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Unless otherwise noted (i.e. LIVE story times), virtual Story Times will be posted at the times listed below on our IGTV, Facebook, and on our YouTube channel, and will be viewable for 24 hours. Scroll down to find the books read during our virtual story times over the past month (or so).
Regular Story Times:
Tuesdays, 7PM: PJ Story Time with Karlyn
Fourth Saturdays, 10AM: Hora de cuentos bilingüe / Bilingual Story Time with Leigh
Instant New York Times bestseller!
A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier.
The #1 Amazon Best Children's Book of
A Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor Book
Mama’s love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days.
A charming and innovative tale about a plucky little bird, from the award-winning author-illustrator of Fox the Tiger.
Readers will delight in turning their book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.
This unique baby book sings with Native cultural detail, while striking a universal chord in its celebration of the blossoming of love that comes with expecting and welcoming a new baby--with art by New York Times bestselling illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade
As she waits for the arrival of her new baby, a mother-to-be gathers gifts to create a sacred
From the New York Timesbestselling creator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend comes the inspiring epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty.
Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after?
A 2018 Caldecott Honor Book that Kirkus Reviews calls "a must-read for our times," A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event - a long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son - and between cultures, old and new.
Read by Karlyn on 3/16/21
Read by Karlyn on 3/16/21
Ruby is always racing after her big brothers. But no matter how hard she tries, she can never catch up. Then one day, she discovers some sticks in the grass. Not just any sticks—swords! And suddenly the world is her kingdom. Readers will cheer on Ruby's perseverance and creativity as they delight in the antics of the adorable animals that join her along the way.
This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.
A meditative picture book about the power of reading and how one child can change the world, from #1 bestselling author Andrea Beaty
One girl. One spark. Faint and fading in the dark.
Flicker . . . Flicker . . . Flicker . . . Glow. Tiny ember.
Read by Karlyn on 3/2/21
Read by Karlyn on 3/2/21
From Pura Belpre honoree Angela Dominguez, I Love You Baby Burrito is a modern classic picture book celebrating the act of swaddling a newborn into a "baby burrito."
¡Hola, bebé! Mi hermosa, my beautiful!
It’s time to swaddle you--tucking in each piernita, each bracito . . . everything except your sweet carita.
A 2020 Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
Richard Scarry’s Busytown gets a Mexican-American makeover in the marketplace of a buzzing border town from Pura Belpré Medal-winning illustrator Raúl the Third.
Bilingual in a new way, this paper over board book teaches readers simple words in Spanish as they experience the bustling li
A beautiful and uplifting non-fiction picture book from Katie McCabe and trailblazing civil rights lawyer and activist Dovey Johnson Roundtree, We Wait for the Sun.
In the hour before dawn, Dovey Mae and Grandma Rachel step into the cool, damp night on a secret mission: to find the sweetest, ripest blackberries that grow deep in the woods.
A New York Times Bestseller!Creative visionary of The Word Collector, Happy Dreamer, and The Dot, #1 New York Times bestseller Peter H.
The team behind the Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor book Last Stop on Market Street and the award-winning New York Times bestseller Carmela Full of Wishes once again delivers a poignant and timely picture book that's sure to become an instant classic.
A young girl turns her imagination into action in this beautifully crafted and intricately designed debut picture book.
When is an old truck something more? On a small, bustling farm, a resilient and steadfast pickup works tirelessly alongside the family that lives there, and becomes a part of the dreams and ambitions of the family’s young daughter.
In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together.
Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don't work out exactly the way you expect....
From Children's Literature Legacy Award-winning author Nikki Grimes and acclaimed illustrator Elizabeth Zunon comes an adventurous bath time story.
Since it was first published in 1964, Whistle for Willie has delighted millions of young readers with its simple writing and its striking collage artwork depicting the story of Peter, who longs to whistle for his dog. The New York Times wrote: "Mr. Keats's illustrations boldly, colorfully capture the child, his city world, and the shimmering heat of a summer's day."
Spread the love with Little Blue Truck—a perfect Valentine's Day read-aloud in this best-selling series!
"Beep!" said Blue. "Happy Valentine's Day!"
Join Little Blue Truck as he delivers Valentine's Day cards to all his farm animal friends.
From Instagram sensation and New York Times bestselling author-artist Soosh comes a heartwarming celebration of friendship between a mermaid and a human girl.
A young girl has always loved Mermaids. Every day she wishes she could be friends with one. And on one magical day, her wish comes true.
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.
The Bear and the Moon is a picture book that follows what happens when the gift of a balloon floats into Bear's life.
The two companions embark on a journey—a magical tale that encompasses the joys of friendship and discovery.
This is a gentle book filled with humor, while tackling complex topics like the transcendence of loss and forgiveness.
This comical and heartfelt picture book is a winning celebration of invention, creativity, and friendship. With gorgeous underwater scenes and a crowd-pleasing tale, this is one little mermaid who is here to make a splash!
When you make a mistake—a big mistake, a HUGE mistake—it can weigh you down or even swallow you whole! As one kid finds herself swept away by her whale of a mistake, she takes readers along on a journey of emotions.
A young girl turns her imagination into action in this beautifully crafted and intricately designed debut picture book.
When is an old truck something more? On a small, bustling farm, a resilient and steadfast pickup works tirelessly alongside the family that lives there, and becomes a part of the dreams and ambitions of the family’s young daughter.
★“Heartwarming, imaginative and beautifully illustrated, Nothing in Common is the story of how a shared experience can bring two people together through thoughtfulness, observation and compassion.” –Shelf Awareness, starred review
A tender and timely story of compassion and finding common ground with others, perfect for fans of I Walk W
In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl--an every girl--whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird.
From #1 New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor–winning author Ian Falconer comes an entertaining story starring everyone's favorite pig and her favorite toy.
Olivia has one toy that she loves more than anything. She feeds him, dresses him and takes him everywhere. So when he disappears, Olivia is FURIOUS!
Have you ever had a grumpy day and not known why? Penguin is having a grumpy day like that. No matter what he does, he just can't shake it! Sometimes the only thing left to do is wash the grumpy day away and start over. The simple text and lively illustrations are the perfect cure for even the grumpiest of days.
A 2020 Caldecott Honor Book
From the New York Times best-selling author behind The Quiet Book comes a mindful contemplation on the many ways nature affects our everyday lives, even when we’re stuck inside.
★ "An exceptionally satisfying picture book." —Booklist, STARRED review
★ "This readaloud is sweetly told as Swashby overcomes his bitter habits to welcome new, friendly, and energetic people into his quiet life." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, STARRED review
Read by Karlyn on 12/01/2020
Read by Karlyn on 12/01/2020
Read by Leigh for bilingual story time on 11/28/2020
Read by Leigh for bilingual story time on 11/28/2020
Read by Leigh on 8/28/2020
As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children.
In this bilingual paperback edition, discover the joys of a paleta—the traditional Mexican popsicle treat sold from the wagon with the tinkly bell that brings children running from every direction. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer’s day—there’s so much to do with a paleta.
Read by Leigh on 8/28/2020
Señoras y Señores, put your hands together for the fantastic, spectacular, one of a kind . . . Niño!
Fwap! Slish! Bloop! Krunch! He takes down his competition in a single move!
No opponent is too big a challenge for the cunning skills of Niño—popsicle eater, toy lover, somersault expert, and world champion lucha libre competitor!
A Neal Porter Book
Read by Karlyn on 11/17/20
Read by Karlyn on 11/17/20
Read by Karlyn on 11/9
Read by Karlyn on 11/9
Read by Karlyn on 11/3/20
Read by Karlyn on 11/3/20
Read by Karlyn on 10/27/20
“There’s a party at Mr. Pumpkin’s tonight. A banquet with friends in the autumn twilight. And at this soiree we’ll see and we’ll find ghoulish delights of every kind.” You are cordially invited to Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party—a delightfully quirky twist on a counting book, incorporating gorgeous, deep-hued watercolor illustrations, as well as spooky elements and unique characters at an unexpectedly charming tea party. A perfect read for when there is a crisp chill in the air.
"Barker’s illustrations are a delight, the spooky details softened by a cartoonish treatment and soft color palette; nothing here is threatening or too scary." —Kirkus Reviews
"The guest list may seem spooky with a skeleton, wolf, spider, and swamp monster in attendance, but Mr. Pumpkin’s tea party is a frightfully elegant affair." —Foreword Reviews
Read by Karlyn on 10/27/20
There are times when a full moon will guide you, a storm will excite you, and a big, blue sky will inspire you to believe anything is possible. These are a few of the many gifts we receive from the sky and universe when life feels scary and confusing. Told by a grandmother to her grandchild, ''If You Look Up to the Sky'' is about the power of everlasting love and the ways the sky connects us through good times and bad. It offers a child comfort in knowing that you never need to be afraid... if you look up to the sky.
Read by Leigh on 10/23/20
"The details traditional Oaxacan artist Canseco Zarate includes charm as fully as Weill's crunchy vocabulary. . . tan lindo "--Kirkus Reviews
"Zarate's sculptures exude personality."--Publishers Weekly
Welcome to the family It's just like yours, right? But maybe there's something a little bit different about this bunch.
Cynthia Weill Mi Familia is Weill's fifth book featuring the folk art of Oaxaca. She is the Director of the Bank Street Center for Childrens' Literature.
Jesus Canseco Zarate is a Oaxacan folk artist known for his elaborate papier-mache calacas. In 2008, he won first prize in the Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art completion for young artists.
Read by Leigh on 10/23/20
Abuelo y nieta meditan sobre jardines y semillas, sobre c rculos visibles e invisibles, mientras participan y crean tradiciones familiares en esta hermosa exploraci n de los ciclos de la vida y naturaleza. La versi n en ingl's gan el premio Pura Belpre Honor por Illustraci n en el 2018.
Grandpa and his granddaughter meditate on gardens and seeds, and on circles seen and unseen, as they share and create family traditions in this stunning exploration of the cycles of life and nature. All Around Us received a Pura Belpre Honor Award for Illustration in 2018. Now available in Spanish for the first time.
Premios y honores por la edici n en ingl s:
Libro Notable del ALSC
2018 Premio de Literatura de J venes Indios Americanos: Honor de Libro Ilustrado
2018 Premio Tom's Rivera de Libros Mexico-Americanos
Awards and honors for English edition:
ALSC Notable Book
2018 American Indian Youth Literature Award: Picture Book Honor
2018 Tom's Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award
Read by Leigh on 10/23/20
Explore the four seasons in Spanish and English with this brightly illustrated bilingual picture book from Ginger Foglesong Guy and René King Moreno.
Días y días/Days and Days introduces readers to basic seasonal concepts and vocabulary and is an excellent choice for classrooms, bilingual homes, language literacy, story times, and family sharing.
Learn about the seasons in Spanish and English in Días y días /Days and Days by the popular team behind the bilingual classics ¡Fiesta! and Siesta. From Invierno to Otoño, from Enero to Diciembre, Ginger Foglesong Guy’s concise text introduces readers to basic concepts connected to the four seasons, including descriptive adjectives in both languages, as well as words for the weather, months, and a child’s seasonal wardrobe.
René King Moreno’s engaging artwork explores the beauty of each individual season, extends the text, and offers many details to pore over. Ideal for promoting early literacy in two languages, for classroom connections, and for family storytimes.
Read by Karlyn on 10/20/20
Despite dire predictions about winter, a child is smitten by the season’s charms in this ode to living in the moment.
Nothing is better than summer, with its joys of swimming every day and eating ice cream. One little boy’s older sister tells him he’d better make the most of it, because summer is going to end soon. When winter comes, she assures him, it will be cold and dark, and the icy rain will turn to snow. They’ll be stuck on the sofa for days and won’t even dream of eating ice cream. . . . Simona Ciraolo’s expressive illustrations belie the bleak forecast with images of glowing autumn leaves, cozy couch snuggles, wintry play, and sweet desserts. A celebration of the changing of the seasons, this inviting tale shows how much fun can be found around every sunny—or snowy—corner.
Read by Karlyn on 10/10/20
From the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of A Hungry Lion comes a unique Halloween story about a stemless pumpkin who dreams of becoming a jack-o-lantern.
Stumpkin is the most handsome pumpkin on the block. He’s as orange as a traffic cone! Twice as round as a basketball! He has no bad side! He’s perfect choice for a Halloween jack-o-lantern.
There’s just one problem—Stumpkin has a stump, not a stem. And no one seems to want a stemless jack-o-lantern for their window.
As Halloween night approaches, more and more of his fellow pumpkins leave, but poor Stumpkin remains. Will anyone give Stumpkin his chance to shine?"A perfect holiday read-aloud for city kids and country dwellers as well." - School Library Journal, starred review
"Clear pictures and simple text pack an emotional punch for the revitalized misfit." - Booklist
"A gentle story about differences, set within a popular holiday's traditions, with striking urban-based illustrations." - Shelf Awareness
"Brilliantly inventive." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
Read by Kara on 10/16/20
Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!
Read by Kara on 10/16/20
**STARRED REVIEW**
"Loving ode to community... The sense of fellowship around making and sharing food is sure to hit home, and the undercurrent here—that not everyone can get the food they need—is an important reminder."
— Booklist
**STARRED REVIEW**
"A sense of effervescent improvisation pervades the tale, through its cookery details and the text’s rhythm and design... Exudes vibrancy, warmth, individuality, and purpose."
— The Horn Book
**STARRED REVIEW**
"By making the collaborative meal preparation visually brilliant, Tamaki injects energy into this life-giving celebration... Convey[s] the power of thrift, collective action, and community-building."
— Publishers Weekly
"Whether for appetizing story hours, classroom cooking, or inspiration to do good works, this book flows with a love for food and community."
— School Library Journal
"Tamaki’s latest is a delight for the senses, bursting with bright colors, enticing scents, and effervescent prose."
— Kirkus Reviews
Read by Karlyn on 10/13/220
Leonardo is truly a terrible monster-terrible at being a monster that is. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to frighten anyone. Determined to succeed, Leonardo sets himself to training and research. Finally, he finds a nervous little boy, and scares the tuna salad out of him! But scaring people isn't quite as satisfying as he thought it would be. Leonardo realizes that he might be a terrible, awful monster-but he could be a really good friend.
Read by Karlyn on 10/13/20
In this hardcover picture book that’s not just for Halloween (but perfect for it anyway!), a lonely little witch tries to brew a magical potion to conjure up some friends, but instead she gets cats…lots of cats!
Margaret the witch is about to find out that taking care of a bunch of lively cats sounds like lots of fun…but it could turn out to be lots of trouble!
In her debut as author-illustrator, E. Dee Taylor brings this magical book to life with humor, lots to spot in the art, and a great read-aloud rhythm.
Read by Unique from The Network for the Development of Children of African Descent on 10/11/20
Read by Kara on 10/9/20
Have you ever had a grumpy day and not known why? Penguin is having a grumpy day like that. No matter what he does, he just can't shake it! Sometimes the only thing left to do is wash the grumpy day away and start over. The simple text and lively illustrations are the perfect cure for even the grumpiest of days.
Read by Kara on 10/9/20
A little girl carries a big message—and finds it thrillingly amplified by the rallying crowd around her—in an empowering story for the youngest of activists.
Mari raised her sign for everyone to see.
Even though she was small and the crowd was very big,
and she didn’t think anyone would hear,
she yelled out.
Mari is getting ready to make a sign with crayon as the streets below her fill up with people. “What are we making, Mama?” she asks. “A message for the world,” Mama says. “How will the whole world hear?” Mari wonders. “They’ll hear,” says Mama, “because love is powerful.” Inspired by a girl who participated in the January 2017 Women’s March in New York City, Heather Dean Brewer’s simple and uplifting story, delightfully illustrated by LeUyen Pham, is a reminder of what young people can do to promote change and equality at a time when our country is divided by politics, race, gender, and religion.
Read by Kao Kalia Yang on 10/6/20
This groundbreaking bilingual collection of traditional rhymes celebrates childhood and Latin American heritage—a perfect book for those learning Spanish and fluent speakers alike. Now in paperback! This picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8 who are ready to read independently. It’s a fun way to keep your child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children.
Passed down from generation to generation, the twenty-nine rhymes included have been lovingly selected by distinguished authors Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. English adaptations by Alice Schertle capture the spirit of each rhyme, and are accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Spanish artist Viví Escrivá
From playing dress up to making tortillas, and from rising at daybreak to falling asleep, these joyful rhymes are sure to delight readers already familiar with the rhymes, as well as those encountering them for the first time.
Read by Kao Kalia Yang on 10/6/20
A short, powerful, illustrated book written by beloved novelist Khaled Hosseini in response to the current refugee crisis, Sea Prayer is composed in the form of a letter, from a father to his son, on the eve of their journey. Watching over his sleeping son, the father reflects on the dangerous sea-crossing that lies before them. It is also a vivid portrait of their life in Homs, Syria, before the war, and of that city's swift transformation from a home into a deadly war zone.
Impelled to write this story by the haunting image of young Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy whose body washed upon the beach in Turkey in September 2015, Hosseini hopes to pay tribute to the millions of families, like Kurdi's, who have been splintered and forced from home by war and persecution, and he will donate author proceeds from this book to the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) and The Khaled Hosseini Foundation to help fund lifesaving relief efforts to help refugees around the globe.
Khaled Hosseini is one of the most widely read writers in the world, with more than fifty-five million copies of his novels sold worldwide in more than seventy countries. Hosseini is also a Goodwill Envoy to the UNHCR, and the founder of The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a nonprofit that provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
Read by Kara on 10/2/20
In the tradition of Uni the Unicorn and Gaston, this heartwarming and adorable debut picture book tells the story of a young unicorn who was born under the sea to a family of narwhals.
Growing up in the ocean, Kelp has always assumed that he was a narwhal like the rest of his family. Sure, he’s always been a little bit different—his tusk isn’t as long, he’s not as good of a swimmer, and he really doesn’t enjoy the cuisine. Then one night, an extra strong current sweeps Kelp to the surface, where he spots a mysterious creature that looks just like him! Kelp discovers that he and the creature are actually unicorns. The revelation leaves him torn: is he a land narwhal or a sea unicorn? But perhaps, if Kelp is clever, he may find a way to have the best of both worlds.
Told with heartwarming illustrations and spare, sweet text, Jessie Sima’s debut picture book is about fitting in, standing out, and the all-encompassing love of family.