May 31

Read it:
Bee Storytime
Please, Please the Bees - Read by Rashida Jones.

Make it:
Magic Cube
Fold this magical spiral cube.

Try it:
Exercise Challenge
Try the “4 Spot Exercise Challenge.

May 30

Read it:
Dork Diaries
Interview with Dork Diaries creators.

Make it: it:
Paper Peacock Fan
Paper Peacock Fan - Perfect for summer!

Try it:
Riddle
Try to solve this dragon-jousting riddle before the solution is given (you’ll need to pause the video).

May 29

Read it:
Hedgie Blasts Off
Author and illistration Jan Brett reads her book Hedgie Blasts Off! 

Make it:
Elephant Toy
Fun paper elephant blower toys!

Try it:
Ice Cream
Make your own ice cream…with science!

May 28

Read it:
Jeff Kinney
Learn more about how Jeff Kinney came to write "Diary of a Wimpy Kid".

Make it:
Pinwheel
Make a paper pinwheel that will really spin!

Try it:
Cups
Cups Tutorial-test your rhythm and memorization skills! 

May 27

Read it:
Sweeping Up the Heart
Two-time Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes introduces his middle-grade novel SWEEPING UP THE HEART.

Make it:
Paint a Rock
Bee painted rocks.

Try it:
Experiment
Try this quick experiment on surface tension using only pepper, soap, and water!

May 26

Read it:
Clark the Shark
Chris Pine reads Clark the Shark.

Make it:
Lions, and lions, and tigers
Lions, and lions, and tigers—oh my! Make these paper lions and tigers.

Try it:
Can't Stop the Feeling
Try this fun dance: Can’t Stop the Feeling

May 24

Read it:
Drawn Together
Author Minh Le shares the very special book he wrote with illustrator Dan Santat, Drawn Together.

Make it:
Patriotic Crafts
Make these large, patriotic craft decorations using only red, white, and blue construction paper!

Try it:
Grow Your Own Plants
Grow Your Own Plants! Experiment!

May 23

Read it:
"How I Became a Pirate"
Melinda Long reads her picture book "How I Became a Pirate".

Make it:
Straw Spinner
Make this straw spinner with just a few supplies.

Try it:
Make a Song or Poem
Make up your own song or poem to do a singing telegram for your family.

May 22

Read it:
Storytime with the Obamas
Former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama read “The Word Collector” by Peter Reynolds.

Make it:
Paper Weaving

Make the paper weaving art project. Experiment with different patterns and colors!

Try it:
Dinosaur Lego Challenge
Build a Lego dinosaur, then post a picture on our FB page for our Friday Lego Challenge!

May 21

Read it:
Smile
Raina Telgemeier talks about the inspiration behind Sisters, the companion to her Eisner Award-winning Smile. 

Make it:
Draw a Tulip
Make this drawing of a tulip in a pot.

Try it:
Egg Trick
Try this simple trick to balance an egg on its end! 

May 20

Read it:
The Terrible Two
Author Mac Barnett Talks about writing his book, The Terrible Two.

Make it:
Paint!
Paint a bird and cherry blossoms. If you don’t have any acrylic paint, use whatever paint you have!

Try it:
Help Reduce Global Warming
Try some of the things you see at the end of the video to see how you can help reduce global warming.

May 19

Read it:
Where are my books?
Children’s author Debbie Ridpath Ohi reads her picture book Where are my books? and follows it with a drawing lesson.

Make it:
Guitar
Make your own guitar.

Try it:
Zoetrope
Create your own cartoon (Create a zoetrope).

May 18

Read it:
Everything is Mama
Jimmy Fallon reads his picture book Everything Is Mama.

Make it:
Origami Ring

Make an origami ring from a dollar bill!

Try it:
Balance an Egg
Try this simple trick to balance an egg on its end!

May 17

Read it:
Nancy Drew Diaries Curse of the Arctic Star
Girls Who Code reviews Carolyn Keene’s Nancy Drew Diaries Curse of the Arctic Star .

Make it:
Homework Snacks
It’s a great time to learn to make these “homework snacks” since all your school work is home work right now!

Try it:
Spot the Differences
Can you spot the differences before the time runs out?

May 16

Read it:
Dog Man Unleashed
Dav Pilkey reads aloud from Dog Man Unleashed.

Make it:
3-D Paper HouseMake this 3-D paper house, and decorate it in your own style!

Try it:
Square Breathing Technique
Take a few moments to find your calm! Practice this square breathing technique.

May 15

Read it:
Ivy & Bean
Illustrator Sophie Black Blackall reads chapter 1 from Ivy & Bean.

Make it:
Trick Art
More trick art to try! 

Try it:
Food Emoji Quiz
Try this, guess the food emoji quiz.

May 14

Read it:
Everybody Says Meow
Constance Lombardi reads her book, Everybody Says Meow.

Make it:
Paper Caterpillar
How to make a moving paper caterpillar.

Try it:
Mindfulness
Mindful Ozzy introduces Mindfulness for kids.

May 13

Read it:
The One and Only Bob
Author Katherine Applegate reads from her latest book The One and Only Bob.

Make it:
Paper Helicopters
STEM craft: make and fly these paper helicopters.

Try it:
Magic Tricks
Try saying these more at your house and make the world more awesome!

May 12

Read it:
The Brilliant Deep
Kate Messner’s reads her book The Brilliant Deep.

Make it:
Family Flags
Collaborate with the people in your family to create these fun family flags!

Try it:
Magic Tricks
Learn these 6 magic tricks, then put on an amazing show for your family!

May 11

Read it:
The Sword of Summer
Rick Riordan reads page one of The Sword of Summer.

Make it:
Draw Jack JackLearn how to draw Jack Jack from the Incredibles 2!

Try it:
Obstacle Course
Recreate this obstacle course or use some of these ideas to make your own! Then have fun completing it in record time!

May 10

Read it:
Mother's Day Story
Learn why we celebrate Mother’s Day with this animated story.

Make it:
No-sew Pillow
Make a no-sew pillow with an old t-shirt!

Try it:
Mother's Day Performance
Try this song and dance, and you perform it for Mom today!

May 9

Read it:
Waiting
Author/Illustrator Kevin Henkes reads his book Waiting.

Make it:
Thumbprint Art
Make thumbprint alphabet art!

Try it:
Mother's Day Breakfast
Mother’s Day breakfasts kids can make for Mom tomorrow!

May 8

Read it:
You Are My Happy
Author and television personality Hoda Kotb reads an animated version of her book You Are My Happy.

Make it:
Paper Flower Bouquet
Make these beautiful paper flowers in different colors to create your own bouquet!

Try it:
Build a Play Fort
Build a fort in your house where you can read, play and hang out!

May 7

Read it:
On My Shelf: Rules
Recommended reading from On My Shelf: Rules by Cynthia Lord and Just My Luck by Cammie McGovern.

Make it:
Mini Notebook
Make this mini-notebook with only one sheet of paper and scissors. Then use it as a journal or to draw pictures!

Try it:
Frozen Experiments
Try these Frozen experiments in your kitchen!

May 6

Read it:
Mouse Paint Story
Check out this felt board story based on the book Mouse Paint by Ellen Walsh.

Make it:
Art Project
This beautiful art project is perfect for the special Mom in your life!

Try it:
Static Electricity Experiment
Static electricity…how does that work? 

May 5

Read it:
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Author Anna Dewdney reads her book, Llama Llama Red Pajama.

Make it:
Mother's Day Card
Make this special Mother’s Day card to show your Mom how special she is!

Try it:
Spin a Basketball
Learn to spin a basketball on your finger!

May 4 - May the Fourth be With You

Read it:
Star Wars Read Along
Star Wars: Escape from Darth Vader by Michael Siclain.

Make it:
Baby Yoda
Make this adorable baby Yoda corner bookmark in honor of Star Wars day!

Try it:
Is The Force With You?
Try this experiment and find you if The Force is with you!

May 3

Read it:
"Yo! Yes?" by Chris Raschka
Books can be music, too! Check out the video of Chris Raschka’s book, performed by the Reader's Theatre Project of the L.A. Children’s Museum.

Make it:
Draw Health Heroes
Draw health heroes - Doctors and Nurses, and make a card to thank them!

Try it:
Yoga for Kids
Yoga for Kids (so fun)!

May 2

Read it:
Little Elliot, Big City
Author Mike Curato reads his book Little Elliot, Big City.

Make it:
Draw Starfire
Draw Starfire from Teen Titans Go.

Try it:
Zumba for Kids
Zumba Kids - inspiration to get your little ones moving.

May 1

Read it:
Bood Fiesta! A bilingual story by Pat Mora
Yesterday was Children’s Day, Book Day. El Día de los niños, El dia de los libros, but it’s not too late to celebrate!!

Make it:
Crayon Rubbings
Make these homemade crayon rubbing cards and you can use them in lots of art projects!

Try it:
Plastic Cup Stacking Challenge
How high can you stack? Simple building for kids using plastic cups.

April 30

Read it:
Dr. Seuss Birthday
Happy Birthday to You by Dr. Seuss!

Make it:
Birthday Card
Make a pop-up birthday card!

Try it:
Birthday Cake
Bake a chocolate birthday cake!

April 29

Read it:
Veggies vs. Zombies
Zombies Don't Eat Veggies! read by actor Jaime Camil.

Make it:
Sock Puppets
Got a sock without its match? Make this fast, easy sock puppet!
 

Try it:
Blindfold Drawing Challenge
Blindfold Drawing Challenge featuring Jerry Craft, creator of New Kid; can YOU do a better job? 

April 28

Read it:
How to Put an Octopus to Bed
Author Sherry Duskey Rinker reads her book How to Put an Octopus to Bed.

Make it:
Paper Bag Star
This colorful paper bag star is a great way to brighten up your room! No paints? Use crayons or markers to decorate!

Try it:
Cartwheel
Learn how to do a cartwheel.

April 27

Read it:
Soup Day
Read Aloud and Cooking Demo with Melissa Iwai: SOUP DAY.

Make it:
3D Drawing
Learn to make a 3D Floating A.

Try it:
Oobleck
Let’s make oobleck!

April 26

Read it:
Oprah Storytime
Oprah reads Hula-Hoopin’ Queen.

Make it:
DIY Play Dough
Try making your own play dough. It’s easy and fun!

Try it:
Marble Maze
Design your own marble maze.

April 25

Read it:
I Need my Monster
Actress Rita Moreno reads I Need my Monster, written by Amanda Noll and Illustrated by Howard McWilliam.

Make it:
Make a Spinning Top
Use an old CD to make a spinning top. You’ll also need a marble, a bottle cap, a permanent marker and hot glue. After you’ve made it see how long you can make it spin with one turn! 

Try it:
Salsa Dancing
Learn how to salsa dance! 

April 24

Read it:
The Crossover Read Aloud
Author Kwame Alexander reads an excerpt from his award-winning book, The Crossover. Find out why Alexander used the word “pulchritudinous” and how its repeated use sounds in this passage (funny!).

Make it:
Mouse Bookmarks
Make these cute bookmarks to keep the place in the book you’re reading.

Try it:
Lego Build Challenge
Try this really cool Lego build challenge game. 30 seconds too fast? Do one-minute builds instead!

April 23

Read it:
Remarkables
Author Margaret Peterson Haddix talks about her book, Remarkables.

Make it:
Make a Piñata
Having a birthday while in you’re stuck at home? Celebrate any occasion with this homemade piñata!

Try it:
Fruit Smoothie
Try this recipe for a delicious fruit smoothie. Use it as a base to add the ingredients you like for different flavors!

April 22

Read it:
How to Help the Earth
How to Help the Earth by the Lorax with Tish Rabe. What do you do to help the earth?

Make it:
Make a Bird Feeder
Use recycled materials to make a bird feeder- perfect for Earth Day and for Spring!

Try it:
Color Spinners
Try these color spinners and watch color theory in action!

April 21

Read it:
Earth Day
Listen along with author Todd Parr as he reads his book, The Earth Book, just in time for Earth Day!

Make it:
Pinwheel
Make Your Own Pinwheel, and discover renewable wind energy!

Try it:
Bim Bum
Bim Bum is a fast and fun clapping game song that's sung on the words "Bim Bum Biddy Biddy Bum". It's an easy song to sing but a tough song to master! Have fun (so much fun to try even for grownups)!

April 20

Read it:
Tracking Pythons
Author Kate Messner introduces her new non-fiction book, Tracking Pythons.

Make it:
Windsock
How to Make Rainbow Windsock Paper Roll Craft for Kids.

Try it:
Juggling
Wouldn’t it be cool to know how to juggle? Start with these simple steps and impress your friends in no time!

April 19

Read it:
I Survived Read Aloud
Author Lauren Tarshis reads I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912, chapters 1 & 2.

Make it:
Shadow Puppet Theater
Make a shadow puppet theater for the puppet you made yesterday! Missed yesterday’s activity? Check out our website to see what you missed!

Try it:
Meditation
Hey kids! Meditation can make you feel calm and relaxed—give this a try and notice how you feel before and after.

April 18

Read it:
Wimpy Kid Review
Check out this review of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Girls Who Code.

Make it:
Shadow Puppets
Learn to make a scary dragon shadow puppet.

Try it:
Time Capsule
Build your own time capsule and connect to the future!

April 17

Read it:
Ten Magic Butterflies by Danica McKellar
Count along with the author!

Make it:
Sock Puppets
This experiment shows you how to make your own fizzy colors. Can you find out why it works?

Try it:
Fizzy Colors
This experiment shows you how to make your own fizzy colors. Can you find out why it works?

April 16

Read it:
Neil Gaiman Read Along
Neil Gaiman reads his short story for children Instructions, accompanied by the illustrations of Charles Vess.

Make it:
Soda Bottle Planters
Upcycle old soda bottles to make these cute, easy animal planters.

Try it:
Do the Hokey Pokey
Ready to do the hokey pokey? Try it with the whole family!!

April 15

Read it:
Coping with Scary News
Author/Illustrator Sarah Lynne Reul reads her book The Breaking News, a very timely story about a family and community trying to cope with scary news.  

Make it:
Milk Carton Lady Bug
Make this cute lady bug from a milk carton. What other bugs can you make?

Try it:
Chalk Mosaic
You can design a beautiful mosaic on your sidewalk or driveway with only tape and chalk. 

April 14

Read it:
Wings of Fire Author Tui T. Sutherland Recommends her Favorite Books
We have her series and many of those she recommends available as ebooks now!

Make it:
Hand Puppets
Make a hand puppet from just one sheet of paper. Make a bunch and have a puppet show!

Try it:
Science Experiment
Try this trick to balance silverware. You’ll need an adult’s help with this one.

April 13

Read it:
Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes
Vanessa Marano & Katie Leclerc read this book in American Sign Language as well as in English.

Make it:
3-D Caterpillar
Make a 3D paper caterpillar using an easy template, or if you don’t have a printer at home, draw your own caterpillar face!

Try it:
Robotic Hand
Try to pick up items with this robotic hand. Be sure to get help from an adult to use a hot glue gun.

April 12

Read it:
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill
A children’s story about things that matter.

Make it:
No-sew Sock Bunny
Make this no-sew sock bunny just in time to decorate or in celebration of warmer weather!

Try it:
Marbles
Learn to play indoor marbles.

April 11

Read it:
Truck Story Time
Children's Author Jon Scieszka Reads from Truckery Rhymes.

Make it:
Handprint Butterflies
Make a few of these handprint butterflies and decorate your room for Spring.

Try it:
Coin Drop Trick
Amaze your family with this coin drop trick! Do you know why it works?

April 10

Read it:
Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson
Listen to this interactive book about Spring and new beginnings.

Make it:
Drawing Fun
Draw this rainbow to chase away the grey skies.

Try it:
Candy DIY
Make your own rock candy—yum!
 

April 9

Read it:
Space Song Rocket Ride
Read/Sing along: Space Song Rocket Ride by Sunny Scribens, Illustrated by David Sim and sung by Mark Collins. Soar along on an exciting journey through space!

Make it:
Washcloth Bunnies
These washcloth bunnies are here just in time for spring! Have you seen any bunnies in your backyard?

Try it:
Fruit Sushi
Make yummy, healthy fruit sushi using your favorite ingredients!
 

April 8

Read it:
Poetry Reading
Discover the art of poetry this month! Listen to Shel Silverstein read his own silly work, Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out.

Make it:
Tissue Paper Flowers
Make beautiful tissue paper flowers using just a few simple materials!

Try it:
Hip Hop Dance
Learn some fun hip hop moves!
 

April 7

Read it:
Bear Hunt Read Aloud
Michael Rosen performs We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. This one is lots of fun!

Make it:
Unicorn Crown
Make a unicorn crown with a few simple materials. What other types of crowns can you make using the same technique?

Try it:
Experiment!
Roll this can away from you and watch it come back!
 

April 6

Read it:
Crayons Read Aloud
The Day the Crayons Quit, written and read aloud by Drew DeWalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Make it:
Flower Stone
Make a beautiful flower stone for your spring garden, or try your own design!

Try it:
Water Experiment
Walking water? Give it a try and see what happens!
 

April 4

Read it:
Owen by Kevin Henkes
The author reads the book, but first he draws the character! Listen along!

Make it:

Paperclip Bracelet
With paperclips and decorative tape, you can make this fun paperclip bracelet. What else can you make with paperclip chains?

Try it:

Draw Greg
Draw along with Jeff Kinney as he draws Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid!
 

April 3

Read it:
Read Aloud
Read along with this version of the classic story, The Little Red Hen.

Make it:
Paper Towel Roll Craft
Make a special painting tool with a paper towel roll, and then paint a beautiful spring picture!

Try it:
Optical Illusion
Draw your own optical illusion!
 

April 2

Read it:
Jabari Jumps
Listen to Jabari's story of bravery in Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall.

Make it:
DIY Pan Flute
Make your own music with this pan flutes craft!

Try it:
Roller Coast DIY
Design and create your own paper roller coasters!
 

April 1

Read it:
The Last Kids on Earth Written by Max Brailler and Illustrated by Douglas Holgate
Check out a review of this fun book…do you like zombies? This may be the book for you!

Make it:
Pinata Craft
You’ll only need patience and a few supplies to make your very own pinata.

Try it:
Secret Message
Write your own secret message using just crayons and paint!
 

March 31

Read it:
Arnie The Doughnut Written and Illustrated by Laurie Keller
Arnie can’t wait to be chosen and taken home from the bakery...until he finds out his fate isn’t so “sweet”! Suggested extended activities: Discuss what kind of donut you would be, and why. Get out a paper plate or construction paper, and make your own paper donut to decorate.

Make it:
Shark Puppet
Fold a shark puppet and take a bite out of this Monday!

Try it:
Rainbow Craft
A rainbow for a rainy day…recreate a rainbow with 6 items.
 

March 30

Read it:
Storytime
The Bad Seed by Jory John.

Make it:
Yarn Crafts
With just two items you can make these colorful yarn crafts!

Try it:
Planting Machine
Build a planting machine…try this one, or design your own!
 

March 28

Read it:
Graphic Novels
Great suggestions for graphic novels!

Make it:
Sensory Bottles
What fun things will you add to your sensory bottles? Glitter? Tiny toys?

Try it:
Rain Gauge
Make a Rain Gauge - Measure how much rain we get during April's showers!
 

March 27

Read it!
Oliver Jeffers Read Aloud
Stuck! read by the author, Oliver Jeffers.

Make It!
Math Art
Make your own tessellations math art!

Try It!
Paper Helicopters
Make and fly your own paper helicopters!
 

March 26

Read It:
Ghost Read Aloud
The author, Jason Reynolds, reads from his book Ghost. We know you’re going to want to read this book right away…we do have e-copies, so check them out!

Make It:
Bobble Head Unicorn
Do you like unicorns? We do, too! Try making a bunch of these—glitter makes them extra fun!

Try It:
Puzzle Game
Try this fun puzzle game…can you figure out all the words in just 7 seconds?
 

March 25

Read It:
The Year of the Dog Read Along
Grace Lin reads a chapter of her book The Year of the Dog. Check out the ebook  from WPL and find out what happens!

Make It:
Making Hearts with Cynthia
Show us your heart Worcester! Learn to make these fun paper hearts to hang in your window and show that we’re all connected!

Try It:
Make Paper Rockets
These paper rockets are fun and easy to make. See what happens when you vary the design (3 fins? Longer body?)Make different designs and see which goes further!
 

March 24

Read it:
Book Recommendation
Children's Librarian Rezarta recommends a historical fiction book.

Make it:
Circle Heart
Make this cool circle heart, then put it up in your window. Take a picture and share it on our Facebook page or Twitter #heartWorcester

Try It:
Lava Lamp DIY
Make your own lava lamp. Don’t have Alka Seltzer? Try table salt instead!
 

March 23

Read it:
The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake, read by Wanda Sykes
A fun “whodunnit” for family story time. Has food ever mysteriously gone missing from YOUR house?

Make it:
Bookmark Fun
This fun bookmark is perfect to save your place in the book you’re reading.

Try It:
Make an Egg Bounce
Try this experiment and see whether you can make an egg bounce!