Kids & Families

  • Language Learning Resources for Children

    Learning another language is not just for adults who want to travel. When children learn another language they improve their vocabulary and cognitive ability, so it is no wonder many parents are now starting their kids off young. Even just learning a few words can be useful. There are many fun and easy ways to… Continue reading

  • Seattle Repertory Theatre’s “Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem” – Beyond the Theatre

    ~posted by Rebecca K. Not that he has ever strayed far from popular imagination, but mastermind detective Sherlock Holmes has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. The BBC’s whip-smart series “Sherlock” starring Benedict Cumberbatch has earned high critical acclaim and a devoted audience around the globe. Closer to home, the Sherlock Seattle Convention draws enthusiastic… Continue reading

  • Words Can Move People

    From whence comes a writer? Children’s award winning author Cynthia Lord told us, a 600+ audience of teachers and librarians, at a recent Children’s Literature Conference at Western Washington University in Bellingham, that she grew up loving words in a family that loved math. She said she aspired to be a writer when she witnessed… Continue reading

  • Celebrate Rad American Women For Women’s History Month

    In honor of Women’s History Month, I wanted to be sure all of you have read the amazing book published in 2015, Rad American Women A-Z by Kate Schatz. You may notice it’s shelved in the Children’s section, but don’t let that fool you – this little alphabet book is a must-read for all ages. The concept… Continue reading

  • Awesome Upcoming Children’s Fantasy Titles

    -posted by Selby G.  This is your ‘fair warning’ to get your ‘fantastic eyes’ on these great kids’ fantasy books and become a ‘reader’ before the latest installments come out. I am insanely excited for March 1st, and not because it is National Pig Day or the sixtieth day of the year. I am excited because… Continue reading

  • Read Globally in 2016

    -posted by Diane C.             For the Global Reading Challenge–the acclaimed reading program done in partnership with many Seattle Public Schools’ fourth & fifth graders–the selection of ten titles each year is the most sacred of undertakings. There is a fine balance that needs to be considered for kids’ interest,… Continue reading

  • Star Wars Countdown Day Three: Afterwards

    -posted by Jason Lee B. Don’t forget to read Star Wars Countdown Day One and Day Two! Did the Force Awaken inside you? Did you see the new episode in the theater? Do you need more Star Wars? The Library has plenty of resources available to continue the adventure. From technical blueprints to cartoons and… Continue reading

  • Star Wars Countdown Day One: The Prequels

    -posted by Jason Lee B. In just a few more days, Star Wars Episode VII will be available to watch in theaters. I am watching the marathon of previous Star Wars movies down at the Cinerama in downtown Seattle, and I will probably watch Episode VII at the Pacific Science Center on the big IMAX screen.… Continue reading

  • Top 10 Books To Keep Your Kids Busy So You Can Do Laundry And Other Glamorous Things

    ~posted by Robin Often, I find myself wanting to connect my darling offspring with the rich world of imagination and ideas that can be found in children’s literature. At other times, my motivation for handing them books falls on the more practical side of life. This is a list for times like those: Continue reading

  • Oh the Hilarity!

    ~posted by Jenny C. It’s been a while since I shared my favorite silly picture books with you, and I have a whole new crop of ridiculous and delightful picks! McToad Mows Tiny Island by Tom Angleberger This book is both completely ludicrous in plot and remarkably satisfying. McToad loves Thursdays, because on Thursdays he mows tiny island.… Continue reading

  • Gift Books for Kids (Nonfiction is your friend!)

    ~posted by Selby G. If you are reading this post to get ideas about what book to gift a child for the holidays you are probably envisioning a fiction book. Maybe a classic like Treasure Island or an award winner such as Brown Girl Dreaming. And although I fully support loading a kid’s life with… Continue reading

  • Delicious Nightmares, Anyone?

    A tree, not unlike some of the ancient giants of a Pacific Northwest forest, is an unfriendly presence in Jonathan Auxier’s children’s horror novel, The Night Gardener. A novel perfect for scaring yourself silly in these dark, damp days of autumn. You may never look at a tree in your garden in the same way ever… Continue reading

  • October Takeover: Harry Potter Nostalgia

    ~posted by Selby G. Nothing screams fall for me like Harry Potter. The music, characters, scenery, the entire vibe of the books and movies epitomize what I think Halloween, and Fall, should be like. For the last couple of years my husband and I have the tradition to watch the Harry Potter movies again when… Continue reading

  • October Takeover: Halloween History

    ~posted by Meranda T. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. My earliest movie memories have to do with Halloween. Such as Ray Bradbury’s Halloween Tree. Which is both a movie and a book. While I didn’t read the book until recently, the movie truly influenced me. It’s a fun Halloween movie that explores… Continue reading

  • Banned! Books in Drag is BACK

    ~by Misha  Banned! Books in Drag is coming right up at Neighbours Nightclub on Saturday, September 26th from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This free, 21+ event will feature an amazing array of local talent including Aleksa Manila, La Saveona Hunt, Charlie Menace, Robbie Turner, Atasha Manila and more. David Schmader will be the MC for the… Continue reading

  • Going Bananas!

    ~ posted by Ann G. In order to celebrate tonight’s food fest at the Central Library, with exhibitors and speakers to encourage us learn about and appreciate our food even more than we already do, let’s consider one of the most ubiquitous foods around: the banana. According to Chiquita Bananas, the average American eats 27… Continue reading

  • Amazing and Disgusting Creatures @ Your Library

    ~posted by Kristin E. and Claire S.  Zombie insects, farting snakes, and predators that swallow their prey whole — this summer, why not explore some of the world’s most fascinating (and disgusting) creatures with your kids? “Eww” and “ahh” with these children’s nonfiction books that appeal to fact finders and reluctant readers alike! Zombie Makers:… Continue reading

  • Summer Novels for Kids Full of Hope and Glory

    ~posted by Diane There is a memorable last scene in the movie Hope and Glory when the school blows up, thanks to German bombs in WWII. The moment of jubilation and absolute glee when the little boy knows there is no school to go to is not unlike that second when the last bell rings, dismissing kids for summer vacation.… Continue reading