We’ve all been there... Days when something goes wrong and we feel down in the dumps or maybe it someone else is having a hard time. When someone we care for is having a bad day, how can we… continue reading

By Monica C.   May 21, 2018   

Comics are for everyone, even the youngest readers! Graphic novels account for some of the most popular children’s books today, are an excellent way to engage even the most reluctant reader,… continue reading

By Meredith M.   April 17, 2018   

We all have our favorites when it comes to picture books, and for me, one of my top ten picture books of all time is Leaves by David Ezra Stein . It is such perfect book – one very young… continue reading

By Monica C.   April 5, 2018   

Author/illustrator Maria Van Lieshout has a series of books aptly called Big Kid Power . Drawing from her own experience as a mother, the books are meant to help caregivers and children reach… continue reading

By Monica C.   March 19, 2018   

Earlier this month in Denver, CO, a room full of children's and teen librarians erupted in cheers, gasps, and wild applause for the newest batch of books chosen to receive Youth Media Awards .… continue reading

By Peter SM   February 27, 2018   

I was so excited when I heard the announcement that Matthew Cordell had won the 2018 Caldecott Medal for Wolf in the Snow . While not a retelling of the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood , the… continue reading

By Monica C.   February 20, 2018   

Happy February, everyone! Let’s celebrate Black History Month with our favorite African American authors and illustrators. The recently published books linked to in this month's… continue reading

By Sarah S.   February 12, 2018   

The literary world lost a genre-defying icon last week with the passing of Ursula K. Le Guin . The author of scores of children's books, short stories, poetry, and essays, her voice—and… continue reading

By Administrator   January 30, 2018   

When I go for a walk or ride on a bus through the city streets as night begins to fall, I can’t help but look at windows. As I pass each townhouse or apartment, I get a glimpse of a… continue reading

By Monica C.   January 18, 2018   

Happy New Year! Let’s start this new year right, by singing, talking, playing, writing—and of course reading—with our little ones! Not only did we celebrate New Year’s Day… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 3, 2018   

Ferdinand never wanted to be a fighting bull, so he's right at home here in the Free Library...  John Cena stars as the big-hearted bull in the animated adaptation opening in theaters… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   December 15, 2017   

Author, illustrator, and Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Don Tate recently visited the Children's Literature Research Collection to research an upcoming title. During his visit, Don sat down with… continue reading

By Chris B.   December 14, 2017   

Author  Erin Entrada Kelly recently sat down with us in the  Children's Literature Research Collection  and spoke about illustration, cultural struggles, and how her childhood… continue reading

By Chris B.   December 7, 2017    1

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, whether you celebrate Hanukkah (December 12 – 20), the Winter Solstice (December 21), Christmas (December 25), Kwanzaa (December 26 –… continue reading

By Sarah S.   December 1, 2017   

A frequent visitor to the Free Library of Philadelphia is Geisel-winning illustrator Greg Pizzoli . Greg recently sat down with us in the Children's Literature Research Collection to discuss… continue reading

By Chris B.   December 1, 2017   

When we hear the words "Picture book," we often think of young children, storytimes, and simple stories. This isn't the case, however. Even though children may be off to school,… continue reading

By Chris B.   November 28, 2017   

Picture books are fun reads, but they're also fantastic tools that support emergent literacy skills. We have to keep in mind though that simply having books in the home is not enough. To… continue reading

By Chris B.   November 21, 2017   

Amy Ignatow , author of The Popularity Papers and The Mighty Odds series recently spoke to 400 students at the Free Library of Philadelphia about her career as an author/illustrator. While… continue reading

By Chris B.   November 17, 2017   

As part of my bi-weekly Baby & Toddler Storytime  Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. in the Children's Department of Parkway Central Library , I have to keep the attention of the… continue reading

By Mary W.   November 15, 2017   

November 14 is Young Readers Day, and while we believe that every day should be spent celebrating and encouraging our city’s littlest learners, we’re happy to take this opportunity to… continue reading

By Kate C.   November 14, 2017