I remember singing a version of “Knick Knack Paddy Whack” way back in elementary school.   I recently discovered a book called Knick Knack Paddy Whack that has colorful collage illustrations by Christiane Engel.  An older gentleman plays a drum and several children play a variety of musical instruments.  A cute dog with a bone follows the man and the children as they parade through the neighborhood and stop for a bite to eat.  A CD with vocals by Mr. Steve accompanies this delightful book, so that readers can listen and sing while turning the pages. 

Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone? is another fun book with a CD.   The 1864 song, composed by Septimus (Sep) Winner is accompanied by illustrations by Erica Pelton Villnave.    

Happy reading, listening and singing!

Families, join us at the West Valley Library on Wed. Dec. 1 at 6pm for an opportunity to meet Smokey the Bear in person! In conjunction with Santa Clara County Firesafe Council, we will be offering this special Story Time featuring stories, songs, and information about fire prevention and fire safety. Kids and parents will have a great time while learning how to stay safe.

We'll be in the Community Room. Stick around after the Story Time for Stay & Play until 7pm.  We hope to see you there!

The Alum Rock Business Association is partnering with the Alum Rock Branch Library to offer the Annual 2010 Light Up the Village event at the Alum Rock community. Visit Santa Claus and participate in the tree lighting ceremony for the holiday.We also invite you to join us for music, raffle prizes, kids' activities, and free books from Alum Rock Library!

Place: 3116 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose CA 95127

Time: 12/11 1:00-5:30 PM

Visit Santa Claus - 3:30 to 5:00 PM

Tree Lighting Ceremony - 5:00 PM

Sassy Cody is our very first dog featured here, but look for more local pets coming soon! Extraordinarily outgoing and friendly, Sassy is a dog with a mission. As an official Furry Friends Pets Assisted Therapy Services outreach dog, Sassy visits people in nursing homes and hospitals and keeps them company. Soon she will be visiting the Willow Glen Library to perk up her shaggy ears and listen to kids read! Sassy and more of her Furry Friends will visit the library from 4 till 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, starting in January, 2011. Sassy is a real sweetheart of a dog. She loves people, and she can’t wait to meet you here on January 13!

Willow Glen Wags photo ©2010 Laura Nacorda Hole

Downtown San Jose is gearing up for another busy winter holiday season. Downtown SJ For the Holidays lists holiday events including Downtown Ice, Christmas in the Park, Winter Wonderland, the Holiday Parade, museum exhibits and a variety of events and performances.

Downtown Ice opens Friday, November 19 in its familiar location under the Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art. 

Two of my favorite downtown holiday events include the Season of Hope Cathedral Performance Series and the California Theatre winter movies series. While not all dates and performances have been announced, I am eagerly awaiting the schedules. In the coming weeks, check the Downtown SJ For the Holidays website for more dates and times.

The San Jose Mercury News also published a list of upcoming events in the November 18 paper.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means that the annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is quickly approaching. Make this fun morning run a part of your Thanksgiving tradition with your family and friends.

This race attracted over 11,000 participants in 2009 and race organizers are anticipating over 15,000 runners in 2010. You can run or walk either the five kilometer course or the ten kilometer course. There is also a Kids Fun Run later in the morning.

The highlight of this race day for me has always been watching the elite men and women race after the citizens’ races. The elite race has attracted participants from around the world and the times are very fast.

Check out the San Jose Public Library for a wide range of materials on running for novices to veterans.

Happy Thanksgiving and join the fun in downtown San Jose on Thanksgiving morning at the Turkey Trot.