Thorndyke Thoughts

Kermit Versus Thorndyke Smackdown

 

Hey Kids,

Ever wondered whether a mosquito could take on a great white shark? Me neither. But now that you're thinking about it, how do a mosquito and a great white match up? If you're curious about this and other animal matchups, check out some of the books below. 

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

This title has lots of different matchups, if you just can't make a choice.

Two letters received by Thorndyke the Bear in July 2020

 

Hey Kids,

You might know how exciting it is to get letters in the mail. It is a great way to stay connected to people you love, and a fun way to be creative as well. I am so delighted because I got mail this summer: an extra special envelope with ONE letter and ONE super cool drawing. The letter was bittersweet (that means both happy and sad) because I was glad to read that I am missed, but I am also upset that I have not been able to see any of you. The drawing was super cool because it reminded me of a trip I took many years ago to the Novi Public Library when I saw a racecar IN PERSON. 

The fact is, I miss all of you. I miss hearing about the books you are reading, I miss seeing you put on puppet shows, I miss watching you say hello to the fish (they are lonely, too). I miss meeting brand new patrons and I really miss seeing my old friends. It is really hard to stay cheerful even though there has been a lot that I am thankful for, like the sunny days of summer, the wildlife that roams around the library, the library staff who are working so hard to keep the library shipshape for your return. So sometimes I am sad.

But getting a piece of mail has reminded me that one day I will see you all again, and I continue to look forward to that day. In the meantime, I have included some photos from the archive that might be of interest and of course, some books you might like about sending and receiving letters.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Thorndyke the Bear at the Novi Public Library next to a racecar
Thorndyke the Bear in a Mask on the Childrens Reference Desk

 

Hey Kids,

I've been at the library for a long time, which means I have a lot of memories about the library. These memories include the outfits I've worn, the programs I've attended, the librarians I've worked with, and all the improvements that have taken place at the library. Do you have library memories? I would love to get a letter or drawing about your memories in the mail

I've had a lot of time to think about my library memories lately. Recently I wrote a little bit about how difficult change can be, but one of the good parts of change is that it gives you a reason to revisit old memories. Sometimes these are memories of another person, or a place, or of yourself when you were younger. Sometimes they are sad, but they can be funny or happy, too. Sometimes you might feel differently about the memory than you did during the actual experience. Sometimes two people have different memories about the same experience.

It can be very fun to ask your parents, grandparents, or other family members about their memories and stories from their childhood. But memories are not just about the past: you are making new memories RIGHT NOW. You can help your future self remember by writing down what happens to you, or by making a memory book.

Below, I included some memories of the different Reference Desks: do you remember these? There are also some books about memories you can put on hold and check out. Enjoy your stroll down memory lane!

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Thorndyke Sitting at the Reference Desk
Thorndyke the Bear in a Mask to Prevent spreading virus

 

Hey Kids,

As you can see, I've been equipped with a pretty cool facemask, which helps to protect my coworkers now that they have started to return to work. It has been really nice to see them again; the last three months have been very lonely. The fish are not much for conversation.

Being isolated for so long was hard, but I've gotten used to it. And now that we are starting to offer limited services, things are going to change again. And I'm excited for when that means I can see you all again, but change can be really difficult even if it's also good.

Fortunately, I'm no stranger to changing circumstances. I've been through several lengthy construction projects that were at least as long as this closure. I've seen some of my favorite librarians come and go. Even if it looks like I am handling these changes like a champ, there are a lot of feelings and emotions I've had to work through each time.

Whether a change is scary or exciting, it's a good time to talk through your feelings and expectations. Ask questions about what might happen, and prepare for when things don't go exactly the way you want. For example, I thought when my coworkers returned that I would get a lot more snacks, but that didn't pan out. 

So stay safe until I can see you again. I can't wait to check out your mask fashion. And in the meantime, I've included some photos of me that show how much things have changed around library, and a few books about changes you could check out.

Bear hugs,

Thorndyke

Thorndyke the Bear dressed as a clown in the library over 20 years ago
Thorndyke the Bear as Winnie the Pooh

 

Hey Kids,

This year Children's Book Week is from May 4 to May 10, 2020. It's a week dedicated to one of my favorite things. Every day I sit by the window surrounded by shelves of these amazing treasures. These books hold so many amazing, fantastic, touching, beautiful, funny, and inspiring stories and it is such a pleasure to see them go home with all of you.

I won't be able to see you this week, but you can still check out children's ebooks so that you can celebrate all your favorite titles. Every Child a Reader also provides printable resources to help you join the fun:

I hope you enjoy these activities. You could even come up with your own way to commemorate Children's Book Week at home. If you want to share your celebration, use #BookWeek2020 and #BookWeek2020atHome to join the festivities on social media. I miss you.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

 

 

Close Up of Brown Bear with Black Hat Neatly Trimmed with Plaid Ribbon and Berries

 

Hey Kids,

It's that time of year when I really love watching snow fall in the courtyard outside, hearing all of the friendly patrons going about their business, and then when everyone goes home, curling up with a cozy book of my own. Some of my favorite are in the Easy Reader collection, and include lots of winter fun and friends. Read on for some suggestions of wintery reads.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

When the first snow of winter falls, Catina worries about all her plans for the day being ruined, so her friend Houndsley tries to help Catina let go of her worries and enjoy the quiet time of a snowy day.

Small Bear on Large Bear's Shoulder

 

Hey Kids,

I have a friend who created a guideline of cute animals, from most cute to least. Bears aren't on it, but I'd like to think we are somewhere between owl and elephant. So for those looking to read about adorable animals, look no further. Here are some suggested titles, beginning with the cutest. 

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Itty bitty mice by Jay Moose

 

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

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

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 Bookface with Rapunzel

 

Hey Kids,

Books are amazing things. I love the stories and the illustrations and the feel of the pages and the sound of a good narrator. But have you ever tried to make yourself a part of a book? The #bookface trend gives you a chance to do just that. 

The goal: to make it look like you and the book are one. Choose a book with a cover or illustration that features a body part. Then, line up your body part with the book body and have someone snap a photo. If the image matches you in size, hold the book close to you; if the image is smaller than you, hold it farther away. To make it more realistic, you could even add costumes.

I took a #bookface photo with a great Rapunzel cover (pictured). But there are many book covers and illustrations that would make a great #bookface. I've listed a few below, but want to see other ones that you come up with!

Bear Hugs, 

Thorndyke

Thorndyke Reading a Book

 

Hey Library People,

So many books exist in the world. It's hard to know which ones to read. If you might be interested in something lovely and hopeful, or funny and well-crafted, all about the importance of books and reading, try one of these books. I hope you like them as much as I do. They might look mostly for kids, but don't let that stop you from grabbing one. They're great even if you're old. I'm no spring chicken myself, and I love all of these.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

 

The book tree by Paul Czajak

When young Arlo accidentally drops a book on the Mayor's head, the Mayor decides books are dangerous and destroys all the books in town! But thanks to Arlo's imagination and perseverance, the Mayor finds that suppressing stories cannot stop them from blossoming more beautifully than ever. 

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