Crowdsourcing Storytime: Dream Big, READ!

Last year I had such a blast "crowd-sourcing" my summer reading storytimes (and especially appreciated the help thinking of fun crafts to go with them) that I wanted to try it again this year too. Sadly, I will be on maternity leave during our summer reading program, so I won't be around to enjoy some of the fun stuff I'm planning, but I still want the kids to enjoy their storytimes. 

The majority of our storytimes in the summer are outside and off-site, so that is a consideration as we don't want to have to lug too much stuff out to cars and back. All the same, I couldn't resist sneaking The Game of Light in for the sky storytime (would also work for camping or PJ themes) even though we can only do that one indoors. 

Another consideration is the huge age range and number of attendees vary constantly. Some weeks we will have 10 people at storytime, others 60 or more. The only way to manage is to plan way more than you think you will need and be flexible about your choices once you see who has come for storytime that day. 



Below are the lists I've brainstormed so far. Some of them need more ideas and some have way too many. I've decided to over-plan them and let the staff members who will doing storytime in my present pick the stories they are most comfortable with sharing. This is just to give them an outline of guidance. 

Beachy Keen
Books:
What If by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies
A Beach Tail by Karen Williams
Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman
All You Need for a Beach by Alice Schertle
Craft: ???




CampingBooks: 
Duck Tents by Lynne Berry
Into the Outdoors by Susan Gal
Scare a Bear by Kathy-Jo Wargin
"Mosquito Song" (p. 21) and "Two Voices in a Tent at Night" (p. 24) from Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O'Connell George.Craft: ??
Thanks to Mollie for the idea for this storytime! 
Owls

Books:
Good Night, Owl! by Pat Hutchins
Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton
Who Hoots by Katie Davis"Round-faced Owl" draw and tell story from the summer reading manual (p. 167)
I was also thinking of reading some of Odd Owls and Stout Pigs by Arnold Lobel (maybe a flannelboard?)Craft: Probably either the owl puppet (p. 191) or mask (p. 189) from the SRP manual
Jungle Safari
Books:
Elephants Can Paint, Too! by Katya Arnold
From Head to Toe by Eric CarleIf I Were a Jungle Animal by Amanda ElleryThe Lion's Share by Matthew McElligot
If You're Happy and You Know It: Jungle Edition by James WarholTiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen
Craft: ??
This one was inspired by Katie! 
Pajama-rama!Books: How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight by Jane Yolen and play "Dinosaur Doesn't" (p. 125 in manual, basically "Simon Says" for actions you shouldn't do!)
Otto Goes to Bed by Todd ParrBedtime Bunnies by Wendy Watson
Ten in the Bed by Jane Cabrera
Creak, Said the Bed by Phyllis Root
Llama, Llama Red Pajama by Anna DewdneyGoodnight, Sweet Pig by Linda BaileyDinosaur Vs. Bedtime by Bob SheaThere's An Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer
I'm thinking of adapting the "Pretty Pillow" prop story (p. 130 in the SRP manual) into a flannelboard story, if I have time.
"Maybe I'll Sleep in the Bathtub Tonight" poem (p. 13) from Maybe I'll Sleep in the Bathtub Tonight and Other Funny Bedtime Poems by Debbie LevyCraft: ??
Sky, Stars, and MoonBooks: It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw (Scroll story or flannel) The Game of Light by Herve Tullet Don't forget the flashlight (and test it first)Craft: Man in the moon painting (pattern on p. 218, instructions on p. 205-206 of the SRP manual)
Have a suggestion for a great book, craft, game, or other activity not listed here? Leave it in the comments, so everyone can see it. 
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