• October Baby Time Rhymes!

    If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our October sessions.

     

     All the Little Babies

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

     

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

     

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

     

    Humpty Dumpty

    Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall,

    Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,

    all the king's horses and all the king's men

    couldn't put Humpty together again.

     

     

    Diddle Diddle Dumpling

    Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John

    Went to bed with his trousers on.

    One shoe off, and the other shoe on.

    Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John.

     

     

    Pizza, Pickle, Pumpernickel

    Pizza, pickle, pumpernickel,

    My little one shall have a tickle!

    One for your nose,

    And one for your toes,

    And one for your tummy, where all the food goes!

     

     

    Baby Goes Bumpy Boo

    Baby goes bumpy boo.

    Baby goes bumpy bye.

    Baby goes bumpy bee.

    On top of my knee.

    I bounce you to the left.

    I bounce you to the right.

    I bounce you up and down.

    I bounce you out of sight.

    Baby goes bumpy boo.

    Baby goes bumpy bye.

    Baby goes bumpy bee.

    On top of my knee.

     

    I bounce you very fast.

    I bounce you very slow.

    I bounce you up and down.

    And back we both will go!

     

     

    I Bounce You Here, I Bounce You There

    I bounce you here, I bounce you there

    I bounce you, bounce you everywhere.

    I tickle you here, I tickle you there

    I tickle you, tickle you everywhere.

    I hug you here, I hug you there,

    I hug you, hug you everywhere!

     

     

    Cheek, Chin

    Cheek, chin, cheek, chin,
    Cheek, chin, nose.
    Cheek, chin, cheek, chin,
    Cheek, chin, toes.
    Cheek, chin, cheek, chin,
    Up baby goes!

     

     

     

    Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’supcoming events for young children.

     


        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • September Baby Time Rhymes!

    If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our September sessions.

     

     All the Little Babies

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

     

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

     

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

     

    Are You Sleeping?

    Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?

    Brother John? Brother John?

    Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!

    Ding, ding, dong. Ding, ding, dong

     

    Roses Are Red

    Roses are red,

    Violets are blue,

    Sugar is sweet,

    And so are you.

     

    Tickle That Tum Tum

    Tickle that tum tum,
    Here my fingers come!
    Tickle that tum tum,
    Here my fingers come!
    Because they TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE
    When they see a pretty baby with a plump tum tum.

     

    10 Plump Peas

    10 plump peas in a peapod pressed

    One grew, two grew, so did all the rest

    They grew and grew and did not stop

    Until one day the pod went POP!

     

    You Be the Ice Cream

    You be the ice cream,

    And I’ll be the freezer.

    You be the lemon,

    And I’ll be the squeezer.

    You be the hotdog,

    And I’ll be the bun.

    You be the baby, 

    And we’ll have some fun!

     

    Head and Shoulders Baby 1, 2, 3

    Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3

    Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3 

    Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3 

    Head and shoulders, head and shoulders 

    Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3!

     

    Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3 

    Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3 

    Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3 

    Knees and toes, knees and toes 

    Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3!

     

    Back and tummy baby 1,2,3 

    Back and tummy baby 1,2,3 

    Back and tummy baby 1,2,3 

    Back and tummy, back and tummy 

    Back and tummy baby 1,2,3!

     

    Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’supcoming events for young children.

     


        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • Explore the Wonders of Science at the Discovery Center Museum!

    Hey, Barrington Area Library cardholders, if you've got a little scientist at home, be sure to take them to the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Illinois... but take advantage of our Explore More Illinois program first!

    Boasting more than 300 interactive exhibits, the Museum is sure to appeal to kids and families fascinated by science -- whether it's space travel, agriculture, the human body, or even sports science, the Museum has it! Kids can send messages in Morse code, visit a planetarium, manipulate a miniature hot air balloon, witness the formation of a small tornado... and more!

    Barrington Area Library cardholders can receive up to two additional, free admission passes with purchase of two admission passes.

     

    For more information, visitthis page,accessible through the Barrington Area Library homepage. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us atexploremore@balibrary.org.


      Youth Services Librarian Chris 

     

  • July Baby Time Rhymes!

    If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our July sessions.

     

     All the Little Babies

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

     

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

     

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

     

    It's Raining, It's Pouring

    It's raining. It's pouring.

    The old man is snoring

    He went to bed and bumped his head

    and didn’t get up in the morning.

     

    Hot Cross Buns

    Hot cross buns!

    Hot cross buns!

    One a penny, two a penny,

    Hot cross buns!

     

    Bumble Bee

    Bumble bee was in the barn

    Carrying his dinner under his arm 

    Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

     

    Baby, Baby Dumpling

    Baby, baby dumpling,

    Put him in the pot

    Sugar him and butter him

    And eat him while he’s hot!

     

    Bumpin' Up and Down in my Little Red Wagon

    Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,

    Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,

    Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,

    Won't you be my darling?

    One wheel's off and the axle's broken,

    One wheel's off and the axle's broken,

    One wheel's off and the axle's broken,

    Won't you be my darling?

     

     Wiggle Waggle

    Wiggle waggle went the bear

    Catching bees in his underwear

    One bee out

    One bee in

    One bee bit him on his big bear skin

    Bzzzzzz!

     

     

    Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’supcoming events for young children.

     


        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • June Baby Time Rhymes!

    If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our June sessions.

     

    All the Little Babies

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

    All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’

    All the little babies go bouncin’ now.

     

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

    All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’

    All the little babies go swayin’ now.

     

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

    All the little babies say hello, hello

    All the little babies say hello now.

     

    1, 2, Buckle My Shoe

    1, 2, buckle my shoe,

    3, 4, shut the door,

    5, 6, pick up sticks,

    7, 8 lay them straight

    9, 10, do it again!

     

    This Little Piggy

    This little piggy went to market,

    This little piggy went home,

    This little piggy had roast beef,

    And this little piggy had none.

    This little piggy went wee, wee, wee

    all the way home!

     

    Slowly, Slowly Creeps the Garden Snail

    Slowly, slowly, very slowly
    creeps the garden snail.
    Slowly, slowly, very slowly
    up the garden rail.
    Quickly, quickly, very quickly
    runs the little mouse.
    Quickly, quickly very quickly
    into his little house.

     

     

    Acka Backa Soda Cracker

    Acka backa soda cracker, 

    Acka backa boo, 

    Acka backa soda cracker, 

    I love you!

    Acka backa soda cracker, 

    Acka backa boo,

    Acka backa soda cracker, 

    Up goes you!

     

    I'm a Little Cuckoo Clock

    Tick tock, tick tock

    I’m a little cuckoo clock

    Tick tock, tick tock

    It’s one o’clock

    CUCKOO!

    Tick tock, tick tock

    I’m a little cuckoo clock

    Tick tock, tick tock 

    It’s two o’clock

    CUCKOO! CUCKOO!

     

    Two Little Eyes

    Two little eyes to look around,

    Two little ears to hear each sound,

    One little nose to smell what’s sweet

    One little mouth that likes to eat.

     

    Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’supcoming events for young children.

     

     


        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • Children's Music for a Rainy Day

    Stuck inside on a rainy day? Looking for something to do? Check out these great albums, full of participatory and inspiring tracks perfect for cooped-up kids.

    These albums and more are available at the Barrington Area Library.

     

    Ella Jenkins
    You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song

    Ella Jenkins composes the perfect soundtrack to a sleepy, rainy day inside. Using her voice, an acoustic guitar, hand claps, and the Urban Gateways Children's Chorus, Jenkins guides the listener across a gentle, folky landscape punctuated by participatory songs and chants, mostly in English but in other languages, too, from Hebrew ("Shabot Shalom") to Spanish ("Dulce Dulce") to Maori ("Maori Indian Battle Chant"). This album serves as a fine introduction to Ella Jenkins's stripped down, world music-inspired approach to children's entertainment.

     

    Recess Monkey
    Flying!

    Composed of three goofy teachers, Recess Monkey embraces the silliness and absurdity of youth. On this superhero-themed album, the trio encourages kids to flick the switch on their imagination and go on a grand adventure -- even if they're stuck inside. And if your child gets tuckered out after an afternoon of fighting crime, put on "Your Favorite Book" to inspire some reading and relaxation.

     

    Laura Veirs
    Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children

     This collection of refurbished folk classics (plus one original track, "Tumble Bee") is great for a cloudy day, whether your little one spends it dancing around the living room, playing on the floor, or hopping in rain puddles. By turns energetic ("Jack Can I Ride?") and mellow ("All the Pretty Little Horses"), Tumble Bee is a beautiful match for the highs and lows of an afternoon bristling with pent-up energy. And when it's time for a nap, be sure to put on "Prairie Lullabye."

     

    Justin Roberts
    Jungle Gym

    Children's music veteran Justin Roberts invites kids to play with this rollicking, feel good album. Indie pop/rock-inspired tracks like "Gym Class Parachute" and "Cardboard Box" remind children that there's fun in everything, even when your options are limited. In fact, why not dig out an old cardboard box and see what they make of it? Maybe this is the perfect day to build a spaceship.

     

    The Lucky Band
    Buenos Diaz

    It doesn't matter whether or not you speak Spanish -- the Lucky Band is fun for everyone. Buenos Diaz is jam-packed with great, Latin pop-inspired tracks -- some of my favorites are "Nacho Song," "Pan Dulce," and "Zapatitos" -- guaranteed to make your little one's day a little sunnier. These infectious tunes are sure to get the listener up on their feet and out of whatever rainy day funk they've fallen into.

     

    Let us shop the shelves for you! Fill out a Browsing Bundle request, and a Librarian will bag up a small collection books or movies we think you'll love.


      Youth Services Librarian Chris 

     

  • 6 "Kindie" Albums for Hipsters of All Ages

    Are you looking for some sweet tunes that'll match your little one's independent spirit? Have you memorized every Disney soundtrack? Can you recite the lyrics to every Wiggles album ever? Looking for something a little different? Join the kindie rock revolution!

    Kindie ("kid" + "indie") music is a relatively new genre of children's music in which artists approach child-friendly themes with an earnest, singer-songwriter mindset.

    Here are 6 great albums to get started.

    STEVENSTEVEN
    Foreverywhere

    Former Blue's Clues host and children's media superstar Steve Burns teams up with Flaming Lips multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd to produce a sprawling, ambitious album that's as laugh-out-loud funny as it is radically sincere. Burns accompanies the listener through a bizarre world occupied by unicorns ("The Unicorn and Princess Rainbow"), giants ("If You're Ginormous and You Know It"), clever ocean critters ("Mimic Octopus"), and more. Sometimes songs are instructional, like "A Fact Is a Gift You Give Your Brain," whereas others are dedicated to exploring feelings of joy, sadness, love, disappointment, and determination ("The Happy Then Sad Then Triumphant Spider," "The Lonely Unicorn Is Never Giving Up!"). Burns knows that kids are just as capable of genuine insight as they are total absurdity, and he manages to walk the line between these two extremes without sacrificing musical quality. The album never wears out its welcome, as Burns and Drozd make every song dynamic and unique, from the garage rock-tinged "Space Rock Rock" to the narrated soundscape of the titular closing track. Foreverywhere is a treat for adults and kids alike, and is sure to enjoy regular rotation around the house.

     

    Caspar Babypants
    Hot Dog!

    Erstwhile singer of the Presidents of the United States of America ("Lump," "Peaches") Chris Ballew offers up 19 cozy, kid-friendly tracks with an old school rock-and-roll sensibility. Ballew-as-Babypants is so prolific that I could have filled this post with nothing but his music and that would still be a decent introduction at best... so if he's a hit with your family, you're in luck! Hot Dog! begins with the doo-wop-influenced "Sugar Ant," then transitions into rock-and-rollers like "Crazy Blue Beetle" and "Summer Baby (Let It Ride)," as well as softer tracks like "This Old Whale" and "Eleanor the Elegant Elephant." Songs like "Bunny Brown" and "I Don't Mind" would feel perfectly at home in the repertoire of Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Babypants's world is gentle, absent of the world-shaking revelations of Foreverywhere -- but no less empowering. And for you Beatlemaniacs out there: he has released three albums of Beatles covers -- Baby Beatles!, Beatles Baby!, and Best Beatles! I'm particularly fond of his cover of "Here Comes the Sun," which enjoyed regular play in our program playlist.

     

    Frances England
    Blue Skies and Sunny Days

    This gentle, 8-song adventure from kindie veteran Frances England is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy day filled with play, a road trip, or much-needed downtime after a long, stressful day. England immediately sets the tone with the aptly-titled "Carefree," capturing the feeling with verses about school's end, going to the movies, and most importantly, spending time with the ones you love. Despite its title "Into the Wild" maintains a cozy, laid-back approach as England explores the difficult position of being bored and having too much energy. "Not Just My Sister" celebrates the titular sibling ("she's not just my sister, she's my best friend"). "Good Day" is a slice-of-life anthem punctuated with finger snaps and self-backing vocals. "If You Want to Sing Out" encourages little ones to forge their own paths, to express themselves however they're comfortable ("if you want to be me, be me/if you want to be you, be you"). "Mama Said" has the narrator find strength in their mother's advice. "Perfect Tuesday Afternoon" feels like a sonic sibling to "Carefree." Album closer "Watching You Grow" flips the perspective to the caretaker, as England celebrates the joy of watching her little one grow up ("I feel so proud it's hard to measure/A love so big, so deep forever/Watching you grow, watching you grow").

     

    The Okee Dokee Brothers
    Winterland

    Time for some seasonal fun! Bluegrass musicians the Okee Dokee Brothers celebrate winter, from the first snowfall to the first signs of spring. The Brothers open the album with "Blankets of Snow," a joyous Appalachian-style number complete with hollers and shouts. "Ice Fishin' Shack" portrays the simple joy of spending time with a buddy. Silly banjo-driven tune "The Abominable Yeti" warns listeners about the mythical beast. "You You You," a potential bedtime favorite, thanks the listener for being themselves. The mostly-a cappella interlude "Slumberjack" gives the listener tips on how to fall asleep. The Brothers incorporate ukulele in the self-explanatory "Ukulele in a Snowstorm." "Howl" celebrates being "the wild ones," complete with wolfish howling -- a great song for getting out some excess energy! The appropriately-sleepy "Lazy Day" is accented by muffled brass and yawns. The energy picks up afterward with "North Country Dance Band," followed by the ode to nature "Great Grandmother Tree." Penultimate track "New Year" explores the gentle transition between the old and the new. The album closes with the upbeat "Signs of Spring," pointing out the little moments that make the incoming season so lovely, while acknowledging that, like the cycling seasons, "death is part of life." For fans of Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers, Fleet Foxes, or anyone looking for the perfect album to accompany a cold night in.

     

    Lisa Loeb
    Feel What U Feel

    Lisa Loeb kicks off this sunny slab of pop rock with the infectious "Moon Star Pie (It's Gonna Be Alright)," assuaging childhood anxieties with reassurances and advice ("twist yourself up like a cinnamon pretzel, connect the dots with the spots of your freckles"). "Say Hello," which encourages listeners to overcome that-all-too-awkward feeling when one meets someone new, is bolstered by bombastic orchestral flourishes. Craig Robinson (The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) hops onto the title track, which finds him trading off kid-friendly raps about feelings and why it's okay to experience them:

    "Feeling weird-o
    Itchy beard-o
    Something’s just not right
    Rat race
    Need space
    Skin’s on too tight
    Guess what? It’s okay!
    Go on and feel what u feel today..."

    The gentle chords of heartstring-tugger "I Was Here" are perfect accompaniment to the track's self-affirming lyrics. "You Can Count on Me" and "The Sky Is Always Blue" assure the listener that they are not alone and that things will work out in the end. "Wiggle" is an instructional dance number. Craig Robinson rejoins Loeb for "It's All Right to Cry," telling kids that, even if they're strange, feelings are real, and they change, and that's okay. Loeb rounds out the album with a lullaby version of "You Can Count on Me" -- another potential bedtime favorite.

     

    Jack Forman
    Hold the Phone

    Recess Monkey alum Jack Forman opens this indie pop-influenced opus with "The Sun Comes Up Again," an ode to our favorite star and the things it does for us. Ska number "I Had to Pee (On a Ferris Wheel)" describes this exact nightmare scenario with side-splitting detail. Harry Potter fans will enjoy "Little Dobby Does It," a sonic biography of the hapless house elf. "The Cat Walk" paints a portrait of a particularly arrogant furry family friend, complete with meowed vocals. "Surprise Party" invites the listener to join a birthday party. "I Can't Believe I Ate the Whole Thing" finds the narrator lamenting his decision to eat an entire birthday cake, a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies, and other treats. Forman utilizes his upper register in "Tooth Fairy Works Nights," paying tribute to that unsung provider of small bills. The chaotic "Assembly Line" describes all the little things that have to happen just to get a little one to school. If you're looking for something on the silly side, be sure to check out Hold the Phone.

     

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


      Youth Services Librarian Chris 

     

  • 4 Music Artists on Freegal Who are Perfect for Young Listeners

    It is said that “Music hath charms to soothe the savage beast." Music has so many qualities. It makes us dance, smile, dream, and it puts us to sleep. In difficult times it can take us away and ease our minds. Putting music on when we're doing activities can bring such warmth into what we do.

    Today, try downloading some songs FREE from Freegal.  Freegal is a combination of “Free” and “Legal” and all of the songs come to us from the Sony Music Catalog. Freegal may not have your favorite artist, but why not try someone new? 

    Each week your Barrington Area Library card gives you access to download 5 songs (the week begins on Sundays) and best of all, they are yours to keep..forever! Login with your library card number to start downloading and add some music to your day.

     

    Caspar Babypants:My personal favorite children's artist. You just can't help but move around with his silly, upbeat songs! 

     

     

     

     

     

    Justin Roberts: If you're missing baseball, try this baseball inspired CD by a Chicago-based, Grammy-nominated artist. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Red Yarn: There's something for everyone with this little country, blues, and classic rock 'n roll album. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sara Lovell:  This album won the Independent Award for Best Children’s Album of 2019. Can't get much better than that! 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Mindful Moment

    Choose a comfortable place to listen to a soft song. Inhale gently through your nose and exhale deeply through your mouth. Notice the music, the sounds of the different instruments or tempo changes. Talk about how the music makes you feel. 

    "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." Plato

      


       Youth Services Assistant Librarian Nancy