August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month. It's a big step for little ones and an important milestone for both kids and parents. Some kids are very excited to go, while others need a little time adjusting to a new routine and environment. Even younger siblings can have feelings about not being able yet to join their big… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Get Ready for Kindergarten!
By written by Monica C. August 14, 2023
July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. It was a landmark legislation that changed the way people with disabilities were viewed and treated. Thanks to the efforts and determination of those taking pride in being who they are, the legislation was the first… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Disability Pride Month
By written by Monica C. July 20, 2023
It's July, it is hot outside, and what could be better than a trip to the beach? Imagine yourself spending a day in the sun, dipping into the ocean, playing in the sand, and having an all-around fun time. Beach days can be loud and boisterous, or they can be quiet and relaxing — it's all good. Sometimes we all… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | It's Beach Time!
By written by Monica C. July 11, 2023
Get ready to party! We are celebrating 50 years since hip hop entered the music scene and changed everything. Learn how it all began and see for yourself how the music, the beat and the rhythm can make storytelling even more fun! What is Hip-Hop? by Eric Morse ; illustrated by Anny Yi This is a playful guided tour of one of the most… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
By written by Monica C. June 20, 2023
We have some new books about Juneteenth to recommend! Last year our similar blog post suggested new titles that had been published and added to our collection. Here are some more to add to your reading list! A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor This book depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation… continue reading 6 New Children's Books Celebrating Juneteenth!
By written by Monica C. June 12, 2023
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month — a perfect time to highlight some recent books written and/or illustrated by Asian creators. We've done it in the past, and you can find more inspiring reads here and here . These books are for year-round reading fun! Lizzy and The Cloud by The Fan Brothers… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
By written by Monica C. May 8, 2023
Planet Earth is our only home, and it belongs to more than human beings; it is home to all animals and plants, all life forms above and below water. It is such a magic, glorious, and fragile world. And we can all help to protect it, because every small act counts. Does Earth Feel? by Marc Majewski This compelling… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Earth Day
By written by Monica C. April 20, 2023 1
April is National Poetry Month. It is fitting for it to be so, at the start of spring, at the start of renewal and new life. Everyone can be a poet and see poems in the world, in everyday life. Stop and take a moment to look around — poetry is for all ages. It can be simple or complex, short or long, a way to remember… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Poetry Month
By written by Monica C. April 12, 2023
Did you know? April 2 is International Children's Book Day . I know I'm biased, but I LOVE children's books, especially picture books. Here in the United States hundreds of picture books are published every year, and among them there are some that come originally from other countries. These books are translated into… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | International Children's Book Day
By written by Monica C. April 3, 2023
March is Women’s History Month , and we're happy to be back, highlighting books about remarkable women from the past and present — trailblazers in their own right. You can find even more by checking these previous posts, Women in Action , Women in the Arts , and Women in Science . Here is a… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Women's History Month
By written by Monica C. March 16, 2023
A sure sign that spring is around the corner is the start of The Philadelphia Flower Show , a tradition that dates back to 1829. After a long winter, it's such a joy to see flowers begin to bloom everywhere. Get ready for some great flower action with informative and entertaining books about flowers and the way they can change the… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Flower Power
By written by Monica C. March 6, 2023
Did you know? This year, February 27 is National Polar Bear Day. A day to celebrate and learn about polar bears is always a good day! A great place to start is right here at the library — we have many books about these amazing bears. Learn where they live, what their day is like and what challenges polar bears face in their own… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Polar Bear Day
By written by Monica C. February 27, 2023
This February as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recommend some pictures books published in 2022 that were written and/or illustrated by Black creators. In the following list, you’ll find books about self-love and self-esteem, about family, inspiring figures, and books filled with play, adventures and imagination. Hey You! An… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Black History Month
By written by Monica C. February 13, 2023
When looking for funny books to read aloud, one can’t go wrong with books about underwear. It’s undeniable that kids love stories about underwear; there’s something light and playful about undergarments that can easily bring an audience to giggles. We have got you covered (wink!) with these fun picture books:… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Underwear!
By written by Monica C. January 25, 2023
It’s a brand-new year and a new celebration is getting near: Chinese New Year. It is also called Lunar New Year because the festivities fall from the first new moon to the next full moon. This year the fun starts on Sunday, January 22, and 2023 will be the Year of the Rabbit! Look for these books to share with your little ones… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Happy Lunar New Year!
By written by Monica C. January 18, 2023
The days are shorter and the temperatures have dropped. It's offcial, winter is here. It's time to bundle up, time to go out for brisk walks and nice hot chocolate. It is also a great time to cozy up at home with some great picture books about this season. Here are some suggestions: So Much Snow by Kristen Schroeder; illustrated by… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Winter
By written by Monica C. December 22, 2022
Learning when and how to apologize is a critical skill. Apologizing is not an easy thing to do, but it is such an important and necessary behavior in any social situation: among friends, family, and communities. It’s also a way to acknowledge that it is okay to make mistakes, and to learn to treat others the way we want to be treated.… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Saying Sorry
By written by Monica C. November 8, 2022
We all worry from time to time, and that can be a good thing, especially when it helps us plan and prepare. But sometimes, one can worry too much. For instance, worrying about things that haven't even happened, or worrying about something so much that it affects our daily life. Has this ever happened to you? If that's the case, these… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Dealing with Worry
By written by Monica C. October 31, 2022
Fall has begun and that means...it’s pumpkin time! As I walk around the neighborhood, I have started to see pumpkins outside supermarkets and door stoops. Trips to pumpkin patches are being planned, and one can find pumpkins of all sizes and colors at their local food stores. As it happens, here at the Free Library we also have pumpinks… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Pumpkin time!
By written by Monica C. October 24, 2022
It's time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place this year from September 15 through October 15. We'd like to celebrate by highlighting the amazing work of Latinx authors and illustrators in recent picture books! There is so much to enjoy as you read these books about love, family, courage, and… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | 18 Great New Latinx Picture Books
By written by Monica C. September 14, 2022
