First Friday: A Story. A Song. An Activity.
October 2022: “Listen”
The world is a busy place. But what if you stopped, closed your eyes, and LISTENED? This month’s read along book “Listen” by Gabi Snyder, invites readers to become intentional about slowing down enough to not only hear each sound but also learn how to listen past the noise and hear the quiet too. Children, parents, and providers all welcome.
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September 2022: “Dreamers”
The author and illustrator of this month’s story shares some of her unique first experiences after migrating from Mexico to the United States. Her use of colorful words and beautiful drawings help “paint the picture” for readers while reinforcing the power of books and storytelling. Children, parents, and providers all welcome.
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August 2022: “El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!”
Ramon can’t sleep because he is nervous the night before his first day at a new school. After a conversation with El Cucuy, the monster who lives in Ramon’s cactus pot, Ramon discovers that… El Cucuy is scared, too! This gentle story explores the worries that accompany moving to a new place and beginning a new journey. It reveals how comfort, bravery, and strength can be found through even the most unexpected of friendships. Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.
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July 2022: “Layla’s Happiness”
Come join our virtual library event for a special children’s literary adventure! Climbing a tree, wearing purple, and eating spaghetti without a fork. These are things that bring Layla happiness. Follow along with us this summer to ask, explore, and discover… What is happiness for you? Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.
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June 2022: “The ABCs of Black History”
This month’s story “The ABC’s of Black History” provides a glimpse into the many contributions of Black Americans while reminding readers that Black History is not limited to 28 days in February.
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May 2022: “I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness”
This month’s story introduces mindfulness and deep breathing to assist children with self-regulation strategies to use during moments of stress. Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.
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April 2022: “Chica Chica Boom Boom”
“A told B, and B told C… I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.” Join us as this month’s story provides a fun introduction to the Alphabet by bringing the letters to life… just in time for National Poetry Month!
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March 2022: “The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes”
As we enter Women’s History Month, we celebrate the brave, amazing, innovative contributions that women and girls have made all throughout history. This month’s story, The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath, celebrates the work of Dr. Bath, while highlighting the perseverance that it took for her to become a doctor during a time when some opportunities were limited for women. Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.
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February 2022: “A Place Inside Of Me”
To kick-off our Black History Month celebration we’re sharing a story that provides an opportunity to come together, give voice to feelings, and heal. Create a safe space within your home and/or child care environment to initiate healing conversations with children and families. A Place Inside of Me- A Poem to Heal the Heart models how to use creative expression as an outlet for everything we may be feeling. Joy, Fear, Sorrow, Anger, Compassion, Healing… and Hope! Children, parents, and providers all welcome.
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January 2022: “Your Name is a Song”
As we enter a new year, we share a story of a young girl’s frustration at the constant mispronunciation of her beautiful name. The story comes to life as the girl and her mother explore the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind each of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. Children, parents, and providers all welcome.
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