On the back of my car there is a bumper sticker that reads BE KIND.  It’s a two word rule I like to live by, and wish more folks did. I don’t aways master kindness, but I sure try.  I came across this site with fun and impactful ways to incorporate kindness into the classroom, which could also extend to our libraries in fun ways. February 13th-19th is Random Act of Kindness Week, but it really should be an every day celebration.

http://community.weareteachers.com/t5/WeAreTeachers-Blog/The-Teacher-Report-Celebrate-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-Week/ba-p/10965

Wow, I love Valentine’s Day.  All the pink and red and everyone’s so nice to each other waiting on those special Valentine envelopes. Catch some love yourself.  We have a free “Book Love” certificate out this month you can download off our site. http://www.librarygames.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/LG-Site-Free-Stuff-BookLoveCertificate.jpg

Wow, we had a blast with this lastest contest. Twenty-six entries. Some of the craziest overdue book excuses ever heard.  We put the names in a big bowl and drew out two: Joan Rubin, a school librarian from Pen Yan , NY and Sharon Frank, a school librarian from Falls Church, VA.  Congratulations to both!  If you missed all the fine excuses, no worries- here’s the link http://www.librarygames.com/win-free-books-with-your-best-overdue-book-excuse/

Star image courtesy of cherrybam.com

No Shhhin’ here! The AASL is asking school librarians everywhere to sign a petition to keep school libraries IN SCHOOLS.  The website below links you to the petition being presented to the US government.  Now, is the time to make your voices heard. 

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/%21/petition/ensure-every-child-america-has-access-effective-school-library-program/tmlbRqfF?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl

Megaphone image courtesy of Starpiz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8QjjKrEK7Y

Image Courtesy of Southwestern.edu through Google Images.

http://mcwordpress.marshall.kyschools.us/cfox/2011/12/05/dont-let-the-pigeon-touch-the-books/

For more information about Mo Willems and his books go to www.mowillems.com

Image of Pigeon courtesy of Disney Books/Mo Willems

I’m a big fan of book trailers. It’s a wonderful way to get kids, especially reluctant readers, interested in a story. We live in a movie/tv/technology-driven world and kids get that, so should we. Give the book trailer a try. There are so many good ones out there.

Thought I’d post Lane Smith’s book trailer, IT’S A LITTLE BOOK as a reminder that books still reign in most school libraries. Enjoy. 

Book trailer for IT’S A LITTLE BOOK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4BK_2VULCU

It’s A Little Book, cover art courtesy of Roaring Brook Press

The dog ate my GOOSEBUMPS…THE GOBLET OF FIRE vanished into thin air on the bus …My little sister flushed RAMONA down the toilet.

Hello 2012! We’re kick-starting the new year with a fun contest.  Give us your craziest overdue book excuse or lost book story and we’ll put you in the running for free PIRATES OF PLAGIARISM books.  We’ll also publish the whoppers that are the funniest or strangest.

Contest details below:

*Email Kathleen  kfox@librarygames.com with your stories or post a comment with your best overdue book excuse(s).

* Contest ends February 5, 2012

And the winner is image courtesy of careerattractions.com

We came across this library book care video on youtube. It’s long but kids, even young ones, sit to watch the entire thing because of the laughing kids laughing and the animated mime. Check it out. Might be a good reminded of how to treat a library book.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wswQ-dcKX3g