Books with a Beat
Sometimes sharing stories can feel like a chore, especially if the kids you hope will listen are feeling wiggly. And it’s perfectly fine to set a book aside for another time. (Remember, reading is supposed to be fun—not work.)
But sometimes, the right book, filled with rhythm, rhyme and movement, can capture kids’ attention and channel their energy, turning story time into a wonderful experience for reader and listener alike. If amping up the action sounds good to you, consider checking out one of the titles below to start bopping along. But be warned—these probably aren’t the best picks for bedtime.
Butterflies, Beetles and Bugs, Oh My!
Fascinating creatures are all around us. You don’t need to go to the zoo or even the park to learn more about wildlife. Insects, arthropods and all sorts of small creepy crawlies can be found right in your own backyard. Check out this list to grab a guide or savor a story. And remember, you can ask your local librarian for personalized suggestions, buggy or otherwise, any time.
Kids Just Wanna Have Fun
Whether it’s a celebratory party, a community get-together, a dance performance or a concert, appreciating others’ talents (or exploring your own) can be a wonderful experience. Celebrations of all sorts take center stage in this booklist. Check them out—and enjoy as many encores as you like.
Best Books for Babies 2024
The Best Books for Babies Committee has been meeting annually since 2000 to select and celebrate excellent books for the very youngest listeners. That makes this the 25th list … Continued
The Joy of Discovery
One of the pleasures of spending time with young children is the opportunity to see the wonders of our world (large and small) through their eyes. We grownups can forget sometimes how amazing our everyday experiences really are, so we’re lucky to have the opportunity to be reminded to look, question and experiment. Check out the booklist below to get started on your own investigations.
Terrific Titles for Toddlers
Each year a committee selects the Best Books for Babies. And every year those of us on the committee see a lot of great books that don’t quite fit the criteria. So, this year we decided to share a list of our favorite books for toddlers, found along the way in our Best Books for Babies’ deliberations.
Arab American Heritage Month
April is National Arab American Heritage Month, during which we celebrate Arab American history, culture, language, heritage, and accomplishments. One way to celebrate is by reading one (or more!) children’s … Continued
Spring Things
Whatever you choose to do to celebrate spring, enjoy!
How Do I Love Me? (and You, Too!)
As children learn and grow, the love they feel for themselves, their caregivers and their environments grow too. Close attachments allow children to explore their worlds from a sense of security and safety.
It’s Playtime!
Fred Rogers said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” For parents and caregivers, this is a great reminder of the value to children of time spent playing games, enjoying movement, and exercising their imaginations.