Visiting the Local Library

As a certifiable book addict, libraries are a great way for me to preview books before making the dent in my hubby's wallet. Beyond that, however, they are an endless source of new experiences and life-lessons for my children. How to be quiet and respectful, how to treat things that we have borrowed, how to use the Dewey Decimal system; all these and SO much more are lessons that can be learned simply by frequenting your local library! The best part? It is all FREE!

Let me mention a few things before I give you our most recent library check-out list. Taking three children under five to the library is a feat in itself. Here are some suggestions I have that have lessened our instances of library mayhem:

• Go early in the morning, after breakfast. I like to get there just as our libary opens. At this time the kids are alert, fed, not exhausted right before nap time, and not wound up right after. Also, the library tends to be quieter (i.e. less people for my children to disturb) at this time.
  
• Go prepared. I don't recommend walking into the library without a list of books you would like to check out. Later I will tell you some great resources for finding superb children's literature; but, until then, Google is your friend! Going to the library without a list is destining yourself for frustration and a feeling of being overwhelmed by all that is out there. You can always "window shop" outside of your list, but your list gives you at least a starting point.
  
• Go in a good mood. I try to avoid going ANYWHERE with toddlers when I am not in a good mood. There is much truth to the saying, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". Go to the library in a spirit of adventure, exploration, and excitement. You want this to be a treat both for you and your children, not at all associated with a chore or duty. BLECH! Who likes chores and duties?!
  
• And finally: Go with questions. Your librarian is a wealth of wisdom and knowledge; pick his or her brain! By doing so, I found out about a great program in Texas called the TexShare program. This program allows library card holders to use any participating library in the state of Texas just as they would their own library, and all for free! What an invaluable resource! Ask your librarian about great children's books. Ask them about library programs for children. Ask them their personal favorite book. I have yet to meet a librarian who didn't love to talk about books!

Alright, enough preaching. Let's get down to the list. We just went to the library a few days ago, and we have spent these last several days delving into the riches we came home with! Here they are:

FOR MOM:
Honey for a Child's Heart*, by Gladys Hunt

How to Grow a Young Reader: A Parent's Guide to Books for Kids*, by Katryn Lindskoog and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker

The Book of Virtues for Young People: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories*, edited, with commentary, by William J. Bennett

FOR THE KIDS:

Now We Are Six*, by A.A. Milne

The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury*, selected by Janet Schulman

Madeline*, by Ludwig Bemelmans

A Child's Treasury of Beatrix Potter: Nine of the Best-Loved Tales of Peter Rabbit and His Friends*, by Beatrix Potter

Let's Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100, written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Amy June Bates

Jamberry, by Bruce Degen

Harold's Purple Crayon Treasury: Five Adventures with the Purple Crayon*, by Crockett Johnson

The Children of the King, written by Max Lucado and illustrated by Toni Goffe

Just Plain Fancy, by Patricia Polacco

The Velveteen Rabbit*, original text by Margery Williams and original art by William Nicholson

Where's My Teddy?, by Jez Alborough

Thunder Cake, by Patricia Polacco

The indicator for me that we have had a successful library trip is when we determine that some of the books we borrowed MUST be added to our home library. This was such a trip! The books above that I put a star by are the ones that made it to our Christmas wish-list. The children's books are the ones that have been read over and over in a matter of days, and Honey for a Child's Heart has already been so influential to me that it JUST might slip itself onto my shelf before Christmas time. :)

I hope this list has given you a few ideas for your future library trips! Next time we meet, I'll share with you some of our family favorites that we can't live without in our home library.

Happy reading!!