The first of science and the library contests has begun. Each month until the Discover Tech exhibit arrives next January, the library will hold a monthly contest for families and when school is in session a contest for K-6 classes as well. The first contest for classrooms is easy and all classes in the county are eligible. So if your student is interested be sure and have them talk to their teacher about participating.
Families, the contest for February is to participate in the edible car contest, Saturday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 a.m. The winning entry will get to pick out a science kit to keep. The edible car contest, is held annually as part of National Engineers’ Week and encourages us all to look at the world around us with new eyes and see opportunities to be innovative and creative. The library will provide a variety of food items for creating cars but if you or your children have something in particular you think would work well then I recommend you bring it as I can’t guarantee I’ll think of the same things.
Teachers, the first contest is simply to fill out an entry form with your name, library card number (or apply to get a card), the grade you teach and the best way to contact you with contest details in future months. Entry forms are available at the public library or email me at dadams@arrowhead.lib.mn.us with your entry. All entries must be received by Feb. 28. One class will be selected as the winner with the teacher able to select a science kit to use with their class as they see fit.
January is a time for awards of best of from the previous year and the book world is no different. Last week the Newbery medal was announced for the best children’s novel of 2012 with The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate winning. The Caldecott medal for best picture book of 2012 was also announced with This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen winning. The library owns copies of these and other award winning books, but definitely don’t limit yourself or your children to just award winners.
If the winners are out, or not your cup of tea then try one of these on for size. Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm: a new English Translation by Philip Pullman is excellent, but not watered down tales for older elementary children and above. The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy is about four princes all dubbed Prince Charming who are marginalized in their own tales but form a team to save the entire kingdom threatened by a witch. The book is great fun and even better if you know your fairytales.
Winter reading programs continue for all ages through the entire month of February. So if you haven’t stopped into the library and picked up your winter reading information, do so today and discover the fun of reading all year long!
