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Kids, Teens and Science!


Girls working on a science experimentStudents from Harker School will be here at Santa Teresa Library on two Fridays in March eager to teach kids about science! 

 

   

 

 Weather and Natural Disasters

Friday, March 16       A  AA  

4:30 PM

   4:30 PM

Age range:  2nd to 5th grade 

 

Earthquakes & earthquake safety, hurricanes, tornadoes and other forms of wacky weather will be just some of what the Harker teens will tell us about.  There will also be several fun group activities -- such as making a tornado in a bottle!   kdkdkdkthe 

Earthquakes & earthquake safety, hurricanes, tornadoes and other forms of wacky weather will be just some of what they'll cover.  Also, there will be several fun group activities such as making a tornado in a bottle!

 

Genetics and DNA

Friday, March 23

4:30 PM

Age range:  4th to 6th grade

 

The second science event will be all about something very close to you:  your genes!  If you are interested in the structure of DNA, blood types, cloning and more -- this is the place to be.  You may even be able to be a genetic scientist for a day and extract DNA yourself -- DNA from a strawberry! 



Skip to My Lou: A Little Ditty for Kiddies


CD cover of Putumayo Kids presents African PlaygroundThe library has many groovy music CD’s for children. Introducing music to children can help them learn about rhyme, math, the alphabet, rhythm, dance, and encourage them to develop a sense of self. Through music kids will learn about animals, fruits, vegetables, body parts & movement, nursery rhymes and many cultures.

 

Here are some of the most remarkable music CD's I have found for children: Putumayo for Kids Collection (music from cultures all over the world), Smithsonian Folkways children's music collection (some oldies but goodies), The Laurie Berkner Band (all original songs about rocket ships, dinosaurs, and more). Just get silly, dance, sing songs, and have fun!

 

Browse our complete collection

&

here are some companion books!



Go Wild! Kids Nature Program


Bird CollageChildren and their families are invited to attend a Go Wild! Kids' Nature Program at the Edenvale Branch Library Community Room on August 23 at 3:30 PM.  

Staff from the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge will present an entertaining and educational program where participants will learn about Bay Area birds with stories and fun activities.

To learn more about the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, please visit their web site.



Audio Appreciation Month


August is Audio Appreciation Month! Celebrate this event by checking out various audio book and music titles at your library! Here are a few recommendations for children and teens.
* indicates Series

 

Books on CD

The library has audio book versions of many popular titles shown below in audio compact disc format.

 

Children's Audio Books

 

 Cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

 

Harry Potter* by J.K. Rowling

One of the most popular fantasy series about a young wizard named Harry Potter. Harry attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and makes new friends, learns new magic spells and goes on a quest to defeat the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.  

 

 

Cover of the Chronicles of Narnia

 

The Chronicles of Narnia* by C.S. Lewis

Another popular fantasy and adventure series about various children exploring the mysterious and mythical world of Narnia. 

 

 

 

Cover of 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones

 

39 Clues* by Various Authors

A series of intriguing adventure stories written by today's popular authors such as Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis and more. These audio books will engage readers by combining card collecting, reading and online gaming.

 

 

 

Teen Audio Books

 

 Cover of The Alchemyst

 

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel* by Michael Scott

Sophie and Josh are caught up in a deadly struggle between two rival alchemists over the possession of an ancient and powerful book containing the secret formulas for alchemy and everlasting life. 

 

 

 

Cover of Shiver

 

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

A moving, paranormal romance story about Grace and a mysterious wolf that often watches her from a nearby distance. Later, Grace discovers a wounded boy near her home and makes a shocking discovery that this boy is that same wolf in human form. 

 

 

 

Cover of Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

 

Maximum Ride* by James Patterson

An exciting adventure and science fiction series about six genetically enhanced children being imprisoned in a laboratory. Eventually, a sympathetic scientist helps them escape and they use their special abilities to survive on their own.   

 

 

 

Digital Audio Books

Besides compact disc, you can also download audio books to your digital audio player, including your iPod, smartphone, or home computer via OverDrive Digital Library or MyiLibrary. Using your digital audio player, you can transition or navigate to other chapters of the book without having to change discs. Here are a few recommended digital audio book titles:

 

Children's Digital Audio Books

 

Cover of Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex

 

Artemis Fowl* by Eoin Colfer

A popular fantasy and action series about a young master criminal named Artemis Fowl. Artemis gradually develops his moral character as he works with the fairies to help defeat enemies and save the world.

 

 

 

Copver of Percy Jackson and the Olympian: The Lightning Thief

 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians* by Rick Riordan

A young boy named Percy Jackson discovers that the legendary Greek Gods still exists and goes on an adventurous quest to prevent a devastating war between the gods. 

 

 

 

Teen Digital Audio Books

 

Cover of Hunger Games

 

Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins

In a post-apocalyptic world, a powerful government called the Capitol selects a boy and a girl from each district to participate in an annual televised event called the "Hunger Games", where they would fight each other to death. However this time, both participants defy the rules and face dire consequences.

 

 

Cover of Graceling

 

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Katsa, a young warrior lives in a world where some people are born with unique special skills called "Graces". Katsa however has a dreaded skill of killing and in this adventurous story, she goes on a journey of self-discovery and redemption by trying to save her land from a depraved king.

 

 

 

Music

In addition to audio books, the library also has a substantial collection of new music CDs and downloadable new eAudio and eMusic for all ages! Please see a librarian at your library for more details.



Celebrating Independence Day


Our Independence Day will be on Monday, July 4th. The library has several books and resources to help your child learn more about this special holiday and discover fun and memorable ways to celebrate it! Here are some recommended titles:
 

Books

 

Cover of Independence Day : birthday of the United States by Elaine Landau Independence Day: Birthday of the United States by Elaine Landau

Learn about the meaning and history of Independence Day, the day when the United States declared its independence from England in 1776. This is a substantial book that contains historical facts about this holiday, information on how it is celebrated and two fun projects that you and your child can work on to celebrate: "Glitter Sparklers" and "Celebration Ice Cream Sundae."

 

 

Cover of Fourth of July Fireworks

Fourth of July Fireworks by Patrick Merrick

Ever wonder how Fourth of July fireworks are used and made? This book contains intriguing information about the Independence Day holiday and the fireworks that are used to make this holiday exciting, festive and memorable.

 

 

 

Cover of Star-Spangled Crafts

Star Spangled Crafts by Kathy Ross

Have a fun Independence Day by creating something special! This book will teach you and your child how to make a variety of Independence Day themed crafts, such as a firecracker lapel pin, a flag mosaic, an American eagle magnet and much more!

 

 

 

 

 

Ways to Celebrate

 

Here are fun ways to celebrate Independence Day:

 

  • Attend the Rose, White & Blue Parade! Enjoy live music, arts & crafts booth, antique & classic car show and picnic on the Alameda. The parade starts at 10am at W. San Carlos and Shasta Ave on Monday, July 4th.
  • Attend one of several fireworks shows that will be happening throughout the Bay Area!

Please see a librarian at your library for more recommendations.



Meet Squish!


Book cover of Babymouse:  Mad ScientistSquish is an amoeba who first appears in Babymouse: Mad Scientist, written by sister and brother team Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm. Squish also appears in his own series, starting with volume one, Squish, Super Amoeba. These kid friendly graphic novels are great for readers of all ages, especially elementary school students.

 

 

Book cover of Squish:  Super AmoebaDo you want to learn more? Please visit the following websites:

 

Babymouse

Squish

Jennifer Holm

Matthew Holm

 

In addition to reading graphic novels, do you like to create your own graphic novels? If so, please check out our Graphic Novel Making Contest. Happy reading, writing and drawing!