Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Today's ELCL's Book of the Day!

Today's Book of the Day is Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson with illustrations by Marcellus Hall.




 Farmer and cow are perfect partners, one loves cookies and one loves milk, in this fun read aloud. I love Wilson's clever rhymes and they are well matched with Hall's comical illustrations of farm life.

Friday, December 12, 2014

ELCL's Book of the Day! From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Today's Book of the Day is From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg.






 Claudia and her brother run away and hide at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! Soon they are embroiled in a mystery surrounding an important piece of sculpture loaned to the museum by Mrs. Frankweiler. A must read classic!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Librarian Field Trip! Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art


Last month I was able to fulfill a life-long dream and visit the Eric Carle Museum. I was visiting my sister in Boston and drove across the state on a sunny, Fall day.   The museum is perfectly set on the campus of Hampshire College, surrounded by farms and gently rolling hills.  The leaves were turning so many beautiful yellows and oranges.  



The lobby walls display large collages in Carle's favorite mediums.  It was very interesting for me to actually see him creating these and talking about his process.  (Mr. Carle was not present, but the introductory film they show, makes you feel like he is!)

While, I was disappointed to miss the Madeline Exhibit by only a few days, I was able to catch the last days of the Harriet the Spy exhibit, featuring letters and original manuscripts of author Louise Fitzhugh.  And staff was busy with preparations for Madeline.  I commented to one, "you must have the best job!"  She agreed.  I tired to not be jealous. 

The art studio for children is amazing. The theme for the day I visited was Paint your Pet, and there were many artists at work.  The room is large and bright, contains a wall of window the sun shines through and contains any kind of art supply an artist could need for a potential masterpiece.  Several staff members were also on hand to offer support and encouragement.  In the entry to the art studio was this beautiful sensory board.  I dream of having a sensory day soon for my babies and toddlers and this board served as great inspiration.  





I can make something similar, right?  Here's hoping.  

The library was a thing of beauty!  I was happy to see so many new books that I had already purchased for my own library.  The floor was dotted with families having their own storytimes and I had to resist the urge to offer one.  It made me happy to see many adults there, clearly the Carle library is well utilized by students and those of us who care about this history of children's literature.  

My visit was completed by a trip to the gift shop, where I did get some gifts and some things for me.  

It was a lovely experience and a great day- what I like to call an artists' day, full of time to learn new things and reflect.  I hope to go back soon.  I only wish it wasn't quite so far away.  If you are in the Amherst/ North Hampton area I encourage you to visit, with or without some kids!  



ELCL's book of the day! Sam & Dave Dig a hole!

Today's book of the day is Sam & Dave Dig a hole by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen. 
 


 Sam and Dave are in search of "something spectacular" so they decide to dig a hole. Will they find what they are looking for? Great fun for readers by the team who brought us the equally fun Extra Yarn!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

ELCL's Book of the Day! Peggy!

Today's book of the day is Peggy: A brave chicken on a big adventure
 by Anna Walker.  Peggy is a hen, content with her quiet life in the country until a big gust of wind carries her to the big city. Now her adventure begins. A fun read aloud! 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

ELCL's Book of the Day! How Rocket Learned to Read!

Today's Book of the Day is How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills. 





Rocket is a dog who loves to play. Yellow bird is a teacher who was born to teach! While at the start Rocket is her reluctant student, he soon loves learning and reading! Sweet illustrations complete this lovely story and is a great tribute to all inspirational teachers out there!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

ELCL's Book of the Day! The Story of Ferdinand

Today's Book of the Day is The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
 with illustrations by Robert Lawson.
 

First published in 1936, the gentle humor of Ferdinand, the bull who would rather smell flowers than fight, is still relevant today.