Krystyl Farmer Library Columns

My Favorite Story Time Read Alouds by Krystyl Farmer

by Krystyl Farmer
by Krystyl Farmer

One of my favorite aspects of working in the Sebring Public Library is getting to host weekly storytimes for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. During these sessions, we read books, sing, and often we put together a craft relative to the theme. The most amazing thing about doing these storytimes is that almost everything you need is from your childhood- nursery rhymes, songs, dances, and BOOKS! These books are some of my favorites to share with a group.

What this Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig by Emma Virján is a silly book with a cute message- you can never have too many friends. The simple, bright illustrations beg your eyes to gaze upon them and the rhyming cadence of the text make it such a pleasure to read.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems begins with a bus driver warning you not to let the pigeon drive the bus, no matter what. Each time that wiley pigeon asks to drive the bus kids and parents altogether delight in telling him “No!” Simple but powerful illustrations show the pigeon’s changing moods as the story unravels before your eyes.

Okay, so if you’ve never heard of Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin prepare yourself for amazing, colorful illustrations and a totally far-out cat! There are several Pete books but this one is my favorite. The song he sings is catchy, and the book reinforces color recognition in a groovy way. Bright, sunny, and full of delightful characters- Pete is everything I want in my read-aloud books!

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney was the first of the Llama Llama books published but they are all amazing! The vividly painted illustrations show texture which makes them pop off the page. Rhyming text coupled with her grasp of realistic emotions make this more than just a fun book, it’s a book that the audience will learn from.

Where the Giant Sleeps by Mem Fox is a purely fantastical read, which is why I like it so much! Throughout the book you are introduced to where a number of make-believe creatures sleep, but at the end of the book you see where they really sleep- I’m not going to spoil it for you.

Jamberry by Bruce Degen is about a boy and a bear going to look for berries, berries for jam! This is such a fun book to read and the illustrations are sure to please with bright colors and whimsical details- I mean, it’s not everyday you see a blueberry waterfall.

After six years of choreographing the dance that is storytime, I could come up with one hundred “favorites.”  If you’re ever able to stop by the Sebring Public Library on a Wednesday morning around 11:30 or the Lake Placid Memorial Library at 10:00 am, join us in the storytime fun!