arthur at the library arthur at the library

funding for Arthur® is provided by

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Arthur at the LibraryAn Activit

y

Guide for

Children’s

Librarians

Arthur at the Library

pbskidsgo.org/arthur

�Funding for Arthur outreach is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Funding for Arthur website is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and television viewers. Funding for Arthur is provided by public television viewers. Corporate funding is provided by Chuck E. Cheese’s® and Dannon® Danimals®. ©2006 WGBh Educational Foundation. All rights reserved. All characters and underlying materials (including artwork) copyright by Marc Brown. Arthur, D.W., and other Marc Brown characters are trademarks of Marc Brown. All third party trademarks are property of their respective owners. used with permission.

Time to Celebrate!

Arthur celebrates two milestones in 2006: ten years as an award-winning television show on PBS and 30 years as a popular children’s book series by Marc Brown.

Over 11 million children watch Arthur every week. And, as a librarian, you

know it’s nearly impossible to keep Arthur books and videos on the shelf.

to help you use Arthur as a catalyst for events at the library, this online guide

offers lots of activities, ready-to-use templates to download and print out, and

recommended books. You’ll also find suggestions of related Arthur shows and

links to the extensive resources on the Arthur Web site.

Educational institutions can record Arthur shows on the air and use them for educational purposes up to one year after broadcast.



Arthur Web Site

pbskidsgo.org/arthurthe Arthur Web site is a great resource for libraries. It’s a safe, commercial-free, and educational destination for children at the library or at home.

Parents, teachers, and librarians can find theme-based activities and games,

lesson plans, guides, and resources in the Parents & Teachers section.

Kids love the extensive collection of interactive and printable games. take the

Site Tour to find links and learning goals for each of them. the site is updated

with new features on an ongoing basis, so check back often! You can also link

your library’s Web site to the Arthur Web site.

here are just a few highlights from the site:

episode descriptions for every Arthur show (Browse these

synopses to develop Arthur-related story times and events.)

handy character profiles (Do you know what Francine’s favorite

color is?)

recommended books from each character

tips for putting on a play

links to lesson plans from our guides for childcare providers

and teachers

printable bookmarks, coloring sheets and character masks

complete list of Arthur books, videos, CDs, and audiocassettes

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/site/site_tour.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/site/link_to_us.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/schedule/ep_desc1_3.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/program/char_summary.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/favorite.books.html?cat=favorite.books

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/playmaker/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/lesson/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/bookmarks/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/coloringpages/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/masks/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/books/index.html



The Top Tenhere are some ways to use the number “10” as an inspiration for a party.

At a special story hour, show “happy Anniversary” (episode #1001), in

which the reads celebrate their 10th anniversary. then read a book

featuring the number 10 (see below).

In the show’s interstitial, kids talk about the top ten reasons they like

Arthur. Ask kids to fill out and return a Top Ten form on one of the

following topics:

• the top ten reasons I Like to read

• My top ten Favorite Books

• the ten Best things about the Library

• the top ten Kids’ Web Sites to Visit

Post the results, highlighting the 10 most popular entries.

Invite kids and their families to contribute to a poster displaying the

number 10 in a variety of languages.

Ask older children to write a story using the number 10. With the writers’

permission, publish a collection of the stories or post them on your

library’s Web site.

You may want to do this program over a 10-day period.

Party Time

Top Ten form[click to enlarge]

10 for 10!Butler, John. Ten in the Den

Crews, Donald. Ten Black Dots

Durango, Julia. Cha-Cha-Chimps

Falwell, Cathryn. Feast for 10

Feelings, tom. Moja Means One

Fleming, Denise. The First Day of Winter

Onyefulu, Ifeoma. Emeka’s Gift

Stickland, Paul. Ten Terrible Dinosaurs

thong, roseanne. One is a Drummer

Wood, Audrey. Ten Little Fish

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_top_ten.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_top_ten.pdf


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Happy Birthday, Arthur!Even though Arthur always stays his delightful 8-year-old self, you can celebrate his birthday on or near May 25. (P.S. It’s Muffy’s birthday, too!)

Check out the online Arthur party ideas. You may also find useful

material at the PBS Parents Guide to Birthday Parties.

Create a party invitation with the date, time, and recommended

age range.

Suggest that children bring a “gift” such as a book they no longer read.

Books in good condition can be donated to a library book sale, local

shelter, or city hospital.

Wrap the books you are going to read aloud as if they were presents.

have children make birthday cards for Arthur to display at the library.

Make Arthur party hats.

Sing “happy Birthday” or the “Arthur Theme Song” all together.

have kids dance along as you sing. (You can listen to the theme song in

the Music Box.)

Serve refreshments.

Give out “goodie bags” for kids to take home. Fill them with information

about your library, bookmarks, coloring sheets, trading cards,

character masks, and booklists.

You can use this format to celebrate the birthdays of other popular book

characters or in honor of a favorite children’s book author or illustrator.

For information on authors and illustrators, check their individual Web sites

or http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.com/birthday/bbios.html.

Party Invitation[click to enlarge]

Party Time

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/partyideas/planner/index.html?cat=party

http://pbskids.org/cgi-registry/kidsbridge.cgi?context=arthur_pbs_parents_birthday

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_party_invitation.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/hats/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/songbook/theme.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/songbook/theme.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/musicbox/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/bookmarks/index.html


http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/tradingcards/index.html



http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_party_invitation.pdf


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You can use these Arthur episodes and theme-related books with your library program.

Arthur and . . . BirthdaysArthur’s Birthday (#110)

D.W.’s Perfect Wish (#314)

Prunella Gets It twice (#406)

Prunella’s Prediction (#408)

Elwood City turns 100! (#705)

Desperately Seeking Stanley (#807)

read about . . . Birthdays!Asch, Frank. Happy Birthday, Moon

Brown, Marc. Arthur’s Birthday

Bunting, Eve. Flower Garden

Cooke, trish. So Much

Feldman, Eve. Birthdays! Celebrating Life Around the World

Graham, Bob. Oscar’s Half Birthday

hobbie, holly. Toot and Puddle: A Present for Toot

holabird, Katherine. Angelina’s Birthday

horning, Sandra. The Giant Hug

London, Jonathan. Froggy Bakes a Cake

Look, Lenore. Henry’s First-Moon Birthday

Lopez, Loretta. The Birthday Swap

Mora, Pat. Pablo’s Tree

Soto, Gary. Chato and the Party Animals

Wells, rosemary. Bunny Cakes, Yoko’s Paper Cranes

Williams, Vera. Something Special For Me

Party Time


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Arthur’s All-Mixed-Up Party Children love to use their imagination in creative ways. this event will help them experiment with new and unusual perspectives.

rearrange the room so that it looks different than it usually does—move

chairs around or place them backwards. hold the book you are reading

upside down and see who notices first!

Suggest that kids wear mixed-up clothing, such as their shirts inside out,

different colored socks, or, if it’s warm outside, hats and mittens. Be sure

to mix up your outfit as well.

Instead of stamping children’s hands as they enter, have them stamp

yours.

have kids write their names backwards on nametags as they arrive.

Ask them to walk in backwards.

Say goodbye when children come in and hello when they leave.

Listen to the “Jekyll and hyde” song from the Arthur and Friends

audiocassette or CD.

Serve “mixed-up” snacks (such as pineapple upside-down cake) at the

beginning instead of at the end of your event.

have children try writing and drawing with their non-dominant hand,

or with their toes, or with their eyes closed!

Ask children to use their imaginations and make up “what if?” stories

or draw “what if” drawings: What if pigs flew? What if it snowed in the

summer?

Play “Backwards toss” using a beanbag and a coffee can or larger

container.

Party Time


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Arthur and . . . Mix-ups!Binky Barnes, Art Expert (#202)

Arthur Goes Crosswire (#303)

Arthur’s Almost Live Not real Music Festival (#311)

Buster’s Best Behavior (#409)

D.W.’s time trouble (#707)

read about . . . Mix-ups!Auch, Mary Jane. The Princess and the Pizza

Barrett, Judi. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Cole, Babette. Princess Smartypants

Jackson, Ellen. Cinder Edna

Kloske, Geoffrey. Once Upon a Time, The End

Loh, Morah. Tucking Mommy In

Perry, Sarah. If

Pulver, robin. Punctuation Takes a Vacation

Scieszka, Jon. The Frog Prince Continued

trivizas, Eugene. Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

Party Time



Family Book ClubYou can help parents and children bond over books by organizing a family book club.

Decide how many people will be in the club and what age group you will

target. usually 4 or 5 family pairs are enough. Parent-child book groups

work best with grades 2 and up.

Advertise the book club at the library, on your library’s Web site, in

community newspapers, and through parent-teacher associations.

Choose when, where, and how often you will meet. Once a month will

generally allow enough time for everyone to read the book.

Create a reading list for 4 to 6 months. You may want to vary the length,

difficulty, and genre of the books. You may also want to offer a mixture of

classics and new books. When parents and kids register for the group,

invite them to add their suggestions to the list. Once the group has

decided, set aside multiple copies of the books.

At the first meeting, ask kids and parents about a memory of a favorite

book from childhood. (to get things started, volunteer one of your own.)

this will help everyone get comfortable.

together, decide on the final book selections and how the meeting will be

run. Suggest that different parent-child pairs take turns being the “hosts.”

Encourage the kids to lead the conversation. Be careful that the adults

don’t take over!

At the end of each session, provide a short list of books that are related to

the genre or topic.

If you can, serve refreshments that go along with the mood, setting, or

theme of the book that you’ve read.

Join the Club!


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talk about It

here are some questions to help get the conversation going.

• Did you like the book? Why or why not? If yes, what did you like best about the book?

• What surprised you most about the book?

• What was the most memorable part of the book?

• If you could make a film of this book, what character would you like to play? Why?

• If you could choose a paragraph, scene, or a chapter to read aloud, which would it be?

• If you could invite any of the characters for dinner, who would it be? Why?

• If you could meet the author, what would you want to ask him or her?

• If the author were to write a sequel, what would you most want to know about?

Join the Club!

More Book Club Fun• Visit the author’s Web page. What can you find out?• Write to the author. You can often find the address online or write to his or her publisher. have everyone from the book group sign the letter!• Find professional reviews of the book. Do the members of the club agree with the “experts” or not?

• have the book club collaborate on a book review to submit to the local newspaper. • Lights! Camera! Action! Find out if your club can be featured on a local cable access channel.

• have a party to celebrate the last meeting of the book club. Members can come dressed as their favorite fictional character!• Check out the PBS Parents Book Club.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/bookfinder


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Author! Author!Inspiring kids to write is an important part of literacy. When parents and kids work together to “publish” a book, they enjoy a creative and collaborative experience.

In “Fern and Persimmony Glitchet” (#1002), Fern is anxiously awaiting the

latest installment of the horrendously horrible happenings book series.

When Fern expresses her wish to write a book, the librarian, Paige turner,

suggests that Fern write to the mysterious author of the series (Persimmony

Glitchet) for advice. She uses his advice to write and publish her own story—

and experiences the thrill of being an author.

In “unfinished” (#1007), Arthur finds an adventure book that he just can’t put

down...but the last few pages are missing! After a frantic search for another

copy, Arthur must create his own ending.

Offer parents and kids the opportunity to experience the excitement of

becoming authors with a club focused on writing. Launch the club with a

scene from “Fern and Persimmony Glitchet,” “unfinished,” or another

Arthur episode that promotes writing (see page 14). Depending on the age

of the kids, you can hold one or more sessions.

For Younger ChildrenSeSSion one

Introduce the club by asking kids (and parents) about some of their favorite

picture books and why they like them. help summarize what they describe

as you introduce some new vocabulary: plot, characters, dialogue, etc.

talk briefly about what authors and illustrators do and show examples.

then discuss the kinds of books parents and kids can write, such as

• an alphabet book (with an illustration of something beginning with each

letter)

• an “All about Me” book (with a sentence per page about the child)

• a retelling of a familiar tale with a new twist

• a joke book

• a story about a favorite stuffed animal or family pet

Join the Club!


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have the pairs decide what kind of book they will create. Once they decide,

help them develop their idea. For instance, for story ideas you can ask:

• Where would you like your story to take place? In your room, on the

moon, in a castle, on top of a mountain?

• When does your story begin? In the morning, in the middle of the night,

yesterday, today, someday?

• What happens in the story? Is it funny, scary, silly, realistic?

Pairs can also use the Arthur Story Picture Cards for more ideas.

Encourage parents to talk with their children throughout the week about

their story idea.

to end of the session, share a read-aloud story about writing (see page 14).

SeSSion Two

Distribute basic supplies (paper, pens, pencils, crayons). have parents and

kids write together—children can dictate the story, pairs can take turns

writing, etc. (You may want to gently remind parents to let their kids take

the lead.)

have the pairs illustrate the pages and then design a cover with the title

and authors’ names.

the participants can use a simple method to bind the story into a book:

staples, hole-punches with a ribbon or shoelace ties.

You can “catalog” the book by adding a dummy spine label and/or barcode.

Congratulate the new authors and invite them to read their books to the

group.

ArThur Story Picture Cards[click to enlarge]

Join the Club!

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_picture_story_cards.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_picture_story_cards.pdf


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For Older ChildrenSeSSion one

Get the creative juices flowing by playing a game of Story Starter. Sit in a

circle. Whisper a starting sentence to the person to your right and ask

each person to add a sentence as they repeat the sentences to the next

person. have the last person (you may want this to be an adult) stand up

and “tell” the story. reassure the group that silly or nonsensical stories

are okay.

Ask the participants to brainstorm ideas for stories. Write these on poster

board. You can suggest categories, such as animals (talking or real),

locations (commonplace or fantastic), weather (sunny, stormy), and so on.

Distribute the Arthur Story Starter Cards to help pairs think of

additional ideas.

Allow the pairs time to decide on what their story will be about. they can

write the first sentences and something about the story, or draw a “story-

board” that shows the characters and sequence of the plot (beginning,

middle, and end).

Encourage the pairs to talk about their story throughout the week.

End the session with a read-aloud story about writing (see page 14).

SeSSion Two

For inspiration, you may want to read aloud the first sentence of one or

two great children’s books to help everyone get started.

Distribute basic supplies (paper, pens, pencils). have each pair write and

illustrate their story. they can continue writing it at home.

Circulate to answer questions and help with problems. You may also want

to show the interstitial of “unfinished,” which has real kids making up

endings for their stories.

End the session with a read-aloud biography of a writer.

ArThur Story Starter Cards[click to enlarge]

Join the Club!

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_story_starter_cards.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_story_starter_cards.pdf


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SeSSion Three

have the pairs complete their stories, if necessary, and then decide on a

title and cover design.

talk about and show interesting features of a book that people often

overlook, such as title page, copyright page, and dedication.

have the pairs add these to their story if they want to. If you have access

to a digital or instant camera, you can take photos of the authors for the

back cover.

the pairs can bind the pages together using various methods.

SeSSion Four (optional)

hold an Author! Author! Celebration. Display books about authors and

writing and provide refreshments.

Gather the group together to congratulate them on becoming authors.

Invite volunteers to share their stories with the group. You may also want

to extend an invitation to the library director and other staff members.


Arthur and . . . WritingArthur Writes a Story (#112)

Arthur’s Faraway Friend (#212)

the Contest (#404)

D.W. tale Spins (#406)

Fernkenstein’s Monster (#804)

Fern and Persimmony Glitchet (#1007)

unfinished (#1007)

Join the Club!


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read about . . . WritingAliki. How a Book is Made

Brown, Marc. Arthur Writes a Story

Christelow, Eileen. What Do Authors Do?

Krull, Kathleen. The Boy on Fairfield Street

Leedy, Loreen. Look at My Book: How Kids Can Write and Illustrate

Terrific Books

Lester, helen. Author: A True Story

Meet the Author series, including:

Adler, David. My Writing Day

Bunting, Eve. Once Upon a Time

Numeroff, Laura Joffe. If You Give an Author a Pencil

Polacco, Patricia. Firetalking

rylant, Cynthia. Best Wishes

Yolen, Jane. A Letter from Phoenix Farm

Nixon, Joan. If You Were a Writer

Perdomo, Willie. Visiting Langston

rhatigan, Joe. In Print! 40 Cool Publishing Projects for Kids

rylant, Cynthia. Mr. Putter and Tabby Write a Book

Schotter, roni. Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street

Stevens, Janet. From Pictures to Words: A Book about Making a Book

Join the Club!


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I’m a Poet!Poetry provides many different ways for kids to express themselves.

You may want to begin the club by listening to the song “Poetry Club”

from the Arthur and His Friends audiocassette or CD or by watching

“I’m a Poet” (#128) or “rhyme for Your Life”(#608).

read poems together and then have children write different kinds of

poems each week. In addition to the ones below, kids can also try haiku

or limericks.

Word Soup On separate pieces of paper, write several lively adjectives,

nouns, verbs, and prepositional phrases. Place them in a bowl, mix them

with a spoon, and ask each child to pick a small handful. Children then use

these words as a basis for their poems. they can put words back and

exchange them for new ones once or twice.

Acrostic Poems have children write their first name vertically on

the page. Each letter becomes the first letter of a line about themselves.

try other words or have them use the names of Arthur or other

storybook characters.

Zap Poems Choose an evocative word or phrase such as “thunder and

lightning” or “hungry as a bear” and ask kids to write down all the words,

phrases, and sentences that immediately come to mind. these lists can

then serve as the basis for their poems.

Library Poems take a quiet “looking and listening” tour around the

library. Kids can take notes as they tour. When you return to Arthur’s

Poetry Spot, ask kids to write a poem about something they saw or felt.

You may want to have children write poems in response to various kinds

of music.

Check out the “What’s a Poem?” section of Fern’s Poetry Club for sample

poems from Arthur and his friends.

Join the Club!

* Material adapted, with permission, from Beyond Words: Writing Poems with Children by Elizabeth McKim and Judith Steinbergh, 3rd edition, talking Stone Press, Brookline, MA. ISBN 0-944941-14-1.

*

http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/poetry/what.html


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Join the Club!

Poetry ContestCelebrate National Poetry Month in April with a poetry contest like the one

Arthur and his friends enter in “I’m a Poet” (#128).

Ask children to write their own original poems about a theme such as

friendship, favorite places, or dreams. Be sure what they submit is

readable and has their name, age or grade, and phone number written

on the back.

Create a poetry corner with a book display, and post a different poem

there each week. Ask children to bring in their favorite poem or find one

in a library book and illustrate it.

using various criteria (most imaginative, funniest, shortest), select

winners. You may want to award something to each poet or choose

winners and runners-up.

host a poetry reading of winners and runners-up. With prior permission

from each child, photocopy their original poems into a “book” to give out

or keep on display in the Children’s room. Select some of the poems to

reprint in your library newsletter or the local newspaper.

If you have a local poet in your community, invite him or her to the poetry

reading. Other special guests might be a college or high school English

teacher or students who have contributed to the high school newspaper

or literary magazine.


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Arthur and . . . PoetryI’m a Poet (#128)

rhyme for Your Life (#608)

read about . . . PoetryCorbett, Pie. Poem-maker, Word-shaker

Corbett, Pie. Raps, Riddles, and Concrete

Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons Turn to Frogs!

Greenfield, Eloise. Honey I Love

Grimes, Nikki. Meet Danitra Brown

Janeczko, Paul. A Kick in the Head

Lewis, J. Patrick. Please Bury Me in the Library

Mak, Kam. My Chinatown

Mora, Pat. Confetti: Poems for Children

Prelutsky, Jack. Read a Rhyme, Write a Rhyme

thomas, Joyce Carol. Gingerbread Days

Join the Club!


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On StageChildren will enjoy “becoming” the Arthur characters and performing a short play that celebrates reading.

Writing and performing skits, plays, or reader’s theater are most popular with

third and fourth graders. this club works best if children can commit to

coming for several weeks in a row. this gives them an opportunity to get to

know one another and work together as a group. You may want to focus on

one skit or play to practice, or you may want to choose several short scripts

to perform each week. Families especially enjoy seeing their children perform,

so you can also create an evening event.

have children read, rehearse, and perform “D.W. Gets Her Library Card”

as part of a drama club. For an impromptu performance, try a simpler

version of the script. DW Gets her Library Card” Script[click to enlarge]

Join the Club!

“

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_dw_card_script.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_dw_card_script.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/playmaker/script/

http://pbskids.org/arthur/print/playmaker/script/


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Tips for Putting on a Play

If you are using the script as part of a club where children can rehearse,

include simple props and stage directions.

use the script as reader’s theater (with a narrator) and have children

sit or stand and read the lines.

highlight the lines for each actor to make reading easier.

to “cast” the play, you may want to have children pull out their

character’s name from a hat.

You can create character nametags so it’s easy for the audience to

follow who’s who.

You can print masks for several of the Arthur characters.

use one of the following resources to choose scripts or acting exercises:

• Multicultural Folktales by Suzanne Barchers

• Multicultural Plays for Children: Grades 4-6 edited by Pamela Gerke

• Stories on Stage: Children’s Plays for Reader’s Theater by Aaron Shepard

Invite high school drama students to help “direct” the plays or teach

acting skills.

Arrange a performance of one or more of the skits as an evening family

event. Videotape the performance and show it at another library event.

You may want to expand this club by having older children write their

own plays to perform.

Join the Club!



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Arthur and . . . DramaFrancine Frensky, Superstar (#110)

Arthur Makes a Movie (#204)

And Now Let’s talk to Some Kids (#304)



Arthur Weighs In (#903)

Lights, Camera...Opera! (#905)

read about . . . DramaAliki. A Play’s the Thing

Best, Cari. Shrinking Violet

DePaola, tomie. Stagestruck

Greenfield, Eloise. Grandpa’s Face

hoffman, Mary. Amazing Grace

Littlesugar, Amy. Tree of Hope

Marshall, James. Fox on Stage

Stanley, Diane. Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare

Wells, rosemary. The School Play

Join the Club!


��Funding for Arthur outreach is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Funding for Arthur website is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and television viewers. Funding for Arthur is provided by public television viewers. Corporate funding is provided by Chuck E. Cheese’s® and Dannon® Danimals®. ©2006 WGBh Educational Foundation. All rights reserved. All characters and underlying materials (including artwork) copyright by Marc Brown. Arthur, D.W., and other Marc Brown characters are trademarks of Marc Brown. All third party trademarks are property of their respective owners. used with permission.

Welcome to the Libraryuse Arthur to encourage kids and families to come to the library and learn about its resources.

Create a Welcome to the Library packet by using Arthur art and customized

handouts. You can use this packet year-round when children sign up for a

library card, distribute it when visiting schools, or use it in conjunction with

Library Sign-up Month in September. Include:

Arthur Library Bookmark

Library Information on Arthur Stationery

Recommended booklists by one or more of the Arthur characters

Fun books about libraries (see page 22)

Arthur coloring pages

Tips for parents about reading to children

Library Bookmark[click to enlarge]

ArThur Stationery[click to enlarge]

Awesome Arthur Events

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_bookmark.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_stationery.pdf



http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/tips.html?cat=tips


http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_bookmark.pdf


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Arthur and . . . LibrariesArthur’s Lost Library Book (#105)

Locked in the Library! (#106)

the Scare-Your-Pants-Off Club (#128)

Buster hits the Books (#221)

D.W.’s Library Card (#401)

Fernkenstein’s Monster (#804)

unfinished (#1007)

read about . . . LibrariesBest, Carl. Red Light, Green Light, Mama and Me

Brown, Marc. D.W.’s Library Card!

Brown, Marc. Locked in the Library

Ernst, Lisa Campbell. Stella Louella’s Runaway Book

Gibbons, Gail. Check It Out! The Book About Libraries

Levinson, Nancy Smiler. Clara and the Bookwagon

Mora, Pat. Tomás and the Library Lady

Munro, roxie. The Inside-Outside Book of Libraries

Williams, Suzanne. Library Lil



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Hooray for Arthur! DayKick off your celebration of Children’s Book Week in April with a “hooray for Arthur!” Day.

Display books, videos, pictures, and fun facts about Arthur and his friends.

use Arthur trivia to create an engaging and challenging game for

elementary school-age children. (You can find out more about Arthur

and his friends to create more trivia questions.)

You can add questions that will help build library skills, such as: “Buster

wants a book about Jupiter. What call number should he look under?” or

“Francine needs to find the chapter book Arthur and the Race to Read. how

can she find it in the catalog?”

to prevent a mad dash around the Children’s room, suggest that children

work in pairs or groups. You can also feature this activity in the evening

and have parents and children work together.

End the week with a Children’s Book Week Book Bash. Invite members

from the community (local politicians, the fire chief, the crossing guard,

parents, high school students), and ask each of them to read an excerpt

from their favorite Arthur story.

Award participants with a certificate.

ArThur Trivia[click to enlarge]

Certificate[click to enlarge]


http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_trivia.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/friends/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/friends/index.html

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_certificate.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_trivia.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_certificate.pdf


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Arthur and . . . BooksArthur Writes a Story (#112)

the Scare-Your-Pants-Off Club (#128)

Buster hits the Books (#211)

I’d rather read It Myself (#302)

D.W.’s Library Card (#401)

D.W. tale Spins (#406)

Prunella’s Special Edition (#603)

Fern and Persimmony Glitchet (#1002)

unfinished (#1007)

read about . . . BooksBloom, Becky. Wolf!

Bruss, Deborah. Book! Book! Book!

Child, Lauren. But Excuse Me That is My Book

Daly, Nikki. Once upon a Time

hopkins, Lee Bennett. Good Books, Good Times!

Sierra, Judy. Wild about Books!

Smothers, Ethel Footman. The Hard-Times Jar

tarpley, Natasha. Destiny’s Gift



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Let’s Make MusicNot only is music fun and creative, but learning about repetition, rhythm, and rhymes helps build literacy skills.

If You’re Arthur and You Know It!Distribute the “If You’re Arthur and You Know It!” song sheet, a version

of “If You’re happy and You Know It.” read the captions under the pictures.

Ask kids to suggest an action for D.W., and then have them write it in

the caption box underneath her picture. Practice the song together a few

times. Add the motions and practice again. then lead the kids in this

rousing rendition.

If you’re Arthur and you know it, shout hooray! (Shout hooray!)

If you’re Arthur and you know it, shout hooray! (Shout hooray!)

If you’re Arthur and you know it, and you really want to show it…

If you’re Arthur and you know it, shout hooray (Shout hooray!)

Add in the other characters for additional verses:

If you’re Francine and you know it, bat the ball.

<Make the motion of hitting a baseball.>

If you’re Muffy and you know it, shop the mall.

<Pretend to carry a shopping bag.>

If you’re Buster and you know it, take a bite.

<Pretend to take a huge bite of a sandwich.>

If you’re Binky and you know it, play the sax.

<Play an imaginary saxophone.>

For more music activities, download Arthur’s Music Jamboree.

Shake that Shaker!homemade musical instruments are fun and easy to make. try an

Arthur shaker after watching an Arthur episode or reading some books

about music.

“If You’re Arthur and You Know It!” Song Sheet[click to enlarge]

ArThur Shaker[click to enlarge]


http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_you_know_it.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/lesson/jamboree/

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_shake_that_shaker.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_shake_that_shaker.pdf

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/library_guide/art_lib_you_know_it.pdf


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Arthur and . . . MusicArthur and the Crunch Cereal Contest (#116)

Play It Again, D.W. (#206)

the Ballad of Buster Baxter (#301)


My Music rules (#410)

Arthur Plays the Blues (#602)

Brother, Can You Spare a Clarinet? (#604)


Big horns George (#810)

tipping the Scales (#901)

Lights, Camera…Opera! (#905)

D.W. Beats All (#909)

Breezy Listening Blues (#910)

It’s Only rock ‘n’ roll (special episode)

read about . . . MusicCox, Judy. My Family Plays Music

Dillon, Leo and Diane. Rap a Tap Tap

hayes, Ann. Meet the Orchestra

Lacapa, Michael. The Flute Player

McMullan, Kate. Rock-a-Baby Band

Moss, Lloyd. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin!

Pinkney, Andrea and Brian. Watch Me Dance

raschka, Charlie. Charlie Parker Played Be Bop

Velasquez, Eric. Grandma’s Records

Williams, Vera. Something Special for Me



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All in the Familyhold an evening program and invite families to share a talent, skill, special object, family story, or song.

Encourage extended family members to attend, including grandparents

and aunts and uncles.

Suggest the kinds of activities or objects families may want to share, such

as juggling, fixing a bike tire, showing a firefighter’s hat, and so on.

If possible, ask families to sign up ahead of time so you can plan the flow

and timing of your event.

If families are preregistered, make a “playbill” and serve refreshments.


Arthur and . . . FamiliesArthur’s Almost Boring Day (#120)

My Dad, the Garbage Man (#126)

Grandma thora Appreciation Day (#216)

Background Blues (#304)

Dad’s Dessert Dilemma (#307)

Kids Are from Earth, Parents Are

from Pluto (#502)

Bitzi’s Beau (#508)

the Big Dig (#509)

Arthur Loses his Marbles (#610)

All Worked up (#905)

three’s a Crowd (#907)

happy Anniversary (#1001)



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read about . . . FamiliesAckerman, Karen. Song and Dance Man

Ada, Alma Flor. I Love Saturdays y domingos

Adler, David. Mama Played Baseball

Carle, Eric. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me

Choi, Sook Nyal. Halmoni’s Picnic

Dorros, Arthur. Abuela

Duke, Kate. Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One

Flourney, Valerie. The Patchwork Quilt

Mitchell, Margaree King. Uncle Jed’s Barber Shop

Nye, Naomi Shihab. Sitti’s Secrets

Parr, todd. The Mommy Book/The Daddy Book

Polacco, Patricia. My Ol’ Man

rylant, Cynthia. The Relatives Came

Say, Allen. Grandfather’s Journey

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Jingle Dancer

Yolen, Jane. Owl Moon



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Working It Outthe loving but often quarrelsome relationship between Arthur and D.W. is familiar to many children.

Invite families with siblings to come for an evening of “Working It Out.”

While children enjoy a story, video, and activity, have a social worker or

family therapist talk with parents.

You can vary this theme by focusing on new babies, adoption, and other

parenting issues.

Children can watch all or part of an Arthur episode and listen to stories

and poems about brothers and sisters.

Afterwards, brothers and sisters can work together to draw a picture of

their family or a scene from the show.

Check out the parent guide Brothers and Sisters: Working Things Out

in English or Spanish.


http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/parentguides/siblings.index.html?cat=index.en

http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/resources/parentguides/siblings.spanish.index.html?cat=index.sp


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Arthur and . . . Brothers and SistersD.W. the Copycat (#105)

Arthur’s Baby/D.W.’s Baby (#111)

the Perfect Brother (#121)

D.W. thinks Big (#125)

Play It Again, D.W. (#206)

D.W.’s Very Bad Mood (#218)

Sue Ellen’s Little Sister (#220)

Arthur’s Family Feud (#510)

For Whom the Bell tolls (#608)

Cast Away (#701)

D.W.’s time trouble (#707)

read about . . . Brothers and SistersAlborough, Jez. Watch Out! Big Bro’s Coming

Brown, Marc. Arthur’s Baby

Brown, Marc. D.W. Thinks Big

Child, Lauren. I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed

Greenfield, Eloise. She Come Bringing Me That Little Baby Girl

henkes, Kevin. Julius, the Baby of the World

hoberman, Mary Ann. Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers

Johnson, Angela. Do Like Kyla

Moe, Eileen. With My Brother

Mollel, tololwa. Big Boy

Polacco, Patricia. My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother

Waboose, Jan Bourdeau. Skysisters

Wells, rosemary. Bunny Cakes



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Tips for SuccessYou can use these ideas to help make your Arthur-related event a sure-fire hit.

Get the word out! use the Arthur stationery to make flyers.

Distribute booklists you’ve developed to introduce children and parents to

theme-related titles and authors.

have children contribute their drawings, writing, crafts, and other

creations to a display that will remain on view for the public. this is

not only a way to make children feel part of the Children’s room, but

will also raise interest in future events.

Plan the flow of your event so that sedentary activities such as listening to

stories and watching videos alternate with more active, hands-on crafts or

games.

teach and sing an Arthur song to begin or conclude your event.

Schedule early evening or weekend events whenever possible to

encourage the participation of families.


ArThur Stationery[click to enlarge]


http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/songbook/index.html



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Working with PBSYour local public television station can be a valuable partner.

the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) is a member organization of more than

350 independently owned and operated public television stations. In addition

to providing some of the nation’s most acclaimed news and public affairs,

science, nature, cultural, and children’s programming, PBS stations also

provide a wide range of educational services for all ages.

Contact the outreach, ready to Learn, or community relations department

at your local public television station to discuss possible collaborations,

such as these:

Jointly host events, guest speakers, or contests.

Promote your Arthur-related events through your station’s press

contacts, events, monthly program guide, or member magazine.

Link your library’s Web site to the local public television station’s home

page or to the Arthur Web site.

Include the Arthur television schedule in your library’s newsletter or

children’s room flyers. You can find out when it airs by clicking on the

“Find out when Arthur is on in your town” link on the Arthur Web site.

Check out on the online resources for parents and educators at

PBS Parents and PBS TeacherSource.


http://www.pbs.org/parents

http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/

This guide was produced by the Educational Outreach department of the WGBH Educational Foundation.

Credits

Director, Educational OutreachKaren Barss

Manager, Editorial ContentSonja Latimore

Manager, Educational OutreachMary haggerty

Associate Manager, Editorial ContentCyrisse Jaffee

Associate EditorAmy Kittenplan hubbard

Outreach CoordinatorNatalie hebshie

Writer, “D.W. Gets Her Library Card”Peter K. hirsch

DesignerDanielle Edson

Executive Producers, Arthur seriesPierre Valettetoper taylorLesley taylorMarc Brown

IllustratorMarc Brown

Arthur at the Library Guide Advisors

Maureen AmbrosinoCentral Massachusetts regional Library SystemShrewsbury, MA

Sherry EskinBoston Public Library, honan-Allston BranchBoston, MA

Carol KatzQueens Central LibraryJamaica, New York

Bernadette NowakowskiChicago Public LibraryChicago, IL 60604

rhonda PutneyLakeshore Library SystemWaterford, Wisconsin

Some material in this guide has been adapted from Arthur’s Library Adventure: An Activity Guide for Librarians, ©1999 WGBh Boston.

Arthur is closed captioned for viewers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Arthur is described for audiences who are blind or visually impaired by Descriptive Video Service® (DVS®). to access DVS, activate the second audio program (S.A.P.) on your stereo tV or VCr.

Arthur is produced by WGBh Boston and Cookie Jar Entertainment, Inc. Funding for Arthur outreach is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Funding for Arthur is provided by public television viewers. Corporate funding is provided by Chuck E. Cheese’s® and Dannon® Danimals®. ©2006 WGBh Educational Foundation. All rights reserved. All characters and underlying materials (including artwork) copyright by Marc Brown. Arthur, D.W., and other Marc Brown characters are trademarks of Marc Brown. All third party trademarks are property of their respective owners. used with permission.


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��Funding for Arthur outreach is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Funding for Arthur website is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and television viewers. Funding for Arthur is provided by public television viewers. Corporate funding is provided by Chuck E. Cheese’s® and Dannon® Danimals®. ©2006 WGBh Educational Foundation. All rights reserved. All characters and underlying materials (including artwork) copyright by Marc Brown. Arthur, D.W., and other Marc Brown characters are trademarks of Marc Brown. All third party trademarks are property of their respective owners. used with permission.

Dear Educator,Chuck E. Cheese’s® is proud to be a sponsor of the Arthur series on PBS.

Arthur promotes reading and writing—basic skills that empower children

through enjoyable and realistic television shows. Chuck E. Cheese’s hopes that

this guide will provide useful ideas as you help children in your community

develop literacy skills.

Dear Educator,Dannon® Danimals® believes that Arthur is a dynamic tool for encouraging

children to develop and improve their literacy skills. Programming like

Arthur provides the right balance of fun and education we believe is critical

for a child’s learning. We hope that these materials will be a valuable resource

as you help children develop a love of books and reading.

™

Funders

arthur at the library arthur at the library

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