Kids Virtual Reading Club

Welcome to the Virtual Reading Club for Kids!

Each month we will post some suggested reads across a range of reading levels, along with related activities, crafts and cooking/baking recipes.

How to participate in the Virtual Reading Club: Kids Edition

  1. Start by locating the book picks you are interested in reading during that month. Try one or try all of the book picks, it is completely up to you. Request a copy from TRAC or find it here at SGPL. Visit us in-person or give us a call as we would be happy to help you!
  2. Try out one or more of the featured activities, crafts or baking recipes.  Activities will be posted at the beginning of each month so you can access them all month long.
  3. Let us know what you thought of the book(s) and/or share some of your makes with us and we'll showcase them right here! Contact Sarah (Children & Youth Services Librarian) at sarah@sgpl.ca with your book reviews and photos! 
    (We will only post photos of your creations, any pictures including faces of your family and friends will not be showcased for privacy reasons. SGPL support and uphold the privacy provisions of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)



January is: Fractured Fairytales

Most of us grew up with fairytales, myths and folktales, such as the traditional European tales created and/or recorded by the Grimm Brothers (Snow White & the Seven Dwarves), Charles Perrault (Cinderella) and Hans Christian Anderson (The Little Mermaid). But the real fun comes when you move past these classics to the reimagined versions you can now find on the bookshelf.

So, what is a fractured fairy tale?  It is a fairy or other folk tale that has been modified in such a way as to make us laugh at an unexpected characterization, plot development or contrary point of view.


January Book Picks

This month let's take a look at some creatively reimagined fairy tales:

  • The Isle of the Lost - Melissa de la Cruz
  • Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones
  • Breadcrumbs - Anne Ursu
  • Princess Princess Ever After - Katie O'Neill

Check out the beautiful fairytale themed cut paper art by British artist Su Blackwell. All this was created by upcycling old books!



January Activities

Fairy Playdough

This pretty fairy playdough recipe using only 3 ingredients is so easy to make and great for fine motor development and open-ended play. Find the recipe at Laughing Kids Learn

Make Crystal Seashells

This crystal sea shells activity makes a fun science craft that you can even display. These crystals are pretty hardy even for little hands. This isn’t a very hands-on science activity for young kids due to the chemicals involved, but it’s great for practicing observation skills. You can always try growing salt crystals as a safe alternative for the younger scientist! Find the full instructions at Little Bins for Little Hands

Descendants Fortune Teller

Are you rotten to the core? Or are you chillin' like a villain? Only the Descendants fortune teller will reveal the truth! Get ready to print, fold and find out what character you are! 
Find full instructions and get your free printable here at Get Away Today


January Crafts

DIY Royal Crowns

These adorable crowns and tiaras are perfect addition to a queen kind or princess Halloween costume, a birthday party or just because.  So many creative options to create with from flowers and lace to recycled materials. Which is your favourite? 

Full details for each crown craft can be found here at Housing a Forest

Make Maleficent's Headband

If you would prefer to play the villain how about making your own set of Maleficent horns? Full headband tutorial can be found at As The Bunny Hops


January Foodie Fun

Build Your Own Olaf

How about this fun (and tasty) Frozen themed activity: make an Olaf! For this and other Frozen themed nibbles visit Forkly

'Poisoned' Apples

Try making these tasty Snow White poison apples. So good they are bad (sorry for the pun!) They have two options for those of you that prefer chocolate or candy coated treats.

Full instructions can be found at Sugar Spice and Glitter

Anna and Elsa's White Hot Chocolate and Sparkle Marshmallows

Have you heard of a movie called Frozen? It’s based on the fairytale of the Snow Queen who lives in a really cold place. Winter is the perfect time to have a snowman building party with your friends. Once you’re done, come back inside and warm up with some of Princess Elsa and Anna’s special hot chocolate. See how to make the sparkly marshmallows at Mom Always Finds Out