More Storytime Action!

Add 500 more books to your repertoire with More Storytime Action! This follow-up to Jennifer Bromann s popular first edition features all new content, and is a treasure trove for any librarian who needs complete, easy-to-implement storytime programming. Find hundreds more interactive activities, plot summaries, crafts and games certain to engage children in storytime and inspire a lifelong love of reading. This practical guide to storytime includes an exciting new selection of recently published picture books, as well as a comprehensive theme index for hassle-free program creation. Also included are twenty sample storytime plans paired with immediately-usable activities, as well as a time-saving outline that can guide your planning. Bromann also offers an expanded collection of multicultural materials, as well as a helpful new chapter with suggestions for involving teen volunteers.

As in her Storytime Action! (Neal-Shuman, 2003), Bromann provides 10 basic elements-including props, storytelling, playacting, repetition, music, and art-with a host of specific ideas for making picture books interactive. Principles of storytelling, including Kamishibai story theater, are also discussed. Though the author focuses on specific titles, 20 theme-based plans are given as starting points for programs. This sets the stage for the single-sentence summaries and specific interactive ideas for 520 picture books, arranged alphabetically by author. Most have been published since 2003 and are best suited for three- to five-year-olds. Some titles lend themselves to varied and detailed activities, such as Eric Carle's 10 Little Rubber Ducks (HarperCollins, 2005), while others have a single activity. Notations about specific audiences are helpful when a book may be a little scary for younger children. Some activities are generic and can apply to collections already on hand. Books are indexed by theme and title.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN
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As a follow-up to her 2003 Storytime Action! author Bromann presents more than 2,000 activities related to more than 500 picture books published since 2003. Beginning chapters cover 10 elements of interactive stories; storytelling, including how to select and prepare stories; and how to select books for interactive storytimes, identifying clues found in reviews. There is an interesting section on Kamishibai, a form of Japanese storytelling. One chapter describes 20 theme-based storytimes using templates that identify the books or activities involved and the supplies needed. The final chapter lists the more than 500 books alphabetically by author with bibliographic information, summary, and storytime activities. Thematic and title indexes conclude the book. For librarians looking to hold the attention of their youngest patrons or to spice up storytime, this title will be a welcome resource. --Shelley Glantz