For Kids - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

FDL Reads: Garlic and the Vampire

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Reviewed By: Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager

Genre: Fantasy (graphic novel)

Suggested Age: Kids (Age 8-13)

What is This Book About? Garlic spends her days working in the garden with the other vegetable folk, where her main worry is oversleeping on market days and disappointing Witch Agnes. When Potato notices smoke coming from the eerie, abandoned castle across the valley, Witch Agnes tells them all a story of an old vampire who used to live there a hundred years ago. Panicking, the vegetable folk agree that Garlic is the obvious choice to confront the vampire and save them. Kind and anxious Garlic strongly disagrees, but with some vampire hunting basics from Witch Agnes, Garlic sets off on a mission to destroy the vampire and save their valley.

My Review: Garlic is an admirable character – despite her worry at possibly becoming the vampire’s victim, Garlic still faces him head-on. Witch Agnes is a motherly figure who encourages Garlic to develop her own talents, and lets Garlic set her own boundaries. Garlic solves their vampire problem by finding her own strength and creative solutions, demonstrating that she was the perfect person to head to the castle. The gentle illustrations of thriving gardens and bright forests evoke a sense of old-world charm. Paired with exclamations of “Cheese ‘n’ chives!” and “Oh grapes,” it is clear that this book is nowhere close to horror, and is instead about making new friends.

Three Words that Describe this Book: courage, kindness, imagination

Give This A Try if You Like… The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill, The Sprite and the Gardener by Rii Abrego, Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez, Tidesong by Wendy Xu

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2022-07-15T16:51:24-05:00July 15th, 2022|

Summertime Fun!

For most kids, summertime means family, friends, fun and a much-needed break from school! What is your favorite summer time activity? Baseball? Camping? Swimming? Whatever you like, FDL has a book for you!

Here are just a few of the books we have that celebrate the golden days of summer. Some titles are also available as eBooks and audiobooks in our digital collection.

Baseball Buzz by C.C. Jovan

Baseball Genius by Tim Green

Bubbles… Up! by Jacqueline Davies

The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

Dino-Swimming by Lisa Wheeler

Eva’s Campfire Adventure by Rebecca Elliot

Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq

I am Brave by Suzy Capozzi

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Llama Llama Disfruta Acampar by Anna Dewdney

Mia Mayhem Rides the Waves by Kara West

Peppa Pig and the Great Vacation by Neville Astley

Pool Party by Wanda Coven

Quacky Baseball by Peter Abrahams

– Sharon, Youth Services Specialist

Beth Weimer2022-07-13T17:16:03-05:00July 13th, 2022|

Robots at FDL!

Maybe you were here last month for the Robot Invasion? Well, there are robots at the library all the time!

Many people do not know that the library has STEAM Kits and activities available to check out and take home, but these kits are SO cool. I’ll share below about some of the robot kits, but you can learn about the rest of the STEAM kits at fondulaclibrary.org/stem-kits/. All items can be check out from the Youth Services department and can be kept for one week.

For beginning programmers, we have the Code and Go Robot Mouse, perfect for ages 4+. Follow maze cards to set a course of walls and tunnels for the mouse to find the cheese. Figure out the steps the mouse needs to take, then use buttons to program those directions for the mouse. If the mouse make a wrong turn, you’ll need to figure out what to change. Creative kids can challenge the mouse by designing their own mazes on or off the included grid system.

Next is the Ozobot Bit. This tiny robot will follow a marker-line and can detect color pattern codes that tell it what to do. Direction, speed, and special moves can be performed based on lines drawn with the thick edge of a basic marker. The challenge is thinking through WHAT you want to tell your robot and giving it the right directions to consistently perform those steps. For more advanced users it can also be used with programs created in the Ozoblockly website. Great for grades K – 12.

Another type of robot you can program is the Star Wars BB-8 Sphero. With this app you can program various movements, sounds, and actions. Then run your program and watch BB-8 follow the commands! It’s easy to change the programs and instantly run them using Bluetooth connection between your own device running the Sphero EDU app and the droid. You’ll want to check edu.sphero.com/d to see if your device and operating system are compatible with this app.

Virtual programmers can check out some of the Playaway Launchpad tablets. Each Launchpad is preloaded with 10 different activities related to the Launchpad theme. STEAM is Code for FUN! (ages 5+) includes a critical thinking game called Kings and Queens and a Turtle programming game which are great ways to develop sequencing skills, trial and error, and have fun while doing it. On the Programmed to Think Launchpad (ages 8+) the Kidbot game is similar to the Code and Go Mouse – where you give directional steps to the robot to complete a challenge.

– Julie, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2022-06-16T17:49:08-05:00June 20th, 2022|

Books that Talk

Have you heard the news about our Books that Talk? You can now check out five of them at a time! Our Books that Talk are amazing books that read themselves to you. A recording of the book is included in the integrated speaker. They’re a great option for when you have a frog in your throat, if you want to take a break from reading the same book for the hundredth time, or need to distract the kids while you make dinner. Or you could ignore the speaker and enjoy a fun picture book together. Here’s a few of my favorites!

Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-Max

Baby Ducks by Christina Leaf

Bulldozer’s Big Day by Candace Fleming

Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra Stein

The Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Jabari Jumps/Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall

Just Add Glitter by Angela DiTerlizzi

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anne Dewdney

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn

Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen

Miss Turie’s Magic Creatures by Joy Keller

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

– Miss Alice, Youth Services Manager

Beth Weimer2022-06-08T13:40:43-05:00June 8th, 2022|

Summer Reading 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path

Where will reading take you this summer? We encourage readers of all ages to embark on outdoor adventures, explore nature, and get creative with FDL for the library’s 2022 Summer Reading Program: Read Beyond the Beaten Path!

From June 1 through July 30, kids, teens, and adults can earn badges for reading materials from FDL and attending library events — and earn prizes! Participants earn a variety of fun incentives for their reading achievements, and everyone who finishes the challenge is entered into raffles for stellar prizes, including games, gift cards, packages from local businesses, and more! Readers can register and track their progress online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org or on-the-go with the Beanstack app, or pick up a reading log from the library!

Engaging programs are scheduled throughout the summer focusing on a variety of fun outdoor activities like camping, letterboxing, and family movie nights. We’ll also have family favorites like story times and crafts, as well as a lineup of exciting presenters to share rope jumping skills, stories about Bigfoot, tents full of butterflies, and more! Register for programs at fondulaclibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

Start Reading!
• Borrow books, audiobooks, and magazines from Fondulac District Library or download or stream eBooks and audiobooks from fondulaclibrary.org.
• Whether it’s reading a graphic novel, listening to an audiobook, or reading an article, it counts! All reading must occur within the program dates.

Earn Badges
• Record your minutes in Beanstack.
• Earn 1 badge for every 50 minutes (PreK-2nd graders), 100 minutes (3rd-8th graders), or 150 minutes (high schoolers and adults).
• Earn one badge for attending any three Fondulac District Library programs.
• Earn 10 badges to complete the program.

Win Prizes
• Participants receive prizes for reaching the halfway point by earning 5 badges AND for completing the program by earning 10 badges.
• Participants who complete the program will also be entered into a prize drawing!
• Halfway prizes can be picked up starting June 13, and completion prizes can be picked up starting June 27. Prizes are available while supplies last.
• The last day to pick up prizes is August 13.

Summer Reading 2022 Brochure & Reading Log

Our programs are made possible thanks to our amazing community sponsors!

Beth Weimer2022-08-01T11:37:27-05:00May 16th, 2022|

Star Wars Week 2022

Are you ready to find the Force at FDL? Join us April 3-9, 2022, as we celebrate one of the most beloved sagas of all time with programs, activities, and crafts for all ages throughout the week! Featuring a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope, team trivia night hosted by Joe Roderick, story time with Kylo Ren, Jedi training, a cosplay meet & greet, and MORE surprises – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Register for programs and watch our social media pages for more announcements!

Star Wars Film Screening
Monday, April 4 • 5:30-7:30 p.m. • All Ages
Grab a pillow, a blanket, and your favorite galactic PJs and come watch Star Wars: A New Hope on the big screen to kick off a week of Star Wars activities at FDL! Drop In

3D Printing: Star Wars Snowflakes – Zoom
Tuesday, April 5 • 4 p.m. • Ages 8+
Learn how to design a Star Wars snowflake on Tinkercad. Finished designs will be printed on the library’s 3D printer to pick up on a later date. Register

Constellation String Art
Wednesday, April 6 • 5 p.m. • Ages 8-14
Use a galaxy not-so-far away as inspiration for this stellar craft! Choose a favorite constellation or create your own design, then use string to make it come alive for a unique piece of art. Register

Star Wars Trivia Night
Thursday, April 7 • 6-7:30 p.m. • Ages 13+
Grab your friends and test your Star Wars knowledge at trivia night, hosted by Joe Roderick! Register in teams of 4-8 for the chance to win awesome prizes or a fun door prize. Register

Story Time with Kylo Ren
Friday, April 8 • 10 a.m. • Ages 2-6
Kylo Ren is visiting the library for a special story time! We’ll read a book with one of the galaxy’s favorite characters and make a craft inspired by the Dark Side. Drop In

DIY Kyber Crystal Necklace
Friday, April 8 • 4 p.m. • Ages 13+
In the Star Wars universe, kyber crystals are rare and powerful. Choose the light side or the dark side and create your own kyber crystal necklace using a quartz crystal point and a simple wire wrapping technique. Register

Jedi Training
Saturday, April 9 • 10-11:15 a.m. & 1-2:15 p.m. • Ages 5-19
Create your own custom lightsaber – a Jedi’s most trusted tool. Then our Jedi trainer will help you find the Force and sharpen your Jedi skills before you test them against a powerful Sith! Register

Cosplay Meet & Greet
Saturday, April 9 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. • All Ages
Wear your favorite Star Wars gear and get your photos taken with members of the 501st Legion and other local Star Wars cosplay groups. Get a snack from the Friends of FDL and check out all the activities in the library between Jedi training sessions! Drop In

Plus, visit the library for Take & Make crafts for all ages, a scavenger hunt, a Star Wars basket drawing from the Friends of FDL, a StoryWalk in the Reading Garden, and more surprises throughout the week!

Beth Weimer2022-04-11T13:46:00-05:00March 16th, 2022|

FDL Reads: Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen by Sarah Kapit

Reviewed By: Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager

Genre: Realistic fiction

Suggested Age: Kids (8-13)

What is This Book About? Vivy has been working on her knuckleball nonstop since meeting MLB star VJ Camillo, which is why she decides to start writing letters to him as part of a school project. Vivy writes about how thrilled she is when a local baseball coach notices her pitching in a park and invites her to be part of his team. Vivy’s parents aren’t as excited as she is, and her mom worries about her being the only girl on a boy’s baseball team, not to mention a girl with autism.

My Review: As far as debut novels go, Kapit’s is a fantastic achievement. She noticed a lack of nuanced portrayals of characters with autism and took it upon herself to fill that void, using her personal experiences to make Vivy a realistic character. Lots of kids gravitate towards books written in letters and emails, and this book will definitely grab its reader’s attention with Vivy expressing her achievements and pitfalls. Additionally, in spite of only being portrayed in Vivy’s letters, everyone in her life is well fleshed out and has their own unique personalities and challenges to work through. Kids will empathize with Vivy’s baseball ambitions, the bullying she encounters, and how hard it can be to be honest with the people you love the most.

Three Words that Describe this Book: excitement, growing up, teamwork

Give This A Try if You Like… A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner; Rick by Alex Gino; Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim; Jennifer Holm; A Boy Called Bat by Alana K. Arnold; Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Rating: 5/5

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2022-03-08T11:32:29-06:00March 9th, 2022|

Who Doesn’t Love Spring?

Winter is turning into Spring! The weather is warming up and everyone wants to get outside. The trees will bud, flowers will bloom, and the birds will return!

What activities will you enjoy outside… baseball, bike riding, hiking, or camping? What seasonal chores will you help with… raking leaves, planting the garden, or mowing the grass?

Where is your favorite place to read outside? Under a tree, on the front porch, in your tree house, or on the back deck? Will you read in the car or in the hotel on Spring Break? The official start of Spring is just around the corner (March 20, 2022), and the library has loads of Spring-themed books for you to read!

Board Books

It’s Spring! by Samantha Berger

Dr. Seuss’s Spring Things by Dr. Seuss

Spring = Primavera by Ailie Busby

Spring: Touch and Feel by Roger Piddy

Countdown to Spring by Janet Schuman

Picture Books

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak

Wake Up, It’s Spring! by Lisa Campbell Ernst

Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand

Kitten’s Spring by Eugenie Fernandes

Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit by Il Sung Na

The Thing About Spring by Daniel Kirk

Abracadabra, It’s Spring! by Anne Sibley O’Brian

Spring by Ron Hirschi

NonFiction

Spring by Cynthia Amorosa

How Do You Know It’s Spring? by Lisa M. Herrington

Chapter Books

Spring According to Humphrey by Betty Birney

Clementine and the Spring Trip by Sara Pennypacker

Tales from a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen by Renée Rachel

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

TBH, This is SO Awkward by Lisa Greenwald

Things to Do!

Crafts to Make in the Spring by Kathy Ross (Hoopla, Axis 360)

Let’s Ride a Bike by Ruth Walton

Biking by Paul Mason

Edible Gardening by Lisa Armstutz

Organic Gardening for Kids by Elizabeth Scholl

Cool Backyard Camping by Alex Kuskowski

My Great Outdoors Book by Josie Jeffery

– Kris, Youth Services Specialist

Beth Weimer2022-03-08T08:47:11-06:00March 7th, 2022|

Digital Collections at FDL

Have you explored our digital collections lately? Even if you don’t like eBooks, you’re not maxing out your FDL card unless you’re listening to best sellers while you drive, flipping through magazines on your phone, or streaming music, movies, and shows to your TV! There’s something for everyone to enjoy – no matter which format is your favorite – with thousands of titles from 7 collections, and three free apps that make getting your content to your devices easier than ever! Our digital titles are available 24/7 – just use your library card to log in, browse the collections, place holds, and borrow the media you want (or stream instantly) to your phone, tablet, computer, or TV. And if you need help figuring out how to access our amazing eBooks and audiobooks (and more), just watch a video tutorial from Niche Academy or ask a librarian for help any time! We even host Appy Hour at 2 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month so you can stop by for one on one tech assistance with a librarian! Check out our new Digital Collections page and get started today!

Beth Weimer2022-02-11T17:40:00-06:00February 11th, 2022|

International Day of Women & Girls in Science

February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, as a way to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (or STEM).

Here are some books from our nonfiction collection about some of these amazing women in science or other STEM fields. These books highlight women specifically, but they are great role models for anyone with an interest in science and the world around them!