth Went, written by Adam Lehraupt, illustrated by Benson Shum, published by Bloomsbury
- Roy Digs Dirt, written and illustrated by David Shannon, published by The Blue Sky Press
- Boonoonoonous Hair! Written by Olive Senior, illustrated by Laura James, published by Tradewind Books
- Going Down Home with Daddy, written by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter, published by Peachtree Publishing
- Loop, written by Ben Oliver, published by Chicken House Books
- The Book with No Pictures, written by B.J. Novak, published by Dial Book for Young Readers
- How do Dinosaurs Learn to Read? Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague, published by Scholastic
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"Weasles wth Measles" -- August 13 |
Rachel reads Weasles with Measles, written by Leslie Sims, illustrated by David Semple,
Usborne Publishing Ltd.
Lynn (Rachel’s mom) reads Come to My Party written by Stephanie Calmenson, illustrated by Beth Weiner Lipson, published by Parents Magazine Press
- Here Come the Llamas: a touch and feel book, written by Pat-a-Cake, illustrated by Laura Hambleton
Pat-a-Cake; published by Pat-a-Cake
- Max & Mo’s Science Fair Surprise, written by Patricia Lakin and Brian Floca, illustrated by Patricia Lakin and Priscilla Lamont; published by Simon Spotlight
- 10 Things I hate about Pinky, written by Sandhya Menon, published by Simon Pulse
- Llama Unleashes the Alpacalypse, written by Johnathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox, published by Henry Holt
- Mad about Plaid, written and illustrated by Jill McElmurry, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Our Favorite Day of the Year, written by A.E. Ali, illustrated by Rahele Jompour Bell, published by
Salaam Reads
- Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! written by Atinuke & Lauren Tobia, illustrated by Lauren Tobia, published by Kane Miller
- Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, written by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Roaring Brook Press
- Weasles with Measles, written by Leslie Sims, illustrated by David Semple, published by Usborne Publishing Ltd.
- Come to My Party, written by Stephanie Calmenson, illustrated by Beth Weiner Lipson, published by Parents Magazine Press
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"On My Mountain" -- August 6 |
This week Rachel reads "On My Mountain" written by Francois Aubineau, illustrated by Jérôme Peyrat, and published Orca Books. Our special guest reads "Something Good" written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by Annick Press. If you're hoping to read one of the new books that Rachel previews for us, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue, then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
- Mighty Tug – written by Alyssa Satin, illustrated by David R. Mottram, published by Little Simon
- Welcome Home, Anna Hibiscus! -- written by Atinuke, illustrated by Lauren Tobia, published by Kane Miller
- Onward –written by Bill Scollon, illustrated by Nick Balian, published by Disney Press
- Things that Go –written by Ruth Musgrave, Getty Images, published by National Geographic
- Shapes with Little Fish – written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins, published by Candlewick Press
- The Rise of Skywalker – written by Ruth Amos, published by Dorling Kindersley
- The Boy who dreamed of Infinity – written by Amy Alznauer, illustrated by Daniel Miyares, published by Candlewick
- The Crankypants Tea Party – written by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Ale Barba, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
- Hurry Up! : a book about slowing down – written by Kate Dopirak, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, published by Beach Lane Books
- If you Ever want to bring a circus to the Library, Don’t! – written and illustrated by Elise Parsley, published by Little, Brown and Company
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"In the Red Canoe" -- July 30 |
Rachel reads "In the Red Canoe" written by Leslie Davidson, illustrated by Laura Bifano, and published Orca Book Publishers. Our special guest reads "Dewey's Christmas at the Library" written by Vicki Myron and Bret Wittner, illustrated by Steve James, and published by Little Brown.
If you're hoping to read one of the new books that Rachel previews for us, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue, and then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
- Dr. Seuss’s Spring Things - written by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Tom Brannon, published by Random House Books for Young Readers
- Happy, Sad, Mad and Glad! - written by Britt Allcroft, illustrated by Patrick Spaziante, published by Random House Books for Young Readers
- Oscar - by Andrea Posner-Sanchez, published by Random House Children’s Books
- The Paper Kingdom - by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Pascal Campion, published by Random House Books for Young Readers
- Grandma’s Gardens - by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Carme Lemniscates, published by Philomel Books
- Where’s Waldo?: The Wonder book - by Martin Handford, published by Candlewick Press
- My first cookbook: fun recipes to cook together - by Molly Birnbaum, published by America’s Test Kitchen Kids
- Dear Bunny - by Katie Cotton, illustrated by Blanca Gomez, published by Lincoln Children’s Books
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"On My Mountain" -- July 24 |
This week Rachel reads "On My Mountain" written by Francois Aubineau, illustrated by Jérôme Peyrat, and published Orca Books. Our special guest reads "Something Good" written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by Annick Press.
If you're hoping to read one of the new books that Rachel previews for us, the list is down below! Just enter the title and author into the search box of our catalogue,, and then place a hold, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up at any branch.
Stargazing - written and illustrated by Jen Wang, published by First Second.
100 Dinosaur and Prehistoric Words to Know - written by Matthew T. Miller, illustrated by Alette Straathof, published by Cottage Door Press.
A Kid of Their Own (Rachel calls this one "A kid on the Farm" by mistake - woops!) – written by Megan Dowd Lambert, illustrated by Jessica Lanan, published by Charlesbridge.
The Way Home for Wolf - written by by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field, published by Scholastic.
This is a Dog - written and illustrated by Ross Collins, published by Nosy Crow.
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"Go Away Big Green Monster" -- June 10 |
Jo reads "Go Away Big Green Monster", written and illustrated by Ed Emberley, and published by Hachette Book Group. Our friend Joe Connors from Connors Music reads "There's a Monster at the End of This Book" by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin, and published by Golden Books.
Want to read more monster books at home? You now have the option of putting holds on the books in the library! Yippee! Just log into your library account online (or phone one of our branches), place a hold on the books you want, and we’ll parcel them up, and phone you to arrange your curbside pick up time.
No More Monsters Under Your Bed, by Jordan Choutau
Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck, by Heather Schwartz
If digital is your preference, check out the Kids eresources section of our website, and look for these recommended titles (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!):
On Overdrive/Libby:
On Hoopla:
(Jo says you must be very brave to read this book!)
A special note from Jo, to all the grown-ups: "I used Monster Spray more than 30 years ago to monster proof my daughter’s bedroom. I think I just grabbed a spray bottle with water in it and misted the room. Worked like a charm!"
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"If You Give a Moose a Muffin" -- June 3 |
Jo reads "If You Give a Moose a Muffin", written by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond, and published by Harper Collins. Our special guest Rachel reads "Moose!" by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by North Winds Press.
Want to read more moose books at home? Check out the Kids eresources section of our website,
and look for these recommended titles (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!):
On Overdrive/Libby:
On Hoopla:
Find more information on moose in Ontario, follow this link to the Canadian Wildlife Federation website.
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"17 Things I’m not allowed to do anymore" -- May 28 |
Jo reads "17 Things I’m not allowed to do anymore", written by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, and published by Schwartz & Wade Books. Our super secret Masked Reader (AKA Michaelango the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle) reads "Please, Open This Book!" by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe, published by Simon and Schuster.
Want to read more "good advice" books at home? Check out the Kids eresources section of our website, and look for these recommended titles (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!):
On Hoopla:
Don’t Wake The Yeti, by Claire Freedman and Claudia Ranucci
On Kanopy:
Don’t Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late, by Mo Willems
On Overdrive/Libby:
Don’t Push The Button, by Bill Cotter
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Each week we’ll enjoy a read-aloud story together, a related literacy-based game or activity (below), and sometimes a special guest video!
"Matthew and the Midnight Turkeys" |
Jo is reading "Matthew and the Midnight Turkeys", written by Allen Morgan and illustrated by Michael Martchenko, published by Annick Press.
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"Class Clown" |
Jo is reading "Class Clown", written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by North Winds Press.
Find related eBooks from the Kids eResources (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!)
Joke books on Hoopla:
- Jokelopedia, by Eva Blank
- Knock, Knock, Lettuce In! by Brenda Ponnay
- Laugh Out Loud Awesome Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott
- Side-splitting Jokes for Minecrafters by Brian Boone
Funny picture books on Libby:
- Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes by Brian P. Cleary
- Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray
- The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak
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"Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" |
Since April is Poetry Month, Jo is reading "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" by Shel Silverstein, a silly poem about garbage that piles right up to the sky! And, special bonus, Jo also reads "Do Not Open This Book" written by Michaela Muntean, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre, and published by Scholastic Press.
Want to read more poetry at home? Check out the Kids eResources section of our website, and look for these recommended titles (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!):
On Hoopla:
- Explosion at the Poem Factory, by Kyle Lukoff
- Fancy Nancy Poet Extraordinaire!,by Jane O'Connor
- Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein
On Libby/Overdrive:
- Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem, by Jack Prelutsky
- Noisy Poems for a Busy Day, by Robert Heidbreder and Lori Joy Smith P.S.
Did you know "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr Seuss and "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore are poems?
Earth Day up-cycling crafts!
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"Hello, My Name is Octicorn"
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This week Jo is reading "Hello, My Name is Octicorn", created by Kevin Diller and Justin Lowe, and published by Balzer + Bray. We also learn how to make Story Rocks, a fun tool to help create our own stories with family and friends.
But wait - what's that? A special news bulletin? Hmmm...
Want to read some Star Wars stories to get ready for May the 4th? Check out the Kids eResources section of our website, and look for these recommended titles (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!):
On Hoopla:
Star Wars Adventures Vol. 1: Heroes of the Galaxy, by Landry Walker
(Volumes 2-8 also on Hoopla)
This is one of Jo's all-time favourite book series for kids. Why? They are written in diary style, the characters are fun and almost believable, and some of the situations remind me of things that happened when I was in elementary school. It's best to read them in order.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, by Tom Anleberger
(Books 2-7 also available on Hoopla)
Jo even found some Star Wars music on Freegal! Just look for "The Star Wars Music," by Star Wars D.J.
Want to make some Star Wars origami at home? ...and then find your favourite character! If you do make any of these at home, please post a photo of your awesome creation on our Facebook page or tag us using "@georginapl".
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"I'm Fun Too"
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This week Jo is reading "I'm Fun Too", written and illustrated by Jonathan Fenske, published by Scholastic. Our special guest Patrick Devine reads "Show and Tell" written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Marchenko, and published by Annick Press.
Want to do more LEGO stories and activities at home? Check out the Kids eResources section of our website, and look for these recommended titles (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!):
On Hoopla:
- LEGO - Brands We Know series, by Sarah Green
- LEGO Man in Space (A true story based on two Agincourt, Ontario teens who launched a LEGO Man into actual space!), by Mara Shaughnessy
On Hoopla Television:
- LEGO Nexo Knights series, Season 1
On Overdrive/Libby:
- LEGO Ninjago Book 1 - Way of the Ninja, by Tracey West (subsequent books are written by various authors, so it’s eaiesty to find the books by putting "Ninjago" in the search bar)
Visit the LEGO Play Zone page.
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"Moritmer"
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Jo reads tells the story "Moritmer", written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by Annick Press.
Want to read more books about sleepovers and bedtime at home? Check out the Kids eResources section of our website, and look for these recommended titles (don't forget to have your library card handy to sign in!):
On OverDrive/Libby:
(No PJ party reading list would be complete without some spooky stories written by our friend, librarian, and author Joel Sutherland!)
On Kanopy (TV):
On TumbleBooks:
Here’s the link for the apple nachos.
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