Why do we love funny books? Because it feels good to laugh. When I'm reading a book that makes me crack up uncontrollably (I'm looking at you, Catwad!) I feel a kind of inner peace afterward, a happy glow that stays with me for awhile.
Read MoreWe've gathered some stellar recent children's literature by Black authors, from early readers to chapter books. How about celebrating Black History Month by reading a title by a Black author that is new to you? And, keep reading Black books all year long . . . there are so great books!
Read MoreDiscover recent picture books that explore and celebrate the richness and diversity of the Black American experience.
Read MoreHere are some of our favorite family read alouds, great for preschoolers through 3rd grade or so. Included is a rough estimate of how many sittings it might take to finish them. Whether you read to your child at breakfast, before dinner or at bedtime, it's all good!
Read MoreThese books encourage children (and their grownups) to slow down and bring their awareness to the present moment. Mindfulness for kids might mean taking time to explore a flower or to taste a single strawberry. Just like grownups, being mindful can support children in navigating strong emotions or worry. These mindful titles encourage us all to take a breath with awareness, to be in the moment, and to practice kindness to ourselves and others.
Read MoreI like to think of certain comics as being so good, such instant classics with wide-ranging appeal, that they serve as entrance points into a lifetime of comics-reading for many a kiddo. Let's look at these as pathways through the world of comics - from around Kindergarten level up to upper elementary.
Read MoreThere is so much excitement when your family grows. Making the transition from single child to more can be a monumental change, especially for the soon-to-be-no-longer-only child. Here are some of our favorite books for sharing with your child from pregnancy to becoming a big sibling.
Read MoreDon't know if you know, but librarians love books! We love sharing books and especially giving books as gifts. Books are great gifts on their own, but sometimes it's nice to make a whole bundle of fun to go with it.
Read MoreWe're sharing some wonderful books by Native authors. We've selected a few picture books that offer diverse perspectives on the contemporary Indigenous experience, some historical fiction for middle grade readers, and some alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving storybooks.
Read MoreHispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, celebrates the contributions to American society and culture of Americans with roots in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean, and Spain. To celebrate, we're highlighting some recent books by phenomenal Latinx authors and illustrators.
Read MoreKids are starting school, but it doesn’t look or feel the way it usually does. The standard books about starting school just don’t apply this year. We've gathered some books about doing something new. We looked for titles that address the inner thoughts and emotions of children. We hope that that sharing one or two of these books with your child helps them to acknowledge and talk about feelings of excitement, fear, or worry accompanying the start of this school year. Searching for ways to make this time feel special? We’ve included books that celebrate growing up and being you!
Read MoreKids are starting school, but it doesn’t look or feel the way it usually does. The standard books about starting school just don’t apply this year. We've gathered some books about doing something new. We looked for titles that address the inner thoughts and emotions of children. We hope that that sharing one or two of these books with your child helps them to acknowledge and talk about feelings of excitement, fear, or worry accompanying the start of this school year. Searching for ways to make this time feel special? We’ve included books that celebrate growing up and being you!
Read MoreMore and more families are having open conversations about big issues, including politics. We most often associate politics with big moments in history, things like presidential elections. But when you boil it down, politics is how people in groups make decisions, at many different levels. Here are some ideas of how to introduce this concept of politics, voting, and what it means to be a citizen to your kid.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever browsed our Early Reader section, you’ve probably noticed numbers on the sides of many of the books, or friendly names or colors. To make it more complicated, your child might have really like a Level 1 of a particular series, but when you pick up a Level 1 of another series it’s way too hard or too easy. Why is it so difficult?!
Read MoreIs your kiddo ready to start reading? Each kid is ready in their own time, but sharing simple text with lots of repetition can help develop their literacy skills. The world of early readers can be a complex place with leveling (set by publishers), movie/franchise tie-ins (with complicated words), and lots of very little spines. Here are our suggestions of great first books to share with your kid.
Read MoreWhen should you start talking to your child about race? Today! Babies as young as 6 months old notice and categorize people by race. Ibram X. Kendi, in his new book, Antiracist Baby outlines nine steps to raise an antiracist child. Number one is, “Open your eyes to all skin colors”. Here is a list of board books that illustrate the beautiful range of skin tones in our world.
Read MoreParting with things, especially books, is never easy. Here are some tips on how to go through your book collection with your kids.
Read MoreLooking for elementary and middle school books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few new titles we love. Chapter Books with Lesbian Characters The Mighty Heart of Sunny Saint James by Ashley Herring Blake Hurricane Child by Kacen Calendar One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock Redwood and Ponytail by K. A. ...
Read MoreThe Juneteenth holiday is a time to celebrate as well as a time to examine our history, to reflect on the legacy of slavery, and to look toward the future. Here are some picture books by Black authors and artists that celebrate African American culture, resistance and achievement.
Read MoreLGBTQIA+ kids, teens, parents, and families: we see you! LGBTQIA+ authors and stories are in our collections. Your stories matter. We have picture books and parenting resources for gender nonconforming kids, queer comics for all ages, books to support questioning kids and teens, and more. We are here for you. You are part of our ...
Read MoreParenting is hard. Having big discussions, even with other grownups much less kids, can feel daunting. Navigating what to share, how much detail and all of the other decisions can make you feel like it’s easier just not to talk about it. But kids know stuff happens. They hear it from friends, hear their grownups ...
Read MoreWe believe kids need to see characters who look like they do in stories, and we strive to have a collection that allows all children to see themselves in books. We hope that these titles can offer kids who may not often see themselves reflected in the media, the chance to imagine starring in their own adventures.
Read MorePodcasts can be completely overwhelming, but once you’ve found ones you like it’s great to have new episodes queued up and ready to go! Here’s some of my current favorites for sharing with my kids.
Read MoreHey kids! Do you miss coming into the library to check out what’s new in the comics section? I know I do.
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