Babies in the Library!($32.00Value)

Description

Eclectic library reading programs for young children have blossomed across the nation over the last decade, encouraging in toddlers a fondness for the library and an excitement for the caches of books to be found there. Likewise, in an effort to promote a love of language in babies as young as three months old, scores of early childhood initiatives are beginning to sprout as well. Aimed at children's librarians and other professionals who work with very young children, this librarian-tested sourcebook provides complete programs that spotlight the value and necessity of singing, speaking, and reading to babies in their earliest months. Ten ready-to-use programs are divided for their intended audience: five for "pre-walkers" and five for walkers. Marino combines rhymes involving body movement, songs, fingerplays, circle games, and books in ways that teach interaction skills with young children and help to enrich their language and enhance their listening capabilities. Several of the rhymes are repeated in a take-home section to aid librarians and others in charge of children's programs to present parents and caregivers with the tools they need to use rhymes and activities whenever and wherever they want. A helpful bibliography lists the best picture books, programming books, rhyme collections, and numerous recordings that are suitable for very young children. The captivating activities in Babies in the Library! will delight the youngest library users while making it easy for librarians to create programs for this important and growing segment of the library population. Marino presents clear and convincing arguments for holding library programs specifically geared toward babies. Organizing and presenting her ideas in a thoughtful and philosophical manner, she addresses many relevant topics: making babies feel comfortable in the library, creating programs for prewalkers and walkers, handling registration, and offering suggestions for planning and executing programs. She also includes various activities that introduce books, rhymes, puppets, and other tools that enhance language skills. This book resembles the author's Mother Goose Time: Library Programs for Babies and Their Caregivers (H.W. Wilson, 1992) in format but focuses more on the stages of baby development. In both the earlier text and this one, Marino includes a wealth of fingerplays, which are grouped by everyday experiences such as tub and changing rhymes, food rhymes, and lullabies. In the earlier text, Marino's lists of recommended books were broken into categories suchas display books, picture-book titles for Mother Goose time, and resource books. Here, the author includes a more in-depth and categorized list of books, recordings, videos, and other sources useful to librarians and parents. Librarians will welcome this resource from a veteran of children's librarianship, and a valued expert in the field. Leslie Barban, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Jane Marino...provides some tried and tested activities for use with babies. It is worth considering purchasing this inexpensive book for the advice on how to start a Babies in the Library program, and for the ready-assembled collection of rhymes. ( Orana ) Marino has put together a wonderful handbook for children's librarians....This is a book that will not be far from the librarian's side, both for the programs and Marino's excellent advice. ( Booklist ) Librarians will welcome this resource from a veteran of children's librarianship, and a valued expert in the field. ( School Library Journal ) Jane B. Marino is Head of Children's Services, Scarsdale Public Library, Scarsdale, New York. Used Book in Good Condition