Children – Charles County Public Library

Beautiful Bats

marianne — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:37 +0000

Bats are beautiful, sophisticated, intelligent and ubiquitous mammals, yet they are often misunderstood due to widespread harmful myths and legends. It is very important to celebrate bats because they are endangered, and are requisite to the survival of our planet. International Bat Appreciation Day is celebrated every year on April 17 (and Bat Appreciation Week falls later in the season, in late October) so this is the perfect time to learn more about one of the world’s most mysterious creatures, the bat!

Hello, my name is Miss Sara and in this blog, I will provide many fascinating and educational facts about bats, including a link to an article detailing their extremely unique reliance on a combination of hearing and sight in order to locate their prey. Next there will be a chart illustrating bat anatomy, the science of bat echolocation, a few different bat topics taken from Maryland Department of Natural Resources as well as a chart illustrating the 10 species of bats found in Maryland. Also highlighted is one of our main CCPL children’s databases, National Geographic Kids, and some entertaining and educational children’s resources from our CCPL catalog.

Important Resources

Below are interesting and educational facts about bats (facts pulled from various website sources, which are cited and linked below):

Bats live almost everywhere, except the Arctic, Antarctic and a few oceanic islands. They usually roost in caves, old buildings or trees. They are the only mammals that can fly! Other mammals like flying squirrels, or flying possum, can glide, but not fly. Bats are nocturnal – they are active during the night, dusk, or dawn. Bats are a successful group…they are the second largest order of mammals (there are more than 1,100 species of bats).
Bats fly with their hands. Bat and bird wings are different – birds do not have long finger-like bones in their wings like bats do. Therefore, birds cannot move each of their fingers – but bats can. Because of this, bats can change their direction while flying or fly in any pattern they want: this makes it easier to catch their food. A bat flies as if they are “swimming” through the air – pushing both wings down and backward. A bird’s wing has lots of feathers, while a bat’s wing is mostly a stretchy, thin skin called a patagium. This thin membrane of skin stretches between each finger bone, connects to the bat’s ankle, and connects to the bat’s tail (if it has one). A bat folds its wings next to its body when not flying. Bats have one claw (sometimes called a bat thumb) that sticks out of the top of the wing. They use their “thumb” to climb and crawl. Interestingly, bats also use their thumbs to clean their ears! Bats’ wings have a lot of maneuverability (they can change direction well) – more than a bird, in fact – but they do not have a lot of lift. Because of this, bats usually have to climb up onto a tree or jump up into the air for the boost before they start flapping their wings.
Most bats rest, sleep and hibernate in an upside-down position. They hang on to branches or rocks with their feet. To do this they have a locking mechanism on the tendons in their feet which stops them from slipping. The advantage of this is that the energy they spend hanging on is greatly reduced. Once the tendons are locked, the muscles in their legs and feet can relax. Even dead bats stay hanging.
Bats have been on Earth for more than 50 million years, and are widely dispersed across six continents. Globally, bats provide vital ecosystem services in the form of insect pest consumption, plant pollination, and seed dispersal, making them absolutely essential to the health of global ecosystems. In one hour, a single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes.
Of the over 1,000 species of bats spread across the globe, there are only 3 species of bats known as “vampire bats” which are hematophagous (blood drinking) – the Common Vampire Bat, the Hairy-Legged Vampire Bat and the White-Winged Vampire Bat.
Megabats eat fruit, nectar or pollen. They pollinate flowers and sometimes spread their seeds. Many tropical plants completely depend on bats. Most microbats (7 out of 10 bat species) are insectivorous, that is, they eat insects. Some microbats eat small vertebrate animals (small mammals or fish) or even other bats. Bats usually live in caves, or trees. In North America and in Europe they sometimes live in people’s houses or barns. In Britain, all bat species and their roosts are legally protected, by both domestic and European legislation.
An interesting thing about bats is that even though they can see with their eyes, they also use their ears to help them ‘see’ in the dark. Because of this, they can fly into very dark places where no eye could see. This way of sensing is called echolocation. Echolocation means they use echoes to find where things are. When a bat makes its noises, the sound waves move away from the bat. If they hit something, they bounce back to the bat (this bounce is called an echo.) If nothing bounces back, the bat knows there is nothing in front. They use this echolocation to catch their food, like butterflies or dragonflies. When a bat begins its nightly exploration, it usually sends out about 10 calls per second. From the echo they know what is in front. When they get an echo from something really good to eat, the calls increase up to 200 calls per second (this increase of sounds is called a feeding buzz).
Some species of bats live up to 40 years. Bats grow in a variety of sizes – the smallest bat species is Kitti’s Hog-Nosed Bat (also known as the Bumblebee Bat) which weighs about 2 grams, measures 1 inch and has a wingspan of 5 inches. The largest bat species is the Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox Bat (pictured in the two main blog images above) weighing up to 4 lbs with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. Bats are also very clean animals, grooming themselves almost constantly.
Bats also have reasonably good eyesight, and can see their prey and where they are flying if it’s not too dark. There are lots of stories about bats flying right into people, but this is not true. They can see in the light very well, and in the dark, they can see much better than us. So the expression “blind as a bat” is not very scientific.
Today, bats are under unprecedented threat from widespread habitat destruction, accelerated climate change, invasive species, and other stresses. Without concerted international action, their populations will continue to fall, driving many species to extinction.

Web site Sources

https://kids.kiddle.co/Bat
https://www.batcon.org/about-bats/bats-101/
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international/international-bat-appreciation-day-april-17

National Bird Feeding Month

marianne — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:38 +0000

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February is National Bird Feeding Month; it’s time to learn about the world around us and feed some birds in the process.

Amazing Backyard Birds Facts

Ornithology is the scientific study of birds. An ornithologist studies birds’ behavior and biology, promotes the conservation of birds and their environment, and educates others about the importance of birds and their environment.
Every autumn, the part of a black-capped chickadee’s brain responsible for memory grows by 30 per cent, to help it find its hidden seeds throughout the winter. In the spring, it shrinks back to its standard size.
You can usually see around 12 different bird species a day, depending on the weather and time of year, with a yearly total of around 50 different species of birds.
A bird’s body temperature remains approximately 105 degrees, even in winter. They store fat during the short days of winter to keep themselves warm during the long nights. During those freezing nights, they fluff their feathers to trap heat and slow their metabolism to conserve energy.

Tree swallows huddle in snow, Keith Williams, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0, https://www.fws.gov/media/tree-swallows-huddle-snow
American goldfinches are easy to spot because they are bright yellow; however, during winter, they change colors. They lose their bright yellow feathers and grow dull brownish-green feathers.
Some birds use the snow to keep warm. Ruffed grouse keep warm by diving into snow, creating snow caves that maintain temperatures of 20-plus degrees, no matter how cold the air temperature drops.

February is the hardest month for wild birds. What can you do to help feed the birds near you during winter?

Offer your backyard birds a buffet of bird seeds or create a bird feeder for their snacking pleasure.

Clothes Pin Mini Bird Snack

Supplies Needed:

Clothes pins
Cardboard, pencil, scissors, and hot glue
Peanut butter or shortening for a peanut-free option
Bird seed

Directions:

Step 1: Draw and then cut cardboard shapes. You can use any shape you want: hearts, stars, circles, triangles, and more. Cookie cutters can be used as templates.

Step 2: Glue your shapes to the ends of clothespins to create the base for your bird feeder.

Step 3: Spread peanut butter or shortening on the cardboard shape. You want a nice, thick layer so your birdseed will stick. Peanut butter offers birds a great source of fat and protein to help build up the fat deposits they use to keep warm.

Step 4: Cover the entire peanut butter area with birdseed. You can get creative and make patterns and shapes. Once complete let your bird snack harden overnight or pop it in the refrigerator for faster drying.

Step 5: Clip your bird snacks to trees and bushes so your bird friends can find and enjoy them.

*CCPL Staff picks are chosen by CCPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We’d love to hear your ideas too, so write to us and tell us what you’d recommend!*

Book Picks:

Birds: Explore Their Extraordinary World by Miranda Krestovnikoff

From the bitter cold polar regions to the lush tropics, birds have found incredible ways to adapt and survive anywhere. What birds can do is extraordinary. The statuesque golden eagle spots prey from miles away. Discover which bird is the fastest, the smallest, the smartest, the most colorful and more in this nonfiction compendium, complete with descriptions from wildlife expert Miranda Krestovnikoff and stunning linocuts from artist Angela Harding.

The Extraordinary World of Birds by David Lindo

Parrots, hummingbirds, eagles, and more swoop across the pages of this colorful bird book, which combines gorgeous illustrations and photos to help young enthusiasts learn all about the wonderful world of birds. From frozen icescapes to sweltering deserts, from prehistoric ancestors to amazing adaptations, they’ll discover the surprising homes and habits of our feathered friends. They’ll also find out about how we can help protect birds and their natural habitats.

Birds by Moira Rose Donohue

This delightful little nature guide for young children is all about discovering the wonderful world of birds swooping, soaring, fluttering, and flying around your neighborhood and beyond.

Backyard Birding for Kids: An Introduction to Ornithology: Field Guide, Projects and More! by Erika Zambello

Become a young ornithologist. Learn all about the scientific study of birds. Author, birder, and outdoors researcher Erika Zambello presents a kids’ introduction to bird-watching. With fascinating information for beginners, the book provides readers with an understanding of bird anatomy, life cycles, habitat, and 60 species of backyard birds!

Everything Bird: What Kids Really Want to Know About Birds by Cherie Winner

Perfect for budding birdwatchers or simply curious kids, this book includes 29 questions from kids, with answers that include information on more than 60 different types of birds. Includes information on how to get more birds to your yard, but also cautions against interfering with birds in the wild.

Beaks by Sneed B. Collard III

Simple text describes various bird beaks and how birds use them to eat, hunt, and gather food.

The Children’s Book of Birdwatching by Dan Rouse

A book, packed with inexpensive upcycling projects, that provides kids with tips on how to attract a range of birds to their outdoor space. Transform your backyard into a sanctuary for a variety of birds. Make a difference to the local wildlife with this informative, hands-on book. Bird numbers are in decline, and you can help them by creating a place for them to thrive. Make a bird feeder that you can fill with seeds or a mini pond for them to drink from, and watch as a range of birdlife gather in your garden. The Children’s Book of Birdwatching celebrates local wildlife and teaches children about the challenges birds face and how we can help.

Birds by Pamela Hickman

This beautifully illustrated, comprehensive book explores why birds are such an important part of the wildlife food chain. Essential scientific topics, such as migration and pollination, are explained in kid-friendly language, with helpful illustrations. Readers will even learn about the birds in their communities using a bird-watching questionnaire.

How to Bird by Rasha Hamid

Birding for everyone, everywhere. Birding is a joyful, wonder-filled activity that anyone can do. Birding is a fun and accessible practice for coping with stress, practicing mindfulness, and getting outdoors, and How to Bird shares how to get started and empowers children to find joy in birdwatching. How to Bird is a culturally relevant, lyrical, succinct, and direct procedural text on birding strategies.

Ornithology by Ellen Doris

Explores the world of birds

Birds by Ruth A. Musgrave

Presents an introduction to a variety of birds, with simple facts about their feathers, feet, and songs.

Encyclopedia of Birds by Namasri Niumim

Packed with over 300 species of birds, this beautiful encyclopedia will take you on an incredible journey through the world of birds ,helping you find out about the amazing feathered creatures that share our planet. From tropical parrots and toucans to sea birds and eagles, find out all about birds with this informative first guide.

Birds by Ben Hoare

Find out how birds from around the world fly, feed, sense the world, communicate, build nests, protect their eggs, raise chicks, keep their feathers in top condition, defend themselves, and travel in search of food and nesting sites.

Day in the Life: birds. What do Flamingos, Owls, and Penguins Get Up to All Day? by Dr. Alex Bond

Soar through the skies to follow the lives of our feathered friends as they fight, dance, and play their way through their day. Ornithologist Dr. Alex Bond tells the story of the world’s most amazing birds in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations perfect for future biologists.

Birds by Terry Jennings

Presents an introduction to birds, describing basic physical characteristics, different types, including water birds, seabirds, woodland birds, ducks, geese, swans, and birds of prey, and the dangers they face from pollution and habitat loss.

Sources

How do birds keep warm in the winter? | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The Constitution of the United States: Let Me Reintroduce Myself

marianne — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:31 +0000

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We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. —The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, Copied from the National Archives

The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription | National Archives.

As we near the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, let’s talk about the law of the land: The Constitution of the United States.

We have all heard of it, we hear many references to it, especially in current political discourse, but have we read it? Do we know what it is about?

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of this country, meant to guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms. It is the guiding force of this nation. Every federal and state official–whether the president of the United States, a member of Congress, a soldier in the military, a police officer or a federal worker–promises to support and defend the Constitution. It is not to an individual, not to a foreign nation, but to this charter. This allegiance is meant to be a protection for all.

The Constitution was birthed out of tumultuous circumstances: a new nation in the throes of separating itself from a tyrannical power. The young country was under great pressure to provide safety and stability that the states were struggling to provide. The states especially needed support in covering war debts as well as conducting international trade and negotiating diplomacy. The federal government needed a way to meet these great demands and obligations.

This way, informed by numerous ideas that ranged from ancient texts about Sumerian law and the Magna Carta to scientific research on solar system orbits and biology about a body’s constitution, laid the groundwork for much discussion and debate. And this groundwork became the foundation for a great experiment on governance.

As if the nation, at this time, was not fully consumed with the great task of drafting the law of the land (known as the Constitutional Convention that started in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787), the thirteen states were simultaneously drafting their own constitutions. To put it colloquially: there was a lot going on. These processes of debating, contributing, voting, writing, and editing took an incredible amount of time and effort. In tandem, numerous state conventions were held to consider and vote on proposed changes to the working Constitution draft. The process was arduous and tedious. The exhausting back and forth between the contributors, writers, and state residents and legislators from every level spanned several months and required numerous revisions, many state conventions, and a multitude of compromises that eventually came to a tentative end. The term tentative seems to fit, as not everyone could be fully comfortable and in agreement. The same can be said for today. The final document was signed on September 17, 1787.

The U.S. Constitution is organized into three parts. The Preamble, The Articles, and The Amendments.

The Preamble is the introduction to The Constitution. It sets the intention and hopes of the newly birthed nation. Interestingly, it was added to the document almost as an afterthought. In recent times, however, the beginning phrase, “We the People of the United States…” is one of the most recognizable introductory phrases.

The Seven Articles lay out the structure of the federal government, detail each branch’s duties and responsibilities, and provide guidance on how the country should operate. One of the most important features, included in the Articles, that ensures fair representation in Congress, came out of the Connecticut Compromise of the Constitutional Convention. It established proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate.

The Amendments are the active part of the U.S. Constitution. Although the Constitution was meant to resist change–to protect the citizens from dangerous influences or whims– it is also designed to allow for adjustment to fit current times. Or metaphorically speaking, the process is akin to mending a torn garment or amending a quilt by adding new squares to repair worn areas, resulting in an enhanced and more effective covering. They are also meant to provide stability and to allow a way to adjust to the will of the people without violence or insurrection. The means for making changes are outlined in Article V.

The first 10 Amendments are The Bill of Rights, which establish the fundamental protections every person in this country is entitled to. The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791, and the last Amendment, the 27th, was certified on May 18, 1992.

The Bill of Rights

(—Copied from the National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript.)

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Although some of the language or circumstances surrounding the birth of the Constitution may seem unrelatable or old-fashioned, the themes and hopes still resonate. These ideals are still tirelessly fought for and maintained today.

This is the first blog in the U.S. Civics refresher series. Let’s revisit the basics and gain new insights together!

Did You Know?

”…Massachusetts is the oldest written constitution in the world still in use, and more than any other state constitution, it served as the model for the U.S. Constitution.”
Federalist versus Anti-Federalist: “Federalists not only supported the Constitution but subscribed to a particular set of ideas about politics and government, commerce and diplomacy. An “Anti-Federalist”, however, was anyone who objected to the Constitution on any ground. They “didn’t necessarily agree about much else.””
Amendments 13, 14, and 15 which abolished slavery, established the full rights of citizenship to birth and naturalized citizens, and gave citizens the right to vote are arguably the most influential and groundbreaking amendments.
The Amendment that never was ERA. The Equal Rights Amendment that would grant equal rights to all citizens regardless of sex, was vigorously advocated and hotly contested from the 1920’s to the 1980’s. The seeds for the Amendment, however, were planted before the United States was established.
Native nations in the United States have their own Constitutions. And some of these Constitutions have introduced the concept of granting rights to nature, which in turn inspired the environmental protection movements.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Charles County Public Library.

*Although the general content of this blog was inspired by the listed references, only the direct quotes from said references are footnoted.

References

Lepore, “We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution”, 57.

Lepore, “We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution”, 114.

Cong. Rsch. Serv., Constitution of the United States: Analysis and Interpretation, https://constitution.congress.gov (last visited January 23, 2026).

Lepore, Jill. These truths : a history of the United States. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.

Lepore, Jill. We the People : a history of the U.S. Constitution. New York: Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2025.

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. The Bill of Rights: A Transcription.

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript (last visited January 13, 2026).

Learn More about the U.S. Constitution:

The U.S. Constitution: Why it Matters to You by Moira Rose Donohue

The U.S. Constitution by Kathy Allen

The U.S. Constitution: Discover How Democracy Works by Carla Mooney

The U.S. Constitution by Michael Burgan

How to Read the Constitution and Why by Kim Wehle

Know Your Rights!: A Modern Kid’s Guide to the American Constitution: We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy

The Library of Congress: Digital Collections: Constitution: https://www.loc.gov/collections/?q=constitution

CCPL Staff Picks: I Love You Thiiiis Much! 12 Children’s Books That Convey Love

marianne — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:23 +0000

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Love is a strong feeling that can be described in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite children’s books on love. What is love to you, and how do you express it?

*CCPL Staff picks are chosen by CCPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We’d love to hear your ideas too, so write to us and tell us what you’d recommend!*

Love, Z by Jessie Sima (E SIM)

“A little robot named Z finds a message in a bottle signed, “Love, Beatrice” and, unable to learn what love is from other robots, sets out on a quest to find the answer.”

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague (E YOL)

“Illustrations and rhyming text present some of the different ways dinosaurs can express their love, from cleaning up after making a mess to smiling sweetly instead of roaring.”

Cinnamon Bun, I Love You 1 by Amy Schwartz (E SCH)

“A 1-10 counting book that’s full of sweet treats, playful moments, and lots of new baby love.”

– Provided by Publisher

I Love Your Face! by Karma Wilson (E WIL)

“In rhyming text, parents express their love for their multicultural babies.”

Like So by Ruth Foreman (E FOR)

“Just as the sun loves the day and the moon loves the waves, a grandmother shows how her family’s love is natural and connected to the world around them.”

One, Two, Grandpa Loves You by Shelly Becker (E BEC)

“A girl and her grandfather enjoy each other’s company as they go on an outdoor adventure together.”

Mom Loves Little Jumbo by Yasushi Muraki (E BOARD BOOK MUR)

“Little Jumbo’s mama is not only the greatest, but the biggest elephant ever! Naturally, she is not really the biggest in the world but from his perspective, she is a giant. She is brave and protects him; she plays with him, finds the tastiest fruit and cuddles him when it is time to sleep. And best of all–Mama loves him just like he loves Mama.”

I Love My Grandma by (E BOARD BOOK AND)

“From train rides to playtime, this book illustrates the love between grandmother and grandchild, and all the exciting things they can do together!”

Corgi Loves by Junyi Wu (E BOARD BOOK WU)

“Corgi loves parks, breakfast, naps… and YOU!”

– Page 4 of cover

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman (E STU)

“Tiny T. Rex wants to cheer up his friend, Pointy, with a hug, but he is frustrated because even as he gets bigger, his arms remain too small for proper hugging–but he is determined to practice, even when he gets into trouble.”

Nubby by Dan Richards (E RIC)

“An overworked stuffed bunny strikes out on a quest for fame and appreciation, only to realize that home is where he belongs.”

Love Waves by Rosemary Wells (E WEL)

“While they are at work a mother and father send powerful ‘love waves’ to their child at home, offering reassurance and comfort in their absence.”

Art Junction: Winter Scene

marianne — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:34 +0000

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Did you know that December 21st was officially the first day of the WINTER season? There are four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter, and they each last about three months. Winter can be very cold, and certain regions of the United States can experience snow during this season. Want to learn more about the Winter season? Read a digital book on Bookflix and learn fascinating facts about Winter. We wear thick jackets, hats, gloves, and boots to keep warm during this season. My favorite time of year is the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The air is cool and breezy, and I can enjoy the scenery of Fall leaves. I know many friends who absolutely love the Winter season. Just as we enjoy the seasons, our furry friends do too on Kanopy Kids. Enjoy an adventure with Little Bear and his friends (Owl, Hen, Duck & Cat) as they play hide and seek in the forest. Want more cozy reads? Check out some of these cool reads on COSMOS. While you’re enjoying a winter day, let us create a fun Winter scene painting.

Materials

Blue construction paper
White and brown paint (any type will do)
Paint brush
Paper plate
Water to rinse the paint brush
A paper towel to dry the paintbrush, and a little extra
Rubberband
Pencil to make a tree on the blue construction paper

Directions

Step One: Place a small amount of brown and white paint on your plate.

Step Two: Using your pencil, draw a tree on your blue construction paper.

Step Three: Dip your paintbrush in brown paint and start tracing your tree.

Step Four: While your brown paint is drying, wash your brush and pat it dry on a paper towel.

Step Five: Take a small amount of paper towel and wrap a rubber band around it to create a “bubble.”

Step Six: Dab the paper towel in white paint, then dab the spots under the tree and on the branches to create a snow effect.

Step Seven: You just created a lovely Winter scene.

Taste of the Tundra

marianne — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:50 +0000

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What and where is the tundra? The Arctic tundra is a cold, rocky, dry habitat found mainly in the northern parts of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia. The two main types are Arctic tundra and alpine tundra. Arctic tundra is found around the North Pole, while alpine tundra is found on high mountains worldwide. Continue to read this post to learn more about this cold and wonderful land with facts, animals, and books.

Here are some amazing tundra facts

The word tundra comes from the Finnish tunturi, meaning “treeless plain” or “barren land.”
Winter in the tundra is long and cold. Tundra’s winters last about 8 months, with temperatures reaching as low as -60 degrees.
In the summer, the sun is up almost the whole day, making for little to no dark nights.
The tundra is home to many animals, some of which have adapted over time to survive in the harsh conditions. The arctic hare, arctic fox, and the ermine change coats from brown in the summer to white in the winter so they can blend into their surroundings.
Animals in the tundra tend to have small ears and tails. This helps them to lose less heat in the cold. They also tend to have large feet, which allows them to walk on top of the snow.

Sources:

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/tundra/399631

Tundra Animals

Arctic hare

Arctic fox

Polar bear

Snow goose

Arctic leeming

Reindeer

Arctic wolf

Narwal

Arctic tern

Snowy Owl

*CCPL Staff picks are chosen by CCPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We’d love to hear your ideas too, so write to us and tell us what you’d recommend!*

Book Picks:

Non Fiction

Arctic Tundra by Kate Riggs

Explores the food chain on the arctic tundra, from the arctic willow, to the arctic wolf, including various animals in between.

Tundra by Peter Benoit

Learn about tundra ecosystems.

An Arctic Story: The Animals Of The Frozen North by Jane Burnard

On a journey to the North Pole and back, and from fall to spring, the story begins and ends with an extraordinary wood frog, a tiny creature that freezes for the long Arctic winter. On the way, we meet polar bears, an arctic fox, narwhals, and many other animals.

A Walk in the Tundra by Rebecca L. Johnson

The tundra is a windy and cold landscape. But the closer you look, the more life you see. Mosses, grasses, and wildflowers grow in the thin soil. Animals from bees to bears depend on the life growing in this chilly habitat.

Arctic and Antarctic by Anita Ganeri

Readers can explore Earth’s polar regions where they’ll meet extraordinary animals that survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of these icy worlds and learn about magnificent natural marvels that make life fascinating on, above, and under the ice.

Who Lives on the Cold, Icy Tundra? by Rachel Lynette

Presents the various types of animals that live on the tundra, including polar bears, the arctic fox, the giant petrel, the emperor penguin, and musk oxen.

Arctic Hare by Grace Hansen

Any animal that lives in the Arctic is brutal! This title explores how the Arctic hare survives in such cold, unforgiving conditions, what it eats, and more. The book is complete with large, colorful photographs and a more facts section.

Fiction

Counting On Snow by Maxwell Newhouse

In this petite counting book, animals appear in the isolation and beauty of a snowy Arctic winter– from ten crunching caribou down to one lonely moose.

Polar Bear Morning by Lauren Thompson

A little polar bear cub ventures out of her den for the first time and meets a new friend.

Lost And Found by JiWon Beck

A wordless picture book in which a young Eskimo girl befriends a weak, hungry polar bear that has taken refuge in her igloo, and the bear later returns the favor.

The Bear Report by Thyra Heder

Sophie is uninterested in writing a research report on polar bears until a polar bear named Olafur swoops her away to the Arctic, where she learns all about the playful bear’s habits and habitat, from glacier mice to Northern Lights.

Nanuk the Ice Bear by Jeanette Winter

At the top of the world, a polar bear hunts, swims, courts, raises cubs, and worries as they go off on their own.

Oona in the Arctic by Kelly Dipucchio

A mermaid and her otter friend go on a journey to help a lost beluga whale return to the Arctic.

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage

Dr. Morley and her team arrive in the Arctic Circle, where they encounter such wonders as playful orcas, the glowing aurora borealis, and formidable ice shelves while searching for the giant Arctic jellyfish, a legendary creature no one has ever seen.

Dream Flights on Arctic Nights by Brooke Hartman

Illustrations and rhyming text reveal a child’s dreams of flying over the Arctic and seeing the animals that live there.

Arctic White by Danna Smith

A young girl looks around her home in the Arctic and sees only white, white, white. But one day her grandfather takes her out on a journey across the tundra. And at the end of their cold walk, the dark opens up to show the Northern Lights dancing across the sky–blue, green, and purple.

The Way Home For Wolf by Rachel Bright

Wolf cub Wilf is convinced that he has what it takes to lead the pack, but the adults laugh–and when he falls behind and finds himself alone in the dark of the Arctic night, he discovers that it is essential to have friends who will show you the way home..

The Science of Snow

marianne — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:57 +0000

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Brrrr, the trees are bare, and there is a chill in the air ~ winter is already here. January is a time for families to gather together as the weather turns cold. Have you ever wondered how snow is formed and why no two snowflakes are alike? Let’s take some time to learn all about the science of snow!

Hello, my name is Miss Sara, and in this blog, I will provide many fascinating facts about snow, including a link to a website devoted to Wilson A. Bentley, a 19th-century American farmer who is credited with being the first person to photograph a single snow crystal.

Next, there will be links to various charts and websites outlining the science behind a snowflake’s life cycle, different types (and shapes) of snowflakes, snowflake science, amazing videos of slivers of ice growing into snowflakes, and official snow terminology. Lastly, I will highlight one of our main CCPL children’s databases, National Geographic Kids, and some fun and educational children’s resources from our CCPL catalog.

Important Resources:

Below are interesting and educational facts about snow (facts pulled from various website sources, which are cited and linked below):

There are 35 basic snowflake shapes.
At 19 years old, Wilson A. Bentley was the first person to take close-up photographs of snowflakes.
Snow is made of tiny ice crystals. Snow forms super high up in the clouds. Water freezes into tiny snow crystals up in the clouds. If those crystals of ice get heavy enough, they fall down from the clouds as snow. On the way down, the tiny ice crystals bump into one another and then clump together to form snowflakes.
Snow and rain are types of precipitation (water that falls to the earth). Snow is frozen precipitation.
Snow is almost 90% air and clear (it only appears white because of how the winter sunlight reflects off of it). Every snowflake is unique, but scientists can sometimes find two snowflakes that look alike.
Wonder what makes a snowflake’s shape? The crystal shape is based on temperature, air moisture, and the direction and speed at which the snowflake falls.
Animals will grow “winter coats” that are white. This helps them stay camouflaged from predators while in the snow.
If there is a form of precipitation, the air temperature needs to be at or below freezing for it to snow. Snow melts when it’s warmer than 32 degrees.
Snow is one of the six main forms of precipitation. The others are called drizzle, rain, sleet, graupel, and hail. Have you ever heard of graupel? It is basically just a really soft version of hail.
Snowflakes almost always have 6 sides. But they can have 3 or 12 sides every once in a while.
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (1 septillion) snowflakes fall every winter.
Snowflakes can take two hours to travel from a cloud to the ground (but usually, it takes about one hour for a snowflake to reach the ground).
For the Winter Olympics, people have to use snow machines to make enough snow.
Snowy cities have places to put all the plowed snow…these giant piles can last until summer.
“Thundersnow” is a rare thunderstorm that happens while it is snowing.
You need to wear sunglasses in the snow. We usually associate sunny weather and sunglasses with summer and heat. However, snow has the ability to reflect a high level of ultraviolet radiation, which can burn your eyeballs and cause “snow blindness” if you do not wear protection.
It is never too cold for snow. While it can certainly be too warm for snow, there is no temperature too cold for snow. If snow does not happen in extremely low temperatures, it is just because there was no water or moisture in the air or the weather. It is frozen water after all, so water is necessary.
Have you ever heard of sleet? It may look like snow, but it is a little different. They are tiny, rainy particles that started out as water and froze on their way to the ground.
Have you ever seen frost in your front yard? While it may look like snow, it is not – it is actually made from water that was already on your ground or grass. The water froze because of low temperatures and looks a little bit like snow.
Japanese macaques love to make and play with snowballs; that’s one reason they are called “snow monkeys.”

Web site Sources:

Below is a link to a website devoted to 19th-century American farmer and amateur meteorologist Wilson Alwyn Bentley, who in January 1885 is credited with being the first person to photograph a single snow crystal. Read Mr. Bentley’s detailed biography (and view incredible photos of his beautiful snow crystals) below:

Wilson Alwyn Bentley

Here is a chart detailing the life cycle of a snowflake, which originally appeared in a January 2013 edition of The Calgary Sun and again in a December 2014 article from Wildcard Weather:

Image/Chart Source: https://wildcardweather.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/snowflakes-form.jpg

Below are the 35 different snowflake shapes, courtesy of SnowCrystals.com:

Image/Chart Source: http://www.snowcrystals.com/guide/snowtypes4.jpg

Below is another fascinating page courtesy of SnowCrystals.com, which details how snowflakes are formed:

Snowflake Science

Watch brief movie clips of real slivers of ice as they grow into snowflakes (also known as snow crystals) on a glass plate within a lab, courtesy of SnowCrystals.com:

Growing Snowflakes

Have you ever seen any of the following snow occurrences? Here are interesting (and some quite rare) snow terminology, courtesy of FarmersAlmanac.com:

Blizzard: A violent winter storm that combines subfreezing temperatures, strong winds, and snowfall. To officially qualify as a blizzard, a storm must reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile and last for at least three hours.
Cornice: An overhanging accumulation of ice and wind-blown snow, such as might be found on a cliff face.
Column: A type of snowflake that is shaped like a six-sided column.
Dendrite: A type of snowflake that has six points. This is the archetypal “snowflake” shape.
Finger drift: A narrow snowdrift across a roadway. So named because several of them together resemble the fingers on a hand.
Firn: Snow that is more than a year old, especially on the upper part of a glacier, but that has not yet consolidated into ice.
Flurry: A brief snowfall that produces little to no accumulation.
Graupel: Also called snow pellets, graupel refers to round, opaque snowflakes that almost look like polystyrene pellets. They form when regular snowflakes fall through ice-cold liquid clouds. Droplets from the clouds freeze onto the crystals, forming a solid mass. Graupel is similar to hail, but is smaller and less dense.
Ground blizzard: A windstorm that is not accompanied by snowfall, but which reduces visibility by lifting existing snow from the ground.
Lake-effect snow: Snow produced when icy winds move across a large body of warmer lake water. Common in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada.
Needle: A type of snowflake that is much longer than it is wide.
New snow: Recent snowfall in which individual ice crystals can still be seen.
Old snow: Snowpack in which individual snow crystals can no longer be recognized.
Perennial snow: Snow that remains on the ground for more than a year.
Pillow drift: A wide, deep snowdrift across a roadway.
Polycrystal: A formation made up of several snowflakes that fuse into one massive flake.
Rimed snow: Snowflakes coated in tiny frozen water droplets called rime.
Ripples: Marks on the surface of snow, similar to the ripples in sand, caused by wind.
Roller: A naturally occurring cylinder of snow formed by the wind.
Sastrugi: Irregular grooves and ridges in snow caused by the wind.
Sleet: Rain mixed with snow.
Slush: Partially melted snow on the ground.
Snirt: Snow mixed with dirt.
Snow bridge: An arch formed by snow and wind.
Snowdrift: Snow on the ground that has been blown by the wind to a height greater than the actual amount of snow that has fallen.
Snow squall: A brief, intense snow shower that does not qualify as a blizzard due to its short duration.
Snowburst: An intense snow shower that produces a lot of accumulation in a short period of time.
Snowflake: A cluster of ice crystals that falls from a cloud.
Snowstorm: Any weather event that features large amounts of snowfall.
Sun cups: Shallow, bowl-shaped hollows formed by irregular patches of intense sunlight.
Whiteout: a blizzard or squall that reduces visibility to near zero.

Website Source:

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/how-many-words-snow-16650

Additional Resources:

Click on the link below to explore our children’s database, and search for all things winter and snow:

National Geographic Kids

Engage kids and young students to broaden their educational horizons with reputable, special, authoritative, and age-appropriate digital content that brings them the world in a way they have never seen before. National Geographic Kids will take them on amazing adventures in science, nature, wildlife, culture, geography, archaeology, and space.

*CCPL Staff picks are chosen by CCPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We’d love to hear your ideas too, so write to us and tell us what you’d recommend!*

*All book cover photos are from Goodreads/all title descriptions are from the CCPL COSMOS website.

You may also check out our CCPL catalog for both entertaining and educational children’s resources on winter and the science of a snowflake, such as:

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson, Ph.D.

This book about the science of snow features photos of snow crystals in their beautiful diversity and includes how snow crystals are formed into different shapes and snow-crystal-catching instructions in the back of the book.