Copy
Dozens of things to do for you and your whole family.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!



If he were still alive, Dr. Seuss would have turned 118 years old on March 2nd. So it seems appropriate, amidst the shamrocks and pots of gold of early March, that we would celebrate his life by diving into a good book. Now, I know many frazzled parents (myself included) who would love to have an excuse to curl up with a book. Well, you've got one! It's called Read Across America Day. Chances are, if you've got a school-age child, you know about this fabulous program dedicated to reading and inspired by Dr. Seuss' birthday. 

Your kids might have been assigned with any manner of Dr. Seuss-related crafts. They may have told you all about the guest readers in their classes. They may have even been given a free book. Well, there's no reason the whole family can't join in on the fun. In fact, why not celebrate for the next seven weeks? World Book Day is April 23rd. That gives you almost two months to celebrate reading. Aw heck, you might as well celebrate all year!

Since we are celebrating a birthday here, it's essential to have some presents. So, treat yourself and everyone in the family to a new book. And don't just download either- make it an event! Take a trip to Vroman's and spend some time browsing the bookshelves. Or visit our virtual book shop that supports Vroman's and check out the books featured in the orange cat over the last year.

Host a book exchange. After all, it wouldn't be a birthday without a party! So invite COVID-safe friends and family over for a casual, outdoor dinner-pizza or a potluck-and ask every member of the family to bring a used book. Set up a bookshelf at the door and ask your guests to leave their contributions on it as they come in. Put adult books on one shelf, teen books on another, and kid books on the bottom.

Then, get crafty! While the adults and older kids hang out, direct guests to a bookmark-making table.

Provide younger kids with paper strips, markers, and stickers for decorating.

Make vintage book page bookmarks out of strips cut from old book pages. Choose a ripped or damaged book from the thrift shop and cut strips from the pages. Punch a hole in one end and use a reinforcement label on the backside to make it a little more sturdy. Thread some twine or black ribbon through for a tassel. Then, use stamps or foil stickers to decorate your bookmark. 

 

Or, pick up a few rolls of cool duct tape to make cool bookmarks. You may even reel in the teen crowd with this one:

You'll need

  • An assortment of patterned or colored duct tape
  • cardstock
  • hole punch
  • ribbon

Tear off a strip of duct tape about as long as your book. Next, cut off a strip of cardstock that is slightly wider than the duct tape. Stick the duct tape to the cardstock, then trim the ends. Punch a hole in one end of the bookmark and thread a ribbon through. Make a decorative cut or fringe on the other end. Voila!


After dessert and before your guests head home, be sure to have them choose a new-to-you book from the bookshelf. Send everyone home with favors of gummy "book" worms.   

Speaking of book exchanges, if you've got a shelf full of books gathering dust, you might want to create a tiny library in your front yard. These wee book houses give neighbors the opportunity to grab a book while sending some of their own to a new home. If you're handy, you can make one, then put up a sign inviting neighbors to take a book / leave a book. You can also register your library at Little Free Library where you'll find tips, plans, and other information about front yard libraries all over the world. 

Dr. Seuss was a genius when it came to doing more with less. "The Cat in the Hat" was written after his publisher asked him to write an entire book using just a couple hundred words. "Green Eggs and Ham" resulted from a bet with the co-founder of Random House. Could he write an entire book in fifty words or less? The answer: YES! So, to celebrate this spirit, have a family writing night. Challenge each other to write a story using ten randomly chosen words. Draw pictures to go with your stories and read them aloud. Or, have a poetry night. Write poems or funny haiku and perform them for each other. 

And last but not least, don't let all these activities stop you from curling up with a good book! Happy birthday Dr. Seuss!

 

Julie Ward

Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward

Tell Us What You Really Think

Please take a moment and complete the our reader survey to help us understand what you like and don't like about the orange cat. 

To show our appreciation, we will donate eight meals to Feeding America for every completed survey from an orange cat subscriber, up to 800 meals!

PICKS OF THE LITTER

Performance: Chic Street Man

Chic Street Man, a talented artist, and performer with an international following, brings his unique brand of acoustic bluesy ballads, funky rhythms, and jazzy upbeats to this exceptional all-ages Zoom performance hosted by the Hill Street Branch Library on February 28, from 4:00 PM till 4:45 PM. Chic's musical style is rooted in ancient African storytelling traditions with call and response. Reservations required.

 


 

Social Justice Teen Book Club

Teens (grades 8-12) can head to the Teen Space at the Altadena Main Library on March 1, from 6:00 PM till 7:00 PM, for the book club's monthly meeting. Safe for exploring gender, race, religion, power, privilege, and justice, the book club uses new and classic literature to ground its discussions. The library will provide limited free copies of the selected book.

 


 

Let's Make A Rod Puppet

Your whole family can join the Altadena librarians on the front lawn of the Main Library on March 5, from 2:00 PM till 3:30 PM, to make your very own rod puppets! You'll start with a story and make a puppet based on your favorite character. All materials provided. Registration with group size is required.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Take & Make: Inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Your family can join the San Rafael Branch librarians in being inspired by the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Register for a craft kit and learn to make a self-portrait inspired by his unique graffiti street art style. Kit reservations opened on February 1, and the event is scheduled to continue through February 28.

 


 

Teresa Smith Performance

Dance with Teresa Smith as she explores the cultural variations in musical style and movement of African dance. You and your kids will learn how movement communicates social patterns and values. Performances happen on February 26, at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at Kidspace. 

 



Rhythm Child Performance

You and your kids can join an interactive drum circle with Rhythm Child in Kidspace's Stone Hollow Amphitheater on February 27, at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Performance is free with admission. 

 


 

Community Quilt

Build a legacy with your family and master quilter Lavialle Campbell at Kidspace. Create your own family patch to add to the community quilt or take home. See the site for dates and times. The event is included in admission.

Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
the orange cat bookshop
Green Eggs and Ham and other great books featured in our events are available from our online book shop. And, if that wasn't good enough, every purchase supports a local, independent book store.
Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
MORE STUFF TO DO

Preschool Explorers: Space

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) can join the Santa Catalina Branch librarians to explore a different science topic each month with stories and activities. This month the topic is space, and the fun happens on February 26, from 10:30 AM till 11:30 AM. 

 


 

Take & Make: Candles

Your family members, ages ten and up, can use the craft kit to make soy candles. Registration for kits opens on March 1, at 9:00 AM. Kits will be available for pickup at the Hastings Branch Library. Registrants will receive an email when kits are ready. Supplies are limited.

 


 

Take & Make: Holi Tree Kit

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a celebration of love and inclusion that welcomes the arrival of spring and the harvests that follow. Your family can pick up a craft kit to make a Holi Tree from any Pasadena Library location. Registration for kits opens on March 1 at 9:00 AM. This is a month-long project, but kit supplies are limited.

 


 

Tell A Story With Puppets

Teens and Adults are welcome to join the Rogue Artists Ensemble on the front lawn of the Altadena Main Library on March 7, from 6:00 PM till 7:00 PM, to learn how to use puppets to tell a story. This is an excellent beginner puppeteering class and solid skills enhancement for intermediate puppeteers. Registration required.

 


 

Art & Chill: Indigo Dyeing

Once a month, your teen (grades 8-12) can join the Altadena librarians and explore new art techniques or materials. In March, the technique is indigo dyeing on March 12, from 2:00 PM till 3:30 PM. Registration is required.

 




The Art Of The Paper Bag

Your kid (age 5 and up) can enter the Kidspace Imagination Workshop and transform paper bags into useful and beautiful objects. Workshop programs are free with paid admission. Reservations are required. See the site for dates, times, and availability.

 

Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
NINE LIVES EVENTS

 

These events are regularly scheduled, and many do not require registrations. That said, please check with the event host in case of holidays, weather, COVID, or other reasons to cancel or reschedule.
 



 


Afternoon Games

The whole family is invited to the Villa Parke Community Center Branch Library to play games, from board games to giant dominos. The fun happens on Tuesdays, from 2:00 PM till 4:00 PM.

 


 

Infant & Toddler Storytime

Your little ones (ages 0-2) and their caregiver can join the Pasadena librarians weekly at 10:30 AM for 20 minutes of reading, rhyming, and singing fun! 

Lamanda Park Branch - Tuesdays

Allendale Branch - Wednesdays

Santa Catalina Branch - Thursdays

 


 

Outdoor Baby & Toddler Storytime - Altadena Public Library

Your little ones (ages 0-2) and their caregivers can join the Altadena librarians on the front lawn of the Main Library on Mondays, from 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM for some fun with books, songs, rhymes, development, and bonding. Space is limited, and attendees must follow COVID health protocols. See the event listing for more details. This event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather conditions.

 


 

Preschool Storytime - Pasadena Public Libraries

Your kids (ages 3-5) can join the Pasadena librarians weekly for a selection of stories, songs, crafts, or a short movie. Activities vary by branch.

Villa Parke Community Center Branch - Tuesdays, 10:30 AM till 11:30 AM

San Rafael Branch - Wednesdays, 11:00 AM till 11:30 AM

Lamanda Park Branch - Thursdays, 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM

Hill Avenue Branch - Saturdays, 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM

 


 

Outdoor Preschool Storytime - Altadena Public Library

Children (ages 3-5) can join the Altadena librarians weekly (weather permitting) on the front lawn of the Main Library on Thursdays, from 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM for fun with books, rhymes, and songs. Space is limited so arrive early to get a spot. This event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather conditions. Attendees must follow COVID health protocols. See the event listing for more details.

 


 

Toddler Playtime

Kids ages 2-5 can come to play, color, listen to music and make new friends at the Villa Parke Community Center Branch on Fridays, from 10:30 AM till 12:00 PM.

 


 

ASL Storytime

Kids ages 3-5 can join the San Rafael Branch librarians for a fun storytime featuring some American Sign Language signs to learn on select Thursdays from 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM.

March 3 and 17

April 7 and 21

 


 

Storytime in the Park - Monrovia Public Library

Your kids (ages 0-5) can join the Monrovia librarians in Library Park for some active and engaging stores and songs on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM till 10:45 AM through February 23. The book fun is followed up with a sensory activity or craft project. Everyone is welcome. See the event listing for more details.

 


 

Family Films

Villa Parke Community Center Branch hosts a family movie for you on Thursdays, from 3:30 PM till 5:30 PM. Please contact the branch at 626-744-6510 for the movie title. And this is a BYOS (bring your own snacks) event.

 


 

Video Game Club

Your Teen (age 14-19) can stop into the Hastings Branch Library Meeting Room on Thursdays, from 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM, for some gaming fun on the Nintendo Switch. They can make new friends and learn fair play every week. No registration is required. Must play well with others.

 


 

Crafting with Tish & Tosh

Join the Pasadena Library online for some all-ages crafting fun. You'll learn new crafts all year round. The crafting fun happens on every-other Monday on Instagram Live from 3:00 PM till 3:30 PM.

 


 

Book Talk

The Monrovia Library staff encourages a love of stories among young readers by providing engaging summaries of some of their favorite books on the library's YouTube channel. Great for kids five and younger, the series covers both picture and chapter books.

Picture books: March 5 and April 2

Chapter books: March 19 and April 16

 


 

Storytime in the Park - Monrovia Public Library

You and your little ones (ages 0-5) can join the Monrovia librarians every Saturday at 10:00 AM as they lead you through a story, a little music, some movement, and all-around fun. Everything is geared to get your kids dancing, singing, and learning. During COVID protocols, it all happens outdoors in Library Park, near the playground and Rotary Bandshell.

 


 

Storytime in Motion

Your preschoolers can experience books in a whole new, energetic way with the Altadena librarians on Tuesday mornings, from 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM in Charles White Park. Storytime in Motion is held outdoors, weather permitting. Attendees will be encouraged to move, jump, and dance along to the stories. Space is limited, and following COVID health protocols is required.

Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
Did someone share the secret of the orange cat with you? That's awesome!
Subscribe for free and we'll send you your very own next time! ;-)
Subscribe to The Orange Cat
Copyright © 2022 TheOrangeCat.net from LJDV Media, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.