Normally, many of us begin planning our summer storytimes and other programs in January, but these are not normal times. Just in case we will be able to have “in person” storytimes to coincide with the summer reading/learning program, we should start preparing now. Of course, we can offer these same storytimes virtually.
Many libraries will be using one of the two major summer learning programs: iREADS’ “Reading Colors Your World,” or CSLP Reads’ “Tails and Tales.” Both are great themes for storytimes, no matter what your summer theme might be. “Tails and Tales” celebrates animals, while “Reading Colors Your World” celebrates ethnic diversity, art, and science.
Over the next few months, this column will be revising some of our popular storytime themes that fit these two summer reading programs.
Bees Storytime – revised
For a craft project, make one of these simple bee projects: 15 Bee Crafts for Kids – Buggy and Buddy.
Bell, Cece. Bee-wigged. A giant bee has trouble making friends until he wears a wig to resemble a human boy.
Bloom, C.P. The Monkey and the Bee. Monkey doesn’t want to share his banana with Bee, but soon another animal wants some.
Boelts, Maribeth. Kaia and the Bees. Kaia is afraid of bees. Unfortunately, her dad is a beekeeper.
Kelley, Gerald. Please Please the Bees. Benedict the Bear learns to help the bees if he wants some of their honey.
Larkin, Shabazz. The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter. A rhyming tribute to bees and the good they do for the environment.
Snicket, Lemony. Swarm of Bees. With repetition that can inspire audience participation, a little boy is angry and the bees show him how to act.
Wong, Janet. Buzz. Buzzing is heard throughout the house in this story filled with sound effects.
See the earlier version of this storytime outline: Bees Storytime Ideas (bayviews.org)