Kids & Families

  • Attention Aliens: You Are Not Alone!

    Have you ever thought that you might be from another planet? Most people, at some point in their lives, experience moments of feeling “different”, however, there are individuals who have such a unique interpretation of the world that it sets them apart. Imaginative, intelligent children learning to navigate the social galaxies around them – particularly… Continue reading

  • Wishing for Snow

    As I look out on the dreary grey that has become the standard color for this winter, I think back on last year’s winter white and wish for snow. Yes, I know it was a bit extreme and highly inconvenient – not to mention downright dangerous, at times – but being forced to stay home… Continue reading

  • Extreme Makeover: Picture Book Characters Edition

    While I am out and about on the bookmobile, visiting preschools and child care centers, I come across interesting changes that happen to children’s picture book characters. Sometimes there will be subtle differences when a new illustrator takes over an old series:                                                       Sometimes an existing book gets completely revised by a different illustrator, which… Continue reading

  • Soup’s On!

    The New Year is already off to a flying start and everyday routines are back in full swing with work, school, homework, sports… You get the picture. As a librarian, I don’t work banker’s hours. I work “public service” hours, which include weekends and evenings, with a schedule that varies from week to week and… Continue reading

  • Cabin Fever? Let Virtual Story Times Come to Your Rescue!

    With the weather being so contrary this time of year, kids and their caregivers are likely to be experiencing cabin fever. Getting out and about and visiting the library can be tricky on icy days and you may have exhausted your bag of home entertainment tricks. How about introducing a virtual story time? The Seattle… Continue reading

  • Green Resolutions

    The New Year is almost here!  It is time to celebrate and reflect upon the past, while ruminating over the possibilities of change and new beginnings for the year to come. The act of setting goals and making resolutions can be empowering for children, as well as for adults. Consider taking on a family resolution… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2009 – Children’s Nonfiction

    Children’s nonfiction is not what it used to be – thank goodness!  Today’s nonfiction is exciting, fun, and full of vibrant illustrations, as well as informative. Here are some appealing choices for all levels of readers and explorers:   Animal Science: Caribou Crossing: Animals of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, by Andrea Helman; photographs by Art… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2009 – Children’s Irresistible Books

    Believe it or not, not all people like to read.  There are actually a few children out there who may not place books at the top of their gift wish list. Shocking, isn’t it? Well, that’s okay… but I am betting that there are books on this list that will entice even the most reluctant… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2009 – Children’s Picture Books

    Picture books are the eye candy of the book world.  When you find a book where the story and illustrations are perfectly matched and equal in excellence, you know you have a keeper.  With so many tantalizing choices, it is difficult to select just a few, but the following titles are exceptional – the kind… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2009 – Children’s Classics

    When giving books, it is hard to go wrong with a classic.  This year, there are many classic tales featuring new and endearing interpretations and illustrations that would make excellent gifts for the children on your list.  Here are some choices that that will be remembered and cherished into adulthood:   Collections: The Big Book for… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2009 – Children’s Multicultural Books

    There are many wonderful books that explore the rich diversity of cultures around the world. Share a book with a child and introduce perspectives from other cultures or celebrate traditional tales and cultural experiences from your own background.  Here are some of this year’s best:   Story Collections: The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales, retold by… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2009 – Children’s Chapter Books

    Books are a wonderful gift any time of year. When asked what you have held on to from your childhood, it is likely that a favorite book will be included on your list. Holidays are a perfect time to connect young readers with books that make a lasting impression. Parents, grandparents, and others often ask… Continue reading

  • Learning to Be Thankful

    Parents often come into the library looking for books that will help their children learn to share, make friends, use better manners, get involved in community service, etc. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there are lots of opportunities to share values and demonstrate kindness through actions, giving children living examples of thoughtful behaviors that… Continue reading

  • Nightstand Reads: Royce Buckingham

    Seattle writer Royce Buckingham is the author of Demonkeeper (“scary and laugh-out-loud funny” said a School Library Journal Review) and Goblins (“a riotously good adventure” said Kirkus Reviews) . We asked this imaginative writer of teen books what he’s been reading, but forgot to ask him where he got the t-shirt he’s sporting in the photo below.… Continue reading

  • Veteran’s Day: What it Means for Children Today

    Veteran’s Day has become a very tangible holiday. Not so long ago, most children did not have a close, personal connection to a veteran. Veterans of war were people who were older, grandparents or distant relatives who had served in wars that children could not remember or identify with. It was a fuzzy concept; a day off from school… Continue reading

  • Snuggle Up and Sleep Like a Bear

    Is fall weather starting to get to you? Are the kids feeling the effects of too many windy, rainy days? How about snuggling up in a blanket cave with your cubs and hibernating for an afternoon of reading, sleeping and bonding?  Here are a few books that will help to get you settled in and… Continue reading

  • Re-reading Challenge: That childhood favorite

    We heard from a lot of people at the library who liked David W’s  Resolutions for Readers . Now that there are only two calendar pages left in the year, we’d like to challenge you to take on a few of these resolutions, starting with the first on the list: I will re-read a book… Continue reading

  • Halloween Reads to Share with Children

    In just a few days, there will be goblins, ghosts, superheroes, villains, and flying broomsticks knocking at your door and demanding your attention with shouts of “Trick-or-Treat!”  Stretch out the excitement and rev up the anticipation with nightly bedtime stories featuring the highlights of fall routines, cool weather changes, and a little spookiness, just for fun!  Here are several new titles… Continue reading