Thorndyke Thoughts: Be Yourself, Part 2

June 17, 2019 | Thorndyke

 

Hey Kids,

Sometimes it's hard to challenge expectations and pre-conceived notions to become who you are. Read on for many examples of people who defied stereotypes and limitations to be authentic. And don't forget to check out part 1 for even more great books about being yourself.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Of course they do! : boys and girls can do anything by Marie-Sabine Roger

Boys do not cook, and girls cannot play sports--but in this book the pictures tell a different story.

Two friends : Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass by Dean Robbins

This story imagines what it was like when Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass got together for a cup of tea and discussed their struggle for civil rights.

Thorndyke Thoughts: World Kindness Day

November 13, 2018 | Thorndyke
Ruth the Librarian Hugging Thorndyke the Bear

 

Hey Kids,

Did you know that November 13 is World Kindness Day? It can be hard to show kindness when we're feeling angry or scared, but nothing makes me feel better than finding something nice to do for someone else. So I'm taking a minute today to remind myself to be kind to others. If you're looking for books that might help you show understanding or compassion to someone who needs it, I hope these inspire you. Share them with the grownups in your life and be kind together. If you have your own special kindness books, please share them as a comment below.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Be kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better and ponders the different ways in which they can be kind.

Thorndyke Thoughts: Guess What?

November 8, 2018 | Thorndyke
Close Up of Thorndyke the Bear's Eye

Hey Kids,

There's two fun new series about animals that I'd like to share with you. Each book combines simple clues with photographs, and then you guess the animal. Some of the animals are familiar, but others are strange, and some are easier to guess from the photographs. I would recommend them to anyone who likes guessing games, or who is just beginning to read. You can look up the books under the series titles: Guess What or Zoo Clues 2. If you check them out, don't forget to tell me which ones you guessed.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

 

Thorndyke Thoughts: Princess Scientists

October 30, 2018 | Thorndyke
Snowflake Crown-wearing Thorndyke with Scaredy Squirrel

Hey Kids,

As a devoted library bear I really enjoy learning about your interests. Sometimes they are straightforward, like cars. Or bears. Or mysteries. But other times you just want to read about both princesses and scientists. At the same time. This can be a tall order, but here are a few recommendations that might fit the bill. 

Bear hugs,

Thorndyke, the Snowflake Princess

Ada's ideas : the story of Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer by Fiona Robinson

A girl on a flying horse must be a princess, right? She also happens to be a real-life computer programmer from the nineteenth century.

Thorndyke Thoughts: Be Yourself, Part 2

June 25, 2018 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke the Bear Dressed as Frida Kahlo with a Cat

 

Hey Kids,

Sometimes it's hard to shed expectations and pre-conceived notions to just be who you are. Read on for many stories about people who defied stereotypes and limitations to be authentic. And don't forget to check out part 1 for even more great books about being yourself.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Of course they do! : boys and girls can do anything by Marie-Sabine Roger

Boys do not cook, and girls cannot play sports--but in this book the pictures tell a different story.

Thorndyke Thoughts: Be Yourself, Part 1

June 25, 2018 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke as an Artist

 

Hey Kids, 

Sometimes it's hard to challenge expectations and pre-conceived notions to just be who you are. Read on for many stories about people who defied stereotypes and limitations to be authentic. And don't forget to check out part 2 for even more great books about being yourself.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Free to be-- you and me [kit] by Marlo Thomas
Also available in: video

A compilation of inspirational stories, songs and poems that celebrate individuality and challenge stereotypes.

Thorndyke Thoughts: The United States of All of Us

June 18, 2018 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke in Uncle Sam Hat

 

Hey Kids,

Did you know that the United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4th? It's such a fun holiday. Usually there are fireworks and picnics and parades, and all of these are great ways to come together as a country. To get yourself in the mood for truly unifying festivities, I have a few book suggestions for you. Don't forget to share your favorite patriotic reads below in the comments.

Bear Hugs and Happy 4th!

Thorndyke

America the beautiful : together we stand by Katharine Lee Bates

A celebration of "America the Beautiful" combines presidential quotes with artwork by ten artists.

Thorndyke Thoughts: Audiobooks for a Road Trip

June 18, 2018 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke at Novi Public Library with Car

 

Hey Kids,

June is Audiobook Month. To celebrate, check out an audiobook (or more than one!) for your next family road trip. Our Books on CD Collections for Adult, Teen and Children have thousands of titles to choose from, or you can browse our digital collections.

I've included a few suggestions below to get you started. Titles aimed at younger audiences are listed first, but all of these are excellent possibilities for the whole family. Give one a try next time you hop in the car, and let me know if the comments if you have a favorite book to listen to.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Clementine [sound recording] by Sara Pennypacker

While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor Margaret, eight-year-old Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to banish pigeons from the front of their apartment building. There are many more adventures of Clementine to listen to at J BOOK ON CD PENNYPACKER.

Celebrating Children's Book Week 2018

May 1, 2018 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke dressed as Winnie-the-Pooh

 

Hey Kids,

Did you know that it is Children's Book Week? This year, from April 30 - May 6, we're celebrating children's literature at the library. I'm joining in the fun by dressing up as one of my favorite book characters, Winnie-the-Pooh. Who is your favorite character? 

Even though I love Pooh Bear, there are always new stories to discover. Below are some great stories I've read this year. I hope to see you soon at the library - please come show or tell me about your favorite children's books and characters.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

 

The new liBEARian by Alison Donald

When the children discover a bear at the librarian's desk at story time, they think he's the new librarian. 

Thorndyke Thoughts: Dancing Feet

April 1, 2018 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke the Bear's Foot

 

Hey Kids,

Misty Copeland has been chosen as the honorary chair for National Library Week. Mark your calendars for April 8-14, because it will be a great week to celebrate our fabulous library. Misty Copeland is an accomplished ballet dancer and author, so she knows a lot about telling a good story in many different ways. I've included some suggestions below, some books about interesting dancers and of course, those by Misty Copeland herself.

Enjoy your National Library Week celebrations. Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Nonfiction

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