As Heard On Iowa Public Radio 😊
This article is thanks to Janee Jackson-Doering, State Library Youth Services Consultant. Janee recently appeared on Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa and shared some of her favorite holiday books for kids of all ages.
So if you’re looking to buy some new holiday books for your collection or looking for gifts for the kids on your list, start by reading through Janee’s picks for this season, Then head to your favorite bookstore! Today it’s picture books and early readers, next week’s Eye-Opener will include Janee’s favorites for middle grades and teens.
Picture Books
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? Written by Mac Barnett; Illustrated by Jon Klassen. Mac asks readers “How does Santa fit himself down the chimney? Does he cinch up his waist? What if there’s no chimney?" These and other laugh out loud ideas are pondered as readers ask how does Santa fit in the chimney. Instant classic!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! Written/Illustrated by Mo Willems. Santa Claus asks the kids to not let the pigeon drive his sleigh, yet naughty Pigeon wants to drive it! Once Pigeon sees a big brown reindeer, then he changes his tune and dreams about being the Easter bunny!
Mr. S. Written/Illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. The kindergarteners in Room 2B notice something strange on their first day of school. There’s no teacher in the classroom, just a mug of coffee, “an impressive-looking sandwich” and a name on the board: Mr. S. And so, it begins as these kids learn the ABCs (A is for Avocado, B is for Bagel, C for Club Sandwich, etc.) This is quirky and fun!
Early Readers
See The Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See. Written by David LaRochelle; Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Big laughs abound when the cat and the dog are dealing with a ghost they can’t see. Each chapter has simple, repetitive sentences, along with blue and yellow illustrations for the dog and cat, respectively. A cute, funny and simple early reader for K-1st grade.
The Skull – A Tyro.lean Folktale Written/Illustrated by Jon Klassen. A young girl named Otilla runs away at night and stumbles upon an old house where a skull takes her in on the condition that she must promise to carry him. This book has Tim Burton-esque vibes that’s perfect for 2nd-3rd grades. It’s the right amount of spooky in this retelling.
Cat on The Run in the Cat of Death. Written/Illustrated by Aaron Blabey (Graphic Novel) Princess is a popular Internet cat sensation (and a diva) with tons of followers thanks to her hilarious cat videos. When filming her next video, an evil villain deliberately sends her the launch codes for nuclear weapons and she unknowingly becomes a criminal. Features zany illustrations and kid-humor, this is perfect for fans of the popular Bad Guys series!
Next week’s Eye-Opener will include Janee’s favorites
for middle grades and teens.
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Purchase From PLA
From the Public Library Association comes a new Early Literacy Calendar for the new year. This calendar has proven very popular with youth services librarians over the years because it includes 12 months of learning activities, including
- Curated book lists to inspire a love of reading
- Nursery rhymes and song lyrics to help with language development through music and verse
- Early literacy tips to guide parents and caregivers on building early literacy skills
- Suggested reading lists to help with selecting storytime books
Alongside these features, the Early Literacy Calendars also include customizable pages to add your library’s logo and contact information. On one side of the page, find daily literacy activities; on the flip side, find nursery rhymes, song lyrics, and more.
PLA’s Early Literacy Calendar 2024 is available in both English and Spanish. It’s a fun gift idea to share with parents and teachers, too. The cost for PLA members is $26.99, the cost for non-PLA members is $29.99. Order from the ALA Online Store at the button below, where you’ll find other fun bookish gift ideas like mugs, t-shirts, totes, and more.
Quarterly Sign-Up Deadline Is
December 29
If you are not aware of the Foundation Directory, there’s no time like the present to learn more about this resource and how gain access for your library.
The Foundation Directory (FD) is a research tool designed to help libraries and nonprofits find the grant-makers most likely to fund their projects. This tool includes grant-maker profiles, offering a summary of their work, along with all the pertinent details that fundraisers need to find and approach prospective grant agencies.
FD is provided to all Iowa public libraries from the State Library at no cost. If your library has not yet signed up, please know that FD now allows new libraries access on a quarterly basis. You can submit your library’s IP information to a form linked on our webpage at the button below. FD staff will process all new submissions following a deadline each quarter.
The current deadline is December 29, 2023 for new library access; if you submit your library’s IP information after any deadline, access will not be granted until the next time. Here are the upcoming quarterly deadlines ending this month and into the new year: December 29, 2023 // March 29, 2024 // June 28, 2024
Once you've submit IP information to a form linked on our website, FD staff will contact you to provide further instructions on setting up access. Because FD authenticates through the library’s IP address, this is available for in-library use only.
Webinars On The Subject
Continuing Education Consultant Samantha Bouwers compiled these links to webinars focusing on the Foundation Directory that we’ve sponsored recently sponsored. These recordings are all available on the State Library’s Continuing Education YouTube Channel, as well as accessible inside IALearns.
What’s Included in the Foundation Directory
The Foundation Directory can be used by library boards and staff in search of grants, but also offered as a resource to patrons and local nonprofits. Iowa’s public libraries have access to the “Essential Plan” which includes
- 100,000+ grant-maker profiles
- 500,000+ key decision makers and leaders
- Keyword search IRS 990-PF Forms
- Online workspace
Access to the Foundation Directory is supported by the Institute of Museum and
Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act
as administered by the State Library of Iowa. The Foundation Directory
is provided by the State Library to Iowa public libraries at no cost.
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The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program and Your Library.
Online December 12. 10:00-11:00AM
Did you know that your patrons may qualify for discounts on their home Internet? The federally-funded Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward Internet service for eligible households. A presenter from the FCC outreach team will explain the program, the application process, and how you can promote the program to your community.
Pop YS Live: Best Books of the Year.
Online December 13. 1:00-2:00PM
Pop YS joins the “best of” bandwagon to showcase what we think are the best books we read this year. We’ll cover picture books, chapter books, teen titles, and of course, graphic novels. We’ll want to hear from you in chat as well! Did we nail it? Leave off an obvious choice? This fun, interactive session is sure to engage and who knows, maybe add to your YS collection!
Library for the Blind: Accessible Youth Programming.
Online December 14. 1:00-2:00PM
In this webinar, learn about the accessible programming being put into motion by the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. Discover brand new methods in just 5 simple steps that will add layers to your own library programs that all can enjoy.
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