Fun books and activities for kids from our children's librarians.
Kids Explore: Flag Day
Hasina
National Loving Day
Hasina
Talking About Race: Resources for Early Childhood Educators
JessicaMany early childhood educators are already struggling to make meaningful connections with their young students remotely in the midst of a global pandemic. Now, in the wake of the murders by police of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd and the brutal killing of Ahmaud Arbery, educators are challenged to find a way to discuss race and racism with young children in a way that is developmentally appropriate, honest, and impactful. This is already hard, but connecting on such an emotional topic remotely with an age group that learns best by seeing, feeling, hearing and interacting– that is a unique…
Helping Children During Unrest
LeahThere are a tremendous amount of resources flooding our timelines right now to help families navigate the challenges around us. There are no simple explanations for the pandemic, the police brutality & Black Lives Matter protests, or the curfew our city is currently under. We have identified some resources that could help your family navigate conversations around race, unrest, and grief, that I hope will help children be able to find their voice and find answers they have been looking for. BOOKS Black Lives Matter Our BKLYN Bookmatch program pairs patrons with customized lists of…
Summer Reading 2020: Imagine Your Story
Summer Reading 2020 has gone virtual! This year's theme is Imagine Your Story – a celebration of fairy tales, folklore, mythology, and sharing your own unique story and voice. Brooklyn Public Library is here to help families have FUN with reading all summer long! It all begins on June 1, with kickoff events including a sing-along party with Cara Samantha, building castles with ArchForKids, and a performance by the Catpulli Mexican Dance Group. This year, instead of stopping by a local branch, families can sign up for Summer Reading online at…
Author Spotlight: Cynthia Weill
Cynthia Weill treated students at P.S. 139 Alexine A. Fenty Elementary School to an inside look behind the creation of her popular "First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art" book series during a recent virtual author visit. In her presentation, Weill showed students examples of artwork from several of her books, including Animal Talk, which features colorful creatures known as alejbrijes. She described for students the process in which artisans in Mexico carve sculptures using wood from the copal tree to create the alejbrijes. One student…
Tech Play Recipe: Color Hunt
JessicaColor Hunt with Khan Academy Kids You will need: 1. Smartphone or tablet 2. Khan Academy Kids app 3. Logic Primary Colors game Process: Khan Academy Kids has a ton of FREE language, literacy and brain bulilding activities for children 2-5. Try the Primary Colors game to go on a color hunt together. Looking for colors helps hone observation skills! The game uses a song to teach color names! You can use this song in your daily routine to help teach different color words. Go on a REAL color hunt in your…
Tech Play Recipe: Sink or Float
JessicaTech Play Recipe: Sink or Float You will need: Smartphone or tablet PBS Kids Play and Learn Science App Low bin with water (optional) Varied objects that may sink or float (optional) Process: Be a scientist! Observe, ask questions, and test your hypothesis! Play the “Sink or Float” activity in the PBS Kids Play and Learn Science app. Ask questions like: what do you think will happen if? and why do you think that happened? Use words like: sink, float, heavy, light, buyoant, absorb Re-create the experiment with…
Library Lab: Paper Engineering
What kinds of tools do you use at home? We use tools everyday when we brush our teeth, open canned food, even eat dinner with a knife and fork. These tools make our lives easier. Can you imagine eating a baked potato without utensils? They don’t call them hot potatoes for nothing. Ouch! Engineers are people whose job it is to help design products that help people. They design roads, buildings, electrical systems and so much more. You can explore the engineering design process at home by creating a simple household tool out of paper. We did this during Library Lab recently…
Celebrate May Day With Fun Activities
Hasina Islam Kathy Gerber Elizabeth Willse
Every May 1, people around the world celebrate a spring festival known as May Day that once heralded the start of the growing season during Medieval times. Today, some people weave flower crowns, or give paper baskets filled with flowers to friends and family on May Day. Others dance around a maypole -- a bare tree or log that has been adorned with ribbons. May 1st is also “Lei Day” in Hawaii, where people give each other necklaces made of flowers. How do you celebrate spring? Bring the garden indoors with these fun crafts and activities! Celebrate Spring Activities Library…
Poem in Your Pocket Day!
Did you know that Poem in Your Pocket Day is every April 30? On this day, folks carry a favorite poem in their pocket to share with anyone they meet. But how do we celebrate when we are keeping our distance and we can’t go to the library and check out the poetry section? There are lots of fun ways to celebrate together with friends and family near and far. Here are a few ideas from the American Academy of Poets and Brooklyn Public Library staff… As a family, select a poem and share it on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem or just share it with your family. Don’t yet have a…
Engaging Young Children Through Video Chat
JessicaMany grandparents, close friends and relatives love catching a glimpse of their young family members via video chat. They may, however, find it challenging to keep young children engaged for more than a few moments. The standard How was your day? What did you do? may not go very far with a toddler, and even a 6 year old will likely give a 2-3 word response. While video chat can be a valuable and meaningful way for young children to interact with and get to know family, and even learn language and other skills, it can also be chaotic, brief, and sometimes frustrating for all…
How to Answer (Some) of Your Child’s Questions About Coronavirus
LeahAdults across the city have been placed in a role few of us were prepared for: stay at home parent, remote worker, and homeschool coordinator for children across the full pre-K through 12th grade education spectrum. Presented with an unprecedented crisis, many grown-ups are left searching for answers to questions from housebound school-aged kids. I reached out to parents and caregivers for some examples of questions they had been facing at home. Many children had questions that adults in the highest offices of government are struggling with: When will it end, and why don'…
Kids Create: Ramadan Crafts
HasinaDuring Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset. Muslims follow a lunar calendar, a calendar that follows the phases of the moon. Every year Ramadan’s dates change. Ramadan may be 29 or 30 days and the dates change every year, moving ahead by approximately 11 days. This year Ramadan began on the evening of April 8, 2022and will end on Monday, May 2. These easy Ramadan crafts are a fun way for children to decorate their home or learn about Ramadan. Ramadan Crafts Ramadan Crafts for Kids from KidsWorldCitizen.org 12 Beautiful…
Earth Day is inside your Refrigerator
DanielleEarth Day is right around the corner and with the necessity to shelter in place, it is even more important for children to celebrate our beautiful world from home this year. But how? I felt stuck. Many of the Earth Day traditions I would recommend to families are not possible this year, especially for children living in Brooklyn. Any other year, I'd encourage families to join a park clean-up, plant a tree, or walk or bike to a nearby park for time outside. These are not options during the pandemic. I found many wonderful resources on the web that recommend family-friendly documentaries…
Tech Play Recipe: Digital Feelings Book
Kymberly Konty and Jessica Ralli
Introducing our first Tech Play Recipe blog post! This is a series of simple, easy to follow ways to use technology you have at home to creatively build on young children’s learning. As with everything we create, each activity includes one or more of the 5 early childhood skills young children need to engage in everyday to learn and explore the world around them: Reading, Playing, Talking, Writing, and Singing. Tech is a daily part of our lives, but we see children engaging in it more passively by watching a show, or using apps that mostly promote rote learning. Our Tech Recipes aim to…
Kids Explore: Brooklyn Birds
While most families are stuck indoors amidst this global pandemic and leaving the house or apartment seems less and less likely we, as public librarians, aim to make this time easier for you and your child. Having been quarantined for the last three weeks I found ways to entertain myself and learn a new skill all at the same time and while exploring my own urban backyard. You do not need to live near a park to participate in this activity. The only thing you need is a sense of exploration, curiosity, and the Merlin Bird ID app. Bonus points if you can get your hands on a pair of binoculars (…
Kids Explore: Wildlife
Hasina
Celebrating Tomie dePaola
HasinaIf you’ve ever read to a tiny kid, or been a tiny kid getting read to, chances are, you’ve encountered a book by Tomie dePaola. He was the author and illustrator of over 270 books, including childhood favorites like the tales of Strega Nona, and his most recent publications, Quiet, Wings, with Cheryl B. Klein, and I Will Talk to You, Little One with Phyllis E. Gann. His career spanned over 50 years of writing and illustration. Toie dePaola passed away on March 30, 2020. To honor and commemorate his memory, we wanted to share these resources:…
Kids Create: Fairy Homes
Although we may be stuck inside, we can't forget to leave room for magic! There is no better way to foster a sense of wonder than by making tiny homes for some of the forest’s most enchanted creatures- fairies! For this simple, open-ended craft, kids can use their imaginations to construct their own tiny fairy home with simple materials and miscellaneous craft items. What you’ll need: Paper cups, milk cartons, paper towel rolls Decorative paper or construction paper Scissors (to cut a door) Decorative tape Pompoms Sequins Markers, crayons, or colored pencils Stickers…
BKLYN Kids Presents: National Wildlife Week
HasinaNational Wildlife Week starts today, April 6th. We know that it may not be easy right now to find ways to get outside and explore nature and wildlife. With these crafts, books, and other resources, you will be able to bring the wildlife exploration closer to home! Kids Create New York Zoos and Aquarium: Build Your Wild Self (Based on an Activity from the Bronx Zoo) You can choose to do this on paper or on the computer. Start by drawing yourself, and replace some of your features with aspects of different animals: What kind of eyes do you have? Cat eyes that see in the…
BKLYN Kids Presents: We Count!
The 2020 Census is here! Visit the Census website and get counted today! The decennial census determines New York's fair share of more than $650 billion of federal funds every year for critical programs and services, including public education, public housing, roads and bridges, social services, and much more. It also determines the number of representatives we have fighting for us in Congress. We're sharing some counting books and activities to involve your child in the Census! But first, some important notes about the Census: The Census counts everybody so that cities and communities…
BKLYN Kids Presents: National Physicians Week
HasinaDoctors, nurses, and medical professionals are working tirelessly around the clock to keep us all healthy, especially now. To celebrate National Physicians Week from March 25-31, 2020 we have come up with a booklist, crafts, and activities to inspire you. Here is a list of books you can read with your kids, including some they can read independently, to help answer questions about what doctors do, and what a child can expect at a doctor visit. Kids Create Cotton Swab Painting: Super fun and easy, all you need is cotton swab / cotton balls , paper…
Kids Explore: Virtual Farm Tours
HasinaTo wrap up National Agriculture Week, we're sharing a few ways to explore and enjoy farm life from home!
Balancing Your Family's Screen Time in Difficult Times
With massive public closures to prevent the spread of COVID19, the daily lives and routines of young children around the world have dramatically shifted. Millions of parents and caregivers are feeling the stress of taking on the daily learning of their children. It is no small task-- and we know it will most likely mean more screen time. While technology is helping get us through this difficult time in so many ways, we want to remember that young children’s brains are developing and need daily face-to-face interactions to continue to grow and learn. Reading, talking, playing, singing, and…
Library Lab: Be a Home Botanist
HasinaIn honor of National Agriculture Week, we're showing you how to Grow your Own Green Onions! Depending on who you ask, green onions are called scallions or spring onions. They are sold at various markets with the roots intact. Normally, you use everything but the roots. To save money, save time, reduce waste, upcycle and show off your green thumb you can easily regrow green onions! Here’s a super easy way to regrow spring onions so you can get an almost endless supply. A perfect way to make use of kitchen scraps. All you need are the following materials: a jar (reused a salsa…
BKLYN Kids Presents: Staying Connected
DanielleKids - we want to hear from you! Brooklyn Public Library is looking for your journal entries, poems, and other writing about your experience of staying home during the coronavirus. You can tell us what it's been like to learn from home, share advice with other kids about how to get along with your siblings, or write about how you feel. Fill in the form below to participate! Loading... Librarians will read aloud from the submissions "on the air" on our Brooklyn Public Library Family Facebook (Date TBA). In the meantime, check out Brooklyn Public Library's full list of Virtual…
Book Talk: National Agriculture Week
HasinaSigns of spring are starting to show: the days are brighter and warmer. Green shoots are popping up in gardens, on sidewalks and windowsills. Take part in National Agriculture week from your own backyard, windowsill or kitchen. March 22 through 28 marks National Agriculture Week 2020, a time to celebrate the essential role of the farmers and growers of the nation. Whether you have an expert green thumb, a budding interest in getting started with urban gardening, or you love to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, this list of electronic resources will have something for you to…
Read, Play and Grow at Home
JessicaThis week, many parents and caregivers started a new routine. Some may be working reduced or increased hours, telecommuting from home, or not working at all. Children will be home more, and even if not, the things we rely on to engage them might not be available. With many schools and libraries closed, children's programming cancelled, and even playgrounds and playdates discouraged for now -- there are a lot of hours ahead of us to fill. We are here to help. Check the BKLYN Kids blog for an ongoing round-up of e-resources, activities, learning materials and ways to help your child read,…
Kids Create: Modern Collage for The Culture
February is black history month, and today, on Valentine's Day, kids can celebrate their love of black culture while honoring artists who made beautiful impacts on the world of modern art. At Paerdegat Library we chose to honor three black modern artists whose names/surnames begin with the letter B: Romare Bearden, Betye Saar and Jean Michel Basquiat. These artists used various art mediums, or elements, to create different types of art that included collages, assemblages, graffiti, cartoons, paintings and prints. You can make a collage out of anything, and we used…
Read & Play: Things That Go
KathyEvery Friday at Cortelyou Library we have Choo Choo Train Play Time at 10:30 a.m. This popular program is a “lifesaver” in the winter when playgrounds are too cold to visit, according to Jared Roberts, whose son, Ozzie, is seen below playing with the train set. “As soon as the library opens the children run to the area to play with the train sets,” says Antonia Bramble, Neighborhood Library Supervisor of Cortelyou Library. Putting the wooden track pieces together so the train can run smoothly down the track takes patience for the toddlers and pre-schoolers, who may need a helping hand…
Author Spotlight: Carlos Hernandez
Carlos Hernandez is a writer, professor and game designer based in New York City. His debut middle grade novel, Sal & Gabi Break the Universe, which was released in 2019 by Disney under the Rick Riordan Presents imprint and received 4 starred reviews, follows Sal Vidón as he starts at a new school, deals with diabetes, bullies, making friends and manipulating the multiverse. A sequel, Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe is forthcoming. As a writer, what animal would you choose as your mascot? 1000% panda. When I was a kid, all 4 kids in my family got pandas. For the next 10 years we…
Kids Create: 2020 Desk Calendar
As we begin the new year, kids can have fun keeping track of the passing days with this cute desk calendar! Materials Construction paper Regular paper Cardstock or cardboard Glue Tape (optional) Scissors Markers Below is a tutorial for a 2019 desk calendar. We made one for this year at Paerdegat, below. Check out this book list about time, the seasons and the calendar!
Author Spotlight: Ruth Chan
YeshaRecently, a group of lucky 2nd graders from PS 86, PS/IS 30, and Macademy visited Central Library for a presentation by children's book author and illustrator, Ruth Chan!
Library Lab: Winter STEM Activity
JuanitaDid you ever wonder about how salt can melt ice? First, check out this COOL YouTube video on Ice and Salt. Then, try out this Winter STEM activity by STEAM Powered Family, you will be pleasantly surprised! Winter STEM Activity What you'll need: Clean tin cards Ice cubes Table salt Coarse rock salt Measuring spoons Digital Thermometer Set up 5 tin cans, each with the same amount of ice. Set one can for you to control. This one will have no salt added. In the next two cans, add table salt. Can#1 add 1 teaspoon of table salt. Can#2 add…
Kids Create: Gratitude Holiday Coloring Pages
This time of year is often when we reflect on what we are grateful for. It's a fun season for some kids, but it can also be a tough time for others. Studies have shown that coloring and practicing gratitude are both effective ways to increase happiness. Gratitude reduces toxic emotions, including fear and frustration. It can also cause people to live happier, more satisfied lives and enjoy increased levels of self-esteem, hope, empathy, and optimism. Other studies have shown that children who practice grateful thinking have more positive attitudes toward school and family. Kids can…
Read & Play: Thank You, Omu!
KathyLike many libraries in Brooklyn and across the U.S., Cortelyou Library recently participated in Read for the Record, a shared reading event that highlights the importance of early literacy. This year's book was a 2019 Caldecott Honor winner called Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora and we read it together during storytime. Mora, who was awarded the 2019 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, said the book was inspired by the "giving heart" of her grandmother, who she called Omu. Pronounced (AH-Moo), Omu means "queen" in Igbo…
Library Lab: Halloween Slime
JuanitaHappy Halloween! Ghouls and Goblins! Here is your favorite library lab experiment that everyone enjoys--SLIME! Check out some of these books on your favorite library lab experiment: The Slime Book written by DK Publishing he Slime Book is packed full of more than 30 gloopy, squishy, and stretchy recipes to make at home. Create glow-in-the-dark slime, gross out your friends with snot slime, and take a bite out of tasty chocolatey slime. Simple step-by-steps and vibrant photographs show how to create every awesome slime. Each recipe is Borax-free and uses safe, readily…
Kids Create: Fun Fall Crafts
As the fall season brings festive holidays, kids can make decorations and keep organized with these crafts at the library. Pipe Cleaner Spiders During this decorative time of year, kids will enjoy creating these easy-to-make itsy bitsy spiders. Hang them in a window, wear them as rings, or place them somewhere frightening fun! What you'll need: Pipe cleaners - black, brown or any color you like Pom poms - same colors as above Wiggly eyes Glue Scissors Bunch four pieces of pipe cleaner and twist together in the middle, forming four "legs" on each side…
Read & Play: Ready for Kindergarten!
JessicaThere are so many things that young children need to be ready for Kindergarten! There are also a lot of mixed messages out there for parents and caregivers on what skills to focus on, and the best way to help their children learn them. At Ready Set Kindergarten, BPL’s popular school readiness storytime (10 years and counting), we focus on ways parents can weave early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills into their daily routines in ways that are fun and developmentally appropriate. For example, did you know that singing helps children develop phonological…
BKLYN Kids Presents: Hispanic Heritage Month 2019
Here at Sunset Park Library we have a very diverse community which includes a lot of Hispanic residents. On Friday, September 20, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (which runs from September 15 to October 15) we had a big event at the library. In the morning we had guests from the wonderful IATI Theater put on a bilingual (English/Spanish) performance of "The Boy Who Lied." We had a crowd of first graders from a local elementary school in the audience, and they absolutely loved it! In the afternoon we had a big arts and crafts session for all ages, featuring…
Read & Play: New Read Along Books
With a fresh batch of Vox Read Along books hitting the shelves at your local library, families can spice up storytime with some great new titles. Two funny favorites from the new collection are: Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish by Beth Ferry and The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt. These new Vox books have better speakers with 40% higher volume and a safeguard feature that automatically adjusts the volume to a lower level when headphones are plugged into the books. Also new is an on/off switch to save battery life and indicator lights that show when…
Summer Reading Highlight: Books for Grades 4-5
Juanita, Branch Manager
Although Summer is coming to an end, you can still explore A Universe of Stories at the Library! Here are some of the books that young explorers can check out! Kids, don't forget to sign up for our Summer Reading 2019 Challenge and be entered in the raffle for the chance to win an iPad. You can also receive two tickets to an event at the Barclay's Center when you complete your challenge! The first rule of punk written by Celia Perez "Malu's dad says that the first rule of punk is to BE YOURSELF-but how can she when she's not allowed to dress cool or…
Summer Reading Highlight: Books for Grades K-1
Beanbag, Children's Librarian
The new school year may be just around the corner, but at the Library our Summer Reading mission to space is still underway! If you've got a young one about to enter Kindergarten or First Grade in the fall, we've got a great selection of books to help them practice and engender a love of reading. Rocket into your local branch to pick up the great suggested books bellow, or other great titles from our Universe of Stories and beyond! And while you're there, make sure to sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge: Earn space-themed stickers for reading and participating in other literacy…
Summer Reading Highlight: Books for Grades 2-3
As the summer begins to wind down, remember there's A Universe of Stories to explore. The library's Summer Reading Book List for grades 2-3 offers books that young readers can enjoy while they ride out the rest of the summer and also get into gear for the upcoming school year. Kids and teens: there's still time to sign up for our Summer Reading 2019 Challenge, which, once submitted, gives you the opportunity to enter an iPad raffle. You also receive two tickets to a game at Barclay's Center when you complete a challenge! Fiction CatStronauts : Mission Moon…
Award-Winning Illustrators Create New Youth Wing Mural
We’ve all had the experience of borrowing a book from our local library and being transported to another world in its pages. Seven children’s book illustrators have each contributed a panel to a joyous mural in Central Library’s Youth Wing, bringing that experience to life. Scroll through the slideshow above to see each panel. Check out the Illustrators: Selina Alko Sophie Blackall Yuyi Morales Christopher Myers Stephen Savage Javaka Steptoe Paul O. Zelinsky The artists first met in November 2018 to discuss themes, ideas and techniques.…
Summer Reading Highlight: Books for Babies,Toddlers & Preschoolers
Celebrate A Universe of Stories with celestial favorites from our Babies, Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers summer reading booklist. By reading a new bedtime story together, you will be completing one of Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading challenges. Pick up your Summer Reading Challenge/Booklist today at your local library and enjoy fun activities to do with your youngster like creating a paper towel tube telescope, playing a flashlight "find and shine" early literacy game and sharing a new lullaby. Bring your completed Summer Reading Challenge to any branch to…
Commemorating the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
HasinaSaturday, July 20, 2019 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. A great book that explores one of our space station greatest accomplishments is Brian Floca’s Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11. Floca is the author and illustrator of Locomotive, winner of the 2013 Caldecott Medal. It comes as no surprise that the images in Moonshot are unique to his style and very detailed. He uses art to explore Apollo 11’s legendary moon landing. There are details about the spacecraft’s that were built and used. The book also explores the science and technology used to make the moon…
BKLYN Kids Presents: Immigrant Heritage Month
DanielleOn June 24th, the Kensington branch celebrated Immigrant Heritage Month. Tweens and Teens gathered to learn how to draw manga characters from Misako Rocks!, a Japanese manga writer/illustrator who has written works including Rock and Roll Love, the manga about a Japanese foreign exchange student living in the midwest. "Who knows the word for cute in Japanese?" Misako asked the drawing participants. "Kawaii!" the manga readers among them knowingly said. In the process of drawing characters step-by-step, Misako taught the children about Japan and Japanese pop culture. Misako explained that…
Library Lab: Bubbles Experiments
Juanita, Branch Manager
Looking to do something FUN this Summer? Do you love bubbles? If you can't get enough about bubbles, here are some books to check out: How to make bubbles written by Erika L. Shores Simple text and full-color photos instruct readers how to make bubbles and explain the science behind the activity. Check the Catalog Bubbles float, Bubbles pop written by Mark Weakland Simple text and photographs explain the basic science behind bubbles. Check the Catalog Super simple things to do with bubbles: fun & easy science for kids written by Kelly Doudna Simple step-by-…