This American Storytime

I know your library’s probably closed for the holiday, but here are some patriotic storytime ideas for when you get back (or next summer… or for Patriot Day in September!):

Books to share:

Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer – When Olivia finds out that there won’t be a band for the evening’s fireworks display, she’s determined to start her own band to play.

Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts – Simple, rhyming text takes us through the day as a family of mice celebrate the Fourth of July, from marching in a parade to playing baseball to sharing sparklers on a summer’s eve.

Meet Our Flag, Old Glory by April Jones Prince – Verse about the flag also contains some information about the flag’s history.

Hats Off for the Fourth of July by Harriet Ziefert – Rhyming text describes the various acts that go by in a Fourth of July parade.

Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson – Mouse does many summer things in this sweet, simple book, including celebrate the Fourth of July.

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney! by Leslie Kimmelman – People all over the town get ready for their Fourth of July celebration.

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong – A Chinese-American girl worries that Americans won’t want to eat the Chinese food her family is preparing at their restaurant, but she’s pleasantly surprised to find out that people DO want to eat Chinese food on July Fourth.

How to Bake an American Pie by Karma Wilson – Rhyming text presents things that make America great: a thirst to be free, a giant melting pot, etc.

Songs:

Sing some patriotic songs or play recordings and march around the room or use scarves, bells, or Mel’s flannel rings (see below) for kids to dance or play along.

Yankee Doodle

You’re a Grand Old Flag

The Star-Spangled Banner

“The Irrational Anthem” by Jim Gill from his CD Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem – a fun participation song to the tune of “The Star Spangled Banner”.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame (hey, baseball is America’s pastime, right?)

Felts, Rhymes, and Activities:

10 little fireworks standing in a row

10 little fireworks standing in a row

When one little firework decides it’s time to go

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, blast off

There’ll be 9 little fireworks standing in a row…