Picks for Kids to Celebrate Disability Pride Month 2025
During Disability Pride Month, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is committed to highlighting and celebrating the diverse experiences and contributions of individuals with disabilities. We recognize this month as an opportunity … Continued
LGBTQIA+ Pride Picks – Picture Books
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh recognizes Pride month by celebrating LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and more) individuals of all races, genders, classes, sexualities, and identities. We invite … Continued
Picture Books that Break the Fourth Wall
These silly picture books speak directly to the reader, inviting interaction and active engagement with the story. Books that encourage this kind of reader participation can foster print motivation in children, which is simply the desire and motivation to read. Print motivation is an important early literacy skill for young children.
Translations of Love
Love is what makes the world go round – there is no better way to celebrate it than reading all about it with loved ones! This booklist highlights the ways love is translated across different languages and dialects, offering new ways to express care. When children and caregivers read together, empathy can grow, and hearts can open to the world beyond the book!
Counting
Counting is a fundamental concept in childhood which supports early literacy skills. Building strong early literacy skills helps your child when it comes time for them to learn how to read. Check out these titles one by one to learn about counting. And remember, you can ask your local librarian for personalized suggestions anytime.
Gothic Horror for the Whole Family
Adult fans of “Nosferatu,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “The Haunting of Hill House” (among others) who want to share some of the thrills and chills with the little ones in their lives WITHOUT giving anybody nightmares can look no further than this list.
Picture Books for Black History Month 2025
This year Black History Month focuses on the various and profound ways that work of all kinds intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Work is very much at … Continued
Community and Things That Go!
Help is abundant. The people and inventions (like fire hydrants!) in our communities and the vehicles that help us get around truly make all the difference. Talk with your child … Continued
Onomatopoeiamania
Zap! Squeak! Vroom! Words that name the sound they make, or onomatopoeia, are great for building phonological awareness. Phonological awareness is being able to hear the smaller sounds that make up words and it’s an important early literacy skill. The books on this list have a lot of fun examples of onomatopoeia to share with your children.
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.