Babies Need Words: Diversity
To build a positive sense of self, children need to see themselves, their families, and their cultural traditions in the books we read to them.
Embracing Alone Time Through Picture Books
Here are some picture book titles you and your child can share about experiencing being "alone."
Babies Need Words: Playful Language
Help grow strong readers with these picture books that incorporate playful language.
Remembering Faith Ringgold, Groundbreaking Artist and Classic Picture Book Creator
Everyone's read "Tar Beach," but not everyone knows that its writer and illustrator Faith Ringgold was also a formidable visual artist who did things with quilts your sewing circle never dreamed of.
Put the Smackdown on Reading with These 5 Picture Books!
Love wrestling? Love reading? Get in the ring with these 5 picture books.
All About Nothing in 10 Picture Books
Nothing like creativity and imagination!
10 Ice Skating Stories for Kids
Lace up your skates and take to the ice with these ten great stories for young skaters.
Ten Books for Pug Lovers
The release of Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain surely makes it a Bones Day, right?
World Hello Day
Hi, there! How do you say, “Hello?” Do you sing, “Hello, hello?” Do you yell, “HELLO, HELLO?” What will you do for World Hello Day on November 21?
Hey, That’s My Picture Book!
November is National Picture Book Month! Picture books are meant to a shared reading and visual experience. What picture books are your favorites?
10 Books to Explain Adoption to Kids
November 9th is World Adoption Day. Check out these titles for books that show the love that adoptive families share.
National Native American Heritage Month
Enjoy books for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to celebrate and honor National Native American Heritage Month.
Food Friends!
It's a food frenzy! Check out these funny books with food as characters. We hope you'll find them a-peeling!
Elevating Immigrant Stories with Picture Books
June is Immigrant Heritage Month, enriching our collective national self through the stories we share.
6 Books to Read During Black Children’s Book Week
Six of my favorite books to read during Black Children's Book Week.
StoryWalk Challenge
Enjoy fall while walking through TLCPL StoryWalks and earn a cozy prize. *while supplies last.
Dial-A-Story November 2-16
Bring the library along on an adventure with Dial-A-Story.
Celebrate Latinx Cultural Heritage Month with Picture Books
Celebrate Latinx Cultural Heritage Month from September 15- October 15 by reading one of these great picture books!
Check Out These Wonderbooks!
As a mom to two soon-to-be toddlers, I’m always looking for ways to get my kids to read (more). And if they can do it on their own: let them! So when Wonderbooks came to the Toledo Libraries, I just had to give them a go. If you haven’t heard of them: visit your local library now to get one!
StoryWalks® at the Library
Go adventuring outside and read along with one of these vocabulary-rich picture books.
Celebrate Pride!
Pride is for the whole family!
Children’s Books about Personal Responsibility and Self-Discipline
Personal responsibility and self-discipline are the hallmarks of a successful life. The following children’s books highlight strategies and techniques that anyone can adopt to improve their life and attain their full potential.
Lift-the-Flap Books to Share with Your Little Ones
Here’s a list of some of our favorite board books and picture books that help make reading even more interactive… and even more fun!
Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day coming up, here are some books about moms.
Interactive Picture Books for Preschool/ Kindergarten
Interactive picture books that are sure to get kids moving and engaged.
Wordless Picture Books
If I were to choose one word to describe any of these beautifully illustrated books… I wouldn’t! If you’re new to the world of wordless picture books, borrow one of these titles for yourself and see what I mean.
El día de los niños/El día de los libros books for Babies, Toddlers and PreK
Read to your babies, toddlers and preschoolers to celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros.
2021 Pura Belpré Award Winners
Pura Belpré Award highlights Latino/Latina writers and illustrators.
April Fool’s Day for Grades PreK-3
April Fool’s Day is celebrated this year on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Whatever your prank, joke or pun, make it a great time to celebrate with a smile.
Art resources for Grades PreK-3
Here are 12 books (a mix of fiction and nonfiction) that are perfect for introducing young readers to the world of fine art. These books are a great place to start whether you’re looking for inspiration, fun facts, or just a good story!
Caldecott Contenders – Part 1
Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s 48th Annual Caldecott Read-In is going virtual this year. It will be held Saturday, January 23 from 10-11:30 AM. A live discussion and voting will choose our local winner
Caldecott Contenders – Part 2
Check out the best picture books of 2020.
Caldecott Contenders – Part 3
Check out the best picture books of 2020!
Caldecott Read-In Goes Virtual
Check out our librarians' favorite picks to win the 2021 Caldecott Award.
Picture Books of the Lost… and Found
Some of the world's greatest picture books are about losing things, and I have a list of them right here... wait a minute, where did that list go?
The Power of Song: How Singing Benefits Early Childhood Development
Fun and engaging sing-along stories to read and sing with your young child.
Presidents in Picture Books
When you're President of the United States, you not only get use of a plane and an in-house bowling alley, you may also wind up the star of a children's picture book, possibly alongside a talking aardvark.
Library-Themed Picture Books Kids Will Adore
Explore a selection of imaginative and delightful picture books centering around a love of books and the Library.
Encouraging a Love of Reading from a Young Age
Cultivating a lifelong love of books and reading early on has innumerable benefits
For Science! True Stories of Discovery for Children
Fascinating nonfiction picture books for kids interested in science and scientists.
Teaching Kids about Kindness
Spread a little joy with small acts of kindness.
Preparing for Kindergarten: Is Your Child Ready for School?
What does your child need to know before entering Kindergarten?
5 Picture Books Adults Will Love (and Kids Too!)
A grown-up who has a confession to make: she loves picture books! Read on to find some of her current favorite titles that are just as enjoyable for adults as they are for kids.
Rachel Recommends: 2019 Spring Edition
The long climb from spring to sandal season requires a little pampering of the spirit. This list should not incite tension or anxiety, but, rather a sense of mellow peace.
What’s in the Egg? Picture Books Featuring Eggs
You never know what surprising and extraordinary animal may pop out of an egg! All kinds of picture books featuring eggs are posted here. Happy Spring!
How to Help a Friend!
Timeless picture books demonstrating the power of friendship that are great to read anytime.
Friendship Stories for Children
Through thick and thin, best friends are on our side. Here are stories that remind us to treasure our BFF’s!
Mysterious Mother Search
Endearing picture books featuring mother and child.
Peculiar versions of the Three Little Pigs
Inventive takes on the classic fairy tale The Three Little Pigs.
Fantastic Books for Kids by African American Authors
In celebration of Black History Month, we compiled a list of picture books to read with your child by noted African American authors. Some inspire young minds, some are just for fun, and all are perfect for enjoying together.
Picture Books About Imagination
With a purple crayon like the one Harold has, a person could solve all kinds of problems. This post includes a ton of imaginative picture books kids and parents will appreciate.
Books to Read During Black History Month and Beyond
Notable fiction and nonfiction books for adults, teens and children ... to read during Black History Month and beyond.
Modern Folktale Adaptations for Kids
Fabulous folktale adaptations that are sure to entertain children of all ages.
Picture Books That Introduce Sensitive Topics
A selection of endearing stories for young children that focus on a variety of topics like family, friends, gender identity, individuality, love, marriage, tolerance, self-acceptance, kindness, respect, mental disabilities, nonconformity, teasing, social issues, emotions, immigrants, racism, friendship and courage.
The Human-Nature Connection
The Library and Metroparks are great community resources that enrich the quality of life in the communities in which they serve.
Counting Books for Preschoolers
A variety of counting books to teach young children about numbers in an entertaining way.
Best Picture Books of 2018
Two perspectives on some of the best children's picture books of 2018.
Picture Books Featuring Animal Adventures Perfect for Preschoolers
Fun picture books for kids featuring animal adventures and humorous stories.
10 Delightful Dog Books Perfect for Young Children
Entertaining dog books that are perfect for kids ages 4-8.
7 Really Good Reasons to Read to Your Baby and Toddler
Reading to your baby from the start leads to positive long-term benefits including cognitive, language and social skills.
Adorable Bedtime Stories for Children featuring Owls
Colorful and expressive picture books where owls take center stage. Perfect for reading to your kids at bedtime or anytime.
Fun Stories for Kids from Preschool through Grade 2
Fun stories for kids full of humor and great illustrations.
13 Fun and Entertaining Picture Books Your Preschooler Will Adore
These fun picture books will induce giggles in your preschooler. And don't be surprised if they ask you to read them multiple times.
Inspiring Picture Books About Inventors, Scientists and Perseverance
Stories featuring characters with spunk, engineers, inventors, scientists, architects, doctors, computer programmers and the incredible power of persistence.
Great Stories for Kids that Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Children's picture books celebrating Hispanic Heritage.
Good Day, Good Reads
Some days are good; some days aren't. As this picture book makes clear, it's as simple -- and as complicated -- as that.
Picture Books Featuring Feisty, Self-Confident Heroines
Stories featuring fun stories and spunky heroines.
The Stories Come Alive in These Beautifully Illustrated Picture Books Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Picture books featuring stories focused on Hispanic heritage, culture and folktales.
20 Entertaining Picture Books for Kids Who Think Potty Humor is Hilarious
Fully 40% of the children's publishing industry is devoted to books about going to the bathroom, according to statistics I just made up.
Lively Rhyming Picture Books for Kids
Funny picture books featuring animals and fun rhymes that will keep your kids hooked from start to finish.
Entertaining Sing-Along Storybooks
Picture books for kids featuring fun sing-along stories that will inspire little ones to sing and dance during storytime.
Fun and Engaging Stories to Read to Your Child
Imaginative and engaging picture books your child is sure to love.
Love is in the Air
Stories celebrating the power of love and human connections.
Picture Books about the Native American Experience
A variety of picture books for children of all ages about the Native American experience.
Start the Music: 10 Fun Music Themed Picture Books for Young Children
Fun books with musical themes for kindergarteners and first graders.
Dog Tales for Second and Third Graders
Dogs are the star of the show in these books geared towards second and third graders.
12 Great Children’s Books Exploring Difficult Issues
These books help to make sense of, and deal with, challenging times in life.
7 Wonderful Picture Books on the Power of Friendship, Empathy and Kindness
Picture books about friendship, redemption and kindness.
Silly Stories for Second and Third Graders
These humorous stories will tickle your funny bone.
Picture Books Perfect for Kids Who Love Imaginative Stories
Stories perfect as back-to-school reads, for budding artists and for fans of humorous picture books.
Fun Read Alouds
Fun picture books your preschooler will want to read again and again.
Clever and Imaginative Picture Books Ideal for Young Children
Clever and imaginative stories for ages 4-8.
Every Day Should Be Mother’s Day
A variety of books about and for moms.
Beautiful Picture Books To Read With Your Child
Beauty is all around us. Children will adore these stories.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the Carle and the Wondrous World of Picture Books
This blog post discusses the classic picture book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, his artwork and the Carle museum.
Picture Books With Metaphors
This post includes a variety of children's books by award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson along with a nice selection of picture books with metaphors.
Charming Stories for Children Featuring Furry Friends
Picture books for young children exploring the power of friendship.
Wonderful Wordless Picture Books
Wordless picture books that are beautifully illustrated and incredibly imaginative.
Haiku Poetry Picture Books for Kids
The animals have haikus, just for you! Can you guess who they are talking about in these fun poems?
Endearing Stories Kids and Parents Will Love
Tomie dePaola is a very prolific author and illustrator who has published over 200 books - this post highlights a small sampling of his works.
The Immigrant and Refugee Experience in America
A selection of books and resources exploring the immigrant and refugee experience in America.
Silly Picture Books With Unforgettable Characters
Picture books with mass media tie-ins, muppets, a well-known pigeon and characters who are completely aware of the fact that they're in books.
Amusing Picture Books You and Your Child Will Cherish
Funny, popular and beloved picture books you will enjoy reading with your kids.
Classic Picture Books You and Your Children Will Love
Feel good picture books that will make you smile.
Picture Books About Book-Loving Animals
Stories for young children featuring characters who love to read books.
Picture Books Filled With a Variety of Characters, Wit, Humor and Much More
Stories and poems featuring atypical characters and memorable tales by Shel Silverstein, Mo Willems, Dr. Seuss, Adam Rex and many more.
Colorful and Informative Nonfiction Picture Books Curious Kids Will Be Wild About
Curious kids will definitely love the amazing illustrations and educational content found throughout the picture books in this blog post.
Humorous Storybooks to Read to Your Preschooler
Amusing stories perfect for young children.
Picture Books About Unusual Pets That Are Sure to Delight
Stories full of unusual pets and the adventures that ensue.
Entertaining and Humorous Picture Books Your Kids Will Love Reading Again and Again
Humorous picture books perfect for preschool through grade 2.
Where the Wild Things Are and Other Notable Works by Maurice Sendak
Keen observations on notable works by beloved children's book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak.
Dealing With Death Through Picture Books
Talking about death, loss and grief is difficult for most adults, let alone children.
Take the 101 Picture Book Challenge Today
We picked 101 of our favorite picture books and we want you to read them too! Our list includes classics, new titles and everything in between.
10 Picture Books to Help Tackle Tough Topics
A selection of picture books covering tough topics.
Caldecott Award 2018: Early prediction edition
Includes a list of early predictions for the 2018 Caldecott Awards.
Babytime Rocks!
Where can you find a wild party on a weekday morning? Look no further than Babytime!
18 Books for Little Ones from the Tatum Center
See what the Art Tatum Resource Center has to offer for our youngest patrons.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with Picture Book Biographies!
A selection of picture book biographies celebrating phenomenal women.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Explore the world of Dr. Seuss and learn more about the man behind the infamous children's books - Theodor Seuss Geisel.
Octopus Encounter at the Toledo Zoo
Have you ever wanted to shake hands with an octopus? The Toledo Zoo offers “Behind the Scenes Tours" where you can do just that and more!
Black History Storytime
Get some storytime ideas for Black History Month, or for any month of the year.
Caldecott Contenders 2
Did you know that the Toledo Lucas County Public Library hosts a Caldecott Read-in? This year marks the 44th and TLCPL has correctly predicted the winner several times!
Caldecott Contenders
Award season is upon us. Take a look at some 2016 titles that may win the much coveted Caldecott Award!
2016 Run, Turkey, Run!
Story time for preschoolers is a joy and a challenge ... it's the one place the title "The Librarian of Organized Chaos" fits perfectly.
Children and Grieving
Helping children cope with the loss of a loved one can be quite challenging. We have a selection of books that may help open up a dialogue between you and your child and in turn help with the grieving process.
Celebrate Shark Week with These Sharkalicious Selections
Shark week is almost here! We have a variety of sharkalicious suggestions for kids of all ages fascinated with these toothsome creatures.
Summer Reads For School-Aged Kids
Are the kids in your house looking for something to read this summer? Here are a few suggestions to help get them started!
- _ticket
- Blog
- 101 Picture Book Challenge
- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies
- BIGIDEA
- Business and Investing
- Children and Parenting
- Computers and Technology
- Cooking, Home and Garden
- eBooks and Audiobooks
- eMedia
- Fiction
- Health and Wellness
- History and Politics
- Library News
- Local History
- Movies and Music
- Mysteries and Thrillers
- Nature and Travel
- New Books and Movies
- Nonfiction
- PreK-12 Teaching and Learning
- Read-Watch-Do
- Research and Resources
- Romance
- Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Tech Tools and Making
- Teen and Pre-Teens
- Writing and Publishing
- Off the Shelf – Fall 2021
- Off the Shelf – Fall 2022
- Off the Shelf – Fall 2023
- Off the Shelf – Summer 2022
- Off the Shelf – Summer 2023
- Off the Shelf – Winter 2022
- Off the Shelf – Winter 2023
- Off the Shelf – Winter 2024
- Uncategorized
If you enjoy this content, sign up for more news with our specialty newsletters such as educators, local history, nonprofit and business support, and more!