A Monkey Rock Birthday

By Vicky We're big fans of Monkey Rock Music, having done two back to back sessions with John this year. It seemed like the perfect thing to do for Joel's 4th birthday party! While bringing in a performer does still incur a fair cost, it was definitely less expensive than a lot of the birthday venue options we explored. Plus I like the convenience of staying home for birthday parties, and not having to bring decorations, food, and a cake with me.

John arrived at 10:30 wearing a pirate hat (did I forget to tell the guests to dress up too? oops!) his guitar swung over his shoulder, and the big bag of instruments in hand. The kids sat in a circle in the basement as he went around learning everyone's names. As a teacher, I was amazed that he remembered them all! It's hard to do!

We sang all of Joel's favourites: Shark Attack, Hurry Hurry Firetruck, Itsy Bitsy spider, Old Macdonald had a zoo. We danced the Hokey Pokey. We made our own beats with instruments. We played under a parachute.

It was a great party, and everyone loved John. As I tucked Joel in bed I asked him if he had a good birthday, he nodded. I asked him what was his favourite part of the day? He said 'When John gave me a monkey just for me because it's MY birthday. That was my favourite part.'

For more information about Monkey Rock Music birthday parties or classes visit www.monkeyrockmusic.com.

Vicky is the mom to 4 year old son named Joel and 17 month old daughter named Mieka. You can read her blog at blog Some Kind of Wondermom.

Canadian War Museum

by Sara

In anticipation of Remembrance Day we recently visited the Canadian War Museum with our 2.5 year old monkey and 4.5 year old firefighter.  The cost for our family of four was $30 and parking (for just over two hours) was $8.75.

We planned our visit with two of their friends, who are the same ages, for several reasons.  We enjoy the company and our boys travel better as part of a 'herd'.  Surprisingly there is less running and silliness as they tend to stick close to their friends.  Because there is a lot of graphic material at the museum, we also appreciated the distraction of having friends with us.  The kids were curious about the exhibits but were easily distracted when an adult directed them elsewhere.

If you haven't visited the museum, you may want to visit their website before planning your trip.  There are floor plans on the website and although at times the exhibits feel maze-like, its easy to skip different parts of the galleries or leave the exhibits for snack or bathroom breaks.  We spent 2 hours there and visited all four Canadian Experience galleries as well as the LeBreton gallery.

Many of the photographs, art, and videos on display are graphic.  For some children it may be overwhelming or scary and as a parent it can be difficult to answer questions about the weapons and violence on display.  In some of the exhibits the audio of gun shots and machines is also loud and unexpected.

Unlike some of the other museums in the city, the exhibits are geared towards adults and older children, which is to be expected given the content.  That being said all four kids had a great time looking at the vehicles, clothing, and diorama's.  They tried on hats, listened to audio explanations of different exhibits, and enjoyed the areas where they have replicated different periods of war (trenches, cafe).

The monkey even found somewhere to monkey around!

In areas where the material was graphic or frightening, we passed through quickly directing their attention to the next part of the exhibit.  My answers to the 4.5 year olds questions were simple and one-two words, instead of trying to over-explain (e.g., when he asked what a soldier was doing I said "lying in the dirt" instead of "preparing for battle").  Its a good idea, before your visit, to think about how you want to answer questions about war, blood, guns, and death, so that you're prepared when the questions arise.  Because Remembrance Day is discussed at school, its probably easier with older elementary school children who have already been introduced to the topic.

The highlight of the visit was the LeBreton gallery where all the large vehicles are on display.  Even though the kids can't climb on them they enjoyed looking all the different types of trucks, especially the ones that served meals or acted as a mechanic's shop.

Have you visited the Canadian War Museum?  How did your children react?

Sara is mom to 4-year-old ” firefighter” and 2-year-old “monkey”.  

Canadian Award Winners: Book recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

This is the second post in a series of monthly blog posts by Ottawa Public Library children’s librarians! We hope you enjoy today’s post and remember to check back every month for great children’s books ideas. by Margaret Kirkpatrick, Children's Librarian, Carlingwood Branch        

*Click on the picture of each book to be directed to the Ottawa Public Library page about it

I am always interested in how readers choose their books. One way is to look for the gold stickers on books, meaning that they have won an award. But who puts the stickers on the books? What do they mean?

For me, I look to the Canadian Library Association Book Award’s website. The Canadian Library Association sponsors three book awards, each reviewed by a panel of Canadian librarians across the county. These people know their books!

Kids Can Press has a list of their books that have won book awards. This will give you an idea of the vast number of book awards there are. You can decide which ones are your favourites! Scholastic Canada also has a list of book awards that their books have won: I want to tell you about four of my favourite authors, who are Canadian Award Winners, and some of their books. All of these books, and others by the same authors and illustrators, are available at the Ottawa Public Library. And don’t forget, Ottawa Public Library is a bilingual library, so we have copies of many of these favourites available in French too.

Paulette Bourgeois

Everyone knows Paulette Bourgeois because she wrote the Franklin books. But before those books, she wrote two of my favourites.

Perhaps an oldie, but definitely a good one! Sarah loves her yellow boots. But one day, they just won't fit anymore. No amount of stretching will make them big again, and a disappointed Sarah must choose new boots. This picture book tells an endearing story about facing and happily resolving a familiar childhood dilemma. Illustrated by Brenda Clark, and published in 1987.

When a farmer brings Mrs. Kerr's class a dozen eggs to incubate, the class project quickly goes awry. In no time at all, Mrs. Kerr's classroom has become a farmyard and the situation is spiraling out of control. Illustrated by Bill Slavin, and published in 1990.

Non-fiction readers will enjoy the following books:

The Dirt on Dirt covers not only what you think of as dirt, but also everything on and around the planet relating to dirt, from dirt homes big and small to secrets the dirt hides and much more. Youngsters will also find a bucketful of fun things to do with dirt, including how to build a bike racetrack, create fossil footprints and grow a garden playhouse. Illustrated by Martha Newbigging, and published in 2008.

Why does the sun shine? How big is our solar system? Where do comets come from? How far away are the stars?  Find out how to • make your own telescope • make a two-stage balloon rocket • make moon craters • look at the sun safely • cook with the sun's rays Written with Cynthia Pratt Nicolson, and illustrated by Bill Slavin. Published in 2007.

And some other non-fiction books by Paulette Bourgeois worthy of attention: Changes in You and Me: A Book about Puberty Mostly for Girls (2005) Changes in You and Me: A Book about Puberty, Mostly for Boys (2005)

Phoebe Gilman

I love Phoebe Gilman for her strong female characters, even in picture books. Princesses? Yes, but problem solving, resourceful princesses!

When Princess Leora's father leaves the castle, he tells her if anything goes wrong to release balloons from the castle tower as a warning to him. While he's away, her evil uncle, the Archduke, makes himself king. What's worse, he pops every balloon in the kingdom. Princess Leora must find at least one balloon to save the kingdom! (1984)

The delicious smell of Grandma’s noodle pudding tempts a group of pirates to steal it. They steal Grandma too, and it takes some clever thinking on Melissa’s part to rescue her. (1990)

In this hilarious fractured fairy tale, everything seems to go wrong. Goldilocks lives with the seven dwarfs, a princess kisses a reluctant dragon, and she and her prince rescue the Wicked Witch of the West...until all mischief is sorted out and everyone lives happily ever after. Jean Little and Maggie de Vries’ whimsical text and Phoebe Gilman’s magical illustrations make this a magnificent feast for anyone who loves a good story — even when it’s wrong!

The blanket Joseph's grandfather made him is transformed into many things as the years go by: a jacket, a vest, a tie, a handkerchief--and finally a button. Gilman's modern adaptation and lively illustrations turn this favorite Jewish tale into a contemporary classic (1992)

Captain Plunk and his pirates find a treasure chest floating on the ocean waves, but instead of a cache of pearls inside, they find a baby girl! Precious Pearl becomes the pirate crew's lucky charm, even though she has a bad habit of giving away their treasure. When Pirate Pearl leaps onto the deck of Prince Basil's ship, he recognizes her as the long-lost Princess Pearl. In no time flat, the princess has rushed back to the castle and dumped the evil Count Crumple in the dungeon. But wait —    she's not ready to marry Prince Basil and settle down to rule the kingdom yet. Pearl invites the prince to join her pirate crew, and he helps her give away her newest treasure! (1998)

Melanie Watt

Melanie Wattis an award winner extraordinaire! Her books Chester and Scaredy Squirrel won the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbons Award for illustrations (sponsored by the Canadian Library Association) two years in a row! Impressive!

Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day … his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting … (published in 2006)

After reading Scaredy Squirrel, you will definitely want to read Scaredy Squirrel makes a Friend (2007), Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach (2008), and Scaredy Squirrel at Night (2009). And remember, they are available in french too at the Ottawa Public Library.

Chester is more than a picture book. It is a story told, and retold, by dueling author-illustrators. Mélanie Watt starts out with the story of a mouse in a house. Then Mélanie's cat, Chester, sends the mouse packing and proceeds to cover the pages with rewrites from his red marker, and the gloves are off.Mélanie and her mouse won't take Chester's antics lying down. And Chester is obviously a creative powerhouse with confidence to spare. Where will this war of the picture-book makers lead? Is it a one-way ticket to Chesterville, or will Mélanie get her mouse production off the ground? (published in 2007) Chester and Melanie have more adventures in Chester’s Back (2008) and Chester’s Masterpiece (2010).

Watt presents a character you just can't say "no" to: salesman Mr. Al Foxword. Al can sell anything. You can't help but be impressed by his lineup of satisfied customers: he's sold an icebox to a penguin, an umbrella to a fish and a dirt vacuum to a mole. Al knows you're looking for a great book, and this is your lucky day. Say goodbye to books that leave you bored and uninspired. Research shows that 100 percent of Al's customers notice a dramatic increase in happiness after buying his book. Not totally convinced yet? Just when you think you're ready to close the book on this relentless salesman, he comes up with a clever tactic that you simply can't refuse.The retro design and the sheer absurdity of Foxword's powers of persuasion make for an off-the-wall picture book with major crossover appeal that pokes fun at our hard-sell society.

Barbara Reid

Barbara Reid. My absolute favourite. My favourite author. My favourite illustrator (plasticine is her medium). My favourite everything. If you haven’t discovered Barbara Reid, run to your nearest library, or computer and request all of books by Barbara Reid. Every one of her books. You will not be disappointed. French or English, you can choose, but choose Barbara Reid.

Tell me a story, read me a book... Babies love books, sharing books with your child every day will open up a world of fun and learning. Bouncy verse and delightful illustrations of babies and children reading make this a great place to start. (2004)

Everyone loves a party! Help yourself to a slice of cake and join the gang for the best get-together ever. Barbara Reid's rhythmic text and bright Plasticine pictures capture all the fun - the games, the food, the friends. We all give a cheer for the party! (1997)

My grandma went a-travelling, said: "what would have me bring?" "Not much," said I, "just a piece of sky, and a hundred songs I can sing..." And Grandma manages to do just that, delivering into a young girl's hands a pack of unusual souvenirs, from "billabong goo" to a sitar's zing. But more important, she brings the enduring gifts of enthusiasm, love and respect for a hundred different places and peoples the world over. (1994)

It came in the night. "Perfect!" said Scott. "Snow!" said Jim.At recess the schoolyard is full of happy kids. Scott is making snowmen, Jim is working on the world's greatest snow fort. At lunchtime they join forces to create a perfect snow surprise! Barbara Reid combines her trademark plasticine artwork with ink and watercolour panels to bring a timeless Canadian tale of winter fun to life. (2009). This book has been described as a “perfect book”, and has won many awards! This is an all-too-short list of four of my favourite award winning authors and an introduction to some of their books. Next time you are at the library, ask your librarian which authors, illustrators, and books, are her favourites. She will have a long list too!

The symphony for kids

by Lynn I love the NAC. I've been to uncountable plays, concerts, and dance shows there. I still remember the first time I saw a symphony - we had to take a special out-of-town trip and it was a Very Big Deal - and it was wonderful and magical and so interesting. I think it's fantastic that we live in a town that is big enough to have its own symphony, and I want my kids to take full advantage of that.

The NAC is working hard to draw in the younger crowd by offering more than one child-friendly event. We're already subscribers to their Kinderconcertseries, which is aimed at children aged 3 to 8 years old. They're fairly laid-back events - everyone snuggles together on pillows on the floor. The great thing about the Kinderconcerts, though, is that they are so intimate - a small venue where the kids can really get up close and personal with the music.

Once your kids turn five, you can start thinking about their Family Adventures Series, which is a set of three concerts in the main hall featuring the full orchestra. I had a chance to check out the first in the series, Trick or Treat to a Wicked Beat, on Saturday, with my six-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son.

I was kind of worried, actually, that the kids would be bored. I find watching the orchestra to be fascinating, but you never know what's going to appeal to the six and seven year old brain. Would they like the classical music? Would they enjoy watching the instruments and the conductor?

I'm very happy to report that the NAC did a fantastic job of making the show kid-friendly. First of all, there are crafts and activities to do in the lobby areas - our concert featured pumpkin carving, ghost necklace making, and a display showing how various spooky special effects sounds are made. Be sure to leave lots of time to explore all three levels of the theatre to try everything. The craft stations open 45 minutes before the show, but they do get very busy so earlier is definitely better.

During the actual show, there's plenty to entertain the kids. I loved the big screen above the orchestra - it focused in on the soloists, just like at a rock concert, and I could quietly identify the instruments to my kids. I also really appreciated the awesome costumes the orchestra members were wearing - check out this photo and see if you can spot Supergirl, some really great witches, a bumble bee, a clown, a construction worker, a convict, a monk, and the classic dude-dressed-as-a-lady.

There were also dancers to interpret some of the numbers, which my kids ADORED, and there was a fun witch, Samara, who exchanged cute banter with the conductor and kept the kids interested and engaged between numbers. There was even an audience participation component - everyone took part in making musical sounds to create a "spell" for Samara, and a few lucky kids were pulled up onstage to help interpret The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

As for the music...it was amazing. A great collection of classics that I was happy to introduce to my little ones, and a Harry Potter song to close out the concert that my kids actually recognized. At exactly an hour long, it is the ideal length - enough for everyone to enjoy without getting fidgety or needing a bathroom break.

I had a great time, the kids had a great time, and most of all, I was glowing at the idea of introducing the kids to a whole new world of the arts. These concerts are such a good way to introduce your kids to the arts and the orchestra and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series. Still to come are Rhythm & Shoes, A Musical Zoo! and Platypus Theatre's Charlotte and the Music-maker. 

In other news, The Nutcracker is coming back to the NAC this December. I took my two kids last year - when they were a year younger - and it was a hit. It's much longer than the Family Adventures concerts - with the intermission, it was over two hours. My two did get tired partway through, but on the other hand, they still talk about it all the time and have already asked to go again this year. We sat in the very last row of the upper balcony last year, and not only could we easily see and hear everything, it turned out to be ideal seating for kids who needed to stand up and have a stretch on occasion, and who wanted to ask LOTS of questions.

So if you see a few squirmy kids in the very back row this year - come over and say hi!

(Thanks to the NAC for providing Lynn with complimentary tickets for Trick or Treat to a Wicked Beat. And thanks to Lynn for sharing her experience with us!)

Lynn is mom to 7-year-old Captain Jelly Belly, 5.5-year-old Gal Smiley, and 2.5-year-old Little Miss Sunshine. She blogs over at Turtlehead.

Social Media Monday : finding people to follow

by Lara Now you're on twitter (right?!) but how do you really find more people to follow? How do you find people that you would actually be interested in following?

Here are a few ways to find people who might be interesting to you.  (If you're unsure if you should follow them, click on their name and try to get a sense based on their tweets and profile information if they'd be a good fit or not.)

Lists

Lists are a way to filter your twitter content.  People can create their own lists of their followers and separate them by "category" so to speak.  A great way to find new people to follow is to look and see what lists someone you already like to follow is on, and see if there are other people on that list that are similar.

To see what lists someone is on, go to their twitter age and select the lists tab (far right from timeline) and select "lists following".  Here is my list of the lists I'm on, in case you want to have a look.  And here are a few other lists to check out, some on Ottawa ,  some on parenting and one on parents in Ottawa. You can follow the lists but if you want to see these bloggers in your regular stream you will also have to individually add the people.

Search

There is a search bar at the top of Twitter.  If you search in terms for things that you're interested in tweets about those topics will come up.  Some of those people may be of interest.  You can also use several words to try to narrow things down.

Friends

I often add people that people I follow mention in their tweets, or sometimes I just browse the people that they follow on their twitter page looking for people that might have similar interests.  Follow Friday (often written as #FF) is something many people do on Fridays, taking the time to suggest some of the people that they follow - start following some of them.

There are lots of ways to find people to follow on twitter. In my experience in can snowball all of a sudden (I follow over a thousand people).  The more you interact with people, the more people will start to follow you.  In the beginning, I followed everyone who followed me (I don't do that anymore) - although beware of spam followers (they will have many less followers than people they are following and their tweets won't really make sense). And tweet me if you have any questions! :)

Or use our fancy new "tweet this post" icon right below this post and share it with all your new twitter friends! And then leave me a comment and let me know what you'd like to hear about next for social media Monday.

Lara is mom to 4 year old Kiernan and 1 year old twins Quinn and Juliette. You can read her blog at Gliding Through Motherhood.