Celebrate the Library with Books about...Books!!

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share more engaging book selections for young kids. This month’s post is by Brenna Valdizon & Rebekah McCallum, Librarians, Youth Collections at the Ottawa Public Library.

---

We’ve picked some of our favourite children’s titles about books, words, writing and reading! So why not bundle up this winter with some of the following books…

Board book: Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn. For ages 0-3. Available as an e-book!

Lola at the Library

Let’s start up the library celebrations with Lola! Lola loves routine- and libraries- just as much as any child. On Tuesdays, she visits the library bright and early. With her books in her bag, Lola feels confident and ready for the activities awaiting her. She takes in the joy of libraries by soaking up the fun in the colourful children’s section, singing with her librarian, choosing books and much, much more.

Stegothesaurus

Picture book: Stegothesaurus by Bridget Heos. For ages 3-5.

What’s the best (and cutest!) way to expand your vocabulary? With the help of a stegothesaurus, of course! Stegothesaurus enjoys the little things in life, and he has an even greater love for some solid synonyms. When he and his brothers see a cloud, only Stegothesaurus can describe it poetically: “Fluffy, fleecy, feathery.” When they see a mountain? “Gargantuan, gigantic, Goliath.” When they see… a gigantic allosaurus? “Pointy, piercing, peaked!” AAAH! But never fear! Allosaurus is really an Allothesaurus; Stegothesaurus finally meets someone he can relate to. Together, they bounce all sorts of new, silly words off each other. Young readers will learn some new words and get in a good giggle. What better way to enjoy Library Month?!

Picture book: Inside the Books by Toni Buzzeo. For ages 3-5.

Inside the Books

Make your rounds of the globe to visit all kinds of libraries! Exciting adventures from Antarctica to Australia reveal many hidden library gems across all continents: a donkey-led bookmobile in Africa, a floating library on the waters of Asia, and a train-car book-spread in South America. Even get a sneak peek at what the littlest patrons are reading! All the rhyme and repetition in this book will provide smooth stepping stones to successful early reading. The best part? A collection of intricate paintings inside are sure to satisfy your family’s travel bug jitters, providing some armchair travel for kids!

Picture book: Open This Little Book by Jesse Klausmeier. For ages 3-7.

Open This Little Book

This book’s enthralling concept will captivate readers both little and big! Open This Little Book and discover… another little book! - a cute, red book cover that opens to a smaller green book cover, which, in turn, opens to a smaller orange book cover, and so on. Along the way, readers will meet many characters who open book after book, until they find the very littlest book you may ever see. But the smallest book hosts the largest character- a giant who needs the help of her tiny friends! These friends enthusiastically help turn the pages and, ultimately, close the book for her. That way everyone else can close their books, too! Hooray!

Picture book: Ca c’est une bonne histoire by Adam Lehrhaupt. For ages 3-7.

Ca C’est Une Bonne Histoire

Are you looking for a book that does more than tell a tale? This interactive story will teach your little one how to channel their inner author and create their own special book. The words in bold will guide you through the biggest and most important elements in writing a story, such as plot, conflict and climax. Better yet, all these big words are written out in a simple, child-author-style glossary! So, follow the protagonists on their journey through a peaceful setting that turns sour when “conflict” requires a scary monster-attack. Find out how you can save the day with a little imagination and a lot of fun!

Draw: Comic Book Characters

 Non-fiction book: Draw Comic Book Characters by Mark Bergin. For ages 8-13.

While we’re getting creative, this how-to book will draw school aged children into the world of illustration. The large cartoon drawings make it easy for any age to replicate or trace. The training extends to quick tips on themes like basic shapes, proportion control, and adding life to characters. Did you know that David Antram, illustrator of this book, has illustrated more than 100 titles? Mark Bergin: Plus, Mark Bergin completed his artistic training overseas- how cool! There’s nothing quite like developing or perfecting a talent with the help of not one, but two comic book professionals!

Non-fiction book: Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough. For ages 8-13.

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise

An ode to the leading lady of children’s libraries, this non-fiction book provides wonderful insights into the life and accomplishments of Anne Carroll Moore. Miss Moore lived an unconventional life for the early 1900’s. She wasn’t interested in marrying and becoming a housewife, as was expected of her. Instead, she pursued her dream of going to law school. But along the way, Miss Moore changed course and entered the enchanting world of libraries! With a deep love and respect for children in her heart, she advocated for, and even created, children’s libraries and children’s literature. Once she started, she never looked back, and libraries are richer for her work! 

A Kind of Paradise

 A Kind of Paradise by Amy Rebecca Tan. For ages 9-12. Available as an e-book and audiobook!

Jamie Moore is just trying to make it through the summer. Never in a million years will she live down the embarrassment from a bad choice she made at school. The whole school knows about it. To make things worse, her crush is involved and her enemy is out to open her wounds! Jamie seriously regrets the damage she’s done. Especially because it means paying the consequences. But somehow, the highlight of her summer is actually the punishment she receives. It turns out that volunteering at the library is the perfect medicine- and distraction- for Jamie. She embraces the relaxed yet bustling culture at her library, the loving staff, and best of all, the quirky yet ever-so-sweet patrons that befriend her. Sure, Jamie has a lot to work through, but nothing compares to the loss she’s about to face: the library is going to close down! Jamie feels compelled to do anything and everything she can to save her sanctuary. Learn some important lessons alongside Jamie, and laugh until your belly aches in this light-hearted read. 

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. For ages 9-12. Available as an e-book and audiobook!

This book is a dream come true for lovers of libraries, games and puzzles. Readers may see shades of Willy Wonka in the character of Mr. Lemoncello, who invents a futuristic library and puts together the ultimate escape room. He soon challenges all the children of the town to enter for a chance to participate. Only twelve children are chosen, and the main character, Kyle Keeley, is one of them. Kyle and his best friend Akimi tag-team in an effort to win the big prize. Together, they bring a combined knowledge of games, books and library systems - exactly what they need to start cracking some codes. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this adventure, whether they choose to participate in the in-book game themselves, or prefer simply to watch the story unfold before their eyes, spotting familiar book titles along the way. The excitement is real! Hold on tight for a wild ride through holographs, archives and book trivia. Expanding your library lingo has never been so much fun!

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. For ages 9-12. Available as an e-book!

Book Scavenger

Embracing the idea of interactive books, this title is made for readers who love mysteries, puzzles, and adventure books. Book Scavenger won’t disappoint, especially for those who appreciate their local collections! Main character Emily Crane moves every year, so she really only has one stable thing in her life: the cross-country Book Scavenger. This scavenger hunt is run by none other than Garrison Griswold, the man behind a geocaching, riddle-solving, code-cracking, book-finding game that attracts kids nation-wide. When suddenly Griswold is left hospitalized after a vicious attack, the games are put on hold… but Emily’s dilemmas are only starting. Emily and her two scavenger-hunt allies, James and Matthew, get their hands on the book that Griswold’s attackers were after- making the trio a potential new target. But passionate Emily refuses to give up her book-scavenging dreams. She brings her brother and her best friend along with her for the adventure of a lifetime, chasing the highest title and prize, but most importantly, seeking to save her hero Griswold’s life. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end as you follow Emily in her puzzle-solving endeavours.

 We would love to share in your library celebrations this month! Feel free to stop by and browse at your local branch, join our online storytimes, or watch our YouTube videos. Happy Library Month!

10 Books for Young Children from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share more engaging book selections for young kids. This month’s post is by Xiao Feng Xing, Librarian, Youth Collections at the Ottawa Public Library.

---

2020 was a difficult and challenging time for everyone, especially for young children. COVID-19 has turned their world upside down. They haven’t been able to go to the library, attend programs, play with their friends, or visit family.  Let’s hope some of these book suggestions will bring a bit of joy to children and help them get through this pandemic. 

1.     LIFT by Minh Lê and Dan Santat

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1227916026

I’m pretty sure that most kids like to push elevator buttons. I remember when my son was young and I took him to the library for a program, he snuck out of the room to play with the elevator buttons, going up and down in the elevator just to have some fun.

The character in this picture book is a little girl and her name is Iris.

Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but she doesn’t like it when her younger brother presses them instead of her. In an act of rebellion, Iris pushes all the buttons and breaks the elevator. She takes the discarded buttons home and presses them. Magically, the buttons open a magic world, sometimes the jungle, and other times outer space. Iris realizes that sharing this discovery and adventure with her younger brother could be a wonderful experience. Beautiful art enhances this uplifting story that encourages children to share the world of magic with their siblings and friends.

“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere.”- Carl Segan

2.     The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1227858026

Leo lived with his dad in an old blue house next to a tall fir tree. Even though the house was in very bad condition, at least it was theirs. When they found out that their house was going to be torn down. Leo and his dad were disappointed that they would need to leave a place that both of them loved so much. When they moved into a new house, it felt empty, but they coped with this hardship. They drew a picture of the old blue house on the wall, and little by little, familiar objects began to appear in the new house. With each passing day, the new house was becoming theirs. This is a lovely story of a single father and his son, who hand in hand, go through difficult moments and experience many emotions. This book can help teach children how to cope with difficult times, such as the current pandemic.

3.     Our little kitchen by Jullian Tamaki

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246127026

Our Little Kitchen is a tiny, small place, just big enough, so squeeze in and make space. In this lively, rousing picture book from Caldecott Honoree Jillian Tamaki, a crew of resourceful neighbours comes together to prepare a meal for their community. One person’s power is small, but as they work together, they change the community and show kindness to the people around them who are struggling due to different reasons. This book will warm the hearts of children by showing what it means to be nice and to help the neediest persons in their community.

4.     My best friend by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206799026

New York Times bestselling author Julie Fogliano, and Caldecott Honor winner Jillian Tamaki, come together to tell a delightful story of first friendship. One girl thinks of some sweetly earnest and visually stunning criteria to judge that she has found the best friend. Together, they pretend to be ducks and pickles. They laugh and swing together. There are so many ways that this little narrator knows that she has found the best friend. They draw each other; they play together and laugh together. The sweet and slightly surprising twist at the end of the story, is that they don’t even know each other’s names, or if they will see each other the next day. The art on every page is dynamic and creates a sense of energy throughout in the book.

5.     I Talk Like A River by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246086026

“What if words got stuck in the back of our mouth? What if they never came out the way you wanted them to?” Canadian poet Jordan Scott tells a powerful, uplifting, honest, and sincerely personal story, with a very internal voice, about his stuttering problem. “But I can’t stop thinking all day about my bad speech: all those eyes watching. My lips twist and twirl. All those mouths giggling and laughing. I feel a storm in my belly; my eyes fill with rain. My dad sees that I am sad and pulls me close; he points to the river and says “See how that water moves? That’s how you speak.”

This invigorating, gate-fold illustration, with a young boy in the shimmering, cleansing and refreshing water, transforms deep internal change into a light-filled moment. The young character feels less alone and opens his mind to think about his speech in a new way. Beyond the problem of stuttering, this book really encourages children to embrace who they are.

6.     If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246087026

This book was written by two-time Caldecott medal winner Sophie Blackall. If You Come to Earth is a book about a child writing a letter to a visitor from outer space, explaining our world. If You Come to Earth explains what you need to know:  where our planet sits in the solar system, the fact that it’s made of land and water, mountains and plains, cities and towns; that the people who live here come in all shapes and sizes, that we love each other, that we get cold and hungry; that we are always learning and always busy, and that we are not alone; that we share our planet with creatures in the sea and animals on the land and birds in the sky; that we make music and art, and mistakes; that that we tell stories in many languages. This book reflects the diversity of our world. It is the book that brings us together and encourages us to take care of the planet and each other. Every Monday for six weeks the author sat in a second-grade classroom in Brooklyn with 23 kids who helped her figure out how to explain the world to a visitor from outer space.

7.     I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. (The creators of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut )

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246080026

The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. His curiosity, his creativity, his bravery, his kindness, his sense of humor and fun, his ability to get up again when he gets knocked down.

This book will inspire children who may feel marginalized and help them to see all the good things they have in themselves. The positive and supportive text of this book clearly and powerfully demonstrates the knowledge that all Black children are worthy and deserve to be loved for who they are. 

8.     Snail Crossing by Corey R Tabor

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206675026

A slow and steady snail saw a plump cabbage on the other side of a wide road and was determined to cross the road to get it. The snail was cabbage bound! Nothing could stand in his way – not even a speeding van. But then the kind-hearted snail stops to help a colony of ants from drowning in a heavy storm – he offers them tea and safety inside his shell. Then he’s back on his way, scooting along the road, when a hungry crow wants to eat him. The clever snail uses evasive maneuvers to get away from the cow, but the spinning makes him dizzy and he ends back where he started instead of the other side of the road. Luckily, his new ant friends carry the cabbage from across the street for him. This book is a lovely tale of determination, kindness and friendship. 

9.     I Dream of a Journey, by Akiko Miyakosh

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206774026

“People from all over the world come and go at the innkeeper's little hotel. He enjoys meeting them, and many even become his friends. Only, sometimes, when he goes to sleep at night, the desire to travel far away himself wells up inside him. He dreams of packing a big bag and journeying wherever he pleases, from one unfamiliar town to another. He imagines stopping to visit friends and having wonderful and unexpected experiences. The innkeeper continues to go about his daily routine at his hotel, but, someday, he is sure, he will explore the world.”

We’re all dreaming of journeys this year. This book starts out black and white and then slowly the colours begin to bloom on the page. The topic will resonate with children, especially this year, with many of them anxious to set off on a journey themselves, once COVID-19 is under control.

10.  The Barnabus Project by Terry Fan

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1249907026

Barnabus lived in a secret lab. He was half mouse and half elephant. The lab was full of perfect pets and hidden beneath a perfectly ordinary street. In a world of perfect pets, Barnabus is not quite perfect and is marked as a failed project. His pal Pip the cockroach tells him about the outside world: “Green hills and trees all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars”. In fact, they’re just high-rise buildings with lights. Because the Green Rubber Suits (the staff working at the secret lab) recycle all failed projects, Barnabus and all his failed project friends must escape very soon. Nothing is impossible, and his dreams of freedom lead him and his misfit friends on an adventure to find freedom and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are. This book will appeal to young children and help them learn to be proud of who they are.

Cross-Country Ski Trails in Ottawa

KITC would like to welcome back, guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel. During the summer, when there isn’t a pandemic, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival.

---

Anyone who lives in Ottawa knows that spring, summer and fall are brief houseguests whereas winter is like close family.  To enjoy the season more,  our family loves to cross-country ski.  If you’re looking for a way to get some exercise this winter, here are a few of our favourite cross country ski trails in Ottawa   

Mer Bleue

Since moving to the east end,  Mer Bleue has been my go-to spot.  There are four different parking lots to access the trails.  The scenery is amazing and many Ottawa families know the joys of feeding the chickadees.   

Our son, David learned to cross-country ski on the relatively flat trails of parking lot P23. Some of the trails from the other parking lots offer more ups and downs.     

One highlight at all the trails is the canopy of snow in the trees after a fresh snowfall.   

One cool feature is that if all the trails at Mer Bleue are busy, you will often find few people on the Prescott-Russell rail trail which also  has parking just off of Anderson Road.   

Pine Grove

This is my go-to spot if I just want to get away from everything. I find the trails are generally quieter than Mer Bleue and the trails seem to go on forever. I always imagine encountering a bear or a wolf on the trails as you feel completely in nature. Don’t worry,  I have not heard of any bear or wolf sightings.  Perhaps many chipmunks and the odd skunk or raccoon.  

Ski Heritage East/Ottawa River Trail

This is a relatively new trail for me.  In 2018,  a group of volunteers wanted to expand cross-country skiing to Orleans and started grooming the bike trails along the river.  The trail has since expanded all the way from Trim Road to Blair Road making it 30 km there and back.  

I had the opportunity to ski the trail a few weeks ago and it was an amazing experience.  To have the view of the Ottawa River on one side was incredible.  I saw two huge pieces of ice slowly collide on the river. I felt like I could have been on the movie, Titanic and yelled,  ‘Iceberg, right ahead.’   

The day I visited,  the trail was moderately used and there was space to socially distance.  There are nice flat sections and also small hills.

Rideau Winter Trail

This trail started off as a trial project last winter and has grown in scope this year.  Set along the Rideau River,  this may be my new favourite trail in the city.  The Rideau Winter Trail runs from the Rideau Sports Centre near Donald Street to past the Hurdman light rail station.  It offers up nine kilometres of groomed trail.

The thing I love about this trail besides the fact it is beautiful is that it is accessible to many people.  Located right in the heart of Ottawa,  it is easily accessed by University of Ottawa students or anyone taking the light rail.  The trail is literally almost right in front of the light rail station. There is also plenty of space for social distancing.   

Your local park

The great thing about cross-country skiing is that you can throw on your pair of skis and go almost any place there is adequate snow.  This year,  I have been doing a lot just in my local park just outside my backyard.  

One of my favourite memories was doing a video call with my wife’s family from Mexico while David and I skied down a small hill.   

Skiing during COVID-19

It goes without saying the trails are much busier this year.  There is an increase in skiers and also hikers, snowshoers and fat bikers. Most people have been very respectful about social distancing on the trails. I do find the trails are very busy on weekends. I try to go during the week when the trails are less busy. I found the Rideau Winter Trail had the most space for social distancing.  

A big shoutout must be given to the National Capital Commission and the Urban Winter Trails Alliance.  Working together both groups have greatly expanded the urban trail network in Ottawa. Also, a guy with the nickname of Groomer Dave (Dave Adams)  was instrumental in getting the trail project going.  About five years ago,  working with the NCC,  he had the idea of grooming trails along the Ottawa River in the west end.  This led to the creation of the SJAM.  His vision helped us to arrive to where we are at today.  

West End Ottawa Cross-Country Ski Trails

Don’t worry west-enders, you have plenty of options as well.   As mentioned, the SJAM is a wonderful trail along the Ottawa River.  There is also the Britannia Winter Trail  along with the Ottawa West Winter Trail.

All the trails mentioned above are free of charge but donations are gratefully accepted to many.  It is best to check out their website or Facebook page for conditions and possible donation information.  

Wherever you go, happy skiing!

Creative arts classes for kids in Ottawa

I don’t know about you, but my kids have been missing their extracurricular activities. We managed an easy switch to Zoom music classes, but they are sad about their loss of theatre group and dance. Since the pandemic started I’ve been looking for activities online, and we’ve tried cooking, painting and drawing.

Good Morning Creative Arts and Preschool recently reached out to us to let us know about their virtual art classes for kids, and my 8 year-old joined in last week for their weekly class (Thursdays at 5pm). Here’s our review!

First, a little bit about the organization: Good Morning Creative Arts and Preschool (GMCAPS) is a parent-run cooperative organization with a volunteer board staffed by parents. They have facilities on First Avenue, but like most organizations, their programming has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

During the shutdown, teacher Karen started "Kids Create with Karen" to help parents keep children busy with worthwhile activities. It ended up being a fun, all-ages class, and a great way to connect with both alumni and new young artists! All art projects can be completed using basic art supplies - things like crayons, watercolour paints, pencils, oil pastels, and card stock paper. Kids as young as 3 have joined in, obviously with more parent support!

Other than logging into the Zoom meeting, my daughter didn’t need any help. She was warmly greeted and they got started as soon as everyone had joined in. What I loved about this class was that I didn’t need to worry about purchasing special art supplies. We had everything we needed in the kids regular craft bins!

The instructions were just the right pace for school-aged children. We pinned the video of the step-by-step instructions so that my daughter didn’t have to squint at a small screen. I also loved how they encouraged the kids to be creative….who needs a whole bunch of the same colour giraffe!? My daughter was very proud of her creation.

The other bonus? Cost! Just $10 a class, or you can purchase 10+1 free session for $100. All the registration details are here: http://www.gmcaps.com/programs.html#VirtualArt

I worried that the 5pm time wouldn’t work well for us, but it actually gave my daughter something to do while we were cooking, and by the time she was done we were ready to sit down to eat. It beat the regular scene at our house at 5pm, which is my kids whining that they’re STARVING.

If you’re interested in learning more about the organization, visit their website! They have a number of different programs, including Storyscapes for kids ages 3-6 and spots are availble in their preschool.

Disclaimer: I was provided 1 free pass for my daughter to try this art class, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Skating Through Nature at Countryside Adventures

KITC would like to welcome back, guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel. During the summer, when there isn’t a pandemic, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival.

---

What could be more Canadian than skating outdoors on a winter day?! Perhaps skating outdoors through a forest trail and after enjoying a hot chocolate or poutine? That is all possible at Countryside Adventures.  

Countryside Adventures is located about 45 minutes east of Ottawa.  Ahead of time,  our family had concerns as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, but my fears  were put to rest when we arrived on-site. Before entering the ticket booth area, everyone must wear a mask and it is one family at a time.  Once having passed through the ticket area,  we found there was a lot of space to put on our skates.   

My son, David, and I are used to skating at indoor arenas or venues like Rink of Dreams beside Ottawa City Hall.  In comparison, Countryside Adventures has a three kilometre skating trail that winds through the forest.  The ice surface was quite smooth and was comparable to the Rideau Canal. I am an average skater and decided to use a skating aid.  David is quite a strong skater and opted to go without. 

The trail was nothing short of magical.  It winded and wove between the trees.  I have enjoyed the Rideau Canal and numerous skating rinks but this was my favourite.  

The pathway is wide enough that it can safely accommodate passing another small group of skaters. There are also numerous signs encouraging skaters to stay two metres apart. The trail is also long enough that social distancing is easily maintained.   

David and I did the trail several times.  He even teased me a few times for not keeping up with him. There are numerous spots to stop to take the perfect photo outdoors. There are also many benches along the trail where you can take a break.  

After skating, we decided to relax for a bit by the fire pit. If you’re hungry or need a warm-up, there is a food truck onsite and we grabbed a hot chocolate to complete the experience.   

We are hoping to return later in the season to check out their nighttime skating.  The pathway is illuminated.  You can visit their Instagram page to get a sneak peek at just how beautiful it is.

Countryside Adventures also offers a cross-country ski and snowshoe trail when the conditions are cooperating, as well as a tubing hill when there is enough snow.   

Don’t worry if you do not have skates. They can be rented on-site along with snowshoes.  

Looking ahead to summer,  there are plans to have a stocked pond where you will be able to fish and do water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.  

For more information and to reserve your visit, take a look at their website at: https://www.countrysideadventures.ca.

Stephen and his family were provided admission to the skating but all views are his own.