We all remember...

We all remember our very first computer, right? My family purchased a Tandy (Radio Shack) Color Computer 2 back in the early 80's. I remember writing basic programs that would change the screen colors and create a little music... really just a series of high-pitch screeches.

It is utterly amazing how different the early experiences with computers are for kids today. Simple individual basic programs to change the screen color have been replaced with full-fledge social web networks, even for the very young. I wonder what the computer my son will use in the 2nd grade will look like?

Look up your first computer, and fondly reminiscence at Old-Computers.com. In the meantime, next time I visit my parents I'll have to root around in the basement to see if the old Tandy is still there.

Personalized Picture Books

All of my good friends know that I'm a photo-fanatic. It has always been a passion, but since the birth of my son it's turned into an obsession. I have yet to bring myself to use Flickr, however, because I'm stuck on shutterfly.

Why? Well, they have these nifty photobooks that you can create, and if you are really creative the end result can mimic that of a picture book. We have created two of these varieties, and I love them. The first was an "When I Grow Up" book featuring possible occupations based on photos of my son's first six months, and then I just completed a "Summer Time is" book (cover to the left).

I've seen all those gimmicky picture that you can create by superimposing faces into animal bodies, etc., but these are genuinely very cool. What better way to preserve memories than through the beloved picture book format.

Anyone use any other services for similar effects?

Win! Win!

My dad is the biggest Browns fan. Even when they have had horrible seasons, and there have been lots of those, he stood by the team.

So I was delighted a while back to find this little gem from Cuyahoga County Public Library in Ohio. The Read with the Browns promo features players reading picture books.

My favorite is the Simon Fraser, former Buckeye, reading Where the Wild Things Are. Classic football player!, and kids love it.

This program is a wonderful connection between kids back to the community.

Most Amazing...

The most amazing library web site that I have ever seen for young kids is the Toronto Public Library's KidsSpace.

The site is loaded with literacy based games, activities and recommended reading lists. Kids can even create their own picture-based stories to share with others.

Today when I visited I was impressed with the pumpkins and other mentions of Halloween. The site was launched almost two years ago, and the staff at Toronto is obviously dedicated to making it a success by keeping the content current. Kudos!

Where's Spot? Replaced

As librarians, we try so hard to get our children to love certain books, and yet the beloved character-based books always rise to the top. Our replacement order of Where's Spot? arrived yesterday via Amazon and was greeted with lots of enthusiasm. We were using our hands to cover the animals where flaps once were glued, and then Levi caught on and would cover the animals using his hands.

Now we are back to a fully intact Spot. Of all our titles, why is Spot the most popular?