Gigi's blog

When: Sunday, January 13, 3 p.m.
Where: Central Library, Children's Library Pavilion

There are an enormous amount of apps out there, all competing for your children's attention, and it can be challenging to figure out which apps are of high quality, a good value, and safe for your children to use. Fortunately, the staff of the Children's Library and the Community Technology Center have joined forces to bring you the latest and greatest information on the best apps for kids, across multiple platforms.

Sharing books on topics like personal safety, stranger danger, and street smarts is a gentle but effective way of educating and informing children about these essential facts. Authors of these books are especially careful to impart information in a matter-of-fact manner that does not frighten children, but rather gives them the necessary tools they need to keep themselves safe and protected from harm.

Where: DPL Central Children’s Library Pavilion
When: Every Tuesday, from 6-7 p.m.

Particularly for brand new preschoolers and kindergartners, as well as for other children who have never been to school, the first day can be a time of wondering and worry as much as anticipation and excitement. A great way to soothe fears as well as celebrate this new experience is to share a picture book about beginning school, the first day of school, and other school-related experiences.

For first-day fears, try these titles to help reassure children:

This alternative format is a big hit for keeping kids occupied during long trips or on hot summer days, as well as helping kids who may not be completely comfortable with reading independently to enjoy the experience of books. While it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, audiobooks actually promote children’s  literacy. They do this by modeling correct pronunciation and fluent reading, expanding vocabulary, offering children with differing abilities and learning styles the opportunity to get engaged with books, and, most importantly, improving children’s listening skills.

From anthologies of works by modern children’s poets to poem picture books to novels in verse, children’s poetry is a wide open and growing genre full of humorous, touching, and imaginative writing that is sure to inspire and delight any child who is exposed to it.

Jon Scieszka, award-winning author of The Stinky Cheese Man and other favorites, has started a campaign called Guys Read to encourage boys’ reading. He believes that simply offering boys books that they will enjoy is a huge step in making the shift from reluctant to motivated readers.