Rob Reid (2)

Rob Reid functions on the assumption that one of the only ways to truly get a child’s attention is to make them laugh. In his book, Something Funny Happened at the Library: How to Create Humorous Programs for Children and Young Adults, he provides ideas for programs for different age levels, listing several examples of programs he’s used in his own practice. He also includes book titles matching his themes, songs, poetry, games, and any physical or craft-making activity that might correspond with each idea.
Many of his suggestions are easy to adapt and could be effective: for younger children, for example, librarians can change lyrics to familiar songs to fit in with the theme of your storytime. For older children, his suggestions begin to lose traction, like proclaiming that programs need a “snappy name” to attract their attention. Reid incorporates many comedic references that his adult readers may remember, but it is guaranteed that the children will not know how to read a script in a “Dragnet” voice. Nor will children have interest in--or a need to--create a funny answering machine message for their family. Many of his jokes are real eye-rollers (Library raps? Egads.), and not every librarian will share his sense of humor. The most valuable resource for librarians is the list of humorous books provided in the index, many titles which will most likely exist in their collections.… (meer)

Storytime programs provide young children with early exposure to books and libraries as well support the development of intrinsic enjoyment and fulfillment associated with reading. Programming books such as Storytime Slam provide a framework from which library professionals can construct engaging, well-sequenced sessions. Preceded by a brief introduction with a first-person account of the purpose and goals of the book, the table of contents outlines the diverse array of topics addressed in the 15 lessons, such as: “B is for Bulldozer,” “Just Ducky,” “I’m Telling! Tales of Naughty Children and Animals,” and “Oh, No! Stories and Activities that Feature the Letter O.” An explicit, consistent format is reinforced throughout each lesson and begins with a summary paragraph explaining the topic. Picture books, music activities, and in some cases poems, movement activities, fingerplay activities, and craft projects follow in alternating chunks, illustrating the suggested structure of the 30-minute programs. Basic bibliographic information is provided for each of the recently published (2000-2006) books introduced in the lesson along with a concise description of the storyline. In addition, back-up and “throw-back” book lists are provided. Musical activities are fully described with lyrics, tune (paralleled with common songs), accompanying movements, and resources (albums) for locating a recording of the songs. With its wealth of literary resources and imaginative activities, this programming book provides detailed scaffolding for library personnel seeking to create entertaining and educational lessons for preschool and primary storytime.… (meer)