Connecticut Parent Magazine

Children's Bookshelf - Archives

Summer Fun at the Library July 2010
Summertime is my favorite time of year! Vacations! Beaches! No School! You may not have realized all the great activities that your library can offer!

Reading is Fun in the Summer Sun June 2010
School may be out in the summer, but public libraries are hopping with activity. Youth departments in particular don’t stop during the summer — we support school summer reading lists, do story times and activities for all ages, and of course, we run our summer reading clubs.

Searching for that Perfect Book May 2010
Our numbers are shrinking, but many of us still remember the days when searching for a book at the public library — without the aid of the trusted librarian — meant a trip to the wooden box with lots of drawers called the card catalog.

Welcoming Home a New Sibling March 2010
Change can be difficult for the best of us, but for the naturally ego-centric little people known as toddlers — Queens of their Castles and Rulers of their Roosts — the thought of another tiny human being interrupting their daily routine and stealing all of the admiring stares is about as appealing as diaper rash in July.

Love is in the Library’s Air February 2010
February is a busy month at the Westport Public Library. While Connecticut’s wintry days keep everyone longing to cozy up inside, don’t forget about the warmth found inside the walls of our children’s library with offerings in great books, children’s programs, and programs designed for parents and caregivers.

Books Full of Belly Laughs January 2010
We’ve always heard that “laughter is the best medicine” and more than ever, we need to make sure there is laughter in our homes. With the stressful economic times, school, extra-curricular activities, and the threat of illness during the cold and flu season, we sometimes forget that children easily sense the worries of their parents and caregivers.

(Re)Discovering Old Favorites December 2009
It is hard to believe that the year is winding down and another holiday season is upon us. As the holidays approach, we think of family, friends, traditions and familiar comforts. It is the perfect time of year to grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle under a warm blanket, and revisit a beloved classic book or discover a new one.

The Rhyme and Rhythm in Books November 2009
The rhyme and rhythm of a picture book embraces the listener and reader in the beauty and flow of language, and a good picture book also helps young readers to predict the next word.

Is it Really that Important to Read to Babies? October 2009
The answer is a resounding “YES!” Research in Becoming a Nation of Readers: The Report of the National Commission on Reading indicates that reading to your child prior to beginning school is the most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success.

More Than Delightful: The Books of Mo Willems September 2009
Beginning with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! in 2003, Mo Willems has created a treasury of titles thoroughly enjoyed by parents and kids alike. His humorous stories bring out spontaneous, inter-generational belly laughs. At first glance, his style of illustration seems so simple.

Tips to Keep Kids Reading All Summer August 2009
How can you keep your child interested in reading and make sure their reading muscles remain toned and fresh for the start of school? Here are some tips and titles that might help.

Always an Adventure at the Library July 2009
Reading is a critical skill for students and the best way to avoid losing ground over the summer is to spend time with books — books that are so fun to read that they just cannot be put down!

Books That Hit a Home Run June 2009
Baseball season is in full swing! Grab a seat behind home plate and enjoy this all-star lineup of books about America’s favorite pastime.

All That is Magical May 2009
When was the last time that you were entranced, spellbound, fascinated or awestruck by a children’s picture book? There are so many excellent books out there for kids but, for me, it’s rare that I come across a book that sparks the cinder of magic that resides in my soul.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words April 2009
The graphic novel is the fastest growing new category of publishing. By “graphic,” I mean “with pictures.” This represents titles available for emerging readers up through sixth grade.

2010 Nutmeg Book Award Nominees March 2009
Well, it’s smack in the middle of awards season and everything from movies, music and even dogs have gotten into the spotlight so far. Did you know that children in grades 4-8 are eligible to help bestow an award of their own?

Happy 200^th Birthday Abe! February 2009
Abraham Lincoln was our 16^th president, and for the 200th anniversary of his birth there have been a number of children’s books written. Take a look at the new books that are being published that address all aspects of this president’s life.

A Reading Wonderland January 2009
As the new year begins, the weather chills and the nights grow longer. A big pile of books, laid aside for each member of the family, will make the wind whistling round the house and snow piled up against the windows less of a bother and more of an invitation to snuggle up and read.

Holiday Book Favorites December 2008

Meet Some New Bears November 2008

Mighty Magnificent Mice! October 2008

September School Days September 2008

Countdown to Kindergarten! August 2008

Books For the Beach Blanket July 2008

Catch the Reading Bug! June 2008

Let’s Go Outside and Have Fun! May 2008

Celebrate National Poetry Month! April 2008

Lucky Tales for St. Patrick's Day March 2008

Valentine Books You’ll Love! February 2008

Resolve to Discover Great Books! January 2008