Today is International Children's Book Day.
It also marks the birthday of one of the world's most beloved storytellers, Hans Christian Andersen who wrote
The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes, and many other favorite tales.
Fun Facts about Hans Christian Andersen:
- He was born on April 2, 1805 in Denmark.
- His story, The Snow Queen, inspired the Disney movie Frozen.
- He was also a gifted artist, known for his beautiful paper cut outs or "Scherenschnitte". He would often create a paper-cut picture while telling a story and then give it away. This is similar to the kind of paper cutting we use to create snowflakes. click here
- There is a statue of him with the Ugly Duckling in Central Park in New York City. click here
Here are a few activities to celebrate Children's Book Day!
Why not choose your favorite book from home to read by yourself or with someone else. Then create your own illustrations or new cover art on paper using your crayons, colored pencils, or paints.
Try an easy paper cutting activity- Take one dark-colored piece of paper, (you can use any type of paper you have on hand) and one sheet of white or another light-colored paper. Trace your favorite toy or object on the darker paper and cut it out. Then tape or glue it to the lighter colored paper to create a silhouette.
To see an example click here
You can enjoy some of these children's books and more from Overdrive click here and Tumblebooks click here
Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen
The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen
Llama Llama Loves to Read by Anna Dewdney
A Library Book for Bear by Kady MacDonald Denton
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills
Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
Look for more fun stuff from the library next week!
Be safe and healthy!
Vicki DiSanto-Children's Librarian
&
Beth Levine- Library Assistant
Somers Library
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