Story Tags

Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day

Children's Books with an Environmental Theme

Earth Day is April 22 and Arbor Day is April 28. In celebration of these two holidays, here is a list of chapter books for kids. These books are not too heavy handed, but are entertaining and thought-provoking. Hopefully, they will get the next generation thinking about our world, and how they can best take care of it. Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Threads by Ami Polonsky

Loss and Change in Childhood

Middle Grade Novels About Difficult Situations

"Life imitates art far more than art imitates life" - Oscar Wilde

bookcover of thunder rose

Outlandish Women

Picture Book Tall Tales

Seen as a uniquely American brand of humor, tall tales are told in a straightforward manner as if to indicate the truthfulness of the account. Hyperbole and well-known American landmarks, like the creation of the Grand Canyon and western geysers in Dust Devil are also a common feature of the genre.

Willoughbys

Zany Miscellany

Chapter books with unconventional humor

One of the trickier reference questions I get as a children's librarian is "I'm looking for a funny book". Although laughter is universal, what makes us laugh is entirely subjective and I find it very difficult to recommend "funny" books unless I know the person's personality really well. This list illustrates my point - it is filled with children's books that I find hilarious while recognizing that the humor contained within is far from mainstream.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Moo, Baa, Neigh!

Classic Animal Chapter Books

Animal picture books are always circulating in and out of DCPL's branches. When young ones get older, terrific chapter books from "the olden days" (I know, I know) are waiting for these fresh, new readers. Take a look at the books below and see which animal books moms, dads, and grandparents loved when they were younger. Mr. Popper's Penguins, by Richard Atwater

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

Works of Art

Children's Novels Featuring Art and Artists

I've always been a big art fan, so I love when I come across a children's novel that incorporates artwork, artists, or museums in one way or another. The following titles have so much to offer - in addition to their gripping storylines, these books introduce readers to various artists, specific paintings, and styles and movements throughout art history. I hope this list will encourage you to learn even more about the topic at hand, and perhaps inspire future trips to museums near and far!

winterscavhunt2

Get A Clue: A Winter Scavenger Hunt

Back by popular demand for our oh-so-clever 8 -12 year old Petworth pals!  On Tuesday, December 27 at 2:30 p.m., we are recruiting all super sleuths for our winter scavenger hunt! Your mission is to complete several physical challenges and solve our series of clues to win the final prize. You and your friends have 70 minutes to finish! This program information will self-destruct in 5 . . .4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . .

The Day the Crayons Quit cover

Books for the Artsy Child

Fiction for children ages birth - 6

Whimsical, artistic, original... there are lots of ways to describe a creative child. However, when it comes to finding material to engage this type of reader, where does one start? Here are a selection of books that suggest various topics to inspire your little one.

Revenge of the Witch

Chilling Chapters

Scary stories for older children

Sunny June isn't exactly the ideal setting for a scary story, but that's precisely when I like reading a good horror story. Nowhere for long shadows or weird noises to hide in the sun! No matter when you like a scare, these chapter books are some of my all time favorites.   Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

evil librarian book cover

Dangerous Libraries

Libraries. Not just for books anymore.

When most people think of libraries, they imagine a quiet, boring place where librarians shush people for even sneezing. In reality, libraries aren't like that at all. Sometimes they're...DANGEROUS! Being a place for the public, you never know who will walk through those doors. And what exactly does a librarian do? Below I have compiled a list of books set in unusual libraries and about the crazy librarians that run them. Enjoy!

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