A Children’s Librarian’s Top Ten List

I love my job as a children’s librarian. It is a job where I am never bored, have a never-ending supply of children’s books to read, and I get to sing and dance and read stories to children. I am continually inspired by the children and teens who visit the library. I count myself lucky that my job is my passion, and I am grateful every day that I have an opportunity to instill a love of reading and learning in young children. After nearly a decade of doing this work, I have come up with a list of things that I wish I could tell the families who use the library. All of the items on my list have come up at some point in my career, and I think are worth sharing with you today.

Also, be sure to stick around until the end of the post where I will list my top 10 favorite books for children and teens!

1. You're not bothering us when you ask questions. As children's librarians, we are here to help you and your child find the books and resources you're looking for. It's our job to know the collection inside and out, so don't hesitate to ask us for assistance. Whether you need help locating a specific book, or you're looking for recommendations based on your child's interests, we're happy to help!
   
   
2. If you don’t know where to find a book, you are not alone. It's true that navigating the collection can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the library. But don't worry - you're not alone and we understand that. We can show you how to use the library's catalog and explain how books are organized on the shelves.
   
   
3. We like to encourage kids to read the books they are interested in, and you should too. At the library, we believe that reading should be fun, and that kids are more likely to enjoy reading when they're reading books that interest them. That's why we encourage children to choose books based on their interests, whether it's books about dinosaurs, princesses, or superheroes. By allowing children to choose their own books, we're helping them develop a love of reading that will stay with them for life. So, as a parent or caregiver, it's important to support your child's reading choices and encourage them to read books that they enjoy.
   
   
4. Don't forget about biographies. There are so many really interesting picture book biographies written for kids! Biographies can be a great way to introduce children to history and important figures in a way that's engaging and accessible. Picture book biographies, in particular, are a great way to make the stories come alive for young children. Many of these books are beautifully illustrated and written in a way that's easy for children to understand. They can also inspire children to learn more about the people and events they're reading about.
   
   
5. Children learn by playing. Children learn through play by exploring their environment, manipulating objects, and engaging with others. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, play helps children develop their mental representations of the world around them. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory emphasizes the role of social interaction in learning, suggesting that children learn from others through play. The library can be a great place for children to engage in play and socialization. We host several weekly programs that promote imaginative play and socialization, such as storytimes, and playdates. Also, many of our branches offer puzzles, coloring, or other passive activities for children to explore when there isn’t a scheduled program. And don’t forget, clean-up is also an important part of playtime! We want to ensure that items are returned to their homes so they are ready for the next family who wants to use them.
   
   
6. Don't worry if your child currently only wants to read graphic novels. Many parents and caregivers may be concerned if their child only wants to read graphic novels, thinking that they're not "real" books. However, graphic novels can be just as beneficial for developing reading skills as traditional books. They can also help reluctant readers develop a love of reading, as the combination of illustrations and text can make the story more engaging. So, if your child is currently hooked on graphic novels, don't worry - they're still developing important literacy skills.
   
   
7. If you want your child to make reading a habit, it will help if they see you reading. As with many things, children often learn by example. If they see you reading at home, they're more likely to view reading as a positive and enjoyable activity. This can help foster a love of reading that will stay with them for life. So, if you want your child to make reading a habit, try to model that behavior yourself by setting aside time to read each day.
   
   
8. There is a correct way to turn the page. Handling books properly is an important skill for young children to learn. Not only does it help protect the book from damage, but it also teaches them how to handle books with care and respect. It's important to teach your child how to turn the pages gently and from the corner, rather than yanking on the pages or folding them over. This will help ensure that the books stay in good condition for other children to enjoy.
   
   
9. Don't worry so much about reading level. While it's important to consider your child's reading level when selecting books, it's also important not to get too hung up on it. Children develop reading skills at their own pace, and forcing them to read books that are too difficult can lead to frustration and a dislike of reading. It's important to let children read books that interest them, even if they're below their reading level. This can help build their confidence and enjoyment of reading.
   
   
10. Reading aloud to your children can be a great way to bond and develop a shared love of reading. Reading aloud to your children is a wonderful way to spend time together and build a strong connection. It's also a great way to introduce your child to new books and authors and help them develop a love of reading. When you read aloud, you're modeling fluent reading, building vocabulary, and helping your child develop important literacy skills. Plus, it's just plain fun!

Hopefully something on my list answered a question you may have had about the library. Now I’d like to know, what’s your child’s favorite part of coming to the library? Let us know in the comments!

Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin, Eric Carle

Children see a variety of animals, each one a different color, and a mother looking at them.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Relating the cycle of requests a mouse is likely to make after you give him a cookie takes the reader through a young child's day.

Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by Kim Dean, James Dean

After inviting his friends over for a pizza party, Pete piles his favorite pepperoni topping on the pie he is making, but when his guests arrive and add their own toppings to the pizza, Pete begins to wonder if his perfect pizza will be ruined.

The Secret Garden on 81^st Street: A Modern Graphic Retelling of The Secret Garden by Ivy Noelle Weir

"Mary Lennox is a loner living in Silicon Valley. With her parents always working, video game and tech become her main source of entertainment and 'friends.' When her parents pass away in a tragic accident, she moves to New York City to live with her uncle who she barely knows, and to her surprise, keeps a gadget free home. Looking for comfort in this strange, new reality, Mary discovers an abandoned rooftop garden and an even bigger secret...her cousin who suffers from anxiety. With the help of her new friends, Colin and Dickon, Mary works to restore the garden to its former glory while also learning to grieve, build real friendships, and grow."

The $150,000 Rugelach by Allison Marks

Sixth graders Jack and Jillian are selected to be teammates in a nationally televised baking competition. Their biggest problem may be trying to figure out how to work together.

Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt

Ally's greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesn't know how to read.

Red White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca

Reha feels torn between two worlds: school, where she's the only Indian American student, and home, with her family's traditions and holidays. But Reha's parents don't understand why she's conflicted--they only notice when Reha doesn't meet their strict expectations. Reha feels disconnected from her mother, or Amma, although their names are linked--Reha means "star" and Punam means "moon"--but they are a universe apart. Then Reha finds out that her Amma is sick. Really sick. Reha, who dreams of becoming a doctor even though she can't stomach the sight of blood, is determined to make her Amma well again. She'll be the perfect daughter, if it means saving her Amma's life.

Unsolved Case Files No. 001, Escape at 10,000 Feet: D.B. Cooper and the Missing Money by Tom Sullivan

A minute-by-minute account of the only unsolved airplane hijacking in the United States uses reproductions of FBI files and investigation photographs to chronicle the events surrounding an unidentified extortionist's 1971 hijacking and disappearance.

Zara Hossain is Here by Sabina Khan

Ever since her family moved to Texas from Pakistan when she was a baby, seventeen-year-old Zara Hossain has only ever called Corpus Christi home. Being the only Muslim girl at her conservative Catholic school, blending in isn't really an option, especially with people like Tyler Benson always tormenting her. But one day Tyler takes thing too far by defacing Zara's locker with a racist message, which gets him suspended. As an act of revenge, Tyler and his friends vandalize the Hossains' house with Islamophobic graffiti, which leads to a violent crime that puts Zara and her family's entire future at risk.

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds

When seventeen-year-old Avery moves to rural Georgia to live with her ailing grandmother, she encounters decade-old family secrets and a mystery surrounding the town's racist past.

 - by Caitlin, West Windsor Branch