April 2021 Reading Challenge- Kids' Book Spotlight- Easy Collection

The FCPL Reading Challenge for April is to read a book of poetry or a play. Check out some of these fun options for our youngest poets and thespians!

Picture Books

Poetree

by Shauna Reynolds

A shy girl celebrates winter's end by writing a poem to a tree and is surprised when the tree writes back.

The Alphabet Theatre Proudly Presents: The Z Was Zapped

by Chris Van Allsburg

Depicts how A was in an avalanche, B was badly bitten, C was cut to ribbons, and the other letters of the alphabet suffered similar mishaps

Guppies to Puppies

by Susan Freese

With colorful illustrations and informative text, children will learn how to read, write and recite a variety of poems about pets.

Early Readers

Rappy and His Favorite Things

by Dan Gutman

Rappy the Raptor and his classmates write poems about their favorite things to celebrate Poetry Week.

It Doesn't Need to Rhyme, Katie: Writing a Poem with Katie Woo

by Fran Manushkin

Katie and her friends explore writing different kinds of poetry about themselves and their surroundings.

Sports! Sports! Sports!

by Lee Bennett Hopkins

A collection of poems celebrating the joy and anguish of baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, soccer, swimming, and running races.

If you need help selecting a book for any of our Reading Challenges in 2021, please Email a Librarian, use our book lists for kids, teens, and adults, or visit the Ask Us desk of any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

#WeKnowBooks

Call the Storyline April 1 - 30, 2021

New stories are available each month in English and Spanish on the FCPL Storyline. Just call 678-513-4199 to hear a story, rhyme, riddle, or song performed by one of FCPL’s talented librarians! 

The Well-Read Frog (English)

When a book-loving chicken keeps visiting the library, the savvy librarian becomes curious. Will she figure out what chicken is doing with all those library books?  Listen to this American folktale and find out!

¿Que estas haciendo? (Spanish)

It’s the first day of school for Chepito, but before the school day begins, he comes across the people in his neighborhood reading all kinds of things. “Why? Why? Why?”, he asks – and their reasons are as different as each person. Once he gets to school and sees all the books, he decides to find out for himself what all the fuss is about.

Ready for a story? Call the StoryLine at 678-513-4199, then leave a comment below and let us know if you enjoyed this month's story!

Library Limelight: Lola Nichols, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Library Limelight is intended to be a quick read to help FCPL patrons get to know our librarians, staff, and volunteers. We hope you enjoy learning about the people who make our libraries great!

Lola Nichols
Information Specialist
Sharon Forks Library

Where is your hometown?

Atlanta, Georgia

How long have you been at FCPL?

Almost 9 years

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

I started as a Collection Support Aide at Sharon Forks.

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I love books and spreading the word about good titles and introducing patrons to new mystery series. When I was very young, I turned my books at home into library books and made my family check them out!

Describe your job in five words or less.

Slow, swamped. Questions, answers. Programs!

What is unique about your job?

The opportunity to impact lives and having my life impacted by folks visiting the library.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Co-workers and books! And chatting with patrons about a title we both love (or hate). I really enjoy discussing book favorites with our younger patrons who love to read!

What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?

A couple of years ago my family visited the Pacific Northwest during a particularly hot, dry, and smoky August as there were wildfires burning in the entire area. It was still beautiful! It was particularly memorable sitting on Mount Saint Helens remembering news coverage and the stunning pictures after the last major eruption there. The trip was a great family time. I also rediscovered my fear of heights!

What are your hobbies?

Reading, walking and hiking, kayaking, and practicing yoga!

What are you reading right now?

The Whip by Karen Kondazian, Spin by Patricia Cornwell, and the eAudiobook Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

All of the above! I still prefer paper though.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It has been a wonderful learning experience over the years with constant change while some things, like free books for FCPL patrons, stay the same. 2020 brought so many challenges, but FCPL staff were up to the challenge! My co-workers continue to amaze me with their talents. And always, thanks go out to my family for supporting my never-ending fondness for libraries and books!