Tag Picture Books

The photograph is a collage of the six books in the blog post: Garden Day!, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, The Hidden Rainbow, On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring, Spectacular Spring, and Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More. All are against a background of a blue cloudy sky with tall green grasses and pink and white flowers with yellow centers.

A Season of Spectacular Beginnings

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Spring Picks for Little Kids

The photograph is a collage of the six books in the blog post: Garden Day!, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, The Hidden Rainbow, On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring, Spectacular Spring, and Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More. All are against a background of a blue cloudy sky with tall green grasses and pink and white flowers with yellow centers.

By Sylvia H.

Though it is difficult to know if we’ve had our complete winter experience, signs of spring are beginning all around. If you’re ready to welcome spring, here is a selection of books for young children to get you started. As always, if you’re interested in more recommendations, visit your local branch. We will be happy to help!

Spectacular Spring: All Kinds of Spring Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone

“Spring is a season of spectacular beginnings.” In the book, Spectacular Spring by Bruce Gladstone, readers are introduced to facts about the season of spring, including answers to questions like, “How do umbrellas work?” and “How do baby birds hatch?” Following a preview to “Super Summer,” the book ends with instructions for six spring-themed activities, including seed jars, dirt for dessert, and mud painting. Striking photos with bright and bold text make this nonfiction book a great selection for elementary-aged children.

Garden Day! by Candice Ransom

Join the brother and sister duo from Apple Picking Day! and Pumpkin Day! as they prepare their garden for spring along with their parents. From gathering tools to watering their plants, the family works together, having fun along the way. With large print, colorful illustrations, and simple, rhyming text, Garden Day! by Candice Ransom is a great choice for emerging readers.

The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson

Winter is melting away, and one little bee is ready to eat! In Christie Matheson’s adorable story, The Hidden Rainbow, the reader is invited to help the little bee find the colors of the rainbow hidden throughout the garden. Tickle tulip leaves, blow flower buds, and more, as this interactive picture book combines the concepts of colors, counting, and simple lessons about bees and flowers. Preschool readers can enjoy the watercolor illustrations, and everyone will learn something about the importance of bees and pollination.

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

It’s the most anticipated battle of the spring: Mr. McGreely versus three hungry bunnies! Mr. McGreely prepares the garden of his dreams, filled with lettuce, carrots, peas, and tomatoes. He is not, however, prepared for the obstacles he will face trying to protect his garden from the sneaky bunnies enjoying the yummy veggies. Determined to make his garden bunny proof, Mr. McGreely works to make his garden bigger and better. Will it be enough to stop those “pesky puff-tails”? Readers can enjoy cheering for the bunnies or Mr. McGreely in this silly and enjoyable story.

On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring by Buffy Silverman

How do we know when spring is on its way? In this book, readers are introduced to some of the various signs of spring, from the drifting of ice and drooping of snowmen to the warming of flowers and singing of blackbirds. The back of the book provides informative descriptions about the subjects mentioned in the book, great for discussing with preschool and early elementary-aged children. With astounding photography and simple, rhyming text, young readers will enjoy learning how to search the world around them for signs of spring.

Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More! Poems for Two Voices by Carole Gerber

What can be better than learning about the wonders of springtime? Learning about the wonders of springtime through interactive poetry! The poems in this book are made to be read aloud by two voices, delineated through spacing on the page and colors of the text. Readers are introduced to a variety of information about the plant and insect worlds, including seed germination and pollination, in an enjoyable format with bright, beautiful illustrations.

Sylvia is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch. She enjoys crafting, listening to audiobooks, naps, and walks with her dogs in 75 degree-ish weather.

The book cover depicts many crystal-white snowflakes in different patterns, shapes, and sizes, against a black background. The title is lettered in blue, pink, orange, yellow, and turquoise letters.

Humans and their Fuzzy Friends in the Snow

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by Rebecca R.

What’s your favorite thing to do when it snows? I love the quiet calm of the first snow of the season. To prepare for that fluffy white stuff to fall from the sky, I read a few snow-forward books for kids and I want to share them with you!

Here are a couple of books from the perspective of animals who love the snow (and some who have to be convinced to love it).

The book cover is a cartoon of the dog, Claude, on skis on the ski slopes, with snow falling and snow-covered purple mountain in the background. Claude is wearing a red sweater with a white dog-bone motif and a red beret, with red ski boots and a black and white spotted dog collar.

Claude in Claude on the Slopes, written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith, sees snow for the very first time and is so excited to have a snow adventure! He goes to the Snowy Mountains Winter Sports Center with his best friend Sir Bobblysock, where they make some snowballs, discover sledding on a tea tray, and try skiing. Sir Bobblysock (who is actually a striped sock) enters a snowman building contest and wins with his snowy sculpture of “One Sock and His Dog.” They meet Sidney Snood who helps them learn how to make a mountain rescue in case of an avalanche. Mr. Snood then teaches Claude how to ski. It takes Claude a little while to really get into it, but as he gains his confidence, he is ready to take on the tallest mountain! He gets up to the top and finds Sir Bobblysock (who is having hot chocolate at the bottom of the mountain) through his binoculars. He shouts “Helloooooo Sir Bobblysock” so loudly that the snow starts to shift a bit under his skis. Can you guess what happens next? To follow more of Claude’s adventures, check out other titles in the “Claude” series.

The cartoon on the book cover depicts a brown bear in a snow drift, with snow on top of his head and his arms crossed. A white duck in a red hat and sweater and a yellow duckling are adjacent.

Like Claude, Duck is so excited that there is a lot of snow outside in All Right Already! A Snowy Story, written by Jory John and illustrated by Benji Davies. He wakes up his friend and next door neighbor Bear to tell him the good news. Bear doesn’t want to go out because it’s too cold, but Duck pushes him out the door anyway and shows him all the fun things to do in the snow. He wants to sled, play tag, and make a “snowbear” and a snow angel. Bear reluctantly begins to share in the snow fun with Duck but he gets wet and cold. Bear sneezes and runs inside. Turns out he now has a cold, and Duck attempts to take care of him but asks too many questions until “all right already!” – he’s done too much. Duck heads home and catches Bear’s cold. What will Bear do when Duck is sick? Have fun in the snow, but take care of yourself and your friends too!

The book cover depicts a street scene, with a taxi, car, and two delivery trucks moving through the snow, shops with pedestrians and a dog walking on the sidewalk in front, and birds perched on overhead power lines above the row of shops. The title "My Winter City" appears as if it was a sign above one of the shops. Snow is falling heavily over the scene, against a blue-white sky.

Humans are adventurous when it comes to exploring our snow-covered surroundings as well. In My Winter City, written by James Gladstone and illustrated by Gary Clement, a boy, his dad, and his dog travel through their city streets in a snowstorm to get to a big sledding hill. The boy notices all the differences the falling snow has on his environment, such as how he can see his breath in the cold and how icicles form. As they make snow angels (like Duck and Bear), he describes the feeling of the snow as “resting on light powder pillows.” The wonderful illustrations echo the visuals, making the reader feel as though they are experiencing this snowy day and all its wonders.

The picture depicts a girl and her grandmother, out walking in a wintry setting, with four bare white trees in the background and some buildings in the distance. The grandmother wears a purple coat and pink scarf and hat; her granddaughter wears a pink coat with a red scarf and hat.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow, written by Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Park, offers another treat for our senses. Lina walks through her neighborhood to her grandmother’s house after a snowstorm. As Lina walks through her quiet neighborhood, she focuses on what she is hearing, the “snyak, snyek, snyuk” of the snow underfoot. She thinks about her grandmother, who is losing her eyesight, and wonders about how she experiences the world. Lina reaches her grandmother’s house, where they cook and talk about how they “hear” snow. Read on to experience the quiet strength of this vivid story.

The book cover depicts many crystal-white snowflakes in different patterns, shapes, and sizes, against a black background. The title is lettered in blue, pink, orange, yellow, and turquoise letters.

Do you ever wonder how all these snowflakes are formed? Find out in Curious About Snow by Gina Shaw. This nonfiction book explains how snow develops, shows you what snowflakes look like under a microscope, and introduces various snowy weather-related events. Maybe Claude should have read this book before venturing out!

Enjoy your time out there, everyone, and remember to come inside at some point for a good story and some hot chocolate.

Rebecca is the Assistant Branch Manager of the HCLS Glenwood Branch. She enjoys creative art projects and taking long walks with her puppy.

The title is depicted in leaves, in fall shades of red, orange, green, brown, and yellow, with leaves of similar shades falling and on the ground beneath.

Falling for Children’s Books

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by Eliana H.

I have to admit that fall is my favorite season. Having moved to Maryland from Texas as an adult, I continue to find joy and excitement in the crisp weather and beautiful colors that nature puts on display around these parts. It certainly isn’t the case everywhere! To help you savor the season with young people in your life, or just on your own, here are a few kid-friendly fall reads for you to enjoy.

The book cover depicts a white elephant eating an apple and a white mouse sitting astride another apple next to an overturned bucket of apples. An orange pumpkin is on the ground next to the elephant. The title, "Fall Friends," is on a sign behind them, and the sun is setting behind that with fall leaves on tree branches overhead as well as on the ground surrounding them.

Fall Friends by Mike Curato 

This seasonal installment in the Little Elliot series finds Elliot, an elephant, and his friend Mouse taking a fall vacation away from the city where they live. Escaping the hustle and bustle gives them the chance to slow down, enjoy what nature has to offer in the autumn, and make some new friends. A sweet, simple read that evokes common features that tend to be fall favorites, share this with a little one in your life and have a conversation about your favorite things to do this time of year! 

The cover is a photograph of fall leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow against the backdrop of a blue sky.

Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre 

Vibrant, detailed photography of fall sights pop in this appealing picture book, accompanied by simple text that immediately brings to mind real-life experiences. The words are poetic and powerful, perfectly pairing with full-page photos. Younger readers will stay engaged with the short text and can point out familiar sights in the pictures, but older readers can enjoy more in-depth discussions about the images and words chosen. Perhaps you will be inspired to take some photographs and make a personal version of this book. 

The cover depicts varying types of leaves, acorns, and a seed pod. The leaves are in fall colors of red, orange, yellow, green, and brown.

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert 

Lois Ehlert is an author/illustrator near and dear to my heart, and Leaf Man is a beautiful example of her work. In the story, the narrator had a man made out of leaves who blew away. The illustrations throughout the book are made from leaves of all shapes, sizes, and colors combined to make everything from chickens to orchards to fish. Although the narrator isn’t quite sure where the leaf man has gone, a repeating phrase reminds readers, “a Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows.” After reading this one, you might find yourself joining your little one as you look for a leaf man – or other leaf shapes – while walking outdoors this autumn. 

The cover depicts someone in a yellow raincoat and blue hat and scarf sweeping a clear path through the leaves on the ground with a broom.

Sweep by Louise Greig, illustrated by Júlia Sardà 

Before he knows it, Ed’s bad mood has swept him away. It spirals out to get in the way of everything and everyone around him, and he feels stuck but isn’t sure what to do. Then, something changes, and Ed can see a way out and think about what he might do the next time he finds himself in a bad mood. The autumnal metaphor the illustrations provide make this the perfect time of year to use this title as a starting point to talk about big feelings and what we do with them. 

The title is depicted in leaves, in fall shades of red, orange, green, brown, and yellow, with leaves of similar shades falling and on the ground beneath.

Awesome Autumn by Bruce Goldstone 

In this nonfiction title, Goldstone offers a wealth of information to answer many questions from little ones about the season. Colorful photographs accompany facts about changes in nature and in the human world during fall. For younger readers, you can choose to share only some of the text, but older children may enjoy additional details. Readers of all ages can consider personal connections to what they see in the book. 

The cover depicts two children and a cat tumbling against the backdrop of a fall leaf.

Autumnblings by Douglas Florian 

Word play is another favorite of mine, and this slender volume of poems and paintings offers plenty. In simple, relatable poetry, Florian offers examples of some favorite forms. They may even inspire a budding poet. Even if no one in your house composes verses, point out some of the unique words used and talk about why they are special and why Florian may have chosen them. 

Eliana is a Children’s Research Specialist and Instructor at HCLS Elkridge Branch. 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).

Equity Resource Center – Children’s and Teen Collections 

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Wide view of the upstairs at Central Branch of Howard County Library System, where the Equity Resource Center is housed.

by Ash B.

Enrich your summer with entertainment and educational materials from the Equity Resource Collection!

The Equity Resource Collection (ERC) launched in October 2021 in response to growing community demand for materials related to racial equity, especially in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the increase in mainstream attention to #BlackLivesMatter and systemic racism. 

The special collection was created along with the Equity Resource Center, a 700 square foot space located on the second floor of the Central Branch, directly behind the public access computers. An intentional space for learning, healing, and discussing issues, the Center also provides room for thoughtful exhibits (such as Undesign the Redline). This area houses thousands of new ERC materials, including movies, documentaries, and music CDs, as well as fiction and nonfiction books and audiobooks.  

While HCLS works hard to maintain a diverse, balanced general collection, the ERC is specifically focused on centering equity, diversity, and inclusive representation, including but not limited to race/ethnicity and racism, immigration, disability, gender, and sexual orientation. By concentrating these titles in a specific place, the ERC serves as a resource if you are interested in books on one of these topics but aren’t sure where to start. I find this particularly beneficial when browsing the children’s ERC and all the nonfiction ERC shelves.

Some titles in the ERC are duplicated in our general collection, particularly popular titles, whereas other titles exclusively belong to the Equity Resource Collection. However, all ERC titles can be requested for pickup at any HCLS branch – which we highly encourage!

If you visit the Central Branch, you might notice three “Equity Resource Center” areas, with materials located in the children’s and teen area in addition to the upstairs section. All ERC DVDs, however, are located in the main Equity Resource Center along with the adult materials, including family-friendly movies like Moana.

Children’s 

Located on the main floor behind and around the research desk, the children’s ERC contains chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction books for a variety of ages and interests.

The collection provides exceptional “mirrors, window, and sliding glass doors” for young readers – allowing youth to discover books about and by people who look like them, as well as to learn about people who may be different from them. Some of these titles are clearly informational in nature – defining terminology, explaining concepts, and narrating history. These range from textbook-like materials for tweens to picture books for the earliest of readers! 

A pastel background shows four young folx, with the two on either side holding plants that fountain with all sorts of flowers and artistry. One person is sitting in a wheelchair with a ukulele.

One example of the latter is It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity, written by Theresa Thorn and illustrated by Noah Grigni. This gorgeously illustrated book shows examples of gender identity – boy, girl, both, neither – in a way that is nuanced but extremely clear for children (and adults!) to understand. It is simple without being oversimplified, which is an excellent achievement! If you’ve ever wondered “how do I explain gender to a child?” – or if you are new to learning about trans and nonbinary gender identities – then this book is for you! 

The Equity Resource Collection also includes children’s books that aren’t necessarily educational in the didactic sense but are still rich sources of learning, with stories about a wide variety of experiences, identities, and cultures. This is the window and doors part of what I was talking about earlier.

A young girl with dark hair and brown skin sits on a suitcase between a house in the a tropical seeting and an urban environment, with a plane overhead.

One of my favorite recent reads is Home Is In Between written by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. In this picture book, a young Indian girl moves to the U.S. with her parents, while their extended family remains in India. Vibrant and heart-warming, Home Is In Between tenderly depicts the immigrant experience by conveying the excitement of new things and the challenges of feeling ‘in between’ two cultures. The illustrations are gorgeous, too!

Teen 

Also located on the main floor, you will find the Teen ERC in the far right corner, with organization similar to the children’s area. Some teen and adult graphic novels reside on the top left shelf, followed by novels and short story anthologies, then fiction audiobooks, and finally, nonfiction. 

Compilation of: You Should See Me In a Crown that features a young Black girl with natural hair and a tiara drawn on top; Cemetery Boys with two young men standing back-to-back with a mysterious figure in front of a full moon; and We Are Not Free with sketched carachters sitting on a pile of luggage and boxes.

Some of these novels center the high school experience, such as the award-winning You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, which follows a poor, queer, Midwestern Black girl’s pursuit of prom queen-dom, in the hope of earning a scholarship. The recipient of a Black-Eyed Susan award, Stonewall Book honor, and one of TIME’s best 100 YA books of all time, this title has earned high praise – it’s a sweet, joyous read that evokes the spirit of great teen movies. 

Other titles delve into cultural practices, such as Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, which brings together traditions from various Latinx cultures in a supernatural, urban fantasy setting – along with a gay rom-com storyline for a trans male protagonist. With its humor, heart, mystery-adventure, and magic, this is one of my personal favorite books (also available as an eBook and an eAudiobook from Libby/OverDrive)!

Fantastic historical fiction novels also address legacies of injustice, such as the incarceration of Japanese-American citizens during World War II, as depicted in We Are Not Free by Traci Chee. The granddaughter of Japanese-Americans who were imprisoned as teenagers at that time, Chee felt personally invested in bringing attention to this oft-neglected history. With many moments inspired by the stories of her relatives, this is an incredibly powerful story about fear, hope and resilience. 

Compilation of: The Burning which features yellow flame motif and red lettering; The Stonewall Riots which features illustrated crowd and rainbow sky; A Disability History of the United States which features seven photographs of people with physical ailments; Trouble Maker for Justice features a young Bayard Rustin against a faded photo of a protest; Protest features Olympic Medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad in her fencing gear; Rolling Warrior features the illustration of a white woman in a wheelchair holding a sign that says Rights Now!

Of course, there are also excellent nonfiction titles to help you learn about history. Some delve into specific events, such as The Burning: Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 (Young Readers’ edition) by Tim Madigan and Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets by Gayle E. Pitman. Other titles use a broader lens to approach the history of marginalized people, such as A Disability History of the United States by Kim E. Nielsen. There’s also important history to be learned in biographies and memoirs of icons of the past and present, from the Civil Rights organizer Bayard Rustin, to Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, to disability rights activist Judith Heumann. 

For aspiring activists, there are books that can serve as guides as well as stories of youth who are speaking out and affecting change today. Kids on the March by Michael G. Long talks about youth protests from the 1903 March of the Mill Children to the recent movements of Black Lives Matter, March for Our Lives, and the Climate Strike. 

There is so much to discover and learn within the Equity Resource Collection! We highly encourage you to come visit if you can… and stay tuned for Part 2 to learn about the other areas of the collection! 

Ash is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Their favorite place to read is spread out on a blanket under the shade of the tree.

The blue paper of the cover is apparently being consumed by a cute purple monster with green spikes and fuzzy eyebrows.

Quick Peek at Silly Summer Stories

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A bright yellow cover pictures a dark blue octopus wearing a red stocking cap, holding an upside down rabbit, a girl, a waffle, and a guitar. Lots of bubbles float around.

By Monae R.

Whenever I need something fun, silly, easy to read, mindless, or just cute to read or take my mind off of adulting, I go straight to the children’s department. Here are some silly summer reading favorites that are worthwhile selections at any time of year for adults and children alike.

Also an Octopus is a heartwarming reminder that the simplest things make you amazing. The story explains that every story starts with nothing and that is perfectly fine. Creativity will help you fill the nothingness. Another imagination-stimulating book is Field Trip to the Ocean Deep, which immediately gives me Magic School Bus vibes. It follows the story of a group of students who go to the deep ocean to see the creatures and surroundings, only to have one student left behind. The student makes friends and is able to show the rest of the class some very distinctive photos when he is rescued. This story is unique as it is told without any words. You must create the words and story to accompany the images.  

Some stories are not so goofy, but instead focus on curiosity and learning. Seaside Stroll and What the World Could Make take an innocent view of the world. Seaside Stroll follows a girl and her mother on a walk along a snowy beach. With the story evolving with every word starting with ‘S’, even in the title, a child not only learns the sound the letter makes, but learns some strong vocabulary as well. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and even some interjections are thrown onto every page of this book. Education and beautiful art collide in these stories. Two friends explore the world and appreciate its beauty and wonder over the seasons in What the World Could Make, a warm and filling story about hope and the gifts of the world. 

The blue paper of the cover is apparently being consumed by a cute purple monster with green spikes and fuzzy eyebrows.

Stories like those above are wonderful, but goofy and silly is not bad either. Stories like Dino-Gro and The Book of Rules can teach a lesson and still be super silly. I have used The Book of Rules in children’s classes multiple times for the genuine laughs it brings out of people, adults and children alike. The story encompasses eleven rules to follow if you don’t want to be eaten by a monster. Children can follow along with the story doing goofy tasks until they reach the last rule for a surprise. Dino-gro, about a tiny new dinosaur toy that grows in water until it no longer fits in the house, feels like it could be a short snippet from a chapter book. I would certainly read this fiction story if it existed. 

These are a just few of my favorite picture books, some of which you will find on this summer’s Kindergarten through First Grade Summer Reading List.

Monae is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS East Columbia Branch.

The book cover illustrates two children caught in the wind, one clutching a red cap and one covering ears with hands, as the wind blows leaves around them.

Spring Arrives with Children’s Books

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The cover depicts three little white kittens looking up at the cherry blossoms above as well as the title, superimposed in yellow script against a blue sky. A bumblebee flies above them and a robin perches in an overhead branch.

By Eliana H.

Spring has sprung! Or has it? As Kevin Henkes says in When Spring Comes, “It changes its mind a lot.” But whether you’re certain spring is here to stay or want to get in the mood to welcome it when it is, we have books for you. Here is a collection of books to share with young children focusing on themes of spring, especially growth and change. For more recommendations, visit your local branch and ask a member of our staff. We will be happy to help!

The book cover depicts a man and a girl in the foreground, on a green grassy hill, with a white house with a brown roof, trees with yellow-green foliage, and geese in formation in the sky in the background.

Birdsong by Julie Flett

First Nations author, illustrator, and artist Julie Flett brings her tender story to life with soft, striking illustrations in this beautiful book. It begins in spring, when a young girl is moving with her mother away from their home by the sea to a new house in the country. As the seasons pass, she grows used to her new home and gets to know her elderly neighbor, with whom she connects over their mutual love of art and nature. As spring returns, the young girl finds ways to comfort her ailing neighbor and realizes that she truly sees this new house as home now.

The book cover is a photograph of yellow and white flowers against a hazy background of gold and green foliage. The title is superimposed in white over the photograph.

Bloom Boom! by April Pulley Sayre

Seeing all the different flowers bloom is many people’s favorite part of spring. This volume showcases large photographs of a variety of blossoms in all different habitats accompanied by simple, rhyming text. The end includes notes about blooms in diverse ecosystems as well as details about the specific plants (and sometimes animals) on each page.

The book cover depicts a child in red rubber boots and a yellow rain jacket splashing in a puddle as raindrops fall and land on the ground.

Red Rubber Boot Day by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Lauren Stringer

What do you like to do on a very rainy day? Simple text and acrylic paintings bring readers along with an unnamed child in this book, as rain pours down and different activity options are explored. Share this with little ones and start a discussion about favorite things to do in different kinds of weather.

The cover depicts an older woman in a lavender traditional Japanese kimono, seated on the ground with a young girl in yellow pants, white top, and rose sweater. A branch with cherry blossoms hangs above them, with the title in rose-colored script.

Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms by Robert Paul Weston, illustrated by Misa Saburi

Sakura, named for the cherry blossoms she loves enjoying with her grandmother, has to move to America with her parents and leave all that she knew behind. Told in a series of tanka poems, a traditional Japanese poetry form similar to haiku but with two additional lines, this story follows Sakura as she becomes accustomed to her new life. Along the way, Sakura finds new friends and unexpected joys in this place so different from her former home.

The cover depicts a white rabbit against a background of green hills, with a budding sunflower to the left and a sunflower in full bloom to the right. The larger flower has a ladybug on one of the leaves.

What Will Grow? by Jennifer Ward, illustrated by Susie Ghahremani

Spring is a time when many of us become especially aware of the life cycles around us, as we can witness much of the change and growth happening. In this book, bright illustrations with friendly creatures accompany short, descriptive text on each page, which includes the title question followed by the answer. Some pages fold out, down, or up to show a larger plant, and notes at the end offer simple instructions for planting different kinds of seeds, along with an overview of the life cycle from seed to plant.

The book cover illustrates two children caught in the wind, one clutching a red cap and one covering ears with hands, as the wind blows leaves around them.

Wind by Carol Thompson (also available in a Spanish edition, Viento)

Blustery days are a sure sign of spring’s arrival. This simple board book uses line drawings with lots of movement to show young children experiencing wind. The sensory experience of a windy day is highlighted with a range of descriptive words, ending with the final quiet as the wind dies down. Other titles in the series explore different types of weather with Rain, Snow, and Sun (available in Spanish as Lluvia, Nieve, and Sol).

Eliana is a Children’s Research Specialist and Instructor at HCLS Elkridge Branch. 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, in bright pink with yellow, blue, and green lettering, depicts the Earth with a heart superimposed for the "O" in "World," and anothe heart in the center of the "O" in "Love." Two children in brightly colored outfits are shown leaning into the frame from either side of the title with their hands outstretched, and a brown and white dog with a red collar pops up at the bottom. Small red and yellow hearts are scattered across the cover.

Loving Stories in Picture Books

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By Eliana H. 

During this time of year, we are bombarded by messages trying to convince us to buy things for “that special someone.” Flowers, chocolate, jewelry, and more. Not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day, but I hope we all have people we love. Research shows that a loving bond with a caregiver helps young children thrive. Share these picture books about love with your little one, or any other stories you like, to help develop that bond. For more tips from The Basics about maximizing love and managing stress, visit https://thebasics.org/brain-boosts/maximize-love-manage-stress/. 

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (ages 5-11) 

The cover depicts a barefoot child in a blue top and pants with a pink jacket, and blue and pink hair, with arms outstretched in front of a heart that is comprised of gold stars.

With simple words and watercolor illustrations, this book gently invites readers to think about how they can show love. The author and illustrator work seamlessly together to show how we can support ourselves and each other with specific, concrete loving actions. Heart-opening yoga poses and a heart meditation accompany the author’s note at the end of this title.  

I Love Us!: A Book About Family by Theodore Henry, illustrated by Luisa Uribe (ages 0-3) 

The cover shows a variety of different multicultural families interacting while doing various activities - running through the rain under an umbrella, playing with a dog, drawing, making music, and eating.

A wonderful read to share with your youngest loved ones, I Love Us! shows various families participating in loving activities together. After you read, talk about the things you love about your family and what it does. A mirror at the end lets you and your little one imagine yourselves in the story! But if you want to complete the family tree activity on the final page, please do it on a separate page and not in a library copy of the book. 

Love the World by Todd Parr (ages 2-6) 

The book cover, in bright pink with yellow, blue, and green lettering, depicts the Earth with a heart superimposed for the "O" in "World," and anothe heart in the center of the "O" in "Love." Two children in brightly colored outfits are shown leaning into the frame from either side of the title with their hands outstretched, and a brown and white dog with a red collar pops up at the bottom. Small red and yellow hearts are scattered across the cover.

If you’ve ever read a Todd Parr book before, you will immediately recognize his unique style. With brightly colored illustrations and simple, rhyming text, Parr invites readers to love activities that support the community and specific parts of themselves. Throughout the book, in full-page spreads, we are reminded to “Love yourself. Love the world!” Invite your little one to talk about all the things they love after reading this volume. 

Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera (ages 4-8) 

The cover shows a girl and her mama playing peek-a-boo, both wearing shades of pink. The little girl is "peeking" out from behind her hands with a little grin on her face, but the mama's eyes are completely covered although she, too, is smiling.

This quiet, beautiful book celebrates the special bond between a little girl and her mama. As she says on the first page, the little girl wants, “to be everywhere Mama is.” She shows readers things that are hers and her mama’s before bringing us along on a walk in the rain. As day ends and she falls asleep, the little girl remembers parts of the day, especially “me and Mama.” 

When a Grandpa Says “I Love You” by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell (ages 3-7) 

The cover depicts two anthropomorphized bears; the grandpa bear wears blue checked pajamas and square glasses, and the baby bear is in pale red pajamas, holding a flashlight. The two look as though they are in a tent and the grandpa is making shadow puppets. There is a wooden chair to the right of the frame, holding up the tent.

Many grandfathers don’t say “I love you” in words, although some certainly do. Even those that aren’t saying it out loud display their love for grandchildren through their actions. A wide range of animal pairs show grandfather-grandchild relationships in the illustrations of this book, all participating in a variety of activities that demonstrate loving feelings they share. Follow a reading with a discussion of the ways that we can show love to a special person. 

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita (ages 4-7) 

The cover depicts Aidan in a rainbow-colored coat and yellow pants, on the shoulders of his Dad and being kissed by his pregnant mom, who is wearing a white dress. A white cat looks up at them from next to Aidan's mom, and there are flower blossoms and petals floating across the cover.

When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. It took some time, but Aidan’s family all adjusted to make sure his life fit who he is. Now Aidan’s mom is expecting a baby, and Aidan knows that being a big brother is an important job. He helps his parents get things ready for his new sibling, but he also worries that he won’t be a good big brother. Thankfully, Aidan’s parents remind him that loving someone is the most important part of that job. 

Eliana is a Children’s Research Specialist and Instructor at HCLS Elkridge Branch. 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).

In shades of gold, blue and grey, snowflakes and bears composed of complicated patterns frame the title.

Wintry & Wonderful Picture Books

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A simple illustration of a snowy hill with a bare tree, at the bottom a child and parent walk

by Eliana H.

I hope you have enjoyed our recent snow days and have stayed safe and warm. If there wasn’t enough snow for you, perhaps these titles will fill the gap. If you’d rather stay away from winter weather, curling up inside with a book is a great option for staying warm. Enjoy a sampling of some wintry and wonderful picture books to share with your family this season. If you’re looking for more options or hoping to find some cozy titles for more mature audiences, visit or call any of our branches and speak to a staff member. We will be happy to help you find the right title for you! 

Making a Friend by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Alison Friend (ages 3-6) 

Despite his best efforts, Beaver has a hard time making friends. When the snow falls, it presents him with an opportunity to make a different kind of friend. Will Beaver be able to keep his friend when the snow melts? Use this story as a conversation starter with little ones about how to interact with peers and build friendships. 

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr (ages 2-7) 

“When you go owling, you don’t need words.” In this strikingly illustrated, Caldecott-winning classic tale, a little girl goes out into a quiet, snowy night with her father to search for owls. The poetic story shows the bond between parent and child, and the special experiences that can strengthen it. It also demonstrates a connection to nature that deserves to be maintained.  

Rabbit’s Snow Dance by James & Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Jeff Newman (ages 3-7) 

Expert storytelling father and son team James and Joseph Bruchac composed this retelling of a traditional Iroquois story, where readers meet a rabbit who looks different than what we are used to today. Young readers may be able to relate to Rabbit’s impatience, as he chants “I want it, I want it, I want it right now!” Although Rabbit gets what he wants, regardless of the needs of the other animals, the consequences help him learn to be more patient, and perhaps some readers will take the lesson to heart as well.  

Snow Much Fun!  by Nancy Siscoe, illustrated by Sabina Gibson (ages 4-7) 

Three friends are excited to enjoy a snow day! They each enjoy different activities, but they are willing to try something outside their comfort zone for their friends. The friends support each other in any struggles, and they find new joys as they explore. Photos of intricate textile and paper creations bring a whimsical, unique feel to this simple, rhyming tale. 

Thankful by Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill (ages 4-8) 

What are YOU thankful for? In this endearing book, a young child shares her family’s practice of making paper chains out of things they are thankful for. The narrator shares many things she is thankful for, throughout the year and in all different situations. As you enjoy the fun, detailed pictures of paper creations in the book, perhaps your family will be inspired to talk about where you find gratitude.  

You’re Snug with Me by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Poonam Mistry (ages 4-7) 

This book pairs ornately patterned illustrations with a mother polar bear’s reassurances to her two new cubs as they are born and begin to learn about the world around them. In the text, the author uses the mama bear to teach readers about the beauty and wonder of our polar lands. When her new cubs worry, she assures them each time, “You’re snug with me,” all the while gently encouraging readers to be good stewards of the earth. 

In shades of gold, blue and grey, snowflakes and bears composed of complicated patterns frame the title.

Eliana is a Children’s Research Specialist and Instructor at HCLS Elkridge Branch. 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 photograph depicts a variety of pumpkin - white and green, yellow. and shades of orange - surrounding one large orange pumpkin decorated like a jack-o-lantern, with red cheeks, three white teeth, eyes with red and yellow irises, and a pointy witch's hat in red and orange, decorated with black cats and orange moons. All are resting on a tablecloth in black and white with a motif of bats, jack-o-lanterns, and the word "Halloween" repeating.

Spooky & Seasonal Picture Books

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The photograph depicts a variety of pumpkin - white and green, yellow. and shades of orange - surrounding one large orange pumpkin decorated like a jack-o-lantern, with red cheeks, three white teeth, eyes with red and yellow irises, and a pointy witch's hat in red and orange, decorated with black cats and orange moons. All are resting on a tablecloth in black and white with a motif of bats, jack-o-lanterns, and the word "Halloween" repeating.
Photo by Bee Felten-Leidel on Unsplash.

By Eliana H. 

As the weather turns crisp and we start preparing for fall holidays, you might be looking for books to get little ones into a spooky mood. Our staff have selected some picture books to share with the family this season. Whether you are looking for thrilling tales, heartwarming narratives, or sillier stories, there is something for you. 

The cover of "Creepy Carrots!" shows a startled rabbit in the foreground, dressed in a collared shirt and striped pants. In the background are three carrots, two with angry expressions, one of them literally "blowing his top" as his head and eyes have separated from his body; the third carrot has a surprised expression. All are against a background of clouds, standing on a hill with grass and small plants growing. The illustration is in shades of white, brown, and orange.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds (ages 4-8) 

Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, especially the ones from Crackenhopper Field. His love turns to fear once he swears he starts to see the carrots following him everywhere! Are the carrots really following him, or is Jasper just imagining it? Read this clever tale to find out. 

The cover of "What's in the Witch's Kitchen?" shows the title in yellow, rose, gree, and red lettering against the backdrop of a spooky house in black silhouette, with a witch on a broom silhouetted against the moon above, bats flying around the chimney, and a spider dangling off the rain gutters. A lizard in silhouette is climbing up the side of the house, and a black cat peers out from the window beneath a hanging lamp. The subtitle, "A book with MAGIC changing pictures!," is written on the purple door in beige and white print.

What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen by Nick Sharratt (ages 3-7) 

Find out what this witch has brewing in her kitchen in this fun, interactive tale. Choose to flip the flap left or right and see what you find! Will it be a nasty trick, or a delicious treat?

The cover of "Fright Club" shows various classic monsters, including Frankenstein, Dracula, a ghost, a mummy, and a werewolf, peering out from a hinged wooden window that is propped open. A spider dangles from the title and peers down at the group.

 Fright Club by Ethan Long (ages 3-6) 

Each year, on the eve of Halloween, Fright Club meets to go over their plans for scaring kids on the biggest day of the year for scares. Only the scariest monsters are allowed in Fright Club, but this year, a group of adorable critters want to join. Vladimir, the leader of the club, refuses to let them join, but these cute little critters can be scarier than they look. 

The cover of "El Cucuy is Scared, Too!" depicts the title character, El Cucuy, hiding in a yellow pot with a green cactus growing from it. The other main character, Ramón, is patting El Cucuy on the back in a comforting manner. Both are on a colorful woven rug with stripes in shades of red, yellow, and light blue. The title is in the same colors and is surrounded by foliage and flowers in shades of green, red, orange, and pink.

El Cucuy Is Scared Too by Donna Barba Higuera (ages 4-8) 

Ramón and his family recently moved, and he is scared about his first day at his new school. When he talks to El Cucuy, the Mexican Boogeyman used to scare children into good behavior, El Cucuy shares his own fears and worries. With Spanish interspersed through this heartfelt picture book, Ramón and El Cucuy build each other up and remind each other of how strong and brave each of them is.

The cover of The Dark shows a small child dressed in blue, looking through an open door down a set of brown wooden stairs into a basement. The child looks apprehensive and only the first three stairs and part of the stair railing are illuminated; the rest of the basement is in the dark.

 The Dark by Lemony Snicket (ages 4-8) 

One night, Laszlo’s night light – which has always kept the dark at bay – goes out. Laszlo is afraid of the dark, which lives mostly in the basement, and tonight it invites Laszlo down the stairs. The tension builds in this beautifully-illustrated book, but in the end, the dark only wants to help. 

The cover of "Sir Simon: Super Scarer" shows a cute ghost seated at a desk, with a green printer's visor on his head and a typewriter, pile of papers, coffee cup, and pizza and a cookie on the desk. The setup resembles a journalist's desk although the desk itself is a brown trunk that latches. The figure holds up a sheet of paper from the typewriter that says "Super Scarer."

Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson (ages 4-8) – also available as an ebook from Libby/OverDrive

After haunting other things, including a forest, a bus stop, and a potato, Sir Simon is finally being transferred to his first haunted house! Expecting only old people, Simon is surprised to discover a kid has moved in with his grandma. As Simon and Chester try to help each other with their chores, they discover they’re better at being friends together than trying to take the place of the other. Plenty of fun details will have adults laughing along with the story as well. 

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Elkridge Branch. 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 image says "Pride! Picks for Big Kids" and has a collage of six book covers. Better Nate than Ever shows the title character leaping into the air in front of a stylized New York City skyline which includes the Statue of Liberty, with the name "Nate" lit up with light bulbs resembling a theatre marquee. Be Amazing shows a character in drag, posing with hand on hip and one arm in the air as if on a catwalk, wearing a dress and hat in gold, orange, and black, with a blurry rainbow-colored background resembling butterfly wings. The cover of Witch Boy shows the purple silhouette of a dragon looking over the title character, who is reading by candlelight against a pink background. The cover of Queer Heroes depicts famous queer celebrities and artists, including Freddie Mercury, Frida Kahlo, Josephine Baker, and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. The cover of Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World shows the backs of two girls as they face a whirlwind rising up to the sky with words in cursive, presumably the contents of Ivy's letter, swirling within. The cover of Rick shows the title character with his back to the reader, wearing a grey shirt and a lavender backpack covered in stickers, including an alien, a spaceship, a smiley face, and a rainbow. The title is in rainbow letters against a white background.

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with #ELKReads

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By Elkridge Branch Staff

For the past 50 years, June has been celebrated as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The celebrations began with the first Pride march in New York City, on June 28, 1970. That date celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a six-day period of unrest, sparked by a police raid of a gay bar. Though not an uncommon occurrence, this particular raid did not go as planned and led the queer community to fight back against the targeting and tactics being used against them. As queer communities around the world continue to seek recognition, respect, and equal rights, we invite you to explore the books suggested below – and on our social media – for all ages. You can also learn more about the history of Pride Month on the Library of Congress website.

For Little Kids:

The image says "Pride! Picks for Little Kids" and has a collage of six book covers. The cover of And Tango Makes Three shows two penguin parents huddling with their chick. The cover of Pride Colors shows a toddler in striped shirt, jeans, and fisherman's sandals, standing next to a table with rainbow-colored legs. The cover of Love Makes a Family shows a variety of families of different genders, races, and ages, with rainbows, hearts, doves, and arrows among the symbols in the turquoise background. The cover of They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! has the title lettered in stylized fonts with geometric patterns in shades of turquoise, green, and yellow. The cover or Prince & Knight shows the prince surrounded by young maidens all giving him attention, while he gazes with head turned toward the knight, who leans against his horse and waves at the prince. The cover of My Rainbow shows a transgender girl wearing a rainbow-colored wig of leaves and flowers against a yellow background.

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

This book celebrates the thing that all families have in common, which is love. All types of families are represented in this book. Families are shown engaging in happy activities together.

Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack

In this beautifully illustrated modern LGBTQ+ fairy tale, a Prince Charming and a Knight in Shining Armor find true love in each other. The young men are celebrated as heroes for saving the kingdom from a dragon together, and their love is affirmed and embraced with a royal wedding in a delightful happily-ever-after. Be sure to also check out Daniel Haack’s Maiden & Princess! 

Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson

Celebrate Pride Month with your little one by enjoying this photographic concept book filled with the colors of the Pride flag. Artist & activist Gilbert Baker created the original Pride flag and each color in the flag has a special meaning, so be sure to turn to the end of the book to find out what each one represents!

For Big Kids:

The image says "Pride! Picks for Big Kids" and has a collage of six book covers. Better Nate than Ever shows the title character leaping into the air in front of a stylized New York City skyline which includes the Statue of Liberty, with the name "Nate" lit up with light bulbs resembling a theatre marquee. Be Amazing shows a character in drag, posing with hand on hip and one arm in the air as if on a catwalk, wearing a dress and hat in gold, orange, and black, with a blurry rainbow-colored background resembling butterfly wings. The cover of Witch Boy shows the purple silhouette of a dragon looking over the title character, who is reading by candlelight against a pink background. The cover of Queer Heroes depicts famous queer celebrities and artists, including Freddie Mercury, Frida Kahlo, Josephine Baker, and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. The cover of Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World shows the backs of two girls as they face a whirlwind rising up to the sky with words in cursive, presumably the contents of Ivy's letter, swirling within. The cover of Rick shows the title character with his back to the reader, wearing a grey shirt and a lavender backpack covered in stickers, including an alien, a spaceship, a smiley face, and a rainbow. The title is in rainbow letters against a white background.

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle (also available as an audiobook on CD,  an ebook and eaudiobook on Libby/OverDrive, and an eaudiobook on CloudLibrary)

Nate Foster has always dreamed of starring in a Broadway show, but he worries about how he’ll ever reach his dream while living in a small town in Pennsylvania. With the help of his best friend, Libby, Nate plans a daring escape to New York City when he hears of an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical. Nate knows this could be his big break, and he won’t let this chance at stardom slip away.

The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag

Aster’s family is magic: boys grow up to be shapeshifters, and girls grow up to be witches. But at age 13, Aster still hasn’t shifted, and he is captivated by the witchery that his family members who are girls get to learn. This beautiful graphic novel follows Aster as he makes a new friend, works to protect his family from a mysterious threat, and finds the courage to be true to himself.

Queer Heroes: Meet 52 LGBTQ+ Heroes from Past & Present! by Arabelle Sicardi 

From the heartfelt introduction by the author to the inclusive glossary at the end, this diverse collection of biographical snapshots is a great starting place to learn about real-life LGBTQ+ heroes from around the world. Vibrantly colorful portraits illustrate the incredible life stories and contributions of LGBTQ+ artists, athletes, inventors, activists, and more.

For Teens:

The image says "Pride! Picks for Teens" and has a collage of six book covers. The cover of When the Moon Was Ours shows the two main characters, Sam and Miel, silhouetted against the dark backdrop of a starlit water tower, with arms outstretched towards one another, and one climbing a ladder as if on a stage. The cover of The Best at It shows the main character in glasses and sports gear, with arm outstretched, against a teal background with scattered books, calculator, camera, football, pencil, triangle, photographs, and other school-related items scattered about. The cover of Cemetery Boys shows two boys back-to-back, one wearing a collared shirt and one wearing a hoodie, in front of a ghostly skeleton figure in red robes and a flowered crown silhouetted by the full moon. The cover of Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens shows the title extending from the top to the bottom of the book, in rainbow letters, with the subtitle in smaller white letters across the middle from left to right, all against a black background. The cover of The Great American Whatever has the title and author's name in black and red letters against a white theatre marquee background, The last "a" in "American" is missing and the first "E" in "Whatever" is crooked, as is the "D" in the author's last name (Federle). The final "E" in his name is substituted with the mathematical epsilon symbol. The cover of I'll Give You the Sun has the title in dark teal lettering with dashes radiating out from the center in rainbow colors.

Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teens by Kathy Belge and Marke Bieschke

This comprehensive guide supports teens who are – or think they might be – queer, as they navigate everything from coming out to standing up for their rights. Background about queer figures throughout history and personal stories from the authors’ lives are interspersed with guidance throughout. While the information included is general enough to cover a broad range of topics within the single volume, a list of resources can direct readers to more details about specific areas of interest.

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

Miel and Sam live in a small town where magic isn’t so out of the ordinary. But when the Bonner Girls decide they want the roses that grow from Miel’s wrist, and they threaten to tell the secret they know about Sam to get her to cooperate, Miel has to face her past and try to find the path forward. The lush, evocative language in this novel brings a lyrical beauty to this story of friendship, family, love, magic, and finding your true self.

The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy (also available in ebook and eaudiobook format on Libby/OverDrive)

Rahul Kapoor is an Indian American boy just entering seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. To help soothe his worries, his grandfather gives Rahul the advice to find one thing he does well and become the BEST at it! As Rahul searches for the special thing he can be the best at, he also confronts his anxieties and finds that he can count on his friends and family for the support he needs.

For Adults:

The image says "Pride! Picks for Adults" and has a collage of six book covers. The cover for Lot: Stories shows a silver fire hydrant emitting a rainbow of colored water against a white background, with the title in stark black lettering. The cover of Cantoras shows a setting on the shore, with a blue sky and ocean, and white waves crashing against a rocky beach. The cover for Untamed has the title in white lettering against a background of swirly colors: pink, red, turquoise, blue, and glittery silver and gold. The cover for Written in the Stars shows two women, one blonde and one with long red hair, embracing in front of a silhouetted cityscape and sky in shades of blue, lit up by white stars and constellations. The cover of Good Boy shows a brown retriever with a pink collar, seated against a white background, with the title in rainbow colors beneath his feet. The cover of Fun Home shows a pen and ink drawing of one adult and three children, framed as if in a traditional portrait, with a teal background.

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel

“Sometimes, when things were going well, I think my father actually enjoyed having a family.” As you might guess, Alison Bechdel had a fraught relationship with her father, a high school English teacher who ran their small town’s funeral home out of their Victorian-era home that he restored himself. During college, when Alison came out as a lesbian, she learned that her own father was a closeted gay man, but his death soon after left her searching for answers that he could not provide. Check out this critically-acclaimed graphic memoir that has also been adapted into a Tony-award-winning musical!

Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs by Jennifer Finney Boylan (also available in large print format and as an ebook and eaudiobook from Libby/OverDrive)

In a 2017 New York Times opinion column on rescue animals, Jennifer Finney Boylan wrote: “When you lose a dog, you not only lose the animal that has been your friend, you also lose a connection to the person you have been.” Here Boylan uses the memories of her beloved dogs to reconnect with, or at least fondly remember the many people she has been- a son, a father, a mother, a wife. Good Boy is at once a deeply personal reflection on Boylan’s unique journey as a trans woman and a celebration of the changes in identity we all experience as we grow up and grow older and the animals who we love along the way.

Lot: Stories by Bryan Washington (also available as an ebook from Libby/OverDrive)

Lot: Stories by Bryan Washington affords readers a front row seat to several aspects of life in a Houston, Texas neighborhood. The burdens and exhilarations of family dynamics, race, sexuality, economics, friendships, and societal influence all feature prominently in short stories connected through common characters.

The Elkridge Branch + DIY Education Center opened the doors of its new building in March 2018. Our staff are always happy to help you with your questions about books, tools, technology, and more!