Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for story times, plus animal photos and book recommendations!
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:
Our weekly PJ Story Time is on hiatus until further notice!
Fourth Saturdays, 10AM: Hora de cuentos bilingüe / Bilingual Story Time with Jess
A heartwarming celebration of the special relationship between a father and daughter from Instagram sensation Soosh.
Whether they're playing make-believe, making you smile, or warding off monsters under the bed, dads are always there when you need them. Debut picture book artist Soosh celebrates fathers with a gorgeously illustrated and moving story about the parent-child bond.
A young girl sees the world differently in this beautiful picture book celebration of math.
A delightfully warm, encouraging story of a young girl and the special library dog who helps her develop patience, acceptance, and confidence as she learns to read, from award-winning author-illustrator Lisa Papp.
Like a Dandelion is a poetic tribute to the bravery of immigrants and refugees, inspired by the author’s childhood experience of moving to the United States from Cambodia.
From Ezra Jack Keats Honor winner E. B. Goodale comes a celebration of nature, family, and building our own hands-on adventures—perfect for any reader who has ever craved a bit of independence . . .
In this lush and playful picture book from E. B.
Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from happy sunny yellow to courageous red. He especially takes care with his patka--his turban--making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet's mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, everything just feels gray. Can he find a way to make life bright again?
Corinna Luyken ( My Heart; illustrator of Nothing in Common) uses lyrical language and luminous illustrations to create a splendid picture book in which she likens a child's internal landscape to the parts of a tree, successfully conveying the interconnectedness of humans to nature--and to other human beings, as well.
Shelf Awareness (04/02/2021):
Caldecott Honor winner Jillian Tamaki’s book They Say Blue is a playful, poetic exploration of color and point of view.
A Boston Globe–Horn Book Picture Book Award Winner
In captivating paintings full of movement and transformation, we follow a young girl through a year or a day as she examines the colors in the world aro
New York Times bestselling author and illustrator!
Companion to I Am Love and I Am Human
“A gentle, helpful tool for cultivating kid mindfulness.” —Kirkus Reviews
Discover the power of mindfulness in this companion to New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am Love!
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller and #1 USA Today bestseller
Amanda Gorman’s electrifying and historic poem “The Hill We Climb,” read at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, is now available as a collectible gift edition.
“Stunning.” —CNN
“Dynamic.” —NPR
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"[A] poetic reckoning of the importance of love in a child's life . . . eloquent and moving."—People
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 Caldecott Honor Book and ALA Notable Book of the Year! An innovative and charming tale about a plucky little bird, from the award-winning author-illustrator of Fox the Tiger.
A New York Times bestseller!
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book
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
From the New York Times–bestselling 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 Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by #1 New York Times bestselling author Vashti Harrison showcases women who changed the world, and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.
Dream Big, Little One features eighteen trailblazing Black women in American history, including
One Girl is a meditative picture book about the power of reading and how one child can change the world, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Andrea Beaty and award-winning illustrator Dow Phumiruk.
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.
An Eisner Award Nominee! A Pura Belpré Award Honor Book!
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. But as Blue beeps along, he starts to wonder: will he get any cards of his own?
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
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)
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.