Amanda H

  • Miss Amanda’s Picture Book Picks – January 2025

    Miss Amanda’s Picture Book Picks – January 2025

    Picture books are such a wonderful way to explore the world, and I am a firm believer that they can be enjoyed by all ages. Here are three new(ish) books that I recommend as we start the new year. Brown Girl, Brown Girl, written by Leslé Honoré and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera Honoré wrote… Continue reading

  • Exploring Food and Culture Through Picture Books

    Exploring Food and Culture Through Picture Books

    As a Children’s Librarian, I am lucky to get interesting opportunities that expand my concept of what books can do and be. Last year I was invited to a Roxhill Elementary School Family Night. As I set up my table with free books and Library swag, the coordinator came by and insisted that I eat… Continue reading

  • Book Bingo NW 2024: Something that scares you

    Most people think of October and its howling autumnal winds when they think of scary stories, but summer is actually the perfect time to cool off with some shivers up your spine. Whether it be reading about a summer camp slasher, books bound in human skin or a dystopian surveillance state, you are sure to… Continue reading

  • Picture Books on Grieving the Loss of a Pet

    Picture Books on Grieving the Loss of a Pet

    I recently said goodbye to my dog, Al Pacino. His death was unexpected and far too soon. Al was a Chihuahua mutt with a heart of gold. All he needed in life were belly rubs and chunks of apple. Al was beloved by the children who came to my branch, too, ever since he starred in… Continue reading

  • New Picture Book Format Allows Children to Read Along

    New Picture Book Format Allows Children to Read Along

    Our children’s picture book kits have long been a popular way to listen to a book while you read it, but CD players are getting harder to come by for many families. We are excited to introduce a new format, the Read-Along, into our children’s kits collection. These are hardback picture books with an attached… Continue reading

  • Curl Up With a Cozy Cat Mystery

    As night descends sooner and sooner and light autumn rain patters on your windowsill, you may want to consider which books to read with your hot tea as you snuggle in a warm, fleece-lined blanket. Here are five cozy cat mystery series to curl up with. Cat in the Stacks Mysteries by Miranda JamesTake a… Continue reading

  • Scary Stories: All Grown Up Now

    As October looms near, I can’t help but to think about making a Spooky Stories display for the library. As a children’s librarian, I am mostly gathering books for young readers. I just put on hold several of my favorites, like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, and the thought occurred… Continue reading

  • Books inspired by podcasts

    Being talked at is one of my favorite past times. Whether someone is telling me a fascinating story about Seattle’s history at work or my husband is listing and ranking his favorite cheeseburgers at home, I love listening. So much so, I listen to complete strangers talking inside my earbuds all the time. In this… Continue reading

  • Top 10 Science Fiction Books by Female Authors

    -posted by Amanda H. In 2015 I made it a priority to read more science fiction and more books by female authors. As you may have guessed, the overlap between the two is woefully small (but growing!). For my Top 10 list, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite science fiction… Continue reading