Children

Transgender Awareness Week happens every year from November 13th through 19th and serves as a reminder of what it means to be transgender and how allies can help spread awareness and advocate for the trans community. In recent years, many trans authors have shared their important stories in literature, and more and more children's books are being published on the topic of gender identity. Read this article to learn about some transgender authors who have written picture books to spread the word about the transgender experience and make children feel that they belong no matter who they are! 

It's spooky season and Halloween is approaching quickly! There is an incredible abundance of children's books about Halloween, and I decided to specifically dive into the titles published in the past few years. After compiling a book list of 100 new-ish titles, I've selected some of my top favorites to share. Boo to all of you from the crew here at NPL! 

Banned Books Week is September 22-28, 2024. Here at NPL, we believe in the "Freadom" to read! Read on to discover some of our favorite banned & challenged picture books published in our current decade! You'll be surprised at the types of books that have been up for debate. We proudly offer all of these titles and more for check out here at Nashville Public Library. Happy Banned Books week!

This heartfelt picture book shares a beautiful poem, written from the perspective of Mother Earth. A great read-aloud for children, it could also help start conversations about climate change and preserving the Earth for future generations.

Here are some fresh new book picks for children this Disability Pride Month! It is so important to share books with your children that celebrate all types of bodies and abilities. Read on for some of my favorite picture books featuring disabled characters.

Children reading books that partially obscure their faces.

Writing books for adults and writing books for children are two very different things.  Yet some writers for adults have also written for kids! Learn about picture book titles written by some of the titans of literature. 

 

 

Opal Lee, "The Grandmother of Juneteenth", is a former-school teacher, counselor, and activist responsible for making Juneteenth a national holiday in the United States. At the age of 94, she is an accomplished and outspoken advocate for Civil Rights. This year, President Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

Spring is springing! It's the best time of year to get outside and enjoy nature. What better way to spend time outdoors with children than birding?! There are so many brilliant children's books about birds. Read on to discover some picture books that share some amazing facts about our avian friends.

Naomi Shihab Nye's 1994 picture book, Sitti's Secrets, is about a young girl, Mona, and her Sitti, her grandmother, who lives in Palestine. This book captures the essence of the love that can persist despite being worlds apart. Mona remembers her visit to meet her Sitti, and the simple fun they shared together, although they did not share a language. Thirty years after the publication of this book, it is ever relevant. This beautiful read is just one of many children's books about Palestinian children and a tender longing feeling for one's distant homeland and loved ones. 

Cover of picture book "The Ferris Wheel." Image has large goldfish floating in foreground above a ferris wheel set off in a rectangular stone arch. There are queues of people flanking each side of stone arch framing the ferris wheel. On the left hand side, there is boy with his mother. He is wearing a yellow raincoat. On the right hand side a girl is accompanied by her father. She wears red, and he carries a blue suitcase.

In the Turkish import The Ferris Wheel, the stories of a boy and a girl living in different parts of the world intertwine in an exceedingly moving and timely picture book. 

It wasn't just Cozbi Cabrera's beautiful illustrations that captured my heart the first time I read Me and Mama. The prose that filled the pages was so sweet and specific, and sounded just like something that could have come from a child's mouth. After reading several of her other works, I was amazed at Cabrera's level of artistry and sincerity. This post shines a light on Cozbi Cabrera's masterfully created picture books. 

Fractured fairy tales are classic fairy tales with a new spin. Children LOVE funny books and books with surprises, which are pretty much a given in these types of stories! Read on to discover some of our favorite fractured fairy tales!

Snuggle up with some of the coziest picture books published in 2023! Each of these wintery stories centers around nature, family, and a spirit of giving. As the days get shorter and the air gets chillier, shared read-alouds are such a fun way to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. 

Image contains a Santa in a red suit, white beard, and cap waving

In the now 200 years since it was first published, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" has become a beloved staple of many a holiday celebration. You and your family can experience this classic poem in picture books, in oh so many ways! 

Sensory Rooms are an excellent space of refuge for children who get overstimulated easily. Children on the Autism spectrum, with Down's Syndrome, and other sensory disabilities can become overwhelmed by spaces with lots of other children and noises. While we offer many interactive and play spaces in our Children's area here at Nashville Public Library, we felt it would be important to make sure ALL children feel welcomed and comfortable. Our new Sensory Room offers a quiet and peaceful retreat from the hustle-bustle of the Children's department. Come see for yourself!

Discover some brilliantly beautiful picture books by native authors that have recently come under the fire of book bans & challenges in the United States. These books were thoughtfully created for children and do not, in the least, contain ANY explicit content. Exposing our children to a variety of worldviews, cosmologies, and perspectives can be an enlightening and expansive experience for all involved. Check out these excellent reads and more here at NPL!

Book Cover of "Let's Play Gonggi." Image contains two children, a boy and a girl, playing with plastic game pieces; boy uses game pieces to simulate goggles.

Many of us adults now look back on our decidedly low-tech childhood pastimes with fondness. Tap into this nostalgia with  Let's Play Gonggi, a picture book from Korea! 

 

 

Hubo una multitud de libros fantásticos escritos por autores latines para niños publicados en 2023. ¡Aquí están mis favoritos, y una lista comprehensiva de unos más, para celebrar el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispánica! There were a multitude of great children's books written by Latine authors published in 2023. Here are my favorites, and a comprehensive list of more books, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Many picture books celebrate the beauty of childhood. Being young and full of wonder is something adults often forget about, but children know better. Read on to discover two children's books that reclaim the magic of being a child, despite what other children and adults may think or say!

The Fourth of July is a fitting day to reflect upon our country's history. These picture books help tell a honest, nuanced, and sensitive story of what the Fourth of July means to different people. 

Beatrix Potter was not only a brilliant author/illustrator of Children's books, but also a conservationist, natural scientist, and a downright fascinating woman. On display at the Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville until September 17th, "Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature" is an incredibly rich and engaging celebration of Potter's life and work. Both children and adults alike will enjoy this timeless collection, a beautifully curated and re-imagined collage of nature drawings, children's book illustrations, photography, and interactive activities!

Pride month is upon us! Discussing LGBTQIA+ issues with kids can be a challenge, especially if you don't identify as a part of this community. Here are some tips for starting a conversation around gender identity and sexual preference! It is never too early to open a child's heart and mind, and doing so can foster empathy and compassion, for themselves and for others.

Not all of us are gifted with a green thumb. However, getting our hands dirty in the garden (or with whatever space you have) can be a fantastic opportunity for you and your child to learn about the natural world. Here are a few books and resources to inspire a love of plants this spring! 

Cover image of Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II. Contains a girl dressed in red coat and hat, carrying a small brown suitcase. She is holding the hand of an unseen adult. The girl is reflected in the water puddle on the cobblestone streets. There are also three war planes reflected in the puddle.

This year's Mildred L. Batchelder Award, given to an outstanding children's book translated into English, is the wonderful Italian middle grades memoir Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II. Sensitive and age appropriate, this standout book is an ideal shared read aloud for older children.

Hygge, pronounced "hoo-ga" is a Danish word which seeks to capture the satisfaction of being cozy. Denmark has consistently been named one of the happiest countries in the world, despite the chilly weather! Getting cozy with a good book is the perfect way to cultivate hygge! Here are some Children's books that spread this unique type of joy that we can all tap into during the darkest days of the year. 

On January 19th (Dolly's birthday!), Nashville Public Library launched a week-long registration drive for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. This incredible program provides a free book every month to children, from birth until the age of 5. Without a doubt, the Imagination Library has become an integral part of the movement to boost early literacy and foster a love of reading among young children!

Feeling restless just staying indoors? There are SO many free events and activities for you and your child to enjoy here at NPL, and in the community beyond! Here are a few great ways to pass the chilly minutes this month. 

Book cover of When Dad Was Away by Liz Weir. Cover includes redheaded girl reading a book with a green cover against a yellow background.

December is a time of holiday celebrations for many families. For families with a parent currently incarcerated, however, the reality is very different. Picture books about incarceration can help children and parents talk about a complex topic that affects millions of children and families in the United States.

Book cover illustration which includes three Wampanoag figures and a fox

Many of us are gearing up to celebrate Thanksgiving at the end of the month. But how do teach what is actually a complicated story of conflict and colonization? Learn about books from our collection and online resources that can help us teach a more accurate history.

Diwali, or Deepawali, is a 5-day holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Beginning on the new moon in October, popular festivities include the lighting of diyas, beautiful clay candles, a great cleaning of the living space, honoring of deities such as Lakshmi and Ganesh, and creating rangoli, decorations from colored sand, inside each room in the house. Check out some books from Nashville Public Library that shine a light on these radiant celebrations!

Cover of Bravo!: Poems About Brave Hispanics by Margarite Engle

During Hispanic Heritage Month we intentionally recognize the many contributions made by persons of Latin American, Hispanic, and Latina/o descent to every part of U.S. American life. Check out these picture book biographies about Hispanic and Latino trailblazers, strivers, and justice seekers. 

Pronouncing someone's name correctly is a conscious choice, regardless of whether it is normalized in the United States. Check out these beautiful Children's books that create empathy around the idea of misnaming and celebrate diverse names!

B.B Cronin's Lost series is an enchanting exploration through a world of color and beautiful scenery. Join Granpa and his grandchildren on their quests to find all the things (and people) they lost! These Seek and Find picture books are fantastic for readers of all ages.

Cooking with children is a great summer past-time and can help build motor skills and vocabulary! Here are some fabulous cookbooks for kids available at Nashville Public Library. WARNING: Reading this blog post may cause hunger and salivation.

Globe of wold made up of stacks and different formations of books

Add some picture books in translation to your reading routine! Picture books by international creators offer different perspectives, and feature groundbreaking art and narratives.

The whole family can celebrate Pride Month with two fantastic children's books about same sex couples and their families' lives. Bathe the Cat is a hysterical tale about a feline friend who causes all kinds of mayhem in efforts to avoid his bath. Dad and Daddy and the whole family are thrown out of sorts trying to prepare for Grandma to arrive! Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle is an endearing story of a child and her Mama who spend a whole week together while Mommy is travelling for work. 

Caterpillar bites into a blade of grass.

Storybook Trails provide a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with print in the natural world. Spread out over 19 different state parks in Tennessee, this project shares stories from picture books about the natural world! What better way to transform a short hike into a learning experience?!

Little girl hangs upside own from a tree next to a boa constrictor

Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal goes beyond many bromidic books about the tragedy of global warming typically read for Earth Day. Zonia's vivacious spirit uproots the paradigm of a lifeless, victimized planet  in a way that truly honors our Mother Earth. Follow the young Asháninka heroine as she salutes each of her animal friends and decides to stand up for her forest home.

Cover of Kats Hats by Daniel Pinkwater. Image contains one boy wearing a blue and white striped scarf and an orange tabby cat in the shape of a hat on his head.

At Kat Hats Incorporated, cats are trained to serve as hats  for people looking for maximum warmth. Who is the warmest cat, however, and how will he rise to the challenge when his skills are called upon? 

Body positivity is an important issue to address for young people. Self-esteem can have effects on confidence and academic achievement, as well as social-emotional skills. Establishing a healthy inner dialogue can shift every aspect of the human experience! Learn about a couple of captivating children's books about body image that can speak to kids and adults alike!

Headshot of Ashley Bryan. He is an older African American man with white hair and a mustache,

During a career spanning over six decades, Ashley Bryan (1923-3022) illustrated more than 70 children's picture books in a variety of media and in several genres. 

Children's books provide a wonderful opportunity to spark discussions about race and antiracism with children. By learning about one another, listening, and practicing non-violent communication, we can teach our kids the importance of cultivating empathy.

Sea turtles are an important part of the web of life for the planet's survival.  The work of many individuals has made a difference in the survival of the species.  This article mentions one of them.

L'il Rabbit yawns as his Granna lovingly holds him by the kinara.

We could all use a little reminder of what really matters this holiday season. These three titles explore the diverse ways in which kindness prevails in every winter celebration! 

The Boston Tea Party was the first event that ignited the Revolutionary War.  It was the first step to the country becoming The United States of America and preceded the Declaration of Independence by about two and a half years.

Nashville Public Library has a number of resources that help provide support and reassurance to children and adults with Diabetes I.

Charles Ghigna states that 'to write for children, one must write from the child within."  That philosophy has guided the work of this beloved Alabama author for many years.

Holidays bring opportunities for making memories.  One long-ago Halloween was especially memorable.

October is pumpkin time!  This ancient food source of indigenous peoples all across the Americas continues to be an important part of our lives and is celebrated both nutritionally and aesthetically.

Cover of Bright Star by Yuyi Morales. Pink background with a fawn and cactus.

The publication of a new book by Yuyi Morales is always a cause for celebration—and for immediately placing a hold on one's library account. Published in September of this year, Bright Star is an incandescently beautiful picture book about love, courage, and caring for one another

Popcorn

Popcorn has been celebrated as both a food and a decoration for at least 9,000 years.  Any time is the right time for popcorn but fall and winter are made extra special when served up with the treat. 

Children can learn the basic rules of social engagement from an early age.  Nashville Public Library's catalog has the resources for teaching and learning social skills.

Fall brings with it a new crop of apples ready to be enjoyed.  Many elementary school students are learning about apples and the folk hero known as Johnny Appleseed. 

The halcyon days of late summer, 1963, brought about one of the most significant actions of the era.  It brought attention to the problems of inequality and the demands of a people who were willing to stand together and say, "no more."  Congress heard and acted. 

Book Cover of Sharing a Smile by Nicki Kramar

Picture books can help children (and their parents) process big emotions around major life events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Children's book creators have risen to the occasion and produced books that children and adults can both enjoy. 

As children begin to understand that they are growing and will one day grow up they think about what they want to become--what kind of work they want to do.  Books help them learn about the possibilities.

Summertime fun times almost always include ice cream!  Celebrate summer with your family by creating your own icy cold treats at home.  It's easy and we have resources!

Book cover of My First Day

The first day of elementary school is a big event in a child’s life. Some children mark the day with new outfits and a bevy of pictures. Others, meanwhile, begin the first of many intrepid commutes to school. This delightful picture book details one such adventure to get to school. 

Elephant and Piggie star in Mo Willems' twenty-five volume award winning series for early readers that will delight both children and adults.

Fairy tales teach important life lessons.  They teach us to be the hero and to have hope as well as taking responsibility for our own actions.  Fairy tales teach us what true beauty is all about.

Sharing short travel experiences outside of the city is a great way to make memories and learn more about our beautiful state's past and present.  Shown is York Mill located on the Wolf River in Pall Mall.

Book Cover of Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued

There are not many picture books about the Holocaust. Published earlier this year, Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued tells two intertwined stories. 

whoever you are

Looking for new favorites that support early reading skills like rhyme, repetition, colors, and numbers? Here is a list of books with diverse representation and inclusive themes for a young audience. 

The Memory Box: a Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland, is based upon the author's experience of creating a memory box so she might never forget a dear friend who died.  The closing pages of the book lists several ways to support a child who is experiencing grief and makes suggestions for the creation of a memory box.

The CDC reported that 1 in 54 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2016.  The diagnosis can seem daunting but knowledge is power.  Nashville Public Library has the resources to provide knowledge and understanding for parents, friends, siblings and others.

The ancient porquior stories and myths are a delightful explanation of the "hows" and "whys" of nature and humanity.  Choogie Kingfisher, Cherokee National Treasure, is pictured here telling stories. 

Just as it takes many varied pieces of cloth to make a beautiful whole quilt, it takes a diverse group of people to make a beautiful community of many faces.  Nashville Public Library has a number of resources celebrating diversity.

Everybody bakes bread in one form or another.  Bread, the staff of life, is our past, our present and our future.

Road through trees

Everyone knows what it feels like to be hungry and what to do about it but some people are not able to get enough food to eat.  Without enough food, we cannot become who we were meant to be.  We can help others who are in need of good food.

The Trail of Tears is a part of the American story that is often ignored. This blog lists some of the children's books that are available as well as short day trips to significant places in the life of one Uchi girl.

Book Cover of Luci Soars by Lulu Delacre

 Luci Soars is the newest book by prolific author and illustrator Lulu Delacre. When you're different, it can seem like the whole world is against you. How can you rise above it? 

Homeschool Friends and Film

Film is a great medium for kids to use to explore their own creativity and to put to work their problem solving skills. Entrenched in both the arts and sciences, film ingratiates all of the STEAM fields in a playful and engaging way. From storyboarding to special effects, learn how Homeschool Friends is helping kids get inspired through the art of filmmaking.

 

Book Cover of a New Kind of Wild

When Ren has to move to a gray and concrete city, will he miss his home in the wild and beautiful el Yunque too much to see anything magical ever again? Published just this year, A New Kind of Wild is a delightful, imaginative picture book.

Keep calm and homeschool on with the help of Nashville Public Library's Children's Department. Put your mind at ease knowing we have your back when it comes to at-home learning. Check out these amazing resources and programs geared for homeschool families with questions. 

hair love

It is up to Zuri's father to give his daughter an extra-special hairstyle.

author chris haughton in studio

Books that can grow with a child as they do are special. Authors who write them immediately end up on my “must own” list. Chris Haughton is one of those authors for me.

During these times of sheltering at home, patrons and staff alike are missing regular in-person library programming. Here at NPL in 2020, we also had to postpone special in-person library events for the year's Nashville Reads title, Dreamers by Yuyi Morales. While that is sad, the good news is that you can still enjoy books and activities inspired by the marvelous Yuyi Morales's works while you're at home! 

Parent and caregivers, we know it's challenging to have your children at home during this pandemic. Here is a roundup of online resources that can help kids stay engaged in learning—preventing their brains from "turning to mush" while they are not in school.

Even with all this free time, it can still be tough to find the motivation to write or get our kids to write. Here are a few of my favorite writing prompts to get the pen to the paper.

In my opinion, there's not much more that can raise my spirits than reading an amazing, uplifting picture book with a child I love in my lap reading along. Todd Parr is an author I highly suggest for these treasured moments.

December and January present a rich opportunity to explore how different cultural traditions celebrate the winter holidays. Branch out from snowmen, reindeer, and candy canes by learning about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.

Do you ever feel like you're going to be sick if you have to read one more overly sweet children's book to your kids this holiday season? Well these books about dinosaurs, pirates, and bug-eyed pugs are the perfect remedy for you! 

Books can serve as both windows and mirrors. All children should have access to both. We provide curated lists featuring diverse children from varying backgrounds and experiences.

Blockbuster titles by some of the stars of the children's writing world are coming out during this last quarter of 2019. Get out your library card and prepare to place holds!

Is your child obsessed with the creepy and macabre? Can they not get enough of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and plan on moving on to Stephen King? You’ll find that these books are terrifying while being a little more age appropriate.

Although she is perhaps best known as the writer of The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood has also written several books for children. Take an opportunity to introduce your child to one of the giants of modern literature by reading some books written especially for them.

It’s no secret that libraries love reading! But last year, when Nashville Public Library launched Read to Rise, we wanted the entire city of Nashville to know how critical reading to children from birth is to a child’s success in school. Over the past year, we’ve spread the word to nearly 1,000 children who’ve registered for Read to Rise.  All told, those kids, parents, and caregivers have read together for more than 12,000 days!

This blog post is part of a series examining classic children’s literature titles that have been deemed racist. Whether or not you choose to share classic books such as these with the children in your life, we encourage you to have open conversations with them on the topic of race.

The news of Toni Morrison's passing on August 5 was met with tributes and gratitude for a life well lived. While she is best known as the author of such novels as The Bluest Eye and Beloved, Morrison also wrote several books for children. It is not yet too early to introduce the children in your life to the work of this incomparable writer.

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This blog post is part of a series examining classic children’s literature titles that have been deemed racist. Whether or not you choose to share classic books such as these with the children in your life, we encourage you to have open conversations with them on the topic of race.

When it's super hot outside (feels like 105!), I like to take my mind off of the searing heat by reading some fun books about penguins. Don't you?

I'm going on a trip with my family this weekend-the entire crew. My mom and dad, my brother and sister, and all of our significant others. Plus, all the kids.

For some, it seems like a no-brainer to bring their child to story time at the library. For others, the thought never even occurs that the library is a safe space to foster their child’s development.

Do you have a picky young eater at home? You are not alone! Bread and Jam for Frances is the story of a winsome little badger who decides that only bread and jam will satisfy her appetite.  

When we think of raising children to be the best that they can be, we think of teaching them every single thing we can stretch into our time. Oftentimes, when we talk about teaching them the things they need to know, we think of popular mainstream subjects such as math, reading, science, and history. But, we also need to be encouraging them to be what they want to be, growing up and finding what makes them happy too.

Writer Pat Mora is a poet, an educator, an activist, and a storyteller who often borrows from her Chicana background to tell stories of family, heritage, and the joy that reading can bring.

Whether you have room for a acre mini-farm or a single pot in a sunny window, your child can benefit from growing things! 

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Something that happens quite frequently in my house is bringing up the newest science information about dinosaurs. My husband has been obsessed since he was born, which means he can tell you about pretty much any kind of dinosaur and different facts to describe it.

There are a lot of little ways you as a parent or caregiver can help prepare your child for Kindergarten. One of these ways is to cook with your child.

Did you know that babies are born with the ability to learn any language? They are universal listeners. And, from birth to age three, a child’s brain produces more than a million neural connections a second. That’s a lot of learning opportunities!

Born in rural Kenya and educated in the United States, Wangari Maathai was the first woman in East Africa to earn a doctoral degree, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and is the founder of the Green Belt Movement. Her incredible story is the subject of several picture book biographies for children.

The 28 days of February will never be enough to highlight the full depth and breadth of black history in the United States and around the world. Picture books are an ideal (and beautiful) way, however, to address the gaps in our knowledge of the contributions of African Americans to History writ large.

Have you ever read a book that you just want to hug when you finish? And maybe not let anyone else touch it until you’re ready to let it go? Maybe that's just a children's librarian thing? Anyway, I had that experience with Sealed with a Kiss by Beth Ferry.

The announcement of the Caldecott, Newbery, and other recipients of the American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards is a cause for celebration! Did your favorites win? Or what books will now be on your reading list? Check out our round-up (with links to our collection) below

Using stories as the basis for coding games encourages children to explore early computer programming principles in a fun and interactive way.

Dear Parent,

Yes, you there. Reading this blog post on the library’s website. You are your child’s best teacher, and you’re doing a great job! Go ahead; give yourself a pat on the back or a self-five.

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2018 was definitely a wonderful year for picture books! Some books were thoughtful, while others were hilarious. Altogether, they made for a good year.

Did you know that you can check out e-books­ from the library, with your library card? Our OverDrive E-Book collection has thousands of titles to choose from, all of which can be downloaded to your favorite e-reader. Many of those e-book titles are for children, including both fiction and nonfiction. Let us help you navigate the wide world of e-books for children available at the library!

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Every year, when December rolls around, I immediately want all things gingerbread. The smell. The taste. The intricately decorated houses. And the books!

Born in Mexico City, author and illustrator Angela Dominguez grew up in Texas. Named several times as a Pura Belpré Honor for illustration, she now lives on the East Coast. Her friendly and open artwork invites the reader into a world where they can truly see themselves and others.

 

 

One of the most marvelous writers and illustrators of children's literature today, Yuyi Morales mines her Mexican childhood for the magical words and riotous colors that inform her beautiful books. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Pura Belpré Medal.

The other day, my husband asked me what my favorite map projection was. I wasn’t sure how to answer him, so I started looking at different map books that the library owns, specifically in the children’s department, and I was amazed that I hadn’t paid more attention to this section before!

Are you clever? Shrewd? Canny? Or just plain brainy? How can you learn to use a wide variety of words like these? The answer is to read, read, read! The more you read, the better your vocabulary becomes. The more words a child reads, the more words she or he will learn and eventually use and understand.

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As you and your child embark on this big life change, it’s important to start a conversation that not only allows you both to articulate your worries, but to also put an air of excitement around this next step! Books are a great way to do that.

 

Expanding your family is a crazy yet wonderful time. Luckily, there are picture books for almost every situation that can help ease the transition for your little ones.

By hearing about girls who face real life issues such as sadness, oppression, friend drama, and fear, we can perhaps investigate our own experiences and grow. Here’s a list of books to enjoy with your daughter that will certainly leave them feeling empowered!

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Parent life got you feeling like your Music Festival days are behind you? Bring the kids to any one of our kid-friendly music shows this #NPLsummer 

Summer is a great time for getting outside and exploring all the tiny creatures that surround us. Check out these activities and books to help you and your kids learn more about all the creepy crawlies hiding in plain sight!

Published on March 13, Junot Díaz´s long awaited first book for children is a love letter to the children-both young and old- who carry in themselves the memories of the places that have shaped them and their communities.

Active kids love to run and explore the world around them. But how can you read a story when your kid is always on the move? 

It's especially important  in our current cultural climate that children not only see themselves in the books they read, but also that they read about children different from them. Below are some examples of books in NPL's collection in which biracial and multiracial children take center stage.

The sun is out and it's getting warmer so that can only mean one thing: spring is on its way! Here are a few activities and books you and your little one can enjoy to get you out and into the garden.

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How to grow a scientist in your home garden --- just add curiosity and freedom to explore! 

The Winter Olympics may be happening in South Korea, but you can have your own olympics right in your living room!

Many parents would like their children to speak more than one language. It’s going to take a more than a few videos or (even!) books for your child to become bilingual, however. For children—or anyone—to acquire a second language, bilingualism must become a way of life.

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Registration for the 8th Annual LEGO Competition is open! Calling all brick builders—kid, teen, and adult! 

Now that it's officially December, we can bring out the Christmas music! These beautifully illustrated versions of Christmas songs and carols bring traditional music to life in a whole new way.

Do you have a little one that loves construction? or cats? or anything cute at all? This is one of those winning books that will appeal to most toddlers and preschoolers! 

Poetry can be just as beneficial as fiction/nonfiction books when it comes to learning how to read. Check out this series to start exploring poetry with your child!

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Just when you're sitting around wondering if you have an impact on children's literacy and educational development, this kind of wonderful thing happens.

Looking for a challenge this summer? Work your way through 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up and 101 Movies to See Before You Grow Up!

With the temperature rising, it's time for some yummy, ice cold treats to beat the summer heat! Here are some fun, easy recipes for summertime snacks that you and your children can make (and enjoy!) together!

Reading over the summer is essential to preventing "summer slide," or the loss of valuable academic skills gained during the school year. Although it may seem unfair to make kids read and do assignments over the summer, it is in fact exceedingly important. The key to getting a child to read during summer vacation, however, is to let them read what they want to read.

Sun and rain, dust and mud, good and bad bugs, the miracle of sprouting seed, tall sunflowers, morning glory vines, hummingbirds and butterflies...there’s never a bad day in the garden! 

Children’s Day/El día de los niños, also called Día (Diversity in Action), is an annual national event that is celebrated on or around April 30th that highlights the importance of literacy throughout all cultures and languages. Libraries and organizations around the country celebrate this day with a variety of events to showcase the beauty of diversity within their communities.

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In the past, we haven't made finding the right book for your beginning reader an easy thing to do, have we? Well, we've changed that now!

Reading aloud to your young child is a great way to promote early literacy skills. But, did you know that it’s also an amazing opportunity to expose your little one to numbers and counting? In this article, we’ll talk about how children developmentally prepare to become mathematicians, and how you as a parent and/or caregiver can help facilitate their learning. One, two, three, let’s begin!

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Textbooks are filled with the accomplishments of men throughout history but where are all the women? 

Research shows that up to 80% of a child's brain development takes place before age three, making the earliest years the most essential in regards to creating a lifelong reader and learner. Here are some facts about your baby's brain development and some suggested shared reading. 

Reading to and with your child opens up a world of possibilities. In 1997, a small group at NEA (National Education Association) decided that reading should be celebrated, like a pep rally celebrates sports.  

In this country’s present political and cultural climate, there are some people who think it’s acceptable to discriminate against people who may be Muslim or from the Middle East. This, of course, is wrong. People are people, and they all deserve respect, safety, and understanding. The children's books below portray Muslims and the Middle East in the light they deserve: positive, honest, open, and respectful.

Recent events have brought the world's attention to the presence of refugees in the United States. The children's picture books featured in this blog post share what it’s like to be a refugee from a child’s perspective, and are wonderful to share with children of all backgrounds.

Reading stories before bed is a great way to engage with your child and ensure their lifelong love of books and stories. It is also a key opportunity to bond with your child and show them how much you enjoy reading and books too.

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We all know that reading to your child is an important part of their development. But did you know it can also be hilarious? There are lots of children's books out there that will have you and your child both laughing out loud!

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Books for babies? Really? All they do is chew on them! Right?

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You're spending so much time in the kitchen these days, you might as well grab the kiddos and invite your favorite book characters!

Is your tween's favorite holiday Halloween? Do they love creepy, spine-tingling reads? Are you worried they aren't ready for certain titles? Check out these titles that are varying degrees of terrifying.

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When you think of going to school, what do you picture? Smooth desks in neat rows? Bright, gleaming whiteboard? The rubbery smell of new sneakers? Curling up on the couch in your pajamas? Wait. What? 

When you glance at your calendar, does it strike fear in your heart to see that a child in your life is having a birthday? Never fear! Books make great gifts - and I'm not just saying that because I'm a librarian!

Graphic novels appeal to many readers, but are not always appropriate for young children. Luckily, TOON Books are here! TOON books are high-quality comics for children ages 3 and up. They are especially leveled for developing readers in grades Kindergarten through third, and are fun to share at any age!

We all want our children to learn good habits. But how do we teach them? Here are some simple, practical ideas to help you teach your toddler how to incorporate healthy, happy habits into their daily life!

The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom called on the United States to hold to its promise of freedom and justice for all, not just for the few. Though we have come far, the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of freedom and equality, proclaimed that day, remains to be fully realized. The books below are a good place for preschoolers and other young children to begin learning about the March on Washington, MLK, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement.

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You already know Nashville Public Library holds enough books, audiobooks, movies, and music to last a lifetime. But, did you know there are plenty of options to access without ever stepping foot into one of our buildings?

As Stephen King once said, “Books are uniquely portable magic.” Every time you crack open a book, you enter a new world filled with adventure and possibility. Imagine the sense of wonder a child feels each time they discover a new book they just cannot get enough of! 

The summer solstice was June 20. Let's celebrate the official beginnning of summer and learn about how the solstice has been, and still is, celebrated all over the world!

Inspire imagination and a love of reading by complementing a book with a fun craft. Today, we'll discuss fairies so get out your magic wand and join the fun!

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry is challenging all students in Metro Nashville Public Schools to join NPL's Summer Challenge. The school with the highest percentage of students participating will get a special visit from the mayor this fall. Plus, one student from the winning school will get to serve as Student Mayor for the day.

While students may be breathlessly awaiting the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation, parents may feel a bit differently. Namely, they may wondering what are they going to do with those kids all day now that school’s out for summer.  Not to worry, Nashville Public Library is here to help! Summer is a busy time for us: we have stuff going on all summer long, for you and the kids. Read on to learn about some of the many things NPL has in store for the summer.

Children’s Day/El Día de los Niños, which is commonly referred to as Día, is a nationally recognized celebration created to emphasize the importance of literacy in children from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The Southeast Branch Library recently held a week-long 20th anniversary celebration for Día at the end of April.

With Children's Day, also known as El Día de los Niños, just around the corner (April 30th to be exact), I wanted to share with you a new book from local author Shindana Feagins and local photographer Syreeta Blakely that highlights the beautiful diversity of Nashvillians. It is called We Have Such in Common, and you can get it from the library!

One question our team gets asked a lot is "What are some great book picks to bring to a baby shower?" Read more to see our top recommendations!

Did you know that your baby was born with the ability to tell the difference between many sounds and languages? By about six months of age, babies can tell similar languages apart. This means, communicating with your baby, in the language most comfortable to you, is essential to their growth and development.

Like many parents, I experience pangs of guilt when I can’t tear my kids away from screens. Sometimes I ease that guilt by telling myself they might be learning something while watching inane Minecraft videos on the laptop or playing Angry Birds on my phone for the umpteenth time. But now that the library has Launchpads, parents can be confident that tablet time is indeed educational.

Minecraft, a computer game where everything is made of blocks, is sweeping the nation. Everywhere you look you can find children playing the game, reading the books, or begging adults to buy them Minecraft merchandise at the store. There are many benefits to playing the game, and they can all be summed up in five letters – STEAM.

This year we are blessed with children’s books by two masters of illustration, Marvin Bileck and Christopher Myers, who provide glimpses into extraordinary, imaginary worlds. Check them out!

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Next week is Banned Books Week – a holiday with which you may not be familiar, but trust me, it’s big news around libraries.

Poetry is a powerful early literacy tool. It fosters children’s social and emotional development and can help children talk about their feelings in a new way. What better way to introduce children to poetry than with poetry written for children by U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera.

August is National Inventor’s Month. Celebrate by creating a “tinkering” space for your young children. Young inventors need space, ideas, and inspiration. We've got tips to get you started.

I kinda hated school. I know a lot of people think that high school is the “time of your life” or it’s “the glory days.” To you I say, “Bah. Humbug” and then I shake my cane. But even middle school wasn’t that great for me. My mom taught 8th grade math in my school, so she was always there with me. This meant I could do nothing wrong ever because everyone (and I do mean everyone – even other teachers) would run to my mom to tattle. And yet…

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In anticipation of the Newbery Awards, being announced February 2nd, library staff compiled a list of our favorite chapter books published in 2014.