Walk outside, take a deep breath, and feel the warm sunshine on your face—Spring is in full swing! The month of May is full of fun little holidays that you can celebrate with the children in your life like honoring your favorite teacher on National Teachers Day , reading a nursery rhyme together on Mother Goose Day ,or plan a picnic in… continue reading May 2015 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Sarah S. May 4, 2015
We’re taking a break from our normal book reviews to look at our historical collections at the Free Library. The Children’s Literature Research Collection (CLRC) houses premier examples of children’s literature from the 1860s through the present.CLRC’s Curator, Christopher Brown, examines one of the titles, Aliki’s… continue reading Aliki's My Five Senses
By written by Sarah S. April 30, 2015 3
Spring has finally sprung, so what better way to celebrate the end of winter and the refreshing shot of warm weather than with a new Early Literacy calendar! Today marks International Children's Book Day , an annual event filled with activities include writing competitions, announcements of book awards, and events with authors of… continue reading April 2015 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Sarah S. April 2, 2015
What better way to kick off March then celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday? Today marks the 111th birthday of the legendary children's author, as well as National Read Across America Day . There are tons of great resources and games on both the Seussville and Read Across America websites for kids of all ages. Speaking of Early Literacy ,… continue reading March 2015 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Sarah S. March 2, 2015
Happy Women's History Month! Anyone who has any contact with children is aware of the incredible popularity of Disney’s Frozen . One of the movie’s appeals is the strong female characters, sisters named Anna and Elsa, who save themselves in the end instead of being saved by a prince. If you’re ready to take a break from… continue reading Great Books for Strong Girls
By written by Sarah S. February 26, 2015 1
This month's children's book reviews are written by Stephanie Bujak, Children's Librarian at the Cecil B. Moore Library , who loves to share chapter books with her son. Some preschoolers are ready for chapter books, but picking one that will keep their interest without being too scary or causing nightmares can be… continue reading Great Chapter Books for Preschoolers
By written by Sarah S. February 6, 2015
Last weekend in Chicago, a room full of children's and teen librarians erupted in cheers, gasps, and wild applause for the newest batch of books chosen for the Youth Media Awards, administered by the American Library Association's Association for Library Service to Children and Young Adult Library Services Association. This yearly event… continue reading Caldecott, Newbery, Belpre, Oh My!
By written by Sarah S. February 6, 2015
Looks like our furry little friend in Western Pennsylvania prognosticated this morning we'll be getting 6 more weeks of winter. Chase away those winter blahs with this month's Early Literacy Calendar from the Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians! The February Early Literacy Calendar is full of fun suggestions for… continue reading February 2015 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Rachel F. February 2, 2015
Get ready to rock, roll, dance, and dream this summer as our Sundays on Stage FREE performance series returns this weekend! This series of free performances for children, families, and adults is made possible by funding from the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers. January 25 - Cat’s Pajamas The Cats put on more than a… continue reading Sundays on Stage Winter/Spring Calendar of events!
By written by Rachel F. January 23, 2015 1
Happy New Year! What better way to ring in 2015 then with this month's Early Literacy Calendar from the Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians?! Even NPR knows the importance of libraries and their role in early literacy ! The January Early Literacy Calendar is full of fun suggestions for early literacy activities that… continue reading January 2015 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Rachel F. January 2, 2015
Robert San Souci (pronounced "san soo-see") passed away on December 19 th , leaving a large hole in the world of children’s authors. Many people will recognize San Souci’s work from the Disney movie Mulan , based on his 1998 retelling of the original Chinese poem. San Souci retold many folktales from Ireland to… continue reading Remembering Robert San Souci, folklorist and children's author
By written by Sarah S. January 2, 2015
This winter break, the Free Library of Philadelphia encourages you to spend some quality time with your children reading some great books together! Shared reading time is great way for your child to build his or her literacy skills—and it’s also a great way to go on countless adventures right from the cozy comfort of your living… continue reading Read with your children this winter break!
By written by Michelle S. December 18, 2014 2
Season's Greetings! We're back after the Thanksgiving holiday (and still eating delicious leftovers : ) Hanukkah , Winter Solstice , Christmas , Kwanzaa , and New Years are all up on the horizon, with many chances to spend quality time with family and friends. What better way to engage with the children in your life with fun seasonal… continue reading December 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. December 1, 2014
As a children's librarian, I frequently get asked for books and resources that parents can use to help explain current events to their children, especially troubling events. Here is a sample of picture books about change in response to discrimination and inequality that I recommend sharing: SIT IN: How Four Friends… continue reading Picture Books About Social Justice
By written by Rachel F. November 25, 2014
Children's Books Starring Children with Disabilities The authors of these three coming of age stories seem to be heeding the advice of, “Write what you know,” attributed to Mark Twain. In all three children’s chapter books, the protagonist is struggling with a disability. R.J. Palacio once encountered a girl with a… continue reading Books Starring Children with Disabilities
By written by Sarah S. November 7, 2014
If there are robust colors bursting from trees, the sun is setting earlier, and you are breaking out your sweaters, then it must be November! Some traditional and unique holidays this month that you can celebrate and educate children about include Election Day on November 4th, Veteran's Day on November 11th, World Peace Day on November… continue reading November 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. November 3, 2014
Bonjour! Al Salaam A'alaykum! Ciao! Jambo! Today’s children’s book reviews highlight kids’ books which feature multiple languages. Mostly for English language-speaking children, these books are great ways to introduce some basic phrases and words. Does your family speak another language? Most Free Library of Philadelphia… continue reading Say Hello! Books for Kids in Many Languages
By written by Sarah S. October 3, 2014
The air is filled with a crisp Autumn breeze as it flips the calendar page to October. Traditional and unique holidays this month include World Smile Day the first Friday of the month, the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur on October 3rd, World Teacher's Day on October 5th, and probably the most anticipated holiday in October for little ghouls… continue reading October 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. October 1, 2014
Happy first week of fall! Leaves are getting crunchy, the air is getting chilly, and we're ready to settle in for a bit of cozy reading. Here are some of our favorite children's books about fall. (And by the way, check out our new, redesigned Kids' Pages on the Free Library of Philadelphia website! You'll find librarian-created… continue reading Fall in Love with a Great Book!
By written by Sarah S. September 23, 2014
Which is better? The book or the movie? We librarians love this question, and most of us have strong opinions concerning movies based on our favorite books. Here are a couple upcoming movies based on some classic children's books. Oh, poor Alexander. From waking up with gum in his hair to falling in the mud to - ew! - kissing on TV,… continue reading Upcoming Movies based on Children's Books
By written by Sarah S. September 16, 2014
