PJ Library is excited to announce a new video learning video series that explores ideas, themes, and values from some of your favourite PJ Library titles. In Beyond the Books, kids ask questions and get to virtually tour workshops, farms, restaurants, and other places, meeting the people and places who make things that kids care about.
Visit the PJ Library book warehouse, bake bagels, explore an apiary (that’s where bees live), eat falafel, and learn to build instruments from recycled objects in this fun and short video series. Each video is inspired by a PJ Library book (or two) and also has activity ideas that go along with it. Use the buttons below to learn more.
Ken Stewart turns other peoples’ trash into treasures—making beautiful instruments for his friends and family
Like the main character in Shani’s Shoebox, artist Ken Stewart loves giving new life to objects other people might throw away. He makes guitars, speakers, and all sorts of interesting things out of everyday items. To learn more and see how he embraces the value of bal taschit, not wasting needlessly, PJ Library visited Ken at his workshop.
Inspired by These Books
Activity Idea
Make your own instrument out of a paper towel roll and an old tissue box. Follow the instructions below to create a tamburitza, a special long-necked guitar used in traditional Ladino music.
You’ll need
- Small shoebox for the bottom
- Cardboard tube
- 5-7 large rubber bands
- Scissors
- Masking or duct tape
- Markers, stickers, or ribbons for decorating
Here’s how to put it together
- Cut a hole in one end of the box, just large enough to fi t the cardboard tube.
- Wrap the rubber bands around the sides of the shoe box, spacing evenly between the bands.
- Tape the tube onto the end of the box.
- Decorate as you wish, then start strumming!
February 11, 2019