We’re excited to share our pick for a terrific summer read, for independent readers and family read-alouds: Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen. You can pick up one of our many copies at the Barrington Area Library, or order a copy to be delivered to one of our four sets of lockers around the Library district. We’ve also got plenty of e-book and e-audio copies on Libby!
Find activity ideas, discussion questions, and booklists on our webpage all about Skunk and Badger. You can also earn the Book of the Summer badge in our Summer Reading program!
Youth Services Librarian Allison
Photo by Alex Kondratiev on Unsplash
Toddlers and preschoolers love to explore the world. Here are 4 simple science experiments you can do together that will ignite your toddler or preschooler's curiosity.
Sink or Float
Materials
- Container to hold water. A large bowl or plastic bin works nicely.
- Toys and other household objects such as balls, cups, coins, sponges, and silverware.
- Pencil and paper.
Start by filling your container with water. Show your child an example of an item that floats, and an item that sinks. Before your child drops an item into the container, ask them if they think the item will sink or float. Record your prediction on your piece of paper, and see if they were right.
Boat Engineering
Materials
- Container to hold water.
- Tin foil or other household recyclables such as straws, egg cartons, and cardboard.
- Weights such as coins, washers, Legos, or small wooden blocks.
- Tape (optional)
Create a boat out of tinfoil or other household items such as straws, egg cartons, or cardboard. If you need inspiration, look at pictures of boats together. A tin foil boat will be the quickest way to make a boat.
Fill your container with water. Place your boat in the container. Add weight to your boat using items such as coins, washers, small blocks, or Legos. See how much weight your boat can hold before it sinks! Once your boat sinks, see if you and your child can build another boat that will hold more weight.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Chemical Reactions
Materials
- Baking soda.
- Vinegar.
- Food coloring.
- Cups.
- Pan with sides, such as a casserole dish or disposable aluminum pan.
- Eyedropper or spoon.
There are many ways you can explore with baking soda and vinegar, but this is one of my favorites.
Start by pouring a thin layer of baking soda in your pan. You will want a deep pan with sides to contain the fizz from the baking soda and vinegar.
Pour a small amount of vinegar into your cups. The amount does not need to be precise, but 1/4 cup in each cup should be enough. Add one color of food coloring to each cup of vinegar. Mix to combine.
Fill an eyedropper or spoon with the colored vinegar, and drip it into the pan. Watch the color appear on the baking soda, and it fizz as the baking soda and vinegar combine. Enjoy the fizzing, and see what colors you can make!
Color Mixing with Magic Milk
Materials
- 2% or Whole Milk.
- Bowl.
- Dish soap.
- Cotton swab.
- Small cup.
- Food coloring.
Pour some milk into a bowl. The milk should be either 2% or Whole Milk. Add several drops of food coloring to the milk.
Pour a small amount of dish soap into a small cup. Dip your cotton swab into the cup of dish soap. Touch the cotton swab with the dish soap on it to the milk. Once the dish soap touches the milk, you should see the colors spread out from each other. You can dip the cotton swab in the dish soap again and touch it to a different spot on the milk.
Looking for more experiments to do with your toddler or preschooler? Here are some websites with more ideas.
Youth Services Librarian Ann
Even though Mental Health Awareness Month is almost over, here at the Barrington Area Library, we think it's cool to take care of our mental health all year round! Here are some of our favorite titles that focus on mindfulness, emotions, and mental health.
Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie
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
Here are 8 books for kids featuring conservation of threatened or endangered animals. Find out more about Endangered Species Day here.
Want more reading lists delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e-newsletters to discover the newest and best books for kids.
Youth Services Librarian Allison
Looking for an exciting new read? Look no further! Our staff in Youth Services have picked out their favorite books of the year so far.
Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie
Bring home a fun new project! Sign up from our Library Calendar and pick up a kit at the Youth Services desk or through our Parking Lot Pickup service between April 12-23.
Toddler & PreK: Flower Pot Painting
Paint a flower pot, plant some seeds, then watch as they grow! Register for the May Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-2: Beaded Wind Chime
String colored beads and then enjoy watching your chime blow in the breeze. Register for the May Grades K-2 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your Kit Contains:
- 96 beads 24 colors, 4 of each color
- 6 colorful jumbo craft sticks
- 1 Tacky glue stick
- 4 twenty inch pieces of string
- 1 plastic container with 5 jewelry clasp
1. Glue the craft sticks into two triangles. Place and glue the two triangles on top of each other to form a star.
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2. Tie a string around one of the jewelry clasps.
3. Start and end with a large bead on each string. Start stringing smaller beads in desired pattern, (repeat four times).
4. Thread three strands, one through each hole on the star. Put the fourth strand up through the middle and gather all four strand ends together. The star will sit on the big beads, adjust the strands until it is hanging evenly.
5. Tie all four strands on the circular jewelry clasp.
6. Hang and enjoy!
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades 3-8: Sharpie Art Coasters
Use permanent markers and rubbing alcohol to create a blended-ink masterpiece where you can set your drink. Register for the May Grades 3-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
- 2 ceramic tiles
- 3 Sharpie pens
- 1 pipette
- 1 strip of black felt
- 1 container of rubbing alcohol
- 1 empty cup
1. Color a coaster with the Sharpies. Don’t stress about getting this perfect—the end result will look very different!
2. Place the coaster in a shallow plastic or foil container, resting on the empty plastic cup.
3. Carefully use the pipette to drip a small amount of rubbing alcohol over the coaster. You can gently tip the coaster so the liquid moves and the colors start to bleed and blend.
4. Let dry completely (about 1-2 hours).
5. Cut the felt into small squares, remove the backing, and stick on the underside of your coaster.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
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
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
Did you know? April is Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois. Arab Americans are people in the U.S. who have ancestors from an Arab nation, one of 22 countries throughout Northern Africa and Western Asia. Read one of these books to celebrate and learn from the perspectives of Arab or Arab American people.
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Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane Recommended for ages 3-6 Lalla lives in the Muslim country of Mauritania, and more than anything, she wants to wear a malafa, the colorful cloth Mauritanian women, like her mama and big sister, wear to cover their heads and clothes in public. But it is not until Lalla realizes that a malafa is not just worn to show a woman's beauty and mystery or to honor tradition - a malafa for faith - that Lalla's mother agrees to slip a long cloth as blue as the ink in the Koran over Lalla's head, under her arm, and round and round her body. Then together, they pray. |
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Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Recommended for ages 5-9 Now that she is ten, Lailah is delighted that she can fast during the month of Ramadan like her family and her friends in Abu Dhabi, but finding a way to explain to her teacher and classmates in Atlanta is a challenge until she gets some good advice from the librarian, Mrs. Carman. |
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Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron
Recommended for ages 5-8 All Salma wants is to make her mama smile again. Between English classes, job interviews, and missing Papa back in Syria, Mama always seems busy or sad. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up, but Salma doesn't know the recipe, or what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! Luckily, the staff and other newcomers at the Welcome Center are happy to lend a hand--and a sprinkle of sumac. With creativity, determination, and charm, Salma brings her new friends together to show Mama that even though things aren't perfect, there is cause for hope and celebration. |
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The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter Recommended for ages 6-10 In the spring of 2003, Alia Muhammad Baker was the city of Basra's real-life librarian. She was the keeper of cherished books and her library was a haven for community gatherings. But with war imminent in Basra, Iraq, what could this lone woman do to save her precious books? This true story of one librarian's remarkable bravery reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge knows no boundaries. |
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Farah Rocks Fifth Grade by Susan Muaddi Darraj Recommended for ages 8-12 Farah and her best friend, Allie Liu, are getting excited to turn in their applications to the Magnet Academy, where they both hope to attend sixth grade. But when new girl Dana Denver shows up, Farah's world is turned upside down. As Dana starts bullying Farah's little brother, Samir, Farah begins to second-guess her choice to leave him behind at Harbortown Elementary/Middle School. Determined to handle it on her own, Farah comes up with a plan--a plan that involves lying to those closest to her. Will her lies catch up with her, or can Farah find a way to defeat the bully and rock fifth grade? |
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Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga Recommended for ages 9-13 Jude never thought she'd be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives. At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven't quite prepared her for starting school in the US--and her new label of "Middle Eastern," an identity she's never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises--there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is. |
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City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda Recommended for ages 9-13 Thirteen-year-old Iraqi American Sik wants a simple life going to school and helping at his parents' deli in the evenings. But all that is blown to smithereens when Nergal comes looking for him, thinking that Sik holds the secret to eternal life. Turns out Sik is immortal but doesn't know it, and that's about to get him and the entire city into deep, deep trouble. Sik's not in this alone. He's got Belet, the adopted daughter of Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, on his side, and a former hero named Gilgamesh, who has taken up gardening in Central Park. Now all they have to do is retrieve the Flower of Immortality to save Manhattan from being wiped out by disease. To succeed, they'll have to conquer sly demons, treacherous gods, and their own darkest nightmares. |
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Youth Services Librarian Allison
Thank you to everyone who created a piece of our patchwork murals to celebrate Earth Day! Just like the Earth and all its inhabitants, these individual artworks are diverse, lively, colorful, and surprising. Yet when we step back, we see a unified world, connected and dependent on all its pieces.
Stop by the Library to see more of these Earth artworks, created by kids in our community.
Youth Services Librarian Allison
Bring home a fun new project! Sign up from our Library Calendar and pick up a kit at the Youth Services desk or through our Parking Lot Pickup service between April 12-23.
Toddler & PreK: Make a Puppet
Create a unique puppet of your own. Register for the April Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
1 glue stick
1 bag of feathers
1 brown bag filled with 4 googly eyes
2 foam sheets
2 colored goody bags
3 or 4 crayons
Not included: Scissors
Instructions:
1. Lay a colored goody bag on its smooth side. Keep the bottom flap facing up. (Point the opening toward you).
2. The flap will be the mouth of the puppet. Have your child draw or decorate the puppet as they please.
Scissors are not provided in your kit. However, please feel free to utilize your own scissors. If appropriate, have your child cut out shapes or different designs. You may also choose to cut out different shapes and designs for your child if they are unable to do so themselves.
3. Have your child use the glue stick to glue the googly eyes, feathers and foam shapes to their puppet.
4. Once the puppet has dried, your child may use their puppet! Have them slide their hand into the opening and curl their fingers up and under the flap. They can extend and curl their fingers to make the puppet “talk.”
Optional talking points to consider: Use this activity as an opportunity to practice color recognition; ask your child to find the “blue feather”. Cut out different shapes from the foam paper and have your child identify the shapes. Have your child create patterns with the shapes you have cut out. Talk about different body parts and have your child locate theirs as well as their puppets.
There are enough materials to make two puppets! (You may also use the brown bag that the googly eyes came in to create a third puppet!)
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-2: Glue and Chalk Art
Experiment with glue and chalk pastels to create a colorful work of art. Register for the April Grades K-2 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your Kit Contains:
5 sheets of white construction paper
5 sheets of black construction paper
1 pencil
1 bottle of school glue
1 bag of chalk pastels
Instructions:
1. Open the box and empty out your supplies.
2. Select either a white or black piece of paper for your first creation.
3. Trace out your design with pencil – bold designs like flowers and leaves lend themselves nicely to this technique.
4. Trace your pencil lines in glue. Try not to touch the tip of the glue bottle directly to the paper. Instead just lay a continuous line of glue.
5. Wait for glue to completely dry. This will take time – be patient!
6. Time to add color! Use your chalk pastels to color both the inside and outside of your design. Use your fingertip to blend some of the colors together.
7. Enjoy your finished art piece!
Concepts to explore:
Positive and negative space – the inside of your design is the positive space and rest of the paper is negative space. How can you choose colors to show the differences between those two elements?
Warm and cool colors – colors like reds, oranges and yellows are warm, while blues, purples and greens are cool. How can you blend your pastels to create more warm or more cool shades?
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades 3-8: DIY Magnetic Poetry Kit
Create your own magnetic words set and use it to write poetry. Register for the April Grades 3-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
- 1 8x10 magnetic adhesive sheet
- 1 printed sheet of words
- 1 tin box
- Extra magnetic sheet/blank paper
You will also need:
- Scissors
- Pencil (for tracing)
- Pen
Instructions:
1. Lay the full sheet of paper with the words on it face up and lay your magnetic sheet on top. Trace the shape of the magnetic sheet onto the piece of paper, making sure that all of the words will fit onto the magnetic sheet. Cut the paper where you traced, just trimming the excess.
2. Once you’ve trimmed the sheet of words, carefully peel the cover off of the magnetic sheet, so that the adhesive is facing up.
3. Place your sheet of words onto the adhesive very slowly, starting from the top, and working your way down, making the paper fit as smoothly as possible onto the magnetic sheet. Be careful not to stick it on all at once. This part is a little tricky, so feel free to ask a grown up for help!
4. Once your words are fully stuck to the adhesive, smooth it over with your fingers a few times to make sure it’s sticking really well.
5. Do you notice any blank spaces? Feel free to write your own words in those spaces, or trace some rectangular shapes to fill in words later. I recommend doing this part before you start cutting, to make the process a little easier.
6. Now you’re ready to cut! Begin cutting your words out. I recommend cutting the page into strips, and then trimming the individual words from there. Place your words into your tin box as you cut them out.
7. It’s time to get creative! Now you can use your words to write some poetry. Place them on your fridge, a magnetic board, a cookie sheet, or anything else you can find that is magnetic. Think of some more words you could add? You have been given an extra piece of magnet and blank paper to personalize your kits.
Some ideas for how to use your DIY Magnetic Poetry Kit:
- Check out a book on poetry to go along with your Take and Make Kit for inspiration!
- Write a poem with your family and/or friends. Take turns adding a word each until you’re satisfied.
- Make it into a game! Give each person participating a specific number of words (like 10 or 15). See what you all can come up with!
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Allison