Something Funny Happened At The Library

"This is how storyteller, librarian, and all-around jokester Rob Reid opens his delightful new book, Something Funny Happened at the Library. Wouldn't it be great if kids came home from the library holding their sides, eager to pass on the funny things they heard in the library that day? According to Reid, the best way to get the attention of young people is to make them laugh. From easy-to-win-over preschoolers to unimpressed teens, this book will serve as your personal humor coach for even the toughest audiences out there." "With tricks of the trade on how to warm up an audience, choose age-appropriate material, use facial and vocal expressions to lure them in, and select props, you're on your way to something very funny! Young children won't be able to hold in their giggles after such programs as "The World's Worst Ice-Cream Story," and intermediate school-age kids will love to take part in book theme parties in honor of Captain Underpants or such special celebrations as "Boo Ha-Ha!" Even those middle- and high-school students, once convinced to participate in "Comedy Club" (a program that combines reading and stand-up) or spoonerisms (a wordplay game), will be rolling in the aisles. To enrich all of these programs, Reid also includes a funny reader's theater script, tips on how to host lively library tours and school visits, and even rap songs that extol the virtues of reading and the library!" A complete resource for getting children and young adults snickering and having fun in the stacks with innovative programming that uses humor, Something Funny helps you to connect with children and young adults and, along the way, make the library the hippest place in town!

Library Journal

Reid (Family Storytime: Twenty-Four Creative Programs for All Ages, ALA, 1999; Children's Jukebox: A Subject Guide to Musical Recordings and Programming Ideas for Songsters Ages One to Twelve, ALA, 1995) clearly knows the joys and challenges of putting together a successful children's program, and he generously communicates his "tricks of the trade" in this useful guide aimed at helping librarians put together humorous events for children and teenagers. Reid starts with several chapters on programming for specific age groups and includes a number of complete sample programs. He then suggests ideas for readers' theater (with a complete script) and discusses library tours and school visits. Reid devotes an entire chapter to humorous raps songs that can be used to promote books and libraries in any setting. In his fully annotated bibliography of "The Funniest Books in Your Library," the author thoughtfully divides fractured fairy tales into tale types (e.g., Cinderella, Mother Goose rhymes, etc.). The more than 300 books listed also include picture books, folklore, and the funniest children's authors and illustrators, all arranged by category and age. Unlike other programming guides, Reid's book includes the full text and instructions for finger plays, activities, and songs, as well as valuable tips on presentation. Even librarians who consider themselves humorously challenged will be inspired to try their hand at comedy, thanks to Reid's excellent book.-Rachel Quenk, Thomas Memorial Lib., Cape Elizabeth, ME Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.