Storytime Line Up: Listen to the Sounds

For storytime this week, we took a moment to close our eyes and think about what sounds we had heard that morning.  Their responses and observations were terrific - school buses, sirens, mom talking, dad snoring, birds chirping, dogs barking.  And discussions ensued as the children called out, "Oh, I heard that, too!"  We have so many noises all around us and sometimes we forget to stop and listen.  What do you hear this morning?  I've got an amazing symphony of birds outside right now - along with constant hum of my fridge, a distant, early morning flight probably heading towards O'Hare, and my dog scratching at the back door to be let inside.  And since my family is still asleep, I would have said that this morning was "quiet"...


These are the books that I had at-the-ready to share and think about sound.  Check them out from your local library!

Sounds Around Town by Maria Carluccio (ages 2-4)
Spend the day with this toddler's family listening to all the noises from morning until night.  Detailed collage illustrations invite lots of sharing and expanding of the text.  

Listen, Listen by Phyllis Gershator (ages 3-6)
Alison Jay's illustrations have a unique look - you'll never mistake them for anything else.  Her books invite a cuddly lapsit when you can share one-on-one time with your young reader as you pour over the hidden pictures and surprise details.  Take a trip through a season of sounds.

Shhh! by Valeri Gorbachev (ages 2-6)
The young preschooler in this story would be every mom's joy - he loves his little brother so much, that he shushes all his noisy, loud toys during nap time.  This one is fast becoming an all-time-favorite - the repeating refrain of Shhh! invites young readers to join in and the active illustrations capture preschoolers perfectly.  

Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin, Jr (ages 1-4)
Listen to all the zoo animal sounds in this Bill Martin, Jr classic.  

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Llyod Moss (ages 3-6)
This Caldecott winner combines music, instruments, counting, and beautiful illustrations all into one - enjoy!

Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root (ages 2-6)
On this too-hot summer day, Papa decides to see if the family jalopy can get them to the lake.  Along the way, the car breaks down one part at a time, but with some quick thinking and some sticky chocolate marshmallow fudge delight, they're on their way in now time.  Filled with onomatopoeia and great rhythm.


* A Cozy Up and Read All Time Favorite.