Get your hot cocoa and celebrate winter with these selections from Rowan Public Library.
In Mary Casanova’s “One-Dog Sleigh,” a young girl and her dog go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride. But then squirrel, owl, lynx and others decide they want to go, too. What will happen when they all cram into a sleigh that’s only meant for one girl and one dog? With endearing images such as a sleepy, smiling lynx, Ard Hoyt’s lively illustrations add to the fun of this simple rhyming text. Parents of young children may already be familiar with Casanova’s earlier work “One-Dog Canoe.”
“If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws!” is Kim Norman’s cold-weather twist on the classic Hokey-Pokey. A variety of Arctic animals enjoy cold-weather activities. Penguin, reindeer, seal and others ski, ice-skate and catch snowflakes on their tongues before getting cold and heading indoors. Norman’s clever rhymes capture the joy of winter fun: “If your fur is full of flurries, you’ll forget your winter worries.” You can sing along to the familiar tune, and just try not to smile at Liza Woodruff’s illustrations, which feature everything from a reindeer in ski goggles to a seal making snow angels.
Jonathan Bean’s “Big Snow” also captures the special wonder of winter. Young David can hardly wait for a storm that will bring a really big snow. He tries helping his mother with the chores, but everything makes him think of snow — from the white flour for baking to the white sheets on the guest bed. When David takes a nap he dreams of a blizzard so big it fills the house, and he wakes to find a big surprise. Any child waiting for the season’s first snow will relate to David’s growing excitement and anticipation. The illustrations capture the quiet beauty of a new snowfall.
Experience the wonder of winter when you check out these and other snowy tales from Rowan Public Library.
Book Bites Club: South (only), Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m., “The Time Keeper” by Mitch Albom. Book discussion groups for adults and children meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information, please call 704-216-8229.
Holiday “Tea Party” Storytime — Headquarters, Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m., for children 5 and under. A tea party, stories and crafts. Co-sponsored by Smart Start Rowan. For more information please call 704-216-8234.
Holiday library hours — Dec. 23, close at 7 p.m.; Dec. 24-26, closed for Christmas, regular hours resume Friday, Dec. 27; Dec. 30, close at 7 p.m.; Dec. 31, close at 5 p.m.; Jan. 1, closed for New Year’s Day.
Displays for December: headquarters, Waterworks; South, watercolors by Caroline Marshall; East, holiday by Mary Earnhardt.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.