Children’s Books

  • An open mind to reading

    Before working at the library, I admittedly had a narrow mind as far as my book choices. Since I am far beyond my teenage years, I stuck to adult fiction/non fiction. I am happy to report that I have broadened my horizons and now am open to all book collections.  One great surprise was discovering how many “J” (as… Continue reading

  • What’s new in children’s picture books

    Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr. Bill Martin Jr. and Lois Ehlert team up to make a wonderful read aloud about nature and counting. Where will these ten little caterpillars venture to in the garden of life and what will happen to them?   Caveman, A B.C. Story by Janee Trasler Experience adventure, humor,… Continue reading

  • Here a blog, there a blog — keeping up on children’s literature

    Looking for ways to keep up on the latest in children’s literature? Here are five of our favorite blogs that can help you with that: Book Dads This blog by three dads highlights books that show fatherhood in a positive light. Book Dads includes book reviews, spotlights authors and interviews, gives advice and resources for dads to help promote… Continue reading

  • Ice Cream Story Time!

    If you felt a whole lotta’ shakin’ goin’ on you must have been at the Capitol Hill branch when it finished its summer story time series the end of August.  It was the perfect way to welcome the warm weather and to head off into the furlough.  Over a hundred and twenty-five kids and their… Continue reading

  • Bicycling Everywhere (in the Central Library)

    There have been a lot of blogs about biking, I know, I know. But I hope this one is a little different. It’s about how books on a topic can turn up anywhere. Let’s start at the top of the Central Library and work our way down. Way up on the 9th floor (History, Travel… Continue reading

  • June Question of the Month – an irregular series

    Hi, I am looking for children’s picture books about or set in the Puget Sound area.  Non-fiction books for children about Puget Sound and marine life found there would also be appreciated.  Perhaps something like Davy’s Dream or There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Trout. Hello! Thank you for your question about books… Continue reading

  • Classic Picture Books

    I just got done reading Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom about the influential editor and director of Harper’s Department of Books for Boys and Girls. Many of the books Ms. Nordstrom edited are classic picture books that still have universal appeal to children today. Ms. Nordstrom published the Carrot Seed written by Ruth… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2010 — Teen Books, Part 2

    Wondering what to get the teen(s) on your list this year? This post is the second in a two-part series of recently published books for teens recommended by three youth services librarians at The Seattle Public Library. Hayden’s picks (continued): Smile by Raina Telgemeier One night, 6th-grader Raina and her friends decide to race to… Continue reading

  • Book clubs for kids

    Ever since I started the Kids’ Book Club at the Northeast Branch, I’ve been getting requests from families about offering more book clubs for different ages, schedules and so on. I often tell families that they can help their kids start their own book club. “Oh no, that would be so much work!” It sounds… Continue reading

  • Great graphic novels for kids

    Is your child hooked on graphic novels, comics, and manga? They are not alone! Here are some recommended titles for your young graphic fans. Stinky by Eleanor Davis Perfect for younger readers, this graphic novel has plenty of kid humor. Stinky loves his muddy, mucky, smelly swamp just the way it is, so when a kid… Continue reading

  • New twists on old tales

    Since watching Fractured Fairy Tales on TV as a child, traditional stories with a twist have grabbed my attention and delighted my soul.  Young children today, who are just learning what to expect in a story, are tickled when a story takes an unusual turn.  Playing with expectations develops narrative skills — and a sense… Continue reading

  • Father’s Day Reads: Picture Books to Share

    Are you looking for the perfect Father’s Day present? Give the gift of a daddy-daughter/son moment by presenting the father in your household with a book that he can share with his favorite child. Here are a few new titles that will make for a memorable Daddy-and-me story time, celebrating the special relationship fathers have… Continue reading

  • Summer Reads for Tweens

    Are your kids counting down the days until school gets out, looking forward to a long summer stretch without homework? Put them in a summer mood and keep them reading into fall with these new titles: Crunch by Leslie Connor Dewey is feeling the crunch! When his parents get stranded miles away from home, it… Continue reading

  • Children’s Summer Reads: Picture Books

    Summer is almost here, along with Summer Reading programs, days at the beach, camping, and a much deserved respite from school. Now is the time for some fun, recreational reading. These new titles are sure to put kids in a summer state of mind: Dancing Feet, by Lindsey Craig; illustrated by Marc Brown Exuberant creatures… Continue reading

  • Children’s Summer Reads: Chapter Books

    Summer is almost here, along with Summer Reading programs, days at the beach, camping, and a much deserved respite from school. Now is the time for some fun, recreational reading. These new titles are sure to put kids in a summer state of mind: Animal Rescue Team: Gator on the Loose! , by Sue Stauffacher… Continue reading

  • Ship Ahoy!: Sail Into the Sunset with a Picture Book

    If you have lived any length of time in Western Washington, you have probably toyed with the idea of owning a boat. Boating is in our blood around here and both children and adults dream of chugging around Elliott Bay in a tugboat, riding a ferry to the San Juan Islands, sailing on Puget Sound… Continue reading

  • Can You Feel the Beat? Picture Books that Boogie!

    There are some books that just compel you tap your toes and snap your fingers. The rhythm of the words inspires you to get up and move, join in the story action, and fall into the musical beat of the rhyme. Pair that magic with dynamic illustrations and you are sure to have a book… Continue reading

  • Readers Worth Reading

    Let’s face it… Learning to read is hard work! And early reading books can be, frankly, BORING! Reading requires practice in decoding symbols, understanding left-to-right page orientation, memorization, interpreting graphic clues, combining sounds and focusing your attention for long periods of time, to the point of losing all interest in the story, if there is… Continue reading