🎉 National Bubble Wrap Day!

Let's Pop!

Yes, this is a real day, and yes, it absolutely deserves celebrating! I mean, why not?! 

(The kids will thank you.)

National Bubble Wrap Day is a joyful reminder that sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest smiles. That soft crackle-pop sound? It’s practically universal. Kids love it. Adults secretly love it. Scientists even agree it can reduce stress and engage the senses in calming ways.

Why Bubble Wrap Is a Big Deal (Especially for Kids)

Bubble wrap isn’t just packaging... it’s a sensory experience.

• Touch: The raised bubbles invite squeezing, pressing, and popping

• Sound: Each pop delivers instant cause-and-effect feedback

• Focus: Repetitive popping can help kids regulate energy and attention

• Fine motor skills: Pinching and pressing strengthen small muscles

A Cold-Weather Connection ❄️

Bubble wrap also pairs beautifully with winter and weather learning:

• Talk about how air gets trapped inside bubbles (hello, insulation!)

• Compare bubble wrap to winter coats or animal fur that trap warm air

• Use it during cold-weather units as a tactile way to explain heat retention

Easy Bubble Wrap Activities 

• Bubble Wrap Painting: Paint + popping = art therapy

• Freeze the Wrap: Put bubble wrap outside or in the freezer and compare textures

• Pop Patterns: Can you pop every other bubble? What shape appears?

• Quiet Challenge: Can you not pop it? (Harder than it sounds.)

Why We Love This Day

National Bubble Wrap Day gives us permission to:

• Celebrate play

• Embrace sensory learning

• Laugh at something delightfully ordinary

And honestly? In a world that can feel heavy, popping a few bubbles feels like a small, satisfying win.  So go ahead, Let's pop! 

🫧 Pop Till You Drop

Pop goes the bubble—

soft, then loud,

a tiny thunder

wrapped in cloud.

Press with a finger,

press with a thumb,

here comes a pop—

then another one.

Air trapped inside,

then—pow!—it’s gone,

science and silliness

rolling as one.

So pop till you giggle,

pop till you plop,

pop every bubble—

then…

pop till you drop!

A New Year, A New Story!

OpenAI. (2025). AI-generated illustration reading in winter [Digital illustration]. DALL·E.

As the new year begins, libraries are full of quiet excitement and new possibilities. Shelves are ready with fresh stories, cozy corners invite curious readers, and every book is waiting to be opened for the first time this year.

Reading in the new year is like setting out on an adventure. One book can take you to a snowy mountain, another to outer space, and another to a place that feels a lot like home. Libraries make it easy to explore all of it. You do not have to know exactly what you are looking for. You just have to start and see where it leads.

The new year is a great time to try something new as a reader. You might choose a longer book, discover a new author, or pick a story about a topic you have never explored before. Libraries are safe places to experiment, wonder, and grow. Every visit is a chance to find a story that surprises you.

Libraries are also places where reading becomes a habit, not a chore. You can set a simple goal for the year, like reading a little each day or finishing one book each week. There is no rush and no pressure. Reading is not about speed. It is about enjoyment, imagination, and learning something new along the way.

As the year unfolds, the library is always there. On quiet days. On curious days. On days when you need a good laugh or a gentle story before bedtime. A new year brings new pages, and the library is the perfect place to begin turning them.

Find out what's new at your 

local library!

Book Review #121

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas

Author: Gail Piernas-Davenport
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 9780807509282

Genre: Fiction / Cultural Picture Book

Topic: New Year traditions, family, hope, and cultural heritage through the story of a girl learning about good luck foods for the new year.

Main Character: Shanté is a curious, thoughtful young girl who loves learning about her family and the traditions that matter to them. As New Year’s Day approaches, she wants to understand why her family eats black-eyed peas and what the tradition means.

Plot: As she watches the traditions unfold, Shanté becomes curious about why her family eats black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Her questions lead to conversations with family members who explain the meaning behind the custom and the hope it represents for the year ahead.

Settings: The story is set primarily in Shanté’s home during the days surrounding New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? This book captures the feeling of standing on the edge of a new year with curiosity and hope. It introduces children to a meaningful cultural tradition while keeping the story warm, accessible, and relatable. Kids see themselves in Shanté’s excitement, questions, and desire for good things to come. However, be prepared for some children to dislike peas! 

Critical Analysis: Gail Piernas-Davenport weaves cultural learning into an engaging narrative rather than presenting it as a lesson. Shanté’s journey to understand why her family eats black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day unfolds naturally through conversation, family interaction, and anticipation. The style is warm, conversational, and joyful. The language is accessible for young readers while still rich enough to support read-aloud sessions and classroom discussion.

Marjorie Priceman’s illustrations are energetic and expressive, filled with motion, color, and emotion. The artwork reflects the excitement of New Year’s Eve and the warmth of family traditions, helping young readers feel the celebration rather than simply observe it.

Accuracy: The book accurately reflects the Southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas for good luck in the new year. Cultural elements are presented respectfully and clearly. The story follows a clear, linear progression from curiosity to understanding. Shanté’s questions guide the narrative, making it easy for young readers to follow along while building anticipation for New Year’s Day.

Connections: This book works especially well for January story times and early-year classroom themes such as new beginnings and family traditions.

Possible activities include:
• sharing family New Year traditions
• creating a “hope for the new year” drawing
• exploring foods associated with celebrations
• discussing how different cultures welcome a new year

Happy New Year!

OpenAI. (2025). AI-generated illustration,  New Year [Image]. DALL·E.

Happy Halloween!

Book Review #108

 Lily Blue Riding Hood: A Purim Story

Author: Sandy Lanton
Illustrator: Kim Barnes
Publisher: Intergalactic Afikoman
ISBN: 978-1-951365-10-3
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

The Tradition of Hamantaschen: Hamantaschen (המן־טאַשן in Yiddish, אוזני המן in Hebrew) are triangular-shaped cookies traditionally eaten during Purim. Purim, a Jewish holiday celebrating the story of Queen Esther. The name "Hamantaschen" means "Haman's pockets" in Yiddish, referring to Haman, the villain in the Purim story. In Hebrew, they are called "Oznei Haman," meaning Haman's ears. Hamantaschen are usually made with buttery, slightly sweet dough and filled with various sweet fillings.

Main Character: Lily Bluestein a fearless skateboarding girl.

Plot: Lily sets out to deliver hamantaschen to her Granny’s condo in Florida for a Purim celebration. Along the way, she encounters Thaddeus T. Wolfe, a trickster with his eyes on her treats. Using quick thinking and courage—just like Queen Esther—Lily outsmarts the sly Wolfe, ensuring she and her Granny can enjoy the festive holiday together.

Settings: A contemporary world where Lily rides through urban and suburban streets, adding a modern feel to a classic fairy tale. The story also brings Purim traditions to life, immersing young readers in a vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Book, Jewish Holiday Fiction, Bravery, Purim, Family.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars?This book is a fun blend of cultural education and adventure. It presents Purim traditions in a way that feels entertaining for children. Lily’s strong, clever character makes for a great role model. The only reason it does not get five roars is that the story, while fun, may feel slightly predictable for older children.

Critical Analysis: The storytelling combines classic fairy tale elements with Jewish culture in an engaging way. The wordplay and rhythm make it an enjoyable read-aloud, and the illustrations add charm, movement, and humor. 

Connections: Find out more about Purim.

Valentine's Day

 💗💗💗💗💗

Show your local library some 

love💖 on 

Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Book Friend Poem

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
A book is a friend,
And so are you!

Stories to share,
Adventures so bright,
Reading together
Feels just right!

So here’s a big hug,
And a book just for fun—
Happy Valentine’s Day!
To you, little one! 📖💖

Check out these great reads!

💜💜💜💜💜

💚💚💚💚💚

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Happy Hanukkah!

 

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays! 

From Read'em & Roar

Season's Readings!

 

A Festive Celebration of Books for Young Readers

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to curl up with a good book! Whether you're nestled by the fire or enjoying the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, reading can be the perfect way to add magic to this special time of year. Let’s dive into a world of adventure, joy, and imagination with some fantastic books that kids will love to read this season!

1. Classic Winter Wonders

When the snow starts to fall, what better way to warm up than with a classic winter tale? Books like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson are full of cozy moments and snowy adventures. These timeless stories make the season feel extra special, with their heartwarming tales of friendship and festive fun.

2. Laugh-Out-Loud Reads

Laughter is a must during the holiday season, and there are plenty of books that will have kids giggling from start to finish! Try Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney or The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey. These hilarious books feature quirky characters and exciting plots that will keep kids entertained all season long.

3. Festive Picture Books

For younger readers, festive picture books can bring the magic of the season to life with beautiful illustrations and delightful stories. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss never gets old, and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a perfect pick for getting in the holiday spirit. These stories are not only fun to read, but they also teach valuable lessons about kindness, giving, and the true meaning of the season. 

5. The Spirit of Christmas 
Find the Spirit of Christmas with this great read. Check out The Christmas Blessing by Erin Guendelsberger.

6. Kid-Approved Gifts!

Looking for the perfect gift for a young reader? Books that have the Re-Read Roar Award, Adventure Roar Award, or our 5 Roars Award badges are sure to make any child’s holiday season even brighter. Look for our badges to help find their next favorite book, ensuring hours of reading fun!

Happy reading, and may your holiday season be filled with lots of joy, laughter, and of course, great books!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings! 

Book Review #105

 I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed 

a Pie

Author: Alison Jackson
Illustrator: Judy Schachner
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN: 978-0140565959
Reading Level: Ages 4-6

Main Character: The old lady, whose bottomless appetite leads her on an absurd journey of swallowing Thanksgiving foods.

Plot: This cumulative story follows an old lady who swallows a pie and then swallows larger and more outrageous items, including an entire turkey. The story builds as her actions grow more exaggerated. The story ends with a playful twist.

Settings: Thanksgiving celebration, a holiday occasion. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book, Humor, and Holidays.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars?
The story’s playful rhyme and crazy antics are great for children. It is an excellent read-aloud for the holidays. However, its humor may not work well with all readers, and some older kids might find the exaggerated idea a little too silly.

Critical Analysis: Jackson's clever adaptation of a classic rhyme is full of silliness, and Schachners make a great combination. (Great for participation and predictions.)

Connections: This book pairs well with other stories such as I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly or There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat. It’s a great addition to Thanksgiving-themed storytime or discussions about traditions and family gatherings.

Book Review #104

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not 

Afraid of Anything.

Author: Linda Williams
Illustrator: Megan Lloyd
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0064431835
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: The Little Old Lady (who was not afraid of anything). She shows bravery on a spooky evening walk.

Plot: The story follows a little old lady who ventures into the forest. Along the way, she encounters various objects—two shoes, a pair of pants, a shirt, and more—that begin to follow her. She refuses to be afraid. She comes up with a smart way to use these strange objects. 

Setting: A quiet forest during autumn, creating a slightly spooky atmosphere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture book, bravery, repetitive text, and interactive read-aloud.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars? This book balances a spooky feeling with a comforting ending. Kids love the buildup of suspense. The repetitive text and possible sound effects make it perfect for an interactive read-aloud. It’s ideal for October. 

Critical Analysis: The repetition and sound effects (clomp clomp, wiggle wiggle) invite participation, making it a fun read-aloud book. The illustrations are lively, bringing just a touch of spookiness to set the tone. The story cleverly teaches children how to face fears with creativity and clever thinking.

Connections: This book is great for fall activities, such as making scarecrows or acting out the story’s sounds and motions. It can also spark discussions about bravery and dealing with unexpected situations. Making scarecrows with kids. 

Happy 4th of July!

 

Independence Day

Happy Father's Day!

     Celebrating Fathers 

"DAD: Tiny little word. Great big difference." ~ Keely Chace

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating Moms Everywhere! 

Honoring mothers for everything they do, providing love, support, and guidance, every step of the way. Thank you! 

Pesach

Fun Things:

Happy Passover!

Chag Sameach! 

Great Reads for Easter!

Happy Easter!

Easter Blessings!