Sammy and Grammy in Downtown Savannah, a laugh-out-loud children’s book with valuable life lessons to be learned and written by local author, Maxine Pinson, is scheduled for release in early December 2017–just in time for holiday shopping!

Readers of SouthernMamas.com are offered $1 off each book ordered, plus FREE shipping (up to 4 books sent to same address) if ordered by Dec. 1, 2017.

Just visit www.sammyandgrammy.com, then go to “Where to Buy Book Page” and follow the directions.

Please use PROMO CODE SM to receive your discount.

Learn more about Savannah author Maxine Pinson here. 

Savannah author Maxine Pinson is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Bring your Pete the Cat book lovers to meet the author and creator, James and Kimberly Dean this Sun. Oct. 1 2017, 1-6PM @ the Blue Heaven Art Gallery on Tybee Island.

Meet the author, enjoy a photo booth, take pictures with Pete, view original artwork, shop for Pete toys and books, and enjoy snacks and activities for kids

Blue Heaven Art Gallery
23 Tybrisa Street, Tybee Is. (across from Wet Willies).

Questions? Email PetetheCatoffice@yahoo.com

Kwame Alexander, New York Times-bestselling author and 2015 Newbery Medal recipient, will be among the authors at the 2017 Annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival.

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs will present the free 14th annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival on Sat. Nov. 18, 2017, 10AM-4PM at Forsyth Park.

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator and author of 24 books, including “The Crossover,” which received the 2015 Newbery Medal.

Learn more here.

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FIND MORE SAVANNAH FALL FESTIVALS IN OUR FALL FUN GUIDE 2017

FREE Summer 2017 Savannah Live Oak Public Library kids’ programs that are open to the public include:

ROSIE REVERE
June 14-July 31
Imagine, experiment & make a Rosie-Copter fly. Grades K-5
June 14 4-5PM @ Pooler Library
June 16 3-4PM @ Islands Library
June 19 2:30-3:30 PM @ Tybee Library
June 20 4-5PM @ Southwest Chatham Library
June 21 4-5PM @ Thunderbolt Library
June 27 4-5PM @ Springfield Library
June 28 4-5PM @ Rincon Library
July 18 4-5PM @ Garden City Library
July 24 4-5PM @ Hinesville Library

ACOUSTIC ROOSTER
June 19-26
Kwame Alexander’s book teaches kids how to make instruments. Ages 8 +
Acoustic Rooster and the Cardboard Instruments
June 19 11AM-Noon @ Pooler Library
June 19 3-4PM @ Bull Street Library
June 21 4-5PM @ Southwest Chatham Library
June 22 3-4PM @ Oglethorpe Mall Library
June 26 4-5PM @ Hinesville Library

For more free Live Oak Public Library free kids’ summer entertainment programs, click here.

Free Summer Reading Program & Events

Visit any Live Oak Public Libraries branch in Chatham, Effingham, or Liberty Counties from June 1-July 31, and pick up your “Build A Better World” Summer Reading Program reading log, calendar and rules.

Collect reading rewards and multiple entries for the Summer Reading Program Grand Prize. There are also other prizes as students complete each level including a free book from Barnes & Noble.

Parents and caregivers can register students starting May 31. Participants must be registered online to be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing.

REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR THE SUMMER READING PROGRAM HERE. 

See complete Reading Rewards Rules for all participants here. 

Kids can earn special prizes for reaching their summer reading goals!
Reading Rewards include passes, discounts and free treats from:
Barnes & Noble Oglethorpe Mall, Frames-n-Games Pooler, Get Air Savannah, Leopold’s Ice Cream, Lovin’ Spoons Self-Serve FroYo, Monkey Joe’s Savannah, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Papa John’s Pizza, Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, University of Georgia Aquarium

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FREE Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Parties June 1-3

Kick-Off Parties are made possible with donations from Whole Foods Savannah.

You are invited to any of these FREE Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Parties:

Thursday, June 1
Rincon Library 10 AM – 12 PM
Islands Library 10 AM – 12 PM
Midway-Riceboro Library 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Garden City Library 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Pooler Library 3 PM – 5 PM
Port City Library 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Hinesville Library 4 PM – 5:30 PM
Thunderbolt Library 4 PM – 5 PM
Forest City 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Friday, June 2
Southwest Chatham Library 3 PM – 5 PM
Tybee Library 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Saturday, June 3
Carnegie Library 11 AM – 4 PM
Oglethorpe Mall Library 11 AM – 4 PM
Bull Street Library 2 PM – 4 PM
Springfield Library 3 PM – 4 PM

Henny Penny Art Space & Café in Savannah will host a special release/signing/drawing project for Savannah children’s book author-illustrator Jose Ray’s new book “Free Rain”

The family-friendly reading will be part of First Friday Art March, this Fri. May 5 6-9PM.  Jose will do a reading at 6:30PM and then lead kids through an art project afterwards.

Henny Penny
1514 Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401

About Henny Penny

Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe is a new joint venture with Foxy Loxy Cafe & Scribble Art Studio

Nestled just blocks from Forsyth Park, Henny Penny Art Space and Cafe also provides custom-designed arts and crafts kits for all ages, workshops, classes, and is available for booking birthday parties.

For more info., call 912-713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com

Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

After the Savannah Children’s Book Festival 2016 in Forsyth Park, take the kids over to The Book Lady bookstore in Savannah for Seersucker Tots: A Family-Friendly Hit of Lit

Sat Nov. 12, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
The Book Lady Bookstore, 6 E Liberty, Savannah, 31401

At this special family-friendly poetry reading, poet Quraysh Ali Lansana will read and discuss his brand new picture book A Gift from Greensboro (Penny Candy Books, 2016) along with special guest poet-performer, Samantha Thornhill.

Cupcakes by Ariel Fulton (Books & Batter) and juice boxes provided.

Free and open to the public.

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About the book

A Gift from Greensboro (for ages 5 & older) is at once an elegy, a celebration of the magic of childhood friendship and adventure, and a meditation on growing up in the wake of the sit-ins that ushered in the Civil Rights Movement. Paired with Skip Hill’s intricate, brimming-with-life illustrations, this poem recognizes that true friendship knows no boundaries, and this is the true gift from Greensboro.

Jacqueline Woodson, winner of the Coretta Scott King and Newbery Honor Award, calls A Gift from Greensboro, “An elegant, important story—lovingly and beautifully told.”

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FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH FAMILY-EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

New York Times bestselling author of the Fancy Nancy children’s series, Jane O’Connor will be among the authors at the 2016 Annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival in Forsyth Park.

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs will present the free 13th annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival on Sat. Nov. 12, 2016, 10AM-4PM at Forsyth Park.

The Fancy Nancy books chronicle the adventures of a young girl who loves all things glamorous, posh, and splendiferous! The series has now sold over 20 million copies and counting with the wildly popular latest title, “Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet.”

Additional Featured Authors and Illustrators @ the 2016 Festival include:
James & Kimberly Dean, “Pete the Cat”
Ted Dunagan, “A Yellow Watermelon”
Ame Dyckman, “Boy + Bot”
Rebecca Emberley, “The Ant and the Grasshopper”
Keith Hemstreet, “Travels With Gannon and Wyatt”
Varian Johnson, “The Great Greene Heist”
Robert Quackenbush, “First Grade Jitters”
Bob Shea, “Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great”

Download the:
2016 Savannah Children’s Book Festival Program & Map
2016 Savannah Children’s Book Festival Map

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FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH-AREA FAMILY EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

The Storybook Shoppe bookstore located in historic Bluffton, SC is thrilled to welcome prolific children’s book author Rosemary Wells back for a visit this month.

Wells is the author of several children’s books including Max and Ruby books. She will be visiting The Storybook Shoppe to promote her new book “Hand in Hand”. This book tells the story of all the ways parents are their child’s first teacher.

The Storybook Shoppe
Mon. Sept. 12 2016, 4:30-6:30PM
1 Calhoun St
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-2600

The afternoon of Mon. Sept. 12 will kick-off with story time as Wells shares “Hand in Hand” @ 4:30PM sharp and only ticket holders will be able to attend.

Tickets for the reading are $25 including a signed copy of “Hand in Hand.” Companion tickets will also be available for $5 each. Because there are only 30 tickets available, The Storybook Shoppe can only offer a single companion ticket when you purchase a ticket to the reading.

Proceeds from the sale of story time tickets will be donated to two local charities: CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Association) and The United Way of the Lowcountry’s pre-school program.

After the reading, Ms. Wells will hold a book signing for everyone that would like her to dedicate a book. The book signing should start around 4:45PM and is open to everyone. No ticket needed!

As a treat, Candlewick Press has released 70 copies of “Little Fiona’s Lie” for The Storybook Shoppe to sell at the signing – a unique opportunity to get this book prior to its Sept. 13 release date. The Storybook Shoppe will be the only place to pick up this enchanting tale of how a little stretching of the truth can spin out of control.

Don’t want to stand in line to buy your books? Stop in before and pre-order. All prepaid orders will be waiting for you to pick-up and get signed. To pre-order, stop by the shop or call 843-757-2600.

Our column today in the Savannah Morning News spotlights 10-year-old Isa Lilja-Vazquez’s Little Free Library in her Savannah front yard. (Read it here).

Isa’s is among several Little Free Libraries in the Savannah Ga./Bluffton SC area.

Which got us thinking of how sweet it would be to take kids “Little Free Library hopping” in the Savannah-Lowcountry area.

Here’s our list of Little Free Libraries in our area compiled by using the map from the Little Free Libraries Web site.

So grab a bunch of used books your kids have outgrown to drop off in exchange for other books – following the LFL mantra to “take a book, leave a book” – and visit these Little Free Libraries in Savannah.

(Interested in starting your own Little Free Library? Get info on how to do so here. )

(Read about a Savannah 10-year-old girl who started her own Little Free Library here. )

Savannah

1919 Brogdon St. (in Magnolia Park neighborhood)
Savannah Ga. 31406

363 Island Road (Burnside Is.)
Savannah, GA 31406

9 Reynolds Court (in Kensington Park neighborhood)
Savannah, Ga 31405

605 Maupas Ave. (in Baldwin Park neighborhood)
Savannah, Ga. 31401

Corner of 38th Street & Howard Street (in former vacant lot)

733 E. Henry St.
Savannah, Ga. 31401

Bluffton/Hilton Head Is./Beaufort area

160 H. E. McCracken Circle (in front of Bluffton Elementary School)
Bluffton, SC 29910

39 Sheridan Park Circle Suite 10
Bluffton, SC 29910

1709 Camellia Road
Beaufort, SC 29902

Find more Little Free Libraries here.

New York Times bestselling author of the Fancy Nancy children’s series, Jane O’Connor will be among the authors at the 2016 Annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival.

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs will present the free 13th annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival on Sat. Nov. 12, 2016, 10AM-4PM at Forsyth Park.

The Fancy Nancy books chronicle the adventures of a young girl who loves all things glamorous, posh, and splendiferous! The series has now sold over 20 million copies and counting with the wildly popular latest title, “Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet.”

Harry Potter fans are invited for a party before the midnight release of the new Harry Potter book this summer.

Join in to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II. All Muggles, witches, and wizards are welcome.

Sat. July 30-31 at 7 PM-1AM
Barnes & Noble (Savannah, GA)
7804 Abercorn Ext
Savannah, Georgia 31406

Mark your calendar and hold on to your Remembrall: the eighth Harry Potter story arrives July 31! Come count down to the midnight release and wish Harry (and J.K. Rowling) a happy birthday.

When it’s too cold outside for the playground or outdoor kids programs, find warmth and fun at the various free storytimes offered Mondays-Thursdays at some Live Oak Public Library branches in Chatham, Effingham & Liberty counties. Oglethorpe Mall Branch in Savannah also offers a 11AM Family Storytime on Saturday mornings, as well as storytimes on some weekdays.

See the complete January storytime schedule here.

Bob Strozier reads Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” @  Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home in downtown Savannah. 

One of the founding members of the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home and a retired professor of English at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Bob Strozier returns for his annual reading of “A Christmas Memory” @ Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home in downtown Savannah. 

Don’t miss this much-loved holiday tradition. Be sure to arrive early to get a seat.

4pm, Sunday December 13 2015

The reading takes place in the parlor at the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, located at 207 E. Charlton Street on Lafayette Square in Savannah. All lectures are free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit www.flanneryoconnorhome.org  or call 912.233.6014.

Children’s books about Claude Monet to help your kids get the most of out the Monet and American Impression Exhibit at Telfair Museums’s Jepson Center in Savannah. The exhibit will be on display Oct. 16 2015-Jan. 24 2016.

More information on exhibit here.

Katie and the Waterlily Pond, by James Mayhew

The Magical Garden of Claude Monet, by Laurence Anholt

Linnea in Monet’s Garden, by Christine Björkman

A Child’s Introduction to Art, by Heather Alexander

Claude Monet, by Mike Venezia

Claude Monet: Sunshine and Waterlilies, by True Kelley

Where Is the Frog?, by Geraldine Elschner

Who was Claude Monet?, by Ann Waldron

Phillipe in Monet’s Garden, by Lisa Jobe Carmack

Katie Meets The Impressionists, by James Mayhew

Color Your Own Monet Paintings (Dover Art Coloring book)

The Green Fingers of Monsieur Monet, by Giancarlo Ascari & Pia Valentinis

Monet and the Impressionists for Kids: Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities (for kids series), by Carol Sabbeth

Monet Paints A Day, by Julie Danneberg

Claude Monet: The Painter Who Stopped The Trains, by by P. I. Maltbie

Charlotte in Giverny, by Joan MacPhail Knight

A Picnic with Monet (Mini Masters) board book, by Julie Merberg & Suzanne Bober

See more books about Monet on our Favorite Children’s Books Pinterest Page here. 

Register now for La Leche League of Georgia 2015 Breastfeeeding & Parenting Statewide Conference on Jekyll Island, Ga.

Parent and healthcare provider sessions will be offered.

Leche League of Georgia will hold its statewide conference, LLLove and Growth: Celebrating 50 Years, on Nov. 6­-8, 2015, on Jekyll Island, Ga.

The conference features infant sleep expert Dr. James McKenna. His opening session will discuss “Biological Origins of Humankind’s Oldest and Most Successful Feeding and Sleeping Arrangement” (CERP).

Register here. 

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Breastfeeding, early childhood development, and parenting will be among the many topics covered during the conference. Continuing education credits will be offered to professional healthcare providers, and other sessions will offer support and enrichment for Georgia La Leche League Leaders and Leader Applicants.

Several hundred parents, children and healthcare providers plan to attend the conference to hear notable breastfeeding experts.

Featured speakers include Dr. James McKenna, Director of the Mother­Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame. McKenna, author of Sleeping with Your Baby: A Parents’ Guide to Cosleeping, is recognized as the world’s leading authority on mother­infant cosleeping in relation to breastfeeding and SIDS.

Other experts, including Dawn Burke, Associate Professional Liaison Administrator for La Leche League of Georgia, who will present a session on the La Leche League Leader’s role in custody situations, will present the latest information on healthcare issues related to breastfeeding.

Subjects to be covered in this healthcare provider seminar include::
● Updates and most recent recommendations in positioning
● Ankyloglossia, also known as “tongue tie”
● Access to breastfeeding support in Georgia
● Meeting the needs of the African­American community

Popular parenting sessions will include discussions on working with your healthcare provider for
breastfeeding success, breastfeeding after returning to work, the mechanics of milk supply,
breast reduction surgery and breastfeeding, weaning, early childhood education, gentle
discipline, the importance of mother’s significant other, and ways to use herbs and natural
cleaning solutions in the home.

La Leche League of Georgia has been providing information, education, and support to the
breastfeeding families of our area since 1963. All members of the breastfeeding community are
welcomed to attend to develop their skills, deepen their understanding of the many variations of
normal, strengthen their foundations of friendship, and foster respectful collaboration.

Registration and complete conference session offerings and information can be found here.

About La Leche League

La Leche League (LLL) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, and nonsectarian organization recognized as an authority on breastfeeding around the world. LLL’s mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother­to­mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.

For more information, click here. On Facebook here. 

La Leche League of Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs will present the 11th annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth Park.

The exciting 2015 lineup of renowned and award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators includes Newbery award-winning author Kate DiCamillo (“Flora & Ulysses” “Because of Winn Dixie”, “The Tale of Despereaux”, and more), the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

The festival celebrates the joy of reading, the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling with award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.

This free day-long event in Forsyth Park in Savannah brings families together to meet their favorite authors and illustrators and enjoy a variety of hands-on activities throughout the day. Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center.

For more information, call (912)652-3600. For updates, keep checking www.liveoakpl.org.

At 10:30 am and 2 pm, Kate DiCamillo will deliver her keynote speech, sharing how literature can impact individuals and communities: “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.”

She will also participate in new events inspired by her characters, including a Ulysses Squirrel book walk, and a poster contest featuring Edward Tulane. The festival coincides with the launch of the first-ever One Book program, centering on Kate’s Flora & Ulysses.

The National Ambassador program was established in 2008 and is co-sponsored by Every Child a Reader (ECAR), the Children’s Book Council (CBC), and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

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Enchant My Party Princesses & Characters

Enchant My Party will have some of their favorite fairytale characters at the Savannah Children’s Book Festival and will be introducing 2 hero characters.

More details here. 

Enchant My Party, www.enchantmyparty.com, Savannah, Ga.  912.713.1253, email enchantmyparty@gmail.com 
Enchant My Party is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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FOR MORE SAVANNAH-AREA FALL EVENTS, VISIT OUR SAVANNAH FALL FUN GUIDE 2015 HERE. 

Congratulations Savannah pediatricians Dr. Keith Seibert and Dr. Ben Spitalnick on their new book “Baby Care Anywhere” – a quick guide to parenting on the go. The book comes out July 7.

This portable pocket covers 150 of new parents’ most frequent questions and concerns including jaundice, diaper rash, earaches, immunizations, sleep, reflux, fever, and picking a pediatrician.  It’s available for pre-order on Amazon here.

Dr. Spitalnick will be live on SiriusXM Wed. July 1 11AM-Noon on Ch 81 talking about the book.

The book launches July 7 @ Amazon, Target, Walmart, Nook, Kindle, Kroger & more.

Learn about their upcoming book signings by following these two beloved Savannah physicians by liking their Facebook page here  & following them on Twitter here. 

Not surprisingly, Dr. Seibert & Dr. Spitalnick are on the SouthernMamas.com list of  best Savannah pediatricians here – a helpful list for those of you who are new to the area or who are new parents.

Visit any Live Oak Public Libraries branch and pick up your Every Hero Has a Story reading log or download one from the Live Oak Public Library website, www.liveoakpl.org.

Don’t forget to register online in the Hero Hangout area of our website so you qualify for all the great prizes.

In the Hero Hangout, you can also share reviews of your favorite books, see what others are reading this summer, make a wish list, and keep track of what you’ve read!

Read anything – comics, graphic novels, newspapers, e-books and, of course, library books.

You can also participate by listening to stories read aloud or by listening to audiobooks.

Yes, attending a library storytime or program counts, too! For the complete schedule of Summer 2015 programs, performances and storytimes at Live Oak Public Libraries, click here.

Read or be read to for a total of 10 hours. Complete and record your 10 hours from June 1 through July 31.

Keep track of the hours you’ve read by putting X’s through the books on your Every Hero Has A Story reading log.

Keep track of the book titles you’ve read on our Hero Hangout webpage online. You’ll need these to get your free book from Barnes & Noble (while supplies last).

LEVEL 1: Completed 10 hours? Starting June 9th, you can bring in your reading log and pick up your Level 1 Rewards Sheet, an entry for the grand prize drawing, and a coupon for a free book from Barnes & Noble (while supplies last). Note: Reading logs will not be accepted for rewards until June 9th.
LEVEL 2: When you finish another 10 hours (20 hours total), go to the library to pick up your Level 2 Rewards Sheet and another entry form for the grand prize drawing.
LEVEL 3: When you finish another 10 hours (30 hours total), you can pick up your Level 3 Rewards Sheet and another entry for the grand prize drawing.
LEVEL 4: When you finish another 10 hours (40 hours total), you can pick up grand prize drawing entry forms plus a special VIP Reader’s backpack and a Golden Ticket. You’ll also be recognized as a Summer Reading VIP in a special newspaper insert and at the Savannah Children’s Book Festival (Nov. 14th in Forsyth Park). Show your Golden Ticket at the VIP Reader’s booth at the festival and you’ll be given a VIP Reader’s badge to wear at the event and a copy of the newspaper insert.

GRAND PRIZE DRAWING on AUG. 10: The Grand Prize drawing will be held at the Bull Street Library on Aug. 10. Entry forms must be submitted by July 31 to qualify.

For details on Summer Reading prizes & Grand Prize, visit www.liveoakpl.org

For the complete schedule of Summer 2015 programs, performances and storytimes at Live Oak Public Libraries, click here.

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FREE showings of “Big Hero 6” @ various Live Oak Public Library branches during June 2015

Mars Theatre, Springfield
Sat., June 6, 10:30 a.m.

Southwest Chatham Library
Sat., June 13, 10 a.m.

Garden City Library
Sat., June 20, 2 p.m.

Bull Street Library
Sun., June 21, 3 p.m.

Liberty Co. Performing Arts Ctr.
Sat., June 27, 10:30 a.m.

Islands Library
Tue., June 30, 6 p.m

FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH-AREA KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

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For the complete schedule of Summer 2015 programs, performances and storytimes at Live Oak Public Libraries, click here.

Free kids’ events @ Islands Library
50 Johnny Mercer Blvd.
Savannah, GA 21410
912-897-6233

Every Wednesday morning at 10:30 am @ Islands Library: Music & Movement: A fun and exciting program full of songs, stories, instruments, dancing and exercise! For ages 0-4.

Every Wednesday afternoon at 4 pm @ Islands Library: Dog Days: Practice your reading skills with the most patient and loving listeners: therapy dogs. For readers of all ages.

Every Thursday morning at 10:30 am @ Islands Library: Storytime: For ages 0-5.

Monday, April 20 at 3:30 pm  @ Islands Library: STEAM: Have fun with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. This month’s program is Color Chemistry. Ages 5 and older.

Friday, April 24 at 3:30 pm @ Islands Library: Poetry Picnic: Get a taste of different types of poetry, then try your hand at creating some of your own. Sorry, there won’t be any food at this picnic, but the poetry will be yummy. Ages 5 and older.

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Kids events @ other Live Oak Public Library branches

Homeschool Math Club
Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12 and their families are invited to this specially designed math program.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Tuesday, April 21, 1 p.m.
Thursday, April 23, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28, 1 p.m.
Thursday, April 30, 1 p.m.

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Tee Off With TWIGS!
Saturday, May 30 at Bull Street Library
The Bull Street Library will be transformed into an 18-hole miniature golf course with a SUPERHEROES theme
Tee off in your favorite superhero costume, any time between:
10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets available online NOW
Players must be age 4 and older. All foursomes must include at least one adult.
Cost is $10 per player. You may purchase your tickets online (see link) or simply register online and pay at the door.
Proceeds benefit Live Oak Public Libraries.

FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF SPRING 2015 EVENTS @ LIVE OAK PUBLIC LIBRARY, CLICK HERE. 

Leopold’s Ice Cream and Live Oak Public Libraries present the 5th Annual Creative Writing Challenge. The 2015 theme is “Rivers.”

Entry Deadline: April 2, 2015

Competition Categories: Grades K – 2, 3 – 5, 6 – 8, and high school.

There will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner in each category.

For contest details download the official flyer.

Here’s what our kids should be reading – the children’s books that won this year’s Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal and more!

Randolph Caldecott Medal The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat Beekle is tired of waiting to be imagined, so he sets out on a journey to find the perfect friend.

John Newbery Medal Coretta Scott King Author Honor The Crossover by Kwame Alexander This fast-and-furious middle grade novel in verse explores the bonds of teammates, family, and brotherhood.

Randolph Caldecott Honor Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illus. by John Klassen Up? Down? Right? Left? These confused characters don’t know which way to turn—but crosscut illustrations show readers the way.

Randolph Caldecott Honor Pura Belpré Award for Illustration Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales She was fearless, exciting, and super-creative! Learn more about the life—and remarkable art—of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo with this bilingual tribute.

Randolph Caldecott Honor Michael L. Printz Honor This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illus. by Jillian Tamaki This teen graphic novel is a gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood—a story of renewal and revelation.

John Newbery Honor El Deafo by Cece Bell Going to school and making new friends can be tough, but doing it with a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest requires superpowers!

John Newbery Honor Coretta Scott King Author Award Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson This poetic autobiography tells the moving story of the author’s experiences as an African American girl growing up in the 1960s and ’70s.

Michael L. Printz Award Stonewall Book Honor I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson Michael L. Printz Honor Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds Caldecott Honor The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus by Jen Bryant Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock, illus. by Mary GrandPré Theodor Seuss Geisel Award You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, illus. by Christopher Weyant Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Elephant & Piggie: Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Winner Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalists The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin Schneider Family Book Award Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin Odyssey Award for best audiobook for children & young adults H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Basketball and Imagination by Christopher Myers and narrated by Dion Graham Honor audiobooks: Five, Six, Seven, Nate narrated and written by Tim Federle The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry, narrated by Jayne Entwistle A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd, narrated by Cassandra Morris

The Independent Learning Network, Inc. in Savannah is seeking home-based learners, ages 14-19, to participate in a student-led planning committee to host an event with Author Ernest J. Gaines.

Ernest J. Gaines is the author of the following:
A Lesson Before Dying
A Gathering of Old Men
In My Father’s House
A Long Day in November
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
Bloodline
Of Love & Dust
Catherine Carmier

Application Forms are due Friday, December 5, 2014. For more information and to submit application form email
academics@iln-ga.org or call 912-355-7557

The Independent Learning Network, Inc. (ILN) in Savannah is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the academic excellence of home-based and other non-conventional learners.

ILN offers individualized educational plans for homeschoolers – academic levels 3-12, tutoring, monthly field trips and summer programs.

The ILN resource center is located at 7160 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite #101. Hours are by appointment.

Independent Learning Network, 7160 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Suite 101, 912-355-7557, www.iln-ga.org On Facebookhere. Savannah Independent Learning Network is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Winter Reading Program
Dec. 1 to 31
All Live Oak Public Libraries branches
Ages 0 to 18
Children and teens are invited to participate in this year’s Winter Reading Program at Live Oak Public Libraries.

To get started reading for prizes this winter break, stop by any Live Oak Public Libraries branch to sign up and pick up your Winter Reading Record.

Each time you read a total of three hours, return your reading record to the library for prize (while supplies last) plus an entry form to win one of the Grand Prizes, a 7” tablet. All entry forms for the Grand Prize must be submitted by Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, to qualify. Grand Prize drawings will be held the first week of January.

Learn more here.