Kids Blog

Paint the Story! An Art Smart Way to Explore Books with Your Child

Paint the Story!An Art Smart Way to Explore Books with Your ChildBy Requil Golbek, Youth Associate, Maxwell Park LibraryEveryone knows the best part of picture books is...the pictures! Illustrations aren’t just to make it pretty, though; the illustrations in children’s books serve a valuable purpose. They help kids understand what’s happening in the story, including how the characters feel. They can add plot points and visual jokes (think of when a character is looking for something and we the readers can see it!). 

If You Liked "The Wild Robot"...

If You Liked "The Wild Robot," Check Out These Titles!Books for Adventure Time + Connector ReadersBy Millie Milburn, Youth Associate, Nathan Hale Library

Giggles Galore: Hilarious Picture Books for Kids

Giggles Galore: Hilarious Picture Books for KidsBy Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional LibraryLaughter is the best medicine—especially when it comes to reading! If you’ve ever tried to get a wiggly kid to sit still for a story, you know that humor is a secret weapon. Silly books not only entertain but also help kids develop a love of reading, build vocabulary, and even improve social skills (because who doesn’t love a well-timed joke?).Here are some fantastic reads that will have kids rolling on the floor:

Tough Topics with Picture Books: Bodily Autonomy and Consent

Tough Topics with Picture Books: Bodily Autonomy and ConsentBy Angela Martinez, Children's Associate, Broken Arrow Library

Mighty Girls Become Mighty Women: Celebrating Women's History

Mighty Girls Become Mighty WomenCelebrating Women’s History MonthBy Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional LibraryMarch is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of women throughout history and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. One of the best ways to celebrate? Through books that highlight strong female protagonists, real-life heroines, and empowering stories!

What Is This Feeling? Using Books to Explore Emotions

What Is This Feeling? Using Books To Explore EmotionsBy Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional LibraryFeelings can be big, overwhelming, or sometimes hard to name. As caregivers, it’s essential to help children recognize, understand, and navigate their emotions. But where do you start? Books are a fantastic way to explore feelings and emotions with your child.

Learning to Love Yourself: A Guide to the Best Children's Books about Self-Love

Learning to Love Yourself:A Guide to the Best Children's Books About Self-LoveBy Rachel Ann Dennis, MFA, Youth Librarian, Central Library

Ewwwww! That's Awesome! (Disgusting Critters)

Ewwwww! That's Awesome!Elise Gravel's "Disgusting Critters" Series Bring Laughter, LearningBy Julia Cantrell, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Peggy Helmerich LibraryBlending the absurd with honest to goodness facts, the Disgusting Critters series by Elise Gravel is an awesome series to recommend to young readers who like a little laughter with their learning. 

Black History Reads for Children

Black History Reads for ChildrenBy Kristina Acosta, Youth Librarian, Herman and Kate Kaiser LibraryMartin Luther King Jr. Day just passed and Black History month is almost here! While it’s always a great time to read books by and about Black authors, artists, inventors, and more, this can be a special time of year for reflection and education. This list features both fiction and nonfiction children’s books published within the last two years.Picture & Board Books:

Tough Topics with Picture Books: Death & Grief

Tough Topics with Picture Books: Death & Grief By Angela Martinez, Children's Associate, Broken Arrow Library