Fall is in full swing! It’s time for some slightly scary vibes. Take a break from scary books or movies and take a crack at writing your own! Here are some journal prompts to spark your creativity and get you into an eerie, creepy crawly state of mind.
There is no right or wrong way to use the prompts. Use one or all of them and write as little or as much as you’d like. All that matters is that you have fun!
- As the clock struck midnight, the witch said…
- The black cat was very…
- I was carrying my hot chocolate back inside when…
- The house was so quiet you could only hear…
- My favorite October night is when…
- I couldn’t believe it; everywhere I looked I saw…
- They got a tingle down their spine when they heard…
- Once the potion begun to brew it looked….
- The crunch of fall leaves beneath my feet was not the only sound I heard…
- I entered the corn maze with my friends, and we decided to….
- Fall time reminds me of….
- All of a sudden there was a big, scary looking…
- The mysterious object started floating and…
- There was a creak in the steps as I climbed the staircase to…
- As we sat around the bonfire, we thought it would be fun to…
- There was a loud snap! We turned around and saw…
- The night was drawing near, bringing a full moon…
- They said there was nothing to be afraid of but…
- He could not remember how he had gotten here. The last thing he remembers is…
- She faced the monster head-on and said…
Looking for other activities to do with your little one? See a list of the library’s upcoming events for young children.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica
If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our October sessions.
All the Little Babies
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
Humpty Dumpty
Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,
all the king's horses and all the king's men
couldn't put Humpty together again.
Diddle Diddle Dumpling
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John
Went to bed with his trousers on.
One shoe off, and the other shoe on.
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John.
Pizza, Pickle, Pumpernickel
Pizza, pickle, pumpernickel,
My little one shall have a tickle!
One for your nose,
And one for your toes,
And one for your tummy, where all the food goes!
Baby Goes Bumpy Boo
Baby goes bumpy boo.
Baby goes bumpy bye.
Baby goes bumpy bee.
On top of my knee.
I bounce you to the left.
I bounce you to the right.
I bounce you up and down.
I bounce you out of sight.
Baby goes bumpy boo.
Baby goes bumpy bye.
Baby goes bumpy bee.
On top of my knee.
I bounce you very fast.
I bounce you very slow.
I bounce you up and down.
And back we both will go!
I Bounce You Here, I Bounce You There
I bounce you here, I bounce you there
I bounce you, bounce you everywhere.
I tickle you here, I tickle you there
I tickle you, tickle you everywhere.
I hug you here, I hug you there,
I hug you, hug you everywhere!
Cheek, Chin
Cheek, chin, cheek, chin,
Cheek, chin, nose.
Cheek, chin, cheek, chin,
Cheek, chin, toes.
Cheek, chin, cheek, chin,
Up baby goes!
Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’s upcoming events for young children.
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
Who doesn't love a morning when nothing is going on and the whole family can sleep in? In the fall and winter months, our bodies call us to relax and sleep a bit longer as the days get shorter and the air gets cooler. Animals feel this pull to sleep longer during these seasons too, but for some of them, they sleep the entire season away! This is called hibernation and you can learn more about it with your family.
Before hibernating animals can snooze away the winter, they have to pack on the pounds. The extra fat helps them to survive during a time when there is little or no food. So, the fall months are busy for the animals who are at work finding food to eat.
For big hibernating animals, like brown bears, it takes a lot of eating to prepare for hibernation. At Katmai National Park in Alaska, they celebrate Fat Bear Week. Fat Bear Week is an annual competition to determine which bear is the largest in order to advance to the next round. Voting begins October 5th and concludes on the 11th . Jump online to vote for your favorite fat bears until one is crowned the champion.
While you’re at it, check out these books about hibernation:
Looking for more hibernation-inspired activities? Try having a family pajama night where everyone snuggles in together for a movie and favorite snacks. Building a fort is optional. You can also go on a nature walk to observe how animals in your backyard or on trails are preparing for winter. For example, can you see squirrels hiding away food for the winter months? Do you notice fewer birds around because they have flown south?
Here’s to more cozy nights in with family and friends as we transition to a new season.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Karen
Grow Your Mindset
Putting yourself out there or trying something new can be a scary process. The What-If’s creep in and may even prevent you from trying something new. However, if more focus is placed on the journey and learning rather than the outcome, it can open the door to so many possibilities.
Here are some wonderful books that emphasize the saying; “Progress Over Perfection.”
Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get an individualized list of reads sent to your email!
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Erin
When you are feeling big emotions it can be hard to think straight. When this happens, take a mindful moment and practice 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness!
5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness can be done anywhere and at any time! By noticing what is around us, in the present moment, we can help ourselves gain control over our emotions. To use this skill follow along with the directions below.
5
Name five things that you can see right now
4
Name four things that you can touch right now
3
Name three things that you can hear right now
2
Name two things that you can smell right now
1
Name one thing that you can taste right now
Want to learn more about mindfulness? Check out our Early Learning Kits here:
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica
If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our September sessions.
All the Little Babies
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
Are You Sleeping?
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother John? Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!
Ding, ding, dong. Ding, ding, dong
Roses Are Red
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you.
Tickle That Tum Tum
Tickle that tum tum,
Here my fingers come!
Tickle that tum tum,
Here my fingers come!
Because they TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE
When they see a pretty baby with a plump tum tum.
10 Plump Peas
10 plump peas in a peapod pressed
One grew, two grew, so did all the rest
They grew and grew and did not stop
Until one day the pod went POP!
You Be the Ice Cream
You be the ice cream,
And I’ll be the freezer.
You be the lemon,
And I’ll be the squeezer.
You be the hotdog,
And I’ll be the bun.
You be the baby,
And we’ll have some fun!
Head and Shoulders Baby 1, 2, 3
Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3
Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3
Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3
Head and shoulders, head and shoulders
Head and shoulders baby 1, 2, 3!
Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3
Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3
Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Knees and toes baby 1, 2, 3!
Back and tummy baby 1,2,3
Back and tummy baby 1,2,3
Back and tummy baby 1,2,3
Back and tummy, back and tummy
Back and tummy baby 1,2,3!
Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’s upcoming events for young children.
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
Hey, Barrington Area Library cardholders, if you've got a little scientist at home, be sure to take them to the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Illinois... but take advantage of our Explore More Illinois program first!
Boasting more than 300 interactive exhibits, the Museum is sure to appeal to kids and families fascinated by science -- whether it's space travel, agriculture, the human body, or even sports science, the Museum has it! Kids can send messages in Morse code, visit a planetarium, manipulate a miniature hot air balloon, witness the formation of a small tornado... and more!
Barrington Area Library cardholders can receive up to two additional, free admission passes with purchase of two admission passes.
For more information, visit this page, accessible through the Barrington Area Library homepage. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us at exploremore@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Need a book to read during summer vacation? Here are some filled with summer adventures!
Have you signed up for the Summer Reading Program yet? Do so here!
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire
Hey there, cardholders! If you and your little ones are interested in learning how to keep healthy this summer, look no further -- the Kidzeum of Health and Science is the place for you!
Located in Springfield, the Kidzeum is committed to fostering life-long learning in children, sparking curiosity in science and inspiring concern for their health and the health of the world around them. Kids can learn about environmental health -- interactive water tables, the agricultural process -- as well as recycling and weather issues. Children are welcome to explore the various community exhibits, learning about why medical personnel, firefighters, construction workers, etc. are vital to their community and how each profession works.
There's also the three-story personal health exhibit, where kids travel through a human body from the legs up through the nose, learning about the various functions of the body and how (and why) everything is interconnected.
Barrington Area Library cardholders will receive a $3 discount off general admission via Explore More Illinois. Only one discount admission per person per visit. Please check available visiting dates prior to redemption of offer.
For more information, visit this page, accessible through the Barrington Area Library homepage. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us at exploremore@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Bring home a fun new project! Sign up from our Library Calendar and pick up a kit at the Youth Services desk or through our Parking Lot Pickup service between July 11, 2022 - July 22, 2022
Toddler & PreK: Texture Collage
Use a variety of different materials to create a unique collage. Register for the July Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your Kit Contains:
- 1 canvas
- 1 cup of glue
- 1 foam brush
- 3 buttons
- 5 feathers
- 4 pompoms
- 5 pieces of yarn
- 2 foam pieces
You may also want scissors if you would like to cut the foam smaller.
Instructions:
1. Take all supplies out of bag.
2. Gather any other supplies you may need, such as scissors or extra items to add to your collage! Examples of extra materials could be bits of paper towel, aluminum foil, or anything else that adds dimension to your artwork.
3. Apply glue with foam brush to canvas.
4. Arrange items on canvas, adding more glue as necessary.
5. Let dry.
6. Enjoy your texture collage!
Extension Discussion Prompts
- What does each of the items feel like? Can you describe how they are alike or different?
- What else would you like to add to your collage?
- What color is each of the items? Are some of them the same?
- What shapes do you see?
- Can you tell me about your finished project? Did you have a plan?
Grade K - 8: Calligraphy Set
Use a real calligraphy brush and ink to try your hand at the artistry of Chinese characters. Inspired by our Book of the Summer, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Register for the July Gr K-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
- 1 calligraphy brush
- 1 small container of ink
- pieces of rice paper
- instruction sheet from Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
You can try writing Chinese characters, or create your own artwork with the supplies. Check out this video (created by VIPKid) to learn a little bit about the art of Chinese calligraphy and characters:
Show us what you created! Send a picture of your work to youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Demitra
If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our July sessions.
All the Little Babies
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
It's Raining, It's Pouring
It's raining. It's pouring.
The old man is snoring
He went to bed and bumped his head
and didn’t get up in the morning.
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns!
Bumble Bee
Bumble bee was in the barn
Carrying his dinner under his arm
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Baby, Baby Dumpling
Baby, baby dumpling,
Put him in the pot
Sugar him and butter him
And eat him while he’s hot!
Bumpin' Up and Down in my Little Red Wagon
Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,
Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,
Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,
Won't you be my darling?
One wheel's off and the axle's broken,
One wheel's off and the axle's broken,
One wheel's off and the axle's broken,
Won't you be my darling?
Wiggle Waggle
Wiggle waggle went the bear
Catching bees in his underwear
One bee out
One bee in
One bee bit him on his big bear skin
Bzzzzzz!
Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’s upcoming events for young children.
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
June is Pride Month, and to celebrate inclusion here are five great middle grade novels, all available at the Barrington Area Library.
Zenobia July
Lisa Bunker
Zenobia just moved across the country to Maine, and everything feels different: she's making new friends, she doesn't want to stay cooped up in her room all day, and, perhaps most importantly, nobody calls her a boy.
As she settles into her new life and community, Zenobia is shocked to discover that someone has been posting hateful memes on the school website. Using her skills as a coder and hacker, Zenobia must team up with her newfound friends and figure out who is trying to hurt her.
Too Bright to See
Kyle Lukoff
It's the summer before middle school, and while Bug would prefer to spend it having fun with Moira, Moira has different priorities -- buying new clothes, honing her makeup skills, and talking about boys. But Bug doesn't have time to worry about Moira's changing personality: there's a ghost in Bug's house...
Too Bright to See is a heartfelt exploration of grief, the complexities of friendship, growing older, and what it's like to grapple with one's gender identity.
Martin McLean, Middle School Queen
Alyssa Zaczek
When you look at it objectively, Martin shouldn't have any trouble expressing himself: his mother's an artist, his uncle's in theater, he's surrounded by quirky, outspoken personalities... but Martin just can't seem to find the right way to be himself. That is, until his uncle introduces him to the world of drag.
And thus, Lottie León is born!
Martin loves dressing in drag, loves the confidence boost, but he can't bring himself to open up to his friends about it. What if they make fun of him? What if the magic of Lottie León goes away? And that's not even mentioning Martin's new crush, Chris. Martin's content to keep his double life a secret, until a scheduling conflict between his Mathletes club and his first-ever drag show forces him to reveal his true self to his friends.
Answers in the Pages
David Levithan
Donovan's a huge fan of The Adventurers, a story about two boys trying to thwart an evil genius. Donovan's mom, on the other hand, isn't wild about the book, especially when she becomes convinced that the two main characters are gay.
The whole town works itself into a frenzy as Donovan's mom tries to get the book banned from school. Caught in the middle are Donovan, who doesn't understand why the adults are making such a big deal out of the book; as well as Gideon and Roberto, two classmates who are assigned to work on a book unit together.
Told in three interwoven stories -- Donovan's, Gideon's and Roberto's, and the plot of The Adventurers -- Answers in the Pages depicts a very real, very pressing issue in the world of literature and education.
Ellen Outside the Lines
A.J. Sass
Ellen Katz prefers it when things fit into easy categories. When plans work out and life makes sense: attending temple with her parents every weekend, hanging out with her best (and only) friend Laurel, etc. Ellen, who is on the autism spectrum, relies on Laurel to help her navigate the turbulent waters of middle school life. But now Laurel's making new friends, her interests are changing, and she doesn't seem to have as much time for Ellen.
The two friends plan to fix their friendship during their Spanish class's trip to Spain, but things don't work out as they planned. Ellen is assigned to a different group, and finds herself without Laurel for the first time. Included in her new group is Isa, a nonbinary student whose identity challenges Ellen's way of looking at things.
Ellen Outside the Lines is a heartwarming, sweet, and often silly celebration of those moments where life doesn't go exactly according to plan.
Looking for recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Librarian Chris