Category Archives: Programs

Exploratorium: Maker Lab

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My Lunch with Author Jill Esbaum

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One of the perks of being a children’s librarian is that we sometimes, once in a while, get to meet some pretty amazing people in children’s-book land! Today I was able to join children’s book author Jill Esbaum for lunch here at the library cafe and learn a little more about her. Having read her books with my kids, and to groups of kiddos as part of our regular programming, it was so interesting to hear first-hand a little bit about how she became an author, her writing process,  and just enjoy seeing her face light up as she described working with different publishers and illustrators- a special behind-the scenes glimpse at how the books my kids and I know and love were created.

 

Jill will be here at the library this Saturday, April 14th at 2pm at a special event celebrating her books, including her newest one, How to Grow a Dinosaur. We will have games, activities and fun crafts based on several of her books at this event for all ages.

Wondering if you’ve read any books by Jill? I bet you have, and you just may not know it! She’s written over 40 books, many of which are favorites here at the library. If you haven’t, be sure to come check these out next time you visit us! My kids absolutely LOVE Estelle Takes a Bath, and with its goofy rhyming it makes a perfect read-aloud. They were completely engrossed by Teeny Tiny Toady, and even got a little teary as the tiny toad struggled to find her bravery and get her mama out of the bucket, and cheered when she used her smarts to find a way. And of course, her work for National Geographic has been amazing!

Miss Janna

Jill Esbaum is Coming to Our Library!

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Each spring,  thanks to the Rotary Club, Moline 2nd-Graders are bussed by MetroLink to the Moline Public Library to meet a children’s book author!  They get to hear directly from the author how he or she became an author, what the writing process involves, have an opportunity to ask questions, and, best of all, they have a chance to win one of the author’s books! In previous years, we’ve hosted several authors, including Gary Metivier, Dori Hillestad Butler, and Jill Esbaum.

This year, we are pleased to once again host the very popular and award-winning author,  Jill Esbaum!  Jill lives on a farm near Davenport, Iowa, and has written nearly 30 books, both picture books and non-fiction.  Some picture books you might be familiar with are:  Tom’s Tweet, I am Cow, Hear Me Moo and Teeny Tiny Toady. Jill has written several books for National Geographic, including the Angry Birds Playground series.  2nd-graders and their teachers will get to meet Jill on Thursday, April 12, and hear all about her picture book,  Frankenbunny.

Now here’s the exciting part for the general public:

Jill Esbaum is returning to the Moline Public Library on Saturday, April 14 at 2pm!

So everyone (the whole family) can come join in the fun!  Jill will be reading her very newest picture book, How to Grow a Dinosaur, and answering questions.  Then all the kiddos can have fun with crafts and activities based on several of Jill Esbaum’s other books.  You won’t want to miss this special event!

For more information about Jill Esbaum, go to her website, or her blog, that she shares with other fun children’s authors.

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Teresa

Chemical Change Exploratorium Recap

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On Wednesday, February 21, we had a great time learning and experimenting with chemical and physical changes.
First, we checked out how different substances react when mixed together.  Water gel and oobleck were favorites!
We also wrote secret messages in lemon juice.  When heated over the toaster, the lemon juice reacted with the air and turned brown, which revealed our messages.
Then it was on to making slime!  The detergent and glue made a very sticky, slimy concoction.
We also painted with frozen tempera paint.  The young scientists found that putting salt on the frozen paint helped it to melt faster and made painting easier!
To make a cloud in a bottle, we used a bicycle pump, a cork and a needle, a little bit of rubbing alcohol, and a 2-liter bottle.
 
We hope to see you at our next Exploratorium!  They are each Wednesday from 2 to 3:30!

Miss Tess