Drop in to play chess this Sunday at the Traverwood branch. Players of all ages are welcome to try their luck on the chess battlefield. Chess sets are provided but you are welcome to bring your own set.

Chesstastic | Sunday, January 11 | 1:00-4:00 PM | Traverwood Branch | All Ages

"The Feds have unveiled their first-ever physical activity guidelines for kids". Take a look at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. It's very straight-forward and useful.
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines For Americans
Then GET ACTIVE with:
Fit 4 U With Twirly Sue And Crew
Shana Banana Yoga
Food And Fitness Matter
Fitty Cap Hip-Hop Dancexercise For Kids

If you are in elementary school, here's a series of books that make history fun. The pictures are funny too!
You Wouldn't Want To Be Sick In The Sixteenth Century!
You Wouldn't Want To Work On The Railroad!
You Wouldn't Want To Be Mary Queen Of Scots!
You Wouldn't Want To Be A Victorian Servant!
You can find many more titles in the series by typing "you wouldn't want to be" for "title". Let the CATALOG find the rest and then you can choose.

The childhood life of one of the great jazz piano players Art Tatum, is told in this lyrical book. Simple sentences give the book a gentle feeling as Robert Andrew Parker tells the story of a young man challenged by poor eyesight.

Perhaps you are wondering what these DVDs might possibly have in common, and the answer is three-fold:
a) They are all CGI-animated;
b) They are full of music; and,
c) AADL has brand new copies of them for you to come check out!

If you have children between the ages of 2 and 5, you might be familiar with the CGI-animated television series The Backyardigans, which airs on Nick Jr. Each episode features a different musical genre, from polka to Motown. New titles we have available include Escape from fairytale village, Tale of the mighty knights, and High flying adventures!.

For young fans of the VeggieTales series, which focuses on teaching Biblical morals through CGI-animated fruit and vegetable characters, we have some karaoke style sing-alongs in for them--check out Dance of the cucumber or even Do the moo shoo.

I am thrilled and honored that composer and percussionist Curtis Glatter will be joining me for the fun folktale Too Much Noise at this silly storytime for all ages on Tuesday, December 30th at 10:00 am Downtown. You can join in with sound effects and singing and find out why monkeys live in trees from Princess Gorilla and a New Kind of Water.

On Monday, December 29, between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. at the Malletts Creek Branch you can create a Shaker "Warm Welcome" charm for your door or window out of dough. Carry it home and let it air-dry until hard. Traditionally these charms were created in Shaker and Pennsylvania Dutch culture as a common kitchen craft during holidays. The charms are typically made of salt dough, and decorated to hang. For more ideas, check out the book Dough Folk Art. The craft is appropriate for all ages. Young children will need adult help during the craft.

Create a personal gift coupon book at the Traverwood Branch on Tuesday, December 23, between 10:00 and 11:30 am. using envelopes, ribbon and calligraphy pens. School ages and up are welcome. Younger ages will need help from an adult during the project. If you like to get into the mood for a craft, read The Book Of Coupons by Susie Morgenstern. It is one of my favorite "chapter books" to read aloud to elementary school age children.

One of my favorite creative teams is coming to town to give you a chuckle and a lift this holiday season on Saturday, December 27 at 2:00 pm Downtown. Talented storyteller and Hopwood Winner, Badria Jazairi, is joining her theatrical expert husband and Pioneer teacher, Phil Walker, for laughter yoga and creative play for the 9 year old and up crowd. Adults and teens are very welcome!