Kids Storytime Favorites - Read Aloud by SWAN and GULL

Oh, The Places You'll Go Jul 18, 2024

With his classic tongue-twisting verse, Dr. Seuss helps us maneuver the path of life, complete with the inevitable ups and downs, slumps and bumps. Herein lies a tale every child should take to heart and every parent should hear more often.

Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss

Musical Credit: "Mosaic" by Allalo

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A Visitor For Bear Apr 30, 2024

Bear is quite sure he doesn't like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear's relentless house guest refuses to leave, he learns just how pleasant it is to share tea for two.

Written by Bonny Becker

Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Musical Credit: "The Funny Bunch" by Giulio Fazio

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Mama, Do You Love Me? Mar 13, 2024

This story's lyrical text introduces young readers to a distinctively different Arctic culture, as a child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting.

Written by Barbara M. Joose

Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

Musical Credit: "Eskiden" by Arnito

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Stellaluna Feb 26, 2024

Join Stellaluna, a young fruit bat, as she learns her true identity thanks to the help of an accepting family of birds.

Written and Illustrated by Janell Cannon

Musical Credit: "Not That Easy" by Soundroll

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Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? Feb 15, 2024

Rhyming, joyful verse and vibrant illustrations describe young Jesse Bear's activities from morning to bedtime.

Written by Nancy White Carlstrom

Illustrated by Bruce Degen

Musical Credits: "Morning Dew" by Arthur Vyncke

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Make Way For Ducklings Feb 10, 2024

This illustrative masterpiece is especially comforting to children because it shows parents as caretakers, protectors, and teachers. Additionally, by relying on the kindness of others, this family of Mallard ducks eventually finds safety in a prominant Americn landmark. Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf.

By Robert McCloskey

Musical Credit: "Excusez-Moi?" by Roo Walker

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Hello Lighthouse Jan 24, 2024

A luminous story that will transport you to the seaside where the daily life of a reliable lighthouse keeper and his family unfolds. This historical story highlights the innerworkings of a steadfast lighthouse and all that was necessary to keep its reassuring light burning bright.

By Sophie Blackall

Musical Credit: "Stargaze" by The Lakes

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Harold And The Purple Crayon Jan 10, 2024

Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold takes our imagination for an exciting adventure through woods, bustling cities, across seas and past dragons before returning to bed, safe and sound.

By Crockett Johnson

Musical Credit: "Hiccup Waltz" by Giulio Fazio

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Guess How Much I Love You Jan 05, 2024

This beautiful story of a parent's unsurpassable love is one of the world's best-loved picture books, capturing the hearts of children and adults alike decade after decade.

Written by Sam McBratney

Illustrated by Anita Jeram

Musical Credit: "Seaside Jaunt" by Oliver Massa

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The Year Of The Perfect Christmas Tree Jan 01, 2024

This touching Appalachian tale, which takes place during the first World War, reminds us that the courage and power of a family is as joyful and timeless as Christmas itself. These are happy tears, I promise!

Written by Gloria Houston

Illustrated by Barbara Cooney

Musical Credit: "Tamazula" by Ilyia

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The Night Before Christmas Dec 15, 2023

On Christmas Eve, a father catches an unexpected and magical glimpse of St. Nicholas himself. Along with his eight reindeer, Santa is here to fill the family's stockings with toys. Thanks to this author's classic tale, St. Nick's quick visit also brings us nostalgic sentiments of wonder and joy.

* With so many different versions of this book in print, please note the page turning cues may not match the book in front of you. Nonetheless, the classic poem will remain the same across all versions.

Written by Clement C. Moore

Illustrated by Charles Santore

Musical Credit: "Twinkle Bells" by Roo Walker

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The Snowy Day Dec 15, 2023

In this sparkling and adventurous tale, a small boy experiences the joy of a snowy day.

Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

Musical Credit: "No Time For Games" by Soundroll

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Bear Snores On Nov 30, 2023

One by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up. See what happens when he finally wakes up and finds his cave full of uninvited guests -- all of them having a party without him!

Written By Karma Wilson

Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Musical Credit: "Lazy Sunday Afternoon" by Northwestern

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How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Nov 27, 2023

The Grinch and his hapless dog Max visit Who-ville with nefarious intentions. But after their attempts to ruin Christmas fail, the Grinch soon realizes that Christmas is much more than boxes and bows.

By Dr. Seuss

Musical Credits: "Christmas Mischief" by Floor Model, "Playfully" by V. Draganov, "He's Definitely Up To Something" by Fernweh Goldfish

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Owl Moon Nov 22, 2023

A young girl has waited years to join her father on his winter owling expedition. Together they search for the elusive nighttime bird that calls to them. This award winning story shines a light on the comfort and fulfillment we find in spending quality time with someone very special to us.

Written by Jane Yolen

Illustrated by John Schoenherr

Musical Credit: "Forget" by Lesfm

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The Circus Ship Nov 15, 2023

At first, suspicious of unexpected animal visitors, a delightfully crafted plan unites Maine's townsfolk with some very special circus refugees. The quickly formed bond saves many lives, forming a magical island community.

Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Musical Credit: "Animals At The Horizon" by BatchBug

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Are You My Mother? Nov 03, 2023

This memorable baby bird's quest to find his mother reminds us how truly special it is to have a sense of belonging.

Written and Illustrated by P.D. Eastman

Musical Credit: "Daybreak" by Justin Lee

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Room On The Broom Oct 19, 2023

Gratitude and kindness pay off for these pals when disaster strikes. This light-hearted and rhyming tale reminds us that making room on our broom for others might just save the day when the wind picks up.

Written by Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Musical Credit: "Circus Monkey" by Alexander Nakarada

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Grumpy Monkey Sep 30, 2023

Jim Panzee is having such a terrible day. Everyone in the jungle offers advice on how to loosen up, but Jim can't seem to make things right. Luckily, his loyal friend Norman reminds him it's OK to just feel what we feel.

Written by Suzanne Lang

Illustrated by Max Lang

Musical Credit: "Holiday" by MaxKoMusic

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Abuela Sep 19, 2023

Rosalba and Abuela find themselves on a marvelous journey above New York City. Narrated in English with a beautiful sprinkle of Spanish phrases, this dazzling adventure will literally uplift your spirits.

Written by Aurthur Dorros

Illustrated by Elisa Kleven

Musical Credit: "Wanderlust" by Scott Buckley

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The Big Orange Splot Sep 02, 2023

When Mr. Plumbean paints his house, the neighbors from "neat street" can't believe their eyes. This story celebrates how perfectly unique one person is from another and emphasizes the importance of accepting those differences.

By Daniel Manus Pinkwater

Musical Credit: "Where No Man Has Set Foot" by Vlad Gluschenko

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Otis Aug 04, 2023

Everybody's favorite little tractor shows us the importance of friendship and loyalty in this best selling classic.

By Loren Long

Musical Credit: "Tenderness" by FSM Team

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Is Your Mama A Llama? Jul 08, 2023

Lloyd is a curious creature who learns from fellow baby animals exactly who his mama really is. These rhyming riddles are sure to thrill your little one.

Written by Deborah Guarino

Illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Musical Credit: "Friends Forever" by FSM Team

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Corduroy Jun 30, 2023

An adventurous little bear realizes he doesn't have to be perfect to find his forever home.

By Don Freeman

Musical Credit: "Calling Home" by Alex-Productions

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Strega Nona May 24, 2023

Strega Nona's magical everfull pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. His temptation for fame lands him in a pile of trouble- literally.

By Tomie dePaola

Musical Credit: "Bella Ciao" by Julius H

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Little Blue Truck May 12, 2023

Follow Blue as he makes a pack of farm animal friends along his daily route. And when things turn mucky, these pals are willing to do whatever it takes to get Little Blue Truck back on the road.

Written by Alice Shurtle

Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Musical Credit: "Funny Story" by Paul Yudin

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The Snail And The Whale May 06, 2023

This heartwarming tale illustrates that anyone, no matter how small, can achieve great things if they put their mind to it. Explore amazing sights and unusual friendships in this playful, rhyming story.

Written by Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Musical Credit: "Far From The City" by Zakhar Valaha

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Giraffes Can't Dance Apr 30, 2023

This touching tale of an awkward giraffe who longs to dance shows us just how far our own tune can take us. With encouraging words from an unlikely friend, Gerald overcomes the nay sayers to become the star of the show.

By Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

Musical Credit: "Untouched Land" by Alexander Nakarada

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Where The Wild Things Are Apr 22, 2023

Escape with mischievous Max to a magical land of imagination, where he comes to learn that nothing beats a warm, home cooked meal.

By Maurice Sendak

Musical Credit: "Shelter Song" by Alexander Nakarada

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What Was I Scared Of? Apr 20, 2023

This quirky and mildly spooky tale shows that facing your fears can sometimes lead to wonderful things- in this case, an unusual friendship.