Yikes! Long time...no post!

New books! It's been awhile since we've posted and lots of new books have come in...here are some highlights. Take a look and place holds now!
We Are In a Book! by Mo Willems

Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique by Jane O'Connor

The Famous Nini: a Mostly True Story of How a Plain White Cat Became a Star by Mary Nethery

Polar Opposites by Erik Brooks

No by Claudia Rueda

39 Clues: The Black Book of Buried Secrets by Mallory Kass

Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington

Small, Medium, and Large by Jane Monroe Donovan

Rain School by James Rumford

Snowmen All Year by Caralyn Buehner

Fall Program Info!

To answer the many questions we've been getting about Fall Programs, here it is!
http://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/documents/programinfosheet--fall2010.pdf
Please call the Children's Desk at 825-0701 if you have any questions and hope to see many of you at storytime!

Fall Program Information

Some of you have been asking for information about our fall programs. With the Summer Library Program just on the verge of wrapping up, we unfortunately do not yet have this information ready to give! Please feel free to check either this blog, our website, or at the Children's desk starting the last week of August - we will have information on fall programs then.

Thanks! -Ms. Sandy

Last Week of Summer Reading!

Hello Readers!

This is just a reminder to everyone that Saturday, August 7 is the last day of the Sun Prairie Public Library's Summer Reading Program. This is the last day for kids to check in and get prizes for either the kid's blue reading booklet, extra challenge booklet, or the infant and toddler booklets. Make sure that you get reading and visit the library as soon as possible!

Also remember that our pool party for those readers who finish their blue reading booklets or infants and toddlers who finish their yellow booklets will also take place on August 7 at 6:00. All children must have a pass in order to attend the pool party - no exceptions! If you want to attend the pool party, make sure that you finish your booklet and check in at the library before we close on August 7. Children cannot come as guests of those who have earned their pool passes - this is reserved for parents or adult chaperones only!

August 7 is also the last day of the teen reading program. This is the last day to drop off reading raffle tickets, extra challenge booklets, and writing contest entries. The drawing for prizes will take pace sometime during the week following August 7, and all winners will be notified by phone when it is time to pick up their prizes.

We look forward to seeing you all at the library! Happy reading. -Ms. Sandy

Mark Hayward

Our last performer of the summer is Mark Hayward, world champion yo-yoer and juggler. Join us as he wows audiences with his amazing skills. This show is not to be missed!

Mark Hayward will be putting on two shows on Tuesday, August 3 - one at 11:00 a.m. and one at 1:00 p.m. All ages are welcome.

Space is limited. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The doors to the Community Room will open about 10 minutes before the program start time.

What Has Everyone Been Reading?

Two weeks remain in our Summer Library Program. Wow, the summer has flown by! Throughout the months of June and July the staff at the Children's desk has talked with hundreds of kids about the different books that they have read. Here are just a handful of the books that we've seen written down in kids' blue booklets:

What have you or your children been reading this summer? Share some of your favorites here in the comments.

Remember, the last day of the Summer Library Program is August 7. Make sure you visit the library soon to collect your prizes before the program ends! -Ms. Sandy

Bubble Wonders

Bubble Wonders is back! Our big hit show from last year is returning again this summer in full force. Learn about the art and science of bubbleology as Geoffrey Akins creates bubble caterpillars, ice cream cones, dancing bubbles, puts a kid in a bubble and more!

We have two Bubble Wonders performances scheduled for Tuesday, July 27 - one at 3:30 p.m. and one at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome!

Space is limited. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The doors to the Community Room will open about 10 minutes before the program start time. We are expecting a full house for this show, so please try to come early to ensure that you get a spot!



We also have our last Crafty Kids event of the summer taking place on Friday, July 23. This is a day for Mystery Crafts, so get ready to be creative! Join us between either 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

The crafts will be for kids between the ages of 3 to 11. Limit of 3 project per child. Please allow 1 hour to make crafts. The craft supply table closes the last 15 minutes of each session - no new crafts can be started at that time.

Grandpa Fred Turk

Out next big event of the summer is Grandpa Fred Turk presents: Splash Into Song. Join us as this great performer shares his songs, stories, and puppets. Fred’s musical madness entertains people of all ages!

Grandpa Fred Turk is here for two shows on Tuesday, July 20 - one at 11:30 a.m. and one at 2:30 p.m. Space is limited. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The doors to the Community Room will open about 10 minutes before the program start time.

Hope to see you there!

Crafty Kids and Super Sundae Reading Challenge

Get ready for our second Crafty Kids event of the summer! Stop in on Friday, July 9 between either 9:30 - 11:00am or 1:30 - 3:00pm to make a few awesome crafts to take home.

The crafts will be for kids between the ages of 3 to 11. Limit of 3 project per child. Please allow 1 hour to make crafts. The craft supply table closes the last 15 minutes of each session - no new crafts can be started at that time.



We also have another big event coming up on Tuesday, July 13: The Super Sundae Reading Challenge. Come in and read silently for 30 minutes to earn the reward of an ice cream sundae! This program is for kids ages 8 and up who are able to read silently and independently for 30 minutes.

Hope to see you there!

Extra Challenge

More than 60 kids have already finished their blue reading booklets and earned a pass to the pool party. And I can tell that there will be plenty of other kids who will complete their booklets as the summer goes on - over 600 kids have already gotten a start on their reading and have checked in at least once. Wow! Great job, everyone!

If you've finished your reading booklet you may have decided to try the Extra Challenge. With this booklet we test your reading skills by asking you to read specific kinds of books. Each challenge you complete earns you an entry into a raffle for a chance to win Summer Reading Program t-shirts, and you can also earn free books at the five and ten challenge marks.

This year our Extra Challenge has changed just a little bit - we now have one challenge geared for younger readers 2nd grade and younger, and another for older readers 3rd grade and older. This means that the challenges are even more age-appropriate than before.

There's still plenty of time to finish your blue reading booklets and begin the Extra Challenge. Stop by the library today with your booklet to pick up your prizes for the reading you've done so far.

Happy Reading! -Ms. Sandy

Summer Splash Reading Lists

This year the theme of the Summer Library Program is "Get a Splash: Read!" Get into the spirit of this theme by checking out our Summer Splash book lists! Check them out online here:

2nd Grade and Younger

3rd Grade and Older

There are lots of great water-themed books to be found on this list so be sure to take a look! Those of you interested in completing the Extra Challenge should pay special attention - reading a book off of one of these lists is one of this year's challenges for both age groups. Just make sure that the book you read for the challenge is off of the correct list for your age/grade.

Happy Reading! -Ms. Sandy

Bingo for Books and Crafty Kids

We have two exciting events coming up that we'd like to announce. On Friday, June 25 we will hold our first Crafty Kids event of the summer. Stop in between either 9:30 - 11:00am or 1:30 - 3:00pm to make a few awesome crafts to take home.

The crafts will be for kids between the ages of 3 to 11. Limit of 3 project per child. Please allow 1 hour to make crafts. The craft supply table closes the last 15 minutes of each session - no new crafts can be started at that time.



Also, be sure to get ready for our next Big Tuesday event - Bingo for Books! We will hold two separate Bingo for Books events on Tuesday, June 29 - one for younger kids under the age of 8, and one for older readers over the age of 8. Prizes for playing will be appropriate for each age group, so make sure that you attend the session that is right for your age!

The program for younger children will take place at 11:30am in the Community Room. This session is intended for children 8 and younger, accompanied by an adult caregiver who will be assisting them throughout the program.

The program for older children will take place at 2:30pm in the Community Room. This session is intended for children 8 and older who are independent readers.

No registration is required for any of these programs, though space in the Community Room is limited for Bingo for Books.

Hope to see you there!

Storytime!

Today is our first day of preschool storytime! Join Ronda for stories, rhymes, and more Fishy Tales.

Registration for storytime is recomended, but not required. If you register, it gives us an idea of how many people are interested in storytime and also alows us to make nametags for all of the kids. Storytime is geared for preschoolers between the ages of 2.5-5, but all ages are more than welcome to attend. Parents should also be sure to take a look on our website for special information about storytime just for them.

Storytime takes place every week through the end of July. There are sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Don't forget: All of the books read to you at storytime can be listed in your blue booklet as part of the Summer Library Program!

Prizes Are Here!

Today is the first day to collect prizes for your summer reading! If you have one or more sections of your booklet completed, make sure that your parents have initialed your booklet and stop by any time the library is open to get it stamped and recieve your prize. Remember, you must complete all sections of the blue booklet in order.

Teens, today is the first day to drop off your reading raffle tickets. Grab some in the teen section of the library, fill one out for each book you read this summer, and then drop them in the drop box at any time.

The last day to collect prizes for any Summer Library Program is Saturday, August 7.

Don't have a reading booklet yet? You can still sign up for the reading program at the Children's Desk anytime while the program is going on.

Happy Reading!

Jim Lenz

Get ready for our next performer of the summer as magician Jim Lenz presents his Magic of Reading Show! The performance will bring magical illusions, audience participation, and kid-friendly comedy.

Jim Lenz will putting on two shows on Tuesday, June 22, one at 2:30 p.m. and one at 4:30 p.m. All ages are welcome!

Space is limited. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The doors to the Community Room will open about 10 minutes before the program start time.

Dr. Noize Photos

Here are some pictures from Dr. Noize's show! We had a great turnout - thanks to all of the families to attended for being a great audience.

Dr. Noize

Get ready for our big kick-off event for the summer!

Dr. Noize, Live!



Dr. Noize, award winning West Coast children’s musician, is live again at the library this year. The program will be held outside, under a big tent, on the library grounds. This show is recommended for all ages – everyone is welcome!

The performance will take place on Wednesday, June 16 at 2:30 p.m. Remember to mark your calenders and save the date!

Be sure to check out Dr. Noize online at his website to learn more about this great performer.

Summer Reading Is Here!

Make a Splash!



Today's the day! June 9th is the first day to register for our Summer Library Program. Can't make it in to the library today? No problem! You can sign up to participate in the program anytime this summer, so come in when it's convenient for you. If you haven't seen it yet, here are links to more information on the programs for kids and teens.

We have a program geared for kids (and adults!) of all ages. Kids between age 2 and grade 6 will recieve a reading booklet. Inside this booklet you can choose to keep track of either the number of different books that you read or the amount of time you spend reading - your choice! Recieve prizes for the reading that you do by completing sections of the booklet. The grand prize is a pass to our pool party at the end of the summer. And if you get that finished there's an extra challenge waiting for you with the chance to win free books or maybe even a t-shirt.

Babies and very young toddlers under the age of 2 are welcome to participate in our Baby and Toddler program. These youngest library users will work with parents to earn free board books by completing activities geared just for them.

Teens have their very own program too! No registration required. Instead, swing by the teen section of the library to pick up reading raffle tickets. Fill one out for every age-appropriate book that you read this summer and drop it in the box in the teen area. Everyone who enters will win a prize, but those who read more and drop off more raffle tickets will have a shot at the better prizes. And for those teens interested in going the extra mile, we've got an extra challenge for you too.

Stop by the library and watch this space for more information about our other special events this summer. We'll have a number of performers, crafts, and storytimes for you to participate in.

Father's Day reads!

Looking for some good Father's Day books? Place holds on these new books now to get them in time for the big day!

Guys Read

Are you a boy? Do you have trouble finding great books to read? If so then you need to check out our brand-new book list full of titles that we think will appeal to guys. The list is divided up into different genres to make it easy for you to find exactly what you're looking for. Looking for something funny? A graphic novel? Non-fiction? We've got suggestions for these categories and more.

Here are a few highlights from the list, all taken from different genre categories:

The Knights of the Lunch Table: The Dodgeball Chronicles by Frank Camusso
New kid Artie just wants to ease into his new life at Camelot Middle School without any trouble. But trouble is exactly what he gets when he accidentally manages to get on the wrong side of both the school principal and The Horde, a bunch of brawny dodgeball-playing bullies who rule the school. Things get even stranger when Artie is assigned to strange locker that no one else has ever been able to open and always seems to find what he needs inside. The good news is that he's also made friends with two kids named Percy and Wayne and his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn, seems pretty cool. A modern tale based on the legend of King Arthur, this graphic novel is sure to be a hit.

A Dog Called Grk by Joshua Doder
When Tim is followed home by a dog on the street, he's determined to find out who the friendly stray belongs to. But with a little investigating, Tim discovers that Grk's owners don't live in his town, or even in his country. Max and Natascha Raffifi, Grk's owners, have been kidnapped with their ambassador parents by the evil Colonel Zinfandel and taken to a prison in Eastern Europe! Tim knows he's about to undertake a mission his parents wouldn't exactly approve of. He sneaks out of the house in the middle of the night with Grk, catches a taxi to the airport, then hops a plane to Stanislavia. Together he and Grk will have to break into a high-security prison, pilot a helicopter, and make a nail-biting run for the border in this high-octane, international adventure. Great for anyone looking for a book full of humor and action.

Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson
What sort of madman would unleash an army of stilt-walking, laser-beaming, thoroughly angry whales upon the world? Who cares! All that matters is that his dastardly plan be foiled. Lucky for Lily Gefelty, her two best friends are the intrepid stars of their own middle-grade series novels: Jasper Dash (better know as the Boy Technonaut) and Katie Mulligan (beloved by millions as the heroine of the Horror Hollow series). It's going to take all their smarts to stop this insane, inane plot from succeeding.

Don't forget to try listening to audiobooks! Listening to an audiobook is a great way to enjoy a story together with friends and family. Books that we recommend that are available on audio - either on CD or Playaway - are marked on the list itself.

Happy reading! -Ms. Sandy

Teens?

Are you a teen or know one?
Check out our teen blog at http://spplteens.blogspot.com/

Lots of cool books are posted there...get your name on the newest ones!

-Ms. Lynn

Summer Programs -- it's almost time!

We're busy getting everything ready for summer here at the library and looking forward to many fantastic programs! Registration for all summer programs, including the reading program, begins Wednesday, June 9.

Lots of fabulous performers again this year...Dr. Noize is back for our kick-off! And Bubble Magic is back in July! Also, be sure to catch Jim Lenz in The Magic of Reading, Fred Turk with Splash Into Song, and Mark Hayward's Super Awesome Yo-Yo Day! Mark Hayward is a yo-yo champion and juggler extraordinaire...not to be missed!

Get more info about all the summer programs here: http://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/documents/SLP2010Flyer.pdf

Hope to see you all at the library this summer!

-Ms. Lynn

Great Websites for Kids - Part 3

Here are a few great websites full of information about the United States!

America's Story from America's Library
The Library of Congress presents an interactive history of the United States with games and exhibits. Explore the lives of famous Americans, follow a historical timeline of our history, and different stories about the cultural elements that make the US great.

Ben's Guide to US Government
Everything you ever wanted to know about the United States government! Learn about the different branches of the government, how laws are made, and US citizenship. There's plenty for children of just about any age, from K-12.

American Fact Finder Kids Corner
Get fun facts and interesting statistics about each of the 50 states from the US Census Bureau.




Remember that you can find even more great websites on all kinds of subjects on the library's website! Click here to see what we have to suggest.

Happy Surfing! -Ms. Sandy

Summer Library Program!

Looking for info on Summer Programs? Check out our SLP 2010 flyer -- available online now!
http://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/documents/SLP2010Flyer.pdf

The paper version will be available at the Children's Desk, but not until mid-May.

Thanks! Ms. Lynn

Culver's coloring contest!

To celebrate National Library Week, Culver's is sponsoring a coloring contest for kids ages 11 and under. Stop in at the library, pick up a coloring sheet, and draw a picture about your favorite book. Return the drawing to the Children's Desk by April 30 and you'll get a certificate for a free single scoop of frozen custard at Culver's! For kids ages 11 and under only. Only one drawing per child may be submitted.

Sports Book List

Looking for a great book featuring your favorite sport? Get in the game by looking for a book here at the library! We have a brand new list available to help school-age kids find the perfect sports-themed chapter book. Click here to see a full list of the great titles we have to recommend. Here are a few highlights from that list:

Top of the Order by John Coy
Jackson’s parents are divorced and his mother has started dating. Gig’s dad is in the National Guard and has been called up to serve in the Middle East. Isaac's dad wants him to go to a different middle school than all his friends. Diego is the new kid in school, a power-hitter who works with his family on the weekends and can't make every team practice. These four friends lead different lives, but on the baseball field, they're a strong team, the top of the order. In this crucial last year of elementary school, they’re faced with preparing for middle school and dealing with a new member of their team—a girl!

Touchdown Trouble by Fred Bowen
Sam loves football. Most of all he loves the feeling he gets when his team, the Cowboys, are working together, moving closer and closer to the end zone. But Sam's pride in his team begins to fade. In an important game, the Cowboys beat the Giants to remain undefeated, thanks to a touchdown by Sam in the final play of the game. But later, watching a video of the game, Sam and his teammates realize that the winning touchdown was scored illegally. The Giants should have won the game. Now the team is divided. Should they keep quiet or give the Giants the win?

Airball: My Life in Briefs by Lisa Harkrader
Kirby Nickel loves basketball. The only problem is he can’t play basketball. But when an opportunity to meet NBA star Brett McGrew comes up, Kirby knows he has to take a chance and try out for the basketball team. Getting on the team turns out to be easy—the rest of the boys are as supremely untalented as Kirby—but winning in order to be eligible to meet McGrew is a whole different problem. Different and embarrassing. The coach’s radical new plan for success involves the boys playing in their underwear. But if this crazy idea works, Kirby will get to meet his hero—who he secretly also hopes is his long-lost father.



If you like sports but just aren't in the mood for fiction, don't forget that we have lots and lots of great sports non-fiction to check out. Look for books about your favorite sport, or investigate one that you've never tried before - the choice is yours! Just head on over to our catalog and do a subject search for the sport you want to find books about. Try using search terms in this format to get started:

Baseball - Juvenile Literature
Hockey - Juvenile Literature
Soccer - Juvenile Literature

Enjoy! -Ms. Sandy

Place holds now for Easter books!

Have you picked up books for Easter yet? If not, place holds now!

They are going fast!

Great Websites for Kids - Part 2

Here are a few more great websites for kids to check out. This week's theme: Science!

Ology
The American Mueseum of Netural History has interesting information on their website about all kinds of 'ologies - Archaeology, paleontology, zoology, and more!


NASA for Students
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about outer space, space travel, and our atmosphere. Click here to jump streight to information and activities geared for kids grades K-4, or here for grades 5-8.


The Yuckiest Site on the Internet
This is the spot for getting gross with science. Explore acne, bugs, mold and more.




Remember, you can find even more great websites, with pictures, information, games, and more about all kinds of topics on the library's website! Check them out here.

Happy surfing! -Ms. Sandy

March Madness for Kids' Books!

School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books is a competition between 16 of the very best books for young people published in 2009, judged by some of the biggest names in children's books. Check it out! http://sljbattleofthebooks.com/
--Ms. Lynn

Great Websites for Kids - Part 1

Did you know that the Sun Prairie Public Library has a list of links to great websites for kids? Every few weeks we will try to feature a couple of our favorites here on this blog. This week's featured topic: Animals.

Creature Feature
Part of the National Geographic for Kids website, the Creature Feature not only gives you fun facts about different animals, but also photos, videos, and maps showing where in the world these animals live.

ASPCA Animaland
The ASPCA (the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a really great website for kids who want to learn more about how to properly care for a pet. Definitely a great resource for families who are considering acquiring a new pet, this site also spotlights real pets and careers working with animals, and also answers kids' questions about pet behavior.

Looking for more great websites? Click here to explore even more great sites on all kinds of topics.

Happy surfing! -Ms. Sandy

New picture books!

Here are a few recently added picture books that I really liked. Check them out and see for yourself!


The Inside Tree by Linda Smith

Mr. Potter loves his cozy little house, with a little yard just right for his dog. One night, he decides to let his dog inside...setting off a chain of events that quickly spirals out of control.






Namaste by Diana Cohn

Whenever Nima meets someone on her long walk to the market village in Nepal, she brings her hands together with her fingers almost touching her chin, bows her head slightly, and says "Namaste," which means "the light in me meets the light in you." An excellent introduction to a slice of Tibetan culture.



The Easter Egg by Jan Brett

The newest entry in Jan Brett's legacy of wonderfully illustrated picture books. If Hoppi the bunny can create the best Easter egg, he'll get to help the Easter bunny on Easter morning. As he gets discouraged with his attempts, he witnesses a robin's egg fall to the forest floor. Hoppi keeps it safe and warm until it's hatching time. Will Hoppi be rewarded for his deed?

Pennies For Elephants by Lita Judge

Based on a true story! In 1914, the children of Boston work together to raise money and buy a beloved set of retiring local circus elephants for the zoo. A fascinating story of how even small efforts can collectively add up to a large amount.



That's all for now! Miss Lynn