Book Recs dinosaur with book logo

Show Up and Vote

It’s Election Day, and despite the bad weather, Mama is determined to vote. She takes her young child along to show her the importance of this responsibility. They line up, Read more...

Gather Round

Gather Round is a perfect companion for times spent around a glowing fire on a Summer’s night. A fire is built bit by bit in poetic prose and beautiful imagery Read more...

Posted by on July 3, 2024

Wordless Picture Books

Wordless picture books, also known as silent books, are stories created using mostly images and illustrations. These stories have a narrative, but allow readers to use their own imagination to Read more...

Posted by on February 22, 2024

Crane Jane

Calling all young truck and transportation fans! Author Andrea Zimmerman and illustrator Dan Yaccarino do it again with this vibrant new picture book. Crane Jane is a tough crane operator Read more...

Posted by on February 8, 2024

Faith Based Reads for Children & Families

Explore a diverse selection of thought-provoking picture books that delve into matters of faith and spirituality. Wherever You Are by Glenys Nellist  In simple, rhyming text, encourages children to notice God Read more...

Posted by on January 12, 2024

Recommended Read Alouds

Discover a captivating collection of read-aloud picture books for young readers. The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how Read more...

Posted by on September 14, 2023

Mister Kitty Is Lost!

A little girl has lost her kitty! Can you help find him? Search along with her and her dog as she describes her kitty. This Greg Pizzoli picture book for Read more...

Posted by on August 17, 2023

Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons

Mallard ducks and loons do not get along and do not like to share the same territory, but somehow a mated pair of loons adopt a mallard chick.  The chick Read more...

Posted by on July 27, 2023

LGBTQ+ Voices and Experiences: A Reading List for Children and Families

Celebrate Pride Month with books highlighting LGBTQ+ characters, experiences, histories, and voices. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of gender and sexuality from Read more...

Someone Builds the Dream

This Monarch 2024 winner is an ode to trade workers everywhere. There are people who come up with great ideas – like how to build a skyscraper or a bridge, Read more...

Posted by on May 18, 2023

Milo’s Monster

The latest in the Big Bright Feelings series by Tom Percival deals with the feelings of jealousy. Milo and his best friend Jay were always together but when the new Read more...

Posted by on May 4, 2023

Poverty & Hunger: A Reading List for Children and Families

Living in poverty means that people are often going without basic needs such as food, clothing, and adequate shelter. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue Read more...

Posted by on January 6, 2023

Indigenous Voices & Experiences: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate, celebrate, and encourage dialogue on the diverse nations, cultures, and experiences of Native peoples throughout North America. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month—and continue Read more...

Posted by on November 4, 2022

Right to Read: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to celebrate not only the joy, importance, and impact of reading but also advocate for the essential right to read, emphasizing the value of knowledge Read more...

Posted by on September 2, 2022

Own Voices: A Reading List for Children & Families

The #ownvoices hashtag was created by author Corinne Duyvis to spotlight books about characters with marginalized identities created by authors who share the same marginalized identity (or identities). The character Read more...

Posted by on July 1, 2022

Mathical Book Prize Winners

Math is fun and more than just numbers!  All of these books won a Mathical Book Prize between 2015 and 2022.  Mathical awards books that introduce mathematical concepts found in Read more...

Posted by on April 28, 2022

Social Justice in Poetry and Verse: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections of poetry and books in verse serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of social justice.

Posted by on April 2, 2022

Black Voices & Experiences: A Reading List for Children and Families

Celebrate Black History Month with books by Black authors and writing focusing on Black voices, characters, history, and culture. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue Read more...

Posted by on February 4, 2022

Inventors and Scientific Pioneers

Be curious about the world around you! Celebrate Kid Inventors’ Day on January 17 with these books about inventors, inventions, and pioneering scientists – all great for reading aloud. Awesome Read more...

Posted by on January 13, 2022

Access to Healthcare: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue around the biases and inequalities that affect access to healthcare and preventative care. These books highlight people and communities Read more...

Posted by on December 3, 2021

YTS Staff Picks 2021 – Our Favorite Books of the year

Check out some of our Youth & Teen Services staff favorites, all published in 2021. These books represent a wide variety of formats and intended audiences. We hope you will Read more...

Posted by on November 22, 2021

Worker Rights: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue around worker’s rights and the labor movement both here in the United States and around the world.

Posted by on October 2, 2021

Monarch Festival: A Reading List for Children and Families

Learn more about the Monarch Butterfly, it’s amazing life cycle, and the insect’s migration from the United States to South America with our informational books – or share a story Read more...

Posted by on September 13, 2021

Back to School Favorites

It's time to head back to school, and that has the Youth Services librarians thinking about our favorite school stories. Try some of these staff picks!

Posted by on August 27, 2021

Advocacy & Activists: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue around advocacy, activism and allyship in relation to social justice issues. Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen This informational picture Read more...

Posted by on August 6, 2021

Environmental Justice: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of environmental justice, including access to a clean and healthy environment for all people, the disproportionate impact Read more...

Posted by on April 22, 2021

Celebrate Gardens with a Reading List for Children and Families

In celebration of Gardening Week at the Westmont Public Library, enjoy this selection of picture books and more that share stories about nature, gardens, and community building.

Posted by on April 19, 2021

Lost in the Library: a Story of Patience & Fortitude

Fortitude and Patience are the stone lions sitting outside the New York City Public Library, silently watching and guarding the building. They come to life every night to talk to Read more...

Posted by on April 15, 2021

The Heaven of Animals

In this picture book full of rhymes, animals prance around in their own little Heaven. In the book, the reader runs into all sorts of animals – dogs, cats, horses, Read more...

Posted by on April 8, 2021

Asian and Pacific Islander Voices: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to spotlight #ownvoices stories by authors of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, introduce readers to diverse writers and perspectives, and educate and encourage a dialogue Read more...

Posted by on April 2, 2021

Women’s History Month: A Reading List for Children and Families

In honor of Women's History Month, we've selected titles focusing on the lives of women and girls throughout the past and into the present day. We hope these selections serve Read more...

Black History Month: A Reading List for Children and Families

Celebrate Black History Month with books by Black authors and writing focusing on Black characters, history, and culture. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on Read more...

Human Rights: A Reading List for Children & Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on human rights, which are needs and freedoms considered essential to human flourishing, such as the right to education Read more...

Picture Books Featuring the Alphabet

Whether you are looking for a fun new books to share together or want to enrich your reader's homeschool curriculum, choosing  a book that features a letter in the alphabet Read more...

Posted by on December 30, 2020

Disability & Neurodiversity: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate, entertain, amplify disabled voices, and encourage a dialogue on topics of disability and neurodiversity.

The Good Egg

This Good Egg spends his entire time being the only good egg in his little dozen. The stress of keeping everyone in line is so much for him that his Read more...

Posted by on December 17, 2020

One Community, Many Voices: A Reading List for Children & Families

This list is a great way to start your Westmont Reads experience. WPL librarians have selected titles for all ages by authors from a wide range of communities, backgrounds, experiences, Read more...

Posted by on December 13, 2020

Native Nations: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate, celebrate, and encourage dialogue on the diverse nations, cultures, and experiences of Native peoples throughout North America. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month—and continue Read more...

Voting and Elections: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of voting in the US, from ongoing fights for equal voting rights and fair elections to the Read more...

Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover

Curiosity is a Mars Rover. This special robot was created to explore the planet Mars’ surfaces while using its built in laboratory to test the rocks and minerals of the Read more...

Posted by on September 17, 2020

Monarch Festival: A Reading List for Children and Families

Excited about our annual Monarch Festival? Check out these wonderful books. Learn more about the Monarch Butterfly, it’s amazing life cycle, and the insect’s migration from the United States to Read more...

Posted by on September 11, 2020

Mass Incarceration: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of incarceration and the impact of mass incarceration on individuals, families, and communities.

Bear Came Along

A curious bear embarks on a fast-moving adventure when he steps onto a log leaning over a river. Along the way he meets a diverse cast of friends, all with Read more...

Posted by on August 20, 2020

Immigrant and Refugee Experiences: A Reading List for Children and Families

We hope these selections serve to educate, and encourage a dialogue on topics of immigration and displacement, as well as spotlight immigrant and refugee experiences from a variety of places, Read more...

Posted by on August 2, 2020

Incredible Creatures: Bats, Opossums, and Sugar Gliders Book List

Learn about bats, opossums, and sugar gliders in this informative book list. Check out some of these other resources available with your library card. Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats by Ann Read more...

Posted by on July 27, 2020

Own Voices: A Reading List for Children and Families

The #ownvoices hashtag was created by author Corinne Duyvis to spotlight books about characters with marginalized identities created by authors who share the same marginalized identity (or identities). The character Read more...

Dreamers

Yuyi and her son leave Mexico and travel to the United States. They are welcomed in a language not yet their own and have to learn and discover many new Read more...

Posted by on July 2, 2020

Race, Racism, and Black Lives: A Reading List for Children & Families

We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of racial justice, especially centering Black lives, voices, and communities.

Posted by on June 9, 2020

Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones

This fun and interactive picture book depicts a fossil dig by four young paleontologists of varying gender and race. From beginning to search for bones, all the way to piecing Read more...

Posted by on April 22, 2020

Steam Train, Dream Train

A train moves steadily through the night heading for a station. Once it arrives a fantastical crew of animals load each car with freight. This train is more than just Read more...

Posted by on April 16, 2020

Feathers for Lunch

Favorite picture book author / illustrator Lois Ehlert introduces 12 backyard birds to young children through their adventure with a sneaky cat.

Posted by on April 2, 2020

People Share with People

Author Lisa Wheeler and illustrator Molly Idle’s address one of the building blocks of friendship in their new book, People Share with People. Using a lyrical rhyme scheme filled with humor, Read more...

Posted by on March 12, 2020

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

This book begins with Grace Hopper as a young girl who breaks clocks simply to put them back together and find what makes them tick. With her parents’ support, she Read more...

Hawks Kettle, Puffins Wheel

Readers are introduced to unusual avian behavior with free-verse poetry and informative prose in this picture book that begs to be read aloud.

Posted by on February 27, 2020

Hats Are Not For Cats!

A fancy dog with a strong sense of fashion etiquette teaches a cat a thing or two about hats. One thing he is very adamant about: hats are not for Read more...

Posted by on February 6, 2020

Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing by Kay Haring

Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing is the story of the world famous pop artist. Written by his sister Kay Haring, the picture book takes a look at Read more...

Posted by on January 2, 2020

Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship by Kelly Light

Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship tells a lighthearted story about the importance of respecting each other’s artistic perspectives, and finding the beauty in collaboration.  Louise is over the Read more...

Posted by on December 19, 2019

Luis and Tabitha

Two cats, one beautiful and sophisticated, the other handsome and daring, fall in love from far away. Through windows, impossible owners, and a big scary fire, their love for each Read more...

Posted by on October 17, 2019

Beauty and the Beak

A terrific family read-aloud, Beauty and the Beak is more than a true animal tale - it's a story of science, and what can happen when dedicated people work together Read more...

People Don’t Bite People

This book on manners tackles the issue of biting with a playful and positive approach that encourages young readers who are “tooth-inclined” to use their words and own their actions, Read more...

Posted by on March 19, 2019

Bear’s Scare

Bear’s Scare is an utterly charming, delightfully illustrated story about a very tidy bear, a friend in need, and an unexpected visitor (I’m going to warn you right now, this Read more...

Posted by on December 12, 2018

The Library Book

One morning a young girl decides to take a walk to her local library to check out some books. With each book she picks up the stories characters come out Read more...

Posted by on January 19, 2018

Gaston

One day, Gaston’s family goes to the park and meets Mrs. Bulldog’s family, which includes the feisty Antoinette. Gaston and Antoinette couldn’t be more different, but as the mothers’ look Read more...

Posted by on December 30, 2017

There Might Be Lobsters

Sometimes it's scary being a small dog in a big world. Meet Eleanor, a young girl, and her timid dog Sukie, as they enjoy a day at the beach. Well, Read more...

Posted by on October 27, 2017

Archie the Daredevil Penguin

On this laugh out loud trip to Antarctica, old friends are always by your side and new friends can be found in the most unexpected places.

Posted by on August 17, 2017

Don’t Wake Up the Tiger

Tiger is asleep, but she is blocking the way of Frog, Fox, Turtle, Mouse, and Stork. Our animal friends will need the reader’s help to make it to their party Read more...

Posted by on August 1, 2017

Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems

Firefly July not only has perfect poems for warm summer nights and sun-filled days, but can also help you escape the scorching heat as it travels through the seasons. Crispy, Read more...

Posted by on July 20, 2017

The Kraken’s Rules for Making Friends

Making friends can be a challenge, especially if you have a temper and are a legendary sea monster. If the Great White Shark can make friends, maybe Kraken can too, Read more...

Posted by on July 7, 2017

Swimming With Sharks

Readers will get a cool peek into mid-century scuba technology as they dive with Genie to the ocean floor. Swimming with Sharks is an inspiring book about keeping an open Read more...

Posted by on June 29, 2017

Radiant Child

This richly textured biography shows more than how an artist came to be, but also how he works, creates, and embodies the beauty around us all.

Posted by on June 29, 2017

Cat Knit

Sometimes our friends change, this is a lesson that Cat and the reader explore in Grant’s work Cat Knit. Grant’s limited color palette has readers focusing on the humor of Read more...

Posted by on June 14, 2017

Just A Minute A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Señor Calavera is a skeleton who has come to take Grandma Beetle away. Grandma Beetle is clever and has Señor Calavera wait just one more minute, but how long will Read more...

Posted by on April 20, 2017

Rabbit Magic

In Rabbit Magic, Monsieur Lapin gets the surprise of his life: his assistant Houdini takes over the show! McLaren’s use of pastels allows the magic show to really pop on Read more...

Posted by on April 9, 2017

Issun Bôshi: The One-Inch Boy

A classic Japanese fairy tale comes to life with vibrant, striking illustrations from Icinori, a duo of French illustrators and printmakers. Issun Bôshi, the one-inch boy, is born to parents Read more...

Posted by on April 6, 2017

Bunny’s Book Club

Bunny loves books and especially enjoys outdoor storytime at the library. What will poor bunny do as winter comes and storytime moves inside? Knowing he can't possibly live without books, Read more...

Posted by on March 29, 2017

How To Build A Museum

How To Build A Museum is a timely story of the creation, formation, and inner workings of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). A group of Read more...

Posted by on March 18, 2017

Secrets of the Apple Tree

In Secrets of the Apple Tree, written by Carron Brown and illustrated by Alyssa Nassner, the reader is invited to exercise their power of observation to discover the wonders hidden Read more...

Posted by on February 2, 2017

A Library Book for Bear

This is a story about irritable Bear and his first trip to the library. Bear has never been to a library, and he does not want to go. One day Read more...

Posted by on January 13, 2017

I Dissent

The story shines most when showing both girls and boys what it looks like to have strength, determination, and grace in the face of adversity: specifically, Ruth's moments in court. Read more...

Posted by on December 4, 2016

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story

Famous teen activist for children's and women's rights, Malala Yousafzai, didn't just fall into activism, she was thrust into it. In a show of defiance, Malala attended school in the Read more...

Posted by on September 10, 2016

Anything but Ordinary Addie : the True Story of Adelaide Herrmann, Queen of Magic

The shared history of magic and showmanship has long included the stories of men, most famously Harry Houdini and PT Barnum, but some readers may be surprised to know that Read more...

Posted by on September 10, 2016

Book Recs