School Library Journal Review
Two veterans of library storytime provide clear, easy-to-follow directions for 42 "road-tested programs." Music is central to this collection, with the seven sections arranged by "Bells," "Rhythm Sticks," "Sand Blocks," and other easy-to-play instruments. The five to seven programs under each heading are based on everyday themes, such as cleaning up, rain, or woodland animals. They feature summaries of recent, well-known books, most for three- to seven-year-olds; curriculum connections; an original song that can be sung to a traditional tune; and Ellison die-cut templates for storyboards and easy make-and-take projects. A CD-ROM of the original songs is included. Similar titles include Beth Maddigan's The Big Book of Stories, Songs, and Sing-Alongs (Libraries Unlimited, 2003) and Kathryn Totten's Let's Read! Storytime Crafts (Upstart, 2006).-Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
This book takes the traditional storytime for early childhood and adds singing and simple instruments such as bells and rhythm sticks. Forty-two lesson plans centered around specific books are given in detail, with song suggestions and lists of additional appropriate books. Simple crafts complete each program. The inclusion of a CD-ROM with Ellison die cuts and original lyrics matched to commonly known songs such as Three Blind Mice adds\b to the lessons. A resource list of recommended CDs is provided at the end of the book. Also present are various helpful indexes; the subject index is especially useful. The programs in this book seem very scripted and might involve memorizing songs and other lyrics. Having two people present these storytimes would be ideal; for one person, coordinating everything could be daunting. Adding this resource to the storytime collection can enhance library programs. --Sharon E. Cohen Copyright 2007 Booklist