Cozy Quilt Storytime

Guess what? Today is World Read Aloud Day! Here's a storytime idea to get you inspired or you can just sit down with your favorite picture book and reading buddy. Either way, register your own read aloud celebrations here to participate!

This storytime is targeted at preschool-aged kids at the library. It's a great opportunity for kids to bring their blankies with them!

The idea for this storytime is brought to you today by the letter "Q." These are the words highlighted:

Read Aloud Books

Mooshka, A Quilt StoryWritten and illustrated by Julie Paschkis

Karla loves her handmade quilt, Mooshka. It tells her stories of its pieced history and provides comfort. But when the new baby moves into Karla's room, Mooshka stays quiet until Karla can learn to share and love her new sister. While this book is a bit on the long side (it almost feels like two stories in one--Mooshka's story and Karla with her new sister), the illustrations are GORGEOUS. The coziness of the book is the perfect introduction to today's topic.

Who Said Coo?Written by Deborah Ruddell, illustrated by Robin Luebs

Every time Lulu snuggles in her cozy bed, she’s disturbed by the noises of two naughty birds outside her window. Whoooooo…Coooooo….Lulu must find a way to get her wide-awake pals to pipe down. But as her frustration grows, will she be able to ask them nicely? Perfect book for its cozy rhymes and, of course, the questions Lulu repeatedly asks.

Bear Is Not TiredWritten and illustrated by Ciera Gavin

Bear and his duck family do everything together. That is, until winter arrives. Bear is supposed to hibernate this time of year, but he doesn’t want to miss out on any of the fun. But can Bear really stay awake all winter long? This brand new book is perfect opportunity to throw in some "quacks" for this letter Q storytime. Plus, what's more cozy then hibernation?

Songs & Rhymes

Hello Song

SONG:I'm a Busy Quilter

(Tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider)

I'm a busy quilter,

I sew and sew, you know.

Sometimes I make quilts quickly,

Sometimes I make them slow.

Sometimes they are fancy,

Sometimes they are plain.

But when my quilts are finished,

I'm cozy just the same.

ACTION RHYME: “Loud and Quiet”

(from Storytime Katie)

Quietly, quietly not a sound

I’m listening and I’m listening

As I look around

No sounds as I nod (nod)

No sounds as I clap (clap)

No sounds as I tap my hands on my lap (tap)

Loudly, loudly, stamp and clap (stamp and clap)

Loudly, loudly, stamp and clap (stamp and clap)

Loudly, loudly, stamp and clap (stamp and clap)

All that noise, well fancy that!

COUNTING RHYME: "Cozy Night"

One fluffy quilt on my bed,

Two little pillows for my head,

Three teddy bears to hold so tight,

Now I'm ready for a cozy night!

Goodbye Song

Games & Activities

Props: 5 Little Ducks

We always have a lot of rubber ducks at my library. Past summer reading prizes I think. Either way, they make great props for this favorite song of mine. If you don't have rubber ducks, it works great for a flannel, too!

Five little ducks went out one day

Over the hills and far away

Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”

But only four little ducks came waddling back

(keeping counting down to one, when all the ducks come back)

Craft: Q-Tip-glued Quilt

Either with scrap fabrics if you've got it, or simply tissue paper, have kids glue squares to design their own quilt. They can practice the letter "Q" while they're at it. Just click on the image for a full-size printable.

Other Book Ideas

The Quiltmaker's Giftby Jeff Brumbeau (Author), Gail de Marcken (Illustrator)

Goodnight Already!by Jory John (Author), Benji Davies (Illustrator)

QuestIllustrated by Aaron Becker