If you loved The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, try one of these unique animal stories next.
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Audrey (Cow): An Oral Account of a Most Daring Escape, Based More or Less on a True Story “Audrey is a cow with poetry in her blood, who yearns for the greener pastures beyond Bittersweet Farms. But when Roy the horse tells her that she is headed for the slaughter house, Audrey knows that she must leave her home and friends sooner than she ever imagined. With the help of animals and humans alike, Audrey attempts to escape the farm - and certain death. Cleverly written as an oral account, this unique illustrated tale of an animal on the run, uses over 30 narrative voices, including six humans, four cows, three sheep, two sheep dogs, one pig and a very silly rooster.” Audrey is sweet, the cast of characters is hilarious, and overall this makes a perfectly delightful read for an animal lover.
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“Born in a dismal room in a pet store, Alastair the African grey parrot dreams of escape to bluer skies. He'd like nothing more than to fly away to a palm tree with his beloved sister, Aggie. But when Aggie is purchased by twelve-year-old Fritz, and Alastair is adopted by elderly dance-enthusiast and pie-baker Albertina Plopky, the future looks ready to crash-land. In-between anxiously plucking his feathers, eating a few books, and finding his own poetic voice, Alastair plots his way to a family reunion. But soon he's forced to choose between the life he's always dreamed of and admitting the truth: that sometimes, the bravest adventure is in letting go.” I loved the attitude on this snarky parrot! The story itself is touching and surprising.
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“Deep in the heart of the Congo, a baby gorilla is captured by a group of rebel soldiers. Imara and Bobo are also prisoners in the rebels' camp. When they learn that the gorilla will be sold into captivity, they swear to return it to the wild before it's too late. But the consequences of getting caught are too terrible to think about. Will the bond between the gorilla and the children give them the courage they need to escape?” This chapter book is intense, gripping, and eye-opening. A moving read for young conservationists. |
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 Allison
Have you always wanted to make your own video game or website, but you don't know where to start? Don't worry, that's what I'm here for!
Here are five kid-friendly books on coding, featuring step-by-step instructions to get you started.
All of these books (and more!) are available at the Barrington Area Library.
Kids Can Code! Fun Ways to Learn Computer Programming
Ian Garland
This guide is chock full of fun activities that will help you make your own blog, design a video game, create an animated video, or even make music. Garland introduces readers to different coding languages and programs, such as JavaScript and Scratch, and explains why one style of coding may be more appropriate for a specific task than the other. The author also includes visual examples so you can compare your work to his, and makes sure to break big ideas into smaller, more manageable components so readers don't get overwhelmed. If you want to dip your toes into a few different coding languages before committing to one, be sure to check out Kids Can Code!
Coding Games in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Building Your Own Computer Games
Jon Woodcock
Now we move on to a specific coding program, Scratch. Scratch is a kid-friendly coding application in which users can link blocks of code in order to perform a specific action: making a cartoon character jump, walk around, speak, etc. In this book, Jon Woodcock shows you how to make your very own video game using Scratch, from platformers to puzzles. Woodcock starts off by talking about computer games generally -- what are they? how are they fun? -- before moving on to specific game styles, as well as explaining the importance of solid game mechanics. This would be a great introduction to coding for anyone interested in video games, whether as a fan or as a future developer.
Ruby Wizardry: An Introduction to Programming for Kids
Eric Weinstein
Unlike the first two examples in this article, Eric Weinstein's Ruby Wizardry mostly centers around learning a coding language for the sake of coding, not just for video game design, animation, etc. This comprehensive introduction to the Ruby programming language includes real life applications, step-by-step guides, and personal anecdotes from the author. Please note that unlike Scratch, Ruby must first be downloaded onto your computer -- so kids, make sure you have your parents' permission! -- but Weinstein helpfully walks you through the installation process. This book does not contain as many graphics as the previous two. Recommended for readers grades 5 and up.
Mission Python: Code a Space Adventure Game!
Sean McManus
McManus walks readers through the basics of the Python coding language, from installation to application. After readers/coders have grown comfortable with the ins and outs of Python, McManus shows them how to build their own video game from the ground up. Like Ruby Wizardry, this book contains some pretty intensive coding work. Recommended for readers grades 5 and up.
Create the Code: How to Write Code for Your Smartphone
Max Wainewright
Our previous titles focused on computer programming, but let's take a look at smartphone programming. In this kid-friendly how-to guide, Max Wainewright shows readers how to program applications for smartphones using Scratch and MIT's App Inventor. Kids will learn how to program using the phone's browser, as well as create apps and even new photo filters! Please note that this book is primarily intended for Android users, but contains modified instructions for iPhone users.
Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
We’ve counted all the votes for our 2021 Mock Caldecott winner. The Barrington Area Library’s favorite picture book of 2021 is…
This cute little bird won our hearts with his steadfast commitment to flight (despite a loooooong fall from his nest). The book itself is beautifully designed, with cheerful artwork and a dynamic whole-book flip that makes this read-aloud (and Mel’s eventual success) so surprising and joyful. Watch MaryJo’s booktalk of Mel Fell here.
Thank you to everyone who read our nominees and voted! We will all find out the real Caldecott Medal winner on Monday, January 24. (You can even watch the American Library Association’s award announcements live starting at 8 AM.)
Our nominees were:
Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal
Strollercoaster by Matt Ringler, art by Raúl the Third and Elaine Bay
Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrations by Floyd Cooper
Wishes by by Mu̕ọ̕n Thị Văn, illustrations by Victo Ngai
Find out more about our Mock Caldecott here.
Youth Services Librarian Allison
Does your little one love dinosaurs -- let's be honest, who doesn't? Take a trip to the Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin! But before you do, be sure to take advantage of the Explore More Illinois program.
Explore More Illinois, offered and operated by RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library Systems), makes it easier for cardholders to visit various museums, historical sites, and other educational sites across Illinois (and part of Wisconsin).
Paleontologists of all ages are sure to be amazed by the stunning exhibits on display at the Museum, marvel at the story of Little Clint the Tyrannosaurus rex, and be fascinated by the science of fossil preservation and study. Kids can also take part in an Eye Spy activity that covers the entire Museum.
If you're eager to take your little ones on a trip through prehistory, I encourage you to check out our Explore More Illinois page. Barrington Area Library cardholders can take advantage of a 20% discount on a gift shop purchase. Excludes books, media, and consignment items.
For more information, visit this page. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us at exploremore@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Here are the final two contenders for our Mock Caldecott community vote. Watch our videos, read the books, and vote for your favorite picture book published in 2021!
Find all of our Mock Caldecott videos on our YouTube playlist.
You can host your own Mock Caldecott with friends, families, or classmates, in-person or online. Start by checking out one of our new kits, complete with five outstanding books of 2021, chosen by your librarian friends, along with guides to help you make your discussion a success. Drop off a ballot, also included in the kits, to participate in the big community vote by January 19.
Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal
Strollercoaster by Matt Ringler, art by Raúl the Third and Elaine Bay
Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrations by Floyd Cooper
Wishes by by Mu̕ọ̕n Thị Văn, illustrations by Victo Ngai
Find out more about our Mock Caldecott here.
Youth Services Librarian Allison
Lots of great books were checked out to our community in 2021. The top checkouts tended to be titles from the Illinois Readers Choice Awards (Caudills, Bluestems, and Monarchs). We also saw some serious circulation from the always popular Mo Willems and Jeff Kinney. Here are the most frequently checked-out books from the Youth Services department in 2021:
Picture Book:
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Beginning Reader:
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Juvenile Chapter Book: it was a tie!
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Teen Fiction:
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Graphic Novel:
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Nonfiction:
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Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of “The Children’s Ship” by Deborah Heiligman |
Audiobook:
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e-Book:
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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
Snowy season is here! Enjoy 3 of our favorite Story Time Rhymes about snow!
Bumpin’ up and down in my little blue sled
Bumpin’ up and down in my little blue sled
Bumpin’ up and down in my little blue sled
Won’t you be my darlin’
Snow is fallin’ down in my little blue sled
Snow is fallin’ down in my little blue sled
Snow is fallin’ down in my little blue sled
Won’t you be my darlin’
Wavin’ to my friends in my little blue sled
Wavin’ to my friends in my little blue sled
Wavin’ to my friends in my little blue sled
Won’t you be my darlin’
A chubby little snowman,
Had a carrot nose.
Along came a bunny,
And what do you suppose?
That hungry little bunny,
Looking for his lunch,
Ate that snowman’s carrot nose
Nibble, nibble, crunch!
Snow on my forehead,
Snow on my knee,
Snow on my glasses,
Getting hard to see!
Snow on my boots,
Snow on my hair,
Snow on my mittens,
Snow EVERYWHERE!
Follow along with more of our rhymes on our YouTube channel!
Youth Services Librarian Demitra
Winter break is here-HURRAY! Celebrate by cuddling up with one of these excellent winter reads, a nice cup of hot cocoa, and a cozy blanket.
Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
This month, pick up a special Take-and-Make Kit with all sorts of art supplies to inspire you. The challenge? Create something awesome! Come up with your own design and creation using this kit. You can use other materials or tools you might have in your house if you’d like.
Once you’ve created your masterpiece, email us a photo at youthservices@balibrary.org and we’ll feature your art on the YS Blog.
Take-and-Make Maker Challenge Kits are available for pickup starting Monday, Dec. 20, while supplies last. Recommended for kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade. No registration required.
Discover more programs and events on the Library Calendar.
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 December 20-January 14.
Toddler & PreK: DIY Paint Brushes
Turn some common items and clothespins into paint brushes to see what you can create. Register for the December/January Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your Kit Contains:
- 5 sheets of cardstock
- 8 clothes pins
- 2 pipe cleaners
- 2 pieces of sponge
- 4 feathers
- 1 pom pom
- 1 sheet of aluminum foil
- 3 cups of different colored paint
Instructions:
1. Take all of your items out of the box.
2. Assemble paintbrushes by attaching one clothes pin to each of the 5 different materials in the box. For example: secure just 1 or all 4 feathers to a clothespin to create a feather brush.
3. Optional—find 3 more materials from around the house to create your own paintbrushes with the extra clothespins.
4. Use assembled brushes to apply paint to a sheet of cardstock.
5. Let dry.
6. Enjoy your artwork!
Extension Questions/Discussion:
- Identify each color paint by name.
- Can you mix the paint colors together to create new colors?
- What other types of things do you think would make good paintbrushes? Why?
- How do each of the different paintbrushes feel as you put paint on the paper? Which one is hardest to use? Which one is easiest?
- How does the paint look on the paper with each of the different paintbrushes? Describe it.
- Which brush is your favorite? Why?
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-2: Pour Painting
Drip, drop, pour, and spread paint to create a unique work of art. Register for the December/January Grades K-2 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Supplies in your kit:
- Canvas
- 3 bottles of tempera paint
You’ll also need:
- Disposable cups (or something to hold up your canvas while you paint)
1. Find a surface where you can get a little messy. You can lay out a tablecloth, some paper towels, or whatever you have on hand.
2. Arrange four disposable cups so that you can rest your canvas on top.
3. Open your bottles of paint and begin to pour the paint directly onto the canvas from the bottle. I made squiggly lines, but feel free to experiment.
4. Continue pouring the paint onto the canvas, until a majority of your canvas is covered in paint.
5. Once you have enough paint on the canvas, pick up your canvas and begin to move it around in different directions, so that the paint will drip into the empty spaces and cover the whole canvas.
6. Let your canvas dry overnight.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades 3-8: DIY Calendar
Put your personal touch on this monthly calendar and use it to keep track of important events throughout the year. Register for the December/January Grades 3-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your Kit contains:
- Blank calendar
- 5 markers or pens
- 1 set of holiday stickers
- 1 set of colored stickers
- 2022 Calendar print out
- Holiday date print out
1. Flip open the calendar, in the long rectangle on the top of each calendar page label the correct month.
2. Use the provided sheet to number the days of the month in the corresponding boxes.
3. The holiday stickers correspond with the listed Holidays and their dates on the sheet of paper. Locate the dates on your calendar and add the correct sticker.
4. Add dates that are important to you and your family: birthdays, sporting events, lessons, beginning of a new season, appointments, special plans, etc…
5. Use the provided pens and decorate the calendar however you choose. Feel free to use any materials that you have at home to add to the calendar design. Magazines, glitter glue, colored pencils, anything!
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Alyssa
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
Here are a handful of our favorite books published in 2021 for young readers. Check out the full list for more great recommendations!
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MaryJo recommends... |
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Kingston and the Magician's Lost and Found by Rucker Moses and Theo Gangi |
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Alyssa recommends... |
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Noe Wiley is excited to move to a new house after a sleepwalking incident that ended in her accidentally hurting her friend. But soon she’s confronted with a group of hostile girls that live on her new street and a note that says only, “Don’t go into the basement of your house at night.” Curious, she does exactly what the girls told her not to do and ventures into her basement after dark to find a flat, grinning man oozing out of a crack in the wall. Now she’ll need the girls’ help if she wants to rid her house—and the world—of this monster, but can they figure out who he is and where he comes from in time to save their families and each other? This book was so wonderfully creepy and fast-paced that I read it in a single day. You may want to read this tale of friendship and monsters with the light on. And don’t go into the basement at night! |
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Allison recommends... |
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Stefanie recommends... |
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Travel through the four seasons with Little Witch Hazel, a little witch who is all about helping the inhabitants of her forest community. Her adventures include rescuing an orphaned egg, rafting with her friends, encountering a haunted tree stump, and tending to her many patients in the midst of a blizzard. Heartwarming and cozy, Little Witch Hazel is the perfect choice for fans of books like Frog and Toad and Mister Putter and Tabby. |
See even more of our 2021 favorites!
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