July is the month when we all feel patriotic. This website has a list of 18 patriotic picture books for you to read during story time. It also has a terrific “Create Your Own Flag” activity that will work for all ages. http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/category/patriotic-crafts. Here are ten display ideas for July.
Christmas in July
Prepare one display space by decorating it with tinsel, ornaments, and snow globes. Then gather your Christmas crafts books to display. It takes a while for people to make these crafts, and July is a great month to start.
“Get Hooked on a Good Book”
Display books about fishing and other outdoor sports along with a fish net and lures.
First U.S. Zoo (July 1, 1874)
Many families go to a zoo during their summer vacations. The first U.S. Zoo opened its gates in Philadelphia on July 1, 1874 after being delayed for 15 years due to the Civil War. The Zoo’s current location is the same as it was on opening day. Here is a link to more information about America’s first zoo: http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/About-the-Zoo.aspx. Display picture books of animals and zoos along with a sign with information about the first zoo in the U.S.
Spam introduced (July 5, 1937)
Spam, the luncheon meat, was introduced into the market by the Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937. Do your own food science experiments. Some examples can be found at http://mentalfloss.com/article/56625/10-science-experiments-you-can-eat-your-kids.
Sylvester Stallone’s Birthday (July 6, 1946)
Take this opportunity to display your “Rocky” DVD and the five sequels along with other action films that Stallone starred in.
Patricia Polacco’s Birthday (July 11, 1944)
Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan and by the time she was 3 years old she and her mother lived on a farm with her grandparents. That experience had a profound impact on her. You may have noticed that nearly every book Patricia Polacco writes has a very young person interacting with an elderly person. Display Polacco’s books along with some coloring pages that can be found at http://patriciapolacco.com/fun/color_ins/index.html.
John Newbery’s Birthday (July 9, 1713)
John Newbery was an English publisher of books who first made children’s literature a sustainable and profitable part of the literary market. In 1921 the Newbery Medal was established by Frederic Melcher to be awarded by the American Library Association to the most distinguished children’s book of the year written by an American. Dust off all those old Newbery Medal Winners and display them in a prominent place with a poster listing all the winning titles. (This may be the only way these books will get checked out so that you will not have to weed them.)
Neil Armstrong Walked on the Moon (July 20, 1969)
During the Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon. Buzz Aldrin followed. They were on the moon’s surface for 2 ½ hours. Display books about space and space travel.
Amelia Earhart’s Birthday (July 24, 1897)
Born in Atchison, Kansas, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo. Prepare a display of books about female explorers. Here is a link to help you locate more: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/125/timelines/women-explorers/.
Paperback Book Day (July 30)
On July 30, 1935, paperback books were introduced with the publication of the first Penguin paperback by Sir Allen lane in London, England. Display some favorite titles that are available in paperback form.
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