Sidewalk Chalk: summer fun

Some of the best summer memories can consist of a few pieces of sidewalk chalk and a lot of imagination! Get inspired with these books:

Sidewalk Chalk: Outdoor Fun and Games by Jamie Kyle McGillian 

Suggests games and activities to play with chalk on sidewalks and in playgrounds. Includes instructions for making chalk.

Chalk by Bill Thomson

A wordless picture book about three children who go to a park on a rainy day, find some chalk, and draw pictures that come to life.

A Piece of Chalk by Jennifer A. Ericsson, illustrated by Michelle Shapiro
A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES in an ordinary box of chalk...What would you do with a brand new box of chalk, and a whole driveway as your chalkboard? What would you draw? This little girl draws a red brick wall for starters, then a yellow sun, a brown bird and more. Watch her create a magical picture, as she adds details with each turn of the page. But what happens when a gray cloud rolls in, and rain turns her creation into a colored puddle? With delightful artwork and a deceptively simple text, this picture book perfectly captures a child's creativity, and resilience.  (summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.)

Pick of the Week: Jeremy Draws a Monster

Jeremy Draws a Monster by Peter McCarty (Henry Holt and Company, 2009)

Jeremy draws a monster . . . but he doesn't expect it to be bored and hungry--and bossy. With a sure artistic touch and more than a dose of humor, McCarty cleverly blurs the line between his own drawings and Jeremy's, and in doing so subtly questions the line between reality and imagination. Full color. (Summary distributed by Syndetics Solutions, LLC)

Preschool Art & Music Celebration at the Library

Join us next week on Thursday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library for stories, music, and art activities. The program is geared for children ages four-years-old and younger. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are welcome with their parents and caregivers. Come ready for creative fun. We'll have painting activities and not-so-messy activities too! Snacks will be provided as well. This is a free event and our final Curious George Reading Program event of the summer.

Hope to see you there!

Room Makeover: for Babies & Kids

The kids' summer reading theme this year for children ages 5 through 12 years-old is Be Creative @ Your Library . The Youth Services Librarians are encouraging families to find ways to explore their creativity and imagination through books, music, and more that can be found at our library. If your creative spark leads you to create imaginative indoor spaces for your children, the library's collection contains books full of inspiration. Here are just a few:

The Smart Approach to Kids' Rooms by Megan Connelly (Creative Homeowner, c. 2008)

Begins with the premise: think like a designer. How to design, furnish, and organize space for children Includes practical tips for all-size budgets. Over 275 color photos and 40 illustrations.

Cool Spaces for Kids: Creative Indoor and Outdoor Spaces for Children of All Ages by Sam Scarborough (Hamlyn/Octopus Books, c. 2009)

Providing your children with a safe, stimulating living space is an essential job for any parent. Taking you through the process, from conception to construction, Cool Spaces for Kids gives you all the ideas and know-how you need to create appealing areas in your home for your kids, whatever their age. From imaginative playrooms and bedrooms to customizing a corner of your living room or garden, creating special spaces for your little ones will help them to enjoy playing, working, relaxing and learning. With over 50 stunning ideas comprising step-by-step projects, stylish alternatives, quick fixes and more, you can give your kids cool spaces they'll enjoy for years to come.

Children's Spaces from Zero to Ten by Judith Wilson, photography by Debi Treloar (Ryland Peters & Small, 2001)

To many of us, the idea of having children is synonymous with bidding farewell to being in control of our lives and our homes. In Children's Spaces, interiors writer and stylist Judith Wilson, herself a mother of two, demonstrates how homes can be adapted for children without surrendering order and good taste, while also ensuring that children have wonderful spaces to explore and enjoy in a stimulating and safe environment. With ideas ranging from full-scale decorative schemes to clever finishing touches, the combination of Judith's wise and witty text and Debi Treloar's vibrant photography captures the potential for a harmonious and stylish mix of children and home.

Babyspace: Idea Book by Suzonne Stirling (Taunton Press, c. 2006)

Loaded with hundreds of photographs and ideas for baby and toddler spaces, this book offers design solutions for many different tastes. Stirling devotes portions of the book to choosing color, themes, furniture, and storage pieces for baby and toddler rooms. There are also ideas for shared spaces, playrooms, bathrooms, activity areas, and family rooms. The book also offers practical advice on transitioning from a nursery to a room for an older child. A list of resources is included. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Design Ideas for Baby Rooms by Creative Homeowner Press, (Creative Homeowner, c. 2009)

Contents: Make room for baby -- Color and pattern -- Furniture and storage -- Walls, windows, and floors -- Keeping baby cozy -- Toddlers' rooms -- Keeping them safe -- Health and special needs.

(Note: Summaries courtesy of Syndetics, unless otherwise noted.)