Imaginary Friends: Taking reading to a new level!

I have a lot of friends who get to be involved in really cool things in their work and a few weeks ago a friend shared a Kickstarter campaign for Imaginary Friends. I watched it and got so excited I was ready to back the campaign on the spot. After a conversation with my friend she offered to send us a Beta version of the book for us to try out and I jumped on the opportunity. Turns out, it's as awesome as I expected and I think you should back the Kickstarter too. (For those of you who don't know, you pledge now but don't pay unless the goal is met. You're pledging to help them have the funds to create the product but in this case the timelines aren't too long and first products are going to ship in September.)

What is it?

It's a chapter book that is printed with each chapter as its own mini book. There are also activities that take the kids out of the story and into real life between each chapter. This includes scavenger hunts (for example, my son had to find all the pieces of a puzzle around our house based on clues we created), games on the computer and one game in our book even had our son exploring the neighbourhood using the gps on my iPhone.

Imaginary Friends set up stories that take kids outside of just reading. The way I see it there are advantages for all types of readers.

My son is an avid reader, sometimes it's hard to get him out of his room. The pause between each chapter for an activity had him up and running around and excited to take on another task. (I haven't seen him this enthusiastic about anything other than Minecraft in a long time!)

For a non avid reader, I can see the activities making reading feel more interactive and exciting and less "boring".

How it works

When you get the book, the parents are in charge of setting up an account and getting things rolling. There is an account for the parent to move the story forward and set up activities and there is an account for the kids to log in and play the games on the computer and get prompted to do activities (the games run on an ipod/iphone but it worked better on an actual computer). 

When we first started out I wanted it to seem magical that the games was leading him to things around our house but until I explained that we had been involved he would often just stare at the computer baffled at how to follow through within the computer game. Once that clicked he was thrilled and really got in to all the games.

Parents need to log in to their system to move to the next game and be ready to hand out the chapters one at a time, so it takes more involvement from the parent than a typical book but it was well worth it. There was one time when I thought the game wasn't working properly but it turned out I hadn't done my part in the parent part of the system so you just need to remember to do all the parts.

Who are these for?

They say they're targeted at 8-12 year olds. I think because my son is such an advanced reader that it seems to me it could be younger than that but I know most kids aren't devouring chapter books on their own at 6. I do think you could be even more involved and help with the games and the chapters and kids as young as 6 would really enjoy these stories.

I asked my 8 year old what he thought and here are a few of his points:

I liked getting to play a game between each chapter. (Books and video games, my son's favourite things! :)

I really liked the story because it was exciting, it had superheroes and the ending was kind of surprising.

It was surprising at the start because I didn’t know there would be games. In one of them the computer game told me to look for things in my own house and I couldn’t figure out how they did that. 

Now what?

Check out the Kickstarter. They only have 7 days left and they're 75% of the way to their goal. I liked the book so much that I bought their 4-book pack knowing we'd get the same book as we already have and planning to give it to someone as a gift. 

I love encouraging reading and making it even more fun by taking them outside of the books was a total win for me. We read Capes in the Family and I can't wait to get Circus of Mirrors in the Fall. Eventually I think we'll get one of their deluxe books that has artifacts and props. Because seriously - how cool is this idea!? So Cool!

The Imaginary Friends team put together a few freebies if you want to try things out. Check it all out to get a taste for the products.

Free Sample Kit: Try out some of Capes in the Family game now! http://try.imaginaryfriendbooks.com 

Free Father's Day Cards:  http://imaginaryfriendbooks.com/blog/2015/06/17/imaginary-friends-free-downloadable-fathers-day-cards/

Website: http://imaginaryfriendbooks.com

Connect with Imaginary Friends on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube

Full disclosure: I was given a book for free to test out but wasn't asked to say anything specific. I really do just love this idea a lot :)

Twice Upon a Time

Reading with the kids is something that is so important to me. For that, we need to have books around. We have lots of books because we're fortunate: we're able to buy them, but we also get a lot given to us. Not all families are as fortunate and I was happy to learn about a non-profit group in Ottawa that gives away books to kids. Twice Upon a Time have given away more than 1000 books since they opened in May. They have a pop-up book store, staffed with volunteers, to give out new and gently-used books for kids up to age 12 in Ottawa.  They are located in Vanier inside Heartwood House at 404 McArthur Avenue.

This weekend they are having a fundraiser, a concert of holiday music with Voices in Harmony. Full details below.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 4pm Trinity Anglican Church, 1230 Bank St Doors open at 3pm – join us for coffee and a holiday bake and craft sale

Tickets: $15 – children under 12 free Available at at the door and in advance from: Kaleidoscope Kids Books, 1018 Bank St Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank St Trinity Anglican Church, 1230 Bank St

Sounds fun! And if your kids have outgrown any of their books, please consider donating them to Twice Upon a Time and share the love of reading with less fortunate children in Ottawa.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I think this is a great program and am glad we have it available for the kids of Ottawa.

Great Holiday Book Ideas from the OPL

By Jennifer Evans,  Children’s Librarian at the Hazeldean Branch of the Ottawa Public Library

A Big Guy Took My Ball! By Mo Willems (2013).

Gerald and Piggie are back for more adventures in this silly but relatable story. Piggie finds (and quickly loses) a most excellent bouncy ball – can Gerald get it back? Fans of the Elephant and Piggie series will delight in their 19th outing. This is a great series for early readers, as it features lots of word repetition amidst wacky story lines.

Clementine and the Spring Trip by Sara Pennypacker, with illustrations by Marla Frazee (2013).

I recommend Pennypacker’s Clementine series every chance I get, so I think it would be wonderful if it made its way onto some shopping lists this holiday season! Clementine is this generation’s Ramona Quimby. She is smart, silly, creative beyond words, and always seems to find herself in outrageous situations. For new readers to the series, start with Clementine. The newest addition to the series is Clementine and the Spring Trip, in which Clementine unravels the secret rules of Grade 4 and tries to find a way to survive The Cloud on Bus 7.

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman (2013).

Gaiman won the prestigious Newbery Medal for another children’s book (The Graveyard Book), so you can’t go wrong picking up this story, which is geared towards younger readers. While going out to buy some milk for his children’s cereal, a father is abducted by aliens (I know what you’re thinking: typical Monday). As a result, the father is taken on a wild journey through the space-time continuum, meeting up with pirates, space aliens, dinosaurs, and volcano gods. This makes a great read-aloud for children ages 7 and up. Check out the author reading an excerpt here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMEC87U1gT0

Frog and Toad Storybook Treasury by Arnold Lobel (2013).

If you often find yourself doing some last-minute holiday shopping, you’ll want to keep this title in mind (it won’t be released until December 23rd). However, Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad are worth the wait. This treasury brings together many of our favourite Frog and Toad tales, including Frog and Toad Are Friends and Frog and Toad All Year. This would be a lovely addition to anyone’s personal library, young or old.

LEGO Play Book: Ideas to Bring Your Bricks to Life by Daniel Lipkowitz (2013).

For the builders in your family, you will want to get a copy of this colourful guide to everything “LEGO”. The recently published LEGO Play Book suggests ways to improve building techniques, provides fun timed challenges, and features ideas from some of LEGO’s biggest fans. With easy, medium, and more difficult challenges, this book will appeal to builders of all skill levels.

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson (2013).

If you loved Herve Tullet’s Press Here, you’ll want to add this book to your holiday shopping list. In Tap the Magic Tree, readers are asked to help a tree move through the four seasons by tapping, rubbing, and wiggling the pages. Children will love the chance to participate in helping the story unfold – simply put, it’s pure magic.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants Now in Full Color by Dav Pilkey (2013).

Everything old is new again with Captain Underpants, as the formerly black-and-white series gets a blast of colour. If you’re unfamiliar with the series, it tells the story of two fourth-grade boys who hypnotize their school principal to run around town as the hero of the comic books they’ve written (enter Captain Underpants). Silly? Oh yes. But its popularity can’t be denied. The action, humour, and blend of text and pictures all come together to create something truly special.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, with illustrations by Oliver Jeffers (2013).

Like many young children, Duncan loves to colour and draw. However, his crayons have a few complaints about how they’re being used, and leave him a stack of letters outlining their protests. This is a delightful and funny picture book, with expressive illustrations provided by the always enjoyable Oliver Jeffers. This story is sure to appeal to a wide age-range.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, with illustrations by Barbara Reid (2013).

While there are dozens of versions of this quintessential children’s Christmas story, this is my new favourite. Barbara Reid has lent her creativity to the story, providing beautiful and intricate Plasticine illustrations alongside the classic text. Read this story with family and friends, and don’t forget to spend ample time poring over the pictures – Barbara Reid likes to hide lots of little details to reward the attentive reader. Watch the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rl4HEuxV8A

Who Goes There? By Karma Wilson, with illustrations by Anna Currey (2013).

Snuggle up with your little ones to read this cozy book by Karma Wilson. Lewis Mouse has moved into a lovely new nest just in time for winter, but something seems to be missing. Before he can figure out exactly what his new home is lacking, he starts to hear mysterious noises outside his nest. Will Lewis be able to figure out what’s making all this noise? A lovely surprise will help him to make his house a home. The story is comforting and feels familiar, which makes it a perfect story to share on a cold winter night.

"Go - Bon Voyage" to the Ottawa Public Library this summer (part 2)

By  Xiao Feng Xing - Youth Collections Librarian at the Ottawa Public Library  Here's part 2 of this year’s Summer Reading Club. The “Go – Bon Voyage” travel theme encourages children to go on their reading journey to places near and far and explore anywhere or anything.

Cocca-Leffler, Maryann: A Vacation for Pooch, Henry Holt, 2013

Violet felt very sad. She can’t bring her dog with her on her vacation to Florida. Her dog has to stay behind on vacation at her grandfather’s farm. Before she leaves on her vacation, she packed two bags: one for her dog and the other for herself. But Violet accidentally takes her dog’s bag. Will Violet and her dog both be okay for their vacations? This book describes the emotions that come with separation from a loved one.  You could pair this with a book from the Toot & Puddle series by Holly Hobbie.

Smith, Mike: The Hundred Decker Bus, Macmillan, 2013

You might have taken a ride on a double-decker bus in Ottawa. Can you imagine what would happen when you take a ride on a hundred-decker bus? The giant fold-out bus at the end of this book will give you a big surprise too!

Koolen Maayken: The Kidnapping of Mona Lisa,  Clavis, 2012

Fans of Where’s Waldo will enjoy this super searchable book that has a great mystery detective plot. Five thieves have stolen Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting the Mona Lisa. Join officer Rat and officer Wolf who chase the thieves through the most beautiful cities in the Europe: Paris, Berlin, Rome, London, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. You’ll see lots of famous buildings and landmarks as you solve the mystery in this wordless giant book.

Gravett, Emily: Meerkat Mail, Macmillan, 2006 

Sunny is a meerkat, a squirrel-size member of the mongoose family, who lives in the desert in Africa. Of course it’s very dry and very hot in the desert. Sunny’s family motto is “Stay safe, stay together." However, Sunny wishes he could live somewhere else. So he packs his suitcase and goes on a trip to visit his mongoose relatives - from Monday to Saturday - to search for the perfect home. He sends postcard to his parents every day during his trip. The text and illustrations on the postcards are full of humour and delight.  In the end, Sunny realizes that his own family is the best, and that there’s no place like home.Children will love how most of the story is told through flip-the-flap postcards featuring stamps and postmarks.

Falconer, Ian: Olivia goes to Venice, Atheneum Books, 2010

In this book, Ian Falconer tells the story of a little pig, Olivia, and her family, and their travels to Venice. They enjoy gelato (ice-cream), taking a gondola ride, and looking for the perfect souvenir to remember Venice. Olivia takes a stone from the Bell Tower as her perfect souvenir, causing the monument to tumble down!

Familiar drawings of Olivia and family as well as photos of the real Venice are digitally combined to create a fresh illustration experience. Pair this one with Froggy goes to Hawaii to see how your favourite characters spend their vacations.

Come into one of the Ottawa Public Library’s 33 branches and bookmobiles to sign up for the TD Summer Reading Club all summer long. Pick up your “passport” and activity book as well as delightful stickers. You can also enter your sticker codes at www.tdsummerreadingclub.ca  to reveal rewards.

“Go – Bon Voyage” to the Ottawa Public Library this summer (part 1)

By  Xiao Feng Xing - Youth Collections Librarian at the Ottawa Public Library  This year’s Summer Reading Club “Go – Bon Voyage” travel theme encourages children to go on their reading journey to places near and far and explore anywhere or anything.

Library branches across the city will offer exciting programs featuring travel theme too. Here are a few suggested books we hope you and your child will enjoy reading together.

Luciani, Brigitte: How Will We Get to the Beach? North-South Books, 2000

Roxanne wants to take five things (a book, a ball, a turtle, a beach umbrella and a baby) to the beach. Her car is broken; she has to use a different transportation method. But the problem is that each alternate form of transportation can only carry four items with it. Children will enjoy this interactive guessing-game.

You could pair this book with The Big Trip by Valeri Gorbachev

Zion, Gene: Harry by the Sea, Harper & Row, 1965

This is my favourite book in the Harry the Dirty Dog series. In this book, Harry the white dog with black spots went to the beach and got separated from his family. Suddenly he was completely covered with seaweed by a big wave. He didn’t look like a dog anymore. People thought he was a sea serpent, a giant sandworm, or a sea slug. People tried to catch it and take it to the aquarium.

Will little Harry find his family? Your child will be captivated by this little dog and his hilarious adventures, and will ask you to read this timeless story again and again.

Kasza, Keiko: Ready for Anything, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2009

Keiko Kasza is the author and illustrator of multiple award-winning books for children. Her book My Lucky Day has won numerous U.S. awards. All of her books feature simple and interesting story plots and humorous characters. The dialogue is lively and fun to read aloud.

In Ready for Anything! Duck and Raccoon plan a picnic together. Raccoon worries about everything, and always thinks of the worst possible scenarios. Duck on the other hand, is very positive and always thinking of fun thing for each challenge. It’s an entertaining story of friendship, sharing feelings, and overcoming fears. You could pair this with a book from Scaredy Squirrel series by Melanie Watt.

Dusen Chris Van: A Camping Spree with Mr.Magee, Chronicle Books, 2003 

Mr. Magee and his dog are off on a camping trip. But when a bear accidentally unties Mr. Magee’s camper from his car, the camper gets stuck on a rock above a fifty-foot waterfall. Will Mr. Magee and his dog be rescued?

This book has it all: charming illustrations, smooth-flowing rhymes, and an action-packed adventure plot. You’ll find it a great read for you and your family while at your camp site. You can download the e-book or watch animated and narrated e-books directly from the TumbleBooks library at Ottawa Public Library website. You could Pair this book with Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee by the same author.

That's part 1 of our summer Reading Club Book selections. You can find more TD summer reading lists on our library website.

Come on in to one of the Ottawa Public Library’s 33 branches and bookmobiles to sign up for the TD Summer Reading Club. You can pick up your “passport” and activity book as well as delightful stickers. You can also enter your sticker codes at www.tdsummerreadingclub.ca  to reveal rewards.