The storytime theme of art and colors can be applied to any summer reading theme, and can fit for young toddlers and older kids; especially if the hands on projects are fun!  Many kids are intimidated at having to draw something, so allow art that is really open-ended.  This can include collage art, abstract art using markers or watercolors, or color matching games. Remember, it's the process, not the product! If you have a space outside the library, like a patio, you can even try finger-painting this summer!

Books: 

Where is the Green Sheep by Mem Fox.

   In this joyful, brief story, the opposites and rhymes hold the attention of the youngest listeners.

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by  Karen Beaumont.

   Exploding with energy, a little girl paints every space in her house; told to the tune of "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More." 

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh.

   Three white mice find a yellow, red, and blue jar of paint and mix the colors; also available as a Big Book.

Freight Train by Donald Crews.

   Very simple book about colors, using train cars as examples.

Bear's Picture by Manus Daniel Pinkwater.

   Two "fine, proper gentlemen" tell a bear he cannot paint a picture, but the bear proves them wrong.

Cat's Colors by Jane Cabrera.

   A cat describes ten colors and tells which is his favorite.

Duckie's Rainbow by Frances Barry.

   With rainbow-shaped pages, this simple story shows readers the colors of the rainbow.

Go Away, Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley.

   Die-cut pages help kids send away monsters and learn their colors.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, Jr.

   The classic repetition story that uses animals to teach colors.

Lemons are Not Red by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

   Older kids will predict what is in each picture, with colors that may surprise you.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert.

   Flowers demonstrate the colors.

The Dot by Peter Reynolds.

   Vashti is certain she is no good at art, until a kind teacher encourages her.

The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola.

   A young boy is discouraged when an old fashioned art teacher demands art be done just her way.

My Crayons Talk by Patricia Hubbard.

   A very brief text and child-like crayon drawings make this perfect for toddler storytime.

Black Meets White by Justine Fontes.

   Die-cuts, flaps, and popups show the joys of the under-represented colors of black, white, and gray.

Alice the Artist by Martin Waddell.

   Alice paints a picture, but friends drop by and tell her to add things, until she decides to do it her own way.

Websites with arts and crafts ideas, songs, and more:

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/projects/trc/2004/manual/internal_chapters/toddler_colorme.htm

http://www.susanmdailey.com/themeofmonth--March.html

http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/preschool_themes/colors/colors.htm