Preschool Storytime: Hugs and Kisses

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, so in the spirit of the holiday, this week's storytime theme was Hugs and Kisses.  There are a lot of adorable picture books on this topic, and it was hard to choose which stories to share with my storytime group.  Here is what I did:

Book:  Hugs From Pearl by Paul Schmid
This is an adorable book about a kind porcupine named Pearl who loves to hug.  But, her quills get in the way and it makes her sad that her friends say "OUCH!" when she hugs them.  She comes up with a way to give ouchless hugs.  The kids really enjoyed this sweet story.

Flannel Rhyme:  Five Pretty Valentines
Five pretty valentines with lace galore,
I gave one to my mom, and then there were four.
Four pretty valentines so lovely to see,
I gave one to my dad, and then there were three.
Three pretty valentines made with paste and glue,
I gave one to my sister, and then there were two.
Two pretty valentines having so much fun,
I gave one to my brother, and then there was one.
One little valentine waiting for a special someone,
I gave it to my puppy, and then there were none.
(Source: King County Library System)

Book:  The Biggest Kiss by Joanna Walsh; illustrated by Judi Abbot
This book celebrates all kinds of kisses.  The kids enjoyed shouting out the different animals, and we made animal sounds.  Making a kissy fish face was my favorite!

Action Rhyme:  I Can Hug
I can hug, hug, hug.
I can hop, hop, hop.
I can kiss, kiss, kiss.
I can stop, stop, stop.
I can nod my head for yes,
And I can shake my head no,
And I can sit down very slow.
(Source:  SurLaLune Storytime)

Book:  How to Hug by Maryann Macdonald
Another cute animal book featuring hugs!  This book demonstrates different types of hugging, as well as times when it's not okay to hug and that it's okay to say no to a hug.

Fingerplay:  Make a Heart
I put my hands together, this is how I start;
I curve my fingers right around, and I can make a heart!
(Source:  Everything Preschool)

Book:  A Kiss Like This by Mary Murphy
It seems all my books this week featured animals, and this is no exception.  Different types of animal kisses are described, with lifting flaps, which the kids were super eager for me to open.  A great pick for Valentine's Day!

Craft:  Heart Greeting Card
This is an easy craft to make with your kids.  You can cut them out yourself, or use the downloadable template.  Then, decorate however you'd like!
(Source:  First Palette)

Toddler Storytime: Monkey Business

Have you ever read a picture book and said, "I need to do a storytime with this book!"?  That happened to me, and so a monkey-themed storytime perfect for toddlers was born.  Here's what I did:

Fingerplay:  Open Them, Shut Them
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them.
Give them a little clap.
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them.
Put them in your lap.
Creep them, creep them, creep them, creep them,
Right up to your chin.
Open up your mouth, but don't put them in!
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them.
Give them a little clap.
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them.
Put them in your lap.

Fingerplay:  Three Little Monkeys
Three little monkeys sitting in a tree
     (hold up three fingers)
Eating bananas just like me
     (pretend to eat a banana)
One had a frown
     (make a frown face)
One had a grin
     (make a smile)
One had banana all over his chin!
     (rub chin)
Source: Perry Public Library

Book:  Be Quiet, Mike! by Leslie Patricelli
This was the book that inspired my storytime.  It's about a little monkey named Mike who loves to drum.  His constant "beat, beat, beat" makes his parents and siblings say "be quiet, Mike!"  The kids really enjoyed this book, and I liked that it rhymed and allowed parents and kids to tap along to a beat.  This would also be a good choice for a music themed storytime.

Song with Shaker Eggs: "Shake My Sillies Out" by Raffi
This song can be found on Raffi's album More Singable Songs, available to check out at the library.

Flannel Song:  Five Little Monkeys
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
Four little monkeys...etc.

Book:  Ten Naughty Little Monkeys by Suzanne Williams
A take on the "Five Little Monkeys" song, except these monkeys don't just jump on the bed; they run, they skate, and they trip and fall.  A fun counting book to share with kids.

Fingerplay with Glove Puppet:  Five Little Monkeys
Five little monkeys sitting in a tree,
Teasing Mr. Crocodile, "You can't catch me!"
Along came Mr. Crocodile, quiet as can be,
And SNAP! (clap hands loudly) that monkey right out of the tree.
Four little monkeys...etc.
Source:  Storytelling Puppet available from Lakeshore Learning

Song with Parachute:  "Popcorn" by Barenaked Ladies
We recently purchased a parachute, which I have been wanting for a long time.  I'm having fun finding songs to use with it, and the kids seem to love it.  A fellow librarian (and good friend) suggested this song, which is on the children's album Snacktime!  I threw some cotton balls onto the parachute, and we had loads of fun making them "pop!"  The toddlers also had fun scrambling under the parachute collecting the cotton balls and throwing them back on.  An awesome end to a fun storytime!