Over the next few months, this column will feature some storytime themes that go along with the Be Creative @ Your Library summer reading program theme for 2009. To me, creativity can be many things, especially anything to do with fine arts or the imagination.

This month, we will celebrate Music and Dance:

Most preschoolers love music, and there are several great books on the topic of musical instruments. For a craft, make music shakers: earlychildhood.suite101.com/article.cfm/music_instruments_for_preschoolers . I usually make them out of small paper plates (dessert size) and dried beans. Take two plates, put a handful of dried beans on one plate, and put another plate on top and staple all the way around. Tape around the entire edge, too. Then the kids can decorate with stickers, crayons, etc. Of course, as with all storytimes, sing several songs!

Kraus, Robert. MUSICAL MAX.
Max's noisy rehearsals bother the neighbors, but when he stops, they miss the music he plays.

Lionni, Leo. GERALDINE THE MUSIC MOUSE.
Geraldine the mouse sculpts a piece of cheese into a statue of a mouse holding a flute.

Porter, Sue. MOOSE MUSIC.
No one enjoys Moose's violin playing, until a lady moose comes by and listens.

Busse, Sarah Martin. BANJO GRANNY.
Granny travels a long way so she can play the banjo for her grandson.

Cox, Judy. MY FAMILY PLAYS MUSIC.
The whole family plays musical instruments.

Shields, Carol Diggory. MUSIC.
Several animals play musical instruments in this book with flaps.

Moss, Lloyd. ZIN! ZIN! ZIN! A VIOLIN.
Ten instruments line up to play in the orchestra.

Pinkney, Brian. MAX FOUND TWO STICKS.
Max makes music with things found around him like a hatbox, a bucket, and more!

Kushin, Karla. THE PHILHARMONIC GETS DRESSED.
The members of the orchestra get dressed for a performance.

Isadora, Rachel. BEN'S TRUMPET.
Ben plays an imaginary trumpet until some local musicians notice his talent and desire.

Keats, Ezra Jack. APT. 3.
Sam hears beautiful music coming from a neighbor, who plays the harmonica.