Kids Music Update: What's on Your Playlist?

As the librarian responsible for selecting the juvenile music collection, I thought I'd share what has recently been on my playlist. Feel free to comment and let us know what your children are listening to!

All I Want! by David Weinstone
(Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals/BMI, 2011)

David Weinstone's music displays a diverse range of musical styles and lyrics that really speaks to kids. If you're looking for something new and original that you might enjoy as much as your kids, you might enjoy this one.

Pink Collection by Ladybug Music
(P. Maertens, Ladybug Music, 2011)

Traditional and new tunes, but definitely produced in a unique style. I'm a fan of "Ladybug Hello" and may try this one out in storytime soon.

A Mighty Good Day by Hullabaloo
(Hullabaloo Music, 2010)

Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer make up this award-winning kid-folk musical duo. For a sample listen, head to http://www.hullabalooband.com/.

Let's Pretend by Aaron Nigel Smith
(Music for Little People, 2011)

You may be familiar with Aaron Nigel Smith as a featured musical guest from the PBS show "Between the Lions." These are upbeat, active songs that just might get your kids moving and singing along!

Catch the Moon by Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell
(Sheridan Square, 2007)

One of my colleagues was telling me how much she loved Elizabeth Mitchell's music the other day. This isn't a new cd, but the collaboration on this album between Elizabeth Mitchell and Lisa Loeb is something to check out. Lovely renditions of folk favorites may please adult ears just as much as a child's.




Video 1: Ong Tal Sam/Little Spring from You Are My Flower on Vimeo.
A Korean folk song from the Elizabeth Mitchell album "Sunny Day" on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Directed by Maciek Albrecht.


Video 2: Balloons" on the album "On Trinity Street" by Skyboat.

Parenting Success Network

Parenting is a rewarding, but complex and demanding job. It certainly is one of the hardest jobs and many parents could use a little advice, support, or a chance to connect with other parents facing similar challenges once in awhile. A new local resource, Parenting Success Network, offers parenting support for families in Linn and Benton counties. Check out the new website for parenting ideas and advice, childcare resource referrals, information about parenting programs and activities in your area and more. [For instance, did you know that LBCC offers a Parent Advice Line (541-917-4899, Monday-Friday from 9 am - 2 pm - where experts can help locate resources or classes for you?] Whether you are a parent of an infant or a high schooler, the Parenting Success Network aims to provide you with parenting support. The Parenting Support Network is administered by the Linn-Benton Community College Parenting Education Department. For more information, check out the site: http://www.parentingsuccessnetwork.org/.

New Picture Books

Come on in, get out of the cold, and check out some of the new picture books the library has added to our collection this fall!

My Woodland Wish by Kate Endle & Caspar Babypants (Sasquatch Books, 2011)

Artist Kate Endle and children's musician Caspar Babypants (Chris Ballew) collaborated on this picture book depicting a young girl's fascination with the natural world.

Squish Rabbit by Katherine Battersby (Viking, 2011)

Poor little Squish Rabbit - he's so little and so lonely for a friend! He tries playing with pretend friends...and even an apple! But with a heart as big as Squish Rabbit's, it won't be long until he finally finds a real, true friend.

An Annoying ABC by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley (Alfred A. Knopf, 2011)

When Adelaide annoys Bailey, their entire preschool class gets upset, one child after another, until Zelda zaps Adelaide and a round of apologies begins.*

Betsy Ross by Becky White, illustrated by Megan Lloyd (Holiday House, 2011)

Inch by inch, bit by bit, Betsy Ross clips, dips, and stitches the first American flag. Based on a sketch Betsy's friend George Washington gave her in 1776, the flag had thirteen stripes and thirteen stars, which Betsy showed George how to make with a single clip of her scissors.*

Brownie and Pearl Hit the Hay by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Brian Biggs (Beach Lane Books, 2011)

Brownie and Pearl are back - and this time they're getting ready for bed!

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith (Roaring Book Press, 2011)

A child explores the ordinary life of his extraordinary great-grandfather, as expressed in his topiary garden.*

The Lost and Found Pony by Tracy Dockray (Feiwel and Friends, 2011)

When the little pony is sold to a circus, he makes the best of his new life, but he never stops hoping he'll find the little girl.

Noni Says No by Heather Hartt-Sussman, illustrated by Geneviève Côté (Tundra Books, 2011)

Noni can do a lot of different things except say "no," until one day when she is pushed too far by her friend Susie.*
  

People by Blexbolex (Enchanted Lion Books, 2011)

Explores, through brief text and illustrations, various sorts of people, the jobs they do, and the connections among them.*

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by Jerry Pinkney (Little, Brown, 2011)

Presents the classic English nursery rhyme alongside illustrations that feature a curious chipmunk marveling at the natural world during the day and setting sail in his imagination at night.*

*Summaries courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.

Two Great Events @ This Week

Mother Goose Asks "Why?"

On Thursday, November 3rd, at 10:00 a.m., children ages 3-6 are invited to explore the science and math of apples through stories, song, experiments, crafts, and more at the Mother Goose Asks "Why?" program in the Youth Activity Room and Main Meeting Room.

Image: The Power of Play by David Elkind

Play: A Toddler's Work

On November 4th, at 10:30 a.m., join us in the Youth Activity Room at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library to learn and discuss hands-on ideas to help promote your toddler's healthy development through the power of play. In a time when parents are seeking to know the best ways to help their children grow and succeed, experience the joy, growth, and learning that comes from simple play. Presented by Kara Becerra, from Linn-Benton Community College.

Saturday Events at the Library

Image credit: Musikgarten of Tallahassee

 Family Music Fun!

A family-participation music and movement program led by an experienced music instructor. Come prepared to move and join the fun! Free.

Date: Saturday, October 15th, 2011 
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, Storytime Room

Presenter: Kris Olsen, of "Music Together"

Parenting Workshop:

Fun Ways To Help My Child Learn

For parents of children ages 3 to 8, learn what you can do at home to help your child grow and develop. Help your child learn skills that will make it easier to do well in school, such as how to stick to a task, get along with peers or handle disappointment.  Learn the best ways to support reading and study skills. 

Free workshop. Free child care available. No pre-registration necessary. 

Workshop co-sponsored by LBCC Parenting Education and Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, members of the Linn-Benton Parenting Success Network. 

Date: Saturday, October 15

Time: 1 to 3 PM

Where: Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room

For more information: 541-917-4899.

Pick of the Week: Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak

Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak (HarperCollins, 2011)

Bumble-Ardy the pig had not celebrated his past eight birthdays with his family, but when his Aunt Adeline adopts him at age nine, he decides to throw himself a spectacular party. (Summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.)

I haven't had a chance to read this new book from acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, but it's going to be hitting the library shelves soon! To place a hold, click on the title above.

Family Music Fun: Oct. 15th & Nov. 19th

Image Credit: http://bit.ly/qxEPOL

Family Music Fun!

A family-participation music and movement program led by experienced music instructors. Come prepared to move and join the fun! Free.

Two Dates:

Date: Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Storytime Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

Presenter: Kris Olsen, of "Music Together"

Date: Saturday, November 19th, 2011
Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Storytime Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

Presenter: Sue Hardin, of "Kindermusik"

Hope to see you and your little ones there!