Here's a Valentine's Day story playlist for your little ones!
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February 08, 2018
Valentine's Day story playlist for kids
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December 13, 2017
Christmas & Winter Storytime Playlist
It's story time!
As always...teachers/parents/kiddos-if you have a request for a subject, let me know!
Here is a playlist of storytime videos:
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November 22, 2017
Thanksgiving storytime playlist for kids
If you have little people around your house, here's a playlist of Thanksgiving stories for them!
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March 11, 2017
Dream Animals by Emily Martin
What a sweet book.
I'm a big fan of Emily Martin's illustrations. My girls have several of her prints in their rooms. They're whimsical without being too saccharine, and I adore her soft palette and attention to details.
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March 02, 2017
Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!
It would have been Theodor Geisel's 113th birthday today.
Thanks for all the wildly imaginative stories.
Here was one of my favorites from when I was a little girl. "What Was I Scared Of?" (I always called it "Pale Green Pants".)
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February 08, 2017
Valentine's Day Stories for Kids Playlist
Here's a playlist of Valentine's Day stories for kids:
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November 03, 2016
The Owl and the Pussycat song on harp
In the children's book illustration class I'm taking, there are 3 texts for us to illustrate. One of them is Edward Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat.
I've always loved Lear's poem, but didn't relate to the song versions of it. I imagined it as a dreamy and romantic waltz...I wanted the music to make you feel like you were floating in that little pea green boat with your love.
So I wrote a song version, and also created a video to share some of the illustrations from the other artists in the group. Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to share their work for me to use in the video.
music written & performed by Laura Irrgang laurairrgang.com
art by the following:
Leah Quinn- www.leahquinndesigns.com
Cata Bass- www.catalinavillegasa.com
Aafke Mertens www.curlysketches.nl
Kelly Kratzing www.kellykratzing.com
Jodi Bogart- www.facebook.com/jodi.anthony.1
Wendy Bauer Piersall- www.wendypiersall.com
Lynn Gaines- www.lynngainesdesign.com
Liz DeJure Wood- www.artdejure.com
Lisa Groome Firke www.facebook.com/LisaFirkeMakes
Brooke Wenstrup Albrecht- www.brookealbrechtstudio.com
Jennifer Geldard- www.jennifergeldard.com
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October 27, 2016
Halloween Storytime Playlist
Here's a link to my Halloween Storytime Playlist over on YouTube.
I hope your little ghosts and goblins like the stories!
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September 27, 2016
Minette and O'Malley video
I am already loving the "Illustrating Children's Books" course from art agent Lilla Rogers and children's book editor Zoe Tucker, and it hasn't even officially started yet! It sold out, so I'm glad I signed up early.
One of our first warm-up assignments asked us to work with character, illustrate the setting outside our bedroom window, and play with the idea of scale. I combined all of these into a short text I wrote called "Minette and O'Malley", and also recorded voice-overs and music to go along with it.
CAST:
Minette- Violet Irrgang
Narrator- Laura Irrgang
O'Malley the Snail- Adam Irrgang
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November 20, 2015
Thanksgiving Storytime Videos
It's almost Turkey Time, guys! If you're in the mood for a story or need to keep the little ones busy while you clean or cook, check out my Thanksgiving storytime videos. I've also included links to my review of each book if you're into that sort of thing.
"Run Turkey, Run!"
by Diane Mayr
Illustrated by Laura Rader
(For my book review and more story info, click here.)
"Turkey Trouble"
by Wendy Silvano
Illustrated by Lee Harper
(For my book review and more story info, click here.)
"The Very First Thanksgiving Day"
by Rhonda Gowler Green
Illustrated by Susan Gaber
(For my book review and more story info, click here.)
"Thanksgiving Is Here"
by Diane Goode
(For my book review and more story info, click here.)
"Thanks for Thanksgiving"
by David Milgrim
(For my book review and more story info, click here.)
"Thanks for Thanksgiving"
by Julie Markes
illustrated by Doris Barrette
(For my book review and more story info, click here.)
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November 16, 2015
June 01, 2015
Make it in May Projects, Part 2
Make it in May, Day #1-I wrote a quick song on xylophone to get started.
I'm a big fan of Mister Rogers, and I wrote a song that sounded like something cheerful you might hear in Trolley Land.
Day 3- Honeysuckle smells GREAT! I wear this in the spring and summer. Well, I switch perfumes a lot, but this stays in the rotation.
Day 6-Over forty ladies, many of you are on my list! Share them pearls of wisdom, yee haw!
Day #7-We made soap "scrimshaw" carvings with my daughter's group in kindergarten. We carved the soap with toothpicks, then ground up burned wood to make charcoal dust, then smushed it in the carved areas. Mine above, Violet's below-I love Mama Daughter projects!
Day 8-It may be too small by the time fall rolls around, but I'm glad to be close to done. And that yarn makes me look forward to autumn.
Day 10-I added some summery, bright butterflies and feathers in a globe to the studio. You can't tell, but there's a petrified egg resting in the feathers. I found it in the woods.
Day 11-I made another storytime video to add to my YouTube series. This is Piper's favorite story lately.
Day 12-We made photos at Violet's school's Spring Fling.
They had an open house and set up photo booths outside every class. Great job, LOISD teachers!
Make it in May, Day 16...I finished the poster for my daughter's kindergarten class. It's not perfect because I'm far from a Photoshop expert, but I did the best I could.
I think it's fun, and I hope they like it. I got a big refrigerator box, and had everyone pose inside it.
Then I cropped all the photos in Photoshop and stacked them together, Brady Bunch-style.
Day 17-Violet and I made cards and small treat bags for her kindergarten's end-of-the-year picnic.
Day 18-I wrote a song to sing and play on harp to accompany Edward Lear's poem "The Owl and the Pussycat". (I'll record it one of these days and share it.) I visited my daughter's kindergarten, and their lovely teacher turned the pages of Jan Brett's book while I played. I came at snack time, so I made blueberry muffins and brought clementines. It was fun to sing some songs, and teach the kids a few that they could sing along with. They're such a happy group!
Day 19-We made supply boxes for some of the victims of the tornado in Van, Texas. It felt disrespectful to take photos while we were there, so I'll share some images of the destruction and clean-up effort I found on Van Texas Tornado Recovery. The community still needs aid and volunteers.
Day 21-Didn't make much, but it was my daughter's kindergarten graduation, then she got out of school all day and we had a Mama-Daughter Day. It was Date Night, so Adam and I are picking blackberries on our country road. I could eat ALL the blackberries...blackberry ice cream, blackberry cobbler, blackberry port, blackberry jam, blackberry smoothies, blackberry EVERYTHING!
I'll share the rest the rest soon!
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July 10, 2014
A Mouse Told His Mother
Here. Have some storytime videos.
(Watch above or click here for YouTube link)
A Mouse Told His Mother -written by Bethany Roberts and illustrated by Maryjane Begin
(Watch above or click here for YouTube link)
When You Are Happy -written Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Geraldo Valerio
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October 03, 2013
Autumn Storytime for Kids
I've put together another set of storytime videos. You can view them all here at my YouTube page, or just watch below.
Violet's favorite, Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke.
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Louise Elhert
Leaves by David Ezra Stein
Word Bird's Fall Words by Jane Belk Moncure, illustrated by Linda Hohag
Four Friends in Autumn by Tomie DePaola
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February 08, 2013
Valentine's Day Storytime Videos
Here are some stories for your little Valentines.
Happy Valentine's Day, Dolores!
(storytime video link) (link about the book)
If You'll Be My Valentine
(storytime video link) (link about the book)
I Kissed the Baby...not technically a Valentine's book, but it still works.
(storytime video link) (link about the book)
Valentine Mice
(storytime video link) (link about the book)
Will You Be My Valentine
(storytime video link) (link about the book)
1 2 3 Valentine's Day - A Counting Book
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December 04, 2012
Christmas Storytime for Kids
It is in the EIGHTIES here, people! It is far from Christmasy feeling. So...I'm working hard to muster up some holiday spirit.
Have some more stories! I'm including one video below, and the rest have links that will take you to me reading the stories on YouTube.
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (storytime video here)
First Snow
Inside, Outside Christmas
Jingle Bell Mice (Merry Christmas) illustrated by Lisa McCue (storytime video here)
Little Rabbit's Christmas
Mouse's First Christmas
Rocking Horse Christmas by Mary Pope Osborne (storytime video here)
Sam the Snowman
Squirrel's New Year's Resolution
10 Trim-the-Tree'ers
The Twelve Days of Christmas
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November 12, 2012
Book Reviews & Storytime Videos
Did you guys notice I posted a bunch of reviews and videos? I am starting a book-related blog soon, and I decided to keep that blog to only Young Adult content. While in the decision making process, I was considering covering children's books, too, (and made several videos) but decided not to. However, making these storytime videos is fun and Violet enjoys them.
So--I'm going to make holiday and seasonal-related kids story videos on this blog. I thought the videos fit better on this blog since it's more family-oriented. And, although I hate it when people put out holiday stuff too early, I'm going to release holiday videos about a month early from now on. That way, kids gearing up for the next holiday have stories to listen to.
So there. Now you know. Like you were just dying to know, right?
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Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
Category: Ages 6 and up
Length: 40 pages
Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing
Published: October 1, 2009
Description: Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it's almost Thanksgiving...and you're the main course. But Turkey has an idea--what if he doesn't look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead? After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with t he perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!
My review: Turkey Trouble is a hysterical tale for
elementary kids. I think it would appeal to younger readers, too-my 3
year old was giggling hysterically over it. In an attempt to avoid
becoming dinner, Turkey dons a variety of disguises to hide from the
farmer. The other animals give him a hard time over his silly costumes,
but Turkey keeps trying. When it looks like his friend Rooster might
get eaten instead, Turkey pulls out all the stops. Give this book a
try--I promise they'll like it!
Rating: 5 Stars
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Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
Category: Ages 4 and up
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: August 17, 2004
Description: Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family!
Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette's beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life.
My review: This is a sweet, simple story that
captures the spirit of Thanksgiving. The children in the story are
engaged in varied activities, so all kids should be able to find
something to relate to. The soothing rhymes will be comforting to kids
of all ages. "Thank you for umbrellas, rain boots and puddles...thank
you for Mommy and warm, cozy cuddles." Doris Barrette's paintings are
rendered in a rich pallette of autumn colors. I recommend this sweet
book to remind children of the joys of family and the spirit of
gratefulness.
Rating: 4 Stars
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Thanksgiving is Here by Diane Goode
Category: Ages 4 and up
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: August 16, 2005
Description: As soon as Maggie's grandma and grandpa get the turkey in the oven, bright and early on Thanksgiving morning, the guests arrive and the commotion begins: glamorous aunts, crying babies, acrobatic cousins, strange dogs, mysterious gifts, romance, friendships, "yackety-yak"ing and, of course, lots of wonderful food and fun.
My review: Grandma and Grandpa welcome the family to
their home on Thanksgiving Day. The house quickly fills with family,
extended family, friends, and pets. The busy illustrations are the real
star of this book, rendered in pen and ink with watercolor. They
depict a riot of activity and a large cast of characters. Children will
love following all the visual happenings in the images.
Rating: 4 Stars
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Thank You Thanksgiving by David Milgrim
Category: Ages 3 and up
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Sandpiper
Published: September 18, 2006
Description: In this exuberant Thanksgiving story, a little girl goes on a last-minute errand for her mother. Along the way, she thanks all the familiar things she loves—her warm boots, the song of the birds, the pretty clouds in the November sky. And when she gets home from her errand, her family thanks her for what she has brought.
My review: Pick this one up if you're looking for a
light, easy read for small children. The bright, flat illustrations
have a cartoonish feel. Sent to the store for whipped cream, a little
girl takes a walk through her neighborhood. Along the way, she
expresses simply thanks for the things she sees around her. "Thank you,
park. Thank you, warm boots. Thank you, fluffy clouds." The
repetition and simplicity of the phrases and will appeal to a young
audience.
Rating: 4 Stars
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The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Green
Category: Ages 3 and up
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: October 1, 2006
Description:
This is the food, gathered and blessed,the corn and sweet berries, and wild turkey dressed,
shared on the very first Thanksgiving Day.
Join author Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrator Susan Gaber on a journey back to the very first Thanksgiving Day, when two societies came together to feast and honor the earth's bounty in peace.
My review: This book offers a lovely introduction to
the Thanksgiving holiday that even the youngest viewers can grasp.
Gaber's rich paintings convey a surprising amount of emotion . Although
simplistic, the scope of the holiday is captured in just a few pages.
Rating: 4 Stars
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Run Turkey, Run!
Welcome to storytime, little gobblers!
Category: Ages 4 and up
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Published: September 18, 2007
Description: With Thanksgiving only one day away, can Turkey find a place to hide
from the farmer who's looking for a plump bird for his family feast?
Maybe he can hide with the pigs . . . or the ducks . . . or the horses . . .
Uh-oh! Here comes the farmer!
Run, Turkey, run!
My review: What's not to like about a
turkey running from the farmer the day before Thanksgiving? Kids will
get a kick out of watching turkey scramble through the farm in an
attempt to avoid becoming dinner. He tries to blend in with the other
farmyard animals, but his disguises are not quite up to par. The
publisher recommends ages 4 and up, but I think children as young as 2
1/2 would appreciate this tale. Best of all, they get to chime in on
the refrain, "Run, turkey-run!"
Rating: 4 Stars
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October 25, 2012
Halloween Storytime
More Halloween stories for your little ghosts and goblins!
"Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet" by Lisa Desimini
Violet thinks this one is so funny. I suppose stinky feet are always a big hit with the preschool crowd.
"Los Gatos Black on Halloween" by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
The illustrations are so detailed and rich. I love the rhythm of the book. Forgive my butchering of la Español, por favor.
"The Insomniacs" by Karina Wolf, illustrated by the Brothers Hilts
This is my favorite of the bunch. The illustrations are so witty and fun. The text isn't condescending, and it pushes kids to learn new words.
"The Runaway Pumpkin" by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by S. D. Schindler
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October 15, 2012
"Working Mummies"-A Halloween Story read aloud for kids
Does your child like to hear the same story over and over and over? Mine does. So...here you go, Violet!
"Working Mummies" written by Joan Horton, illustrated by Drazen Kozjan
Music-"Ghost Dance" by Truett & George
(I looked at the publisher's site to try to find out whether or not it was all right to read this online. There are tons of stories read aloud on YouTube, so I hope this is kosher. If it's not, please let me know how to get permission or I'll remove the video.)
P.S. If any of you have kids, please let me know if they enjoyed this. If they like it, I might do a series.
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