Friday, December 28, 2012

New Parenting Picks on Autism

Bad Animals: a Father's Accidental Education in Autism by Joel Yanofsky
"A veteran book reviewer, Yanofsky has spent a lifetime immersed in literature (not to mention old movies and old jokes), which he calls shtick. This account of a year in the life of a family describes a father's struggle to enter his son's world, the world of autism, using the materials he knows best: self-help books, feel-good memoirs, literary classics from the Bible to Dr. Seuss, old movies, and, yes, shtick. Funny, wrenching, and unfailingly candid, Bad Animals is both an exploration of a baffling condition and a quirky love story told by the author." Summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc. Booklist calls Yanofsky's book "a welcome perspective on autism and fatherhood."


The Autism Revolution: Whole-Body Strategies for Making Life All It Can Be by Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D.

"Move beyond conventional thinking about autism. . . . After years of treating patients and analyzing scientific data, prominent Harvard researcher and clinician Dr. Martha Herbert offers a revolutionary new view of autism and a transformative strategy for dealing with it. Autism is not a hardwired impairment programmed into a child's genes and destined to remain fixed forever, as we're often told. Instead, it is the result of a cascade of events, many seemingly minor: perhaps a genetic mutation, some toxic exposures, a stressful birth, a vitamin deficiency, and a series of infections. And while other doctors may dismiss your child's physical symptoms--the diarrhea, anxiety, sensory overload, sleeplessness, immune challenges, and seizures--as coincidental or irrelevant, Dr. Herbert sees them as vital clues to what the underlying problems are, and how to help. In The Autism Revolution, she teaches you how to approach autism as a collection of problems that can be overcome--and talents that can be developed. Each success you achieve gives your child more room to become healthy and to thrive. Drawing from the newest research, technologies, and insights, as well as inspiring case studies of both children and adults, Dr. Herbert guides you toward restoring health and resiliency in your loved one with autism. Her specific recommendations aim to provide optimal nutrition, reduce toxic exposures, shore up the immune system, reduce stress, and open the door to learning and creativity--all by understanding and truly meeting your child's needs. As thousands of families who have cobbled together these solutions themselves already know, this program can have dramatic benefits--for your child with autism, and for you, your whole family, and your next baby as well. A paradigm-changing book that offers hope and healing for the millions of families who have autism in their lives, The Autism Revolution shows that there's plenty you can do every day to give someone you love the best possible gift: a life lived to the fullest potential"-- Provided by publisher.

Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism by Arthur Fleischmann with Carly Fleischmann
"At the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. Doctors predicted that she would never intellectually develop beyond the abilities of a small child. Carly remained largely unreachable through the years. Then, at the age of ten, she had a breakthrough. While working with her devoted therapists, Carly reached over to their laptop and typed “HELP TEETH HURT,” much to everyone’s astonishment. Although Carly still struggles with all the symptoms of autism, she now has regular, witty, and profound conversations on the computer with her family and her many thousands of supporters online. In Carly’s Voice, her father, Arthur Fleischmann, blends Carly’s own words w ith his story of getting to know his remarkable daughter. One of the first books to explore firsthand the challenges of living with autism, it brings readers inside a once-secret world and in the company of an inspiring young woman who has found her voice and her mission." (from Amazon.com)


Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories, edited by Kay Marner and Adrienne Ehlert Bashista


Whether it's the challenge of raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, SPD, OCD or another challenge or disability, these parents share their stories of the struggles and joys they've faced.

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity by Andrew Solomon
"Winner of the National Book Award for The Noonday Demon and a board member of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Columbia Medical School, Solomon began seeing illness and identity as related when he covered the deaf pride movement in the 1990s. Here, he expands on this notion by exploring how families deal with children who fall outside the perceived boundaries of normal-those with dwarfism, Down syndrome, or exceptional genius, for instance, or who commit serious crimes-showing how both family and children redefine themselves." (Summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.)

Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts by Eileen Riley-Hall

"This book is a celebration of all the wonderful and unexpected gifts that having a daughter on the autism spectrum can bring to a family. Each chapter offers encouragement and guidance on issues such as school, friendships, meltdowns, special gifts, family relationships, therapies and interventions. The author's positive, upbeat tone and practical advice and suggestions are guaranteed to provide support to parents, grandparents and family members. This book also gives educators, and anyone else working in a supporting role, an insight into what life is like for girls on the spectrum and their parents." Book jacket.

Everyday Activities to Help Your Young Child with Autism Live Life to the Full by Debra S. Jacobs and Dion E. Betts
"Does your child Struggle with brushing their teeth? Is it difficult to get them dressed and undressed each day? Do they struggle to understand their body's relationship to the world?" Summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

It's Storytime: Come on Down!

Join us for storytime at the Corvallis Library! We love sharing stories, rhymes, and songs with the children and families in our community.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Meet a Youth Services Librarian: Dana

Dana Campbell, Youth Services Librarian

Have you ever wanted to learn more about your local librarians? We'll be featuring interviews with our Youth Services Librarians on this blog in the coming weeks and months. You may recognize our first featured librarian, Dana Campbell. Dana brings her outgoing personality, contagious love of children's books, and enthusiasm for promoting early literacy in our community. She juggles many hats as a Youth Services Librarian. She's a regular storyteller at Storytime and Mother Goose Asks "Why?", and one of the facilitators of the Kids Book Club. She purchases materials in the juvenile nonfiction collection in the areas of social sciences, health, technology, literature, history, and biography. Dana is also the materials selector for the Early Reader [E-R] collection. In addition, she brings her love of literacy and animals to the community by organizing the R.E.A.D. Dogs program for beginning readers at the library.

What drew you to Youth Services and/or librarianship?

I was working as a branch manager for a different system. I had realized I was having a great time working with kids, visiting schools, building a strong library relationship with the community. I was hooked. I decided to take a chance and become a Youth Services Librarian. It has been an adventure ever since!


Favorite Children's Book:

As a little girl, it was Henny Penny. My favorite now is The Baby Beebee Bird written by Diane Redfield Massie and illustrated by Steven Kellogg.

Most Memorable Story:

Too many to think about!


Unique Talent:

Creative thinking! Want to make something, but don't know how? Ask me! I love to create craft activities for kids.


Fun Fact:

Believe it or not, I am a bicycle girl. I love to ride.



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Save the date: Family Music Fun in December

Saturday, December 15th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

A family-participation music and movement program led by experienced music instructor, Kris Olsen of "Music Together." Meets in the Youth Activity Room of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. A Birth to 6 Library Program. For more information, contact Youth Services at 541-766-6794.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Pick of the Week: Because Amelia Smiled

Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein (Candlewick Press, 2012)
Good things happen, all because Amelia smiled. Because Amelia smiles, as she walks down the street, Mrs. Higgins smiles, too. This makes her think of her grandson, Lionel, who lives in Mexico. So, she bakes him some cookies to send to him...and then, when Lionel receives them, more good things happen! This is a book about the goodness of "paying it forward". One small act of kindness can go a long way, and even small children will be able to pick up on the positive message in this lushly illustrated book.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Happy National Adoption Day! (November 17th)

Happy Adoption Day! by John McCutcheon, illustrated by Julie Paschkis (Little, Brown & Co., 1996)
Parents celebrate the day on which they adopted their child and continue to reassure the new addition to their family that it is wanted, loved, and very special. 

Find more adoption stories with this adoption booklist, compiled by the Youth Services librarians at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Pick of the Week: Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!

Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! a sonic adventure by Wynton Marsalis, illustrated by Paul Rogers (Candlewick Press, 2012)
Music is everywhere! Can you hear it? The "squeeeak" of the back door...the "grrrumble" of your hungry tummy...the "tluck, tlock" of the leaky faucet...the "whomp! whomp! whomping!" of a tubas in the band. Join Wynton Marsalis on a musical trip around the neighborhood. A sonic feast to read aloud!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Preschool Space Program Thursday

Blast Off! by Malachy Doyle,
illustrated by Gill McClean
(QEB Pub, 2011)

Rocco the rabbit vies with the other toy animals
to see which of them is most suited for space travel
.

Mother Goose Asks "Why?": Let's Learn About Space!

Thursday, November 15th, 2012
10:00 a.m.

Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97330

With Special Guest:
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
.
 

Stories, songs, and science for preschoolers and their families.

See you there!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Pick of the Week: Back to Front and Upside Down!

Back to Front and Upside Down! by Claire Alexander (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2012)
It's the principal's birthday and the whole class is invited to his party! But, first, they must all make birthday cards for Principal Slippers. Oh, no! This causes Stan a lot of anxiety because like many children learning to write, his letters come out all wrong - backwards...upside down.... What is Stan going to do? With a little encouragement from a friend, the assistance of his kind teacher, and some practice, Stan's letters improve! This is an encouraging, sympathetic book that is sure to hit the right note with children at this stage.


Friday, October 26, 2012

Veggies On My Mind

There's something about a cool, autumn day that makes me crave homemade vegetable soup. It's that fall, cozy, nesting time again. I'm enjoying the season this afternoon with the following picture books:
Vegetable Garden by Douglas Florian
This is a good book for toddlers and preschoolers interested in gardening. Just a few words on each page describe the planting, caring, and harvesting of a vegetable garden and invites the child to enjoy the watercolor illustrations.

Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayre
This is an upbeat celebration of vegetables! Cheerleader chants accompany photographs of a variety of vegetables - from broccoli to banana peppers to habanero peppers, fennel, and rutabagas. You'll surely be in the mood for some delicious vegetables after sharing this book!

Slop Goes the Soup: a Noisy Warthog Word Book by Pamela D. Edwards, illustrated by Henry Cole
Now this book is just plain fun! Have you ever imagined what it would be like if a warthog sneezes while carrying soup? Well, you'll find out in this book. This book about these clumsy warthogs is also a great way to introduce onomatopoeia (words that sound like their meaning). Another fun way to build a child's early literacy skills!


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Jan Brett - this Saturday at CHS!


Bestselling children's author and illustrator Jan Brett is coming to Corvallis on Saturday, October 20th, 2012! Jan will draw illustrations from her new book, Mossy. Book sales and autographing! Special appearance by Hedgie, too. You don't want to miss this!


 

 

Saturday, October 20th, 2012
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Corvallis High School
1400 NW Buchanan Ave., Corvallis, OR

Hosted by Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

For more information, call 541-766-6794.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Pick of the Week: Bad Apple - A Tale of Friendship

Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship by Edward Hemingway (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2012)

Mac was a good apple. He was kind. He shared with his friends. He helped clean up after art class and he certainly knew how to have fun! One rainy day, Mac takes a nap and wakes up to find a new friend, Will the worm, tickling his head. The two have so much fun together! But when the other apples notice Will, they are not so nice. "Eww! Mac has worms!" Poor Mac, the bullying doesn't cease. So, one day Will leaves and things should be back to normal for Mac. But are things better without Will the worm?

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Fall Early Literacy Newsletter is here!

The Fall Early Literacy Newsletter is out! It's full of the usual goodies - staff favorites, music and parenting picks, and early literacy tips. The newsletter also features articles about wordless picture books and Jan Brett. 

Adorable Hedgie!
Did you know that Jan Brett is visiting Corvallis on Saturday, October 20th? It's true! he Corvallis-Benton County Public Library is honored to host a special event with bestselling children's author and illustrator, Jan Brett, on Saturday, October 20th, 2012, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Corvallis High School, 1400 NW Buchanan. (Doors open at 4:30 p.m.)  
Special appearance from Hedgie! Book sales and autographing. Fun for everyone! For more information, contact 541-766-6794 or click here for the event flyer.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Mark Your Calendar: Local Fire Station Open House Oct. 13

Chief Rhino to the Rescue by Sam Lloyd (Henry Holt)

You're Invited!

Challenge CourseIf you're looking for something fun and interesting to do on the afternoon of Saturday, October 13, come to the Fire Department Open House!

Between noon and 4:00 p.m., stop by Fire Station 1 (400 NW Harrison) or Locke Station (544 NW Lewisburg Avenue) - or visit both of them.


You can tour the stations, take a close look at fire engines and other apparatus, meet the firefighters, and watch them demonstrate various aspects of their jobs.  There will be a number of events geared toward children, such as the opportunity to meet Sparky (the fire dog) and Pluggie (the electronic fire hydrant), spray water from a fire hose, go through the challenge course, slide the fire pole, and attend a puppet show.



Sliding the Fire Pole
Fire engine rides and REACH Air Ambulance will be available at Locke Station.  Those who visit Station 1 will be able to simulate entering a burning building and attacking a fire through Wii-based technology.
It will be a great time, and we hope to see you there!!

(Above news release from http://www.corvallisoregon.gov/index.aspx?page=1065

Enjoy! Click this link for firefighter related books or visit the Library and ask a librarian!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Children's Piano Concert October 13th

depresChildren's Piano Concert
The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and Corvallis-OSU Piano International present a special children's piano concert featuring Canadian pianist Jacques Després on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Corvallis Library Main Meeting Room. Come enjoy the music!

Get in the mood for some piano music with these stories:

The 39 Apartments of Ludwig von Beethoven by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Barry Blitt (Schwartz & Wade Books)
Ludwig van Beethoven and his five legless pianos keep having to move from one apartment to another when his neighbors complain about the noise.

Play, Mozart, Play! by Peter Sís
Introduces very young children to the child prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in a tribute to the beauty of listening, looking, imagining, and, above all, playing.

The Cardboard Piano by Lynne Rae Perkins (Greenwillow Books)
When Debbie tries to interest Tina in playing the piano by creating a cardboard keyboard, they find not only does it not have the same appeal but also that they do not need to share everything to be best friends.

The Cat Who Loved Mozart by Patricia Austin, illustrated by Henri Sorenson (Holiday House)
Jennifer has trouble making friends with her new cat Amadeus, until he hears her playing Mozart on the piano.

Gus and Grandpa and the Piano Lesson by Claudia Mills, illustrated by Catherine Stock (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
After Gus, who would rather play outside than practice music, does not do too well at his piano recital, his grandfather shows him how music can be fun.

The Little Piano Girl by Maryann Macdonald and Ann Ingalls, illustrated by Giselle Potter (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
A child prodigy at the piano sprinkles her music with a little jazz. Based on the life of the twentieth-century jazz musician, Mary Lou Williams.

Lulu's Piano Lesson by Arlene Alda, illustrated by Lisa Desimini (Tundra Books)
Lulu avoids practicing the piano all week, and when Friday afternoon arrives and she is not prepared for her lesson, she gets inspiration from her teacher.

Nana Hannah's Piano by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthenthal (Putnam's Sons)
When a young boy goes to stay with his grandmother, who has twisted her ankle, he teaches her about baseball and she inspires him to enjoy playing the piano.

Song of Middle C by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Scott Menchin (Candlewick Press)
"Miss Kari, my piano teacher, tells me that true artistry takes great imagination. It also takes a lot of practice. The big day of my piano recital is almost here, and hoo boy, have I been practicing! I've even got the help of my lucky hat and shoes -- not to mention my lucky underwear."--Jacket.


Friday, September 14, 2012

Your Toddler's Active Brain

Little ones sure are active! Their little bodies are on the move as they gain new physical strength and improve their gross motor movement skills. (Stop by any Friday morning for Wobbler Storytime and you'll see a good portion of the attendees moving in arms, laps, or around the room at any given moment.) Have you ever wondered just what is going on inside that growing mind of theirs? Check out some of these books at the library - or for quick insight, take a look at this handout on child development for the 15-18-month-old from Zero to Three, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families:

There is also a tool on the Zero to Three site called the "Baby Brain Map" that allows you to view what is happening in the brain at each stage of early development.

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind


The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
By Siegel, Daniel J.
Author Bryson, Tina Payne
2011-10 - Delacorte Press
9780553807912
Click here to check our catalog
A bestselling neuropsychiatrist and parenting expert demystify the meltdowns and aggravation, explaining the new science of how a child's brain is wired and how it matures. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, readers can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate their child's brain and foster vital growth. 192 pp. …More
Welcome to Your Child's Brain: How the Mind Grows from Conception to College


Welcome to Your Child's Brain: How the Mind Grows from Conception to College
By Wang, Sam
Author Aamodt, Sandra
2011-09 - Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
9781596916494
Click here to check our catalog
…More
Preparing Children for Success in School and Life: 20 Ways to Increase Your Child's Brain Power


Preparing Children for Success in School and Life: 20 Ways to Increase Your Child's Brain Power
By Tate, Marcia L.
2011-08 - Corwin Press
9781412988445
Click here to check our catalog
…More
Active Baby, Healthy Brain: 135 Fun Exercises and Activities to Maximize Your Child 's Brain Development from Birth Through Age 5 1/2


Active Baby, Healthy Brain: 135 Fun Exercises and Activities to Maximize Your Child 's Brain Development from Birth Through Age 5 1/2
By Sasse, Margaret
Author Sass, Margaret
Illustrator McKail, Georges
2010-01 - Experiment
9781615190065
Click here to check our catalog
A book more than 30 years in the making, "Active Baby, Healthy Brain" presents 135 separate massages, exercises, and activities, each sequenced to follow the eight key stages of childhood development. …More
Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five


Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five
By Medina, John
2010-10 - Pear Press
9780979777752
Click here to check our catalog
In this follow-up to his "New York Times" bestseller "Brain Rules," Medina reveals what the latest science says about how to raise smart and happy children. …More
Bright from the Start: The Simple, Science-Backed Way to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, from Birth to Age 3


Bright from the Start: The Simple, Science-Backed Way to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, from Birth to Age 3
By Stamm, Jill
With Spencer, Paula
2007-08 - Gotham Books
9781592402854
Click here to check our catalog
BookPage Notable Title
A cutting-edge handbook for parents, from a pioneer in infant brain development, that bridges the gap between the most current neuroscience and practical parenting techniques.
…More
Your Child's Growing Mind: Brain Development and Learning from Birth to Adolescence


Your Child's Growing Mind: Brain Development and Learning from Birth to Adolescence
By Healy, Jane M.
2004-05 - Broadway Books
0767916158
Click here to check our catalog
The classic guide to understanding children's mental development is now updated and better than ever!
Hailed by parents and educators, "Your Child's Growing Mind is a window into the fascinating process of brain development and learning. It looks at the roots of emotion, intelligence, and creativity, translating the most current scientific research into practical suggestions for parents and teachers.
Dr. Healy also addresses academic learning, offering countless suggestions for how parents can help without pushing. She explains the building blocks of reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics and shows how to help youngsters of all ages develop motivation, attention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Using the science of childhood development, she also examines today's hot issues, including learning disabilities, ADHD, influences of electronic media, and the hazards of forced early learning. From infancy to adolescence, this is the perfect guide to helping and enjoying a youngster's mental, personal, and academic growth.
…More
Brain Games for Babies, Toddlers & Twos: 140 Fun Ways to Boost Development


Brain Games for Babies, Toddlers & Twos: 140 Fun Ways to Boost Development
By Silberg, Jackie
2002-10 - Hamlyn
0600605825
Click here to check our catalog
Grouped by age and accompanied by related research, these games meet the needs of each stage of your child's young life--from a newborn's hand-eye coordination to an infant's language acquisition to a toddler's movements and musical ability. Children will love the one-on-one attention these activities afford and the chance to show off their burgeoning brainpower. …More
Smart-Wiring Your Baby's Brain: What You Can Do to Stimulate Your Child During the Critical First Three Years


Smart-Wiring Your Baby's Brain: What You Can Do to Stimulate Your Child During the Critical First Three Years
By Conkling, Winifred
2001-04 - Harper Paperbacks
0380802511
Click here to check our catalog
Has science shoved parents out of the nursery? Judging from the steady stream of headlines, one would think biologists have discovered a gene for every aspect of behavior. Now, Winifred Conkling reassures us that there's still room to help our children reach their personal best. In clear, compassionate language, Conkling tells parents how to make practical use of the latest research on early brain development, offering invaluable advice on how to:
  • Create a nurturing environment in which you child can grow cognitively
  • Encourage movement and motor development
  • Stimulate speech and language development
  • Foster a child's emotional health and personal identity
  • Make toy and food choices appropriate to each stage of development With specific, sound advice; readable charts and timetables; and clear, easy-to-understand language, Winifred Conkling translates the latest scientific discoveries into useful ways to help your child live up to his or her fullest potential. …More