Diverse Picture Book Resources

In response to requests for diverse picture book resources to celebrate Read Across America on March 2, I’ve put together a list of 10 fantastic links:

These links highlight all facets of diversity and offer hundreds of suggestions for diverse picture books, chapter books, and teen books. Many of these sites organize them by target age and ethnicity, which make them even easier to use.. There are also a couple of searchable databases included.

The book covers next to each link are from books featured on that particular site, but they also link to the catalog.

I hope you find these helpful. If you have any other suggestions for links that you think should be considered, please include them in the comments section. One last note: I didn’t include links to certain award winning book lists (such as Pura Belpre, Coretta Scott King, and APALA) because I already have links to those lists on the Kid Page.

- Michelle @ CEN

Why you should fill out the VRR surveys

VRR kit surveys are mandatory (as are all other kit surveys). We want to know what songs, rhymes, activities, and books you are doing. This information is actually looked at and used, and I wanted you to know that your answers do have an impact (they don't just get put into a pile or folder, never to be seen again)!

On the G Drive, in the Very Ready Reading Program folder, there is a folder called Book lists for each theme. There is a folder for each age group where you can find all 20 of the themes found in the binder for that age. For each theme, I've made a list of the books recommended in the binder, highlighted those that are included in the kit, and then added the books that you've recommended on the surveys if they were age appropriate. This is a work in progress, and I will be adding to it periodically. If you don't like one or more of the books included in the kit, check out this list for alternate suggestions! I also included if it currently owned by HPL to make it easier for you.

Also, we do take your suggestions into consideration. For example, one of the Birdies in the Treetops surveys said that they did a flannelboard for the 3 Blue Pigeons song. I took that suggestion and made this:

So if you request the Birdies in the Treetop kit, this flannel board will be included in the kit!

We also look at your suggestions for new kits. I am currently working on some holiday and seasonal kits, which I anticipate will be available sometime after SRP.

Youth Programming Resources

I am always on the lookout for youth programming resources that can make my programs fun and engaging. At least once a week I try to comb through a blog feed that I’ve created for myself using the blog feed resource FEEDLY. I have it bookmarked on my computer and during my programming or office time, I go through each of the blogs I have bookmarked and check out what’s new. This not only helps me keep up with trends that are happening in libraries around the country, but it gives me inspiration as well. Below are just a few of my favorite resources. These links include crafts, passive programming, and all the in between shenanigans librarians deal with on a daily basis.

Jbrary – If you don’t know about this resource – SHAME! Just kidding. (Not really!) Two Canadian librarians run this blog as well as a YouTube channel filled with storytime songs and early literacy tips. It’s a one-stop-shop for those times when you get tired of doing the same songs week after week. The Jbrary blog is also chock-full of information, book reviews, and general awesomeness!

Programming Librarian – This website is a great resource for finding (you guessed it) programming ideas! The handy search features make it easy to tailor it to your needs. Each program features advance prep notes, budget, marketing, a brief rundown of the activity, and then notes to live by. It’s really handy for those who like planning in advance for things!

Storytime Underground – For those passionate about early literacy, Storytime Underground is a great resource. If you were at the September youth meeting and attended Angela’s Guerilla
Storytime training, you may have heard her mention this blog.

Teen Services Underground – For those passionate about teen library services, look no further than Teen Services Underground. It’s a fairly new blog and, much like Storytime Underground, features an array of helpful tips, programming information, and a whole lot more!

Pinterest – This really needs no introduction and you may already be using this tool, but it’s so helpful when you need ideas in a crunch! Plus, it’s good for organization tool when you find yourself overwhelmed with how much amazing things people are doing in their libraries.

What are some of your favorite Youth Programming Resources? Let me know in the comments below!
- Jayla