What is happening on the Mock Caldecott blog?

The discussion has started already over at the ACPL Mock Caldecott blog. New, wonderfully illustrated books are being released every day! Check out the blog to see the best of the best & join the discussion.

My favorite illustrated book (so far) of the year, is not on the blog yet, but I am going to suggest that the moderator add it. Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Vicky White is absolutely gorgeous! Be sure to suggest some of your own favorite books too.

Would YOU like a librarian to visit YOUR daycare/preschool?

Now is the time for daycare and preschool teachers to schedule a day and time for...

Storytellers on the Move!


Between April 25 and May 6, 2011, Children's Librarians will be visiting local preschools and daycares, sharing special storytimes with the children and delivering boxes of books for teachers and children to use until our next visit.

Call today -- 421-1220 -- and schedule a time for us to visit YOU!

Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Other Natural Disasters

Can a tsunami happen here? Or an earthquake?...these are questions many adults are hearing after the tragic happenings in Japan this past weekend.

Sharing stories of hope and goodwill in the midst of chaos, such as Tsunami! by Kimiko Kajikawa, or A Mama for Owen by Marion Dane Bauer, may be a help to some children.

Reading Rockets has just published a list of web-based resources, including kid-friendly news reports of the events in Japan, ways to help children cope with disasters, and basic information about earthquakes and tsunamis.

Several of Children's Services Booklists provide resources for children and adults on coping with with disasters:

• Fears Booklists
  
• Talking with Kids about Violence Booklist
  
• Therapy and Healing Booklist
• Peace Booklist

Do you have other resources that you've found? How have you used them with your children?

Favorite Artists

Over three hundred votes were cast for the favorite artist in the Fancy February Art Show in Children’s Services at Main Library. Winners in the three age categories were Jacob Gernhardt (5 and Under); Tala Shatara (6-8); and Kathryn Seelye (9-11). Participants were given a packet of materials to make a fancy collage. Congratulations to everyone who entered!

Rainy Day

Now that our weather is (finally!) moving from snow to rain, it is time to enjoy some rainy day titles.

Join Sam, Pam, Will & Jill on a rainy, rainy, day. What will they do? Where will they go? You will never guess!

Rainy Day! by Patricia Lakin, pictures by Scott Nash

Our History is Our Strength: Women's History Month 2011

Eleanor Roosevelt...Harriet Tubman...Dolley Madison...Rosa Parks...Susan B. Anthony...Mother Teresa...these are just a few of the many, many famous women who have made their mark on history.

March is Women's History Month, and is the perfect time to read up on the contributions women have made!

Visit us at the library to explore the biographies...

...or explore the Biography Center in World Book Online...

... or try some of the following websites:

• Women's History Month @ History.com
• FactMonster.com: Women's History
• World History Timeline: Famous Women
  

Carnival of the Animals!

Families: Don't miss this special performance

presented by the
Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company!

Carnival of the AnimalsSaturday, March 5, 2011
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Main Library Theater
Doors will open 15 minutes before each performance.

Carnival of the Animals this Saturday!

The Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company will be performing Carnival of the Animals at the main library on Saturday, March 5th at 11am & 2pm. Doors will open fifteen minutes before the performance, seating is limited.