Author elianahcls

The Book Cover depicts two young people, one wearing blue and one wearing brown and gold, reaching out for each other while moving through space in front of a bright heavenly body., with distant stars in the background.

The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton

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The Book Cover depicts two young people, one wearing blue and one wearing brown and gold, reaching out for each other while moving through space in front of a bright heavenly body., with distant stars in the background.

by Eliana H.

What makes someone a person? What is needed to fall in love? How might society grapple with a significant and mystifying setback in their efforts to secure a safe new home for humanity? What might another dimension be like? What are the moral ramifications of destroying a sentient species we can’t begin to comprehend if it means saving humanity? Readers of The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton may find themselves pondering these and other questions, while also laughing, crying, and maybe falling a little bit in love themselves.

Twenty years ago, humanity’s hope suffered a huge blow. The Providence I, a spacecraft powered by a dark matter engine, was supposed to take its crew of more than 200 people to a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, where they would establish the first human colony on an exoplanet. Instead, the entire crew vanished at the moment of launch, leaving the empty ship and a very confused populace behind. Cleo McQueary and her best friends were children when the Providence I crew was preparing to launch and then disappeared, and they have grown up under the shadow of the mystery, wondering what happened. 

Due to a troubled relationship with her father, Cleo spends most of her time with those best friends who have become her chosen family, Abe, Kaleisha, and Ros. Each of them was profoundly influenced by the anticipation of the Providence I launch and the disaster of the crew’s disappearance. Now adults, they have spent the past two decades frustrated by Earth’s abandonment of space exploration after being unable to determine what happened to the Providence I crew. And of course, the situation on Earth has continued to deteriorate since then as well. 

Cleo’s insatiable curiosity has led the four friends to devise a “space heist,” where they will break into the abandoned facility owned by now-defunct Erebus Industries and explore the Providence I for themselves. The friends are able to reach the ship surprisingly easily, but things do not go according to plan from there. The dark matter engine activates at Cleo’s touch, and they find themselves heading toward Proxima Centauri B. None of them are trained astronauts, and they haven’t even said goodbye to their families. Thankfully, their topics of expertise are fairly relevant. They also have unexpected help from a holographic version of the original mission’s captain, Wilhelmina Lucas. Captain Lucas looks just the same as they remember, but she’s 20 years behind on what has been happening. And, of course, she’s a computer construction of the real Captain Lucas’s consciousness. 

This particular computer has a lot more personality than readers may be used to, and the book invites readers to consider what constitutes consciousness and sentience – is this version of Billie, as Captain Lucas invites her unexpected passengers to call her, a person? Cleo and her friends certainly come to see her as one, even without ever being able to physically interact with her. The relationships they develop with her certainly push the boundaries of what one would imagine might develop between a human and a hologram. As the group tries to solve the problem of returning home to Earth, they also work to unravel the mystery of exactly what happened on the Providence I all those years ago. Will they be able to find the missing crew? Will they make it home themselves? What else will they discover on their travels? To learn the answers, check out The Stars Too Fondly, a debut described by the publisher as “part space odyssey, part sapphic rom-com.”

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover depicts a door handle surrounded by colorful flowers in pastel shades of blue, yellow, pink, and white. There are also six old-fashioned turnkeys mixes in with the flowers, surrounding the doorknob and its plate.

Escapism in Science Fiction & Fantasy

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The book cover shows a group of nine blue birds with yellow beaks flying in formation outside of a golden bell-shaped cage.
The book cover depicts a door handle surrounded by colorful flowers in pastel shades of blue, yellow, pink, and white. There are also six old-fashioned turnkeys mixes in with the flowers, surrounding the doorknob and its plate.
The cover image shows a koi fish moving through deep space, almost as if it were a rocket. There are stars and mist in the background.
The book cover depicts a fanciful skull surrounded by flowers.

by Eliana H.

In the summer of 2022, I had the privilege of attending the American Library Association Annual Conference, which took place in Washington, DC. It was an exciting experience and gave me the chance to meet colleagues from across the country, discover new titles, and expand my professional skills. One of the sessions I attended at that conference has been coming to mind recently. It was called “Finding Joy: Escapism in Science Fiction and Fantasy and Its Impact on How We Approach Our Reality,” and it consisted of a moderated discussion with a group of four women authors of science fiction and fantasy books. The description read: 

You can’t advocate for a world you can’t imagine. Genre fiction has long been a go-to for escapist reading. What makes science fiction and fantasy stories natural places for our hopes and dreams? Can we imagine a world where wishes come true, prejudices are not baked in, and the sky is the starting point and not the limit? We will discuss the worlds of pure imagination and those fueled by a dream for a better tomorrow. 

The authors speaking at this panel were Sarah Addison Allen, Alix E. Harrow, Ryka Aoki, and Susan Dennard, and attendees had the opportunity to meet the authors and ask them to sign books after the conversation. How exciting! I will admit that I have not yet made it through all of the books that I picked up at that session – my TBR list takes on a life of its own, and priorities and moods shift over time – but I have read at least one title by each of the authors who participated. 

Even without having read the specific titles they were highlighting, hearing from these authors was impactful. I am a fan of the science fiction and fantasy genres overall, and the focus of this dialogue particularly spoke to me. Being able to imagine a different future for ourselves and our loved ones is powerful. We cannot move toward a reality that we cannot envision. One of our Adult Reading Challenge prompts this summer is to read a book that has supernatural or magical elements. In addition to the titles suggested in our reading journal (stop by any branch to pick one up if you haven’t yet!), books by these authors would be a great fit to complete that challenge. 

Current events can be overwhelming, to say the least. Books provide an opportunity for readers to transport themselves elsewhere, and genre fiction lends itself especially to such departures from everyday life. Even if science fiction and fantasy are not your preference, other genres offer similar getaways. There is a book out there that will provide just the right escape for you. Of course, if you are struggling to find the right title, our staff are happy to share recommendations. Visit one (or more) of our branches this summer and discover exactly the book you need to read right now. 

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover depicts a Panda walking on all fours beneath a tree with a tiny dragon on its back. The border of the cover is comprised of branches of a cherry tree.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

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The book cover depicts a Panda walking on all fours beneath a tree with a tiny dragon on its back. The border of the cover is comprised of branches of a cherry tree.

By Eliana H.

Times are hard for many, if not all, of us. As we struggle to navigate a landscape that is changing socially, physically, and economically, finding guides that feel true to our inner selves can be enormously helpful. 

When I saw a coworker return a book called Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, I was drawn to the cover and asked if I should read it. She gave an enthusiastic, unequivocal yes. Apparently another coworker had recommended it to her. I recently passed along the recommendation to a group text full of people I was confident would appreciate it as well. And now, I am recommending it to all of you. 

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is a simple, beautiful book. Only a few words or sentences fill each page, accompanied by lovely watercolor illustrations. As they move through the seasons, companions Big Panda and Tiny Dragon share tidbits of wisdom inspired by Buddhism. While there is often a literal interpretation indicated by the illustration, each one clearly has a deeper meaning when applied to life more broadly. The comfort and wisdom shared in the pages of this book are a warm hug that is welcome during many stages of life. I expect this is a volume I will return to again and again – when things feel challenging or I find myself too caught up juggling modern-day stressors. 

An afterword from the author shares some of his journey from mental health struggles to helping others, and what led to him creating this book. As readers from around the world have shared with him, people from all different backgrounds and experiences have found connection with and meaning in this unassuming little volume. I venture to guess that you will, too. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Explore more mental health services in Howard County.

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is available in print and as an e-book.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

A series of four long ovals stretch horizontally show Asian motifs in first, second, and fourth shapes. The third shows skyscrapers against a bright blue sky.

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

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A series of four long ovals stretch horizontally show Asian motifs in first, second, and fourth shapes. The third shows skyscrapers against a bright blue sky.

by Eliana H.

Nature versus nurture is a discussion that has been happening throughout most, if not all, of our scientific history. What are the components that form us as people – who we are and who we become? In Real Americans, author Rachel Khong explores this age-old argument in a new way, spanning across three generations of a single family. 

After a scene-setting prologue that is explained in more depth toward the end of the book, readers meet Lily Chen, who is barely eking out a life in New York City as the world braces for a new millennium and the potential hazards of Y2K. She grew up in Florida, raised by scientists who fled China during the Cultural Revolution. At a holiday party hosted by the media company where she is an unpaid intern, Lily unexpectedly meets Matthew, her boss’ nephew. Despite their many differences and Lily’s hesitations over these differences, Lily and Matthew fall in love. Only as they are poised to get married does Lily learn just how wide the gulf is between her own upbringing and Matthew’s. He is not only wealthy; Matthew is the heir to a pharmaceutical family fortune and has been using a different last name to distance himself from them. After a number of miscarriages, Lily and Matthew are able to use IVF to conceive, but shortly after their son is born, Lily discovers a secret connection between her mother and Matthew’s father. She refuses to remain connected with either of their parents and forces Matthew to choose between them. 

The book then jumps to 2021, shifting to the perspective of Nick, the child Lily has moved across the country and raised on her own, now 15 years old. After growing up believing that his father wants nothing to do with him, a turn of events leads to Nick suddenly being able to connect with the father he’s never known. As he deals with growing up, coming of age, and choosing a college, Nick finds himself lying to his mother with barely a thought while struggling to find his place and identity. Events come to a head with Nick confronting both of his parents, and eventually choosing to disconnect from each of them in turn. 

The final section of Real Americans moves further forward to 2030, where readers find Mei, Lily’s mother, following her grandson around San Francisco. Nick is working for a biotechnology startup, and Mei is reflecting on her own life and the choices that have brought her to this point. After an encounter in a drug store, Nick begins spending time with his grandmother. Mei shares her story with Nick, asking him to pass along her words to Lily in hopes of reconnecting. Mei’s tale brings the family’s story full circle, and lingering questions are answered. 

Throughout each generation, members of the Chen family find themselves grappling with what level of choice and control we should have over genetic characteristics in ourselves and future generations. What would it look like to be able to screen out “undesirable” traits? What would the repercussions be? What are our responsibilities? An element of seeming magic, particularly relating to time, also threads through the book. Although portions of the story are somewhat predictable, Real Americans offers a sweeping family epic that invites readers to consider ethical questions which may become pressing sooner rather than later. If you are able to suspend some disbelief, you will find yourself carried along through the ebbs and flows of a multifaceted family as you ponder the origins of fortune for each of us. 

Real Americans by Rachel Khong is available in print, large print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover shows a winding staircase going from the lower right to the upper left corners, with an open door with light coming through in the middle; below that door, seemingly free-falling into space, is a human figure in silhouette. There are four gold seven-pointed stars in the background.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

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The book cover shows a winding staircase going from the lower right to the upper left corners, with an open door with light coming through in the middle; below that door, seemingly free-falling into space, is a human figure in silhouette. There are four gold seven-pointed stars in the background.

by Eliana H.

Those of us who work in libraries know that books contain a special kind of magic. Even the most ordinary books can hold the key to something extraordinary for the right reader. This past summer, I read a story about a book with a different kind of magic. 

The Book of Doors introduces us to Cassie Andrews. She lives in New York City with her roommate and best friend, Izzy, and works at a bookstore that she loves. Although she lost the grandfather who raised her as a teenager and traveled abroad before settling in the city, no one would call Cassie’s life particularly exceptional.

All that changes, though, when one of her favorite customers dies in front of her at the bookstore and Cassie finds a worn-looking old book that he seems to have left behind for her. When she opens it, Cassie discovers The Book of Doors, which contains confusing drawings and strange writing. It also promises that any door is every door. Soon, Cassie learns exactly what this means. She and Izzy explore the limits of the book, and before long, they draw the notice of a mysterious man. His name is Drummond Fox, and as he explains once he approaches them, the Book of Doors is one of a set of unique books. He is the caretaker of the Fox Library, and he watches over those volumes that he’s managed to gather and protects them from nefarious collectors who seek to use the books to do harm. Cassie has to decide if she can trust Fox and where her responsibility lies in all of this. 

Soon, Cassie finds herself caught up in an adventure she never imagined, learning about the books and their history as well as her own, while trying to prevent unimaginable disaster.

To warn sensitive readers: there are some quite difficult and gruesome scenes, but the story is creative and compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope to read more from this debut author soon! 

The Book of Doors is available from HCLS in print and as an e-book and e-audiobook from Libby.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The silhouette of a man standing up, over a player's bench, to play an open grand piano sits in front of a sky blue background with cotton ball clouds.

A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons by Ben Folds 

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The silhouette of a man standing up, over a player's bench, to play an open grand piano sits in front of a sky blue background with cotton ball clouds.

by Eliana H.

A title recently caught my eye while I was tidying books around the branch: A Dream About Lightning Bugs. I’ve mentioned my ridiculous reading challenge before, and one of our categories this year is a book with 24 letters in the title. So, I’ve started to count letters in titles to see if I can find a fit. Lo and behold, this title that grabbed my attention also happens to have 24 letters in it! (We can disregard the subtitle for these purposes.) Plus, it is a memoir by a musical artist I enjoy. I was sold! 

My reading of print books has been going very slowly in recent months, so rather than check out that copy, I looked on Libby to see if the e-audiobook was available. Happily, it was, AND it was narrated by the author. Things were lining up very nicely. I don’t tend to read a lot of biographies, or nonfiction in general, but this seemed meant to be. 

I was pretty solidly in the target audience of Ben Folds during his peak fame with Ben Folds Five. His voice and snippets of songs shared in the audiobook put me in a pleasantly nostalgic mood, and I was excited to find that most of the Ben Folds Five songs I remember are available on Freegal as well. [If you haven’t checked out Freegal yet, take a look at this post to learn more.] I did not know a lot about his life or musical journey before listening to A Dream About Lightning Bugs, but Ben’s down-to-earth attitude and conversational tone comfortably brought me along for the ride. He acknowledges repeatedly and from the beginning that he had a lot of luck and privilege to help him along his way, and he explicitly thanks a number of people who provided support, assistance, and guidance, especially educators. 

I don’t tend to pay much attention to the lives of celebrities, so hearing about his journey was interesting and informative to me. Some might not consider Ben’s “cheap lessons” all that cheap, but there was certainly potential for more negative outcomes in many of the stories he shares. One section which especially stuck out to me is called “Creative Visualization or Useful Delusion?” In it, Ben describes an experience he’s had several times in which he has a vision of something happening and sees it as inevitable, which enables him to achieve things that would otherwise seem – and be – impossible. “It’s the universe that wants it to be so, and so it shall be. I only have to follow through on my part.” If only we could summon that kind of focus and confidence on command! Even Ben admits that it comes from outside himself, he cannot wish it into being. 

From performing on a keyboard with digital sampler at a German restaurant, while wearing lederhosen and wooden clogs, to Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, Ben Folds has had quite a journey in music and in life. Perhaps you can learn some “cheap lessons” for free just by reading – or listening – to his book. 

Content note: Ben Folds uses expletives freely throughout his book. 

This title is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

freegal music logo, with type in dark blue and a light blue wave moving through the letters.

Free + Legal = Freegal

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freegal music logo, with type in dark blue and a light blue wave moving through the letters.

by Eliana H.

Music can really set the mood for any occasion, even if the occasion is cleaning your house. Playing the right tunes can energize, relax, or provide the catharsis you need to express your feelings. Over our lifetimes, we’ve had to access music in all different formats: vinyl records, 8-track, cassette tapes, CDs, MP3s, and more. Maybe you miss visiting the local record store to buy the newest release from your favorite artist. Maybe you remember waiting by the radio to record a song you wanted onto a mix tape. Or maybe you have mostly listened to songs you downloaded or streamed online. Whatever your personal history, the landscape of how we consume music has definitely changed. 

Thankfully, the library has continued to offer options for ensuring everyone has access to the music they enjoy. We still provide music CDs for borrowing, if you have a device with which to listen to them. However, I want to highlight another resource that you may not be aware of: Freegal Music. 

Freegal, a clever portmanteau of “free” and “legal,” gives you access to an extensive library of music with your library card. When you log into Freegal with your library card number and PIN, you have access to more than 7 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists. You can download up to 3 songs each week (DRM free, so they are yours to keep once you’ve downloaded them) and stream unlimited songs. The range of artists, songs, and styles is vast, and everyone is sure to find something they enjoy. 

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many songs and artists I have been able to find on Freegal. I can create my own playlists to suit my needs or explore existing playlists and discover music that’s new to me. The mobile app makes Freegal especially convenient, allowing me to stream music from my phone anytime. As CD players become harder to find, I especially appreciate access to some of my favorite jams without having to hassle with ripping them all off the CDs I have and transferring them to my phone. 

An instructional video on our website guides you through the steps if needed, and we are always happy to help if you stop by a branch! 

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover depicts a child and a sleeping dog sitting on steps with light coming through the door behind them; there is also a toy sailboat, a seashell, a green sand bucket, and a small reddish sand shovel.

Summer Reads for Kids

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The book cover depicts two mice standing on green grass, flying an orange kite against a blue sky.

by Eliana H.

If you haven’t checked out our Summer Reading Adventures 2024 yet, it’s not too late to take a look! We have ideas for activities, book suggestions, and prizes for all ages. While the titles on our summer reading lists cover a wide range of topics, I wanted to share some specifically summer-themed books for our younger customers. 

Mouse Loves Summer by Lauren Thompson 

This Early Reader follows Mouse and his big sister, Minka, as they go on a simple summer adventure. On each page, readers are invited to identify something with simple clues and pictures to guide them, providing a great opportunity for interaction between an adult reader and a young child. Asking questions can also invite little ones to make a prediction about what the characters might find next, or you can make connections to experiences you’ve had together! 

The book cover depicts a blue cottage with a brown roof at the seaside or lakeside. There are three sailboats on the water and you can see the distant shore with the blue sky beyond. There is a sandy beach behind the blue cottage and a girl and dog are running in front of the house. There is a small skiff with an oar beached on the sand on one side, and a boxy car parked on the other side. There are sandcastles and beach toys on the shoreline.

The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan 

Perfect for fans of The Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton, this story highlights the special connection we can feel to a place. Every summer, a girl and her family visit the little blue cottage. The girl and the cottage both look forward to their time together, until the girl grows up and her family no longer visits. But finally, when the girl is grown and a mother herself, she brings her family to create new memories in the little blue cottage that has waited for her all this time. This sweet story may be especially meaningful if you have a particular place that you visit regularly. 

The book cover depicts a child sitting on the front steps of a house with an open red door, drinking something from a straw. A parrot-like bird is seated on the sidewalk in front with legs splayed, also drinking from a cup.

Sun by Sam Usher 

In the summer installation of this series sharing the adventures of a boy and his grandfather (see Rain, Snow, and Storm for other seasons and Free for an extra adventure), our two main characters gather provisions and set off for a picnic on the hottest day of the year. Grandad navigates, and the narrator is the lookout, as they seek the perfect spot. But when they find it, a band of pirates is already there! Watch for interesting details in some illustrations, and enjoy the panoramic view in others. 

The book cover depicts two children crouched in the sand beneath a tree, looking at two winged insects that are sitting on the sand.

Natsumi’s Song of Summer by Robert Paul Weston 

Natsumi loves summer, especially the insects she can see during that time of year. This summer will be particularly special, as her cousin Jill comes from the United States to visit her in Japan for the first time. Will they have anything in common? Striking illustrations accompany text written in the form of Tanka poems, a traditional Japanese format that includes five lines with 31 syllables.

The book cover depicts a child and a sleeping dog sitting on steps with light coming through the door behind them; there is also a toy sailboat, a seashell, a green sand bucket, and a small reddish sand shovel.

A Lullaby of Summer Things by Natalie Ziarnik 

After a fun day at the beach, a family winds down and gets ready for bed, despite their dog’s interference. Simple, rhyming text complements illustrations full of action and joy. This would be an excellent choice to bring along to a beach trip and read at the end of your day, remembering the fun you had together. 

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover is a photograph of Patrick Stewart facing the camera, hands crossed in front of him and smiling slightly. He is wearing a light green shirt and a gray jacket.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

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The book cover is a photograph of Patrick Stewart facing the camera, hands crossed in front of him and smiling slightly. He is wearing a light green shirt and a gray jacket.

By Eliana H.

I grew up watching Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Jean-Luc Picard will always be my captain. With family connections to Yorkshire, his home county in England, I’m especially fond of Sir Patrick Stewart. He grew up a scant three miles from the hotel where we used to stay when visiting relatives. Even if you are not a Trekkie, you probably would recognize the classically-trained actor from his depiction of Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men and its sequels. If you’ve missed all of those, you might have spotted him in the recent Super Bowl ad for Paramount+, in which he wore a very old-fashioned football uniform and threw a “Hail Arnold” as Creed sang in the background. I enjoyed his performances throughout the Star Trek franchise as well as in the X-Men films, Jeffrey, and more, so I was excited to see that Sir Patrick Stewart had a new memoir out. I have very positive associations with his voice and was especially delighted to see that he narrates the audiobook. 

Making It So is a nod to one of his signature lines as Captain Picard, one that my father happened to enjoy using as well. I don’t read a lot of memoirs, so I was glad that it kept my interest. I learned a lot about Patrick Stewart’s humble beginnings, the work he had to put in to succeed in the world of British theater, and how he ended up playing his most recognized iconic roles. I will admit that some of what I learned about his personal life tarnished the shine a bit, as he was not always a good partner. Still, it was a pleasure to feel more connected to one of my childhood icons. I found myself wishing that I could go back in time to see some of the stage performances that I wasn’t aware he was engaged in during my adult lifetime! Thankfully, Sir Patrick Stewart indicates in the book that he has more to share with the world, so I anticipate opportunities to appreciate his artistry in the future. In the meantime, I’m working on watching Blunt Talk, one of his more recent television shows. 

Making It So is available from Howard County Library System in print, in e-book and e-audiobook formats, and as an audiobook on CD.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover shows a young woman walking with an elder; both are wearing winter coats, scarves, and hats. There are four bare trees in the background with snow on the branches, and several buildings in the distance with snow on the roofs.

Winter Reads for Kids

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The picture shows a child in a blue snowsuit with a blue and white striped scarf and mittens walking with a colorful cityscape in the background, with red, peach, and yellow buildings and a lamppost. There are piles of snow on the sidewalk and snowflakes falling from the wintry blue sky above.

by Eliana H.

Winter is here! Are you ready to snuggle up with a seasonal book to share with your child? You can find a few of my favorites for various ages below, and feel free to call or visit any HCLS branch to ask for personalized recommendations. Whatever you choose, we wish you a safe, warm, and joyous winter season. 

For youngest readers (board books): 

A Winter Walk in the City by Cathy Goldberg Fishman 

An unnamed narrator walks through a diverse city, counting objects they see along the way, from one to ten. The items seen show that residents are celebrating a range of holidays spanning the winter season. 

The book cover shows some cartoonish mammals with big eyes - a polar bear, a fox, a chipmunk, and a squirrel - surrounding a snowman against a snowy but sunny backdrop. Another chipmunk is scaling a tree limb above the gathering.

Hooray for Snowy Days! by Susan Kantor 

Cartoonish woodland creatures celebrate many parts of a snow day. Getting ready to go outside, enjoying fun snow activities with friends, and cozying back up at the end of the day are all included. 

To share together (picture books): 

The book cover is a photograph of a blue jay perched on a snowy branch of a bare tree.

Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre 

Beautiful, detailed photographs showing nature and animals in real snow and ice accompany rhyming text in this appealing volume. Enjoy the opportunity to take a closer look at what might be a familiar experience, while using some terms that you may not usually choose to talk about snow. Bonus snow facts at the end can help answer questions for curious readers! 

The book cover shows a young woman walking with an elder; both are wearing winter coats, scarves, and hats. There are four bare trees in the background with snow on the branches, and several buildings in the distance with snow on the roofs.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper 

Lina wakes up to a world transformed by an overnight blizzard blanketing everything in snow. But that won’t stop her from going to help her grandma, Sitti, who has trouble seeing, make grape leaves. On the way Lina notices different sounds associated with the snow. After they make the stuffed grape leaves, she shares them with Sitti, and they find one final way to hear snow together. 

For older readers (chapter books): 

Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell 

The book cover depicts two mice in winter clothes, seated at a table with a teapot and teacups. They are next to a window that shows a snowy mountain in the distance.

Cornbread and Poppy are best friends, but they are very different. While Cornbread prepared for winter well in advance, Poppy was too busy enjoying other activities. Now winter is here, and Poppy is not ready! Cornbread would never let her go hungry, but he doesn’t have enough for both of them. The two set off on a surprising adventure to find food to last Poppy through the winter. Enjoy colorful illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell in this beginning chapter book, a great choice for a family read-aloud as well. 

The cover depicts a child seated at the edge of a body of water, with snowy pine branches extending all around and raindrops falling into the blue-green water. The child wears a red duffle vest and a red bobble hat.

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day 

Maisie Cannon is having a hard time. She has been taking ballet since the age of four, and her studio has been her sanctuary and second home. Now twelve, Maisie is months into hard work at physical therapy after an injury, trying to resume her training and catch up with her friends. As Maisie’s family, of mixed Native American backgrounds, prepares for a midwinter trip to connect with their heritages, Maisie struggles with feelings of frustration and disconnection. Although it lacks a simplified happy-ever-after, Maisie is supported by her family and working to find a path through her struggles at the story’s end. 

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).