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'families'

Dec 02

10 Warm and Cozy Picture Books by Genesis Gaule

Posted to Campbell Unclassified on December 2, 2021 at 4:05 PM by Genesis Gaule

Need a little emotional pick-me-up? Something to melt away the winter blahs? If so, pull your little one close and snuggle up to these comforting and uplifting picture books. Like a cup of hot chocolate and a fluffy fleece blanket, they are sure to leave you feeling all warm and cozy inside.

With Snow:

Want to rediscover the wonder of winter? Try these heartwarming reads!

Extra Yarn

by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

After she finds a skein of colorful magic yarn, an unassuming little girl quietly transforms her community’s cold winter world into something beautiful. It’s a charming, beautifully illustrated story of generosity triumphing over greed that has a modern look but reads like a classic folk tale. // Ages 4-9 Years


Snow

by Uri Shulevitz

In a dull gray town, a boy and his dog spy a single snowflake and rush outside in gleeful anticipation of a wintry wonderland--despite predictions to the contrary by skeptical and grumpy grown-ups. The sparse words are perfectly chosen and compliment the charming illustrations depicting the joy and wonder of the first snowfall. // Ages 3-7


A Big Bed for Little Snow

by Grace Lin

Ever wonder where snow comes from? This simple yet imaginative tale offers a fanciful explanation through a precocious little boy and his new feather bed. // Ages 3-5


Owl Moon

by Jane Yolen

A little girl and her father go looking for owls late one night. When you go owling, sometimes there isn't an owl, but sometimes there is--all you need is a little hope. Wrapped up in familial bonds and traditions, this sweet and poetic story vividly takes you on a journey through the winter woods. // Ages 5-9


And Without:

Need an escape from winter? These books are a perfect pick any time of year!

'Ohana Means Family

by Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak

Tired of the cold and snow? This cumulative rhyme book will transport you to sunny Hawaii! Join the 'ohana, as they farm taro for poi to prepare for a traditional luau. Includes author’s notes about the significance of poi in Hawaiian culture. // Ages 3-6


Maud and Grand-Maud

by Sara O'Leary and Kenard Pak

Though warm vignettes of cherished sleepovers with her grandmother, Maud’s love and adoration for her “Grand-Maud” shine through every page of this gentle story. It’s a beautiful look at intergenerational relationships and it makes a great choice for a snuggly, bedtime read. // Ages 4-8


My Pillow Keeps Moving!

by Laura Gehl and Christopher Weyant

An enterprising little dog infiltrates its way into the home of an unsuspecting nearsighted man who is out shopping. It’s a delightfully silly case of mistaken identity and found family sure to bring a smile to your face. // Ages 3-7


Original Cat, Copy Cat

by Sarah Kurpiel

Fluffy Pineapple’s comfortable kitty routine is upended by small, sleek newcomer Kiwi. Kiwi mimics Pineapple, following him everywhere--much to Pineapple’s annoyance. A familiar story of pet rivalry with a happy ending, it’s a purr-fectly cozy read for cat lovers. // Ages 3-7


The Rabbit Listened

by Cori Doerrfeld

Focusing on the gift of presence when things are rough, this lovely book feels just like a warm hug. When Taylor’s block tower falls down, they’re distraught and don't know what to do. One by one, all the animals try to tell Taylor how to get over it with no success. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen--which is just what Taylor needs. // Ages 3–5


Here We Are

by Oliver Jeffers

Notes for Living on Planet Earth // A dad's witty handbook to the world and its inhabitants for his new baby. The tongue-in-cheek text takes you on a quick “scientific” tour of earth--perfect for parents with a dry sense of humor. While the colorful illustrations are peppered with cheeky jokes and silly details to keep kids entertained and engaged. It’s loaded with positive messages without feeling preachy and ends on a heartwarming, hug-inducing note. // Ages 3-7



Nov 04

There is a Book to Help by Vanesa Gomez

Posted to Campbell Unclassified on November 4, 2021 at 4:32 PM by Genesis Gaule

In a perfect world, children would never be exposed to difficulties and hardships. They would never have to grow up too soon or feel unsafe. They could simply be kids. Unfortunately, life doesn’t discriminate. When these struggles arise, it can be difficult to find a way to answer questions or work through their feelings in an age appropriate way. 

Books can be a great tool to help children (and adults!) find the words for their feelings and cope. Whether it is for more common obstacles like bullying and divorce or other sensitive issues like, poverty, domestic violence, immigrating to a new country, or death of a loved one, books can help provide advice and comfort. Picture books are also a great way to encourage empathy for others in children that may be living these situations. 

These books are best read together with plenty of time afterwards for questions. With books that deal with sensitive subjects, it is always good practice for a grownup to read the book beforehand, and determine if there is a struggle that you or your child is facing, there is a book to help.

Home Life

Divorce

Death / Loss

Bullying

Immigration

  • The Color Collector by Nicholas Solis and Renia Metallinou
    Topic: Homesickness, friendship // Easy SOLIS
  • My name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn Williams, Khadra Mohammed, and Catherine Stock
    Topic: Refugee, names // Easy WILLIAMS
  • Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins and Lavanya Naidu
    Topic: Traditions, culture // Easy PERKINS

People with Disabilities

Adoption

Mar 12

Butterfly in the Sky by Genesis Gaule

Posted to Campbell Unclassified on March 12, 2021 at 2:57 PM by Genesis Gaule

Growing up with no cable, PBS was the staple TV entertainment in our household. The Magic School Bus, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Sesame Street, Arthur--all were favorites at one point or another, but one I always looked forward to was Reading Rainbow.

reading-rainbowHosted by LeVar Burton, each episode featured a children’s book and on-location field trips or special guests centered around the book’s themes or subject. Books would take LeVar and the audience almost anywhere--inside a New York fashion designer’s studio, to a Renaissance Fair, through the Amazon rainforest, or even to the final frontier! LeVar’s genuine enthusiasm--for reading and how it intersects with life--was infectious. I loved watching him celebrate diverse cultures, visit new places, and talk about science, art, and history. Even at a young age, it helped nurture my love of reading by encouraging me to explore the world and to “take a look [...] in a book” for myself.

Here are a few books from the show I remember fondly--many sparking interest in subjects I still love diving into today. But (as LeVar would say) ”you don’t have to take my word for it,” check them out for yourself from our library!

Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall

LeVar explores a living history village in New England and reads this book describing the life and work of an early 19th-century farming family in New Hampshire.

Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger

when-you-trap-a-tiger

Through this story based on a South African lullaby and folk story, LeVar shows the different ways people tell stories through song and dance. I can still sing the refrain of the book...

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema

LeVar spends a rainy day inside and reads this book. The rhythmic rhyming prose and the rolling rumbling thunder-like narrator remains firmly planted in my memory.

The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble

Silly shenanigans ensue when Jimmy's pet boa constrictor escapes on a class trip to a farm.

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

when-you-trap-a-tiger

After a fire destroys their home, a family works together to save up enough money to buy a new chair to replace the one they lost.

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomi dePaola

In this vivid retelling of an old folk legend, a Native American boy dreams of creating a painting that will capture the beauty of a sunset. I was simply fascinated by the various traditional art forms and traditions that were highlighted in this episode.