We are excited to share five fantastic picture books with you, available in our Mock Caldecott Kits! Here are three of the five contenders up for the prize of 2021's Favorite Picture Book by the Barrington Area Library community.
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
Blankets? Check. Popcorn? Check. The perfect movie for a warm night in? We’ve got you covered.
The following titles are available at the Barrington Area Library.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli
Runtime: 103 minutes
Young Kiki is eager to become a witch, but first she's got to make it on her own. With the help of her trusty talking cat, Jiji, she flies to a faraway city and sets up a magical delivery service. She befriends her new neighbors, helps bake a herring-and-pumpkin pie, and saves the day, all while growing up and determining her own place in the world. This gentle, magical adventure focuses on the little moments in life, and its adorable protagonist is sure to warm your family's hearts.
Hotel Transylvania
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation
Runtime: 91 minutes
Who knew Dracula was such a great dad? After suffering the tragic loss of his wife, Count Dracula opens a 5-star hotel with his daughter, Mavis, catering to all sorts of creepy characters. Despite his love for his daughter, Dracula -- "Drac" -- grows overprotective of her, and when he finds out she wants to explore the human world he tries to interfere... only for a human to find his way into the hotel and shake things up. This silly animated feature is sure to be a hit with little monsters everywhere.
Shaun the Sheep Movie
Aardman Animations
Runtime: 85 minutes
This hilarious adventure from the minds who brought us Wallace and Gromit stars Shaun, a bored sheep on the farm. After a series of mishaps involving a bump to the farmer's head, sheep shearing, and celebrity hairstyling, Shaun suddenly finds himself loose in the city... Maybe the quiet country life is better, after all (at least, for sheep). Based on the hit television series, Shaun the Sheep Movie is a silly, action-packed romp jam-packed with adorable animal characters.
Ernest & Celestine
Le Parti Productions/Les Armateurs/Melusine Productions
Runtime: 80 minutes
Celestine is a mouse. Ernest is a bear. Their friendship is a little... complicated. Mice live in fear of the bears who roam the outside world, and with good reason -- when Celestine, an aspiring dentist, ventures away from her home to collect cubs' teeth, she encounters Ernest, a starving bear. What begins with one trying to eat the other transforms into a heartwarming friendship that defies prejudice and stereotyping, sending a message to mouse- and bearkind that they can get along if they try. Originally French language; English dub is available.
Contains some scenes viewers may find disturbing -- Ernest almost eats Celestine at the beginning, and there are some scenes of arson.
The Boxtrolls
Laika
Runtime: 97 minutes
Set in Victorian Britain, The Boxtrolls tells the story of Eggs, a young boy abandoned on the streets of Cheesebridge. Eggs was raised by Boxtrolls, strange creatures who name themselves after their boxes (Fish, Fragile, Oil Can, etc.). Eggs and his pals spend their days scavenging, exploring the city, and avoiding the watchful eye of the White Hats, the town's cheese-loving rulers, and their minions. This delightful (and delightfully strange) feature from the studio who brought us Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings will be a hit for fantasy-lovers of all ages.
Song of the Sea
Cartoon Saloon/Melusine Productions
Runtime: 94 minutes
Inspired by Irish mythology and folklore, Song of the Sea follows 10-year-old Ben and his sisters, Saoirse. Ben has always had a troubled relationship with his sister, as shortly after her birth their mother disappeared. Ben blames his sister for their mother's disappearance, but he's forced to put his feelings aside when, upon Saoirse's sixth birthday, she reveals that she is a selkie, a mythical water spirit. Ben and his sister travel the sea to rescue fairies trapped by the magic of the Owl Witch, Macha. This beautifully-animated sea-faring tale is full of heart and wonder, and kids (and adults!) fascinated by mythology will eagerly plunder its depths.
The Grinch
Illumination/Universal Pictures
Runtime: 86 minutes
Everybody in Whoville is ready for the holidays... everybody, that is, except for the grumpy Grinch, who lives in a cave overlooking the town. The green grouch menaces the town for fun, playing pranks and ruining their festivities. A chance encounter with little Cindy Lou Who forces the Grinch to confront his loneliness, and suddenly he finds himself offered a shot at redemption. Even the grinchiest Grinch will find their heart growing three sizes during this adorable adaption of Dr. Seuss's timeless book.
Mary and the Witch’s Flower
Studio Ponoc
Runtime: 103 minutes
Mary recently moved in with her great aunt Charlotte, and she. Is. Bored. After a less-than-great run-in with a local boy, Mary stumbles upon some strange flowers... and when she accidentally bursts one of the bulbs, she suddenly has the powers of a witch! These are "fly-by-nights," magical flowers that can turn you into a witch -- but only for one night at a time. Mary tricks her way into the local witch's school and learns the tricks of the trade, only to learn that hiding who you really are never works out for anyone. This feature film from former Studio Ghibli employees is a spirited, high-flying tale of friendship and self-acceptance.
Rise of the Guardians
DreamWorks
Runtime: 97 minutes
Jack Frost, the Spirit of Winter, enjoys delivering snow days to bored schoolkids. But he's lonely -- nobody believes in him, and he doesn't have any friends. That is, until he's forced to team up with the Guardians, a crack team of heroes -- Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and the Easter Bunny -- to stop Pitch Black, the bogeyman, from cursing the children of the world with endless nightmares. Did I mention that this Santa is a tattooed Russian strongman? Or that the Easter Bunny is actually Australian? This fantasy romp is based on the children's book series by William Joyce (creator of Rolie Polie Olie, among others). Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and the holidays will have lots of fun with these great characters.
My Neighbor Totoro
Studio Ghibli
Runtime: 86 minutes
Sisters Satsuki and Mei move with their father to the Japanese countryside, so they can be closer to the hospital where their mother is staying. Their new house isn't so... new: it's dusty, musty, and filled to the brim with magical sprites. One day Mei wanders into the forest and encounters Totoro, a huge spirit, and takes a nap with him. This is the start of the sisters' friendship with the strange creature, who helps them appreciate the magic that surrounds them, from the spirits in their house to the magical Cat Bus. This gentle, heartstring-tugging story is more about the small things than a grand adventure. Families will surely love Totoro and his newfound friends.
Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Browsing Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
These books have all the ingredients to be one of your next great reads.
Hungry for a personalized buffet of books? Try a Browsing Bundle!
Youth Services Librarian Demitra
Last year, the Barrington Area Library community correctly predicted the winner of the real 2021 Caldecott Medal! (It was We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade.) Can we do it again??
A Mock Caldecott is a book discussion and vote for the best illustrated book of the year, inspired by the official committee of librarians, educators, and experts who award the real Caldecott Medal to one lucky book each year. The Barrington Area Library is hosting our own community-wide Mock Caldecott vote.
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. Who will be crowned our favorite picture book of 2021? I can't wait to find out!
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
Looking for the perfect creepy stories to share around the campfire (or by candlelight) this weekend? We've got you covered! This selection of stories ranges from very light scares to truly terrifying tales, and everything in between.
The Doll in the Hall and Other Scary Stories by Max Brallier, illustrated by Letizia Rubegni
This third book in the Mister Shivers series is perfect for those ready to dip their toes into some scary content. These five standalone stories include a little something for everyone, including a creepy doll, an eerily itchy cast, a vengeful tooth fairy, and so much more.
Recommended for Grades K-2
Scary Stories to Read When It's Dark
Scary Stories to Read When It’s Dark is a classic collection of thrills and chills featuring your favorite amphibians, Frog and Toad, and along with a handful of other popular folktales and retellings.
Recommended for Grades K-3
An anthology of tales from around the world, divided into themes such as strangers at the door, home of the spirits, enchanted places, and frozen lands.
Recommended for Grades K-4
Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories by Anica Mrose Rissi
In this contemporary collection of 20 hair-raising stories, you’ll be sure to find the right fit for your campfire storytelling. From a murder of murderous crows, to an unconventional summer camp, and an even more unconventional teacher, and so much more, these stories are guaranteed to have you peeking over your shoulders for days.
Recommended for Grades 4-6
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
This graphic novel is truly terrifying and not for the faint of heart, perfect for fans of the classic book, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
Recommended for Grades 6+
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
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 October 18-November 12.
Toddler & PreK: Fall Suncatcher
Catch the fall sun with this easy process art project. Register for the October/November Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-2: Fall Lantern
Turn a jar and tissue paper into a seasonal lantern. Register for the October/November Grades K-2 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
- Mason jar
- Foam brush
- Container of mod podge
- Bag of precut tissue paper
- Black card stock
- Flameless tea light candle
- Instructions
Instructions:
1. Use the foam brush to apply a very thin layer of mod podge over your jar (move on to step 2 immediately).
2. Working quickly, wrap your tissue paper around the jar.
3. Smooth the tissue paper out as much as you can with your hands (don’t expect it to be perfectly smooth). If you get a tear; just dab a little mod podge and patch it with a small piece of tissue paper then smooth it over with your fingers.
4. If needed, use scissors (not provided) to snip away any excess tissue around the rim. Continue to press the tissue down with your fingers.
5. If desired, while your mod podge is drying (about 15 mins), cut cardstock to make a design. Use the foam brush and dab some mod podge on the area where you want to add your cardstock design. (Mod Podge acts as a glue and a sealer, so it will be our adhesive and our topcoat for this.)
6. Use your foam brush to paint another thin layer of mod podge all over your jar, this time on top of the tissue paper/ cardstock. Allow it to dry (about 15 mins). It will dry clear.
7. Screw on the ring part of the lid and add the tea light candle.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades 3-8: Button Canvas Art
Use a variety of buttons to create silhouette art. Register for the October Grades 3-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Instructions:
1. Pick out one of the cardstock templates for your design, or make your own. Your design can be anything that strikes your fancy!
2. Tape the template to the canvas.
3. Lightly draw the outline of the template with the pencil.
4. Remove template.
5. Optional: lay out the buttons you plan on using on the design. Include a variety of button sizes.
6. Using the cotton swab, glue buttons to canvas.
7. Optional: outline design with a marker.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Alyssa
Attention, cardholders: the Barrington Area Library is now participating in the Explore More Illinois program. This service, offered 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).
Today we’ll look at the Chicago Children’s Museum, one of the many exciting locations you can visit!
At the Chicago Children’s Museum (located on Navy Pier) kids can climb 37 feet up in the Cloud Buster, dig for bones on the Dinosaur Expedition, solve engineering puzzles in the Tinkering Lab, produce cinematic mini-masterpieces at the Story Hub, and much more.
If you’re eager to take your little ones on a science adventure, be sure to check out our Explore More Illinois page. The Chicago Children’s Museum offers Barrington Area Library cardholders a special offer on passes: 4 for the price of 1! For only $20 a group of 4 can spend the day at the Museum. Limited to one reservation per cardholder. Be sure to click "Show first available offer" to check for available dates.
What are you waiting for? Check out Explore More Illinois, courtesy of RAILS!
For more information, visit this page, accessible through the Barrington Area Library homepage. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us at exploremore@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Many people in the United States are celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 11 this year, a holiday that celebrates and honors Indigenous peoples, and their histories and cultures. Celebrate the holiday with us by picking up one of these amazing titles!
We also invite you to check out the South Barrington Conservancy's StoryWalk® featuring the book We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac. The installment will be available October 11 through November 30.
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
Thousands of refugees have entered America in the wake of the Afghanistan takeover by Taliban forces, with 500 people likely to settle in Illinois. These big numbers and far-off places and situations are hard to understand (often, for adults as well as children!) without the empathy-building stories behind the statistics and news headlines. These books for children of all ages help bring refugee experiences - from all over the world - to light and life.
Sign up for our monthly newsletters to learn about the latest and greatest books coming to the Barrington Area Library.
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 September 13-24.
Toddler & PreK: DIY Liquid Chalk
Mix simple ingredients to make your own liquid color, then see what you can create on the sidewalk. Register for the September Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
- Three squeeze bottles pre-filled with one ounce of baking soda and one ounce of corn starch
- Three one-ounce cups of liquid watercolor
- Three pipettes
Instructions:
1. Untwist the top of the squeeze bottle and fill it about two-thirds full of water. Remember to save space for the liquid watercolor!
2. Put the cap back on the bottle and shake vigorously to mix the water with the baking soda and corn starch at the bottom. It should look a little milky when mixed.
3. Using a pipette, transfer the liquid watercolor into your squeeze bottle.
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4. Put the cap back on the bottle and shake until the watercolor is distributed evenly.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each squeeze bottle using a different color of watercolor for each.
6. Take your liquid chalk outside and paint on the sidewalk. Tip: The liquid chalk may be hard to control and come out looking splatter-y. Embrace the messiness of it! For lighter colors, you may need to wait for the chalk to dry before the color fully comes through.
7. Step back and enjoy your creations!
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Bonus tip:
To reuse your squeeze bottles and make more liquid chalk, rinse bottle thoroughly and then fill it with one ounce (two tablespoons) of baking soda and one ounce of corn starch. To add color, use liquid watercolor or substitute with food coloring. This recipe is based on the four ounce squeeze bottles provided in the kits, but if you use another squeeze bottle that you own, just make sure to use an equal amount of baking soda and corn starch, adjusting the amount for the size of the bottle.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-2: Animal Mobile
Create a floating menagerie for your bedroom with these supplies. Register for the September Grades K-2 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Kit contains:
- Two dowel rods
- Eight foam sheets
- Six animal stencils
- One plastic needle
- Two sets of embroidery thread
- Four jingle bells
- Twelve pony beads
You will also need:
- Scissors
- Pen
Instructions:
- Trace animal stencils onto foam sheets and cut out. Use as many colors and animals as you wish. You will need at least 4 animals, though you can use more. Feel free to design your own shapes, too!
- Cut a length of thread about 1 foot long. Place the two dowels in an X-shape, and then tie them tightly together with the thread. Leave extra thread so you can hang the mobile. You can use more thread to wrap the two rods tightly together in different directions, to make sure it is secure. Test out the balance, and adjust the rods so they hang pretty straight.
- Cut another strand of thread about 1 foot long. Thread the needle with the cut piece, then use the threaded needle to punch a hole through the top of one of the foam animals. Tie a knot to secure.
- You can connect multiple animals in the same string if you would like.
- Cut another piece of thread. Tie a jingle bell and, if you’d like, some pony beads on one end. Thread the other side through the needle and punch it through your bottom-most animal on the string. This will help weigh the mobile down.
- When you’re done with your string of animals, tie them to one end of the dowels. (Optional: secure with glue)
- Repeat three more times, one string for each dowel end.
- Hang your mobile up, and watch your animals float and fly!
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades 3-8: Yarn Wall Hanging
Create a unique piece of art to add color and texture to your space. Register for the September Grades 3-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Alyssa
Autumn is such a stellar season here in the Barrington area. The days get cooler and crisper, creatively decorated scarecrows abound, and pumpkin suddenly is flavoring EVERYTHING. But the best thing about fall? The books! Here are five chapter books for kids we know you can’t wait to get your hands on.
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From the oh-so-good creative voice behind Newbery Medal winning The One and Only Ivan as well as the Endling trilogy and our 2019 Book of the Summer Wishtree comes this brand new fantasy adventure about one girl and her quest to help the most unlovable creatures in her world. Yes please!
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by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall A story set in medieval times about Beatryce, who just may be the girl prophesied to end the rule of the king, so must hide herself in the dangerous woods, away from those in power who want her dead. With sure-to-be stellar writing from the author of Newbery winner The Tale of Despereaux and artwork from the creator of Caldecott winner Hello Lighthouse, everybody is going to want to see this book. |
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A modern reimagining of 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea? Hmm, I’m not sure about that… Wait, it’s by Rick Riordan, of Percy Jackson fame? Sign me up!
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Selznick’s books are absolutely dazzling, combining stunning pencil artwork with amazing and ambitious stories. This newest book is a collection of stories and images that touch on themes of discovery and loss. Sounds like it will be a great book for grown-ups and kids alike. |
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Amos McGee Misses the Bus by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead Ten years ago, the Stead duo won the Caldecott Medal for their oh-so-charming story of A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Now, the beloved zookeeper and his animal friends are finally getting a sequel.
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What books are you excited to see this fall?
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Youth Services Librarian Allison
During the COVID pandemic, the start of a school year has felt a little different. Whether your kids are going to class wearing masks and unable to hug friends, or moved completely to homeschooling, school time has required adaptations from all of us. Find some inspiration in these stories of different school situations, across time and around the world.
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This Is My Home, This Is My School For young Jonathan and his sisters, Mom is the teacher and a whole lot more, and Dad is the best substitute any kid could want. From math, science, and field trips to recess, show-and-tell, and art, a school day with this intrepid, inventive family will seem both completely familiar and totally unique. |
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by Katy Beebe & Sally Wern Comport A boy growing up in Ancient Egypt begins his first day of scribe training by traveling the Nile to his school. A twist on the first-day-of-school story that shows readers that feeling nervous is universal, even for kids growing up in an ancient civilization. |
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Steamboat School: Inspired By a True Story by Deborah Hopkinson & Ron Husband In 1847 St. Louis, Missouri, when a new law against educating African Americans forces Reverend John to close his school, he finds an ingenious solution to the new state law by moving his school to a steamboat in the Mississippi River. |
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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard & Oge Mora In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. And at 116, she learned to read. An inspirational story of a woman whose long life and determination proved that you're never too old to learn.
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Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the World Education is not readily available for kids everywhere, and many communities are strapped for the resources that would make it easier for kids to go to school. In short, it's not always easy getting kids off to class -- but people around the world are finding creative ways to do it. In this book, travel to India, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Uganda, and a dozen other countries, to visit some of these incredible schools, and, through personal interviews conducted by author Susan Hughes, meet the students who attend them too. |
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Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school that was built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write. A moving story about the power of education.
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Youth Services Librarian Allison