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These books nurture literacy, empathy, and understanding.

Incorporating interactive features, engaging text, and delightful rhymes, these board books encourage the magic of a shared reading experience that no screen, app, or video can replicate.

Consider these two board books and two picture books a four-leaf clover to share with young readers for St. Patrick's Day. We can't guarantee good luck, but we can guarantee good books.

Nine popular series for elementary and middle grade readers.

In these three titles—a board book, picture book, and early reader—brother-and-sister duos celebrate Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day.

Here are the overall Top 10 books chosen from six curated lists, spanning early readers to YA.

The five finalists include a picture book, graphic memoir, YA novel, and a couple of middle grade titles.

Read one book a day for Latinx Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, and every month after that. From migration and history to food and family, these works capture the many complexities and joys of the Latinx culture.

With large publishers falling short, independent publishers have emerged to produce children's books with Latinx characters and by Latinx creators in both English and Spanish. 

In these fun picture books, children can follow along with kids—and animals!—on their quest to obtain a new live-in best friend. These 11 stories range from the first desire for an animal companion to the responsibility of caring for another life. 

The anniversary of women gaining the right to vote is a good time to revisit resources and offer titles that teach not only about the suffrage movement, but the women who continued the fight for equal pay, education, and more.

These series about friend duos will appeal to young children just starting to read independently—and watching the streaming show on Apple TV.  

The braids of challah include love, joy, and unity, and a missing babka leads to community. If you're seeking out books about Jewish joy, we've spotlighted two picture books sure to make readers glow. Bring snacks!

A team of librarians and academics identifies different kinds of counting books and recommends titles and read-aloud strategies for each. 

For book lovers, the library is the best place in town. For young children who have never entered that space, the shelves seem endless, the stacks are tall, and they have no idea where to begin. These eight books comprise a love letter to libraries to help newcomers get their bearings. They're only a start.

For many young readers (and their grown-ups), boarding an airplane is easier said than done. This list features titles to prep young travelers in advance.

Roy’s unique take on nonfiction is evident in The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, about astrophysicist Cecilia Payne, and Making More: How Life Begins, about reproduction.

Thoughtful, accurate visual portrayals of disabilities characterize these 2023 releases.

These sweet selections in Spanish and English will inform as well as delight readers and their young listeners. 

Heritage celebrations are conversation starters. Use these appealing titles for young people to facilitate meaningful discussion about Caribbean histories, communities, interests, and experiences. 

From YouTube to TikTok, ­librarians’ videos are promoting early literacy and allowing access to learning activities. These tips and examples will inspire you to hit Record.

ABCs. 123s. The first year of school has come to an end, and it’s graduation time. These seven titles are the perfect picks for celebrating this monumental milestone.

The Bank Street College of Education’s Center for Children’s Literature has announced the 2023 winners of the Irma Black Award and Cook Prize, which went to Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, illus. by David Roberts and Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep by Elaine M. Alexander, illus. by Fiona Fogg, respectively.

With fascinating topics across fiction and nonfiction, these 21 board books make babies and toddlers happy, keep them engaged, and don't wear out caregivers on the first reading.

Gotta sing? Gotta dance? Gotta run away fast? This collection may help children who have never stood up in front of big or small crowds quell those butterflies, take deep breaths, and take their first steps toward the footlights.

Transitioning from a three-wheeler to a two-wheeler is both terrifying and thrilling (for kids and their grownups). Here are 16 picture books that will help children look forward to the experience. 

In today’s children’s picture book market, there are some exciting and unexpected rides for young vehicle-loving readers to check out—stories about family, how roads work, or how kids around the world get from one location to another.

A child's first haircut is a big deal—sometimes scary and always exciting. Here are 13 books that can be shared with kids in advance of their first “big chop.”

What is the best way to organize picture books for the youngest readers with specific interests?

Amid threats and hate-fueled protests, performers and allies remain committed to the program.

New policies are impacting school library purchases in Pennsylvania and Florida; one Texas district cancels its Scholastic Book Fairs for the year; and a South Carolina state senator threatens to eliminate the salaries of public library executives in his county in the latest Censorship Roundup.

This roundup includes picture books for older readers, works that celebrate family and friendship, and inspirational tales for children that you'll want to add to your Spanish-language collections.

School Library Journal has proudly partnered with We Are Kid Lit Collective to share and promote the group's annual summer reading recommendations. Check out their 28 picture book selections. A PDF of the full list is also available for download.

Normalizing physical disability can and should begin in childhood. These creators are doing just that.

Orenstein-Cardona’s debut picture book tells of a community's determination to save an ancient banyan tree damaged by Hurricane Maria.

Taking measures such as conducting a diversity audit and spotlighting joyful, diverse characters will ensure that story time recognizes all participants. 

To support teachers and librarians in the face of ongoing censorship, School Library Journal and Penguin Random House—in partnership with PEN America, NCAC, NCTE, FReadom, and Library Journal—have created a poster that vividly illustrates the importance of intellectual freedom.

Sen. Ted Cruz questioned Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson about Ibram X. Kendi's bestselling picture book.

The combination of engaging tales, funny pictures, and language children can grasp while learning to read is propelling a booming market. 

Union Square Kids has acquired five new Mo Willems books; new picture books by Willems and Ruby Bridges will publish on September 6, 2022; Nikki Grimes receives another award; "Surfside Girls" to become streaming series; and more in this edition of News Bites.

The new Literati Book Fairs will begin in select states this spring.

Margarita Engle, Meg Medina, Yuyi Morales, and Raúl the Third are just some of the children's literature creators set to take part in the free, virtual festival.

Our 2021 best picture books list boasts 24 excellent works for children, including two bilingual books and several glowing tributes to mothers. 

The Reby Cary Youth Library opened in August with more than 8,000 square feet designed for and dedicated to children.

The author of the Schneider Family Book Award-winning novel Show Me a Sign recommends four recent releases.

From immigration and lucha libre to family high jinks and the first day of school, these stories illuminate the uniqueness and universality of the Latinx experience. Shine a light on them during Latinx Heritage Month and beyond.

In this edition of News Bites, a new award honors Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown, the Library of Congress National Book Festival will combine online and in-person events, advocates keep librarians in D.C. schools, and more.

These librarians provide books and a sense of belonging to marginalized students and those academically behind, living in poverty, or facing other difficulties.

The start of a new school year can be scary for all students, but especially younger ones. Share these stories to help them laugh, find someone who understands what they’re feeling, and give them tools to help navigate the new year.

The pandemic couldn't stop these libraries from offering fun learning experiences for the youngest patrons.

After the flat screens and glitchy technology of the last several months, in-person story times are back, with all the dynamism of live theater. We've got the read-alouds; storytellers, get ready for your close-up!

As many young children and caregivers take their first steps back into the outside world, library play can help young children remember how to engage with peers, while surrounded with materials that foster learning.

Public library staff can identify children with developmental delays and inform families of available resources.

From biographies of Olympians to fictional mysteries and romance, get young readers excited for the Tokyo Games competition and drama with these titles.

Summer is the perfect time for series and serial podcasts across genres to keep kids entertained and engaged.

SLJ is publishing lists all summer long—from family stories to mysteries to teen reads. Here's some of our favorite picture book biographies, from inventors and engineers to scientists and artists. The individuals profiled in these captivating read-alouds will inspire young readers (and their grown-ups).

Why wouldn't you want a funny story? These are guaranteed to provoke giggles and snorts. 

We've selected some of our favorite poets to remind readers that summer is the time to slow down and savor the sounds of words. 

The pandemic habit that we hope will last—reading together! We pulled together some favorites that allow for exploration, discussion, or just lap time.

Aimed at infants and toddlers through elementary school students, these titles introduce topics such as intersectionality and privilege, with explanations that are age-appropriate and honest.

STEM picture books center science, math, and more to connect the dots for young readers.

Animal pals and a touch of magic infuse these books for kids who are drawn to the adaptation of Kate DiCamillo's Newbery winner about a girl and a squirrel who turns out to have superpowers.

The Jason Chin title earned the annual award for best STEM picture book.

Tricia Elam Walker was named the winner of the writer award for Nana Akua Goes to School. Heidi Woodward Sheffield won the award for illustrator for Brick by Brick.

A librarian and intellectual freedom advocate on Dr. Seuss, library policies, and cancel culture.

Librarians can promote empathy during virtual story times by modeling open-ended questions, providing parent tips, and encouraging dramatic play.

Dreidel-spinning llamas, locating the right flour for a holiday treat, and getting just the right haircut for an event remind readers that are so many festivals and so many reasons to celebrate, all year around.

Companies continue to respond to the pandemic's impact on educators and students; NCTE is taking proposals for next year's convention; the Educator Jobs Fund Act of 2020 is proposed in the senate; and Simon & Schuster plans new graphic novels for young readers.

Twenty-four exceptional titles made SLJ's list of the best picture books published in 2020.

Nidhi Chanani, illustrator of Binny's Diwali, reflects on the Hindu festival of lights that is celebrated in different ways globally.

It's Constitution Day. We've pulled together some recent books on the subject for those who want to learn more about the U.S. document.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association will use the money to fund a one-day forum to strengthen support for Black/African American MLIS students; students fight censorship in Texas and Alaska, and more.

The new series will feature Black authors, musicians, and athletes reading children's books by Black authors.

Mariko Tamaki, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, and Raina Telgemeier earned multiple awards at the annual comic industry awards. 

From Kwame Alexander to Gwendolyn Brooks and Maya Angelou, we've selected some of our favorite poets to remind readers that summer is the time to slow down and savor the sounds of words. 

Some books are just nicer when they are shared! We pulled together some favorites that allow for exploration, discussion, or just lap time.

Science and math take a starring role in these stories that explore everything from the deep sea to outer space. 

These silly stories are guaranteed to provoke giggles and snorts. 

Learning to recognize and combat racism and other forms of injustice and move toward a more equitable world is a lifelong process—and one that must start as early as possible. Aimed at infants and toddlers through elementary school students, these titles introduce topics such as intersectionality and privilege, with explanations that are age-appropriate and honest.

From inventors and engineers to scientists and artists, the individuals profiled in these captivating read-alouds will inspire young readers (and their grown-ups). Looking for more summer reading recommendations? SLJ is publishing lists all summer long—from family stories to mysteries to teen reads.  

The Boston Children’s Museum and the Institute of Museum and Library Services are doubling the number of states participating in a school readiness initiative. Creating a coalition of museums, libraries, and community groups is key to its success.

The annual feminist booklist is out from Rise, formerly known as the Amelia Bloomer Project.

The latest in the developer's transportation series provides templates for viewers to get their app designs rolling.

Betsy Bird’s annual marathon of standout titles in children’s literature, from the unconventional to the informational. 

Holiday anticipation can wreak havoc on bedtime routines. Deck your seasonal book displays with titles that will lull young children to sleep when all else fails.

"Room on Our Rock" and "A Place To Land" honored by National Council of Teachers of English.

Twenty-one exemplary titles made SLJ's list of the best picture books published in 2019.

These male protagonists—from single dads to married men, uncles, and grandfathers—reflect a range of caring adults who are key figures in black children’s lives.

Perfect for both science and literacy classrooms, these recently published titles take a look at the natural world through verse, supported by detailed artwork and informative notes.

Grandparents loom large in young children's lives, and storytimes featuring these beloved family members are especially welcome as Grandparent's Day (September 8) nears.

After receiving requests from parents, Osmo has created an educational game for children age 3-5 that seamlessly weaves digital and physical play.

Twenty picture books to set the tone for the new school year, ease first-day jitters, and build the confidence kids will need to embrace their learning environments, make new friends, and shine academically.  

The plight of immigrant families at the U.S. border prompted the Brooklyn Public Library and others to act. 

While traditional storytime isn’t going away, public libraries are exploring new strategies to serve toddlers and preschoolers, from STEM for babies and Touchpoints for Libraries, to new guidance on screen time.

Getting more families into libraries is one goal of the FamLAB Project, which has tapped a cross-sector cohort to expand out-of-school learning opportunities for young children and their families.

Multiple book awards were announced, FlipGrid revs up for another student voice bus tour, and Follett has launched a new learning platform.

Users will appreciate the clean design, understated beauty, and game-like features of this delightful app.

With a clean and engaging interface, a fairly substantial catalogue of resources, and an adaptable set of tools for teachers and librarians, BookFlix is recommended for those serving emerging, early, and elementary school readers.

John Sullivan, Oge Mora honored by Ezra Jack Keats Awards and more in NewsBites.

Sensory explorers by nature, toddlers are made for scientific inquiry. Here's how to engage them.