by Cindy Anderson
My first-grade teacher taught us our lessons outside whenever possible. My fourth-grade teacher constantly did hands-on science experiments and read books to us. And my eighth-grade teacher read the words of William Wordsworth, Robert Frost, and Maya Angelou aloud to us. My school librarian introduced me to Wrinkle in Time, and to this day, Madeleine L’Engle is still one of my favorite writers. She also helped me track down the rest of the Narnia books after I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and showed me the shelves with Beverly Cleary, J.R.R. Tolkien, and L.M. Montgomery. How could I ever begin to thank someone for such introductions?
Today’s book list celebrates the educators, librarians, and book enthusiasts in our lives: the people who point us to beauty, creativity, and great ideas. If you are an educator, librarian, bookshop owner, writer, illustrator, editor, or publisher of beautiful books, a parent or grandparent who reads to their children, or someone who supports local or small online bookstores, these books are about you.
During the Great Depression, Book Women braved the mountainous terrain of rural Kentucky to bring books to children and families. The Pack Horse Library initiative served over 300 libraries and more than 100,000 people. The lovely illustrations in this book enhance the story of what a day would have looked like for one of these librarians.
(Recommended for ages 4-8)
This is an inspiring biography of Pure Belpre, a storyteller, librarian, and puppeteer who arrived in America in 1921, carrying the stories and folklore of her Puerto Rican homeland with her. After being hired by her neighborhood library as a bilingual assistant, she began planting the seeds of her stories and became a champion of bilingual literature. The illustrations are lovely, and the story is rhythmic, with Spanish words scattered throughout the pages.
(Recommended for ages 4-8)
Mary Walker was born into slavery and always dreamed of freedom and learning to read. At the age of 15, she was given her freedom. At age 20, she was a wife and a mother. By age 68, she had worked several jobs, and at age 116, she learned how to read, write, add, and subtract. She was eventually certified as the oldest student in the United States.
(Recommended for ages 5-9)
Madeline wants to be a better reader, but it’s not easy. Fortunately, she finds help when she meets Bonnie, the library dog. Madeline’s courage grows as Bonnie patiently listens to her read-aloud. This is an encouraging and sweet story for anyone who loves books (or dogs).
(Recommended for ages 3-8)
Miss Merriweather, the lead librarian, wants everyone to follow the rules, but what are the rules about a lion in the library? After learning some library etiquette, the lion eventually becomes a regular fixture, helping whenever possible. He dusts the shelves with his tail, becomes a comfortable backrest for the children in story hour, and becomes a dependable friend. The charming illustrations are a perfect match for this sweet story.
(Recommended for ages 3-7)
Ana and the other children in her village have little access to books. All that changes when Luis Soriano arrives with his traveling library resting on the backs of two burros. The text has Spanish words scattered throughout, and the illustrations match the story perfectly. This book is based on a true story and reminds its readers of the importance of reading and education.
(Recommended for ages 4-8)
Patricia Polacco is a brilliant picture book writer and illustrator. The Art of Miss Chew is a heartwarming tribute to the teacher she credits with setting her on her course as an artist. As a child, Patricia struggled with reading, but with the help of some fantastic teachers, she grew as a reader, writer, and illustrator. Her books are ideal for slightly older children as they often cover difficult subjects and are lengthy for a picture book.
(Recommended for ages 5-10)
The gentle words of Vashti’s teacher give her the courage to express herself as an artist. Beginning with a simple dot on a blank page, she discovers her own creativity and finds confidence in her ability to express herself. Simple text and fun illustrations make this little book a sweet and encouraging story.
(Recommended for ages 3-7)
I have recommended the Elephant and Piggie series before, but since this title perfectly fits this category, I decided to mention it again. We Are in a Book is a clever and funny story about what happens when Gerald and Piggie realize they are in a book and are being read. It is a great read-aloud story.
(Recommended for ages 3-7)
This vibrant and cheerfully illustrated picture book encourages young readers to read anywhere and everywhere. Full of creativity and imagination, this book is a delight for readers of all ages.
(Recommended for ages 4-8)
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