Preschool Storytime: Superheroes!

Books about popular superhero characters fly off our library shelves.  I thought it would be fun to do a Superheroes storytime.  I told the kids the week before, so they could come dressed up, if they liked.  Here is what we did:

BOOK:  The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon; illustrated by Jake Parker
If you couldn't tell by the title, Awesome Man is just awesome.  He has amazing powers, which he uses on evil villains.  He has a trusty sidekick, his awesome dog Moskowitz.  And, like most superheroes, he has a secret identity.  Can you guess who he is?  You'll be surprised!

SONG:  "Chicken Impossible" from the album Songs Inside the Radio from the Greasy Kids Stuff radio program
The theme song to "Mission Impossible" sung by chickens?  Oh, we are so playing this song during storytime!  This was perfect to use with shakey eggs as the chickens cluck along to the theme.  I had the kids pretend to fly around the room and jump up and down.

BOOK:  Super Hair-O and the Barber of Doom by John Rocco
This is a new picture book at my library and when I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for this storytime.  A young boy fears he lost his super powers when a villain (the barber) captures him and cuts his hair!  Egads!  The boy believes his hair is the source of his strength - how will he ever be a superhero again?

RHYME:  Superman
Put your hands way up high,
Like Superman flying across the sky.
Fly to the left.  Now fly to the right.
Now show me your muscles with all your might.
Now Superman's putting his suit away,
So he can go flying another day.
(Source:  Pubyac)

BOOK:  Superhero ABC by Bob McLeod
Different superheros from A to Z are described in this fun book.  I love the illustrations and some of the wacky superheroes.  Kids will love reading about Bubble-Man, Goo Girl, Laughing Lass, and The Volcano.  Full of alliteration, with the description of each superhero matching the letter, this is fun to read aloud.

RHYME:  Superhero, Superhero
Superhero, superhero, turn around.
Superhero, superhero, touch the ground.
Superhero, superhero, put on your suit.
Superhero, superhero, put on your boots.
Superhero, superhero, jump up high.
Superhero, superhero, fly, fly, fly!
(Source:  Pubyac)

CRAFT:  Superhero Masks
This is an easy craft, especially with a template you can print out.  I found mine here.  Kids color, cut out, decorate, and add some string to put on their heads.  Instant superhero!

OTHER BOOKS TO SHARE:
Charlie's Superhero Underpants by Paul Bright
Max by Bob Graham
Superhero School by Aaron Reynolds
The Superheroes' Employment Agency by Marilyn Singer
The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy by David Soman
Mighty Max by Harriet Ziefert

Preschool Storytime: Summer Fun!

Even though Mother Nature seems to be a bit confused about what season it is, it's summer in storytime-land.  To get everyone in a summer-time mood, here is what I did:

BOOK:  The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Stephen Gammell
We talked about some of the things families did during the summer, and someone mentioned going on trips, so this was the perfect book to start out with.  A family from Virginia packs up their car for a long trip up north to visit their relatives during the summer.  While they are visiting, they have fun spending time together having picnics, playing games, and just spending time together.  This is a great story about families and the joy that comes from having them visit.

FINGERPLAY:  Happy Summer
Five little ladybugs napping a tree     (close eyes and pretend to sleep)
Wake up to the sound of a bumblebee,     (BZZZZZZZ)
A little bunny's feet go hop, hop, hop,     (bounce up and down)
A shower of raindrops go plop, plop, plop.     (pat hands on legs)
Then a silly little bird sings loud and clear     (TWEET, TWEET, TWEET)
And the ladybugs say, "Summer must be here!"
(Source: King County Library System)

BOOK:  What Can You Do With a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla; illustrated by Magaly Morales
Most kids screamed out "ice cream" when I asked what they like to eat during the summer.  This is a good multi-cultural choice to share with kids.  A paleta is a popsicle, and this story tells the joy of eating a cold, yummy paleta during a hot summer day, and the fruity choices available.  Okay, now I want one.

FLANNEL GAME:  Ice Cream Cones
For this game, I have a cone and several colors of ice cream made out of felt.  The kids help me "build" an ice cream cone by shouting out flavors (for smaller children, you can put the scoops on the board and see if they can guess the color and flavor).  If you have a smaller group, you can hand out the scoops of ice cream and call up children based on what flavor they have in their hand.

BOOK:  Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London; illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
It wouldn't be summer without swimming, and you can't go wrong with Froggy.  Froggy is afraid of the water, but with a little encouragement and help from his mom, he learns to swim.

SONG:  "If You're Going to the Pool" (tune: "If You're Happy and You Know It")
If you're going to the pool, wear your suit.
If you're going to the pool, wear your suit.
If you're going to the pool, then a suit will keep you cool.
If you're going to the pool, wear your suit.
...wear your hat
...wear your flip flops
...wear your sunglasses
(also, you can ask children for suggestions)
(Source:  Mel's Desk)

OTHER BOOKS TO SHARE:
Marshmallow Kisses by Linda Crotta Brennan
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee
One Watermelon Seed by Celia Barker Lottridge
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
Beach Day by Karen Roosa
Mouse's First Summer by Lauren Thompson
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems
Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems