Welcome to Our "Children's Happenings" Blog!

Greetings! We are so glad you are visiting our blog. Stop by often to see the most recent postings about programs, book lists, and other happenings in the Children's Department. And don't miss our silly online polls and riddles.

We just added a link to our newest blog, "1 in 110" an Autism spectrum guide for families. You can click to the link on the this page or just click the following link:
http://pmlautismguide.blogspot.com/

The Children's Department is on Facebook - Facebook us at Pollard Memorial Library Youth Services Department. We're also on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PMLkidsdept.

You can also contact us by telephone at 978-970-4122 or by e-mail at mlojref@mvlc.org.




Wednesday, December 21, 2011

New Books December 2011

We just got in some new books!  Check out our "New Books - December 2011" link to see the list.  There are lots of great titles but may we especially recommend:

  • Mother Goose Picture Puzzles by Will Hillenbrand
  • Bart's King-Sized Book of Fun by Bart King
  • Three Hens and a Peacock by Lester L. Laminack
  • Ferret Fun by Karen Rostoker-Gruber
  • Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door by Adam Rubin
  • Press Here by Herve Tullet
  • Fuddles by Frans Vischer
  • Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party by Melanie Watt
  • Amanda and Her Alligator by Mo Willems
Happy Reading!

LEGO Club





Come see our awesome LEGO Club creations at the library! We will be meeting again on January 28th @ 9:30

The Change of Seasons





Thank you for participating in our Fall bulletin board display: "What is Your Favorite Fall Activity" in the picture book room. We had over 150 children color leaves, pumpkins, and turkeys! Ask at the Children's Reference Desk for mittens and crayons to help us decorate our new display: "Winter Wonderland!"

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Holiday Surprise


We had a wonderful Christmas surprise this morning. Students from St. Patrick School came caroling. It made our morning and put us all in the Christmas spirit. They did a lovely job. Many thanks to St. Pat's students and staff.


Monday, December 19, 2011

Monday, December 12, 2011

Graphic Novel Pick


Super Amoeba (Squish series)
by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Grades 2-4
Random House
Released May 2011

Summary:
Squish is just an average grade school amoeba that loves comic books and Twinkies. He goes to school, sits through boring classes, and has a best friend named Pod who likes to mooch lunch money off of Squish for cafeteria tacos. One day, a school bully tries to force Squish to cheat on a test. If he doesn't cooperate the bully will...gulp...eat his cheerful paramecium friend Peggy. Yep, that's right, single-celled bullies in the microscopic world do not threaten to beat up geeks, they eat them. While Squish is a small amoeba, he has always tried to follow his favorite comic book hero's code by finding: "the courage to do what's right!". Will Squish be able to find the courage to stand up to his bully and save Peggy? Find out in the highly anticipated new series, Squish!

Review:
From the creators of the popular Babymouse series, Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm introduce a new series that features a cute microscopic blob and comic book nerd that readers will love! Children will easily identify with Squish's school life, cast of loyal friends, and problems with bullies. This book also highlights facts about the microscopic world that are informative and entertaining to the reader. For instance, when the bully attempts to eat Peggy the author ads a side-note: "Seriously, this is how amoebas eat paramecia. Cool, huh?" There is even a section at the back of the book where Pod teaches kids how to do a science experiment. My only criticism of this book is that the authors decide to make the solution to the bully problem humorous instead of allowing Squish to confront his bully. However, overall this is an amusing and attractive graphic novel that kids will not be able to keep their pseudopods (or hands) off of! The illustrations are simple and easily accessible to new graphic novel readers. Recommended for grades 2-4.

A Very Special Santa












Holiday Fun

We had a wonderful time at our holiday family storytime. We celebrated Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with stories, songs, and games. We even had a special visitor - Santa Claus!
Happy Holidays to All!























Dec. 28th Family Storytime

Please note: Due to a staff family emergency we have had to cancel our Dec. 28th family storytime. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Holiday Sing Along 2011





We had a very merry time at our annual Holiday Sing Along. Santa was so impressed with our singing that he made a trip all the way from the North Pole!




Saturday, December 3, 2011

This Week's (12/5/11) Kids' Activities at the Pollard



Please
join us for these fun holiday events!

Annual Holiday Sing-Along
Tuesday, December 6th at 10:30 AM
All children and their grownups are welcome!

Sensory Santa
Saturday, December 10th
Children on the autism spectrum and children with sensory issues are invited to this special visit with Santa. The lights will be low and the carols playing softly. Children can stop by any time between 9:30 AM and 11 AM to visit with Santa. Bring a camera to capture a memory!
This event is specifically for special needs children. We appreciate your understanding!

Holiday Storytime
Saturday, December 10th at 11:30 AM
All children and their grownups are welcome!