Plenty of Hugs by Fran Manushkin is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white of colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and stickers or other decorations.
We are writing a song this week! It will be sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. It will follow the formula: Plenty of _____ all around, plenty of ______ on the ground. See the _________ and all the ________, lots of ________ and lots of ________. Plenty of _______ and plenty of _______, in our family there’s plenty of love!
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Plenty of Hugs | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Except When They Don’t by Laura Gehl.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and stickers or other decorations.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Except When They Don’t | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Papa, Daddy, and Riley by Seamus Kirst.
For our activity this week, you will need: three pieces of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), stickers or other decorations, scissors, string (or yarn/elastic cord/thread), and tape or glue.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Papa, Daddy, and Riley | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
My Sister, Daisy by Adria Karlsson is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: something special to you, to show and share with your loved ones!
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: My Sister, Daisy | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Sharice’s Big Voice by Sharice Davids.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), stickers or other decorations, scissors, and tape or magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Sharice’s Big Voice | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman.
For our activity this week, you will need: a dark colored piece of paper (black works best), liquid white or clear craft glue, a straw, and different colored glitters.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Sparkle Boys | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
From Archie to Zack by Vincent Kirsch is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: an empty toilet paper roll, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), a small piece of white or colored paper, stickers or other decorations, tape or glue, and scissors.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: From Archie to Zack | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor.
For our activity this week, you will need: your hands, a copy of the ASL alphabet (printed or digital, here: https://www.startasl.com/wp-content/uploads/sign-language-alphabet.png), and a piece of paper (optional, to help you fingerspell your name).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Just Ask! | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Zak’s Safari by Christy Tyner.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), photos of loved ones (optional!), stickers or other decorations, and tape or magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Edmonton Public Library link to check out this book: Zak’s Safari | Edmonton Public Library | BiblioCommons
Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story by Robin Stevenson is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), stickers or other decorations, and tape or magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Ghost’s Journey | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah Brannen.
For our activity this week, you will need: an empty egg carton, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), clay or playdough (easy salt dough recipe below!), tape or glue, scissors, and any decorations your would like (stickers, beads, feather, sequins, string, whatever!)
Salt dough recipe: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt. Gradually add 1 cup of water while stirring and mixing to form a dough with a Play-Doh like consistency. Form the dough into a ball and knead for approximately 5 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky or a bit more water if it’s too dry. Craft, then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until golden and firm.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Uncle Bobby’s Wedding | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish Swish Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a glass or plastic cylindrical bottle (any size, Voss for example), glitter, any other decorations for inside your bottle you’d like (beads, orbeez, confetti, etc.), clear craft glue or clear hair gel, water, and superglue for the lid.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish Swish Swish | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Bling Blaine by Rob Sanders.
For our activity this week, you will need: two empty toilet paper rolls, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), tape or glue, and scissors.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Bling Blaine | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is IntersectionAllies by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi.
For our activity this week, you will need: one piece of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: IntersectionAllies | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour is our story for this week. Fun fact about this story: if the pictures look familiar, it’s because the illustrator Kaylani Juanita also did the pictures for When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff!
For our activity this week, you will need: one piece of white or colored paper, paintbrushes (or use your fingers!), paint (recipe below if you don’t have any) or drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), string or yarn (of any kind), tape or glue, and scissors.
Easy paint recipe: Blend 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of salt. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix until smooth. Divide it up into three sandwich bags and add a few drops of liquid food coloring to each bag. Squish until blended!
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Ho’onani Hula Warrior by Heather Gayle.
For our activity this week, you will need: two pieces of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), stickers and other decorations (rhinestones, feathers, beads, whatever you like!), tape or glue, scissors, and something to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Ho’onani Hula Warrior | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! by Maya Gonzalez.
For our activity this week, you will need: a canvas or a piece of thick paper (white or colored), paintbrushes (or use your fingers!), paint (recipe below if you don’t have any), masking or painter’s tape or large alphabet stickers, and scissors.
Easy paint recipe: Blend 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of salt. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix until smooth. Divide it up into three sandwich bags and add a few drops of liquid food coloring to each bag. Squish until blended!
If you want to read along, here is the Edmonton Public Library link to check out this book: They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! | Edmonton Public Library | BiblioCommons
Love is Love by Michael Genhart is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: one piece of white or colored paper, 2 sticks (skewers, dowels, sticks from outside, etc.), 2 pieces of thick string or fishing line (one short and one long), scissors, tape or glue, and whatever decorations you would like to use for your kite (bows for the tail, glitter, glue, paper, tape, stickers, leaves, feathers, anything you’d like!)
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Love is Love | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is The GayBCs by M.L. Webb.
For our activity this week, you will need: some kind of clay (polymer or air dry clay recommended, but can also use playdough or salt dough (recipe below)), and paint (if you want to paint your letter).
Salt dough recipe: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt. Gradually add 1 cup of water while stirring and mixing to form a dough with a Play-Doh like consistency. Form the dough into a ball and knead for approximately 5 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky or a bit more water if it’s too dry. Craft, then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until golden and firm.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: The GayBCs | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Maiden & Princess by Daniel Haack.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), tape or glue, scissors, and things to decorate your stuffie’s crown with (some ideas are yarn, glitter, sequins, stamps, stickers, leaves, buttons, etc.)
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Maiden & Princess | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Love Around the World by Fleur Pierets is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets (to hang your creation).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Love Around the World | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley.
For our activity this week, you will need: yourself, some friends (or family, or pets, or stuffies), and some clothes that you all love! And if you want to make an invitation for your fashion show, you will need paper, markers, and anything else you would like to decorate with.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Mary Wears What She Wants | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Different is NOT Bad: A Dinosaur’s Story About Unity, Diversity and Friendship by Steve Herman.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), stickers (or other decorations), and tape or magnets (to hang your creation).
If you want to read along, here is the link to the publisher’s website to purchase a copy! (Unfortunately this book is not yet available at the library): https://www.mydragonbooks.com/products/dino-diversity
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer is our story this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: some kind of clay (polymer or air dry clay recommended, but can also use playdough or salt dough (recipe below)), paint (if you want to paint your heart), and string or elastic cord (if you want to turn it into a necklace).
Salt dough recipe: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt. Gradually add 1 cup of water while stirring and mixing to form a dough with a Play-Doh like consistency. Form the dough into a ball and knead for approximately 5 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky or a bit more water if it’s too dry. Craft, then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until golden and firm.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Stella Brings the Family | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Home At Last by Vera B. Williams and Chris Raschka.
For our activity this week, you will need: a long piece of string or elastic cord (long enough to fit you as a necklace), and different “beads” for each of your family members/pets/friends (if you don’t have beads, you can use painted/colored pasta noodles, coiled paper, or anything else you can string!)
If you want to read along, here is the Edmonton Public Library link to check out this book: Home At Last | Edmonton Public Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is The Secret Wish of Dragon H by Illara Stefaniuk-Gaudet. This story was written by a local author!
For our activity this week, you will need: A large piece of poster board or cardboard, some kind of glue (Mod Podge, white glue, hot glue, or a glue stick; tape will not work), elastic cord/rope to hold your wings on, and any decorations you would like to make your dragon wings special (glitter, stickers, foam shapes, felt, feathers, buttons, sticks, bubble wrap, magazine cutouts, anything you can think of!)
If you want to read along, here is the link to the publisher’s website to purchase a copy! (Unfortunately this book is not yet available at the library): https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000045624907/Ilara-Stefaniuk-Gaudet-The-Secret-Wish-of-Dragon-H
These Are The Things We Found by the Sea-My Mommy, My Mama, My Brother and Me by Natalie Meisner is our story this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: the printed out copy of the scavenger hunt list (below) or a piece of paper and a writing tool to copy if you don’t have access to a printer, a camera to document your finds (optional), and paper and a writing tool to draw your finds (optional).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: These Are The Things We Found by the Sea | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets (to hang your creation).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Auntie Uncle Drag Queen Hero by Ellie Royce.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, scissors, tape or glue, drawing tools (pencils, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), elastic cord or string, and things to decorate your superhero mask (feathers, pipecleaners, sequins, stickers, glitter, buttons, anything!)
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Auntie Uncle | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a couple pieces of white or different colored paper, scissors, tape, drawing tools (pencils, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), a plastic freezer bag, and a black marker.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book: Not Quite Narwhal | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is The Boy and the Bindi by Vivek Shraya.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets (to hang your creation).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
The Boy and the Bindi | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story this week is Two Grooms on a Cake by Rob Sanders.
For our activity this week, you will need: salt dough and paint (recipes below!)
Salt dough recipe: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt. Gradually add 1 cup of water while stirring and mixing to form a dough with a Play-Doh like consistency. Form the dough into a ball and knead for approximately 5 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky or a bit more water if it’s too dry. Craft, then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until golden and firm.
Easy paint recipe: Blend 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of salt. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix until smooth. Divide it up into three sandwich bags and add a few drops of liquid food coloring to each bag. Squish until blended!
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
Two Grooms on a Cake | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, some paints (if you don’t have access to paint, follow the recipe below!), a black marker, and any other decorations you would like (stickers, sequins, feathers, string, etc.).
Easy paint recipe: Blend 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of salt. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix until smooth. Divide it up into three sandwich bags and add a few drops of liquid food coloring to each bag. Squish until blended!
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
Introducing Teddy | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our two stories are Our Rainbow from Little Bee Books and Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart.
For our activity this week, you will need: 1 piece of white paper and 1 piece of blue paper or 2 pieces of white paper, drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), tape or glue, scissors, and magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out these books:
Our Rainbow | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story for this week is When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff.
For our activity this week, you will need: a small square box (like a shoe box, or a food box), drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), smaller boxes/containers/garbage to use as furniture, scissors, tape or glue, and decorations (stickers, glitter, buttons, whatever you would like).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
When Aidan Became a Brother | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
The Eagle’s Path by Michelle Corneau is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), scissors, tape, two empty toilet paper rolls. and decorations (stickers, glitter, buttons, whatever you would like).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
The Eagle’s Path | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our two stories are All Kinds of Families by Suzanne Lang and Mommy, Mama, and Me by Leslea Newman.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, a marker, scissors, tape, and (optionally) a cupcake liner and battery tealight candle.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out these books:
All Kinds of Family | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Mommy, Mama, and Me | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story for this week is Pride Puppy by Robin Stevenson.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing and coloring tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets (to hang your creation).
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
Pride Puppy | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or colored paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), tape or glue, scissors, and things to decorate your crown with (some ideas are yarn, glitter, sequins, stamps, stickers, leaves, buttons, etc.)
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
Prince & Knight | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, markers (1 black and any colors you’d like), 2 pieces of black paper, a ziploc freezer bag, tape, and scissors.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
My Shadow is Pink | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story for this week is Love, Z by Jessie Sima.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), stickers (optional), and anything you would like to use to decorate!
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
Love, Z | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Santa’s Husband by Daniel Kibblesmith is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: an empty toilet paper roll, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and scissors.
If you want to read along, here is the Edmonton Public Library link to check out this book:
Santa’s Husband | Edmonton Public Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, some paints (if you don’t have access to paint, follow the recipe below!), a black marker, and some tape to hang your creation.
Easy paint recipe: Blend 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of salt. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix until smooth. Divide it up into three sandwich bags and add a few drops of liquid food coloring to each bag. Squish until blended!
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story for this week is A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, a piece of colored paper (optional), drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), tape or glue, and scissors.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
A Day In The Life Of Marlon Bundo | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
Julian is a Mermaid | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, Rainbow Reading is on Tuesday instead of Friday, as Megan is doing a conference!
Our story for this week was And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or construction paper (or both!) or a paper plate, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), scissors, and things to decorate a mask with (scissors, yarn, glitter, sequins, stamps, glue, etc.)
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
And Tango Makes Three | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our story for this week is A Plan for Pops by Heather Smith.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white or construction paper (or both!), drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and things to decorate a card with (scissors, yarn, glitter, sequins, stamps, glue, etc.)
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
A Plan for Pops | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
My Footprints by Bao Phi is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
My Footprints | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, our story is 47 000 Beads by Koja Adeyoha.
For our activity this week, you will need: at least two pieces of white paper, drawing tools (pencils, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), scissors, glue or tape, and anything else you would like to decorate with (suggestions: bingo daubers, string, feathers, cloth, leaves, gems/rhinestones/sequins, beads, etc.)
If you want to read along: here is the Edmonton Public Library link to check out this book:
47 000 Beads | Edmonton Public Library | BiblioCommons
Our story for this week is Pudding Bat’s Big Night Out by Isabella Bennett.
For our activity this week, you will need: an empty toilet paper roll, colored construction paper (black and another color) or white paper, drawing tools (markers or paint preferred), scissors, and glue or tape.
This is a book I received as a gift, and is unfortunately not available at the library. I always try my absolute best to find books at the library, however there just aren’t many 2SLGBTQ+ Halloween stories! If you would like assistance finding this book, feel free to contact me.
The Adventures of Honey & Leon by Alan Cumming is our story for this week.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, drawing tools (pencils, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and scissors.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
The Adventures of Honey & Leon | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
This week, we have a double feature! Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer, and Families Belong by Dan Saks.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), tape or glue, scissors, enough sticks for the members of your family (popsicle sticks or twigs), and materials to make clothing (fabric, paper, feathers, leaves, yarn, whatever you have around the house!)
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out these books:
Love Makes a Family | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Families Belong | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons
Our first story is Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall.
For our activity this week, you will need: a piece of white paper, drawing tools (pencil, markers, crayons, whatever you prefer!), and tape or magnets to hang your creation.
If you want to read along, here is the Strathcona County Library link to check out this book:
Red | Strathcona County Library | BiblioCommons