Something Funny Happened at the Library: How to Create Humorous Programs for Children and Young Adults

by American Library Association

Overview

Wouldn't it be great if kids came home from the library holding their sides, eager to pass on the funny things they heard in the library that day? According to Reid, getting the attention of young people is to make them laugh.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838908365
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	09/01/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

Rob Reid is the very popular author of numerous books on children’s programming for ALA Editions. He has also written resource books for Upstart Books, as well as two picture books. In addition, he writes regular columns on programming and children’s literature for LibrarySparks and Book Links magazines. He teaches courses on children’s and adolescent literature and a variety of library topics at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. He conducts workshops throughout North America on ways to make literature come alive for children.

Editorial Reviews

Reid (Family Storytime: Twenty-Four Creative Programs for All Ages, ALA, 1999; Children's Jukebox: A Subject Guide to Musical Recordings and Programming Ideas for Songsters Ages One to Twelve, ALA, 1995) clearly knows the joys and challenges of putting together a successful children's program, and he generously communicates his "tricks of the trade" in this useful guide aimed at helping librarians put together humorous events for children and teenagers. Reid starts with several chapters on programming for specific age groups and includes a number of complete sample programs. He then suggests ideas for readers' theater (with a complete script) and discusses library tours and school visits. Reid devotes an entire chapter to humorous raps songs that can be used to promote books and libraries in any setting. In his fully annotated bibliography of "The Funniest Books in Your Library," the author thoughtfully divides fractured fairy tales into tale types (e.g., Cinderella, Mother Goose rhymes, etc.). The more than 300 books listed also include picture books, folklore, and the funniest children's authors and illustrators, all arranged by category and age. Unlike other programming guides, Reid's book includes the full text and instructions for finger plays, activities, and songs, as well as valuable tips on presentation. Even librarians who consider themselves humorously challenged will be inspired to try their hand at comedy, thanks to Reid's excellent book.-Rachel Quenk, Thomas Memorial Lib., Cape Elizabeth, ME Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

An excellent resource for adding wit to your library repertoire. The ideas are divided by age levels: preschoolers to primary-grade children, intermediate school-age children, and middle-school and high-school students, which includes writing and performing activities. The author uses his 20-plus years of experience to relate tricks of the trade that include warming up an audience, selecting age-appropriate material and props, and using vocal and facial expressions. Succeeding chapters include a Reader's Theater script for Margie Palatini's The Web Files, ideas for hosting lively library tours and school visits, several themed raps, and lists of "The Funniest Books in Your Library," divided by genre.-Suzanne Crowder, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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