In September, I tried my best to magically transport myself to Seattle to hear Young People’s Poet Laureate, Naomi Shihab Nye speak. Part of the Seattle Arts & Lectures series, I was hoping to hear about Nye’s new book The Tiny Journalist, her past teen and children’s poetry books and her life. The event described her work: “Drawing on her Palestinian-American heritage, the cultural diversity of her home in Texas and her experiences traveling in Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East, Nye gives voice to her experience as an Arab-American through poems about heritage and peace that overflow with a humanitarian spirit.”
Category: Blogger Paige Bentley-Flannery
What is the poem about?
Illustrations and poetry encourage imagination, engaging children to experience each creation.
Poetry in Action!
In one week, I will be launching a rocket, watching out for rattlesnakes, dancing ballet, singing like animals, toasting marshmallows, snapping like a shrimp and more! What? You guessed it! April is National Poetry Month! I’m excited to visit schools in Central Oregon with interactive poems and introduce children to new children’s poets.
What new 2019 Children’s Books are you reading?
Are you creating books lists (and reading piles) of new 2019 Children’s Books? Are you thinking about each book and how you can turn them into a new library program or storytime? Below are new books that I can’t wait to read and share! (Highlighted at #alamw19)
Popcorn, Cupcakes and Cookbooks!
Let’s talk about food! Last weekend, I was eating a yummy BIG bowl of popcorn and started to think about all of the fabulous 2018 children’s books about food. How can you use these new books in library program or storytime?
Children’s Librarians are Experts at Readers’ Advisory
Librarians know their library collections! We know just the right questions to ask for each library customer seeking their next favorite book. Library customer: Do you have any new penguin picture books? Librarian: Hi! Yes, we have a wonderful selection of them! Library customer: I’m looking for a new book with a penguin wearing a sweater. Librarian: Let’s walk over to the new picture book section and look under Animals. (Point out the new picture book stickers.) I saw the book you’re looking for yesterday. So many colorful sweaters! Books Found: Penguinaunt by Marcie Colleen, Little Penguin Stays Awake by Tadgh Bentley and Penguins Don’t Wear Sweaters! By Marikka Tamura.
Children’s Librarians are Experts at Storytime Crafts
A silly penguin puppet, a colorful paper fish, a furry cotton ball fox! Storytime crafts encourage Play!
Poems and Painting by Douglas Florian
In August, I had a wonderful opportunity to talk with award-winning poet and painter, Douglas Florian, in New York City. He shared stories about his creative process, writing style, research and art mediums. As I walked around his art studio, I was surrounded by years of his amazing paintings and collage pieces. I was excited!