Winter 2026
 Early Literacy Newsletter
In this Issue
Winter 2026 Early Literacy Newsletter
Library News
"Pie" Day
Peace and Mindfulness
Additional Resources for Parents
Library News
LIBRARY EVENTS AT CBCPL
The following events are held in Corvallis. For information regarding events that are held at the Monroe, Philomath, and Alsea community libraries, please check out the library's events calendar. 
 
RED YARN CHILDREN'S CONCERT
Friday, 1/2 2026    10:30 am
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
Celebrate the New Year with a Children's Concert with Red Yarn!  All are welcome at this free event.
 
ART EXPLORIUM FOR KIDS
Friday, 1/2  2026    2-3:30 pm
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
Explore and create a masterpiece through process art for kids. We’ll print, paint, build, cut and glue. Kids age 12 and under are welcome. Be prepared to be messy!
 
R.E.A.D. DOGS
Tuesdays, 1/6, 2/3, 3/3, 2026     3:30-4:30 pm
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
Kids can practice reading in any language to a trained therapy Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ). Sign-ups are on-site and open at the time of the event on a first-come, first-serve basis. Permission form is required and filled out on-site. Limited spots available. 
 
LEGO AT THE LIBRARY
Wednesdays, 1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 2026    4:00-5:00 pm

CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
Come build with fellow Lego fans. Lego bricks provided. Just drop-in!  
 
FAMILY MUSIC FUN
Saturdays, 1/10, 2/14, 3/14, 2026   10:30-11:15 am
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
Come sing, clap, move your body to music with Marisa in this interactive music program designed for families with children between the ages of 2 and 10.
 
LOS CUENTOS
Saturdays, 2/21, 3/21, 2026   10:30 am
¡Los Cuentos! is a bilingual storytime, in Spanish and English, for children of all ages.
 
PUZZLE SWAP
Saturday, 1/17, 2026    12:00-1:30 pm
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
Bring your puzzles to swap! All ages and levels welcome.
 
FAMILY CRAFT NIGHT
Tuesday, 2/24, 2026   5:00-6:30 pm
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM

Come make crafts with the Library and The Arts Center. All supplies will be provided. All ages are welcome.
 
SCIENCE SATURDAY - NUTRITION
Saturday, 2/28, 2026     10:30-11:30 am
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY MAIN MEETING ROOM
A science-themed storytime will be followed by hands-on activities to encourage the exploration of science, math and literacy. Activities are designed for preschool-age kids. 
 
STORYTIMES AT CBCPL

WEEKLY STORYTIMES
INFANT STORYTIME (birth-1 year) Tuesdays, 10:30 am
TODDLER STORYTIME (1-3 years) Wednesdays, 10:30 am
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (3-5 years) Thursdays, 10:30 am
FAMILY STORYTIME (all ages) Fridays, 10:30 am 
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
** NO storytime on 1/1, 2026, Library closed.
Storytime is offered weekly as a drop-in program: first come, first served at the Corvallis Public Library's Main Meeting Room. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up. 
 
SATURDAY STORIES
Saturdays, 1/3, 3/7, 2026   10:30 am
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM  
All ages welcome. Short stories, songs, and rhymes will be shared. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up. Drop-in.
 
FIREFIGHTER STORYTIME WITH THE CORVALLIS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Saturdays, 2/7, 2026   10:30 am
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
All ages welcome.
 
LOS CUENTOS
Saturdays, 1/17, 2/21, 3/21, 2026   10:30 am
CORVALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN MEETING ROOM
A bilingual storytime in English and Spanish for children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up. Drop-in.  
 
FIRST READERS BOOK CLUB
The First Readers Book Club is for kids who are reading early reader books and features a book club kit every other month. Each kit includes a paperback copy of an early reader book, discussion questions, and a craft. Available while supplies last. Books and supplies are provided by the Friends of the Library. 
The First Readers Book Club kits will be offered on the following date:
  • Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
  • Saturday. March 7th, 2026
A limited number of kits will be available for pick up beginning on 1/3/26 on a first come first served basis at each library branch.  A small number of kits will also be available for delivery. Please contact Youth Services at 541-766-6794 for more information.
 
January 2026 First Readers Book Club Title: 
Little Penguin's New Friend by Tadgh Bentley
Little Penguin's New Friend  by Laura Driscoll
A polar bear is coming to visit! Little Penguin has never met a polar bear, but has heard that they’re scary. He wonders if he should believe everything he hears.
 
 
 
 
March 2026 First Readers Book Club Title: 
  Poppy's Pollinators by Shelli R. JohannesFarm Friends: Poppy's Pollinators by Kimberly Derting
  When it is time to plant her flower garden, Poppy’s father explains about the     importance of pollinators and she decides to plant flowers that will attract bees   and butterflies to the farm.
 
 
 
"Pie" Day 
In honor of Pi Day that is celebrated on March 14, 2026, let's read about pies! Not the same "pi", but still fun! You can create your own "PIE day" celebration with these fun reads and maybe share or bake a few pies! Find more titles here to read all about it.
 
The Good-Pie Party 
by Elizabeth Scanion

The Good-Pie Party by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie  by Herman Parish 
 
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie by Herman Parish
How to Grow An  Apple Pie 
by Beth Charles
 
How to Grow an Apple Pie by Beth Charles
 
Peace and Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be explained as "paying full attention to what we’re doing or feeling at the moment." An example would be "noticing how the sun feels on their skin, the taste of food, or how their body feels when they run."  (https://www.calm.com/blog/mindfulness-for-kids). Practicing mindfulness is a way for kids to learn to handle their emotions, nurturing a way to achieve a sense of calmness and peace. It can help them gain a sense of control when they are experiencing big emotions. Adults can help kids cultivate this skill through the 5 early literacy practices of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. 
Talk:
Ask your child -
  • What does it mean when you feel at peace? Let's share some examples with each other. 
  • When do you feel calm and quiet? What are you doing when you feel that way?
  • What can you do when you are feeling upset, or feeling like "too much" is happening, confused, when you can't make choices, when it's too noisy, or when you feel irritated? Discuss some positive ways to deal with these emotions. 
Sing:
Listen to music that helps your child feel calm. It can be classical music, lullabies, nature sound recordings, or any music you both enjoy. Check out this playlist that teaches mindfulness. Learn some and sing together. Research shows that singing can help fight stress by boosting the release of good hormones that help people feel better.
 
You can also make up your own song. For example, change the words to the familiar song "If You're Happy and You Know It" - 
If you want to feel calm, take a deep breath!
If you want to feel calm, take a deep breath!
If you want to feel calm, and you really want to show it,
if you want to feel calm, take a deep breath!
 
For other possible actions to add to this song, try some yoga poses. 
 
Read:
  • Read picture books about peace and mindfulness. Talk about the pictures and what seems to be happening in the story. Discuss ways you can also achieve peace or quiet by practicing some of the actions or behaviors mentioned in the books. 
Peace by Baptiste Paul
Peace
by Baptiste Paul

"From saying hello and pronouncing your friend's name correctly to giving more than you take and saying I'm sorry, this simple concept book explores definitions of peace and actions small and big that foster it"
The peace book by Todd Parr
The peace book
by Todd Parr

The author of It's Okay to be Different, provides an introduction to the meaning of peace and the importance of living in harmony with people of all different cultures and backgrounds from all around the world through bright and colorful illustrations and simple text. Reprint.
I am peace : a book of mindfulness by Susan Verde
I am peace : a book of mindfulness
by Susan Verde

A child starts to get carried away with worry and rushing thoughts before taking a breath, steadying, observing thoughts, feeling kindness, feeling thankful, and experiencing the world
Enemy pie by Derek Munson
Enemy pie
by Derek Munson

Hoping that the enemy pie which his father makes will help him get rid of his enemy Jeremy Ross, a little boy finds that instead it helps make a new friend. By the illustrator of Odd Velvet. Jr Lib Guild.
Can you say peace? by Karen Katz
Can you say peace?
by Karen Katz

Every September 21 on the International Day of Peace, children around the world wish in many different languages for peace
Five minutes' peace by Jill Murphy
Five minutes' peace
by Jill Murphy

Seeking five minutes of peace away from her noisy children, Mrs. Large sneaks off to take a hot bath, only to be joined by Lester and his flute, Laura and her book, and the baby with all his toys. Reprint.
ABCs for a peaceful me : a mindfulness seek-and-find book by Shelly Becker
ABCs for a peaceful me : a mindfulness seek-and-find book
by Shelly Becker

This insightful and inspiring ABC picture book about mindfulness features bold, colorful art on each spread that focuses on a unique word promoting a healthy body-mind connection as well as new ways to self-soothe and help little readers express themselves
The blue hour by Isabelle Simler
The blue hour
by Isabelle Simler

Animals, birds, and even flowers of blue hues color their landscapes, from the Arctic to the jungle, as they enjoy a moment of peace in the hour between day and night
Snow globe wishes by Erin Dealey
Snow globe wishes
by Erin Dealey

After the worst snowstorm of the year, a young girl wishes on a snow globe that everyone will come out to play and share a dream of peace
Mindful Mr. Sloth by Katy Hudson
Mindful Mr. Sloth
by Katy Hudson

Sasha has one speed--fast. She loves to do lots of things, all at once, as fast as possible. Mr. Sloth has one speed--slow. He loves to do things one at a time, at a nice, easy pace. Can Mr. Sloth's mindful ways teach Sasha to slow down and enjoy life? Best-selling author Katy Hudson gently weaves a mindfulness theme into this unlikely friendship tale between an energetic girl and a sloth, encouraging children to stop, breathe, and be present in every moment
Puppy in my head : a book about mindfulness by Elise Gravel
Puppy in my head : a book about mindfulness
by Elise Gravel

Presents a step-by-step guide to help calm kids down in plain language and with a rare sense of understanding and compassion, Elise Gravel tackles anxiety in children head-on with bold colors and whimsical illustrations
Can you hug a forest? by Frances Gilbert
Can you hug a forest?
by Frances Gilbert

Featuring illustrations painted on actual wood, this meditative picture book celebrates the beauty of the natural world and encourages mindfulness, gratitude and love for the environment. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
Leo the lazy lizard by Ed Shankman
Leo the lazy lizard
by Ed Shankman

"Leo the lizard spends his days relaxing in the desert sand, gazing at the sky, and basking in the sun. The other desert animals think Leo is lazy, but the roadrunner isn't so sure . . . could it be that Leo has learned something the others have not? Perhaps there is more to this lazy-looking lizard than truly meets the eye? With its playfully melodic rhymes and stunning desert illustrations, Leo the Lazy Lizard invites readers of all ages to discover the beauty of quiet moments-to smell every scent, feel every breeze, and love how they feel 'cause they feel so at ease! A true celebration of mindfulness, connection, and learning to appreciate the things that make us all so wonderfully unique, Leo the Lazy Lizard will delight families for generations to come!"
Wangari's trees of peace : a true story from Africa by Jeanette Winter
Wangari's trees of peace : a true story from Africa
by Jeanette Winter

When she returns to her childhood home in Kenya and sees that the whole forest around her village is being cut down, courageous and determined Wangari starts planting trees in her own backyard and ends up in the midst of a movement that is respected around the world
The quiet book by Deborah Underwood
The quiet book
by Deborah Underwood

From the quiet of being the first one awake in the morning to "sweet dreams quiet" when the last light is turned off, simple text explores the many kinds of quiet that can exist during the day
A handful of quiet : happiness in four pebbles by Nhãat Hanh
A handful of quiet : happiness in four pebbles
by Nhãat Hanh

The "father of mindfulness" presents a hands-on, creative method of meditation perfect for children experiencing stress and difficult emotions (TIME). Features cute illustrations, plus useful tips on how to start a 'pebble meditation' practice at home or in the classroom.
Quiet is strength by Mary Rand Hess
Quiet is strength
by Mary Rand Hess

Warm, glowing images of people enjoying times at the park, spending peaceful moments together as well as alone, and experiencing the nourishment of quiet combined with evocative text remind readers that one doesn't have to be loud to make a positive impact. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
My mindful walk with Grandma by Sheri Mabry
My mindful walk with Grandma
by Sheri Mabry

When a girl walks through the woods with her Grandma, she is so excited about their destination that she misses out on what is around her, but with Grandma's help, she learns how to breathe, be peaceful, and find herself in nature
"Slowly, slowly, slowly," said the sloth
by Eric Carle

Challenged by the other jungle animals for its seemingly lazy ways, a sloth living in a tree explains the many advantages of his slow and peaceful existence
Slowly Slowly by Toni Yuly
Slowly Slowly
by Toni Yuly

This charmingly illustrated picture book follows a boy and his puppy as they revel in the world around them while in the background, a persimmon tree slowly grows, blooms and creates fruit to be enjoyed by the community. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
Write:
Thinking about how different materials feel to your child, provide space and opportunities to do quiet activities that require the use of small muscles in hands - cutting, gluing, painting, coloring, drawing. Fill a shallow bin with different materials to create a sensory bin.
 
Sensory bin materials ideas:
  • water with squeezable toys
  • Finger painting
  • sand / magic sand
  • cornstarch and water solution
  • cornmeal or different kinds of dry beans
  • bubble wrap
 
Play:
Some kids crave sensory input through white noise, soothing textures or deep pressure and quiet spaces. These experiences help soothe and calm them. While others crave sensory input such as big bear hugs that squeezes them, or repetitive work that requires more muscle strength, such as pushing a vacuum around. Think about the kinds of experiences that will help your child find peace and practice mindfulness. Here are some suggestions for play opportunities or play areas:
  • Have a yoga session together, pretending to be animals. 
  • Practice taking deep breaths while lying down and laying a stuffed animal on top of your belly. Watch the stuffy go up and down as you draw and release deep breaths. 
  • Have a "loud" area designated for active play, such as building and knocking down blocks, driving toy cars around, rolling under blankets, or playing musical instruments. Have another designated area for "quiet" play, such as making crafts, doing jigsaw puzzles, or reading. 
  • Have all kinds of fidgets that your child prefers at hand in different places, such as in the car, in your child's backpack, or in a bedroom. 
 
Additional Resources for Parents
Want to learn more about mindfulness with your kids? Check out these resources:
1. Mindfulness for Kids
2. Zero to Three  
3. PBS for Parents 
 
Scholastic BookFlix

Video storybooks that are paired with nonfiction ebooks designed for preschool through 3rd grade. Collection includes books in English and Spanish. Free for CBCPL patrons!
 
Access BookFlix today! 
 
Looking for more to do? See all programs on our online calendar.