Unboxing Early Learning Kits: Dance Dance Dance

• early childhood
• backpacks

We have a ton of different materials for our littlest customers, including our expanding Early Learning Backpack collection. We have several new Early Learning Backpacks. 

 Dance Dance Dance

This fun kit is designed to get children dancing, wiggling, and shaking with activities and songs. Dancing is an important component of building early literacy skills to get littles ready for Kindergarten. 

 Duck Duck Dance! The Move and Groove Game!

Get up and move with this fun interactive game. This game promotes gross motor, learn sequencing, turn taking, and vocabulary skills. 

The Dance Remixes by Laurie Berkner with dance ribbons and scarves

Dance away with Laurie Berkner's CD The Dance Remixes. Scarves and dance ribbons are provided for extra fun. Dancing is a great way to exercise gross motor activity, while singing is great for practicing phonological awareness.

Books 

Settle down and read some books about all kinds of dancing. 

Boys Dance! (American Ballet Theatre) by John Robert Allman; illustrated by Luciano Lozano 

Hip-Hop Lollipop by Susan Montanari; illustrated by Brian Pinkney 

How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder 

Dance Dance Dance will help keep your child engaged, learning, and moving. Check out all of Early Learning Kits available at the library. 

  Youth Services Assistant Librarian MaryJo 

May the Fourth Be with You! Celebrate Star Wars Day with These Great Titles

• Picture books
• science-fiction
• beginning readers

No Jedi mind tricks necessary -- these are the books you’re looking for.

The following titles are available at the Barrington Area Library.

Star Wars: The Prequel Trilogy Stories

Various writers; illustrations by Brian Rood

Your little Star Wars historian can read great stories by Elizabeth Schaefer, Ivan Cohen, Rebecca L. Schmidt, and others, brought to life by long-time franchise illustrator Brian Rood. From a tense podrace to a deadly duel with the villainous Count Dooku, experience the prequel trilogy in this kid-friendly format.

The Clone Wars: Ahsoka in Action!

Written by Jon Richards

Anakin’s padawan, Ahsoka Tano, springs into action against the deadly droids of the Trade Federation. Meet other great Clone Wars-era characters in this Level 1 beginning reader.

Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Written and illustrated by Jeffrey Brown

Star Wars and Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans alike will enjoy this silly retelling of the Star Wars saga… with a twist! Follow Jedi trainee Roan’s wacky misadventures through school -- lightsaber duels, baking soda volcano disasters, and awkward slow dances await.

First in a series.

I Am a Princess

Written by Courtney B. Carbone

Illustrated by Heather Martinez

Fans of Little Golden Books will adore this picture book retelling of the Original Trilogy from the perspective of Leia Organa, Princess of Alderaan. Follow Leia’s journey from the Tantive IV to her adventures aboard the Millennium Falcon.

Are You Scared, Darth Vader?

Written and illustrated by Adam Rex

Witches? Ha! Ghosts? Don’t make me laugh. Darth Vader isn’t scared of anything!

...Right?

Trapped in the Death Star!

Written by Michael Siglain

Art by Pilot Studio

Oh, no! Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewie are trapped in the Galactic Empire’s terrifying superweapon, the Death Star! Can they use their bravery -- and wits -- to escape?

Level 2.

The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear!

Written by Tom Angleberger

Illustrated by Andie Tong

What started as a simple cat-sitting job has turned into a real headache for everyone’s favorite fuzzball! Join Chewbacca as he fights off strange monsters, uncovers hidden treasure, and rescues his best pal Han Solo.

Guardians of the Whills

By Greg Rucka

When the Empire destroys the Jedi Temple on Jedha, best friends Baze and Chirrut must band together to save their people. This book for upper elementary readers serves as a prequel to Star Wars: Rogue One.

The Galaxy Needs You

Written by Caitlin Kennedy

Illustrated by Eda Kaban

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from -- you have it in you to be a hero! Follow Rey as she gears up to save the galaxy from the First Order in this companion to the Sequel Trilogy.

BB-8 on the Run

Written by Drew Daywalt

Illustrated by Matt Myers

Poor BB-8! He’s been separated from his best buddy, hotshot pilot Poe, and now he’s stuck on Jakku! Will our little droid find his way home?

Adventures in Wild Space, Book 1: The Snare

By Cavan Scott

First in a series. After Milo and Lina’s parents are abducted by the Empire, the kids set out on an epic adventure to rescue them. Explore the farthest edges of the galaxy in this amazing series!

Tip: Want personalized reading suggestions? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!

  Youth Services Librarian Chris 

5 Kid-Friendly Cookbooks for the Aspiring Chef

• books
• activities

Want to make a tasty snack? Looking to hone your cooking skills? Trying to earn a Michelin star for your world-famous kitchen? Grab one of these cookbooks off the shelf and find some inspiration.

The following cookbooks, and others, are available at the Barrington Area Library.

MasterChef Junior Cookbook: Bold Recipes and Essential Techniques to Inspire Young Cooks

Inspired by the hit cooking competition, the MasterChef Junior Cookbook features exciting, ambitious -- but approachable recipes. This cookbook doesn’t just inspire, it teaches: kids will gain essential skills for everyday use, as well as become more confident and comfortable as they move from dish to dish. Covers a wide variety of dishes, from salads to marshmallow cupcakes.

The Cookbook for Kids: Great Recipes for Kids Who Love to Cook

Lisa Atwood

Featuring over 60 kid-friendly recipes, The Cookbook for Kids certainly lives up to its name. Young chefs can prepare their own lunches, serve themselves a delicious breakfast, craft some snacks for a lazy afternoon, or (of course) whip up a tasty dessert. Recipes are arranged in an approachable format and include tips and tricks to help the cook develop good habits.

The Vegetarian Cookbook

Easy and inviting for vegetarians and omnivores alike, The Vegetarian Cookbook introduces kids to delicious plant-based recipes. Learn how to make meatless treats like avocado toast, veggie quesadillas, falafel, sweet potato lasagna… just make sure to finish it off with a delicious key lime pie or beet brownie!

The Multicultural Cookbook for Students

Lois Sinaiko Webb and Lindsay Grace Roten

Kids can broaden their culinary -- and cultural -- boundaries with this wonderful cookbook. Take a trip around the world, discovering recipes from Tunisia, Madagascar, Indonesia, Vietnam, New Zealand, and many, many other countries and cultures. In addition to the recipe(s), kids will learn about the culture and food philosophies of each represented country. Recipes vary in difficulty, from easy to advanced.

The Gross Cookbook: Awesome Recipes for (Deceptively) Disgusting Treats Kids Can Make

Susanna Tee

Sure, these recipes don’t look or sound appetizing, but that’s half the fun! Your family’s mouths will water when you serve them some chewy cockroaches, wasp crackers, and chewy caterpillars. Or, if they’re feeling picky, whip up some deep fried rattlesnake or human brain! These hilarious, nauseating -- and delicious -- dishes will entertain cook and patron alike.

Tip: Want personalized reading suggestions? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!

  Youth Services Librarian Chris 

Unboxing Early Learning Kits: World Traveler and Families

• early childhood
• literacy
• backpacks

We have many different types of materials for our littlest customers, including our Early Learning Backpack collection. We have several new Early Learning Backpacks available for checkout. Two of our newest Early Learning Kits, available to check out today, are the World Traveler and Families kits. 

World Traveler 

Start learning about cultures around the world with books, activities, and puzzles in this kit. Recommended for ages 3+. World Traveler kit will provide you with the tools to help your child begin to learn about the world around them. 

Puzzle 

Children of the World puzzle is a great tool to help start the discussion of children around the world. The puzzle includes 18 children from 18 different countries. Building the puzzle will also improve your child's hand-eye coordination, strengthen their fine motor skills, and allow them to practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

A Puzzle Globe

Puzzle Globe from Learning Resources. The puzzle globe will allow your little one to build their fine motor skills and start to practice spatial awareness. The puzzle globe is an accurate globe of the world, and will allow your child to start to learn about other continents, oceans, and things that could be seen in each continent.  

Learn how to say "hello" in other languages

Hello From Around the World cards from Lakeshore Learning. Learn how to say "Hello" 25 different ways. Each card includes how to pronounce how to say hello in each language. These cards are a great way for children to begin to understand other languages and cultures from around the world. 

Books and a movie 

Cuddle up with this book and movie, and learn about how different kids from around the world live their lives. This will help expand your child's world.

This Is How We Do It: One day in the lives of seven kids from around the world by Matt Lamothe. 

DVD Let's Go Luna! Friendship around the world. 

Families

Families come in many different shapes and sizes. Learn about families with books and activities. Recommended ages 3+. The Families kit will help begin the conversation about many different types of families there are in the world, and what those families might be. 

Mix and Match families 

Mix and Match Magnetic Families from Lakeshore Learning. Through the Mix and Match Families set, a child can begin to explore unique and different types of families. The magnetic pieces will also help build stronger hand and eye coordination. 

Books and a movie about different kinds of families 

Cuddle up with these books and learn about all the different types of families in the world today. Learn about the importance of family, and the love of a family. These titles are a great way to begin to discuss with your child your family and other types of families they may know. 

Families Around the World by Margriet Ruurs, illustrated by Jessica Rae Gordon 

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang & Max Lang. 

DVD: Highlights: Family Fun!

Both the World Traveler and Families kits will help keep your child engaged and learning about different cultures, places, and people from all around the world. 

Check out all of the different Early Learning Kits available at the library. 

  Youth Services Assistant Librarian MaryJo 

5 Haunting Short Story Collections for Middle Grade Readers

• books
• middle grade

Looking for a shocking tale that will leave you peeking over your shoulder? Here are five collections to check out, available at the Barrington Area Library.

Dare to Be Scared: Thirteen Stories to Chill and Thrill 
by Robert D. San Souci and David Ouimet

A young girl receives a phone call from her aunt. Problem is, her aunt’s been dead for a while.
A young boy is trapped in a nightmare he can’t wake up from.
A trip to the Caribbean goes horribly wrong.
Scares abound in this collection of original short stories by Robert D. San Souci, complemented by David Ouimet’s wonderful illustrations.
Some of the stories are only mildly spine-tingling, while others are positively frightening. Recommended for middle grade and slightly younger readers.

Don’t Turn Out the Lights 
by various authors

A young boy steals a small, wooden bear statue. The bear changes again and again, and soon it is apparent the boy is being hunted.
A small town keeps a strange “holiday” in which impossibly tall, rail-thin creatures appear and demand gifts from the townsfolk.
A hapless ghost is desperate to frighten a child, but is unsuccessful at every turn.
In this chain-rattling collection, popular authors including R.L. Stine, Margaret Stohl, and Josh Malerman come together to pay tribute to Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
Some of the stories are kid-friendly, while others border on young adult. Recommended for middle grade readers and older, though some stories may be appropriate as read-alouds for younger siblings.

Ghost: Thirteen Haunting Tales to Tell 
by various authors

A fateful slip beneath icy waves.
Eyes in the trees, watching your every move.
A mirror that contains more than your reflection.
These thirteen grim tales, penned and inked by the creative collective Illustratus, are concerned with “the only true ghost stories,” as told by a creepy old storyteller. These stories are creepy, made creepier by the artwork, and appropriate for middle grade readers.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark 
by Alvin Schwartz

An old woman finds a severed toe and decides to make a soup out of it. Then the toe’s owner comes looking for their lost appendage.
A young woman is disturbed to find a zit on her cheek… a zit that keeps growing bigger, and bigger, and bigger…
Two bored farmers make a scarecrow and name him Harold. Harold is the butt of their jokes, a way for them to pass the time… until Harold starts making noises on his own.
This classic collection of frightening tales is the first in a trilogy. Alvin Schwart’s storytelling is straightforward, but effective, complemented by Stephen Gammell’s horrifying art. There is a newer edition, pictured above on the right, with less-frightening artwork (by Brett Helquist) that will be more appropriate for younger readers.
The original edition (left) is recommended for middle grade and older readers. The newer edition (right) is also recommended for middle grade readers, but may be more appropriate for a slightly younger audience.

Through the Woods
by Emily Carroll

Two brothers enter the woods, looking for the monster that harasses their village. Only one brother returns.
A young woman discovers a shocking secret in her new husband’s beautiful manor.
A young girl struggles with her ability to see ghosts.
This collection of short comics by artist Emily Carroll combines Halloween-appropriate horror with fairy tale storytelling, complete with a twist on “Little Red Riding Hood.” The art is gorgeous, though sometimes scary, and will leave readers thoroughly disturbed.
Recommended for teen readers of graphic fiction, fantasy, and horror.

Tip: Want personalized reading suggestions? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!

  Youth Services Librarian Chris 

5 Ways Your Child Can Fight Anxiety -- and Have Fun, Too

• early childhood
• middle grade
• activities
• beginning readers
• social-emotional learning

We live in an unusual, sometimes frightening time, and it’s only natural that your little one may be a little stressed out. Now that school is back in session, that stress may have doubled -- but don’t worry! Here are 5 fun, anxiety-busting activities the whole family will enjoy.

1. Calm Down Jars
Using warm water, glitter, glue, and a jar, kids can create a simple sensory object that can aid in stress reduction. Children can focus on the dancing glitter, practice deep breathing, or simply distract themselves by shaking the jar. Calm down jars offer a simple introduction to mindful practice -- consciously focusing on a present moment or object without worrying about the looming, larger concerns in your life.

2. Worry boxes

Worry boxes are exactly what they sound like -- kids can make little boxes, write down their worries, and put those worries away in the box. This symbolic exercise affords children a sense of control over their anxieties, allowing them to create boundaries for intrusive thoughts and stressors and putting them out of sight for a while… and maybe out of mind, too.

3. Slime therapy

Slime isn’t just fun to play with -- it can be therapeutic, too. Manipulating slime can be an enjoyable source of sensory stimulation for little ones.

Playing with slime can also give children a sense of control over their environment. COVID totally transformed the way children interact with their peers and environment -- it changed what behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable, where they can go, who they can be around, etc. -- and retaining a semblance of control can help ease a troubled mind.

Plus, slime is just fun.

4. Blowing bubbles

Blowing bubbles can help children practice deep breathing, which regulates anxiety. Bubbles can’t be formed by sharp, violent exhalations; they can only form when the blower is gentle and deliberate. This simple deep breathing exercise can help children regain a sense of control over their own physiological response to anxiety or stress.

Kids -- and adults -- can also visualize their anxieties flowing into the bubble. When the bubble pops and disappears, so does the image of whatever’s bothering the blower.

5. Coloring

Children can use coloring as a gateway to mindful practice: when you color, you give in to “the moment” and shut out big, intrusive thoughts as you devote yourself to this simple activity. Extraneous thoughts are pushed to the side, allowing children to “meditate” while coloring.

Looking for more fun activities? We’ve got you covered:

• 8 Activities for Treating Anxiety in Children
• 10 Therapist (and Child)-Approved Activities to Support Kids with Anxiety
• 31 Days of Sensory Play Ideas. Kid Approved!

Why these activities can help:

• 9 Reasons Kids Calm Down Coloring
• Amazing Benefits of Making Slime with Kids
• Blow Anxiety Away on a Bubble
• What Is Mindfulness Coloring?
• Why is my kid obsessed with slime?
• Why Putting Worries in a Box (or Jar) Calms Anxious Kids

   Youth Services Librarian Chris 

5 Middle-Grade Novels-in-Verse for Sports Fans and History Buffs

• books
• middle grade
• poetry

Do you like sports? History? Poetry? We've got you covered!

All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg

1970s. After being abandoned by his American father, given up for adoption by his Vietnamese mother, and airlifted out of war-torn Vietnam, Matt Pin has a lot to think about: where does he belong? Who is he? Should he feel guilty for escaping the chaos of his childhood? Haunted by these questions -- and nightmares -- Matt turns to baseball and music for comfort. All the Broken Pieces is a beautiful story about healing and self-acceptance. Historical fiction, sports fiction.

Audacity by Melanie Crowder

1900s. Inspired by a true story. Clara Lemlich has just emigrated to New York from Russia with her family, and despite the disapproval of her family has just gotten a job at a garment factory. The factory workers are treated terribly, and told that they don't have rights... but Clara refuses to accept this, and decides to stand up for what's right. Clara ends up inspiring the largest woman-led workers' strike in United States history, forcing the factories to treat their employees with dignity and respect. Historical, narrative non-fiction.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

1960s and 70s. Inspired by the author's own experiences. Jacqueline's parents have split up, and now she feels split in two, as well. On one hand, Jacqueline spends time in South Carolina with her grandparents, where she experiences the evils of Jim Crow firsthand; on the other hand, she gets to spend time in New York, where things aren't as bad. Jacqueline must learn how to bridge the gap between her vastly different experiences and find her place in the world. Historical, autobiography/memoir.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

2010s. Josh Bell loves basketball. He lives for basketball. So does his twin brother, Jordan. Despite being star players on the basketball court Josh and Jordan face a lot of new obstacles: they've just started middle school, they both have feelings for the same girl, their father is ignoring his failing health... and, despite their love for the game and each other, the brothers are starting to drift apart. Will things ever be the same? Will Josh and Jordan ever see eye-to-eye again? Read and find out! Sports fiction.

Under the Broken Sky by Mariko Nagai

 1940s. Natsu and her little sister Cricket live with their father in Japanese-occupied Manchuria. Their happy, quiet life is shattered when their father is recruited by the Japanese Army. Things get even worse when the Soviet Army invades and forces them out of their home. Orphaned, homeless, and desperate, Natsu and Cricket embark on an adventure across China. A beautiful story about remaining strong even when it feels like the whole world is against you. Historical fiction.

Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!

  Youth Services Librarian Chris 

2020 Summer Reading Update

• 2020 summer reading

2020 Summer Reading has been going great so far and we have gotten so many great responses. With a few weeks left of 2020 Summer Reading here is an update on what some of your fellow readers, and pre-readers, have been doing this summer!

Book Reviews 

Activity Responses

Find out what some of your fellow readers have been doing to complete activity challenges this summer! Have you found all 5 iguanas hiding outside the library yet? 

Prize Updates

There are still plenty of days left to enter our Summer Reading Prizes! Here is a glimpse of how many tickets are entered in the grand prizes.

Pre-Readers Grand Prize:

16 Tickets Entered

Readers Grand Prizes: 

	173 Tickets Entered
	688 Tickets Entered

Remember to enter in weekly drawings for some amazing gift cards for places around Barrington. Keep up the great reading everyone!

Take a Mindful Moment: Imagine you are holding your favorite flower. What is it? What does it smell like? Who would you give it to? 

  Youth Services Assistant Librarian MaryJo 

2020 Summer Reading Prizes

• 2020 summer reading

With a few weeks left for 2020 Summer Reading, there is still plenty of time to log your reading and activities for a chance to earn more tickets! Here are some cool prizes that you could put your tickets in to win. 

Weekly Drawings 

Did you know we do drawings weekly? 

Here are some of the weekly drawing options: 

	Gnarly Knots: A $10 gift card to Gnarly Knot.
	Sweet Spot: A $10 Gift card to the Sweet Spot.
	Marvin's Toy Store: $25 gift card to Marvin's Toy Store in downtown Barrington.
	Barnes & Noble: $25 Gift Card to Barnes & Noble.

Grand Prizes: 

Grand Prizes have a limit of 10 tickets total. There is only one drawing done for each of these prizes, at the end of Summer Reading! Each ticket entered is an additional chance to win. 

Pre-Readers Grand Prize Option: 

Radio Flyer 5-in1 Stroll 'N Trike

Readers Grand Prizes: 

Razor Scooter 

Nintendo Switch Lite with the Animal Crossing Game included

Remember to keep logging to earn tickets, and place those tickets in the prize you would like the most! Grand prize drawing winners will be informed of their winnings after August 19th.

Take a Mindful Moment today and list three people, things, or places you are grateful for today.  

  Youth Services Assistant Librarian MaryJo 

2020 Summer Reading Update

• 2020 summer reading

Our 2020 Summer Reading program still has a month left and we have gotten so many great responses already. Remember to keep logging, to get tickets for a chance to win our grand prize and gift card prize drawings! Here is a look at what some of your fellow readers have been doing this summer. 

Picture Reviews: 

Big Nate Blasts Off by Lincoln Pierce 

Picture Review by: Hiba, 11.5

The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene

Picture Review by: Niharika, 10

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Video Review by: Aaina, 8

Pictures from Activity Tracks:

Code Breaker: Create a treasure hunt of your own and tell us what you did? Take a picture and send it to ys@balibrary.org.

"I created a treasure hunt for my dad on Father’s Day. The prize was a basket of secretly baked cookies!" -Colin, 12

Garden Guru: Plant some seeds and email us a photo of your plants as they grow (youthservices@balibrary.org). What did you plant?

Natalie planted some pumpkin seeds! -Natalie, 7.5 

  My Home: Make a map of your home or neighborhood. What are some of your favorite spots?          

 "Thank you for having this challenge each year! My neighbors and I have a tradition of doing it every year together and this year we didn’t know if it was gonna happen this year because of the virus but when we heard it was we were so happy! Thank you!" -Camryn

Activity Track Responses: 

Keep up the great reading, everyone! Remember, it's not too late to sign up for Summer Reading!

Take a Mindful Moment: Have your next snack in slow motion. Try to eat it as sloooowly as you can.

  Youth Services Assistant Librarian MaryJo