NYT Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2009

The New York Times Book Review has just released their annual list of the top 10 illustrated children's books.  The list includes:

• Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee.  Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
• Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca
• The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett
• A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis
• The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
• The Snow Day by Komako Sakai
• Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan
• Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales by Lucy Cousins
• White Noise by David A. Carter
• All the World by Garton Scanlon.  Illustrated by Marla Frazee

Click here for the full NYT article!  You can check our library catalog to reserve any of these books that you might be interested in reading.

The wild birds are coming!

The Born To Be Wild Nature Center will be bringing native owls and hawks to the library on Saturday, December 5th at 11 am. The 45- minute program will focus on the habits and habitats of these magnificent birds of prey.  Children will get the chance to ask questions and see the wildlife up close. 

To reserve free tickets and for more information, call the library at 846-1573. The program is recommended for ages 4 -12 years old. 

Thanksgiving Storytime

Join us for Thanksgiving Storytime! Children will hear stories about apples, autumn and the fall harvest. Each child will make an edible "turkey" centerpiece to take home. Apple cider and munchkins will be served!

When: Tuesday, November 24th at 3:45 pm
Where: Middletown Public Library Meeting Room
Who: Children in grades K-3

Attendance is limited to 15 children. Call 846-1573 to register for this special program!

Preschool Storytimes

Registration for Middletown Public Library's "Your Two and You" and "Playful Preschoolers" storytimes will begin at 9:30 am on Monday, November 2, 2009.

"Your Two and You" will be held on Wednesday's at 10:30 am beginning November 18. "Your Two and You" is a special sharing time for parent/caregiver and child. Children who have turned three years old and have never been to a storytime may also join this program. Registration is limited to 10 children.

"Playful Preschoolers" will be held on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am beginning November 19. This storytime is for children three to five years old who are ready to join a group. Registration is limited to 14 children.

All storytimes feature stories, songs, fingerplays and a craft on a weekly theme. Each session runs for four weeks. Parents may register for these free programs at the library or by calling the Children's Room Desk at 846-1573. We hope to see you here!

Trick-or-Treat at the Library!

Boo! It's Halloween and we have lots of spooky Halloween books for you to borrow!

Stop by the Children's Room on Thursday October 29th, Friday October 30th or Saturday October 31st to
pick up a candy treat and a Jack-o-Lantern bookmark! No costume needed!

Children's Programming at MPL!

The Middletown Public Library will be offering *free* Preschool Storytimes beginning October 8th. The weekly storytimes will run for four weeks, with the final storytime session for the Fall Season on October 29th.

"Playful Preschoolers" are on Thursdays at 10:30 am beginning October 8th. This storytime is for three to five year olds who are ready to join a group. There is a limit of 14 children per storytime.

Storytimes feature stories, songs, fingerplays and a craft based on a weekly theme. Each session runs for four weeks. Registration begins Wednesday, September 30th.

For info, questions and to register, please call the Children's Room of the Middletown Public Library at 846-1573. You can also register you and your child at the Children's Room desk. We look forward to seeing you!