A Year in the Story Room

This complete guide for story times, which covers programs for babies to early readers for an entire year, will be most helpful to new children's librarians, but includes original ideas to inspire even the experienced programmer. Divided into seasons, each program includes age appropriate books, music, games, and crafts. Recommendations are made for planning, handling unanticipated interruptions, and transitioning between activities and literacy information to share with caregivers. The baby programs are clearly described with opening and closing activities, music, and books. The preschool programs include suggestions for crafts and games, as well as music and books. The reader is helpfully directed to alaeditions.org/webextras for craft and flannelboard patterns, and to other sites for do-it-yourself projects and props to purchase. Ideas for recycling materials are also suggested. Particularly unique is the section on programming for emerging readers. The author is appreciative of a child's ability to discuss a story even if he is not a skilled reader. Suggestions for book clubs which develop a child's confidence through multiple senses are especially helpful. Appendices include rhyme sheets and model texts of reminders and policy statements for colleagues and parents. The bibliography and index are extensive. Clear black-and-white line drawings and photos are included.—Jackie Gropman, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, VA