Stump the Librarian

Join Jill and Liz as they answer the questions “Can toads give you warts?” and “What was the first Lego set?” We also have a geode fact and recommend a nonfiction graphic novel about mycology. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!  

Jenny’s Fact of the Day: The Rock Encyclopedia by A.W. Buckey 

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1270185 

Liz’s book recommendation: Search for a Mysterious Mushroom by Amy Seto Forrester 

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1281652 

 

Regarding toads: 

A Day in the Life of Frogs by Itzue W. Caviedes Solis: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C940346  

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/warts-causes  

https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/frog-and-toad  

https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/surinam-toad  

https://news.ku.dk/all_news/2025/11/three-new-toad-species-skip-the-tadpole-phase-and-give-birth-to-live-toadlets/  

https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/headlines/news/what-s-the-difference-frog-vs-toad  

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/heres-why-you-should-never-kiss-toad-180962048/  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad  

https://srelherp.uga.edu/frogs-and-toads/oak-toad/  

https://wildones.org/toad-habitat/  

Regarding Lego: 

History of Lego - Wikipedia  

"LEGO." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 11 May. 2026. school.eb.com/levels/high/article/LEGO/606927. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.  

“A Brief History of Lego.” Out (1062-7928), vol. 26, no. 4, Nov. 2017, p. 86. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/plink/8409b402-d28f-378d-a1b2-6014cd4d2cae.  

Join Jill and Liz as they answer the questions “When were weekends invented?” and “Why do donuts have holes?” We also have a gross body fact and a graphic novel about two sisters on the beach. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/stump. We can’t wait to hear from you! 

 

Regarding weekends... 

The 5-Day Work Week: How We Got Here | HISTORY 

 

history of the organization of work -- Britannica School 

Workweek and weekend - Wikipedia 

Weekend - Etymology, Origin & Meaning 

The origin of the weekend 

 

Regarding Donuts... 

The Hole Story of the Doughnut by Pat Miller 

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C458242 

https://www.2foodtrippers.com/best-donuts-in-the-world/ 

 

https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/definition-synonyms-history-albeit 

 

https://www.snopes.com/articles/346073/sea-captain-invented-doughnuts/ 

 

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/22891 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-history-of-the-doughnut-150405177/ 

https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/4601-the-history-of-donut-day.html 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkin%27_Donuts

In today’s episode we answer many Bookmobile questions, such as “How many bananas long is the Bookmobile?” We also answer, “How long does a tardigrade live?” We hear some Bookmobile trivia from Librarian Hannah, and Liz recommends a chapter book about a reluctant quester. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/Stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!   

Liz’s book recommendation: Nell O’Dell Hates Quests by Emily B. Martin 

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1272675 

 

Concerning the Bookmobile: 

https://www.fox17online.com/2017/05/09/kdl-is-bringing-back-the-bookmobile#google_vignette 

America's News – Historical and Current | Browse Multiple: All content filtered by: Grand Rapids Pr… 

KDL.org/bookmobile 

Concerning tardigrades: 

Nematodes and Tardigrades by Kelley Barth: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1261870 

Microscopic Creatures by Anna Claybourne: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1209569 

 

https://www.earthdate.org/episodes/indestructible-water-bears 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13127-025-00677-y 

https://www.livescience.com/61974-why-tardigrades-are-awesome.html 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade 

https://wi.mit.edu/unusual-labmates-meet-tardigrades-crafters-natures-ultimate-survival-kit 

In today’s episode we explore the Muir Woods National Monument and the San Diego Zoo. We hear some trivia from Programming Specialist Hennie and Liz recommends a magical chapter book about our favorite time traveling siblings. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/Stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!    

Hennie’s Fact of the Day: The Colors of Nature by Catherine Barr 

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1255994 

Liz’s book recommendation: Camp Time in California by Mary Pope Osborne 

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C764960 

Concerning Muir Woods: 

The Camping Trip That Changed America by Barb Rosenstock: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C160135  

Wildheart: The Daring Adventures of John Muir by Julie Bertagna: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C663331  

"John Muir." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 29 Mar. 2024. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/John-Muir/54182. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.   

"Theodore Roosevelt." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 17 Dec. 2024. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Theodore-Roosevelt/276787. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.   

https://www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods/coast-redwoods/  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muir_Woods_National_Monument  

https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm  

https://www.nps.gov/articles/john-muir.htm  

https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/default.aspx  

John Muir quotes: https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=3BD48100-3981-45DD-B1DE-5BA909995897  

 

Concerning the San Diego Zoo’s animals: 

https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/story-hub/zoonooz/enrichment-is-serious-fun  

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/animal-enrichment  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_enrichment  

https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare/behavioral-management-animals  

"zoo." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 20 Jan. 2026. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/zoo/276045. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMR12z5F9BE  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf2B1dT6Enc  

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/center-species-survival/news/cheetah-cubdate-9-treats-and-toys 

 

Join Liz and Jill as we answer the questions “What is geocaching?” and “How long does it take to walk all the way around the world?” We have a fact about underwater creatures and a nonfiction book about wolves. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/Stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!  

 

Regarding geocaching... 

Go Geocaching! By Meghan Gottschall: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C875087 

Go Geocaching! by Heather Schwartz: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C910003 

https://cosmoquest.org/x/2021/04/random-space-fact-geocaching-on-the-iss/ 

https://www.geocaching.com/play 

https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GCB02X4 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letterboxing_(hobby) 

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-parks/geocaching 

https://www.mi-geocaching.org/ 

Regarding Circumnavigation...

"Nellie Bly." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 11 Feb. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Nellie-Bly/15794#main-ada. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026. 

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/world-nellie-milestones/ 

https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/learn/women-forging-the-way/nellie-bly-around-the-world/ 

"Earth." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 18 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Earth/110147. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e30mxnmxdo 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pedestrian_circumnavigators 

https://youtu.be/FL4nMQsp828?si=FDze-hOY3vdM2v3m 

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/how-long-take-travel-around-world 

https://worldrunnersassociation.org/records/ 

https://circumnavigators.org/ 

In today’s episode we answer the questions, “What is white chocolate made of?” and “Which lake mummifies creatures that fall into it?” We hear some trivia from Programming Specialist Lauren and Liz recommends a chapter book about a Wonderland adventure. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/Stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!    

Liz’s book recommendation: Alice With a Why by Anna James 

Alice With a Why | Kent District Library | BiblioCommons  

 
Concerning white chocolate: 

"chocolate." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 21 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/chocolate/82278. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zngsqp3  

https://www.livescience.com/61754-chocolate-facts.html  

"chocolate." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 6 Dec. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/chocolate/273650. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.  

https://candyusa.com/story-of-chocolate/  

https://chocolate.mit.edu/science/  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_chocolate  

https://www.thefoodhistorian.com/blog/before-nestle-a-history-of-white-chocolate  

 

Concerning Lake Natron: 

Amazing Earth by Anita Ganeri: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C825993  

Spooky Lakes by Geo Rutherford: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1154736  

https://www.brilliant-africa.com/tanzania/lake-natron  

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/lake-that-turns-animals-to-stone-not-so-deadly-as-photos-suggest  

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/lake-turns-animals-to-stone  

https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/lake-natron-tanzania-90191/  

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/this-alkaline-african-lake-turns-animals-into-stone-445359/  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natron  

Lake Natron explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2ia_McqhoA  

Join Liz and Jill as we answer the questions “Why do we use soap to wash our hands?” and “What is the smallest bear in the world?” We have a fact about bread bubbles and a sweet chapter book about animal friends. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/Stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!  

Regarding soap.... 

https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/index.html 

"soap and detergent." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 6 Dec. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/soap-and-detergent/277108. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026. 

https://www.livescience.com/57044-science-of-soap.html 

https://globalhandwashing.org/about-handwashing/history-of-handwashing/ 

"germ." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 6 Dec. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/germ/442739. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026. 

Regarding bears... 

Sun Bear by Julie Murray: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1209298 

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/worlds-smallest-bears 

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/sun-bear-fact-sheet/ 

https://planetwild.com/blog/sun-bear 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/sun-bear 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_bear 

https://zooatlanta.org/animal/malayan-sun-bear/ 

 

In today’s episode we answer the questions, “How do owls fly so quietly? What do owls eat and what happens to the parts they cannot digest? Can I have a pet owl?” and “Why can we see the moon in the daytime?” We hear some D&D trivia from Librarian Tabby and Jill recommends a chapter book about kids protecting owls. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/Stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!   

Jill’s book recommendation: Hoot by Carl Hiaasen  

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C206833 

Concerning owls: 

https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/owl  

"owl." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 16 Dec. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/owl/332197#main-ada. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.  

https://blandfordnaturecenter.org/ambassadors-2/?#owls  

https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Strigiformes/  

https://www.thesprucepets.com/do-owls-make-good-pets-390707  

https://www.internationalowlcenter.org/owlsaspets.html  

https://www.owlresearchinstitute.org/owls-1  

 

Concerning the moon: 

The Moon Tonight by Jung Chang-hoo: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C936619  

https://earthsky.org/moon-phases/do-we-all-see-the-same-moon-phase/  

https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/why-can-you-see-the-moon-during-the-day-we-asked-a-nasa-scientist-episode-19/  

https://science.nasa.gov/sun/facts/  

https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question43.html  

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/  

Moon doesn’t go around the Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4z0Z7vC6gE  

Solar time lapse: https://youtu.be/o-DHwNFDgOU  

 

 

"orange." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 12 Jan. 2017. school.eb.com/levels/high/article/orange/57261#main-ada. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026. 

https://www.livescience.com/45057-oranges-nutrition-facts.html 

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-oranges 

https://www.uslanguageservices.com/blog/the-history-behind-english-color-names/ 

https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/color-etymology 

In today’s episode we answer the questions, “What is flour made of?” and “What do turtles do in winter?” We hear a library fact of the day from KDL’s Data Coordinator Sheri and Liz recommends a delicious graphic novel about two friends on an adventure. To submit your own question, go to KDL.org/Stump. We can’t wait to hear from you!  

  

Liz’s book recommendation: Night Chef by Mika Song 

https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S174C1229987 

 

Concerning flour: 

https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/homeschool/baking/mission-3-how-do-we-make-flour/  

"flour and flour milling." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 16 May. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/flour-and-flour-milling/274353. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.  

"bread." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 5 Jan. 2022. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/bread/273343. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.  

"wheat." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 6 Dec. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/wheat/277720. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.  

https://fabflour.co.uk/fab-flour/how-is-flour-made/  

 

Concerning turtles:  

The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery & Matt Patterson  

"turtle." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 4 Dec. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/turtle/277471. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.  

https://blog.nature.org/2017/01/30/turtles-under-ice-winter-survival-hibernation-adaptation/#:~:text=Painted%20turtles%20spend%20most%20of,the%20mud%20beneath%20the%20water.  

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/39771-Chrysemys-picta  

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/michigan-species/reptiles/turtles  

https://wildlifeinwinter.com/painted-turtle/  

https://www.sarett.org/painted-turtles  

https://virginiazoo.org/where-did-the-turtles-go-for-the-winter  

Turtles breathing underwater: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcqcfFd2htg