A total of 143 entries were received and the winner is Amanda Plante from the Langdon Public Library in Newington. Congratulations!
Winner of the Universe of Stories themed MacKid School & Library reading kit give-away
The Welcoming Library is HERE!
A new project is actively using picture books to build bridges. The Welcoming Library is a pop-up community conversation about immigration. That conversation is driven by a collection of acclaimed immigration-themed picture books and their embedded discussion questions.
Here’s some examples of the discussion questions affixed to the books’ endpapers:
From the first generation Vietnamese American Picture Book A DIFFERENT POND: The kids at school say that the father’s English sounds like a “thick, dirty river.” The boy thinks his father’s English sounds like “gentle rain.” Why do the boy and his fellow students see the father differently?
From GOLDEN DOMES & SILVER LANTERNS: A MUSLIM BOOK OF COLORS: The girl and her mother read the Quran. Are there books that you read with your family that offer lessons on being a better person?
FROM TIA ISA WANTS A CAR: The girl says, “soon is when our family will join us, so I know soon is a very long time.” What do you think she means? Have you wanted something to happen “soon,” but it felt like a long time?
From MY TWO BLANKETS: The first time the girl in the park smiles and waves at Cartwheel [Cartwheel is a “new arrival” Somali girl], Cartwheel does not smile or wave back. Imagine that you waved at someone new and they didn’t wave back. What are some reasons they might not wave back? Would you try again
The picture book collection, its pop-up display unit (with celebratory flags and banners), and programming and educational tools, packs into a crate and travels between schools, libraries, and community centers in a given region.
The Welcoming Library invites readers of all ages to explore literature as a means to celebrate our commonalities and differences and to create an environment of welcoming. Is it working? Here are the reader survey results so far:
67% inspired by the book or project to be actively welcoming in their communities.
100% saw similarities between the book’s family and their own.
100% learned something new about a featured culture or community.
100% want to read more books like these.
You will find this quote from poet Amit Majmudar, everywhere on the website:
“The true meeting takes place when the book opens, and a stranger reads about — and comprehends — a stranger.”
The Welcoming Library comes in two red totes. One contains 29 books with discussion questions. The second the Ambassador’s notebook, banner and easily assembled bookshelf. This special collection is available to be hosted at your library (schools included) or organization). To borrow, contact Deborah Dutcher, Youth and Adult Services Consultant. The New Hampshire State Library Welcoming Library was made possible with support from the Hesed Foundation.
Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement
Sign up for this FREE event (see attached flyer) being held at the Baker Free Public Library on May 16 from 10 am – 12 pm:
Attached is a parking map for the Baker Free Public Library for the event. There is a limited number of seats so sign up now.
Free Webinar An Introduction to the NH Early Learning Standards
A free webinar titled An Introduction to the NH Early Learning Standards is taking place from 9:30 – 11:00 on May 15th. Here is the link to register for the session:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8271676951242304257
When you register for the session send me an e-mail at Deborah.Dutcher@dncr.nh.gov to let me know and I will send a colorful hard copy of the NH Early Learning Standards to you right away on the van. The standards are also available online at: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf/cdb/documents/nh-early-learning-standards.pdf
Purposes of the NH Early Learning Standards The New Hampshire Early Learning Standards are a statewide resource for everyone who loves, cares for, and educates young children. The Standards provide essential information to support and enhance children’s development and learning. New Hampshire’s Early Learning Standards: • Provide a resource about children’s development from birth through age five; • Promote a whole-child approach that affirms that learning and development are interrelated and build on previous learning; • Acknowledge, honor, and embrace the tremendous diversity and variation that exists for children and families; • Recognize and celebrate what children learn to help plan for the next stages of growth and development; • Align with the NH Kindergarten Readiness Indicators, which are aligned with the NH College and Career Ready Standards; • Provide a list of resources for more information about children’s learning and development; and • Guide the choice of developmentally appropriate curriculum, teaching strategies, and assessment.
Earth Day Goods
Librarian suggested: Looking for Earth Day give-aways try http://www.earthlygoods.com They have reasonable prices, a nice selection, and do custom designs.
March 2019 Newsletter
Click HERE for the March 2019 Newsletter
What if someone challenges this picture book?
Last week the 2019 Ladybug Award nominee titles were announced. The list consist of ten books where illustration and text work together to form an interactive method of conveying some great big ideas. It is a diverse list with fun animals and stories that have us looking into what life is like in other parts of the world.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love is a beautiful book that challenges society’s idea of how a boy should look and act. Recently a librarian asked about possible challenges to this book being used specifically in a school setting. In response to that concern:
When planning to use book award nominee titles in your school or story times, having administrator buy-in is important. Presenting the titles to administrators, trustees, staff and other teachers before using them in lessons is a great way for everyone to be familiar with the books and help you to think of connections. In addition, be prepared. Know your book challenge policies. Have the appropriate forms for reconsideration available. Here is the intellectual freedom brochure from AASL. Creating a culture for open communication is crucial. Remember the way we talk about sensitive topics can make all the difference in others being open to our message.
A school librarian recently gave a good reminder to adults about perspective. When read to children, a picture book is seen through the eyes of a child. To them it may simply be a book about dressing up in costume. Perhaps like Julian, they may have a loving relationship with their Grandmother or Abuela. It may be a book that gives them permission to dream and express themselves creatively.
I am working on and very excited about the resource sheets for all of the Ladybug Award nominees. They will be released one a week on the NH Center for the Book blog this summer and a complete guide at the end before the new school year begins. Ladybug Award information can be found Here. I would like to remind everyone about the Youth Services blog as well.
I would also like to suggest We Need Diverse Books. Diverse books promote respect and empathy. Everyone deserves to see themselves in books. Shall we open a book, our hearts and good conversations.
2019 Children’s Museum of New Hampshire Summer Library Program
Kevin Driscoll – Driscoll Productions
Contact: Kevin Driscoll
Location: 22 Driscoll Drive, Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: 617-901-6232
Email: kevin@driscollproductions.com
Website: www.driscollproductions.com
Music/Puppetry
The following two corporate sponsored/GRANT funded events are free and OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC:
• 7/16/19 – Space/A Universe of Stories Ventriloquist Comedy Show at the Burlington Public Library – 11:00AM – Our ventriloquist dummies will wear their space helmets and perform WITH the children who volunteer to play our drums and percussion instruments. Our NEW puppet and “astronaut” Fred the Frog will attempt his first space flight!
• 7/30/19 – Space/A Universe of Stories Ventriloquist Comedy Show at the Littleton Public Library – 7:00PM
As Boston’s ★★★★★ children’s entertainer and musical ventriloquist, my dummies and I specialize in educational and fun events for children. All of our reviews on Gigmasters, Gigsalad, facebook, Thumbtack and Google My Business are FIVE STAR ★★★★★ reviews.
Please see our VENThaven Family Excerpt: https://youtu.be/YY4oiemZQWQ
We typically bring our clown car full of drums and percussion instruments for the children to play WITH our ventriloquist dummies. Children are invited to play the Irish Bodhrán, Tahitian Toeré, Trinidadian mini-steel drum and many other percussion instruments also available for everyone. ATTENTION CHILDREN: Doug the Talking Dog will not bite you. He only bites Mommies and Daddies. However, he may try to bite your drumsticks, tambourine, or maracas that we distribute to everyone.
Universe of Stories resources
As you prepare for this summer’s Universe of Stories themed program, make sure you check out the following:
Stem activities & so much more: http://www.starnetlibraries.org/summer-of-space/
Opportunities for programs and presenters:
https://solarsystem1.jpl.nasa.gov/ssa/home.cfm
https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/
The gathering place for Apollo anniversary info:
https://spacestem.nasa.gov/
The upcoming summer library program theme is heavy in STEM–here are some free online posters you may want to use suggested by the wonderful April Mazza, consultant at the Massachusetts Library System:
Stem Role Models: https://medium.com/nevertheless-podcast/stem-role-models-posters-2404424b37dd>
Books by Andrea Beauty: https://www.andreabeaty.com/>
Women in Science: https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=14570&sfns=mo>
Check out: Story Time from Space