Miss the Midday Mingle?

The first YSS Midday Mingle was a blast as we chatted all things storytime with colleagues sharing their top 3 books, songs, tips for first-timers, and more. 

Go ahead and mark your calendar for our next Midday Mingle a lively 'this or that' session covering the great debates of our field: craft or no craft, theme or no theme, registration or walk-ins, YA or teen, cardigan or hoodie.

Topic: This or That? 
Date: Monday, November 10
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Zoom Link

But worry not friends – I've got a recap of our storytime mingle to catch you up and tide you over! 

Image by Lubos Houska from Pixabay

Favorite Storytime Books

• Shh…. We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton
• Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman
• Almost anything by Ame Dyckman
• DinoGro by Matthew Myers
• About a dinosaur that grows in water, and grows and grows and grows
• Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous by Keith Calabrese
• Great for right before school is back in session, about being anxious for the first day of school
• Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey
• Any Jan Thomas Books
• Roo Knows Blue by Renee Treml
• about a kangaroo
• Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson
• 100 Mighty Dragons all Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle
  
• Great bit for WI peeps with the knowledge that this is written by a Minnesota author
• Entertaining, silly way to introduce math
• Bob Not Bob by Liz Garton Scanlon
• Great for winter when everyone is sick, about being congested/stuffy, perform it with a stuffy voice, kids find it hilarious
• Bear has a Belly by Jane Whittingham
• Bad Dog by Mike Boldt
• Case of mistaken identity, birthday gift was a pet dog (holds up cat), laments that Rocky does not do things like other dogs (again Rocky is a cat), kids are delighted by it
• Seals on the Bus by Lenny Hort
• Lots of chances for animal noises
• Can You Do This? by Megan Roy
• Book has questions that prompt interactive activities for the storytime crowd – can you touch your toes, hop like a bunny, dance, etc. lots of options for movements and getting the sillies out – may need to spread out a bit for some of the actions
• Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs by Eric Litwin
• Teach the song and dance afterwards, good for a music and movement storytime, teaches about sharing with friends, and has ice cream and dinos! Perfect

Image by Moondance from Pixabay

Favorite Storytime Songs

• Tootie Tot
• Icky Sticky Bubble Gum
• Susan Salmador
• Shiny New Shoes Album but also everything
• Jim Gill
• Silly Dance Contest
• Hammer & Saw – has the sounds of those tools
• Laurie Berkner
• Monster Boogie – has a book to go with it
• Rocket Ship Run
• P-I-Z-Z-A to the tune of Bingo
• using a felt pizza and removing a piece with each letter to help the kids keep track

Tonight we have my favorite food.

Yes, friends, we're having Pizza

P-I-Z-Z-A, P-I-Z-Z-A, P-I-Z-Z-A, yes friends we're having Pizza!

• Fruit and Veggies Unite!
• Good active movements song, and chance to be silly – go bananas, go bananas
• Good chance for early literacy tips to caregivers - We’re going to sing a song now about fruits and vegetables. This song has lots of great action words in it like peel, mash, shuck, pop, slice, and squeeze.  Today when you eat lunch or dinner, try using these words again or introducing new words about the foods you’re eating with your child

Image by Martine den Engelsen from Pixabay

Favorite Non-Traditional Props

• Water explorers storytime
• Jar of water, shaving cream, blue food coloring
  
• Thinking how else to incorporate STEM into storytime props 
• Water, sink and float, experiment, guess if it will sink or float
• Bag of water, stick pencils into
• Farmers Market Storytime
• props, costumes, a lot of books with dialog, spray bottles to spray at crowd, hats for interrupting chickens, penguin hats, crow and pitcher costumes
• Rainbow stew
• bowl/pot and the felt veggies and fruit, spoon
• Magic Envelope
• different ingredients or parts of theme, put the stuff in and on the other side is the end product (i.e. pics of seed, water, soil, and on the other side of the envelope is a flower, have them guess what you are making before revealing
• A bus!
• Had a Pigeon storytime and had a person in the Pigeon costume roll up in a bus (not driving though!)
• Discussion of Stretchy Bands
• One participant did not like them, used them once, hard for kids to hold the tension correctly, got a bit wild
• One loves them
• Used at the beginning of music and movement when caregivers and kids are coming in, has them immediately grab the bands and start participating – sets the tone for the rest of the storytime – caregivers as active participants 
• Great for Row Row Row Your Boat, Wheels on the Bus, etc.

Favorite Rhymes

• My Two Hands

My two hands go clap, clap, clap

My two feet go tap, tap, tap

My two hands go thump, thump, thump

My two feet go jump, jump, jump

My one body turns around

and it quietly sits down

• Dinosaur Dinosaur

Dinosaur, Dinosaur

Dinosaur, Dinosaur stomp your feet.

Dinosaur, Dinosaur show your teeth.

Dinosaur, Dinosaur swing your tail.

Dinosaur, Dinosaur show your scales.

Dinosaur, Dinosaur show your claws.

Dinosaur, Dinosaur snap your jaws!

Dinosaur, Dinosaur give a ROAR!

Dinosaur, Dinosaur sit on the floor.

• I'm a Tiny T-Rex

I'm a tiny T-Rex, hatched from my egg

I’ve got tiny arms, and big, stompy legs

I want to make a sound, like a big dinosaur

Are you ready? Here it comes! 1-2-3 …

Meow. 

                    [Repeat with other noises for as long as you like]

You've totally guac this. Image by Katie Alford.

Tips for First Timers

• Keep it simple
• You don’t have to do it like the person who was there before you, make it your own, do what makes you comfortable
• You don’t have to be a great singer, you don’t even have to sing at all, you could exclusively use recorded music
• Remember its about the little people, your audience is the kids, don’t get nervous about the adults in the room, just pretend its all kids and lean into the silly fun time
• Slow down – slow your reading down, take your time, any story can be made interactive, use open ended questions, read a sentence and blank out the last word, have the kids fill in the blank on how the sentence ends
• Find an opening and closing song you love and repeat repeat repeat

Unexpected Storytime Happenings

• Color Our World Storytime – red theme, can you name red things, kids call out the usual things –  apple, fire truck, etc. But one kid calls out BLOOD
• Fire alarm pulled
• Child took their first steps
• Showing off injuries and then everyone wants to show and tell
• This could be incorporated into the story time start – check-in time, everyone show their ouchies, and then its done and you can move on

Books You'd Never Read Again

• Issues reading the Book with No Pictures, seemed like it’d be great, watched B.J. Novak do it, but in reality it went terrible and wouldn’t do it again
• Seconded – overthinking the pronunciations and tripping myself up trying to read it

It's almost time for the Midday Mingle!!

Calling all Youth Services fold to join us tomorrow Monday,  August 25 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM for our first Youth Services Section Midday Mingle!

We're talking about one of our favorite topics—storytime! We'll be chatting about our top 3, from a variety of categories (see below), as we share, laugh, and commiserate about a staple of youth services work. 

Here are the categories we'll be discussing (no pressure to have 3 items for all of the categories—come with whatever you've got!):

• Storytime books
• Songs
• Rhymes
• Storytime outfits
• Books you'd never read again
• Surprising things that happened
• Non-traditional storytime props
• Tips for folks doing their first storytime

Anyone is welcome at the Midday Mingle! You do not have to be a WLA member to attend. Just click the Zoom Link. We can't wait to hear everyone's storytime wins, misses, tips, and mishaps! Everyone has a storyime story!

Another Midday Mingle will be coming in October/November! Do you have suggestions/requests for our next topic? Let us know in the comments or email kalford@menomonee-falls.org.

Share, Laugh, and Commiserate at the Midday Mingle

Calling all Youth Services folk!  Join us  Monday,  August 25 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM for our first Youth Services Section Midday Mingle!

We're talking about one of our favorite topics—storytime! We'll be chatting about our top 3, from a variety of categories (see below), as we share, laugh, and commiserate about a staple of youth services work. 

Here are the categories we'll be discussing (no pressure to have 3 items for all of the categories—come with whatever you've got!):

• Storytime books
• Songs
• Rhymes
• Storytime outfits
• Books you'd never read again
• Surprising things that happened
• Non-traditional storytime props
• Tips for folks doing their first storytime

Anyone is welcome at the Midday Mingle! You do not have to be a WLA member to attend. Just click the Zoom Link. We can't wait to hear everyone's storytime wins, misses, tips, and mishaps! Everyone has a storyime story!

Another Midday Mingle will be coming in October/November! Do you have suggestions/requests for our next topic? Let us know in the comments or email kalford@menomonee-falls.org.

Join the YSS Midday Mingle

Calling all Youth Services folk!  Join us Monday,  August 25 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM for our first Youth Services Section Midday Mingle!

We're talking about one of our favorite topics—storytime! We'll be chatting about our top 3, from a variety of categories (see below), as we share, laugh, and commiserate about a staple of youth services work. 

Here are the categories we'll be discussing (no pressure to have 3 items for all of the categories—come with whatever you've got!):

• Storytime books
• Songs
• Rhymes
• Storytime outfits
• Books you'd never read again
• Surprising things that happened
• Non-traditional storytime props
• Tips for folks doing their first storytime

Zoom Link

Got suggestions/requests for our next Midday Mingle topic? Let us know in the comments or email kalford@menomonee-falls.org.

Aiee! Storytime Meltdowns

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay

Anyone can have a bad day - even toddlers. When the bad day coincides with storytime, what are some strategies to help keep the storytime going and help the child and parent cope with the meltdown, Recently Jaime Eastman on the ALSC blog shared some ideas.

Jaime writes: "Meltdowns. While we hope they won’t happen at the library, we know they probably will. Ask any storytime veteran: at some point, screaming, crying, or some other manner of meltdown will visit your storytime. What can you do? Today, I’m sharing five tips from my own storytime experience."

Stop here to read her tips. [Meltdowns: Expecting the Unexpected in Storytime. Eastman, Jaime. ALSC blog. March 2, 2025.]

Cheerleading - and Waiting - for Early Literacy

Recently we shared an ALSC post from Tess Prendergast here at our YSS blog about ways to incorporate early literacy tips conversationally with caregivers. Shortly after that post published Lindsey Krabbenhoft at Jbrary weighted in with additional thoughts and ideas on this important work.

Lindsey writes: "First I’ll draw your attention to Why & How to Offer Supportive Early Literacy Messages by Tess Prendergast. I especially like how Tess stresses the “Supportive” part. She says, “For caregivers who do not yet know why kids need rich language and literacy experiences, early literacy tips should offer validation, support and encouragement, not judgment.” When I speak to other staff who offer storytimes a common concern I hear is that early literacy tips come off as preachy, judgmental, or didactic. To add to Tess’s advice, I try to think of it like I’m the early literacy cheerleader of storytime. Here to pump you up and congratulate you on spending this time with your little one in all the ways that support their communication."

To read her additional thoughts on how she uses OWL (observe, Wait, Listen) as a mdeling technique that can also be used in lieu of literacy messages. Great food for thought and practice!

Click here to read her full post and resources. [Being an Early Literacy Cheerleader in Storytime and the Power of Waiting Krabbenhoft, Lindsey. Jbrary blog. June 24, 2024.]

Offering Early Literacy Tips Can Be a Snap

Recently, Tess Prendergast wrote about supportive ways to offer early literacy tips to caregivers in storytimes.

Tess writes: "As librarians, we know that the early literacy material we offer at storytime helps to support children’s early language and literacy development in many different ways. Parents and caregivers play key roles in their children’s language and literacy development. However, no one is born knowing exactly how to support early literacy and language. Caregivers simply might not know the high value and lasting impact of everyday things like talking about different food items in the grocery store, or singing together. Therefore, as children’s librarians we are well positioned to help pass on this information by offering what are called early literacy tips (also called “asides”) during storytimes.

Offering these kinds of upbeat, no-pressure, positive tips might be just the thing a new parent or caregiver needs to feel confident about encouraging their child’s language and literacy growth. I cannot think of a better place for parents and caregivers to learn something new (and fun) about the power of early literacy than at storytime."

Stop here to read her practical tips to help you shine! [Why & How to Offer Supportive Early Literacy Tips. Prendergast, Tess. ALSC blog. June 16, 2024]

Better Storytime Planing

Image by talha khalil from Pixabay 

In a lively and well thought-out recent ALSC blog post, members of the Association of Library Service for Children (ALSC)'s Early Childhood Programs and Services Committee propose five questions to consider that can help you in your storytime work.

They write: "We’ve all had that moment where we know we’ve planned the perfect storytime. Hordes of littles and their grown-ups queuing to land a spot in your coveted storytime. The roar of tiny voices chanting your name. Singing your welcome song.

You land a cover story on the pages of SLJ, or an ALSC blog post. You’re invited to speak at conferences, which may land you on the front stage of ALSC Institute. C’mon, we’ve all had that fantasy and the sudden crash that lands us solidly back in reality when No.One.Shows.Up. #SadLibrarian

No fears because a little bit of focused storytime planning will save library workers time, money, frustration, and a bit of our pride. The perfect storytime is with in your reach. Before you dust off your superhero librarian cape, ask yourself or your staff these questions."

Stop here to read about five questions to consider as you prepare and plan storytimes. [5 Questions For Better Storytime Planning. Early Childhood Programs and Services Committee. ALSC blog. March 22, 2023.]

ALSC VIrtual Storytime Guide is Out!

Over the past three months ALSC (the Association for Library Service to Children) and CLEL (CO Libraries for Early Literacy) have been feverishly working with a team of youth librarians and advocates to create and write a comprehensive storytime guide to help practioners navigate the new normal.

This free online resource is divided into seven areas to answer ALL.THE.QUESTIONS. including

• Best Practices
• Copyright
• Technology Tips
• Promoting Virtual Storytimes
• Serving Diverse Children and Families
• Additional Virtual Program Ideas
• Resources to Support Digital Literacy

A huge thanks to Jessica Frederickson (CLEL) and Elly Serrano (ALSC) and all the writers from around the country who worked so hard to bring this useful guide to fruition!

Virtual Storytimes YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Online Storytime Creation Tools  11/18/20
• Flipgard, Fanfare and Friends: Celebrity Storytime  9/23/20
• ALSC Virtual Storytime Guide is Out!  6/11/20
• Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes  5/27/20
• “How to Do a Virtual Storytime” Webinars 4/13/20
• Tips on Doing Online Storytimes During COVID-19 Closures 3/16/20; updated 3/20/20
• Storytime Goes Digital 3/20/20
• Digital Storytimes- You Do You! 3/31/20
• Digital Storytime, Screen Time and Intentionality – Oh My 4/6/20
• Facebook Live Online Storytime Tips 3/24/20
• Fixing "My Book is Backwards in Online Storytime!" on iPhone 3/22/20

Permissions (Books, Authors and Music) YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Many Children’s Books COVID-19 Publisher Permissions Extended  6/24/20
• Virtual Storytime – Tips on Fair Use & Kids’ Privacy 5/4/20
• Want Permission? Current Info on Publishers and Authors 3/22/20; updated 4/23/20
•       Music Permissions? Look No Further  3/27/20; updated 3/31/20

Using Premiere for Virtual Programming on Facebook

Do you want the community feel of a live program, but the idea of going FB Live makes you want to curl into a corner and cry?

First things first: you 100% got this!

Secondly, why not try your hand at using the Premiere option on Facebook?

Premiere lets you to post pre-recorded material while still allowing your audience to interact with it as though it were being filmed live.  (Hearts, likes, and comments...oh my!)

Check out THIS ARTICLE for a detailed breakdown of Premiere, the features involved, and how to schedule a video post of your own.

Virtual & Offline Programming YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Innovative Solutions for Connecting with Kids During COVID 10/25/21
• Virtual Teen Escape Room Book Club  10/22/21
• Making Digital Escape Rooms   11/23/20
• How to be a Better Video Presenter  11/2/20
• Storytime on the Road!   10/15/20
• How to Do Halloween During COVID-19  9/28/20
• Recharging Your “To-Go” Services  9/9/20
• Youth Services Program Palooza webinar 6/8/20
• Digital Escape Rooms – the Holy Grail  5/26/20
• Virtual and Offline Programs for Summer and Beyond  5/6/20 (combines & updates 6 previous resource post)
• “Grab-&-Go” Activity Kit Ideas  5/5/20
• Offline and Feeling Fine: Ideas for Programming Unvirtually  4/29/20
• Beyond E-Storytimes: Virtual Services and Programs for Youth 4/22/20
• Using Premier for Virtual Programming on Facebook 3/24/20

Storytime Goes Digital - Guest Post

Today's guest post is from the ever fabulous
Abby Bussen of Muskego Public Library!

Let me start by saying this: I am NOT an expert on doing digital storytimes—I just livestreamed my very first one ever, so I am sure I will continue to evolve and learn as this becomes my weekly practice.

I chose to do a full storytime with a slightly modified format. I did this because my storytime kiddos know exactly what’s coming next and research proves that kids routines are beneficial for all kids. They’re also particularly important for our kiddos with developmental differences. This is an unprecedented situation, but I want my families to have something they can count on.

Here are some observations I made as I reflected on this experience.

1)      I realized in my trial run that if I used forward-facing camera, everything was mirror image, so pictures and words were all flipped. If you can (if you have another set of hands around), do the normal camera instead of forward-facing. I had EXTREME anxiety about not being able to see myself until I remembered that for the viewer, this experience was no different than normal. In short, it’s hard not to be self-conscious because We (as a society) are so used to being able to reshoot and review everything we create to perfect it before posting, but I’m here to tell you this: you’re great and you know it, so just go with it!

2)      I wanted to be far enough away from the camera to do my shape game and read and have everything in the shot, but in the future, I will move closer specifically when I’m reading the book(s). When I rewatched it (I shouldn’t have, btw, I was so critical of myself in the rewatch), it was a little hard to see the pictures. I’m glad I’m an animated reader, I think that’s what saved me in the greatest “not being able to see the pictures very clearly” debacle of my life. No one complained about it tho, so [shrug].

3)      I chose to do a format super similar to what I do on a normal basis instead of posting a clip of me reading. I did this to give our kiddos the familiarity of routine. I have considered doing just a reading on its own and posting that either on our page or on YouTube. If I do this, I will add in subtitles as an accessibility measure.

4)      Get ready to not be interrupted. Seriously, when was the last time you got through a whole storytime without interruption? Never. It’s a little awkward.

5)      I also thought, well maybe I shouldn’t clap and say good job after everything because who knows if they’re doing a good job. But then I remembered the kids whose parents have told me that if the parents don’t clap and say “Great job listening!” after every book they read at home, the kids get like legit MAD. It’s part of my routine, so I included it. I felt weird clapping in a room by myself, but to the kids watching, I’m clapping for them.

6)      Get ready to cry afterwards. I’m not kidding. When I saw pictures and videos of the kids I love following along…WOW. The community response has been SO WORTH my anxiety. I WAS SWEATING BUCKETS DURING AND AFTER THIS. Storytimes virtually, it turns out, are higher stress than in person for me :D

7)      I ordered a mic and tripod last week in anticipation of this possibility, but it’s not here yet, so this was all shot on my iPhone. I logged into our library’s Facebook page and went live and it went ok. If you don’t have high-tech gear, you’ll be ok. I promise.

8)      I spent a lot of the night before/morning of talking to my virtual hype person – another librarian whom I love deeply, who is doing her own first virtual storytime too, and who was also nervous about this new platform. You are going to do GREAT AT THIS! You are great at this every week in person! Your families love you and can’t wait to see you! Authors and illustrators are gonna watch you read their books and be like “Wow, that librarian is CRUSHING this. They are better at this than I am! I should have them read all my books to people all the time!” I mean, maybe they’ll be like that. They would be like that if they saw you reading their book. Just sayin’.

9)      IF YOU NEED A HYPE PERSON, I WILL BE THAT PERSON FOR YOU! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I will tell you all about how great you are and I won’t be lying.

10)   Overprepare. Just today I realized that I might need to stream storytimes as I work remote from home and I have no idea how long that could last. No one does. Tracy Jordan (30 Rock) said “Live every week like it’s shark week.” It doesn’t have a direct correlation, but I’m taking it this way: Leave work every day with everything you need to do your job from home for an indefinite period of time. 

My #1 crush, Lin-Manuel Miranda, wrote “History has its eyes on you.” I encourage you to take that phrase to heart. Journal. Blog. Take photos. Track your experience. History textbooks will write about this crisis and the first-hand experiences of all of us are valuable. If you have reflections from your own virtual storytimes, please comment below! 

Virtual Storytimes YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Online Storytime Creation Tools  11/18/20
• Flipgard, Fanfare and Friends: Celebrity Storytime  9/23/20
• ALSC Virtual Storytime Guide is Out!  6/11/20
• Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes  5/27/20
• “How to Do a Virtual Storytime” Webinars 4/13/20
• Tips on Doing Online Storytimes During COVID-19 Closures 3/16/20; updated 3/20/20
• Storytime Goes Digital 3/20/20
• Digital Storytimes- You Do You! 3/31/20
• Digital Storytime, Screen Time and Intentionality – Oh My 4/6/20
• Facebook Live Online Storytime Tips 3/24/20
• Fixing "My Book is Backwards in Online Storytime!" on iPhone 3/22/20

Permissions (Books, Authors and Music) YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Many Children’s Books COVID-19 Publisher Permissions Extended  6/24/20
• Virtual Storytime – Tips on Fair Use & Kids’ Privacy 5/4/20
• Want Permission? Current Info on Publishers and Authors 3/22/20; updated 4/23/20
•       Music Permissions? Look No Further  3/27/20; updated 3/31/20

Collaborative Story Times: Fun for All and All for Fun!

Story times are a staple of library programming. 

I know I'm preaching to the crowd in terms of the importance of story times, so rather than spout out facts, figures, and heartwarming tales, I instead offer up a suggestion for another type of story time to consider adding to your rotation: collaborative story times.

Last summer, the fabulous Emily Sanders of Barrett Memorial Library in Williams Bay and I decided we wanted to hold a collaborative story time at a local park, a venture we lovingly dubbed Sunshine & Stories.  We had so much fun with this program, we decided to offer it again this summer!

First things first, we needed to find a location that was equidistant to both our libraries, allowing for easy access for both sets of patrons.  After finding a location--Community Park in the Town of Delavan--we made sure to reach out to the Parks & Recreation Department.  While pop-up story times are wonderful, we wanted to make this a regularly occurring event and thought it common courtesy to make the Parks Department aware of our intentions and get their approval for our event.  (Not only did they approve, but they also included our events on their electronic signage!  Woo!)

As it should be with any collaborative effort, all the promotional materials--whether it be social media, newsletter, website, or physical poster--contained the names of all the entities involved in the program.  Additionally, the images and designs utilized by both libraries were identical, as it was important that the patrons see this as a truly collaborative effort.

One of the many fantastic benefits of a collaborative story time is the opportunity to play off each other's energy and utilize materials that embrace dialogue!  The Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems, the Ballet Cat series by Bob Shea, Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein, Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins, Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins are just a few examples of stellar multi-reader story time options.

Another benefit?  Partnering with other agencies!  You gain the opportunity to reach an audience you may not have had access to before, not to mention the sense of community and camaraderie created when working as a team.  While nearby libraries are an option, you could also consider reaching out to schools, government agencies such as your community's police and/or fire departments, or local businesses about forming a story time partnership program.

Collaborations can be intimidating, but don't let that stop you!  They offer you the opportunity to provide services to a wider base of patrons, create a sense of community, and make connections.  Hello there, win-win-win!

Sharing Literacy Tips in Storyime

I often hear library staff who do storytime feeling less confident than they'd like about sharing literacy tips. Questions include, ""Where do I find them?" "How do I share them?" "What should I share?"

Jbrary blog, a wonderful storytime resource, recently posted about a great app called Vroom that provides science based tips at the touch of a smart phone! Useful not only to you in storytimes, it would be great to share with parents. Read all about it here at Jbrary.

Early Literacy Resources from Saroj Ghoting

Saroj Ghoting, a nationally recognized early literacy consultant,  has a blog on her site called Storytime Share that provides examples of early literacy asides for different books read in storytime, both fiction and nonfiction. As you're planning your next storytimes, you might glean some ideas. 

Also of interest is the page on Early Literacy Environments. Whether you have an early literacy play space in your library or you want one, this page has information, ideas, and graphics you can use today. 

Little Mouse, Little Mouse Renditions

From Storytimes with Moxie

I don't know about you, but I LOVE using Little Mouse, Little Mouse flannel activities during my storytime sessions!  And as I was scrounging up songs, rhymes, etc. for a Dinosaur storytime theme, I came across this wonderful cache of Little Mouse, Little Mouse renditions.  The list was compiled by one of the rockstars over at Jbrary (if you don't know them, type Jbrary into YouTube and get ready to have your library mind blown), and offers some fun twists on the little mouse rhyme!  Check out the whole glorious list HERE.