Picture Book

Wordless Picture Books

Wordless Picture Books

A wordless picture book? Not everyone is skilled at improv, so how do you read without words?

According to Reading Rockets––a wonderful national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help––sharing wordless books is a terrific way to build important literacy skills. This includes listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and increased awareness of how stories are structured.

   
Posted by Amy C. on November 21, 2021
Journey    Pancakes for Breakfast    Have You Seen My Duckling?   
Early Literacy    Literacy    Picture Book    Storytelling   
Preschool   
Think Library    Kids   

Lia & Luis Who Has More?

Brazilian American siblings explore math concepts while trying to figure out who has more of their favorite snack. This story includes Portuguese vocabulary along with various measuring terms such as more, less, heavier, lighter, and eventually...equal! This includes a glossary for the Portuguese words used and tips for exploring math concepts with children. Recommended for children ages 3–6.

Reviewed by Christa S.

   
Posted by Ginny H. on September 29, 2021
Lia & Luís: Who Has More?   
Early Literacy    Family    Fiction    Inclusiveness    Learn    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Picture Book    Realistic    Siblings   
Preschool   
Think Library    Kids   

Brood X

Hoopla Cicada Titles

 

Brood X, the Great Eastern Brood of cicadas, has made the summer of 2021 a very loud and interesting season in Indiana. Dogs and birds alike have loved these natural protein snacks, but there is more to these weird insects than meets the eye (or ear).

According to National Geographic Kids, there are over 3,000 species of cicadas (Shaw, 2021). These 3,000 species are divided into 2 distinct groupings: annual and perennial. Only 7 species of cicadas fall into the perennial category, meaning they emerge en masse like Brood X (Shaw, 2021).

   
Posted by Amy C. on June 21, 2021
Animals    Early Literacy    eBooks    eLibrary    Environmental    Gardening    Literacy    Nonfiction    Picture Book    Read   
Infant/Toddler    Preschool    Tween   
Think Library    Kids    Reviews   

Early Literacy Skills and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Babies and toddlers are like little sponges, hungrily soaking up everything around them. Curiosity to understand, explore, observe, and taste everything around them is crucial to early brain development. These natural instincts sometimes lead to exciting and embarrassing stories to tell at their high school graduation. These little people are constantly observing, listening, and emulating the world around them, especially their caregivers. You are babies' and toddlers' first (and most important!) teachers!

   
Posted by Amy C. on April 10, 2021
Caregiver/Teacher Resource    Family    Learn    Library Events    Literacy    Picture Book    Story Walk    Storytelling   
Infant/Toddler    Preschool   
Think Library    Kids   

Staff Pick: The Camping Trip

In this picture book, a Black family explores the wonders and challenges of camping! Ernestine lives with her single dad in the city. When her aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha invite her to go camping with them she eagerly accepts. With dad's help, Ernestine gathers and packs all the essentials needed for an outdoor adventure. She imagines what camping will be like and can't wait!

But we all know that things don't always turn out the way we imagine... like the difficulty in putting up a tent, or that swimming in a lake - and not at the YMCA pool means - fish!

   
Posted by Kim B. on December 7, 2020
The Camping Trip   
African American    Family    Picture Book   
Preschool   
Think Library    Kids    Reviews   

Staff Picks: Monkey and Me

In this 60 Second Review, Librarian Ginny shares the picture book Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett and talks about how it connects with early literacy themes. For more video reviews subscribe to our YouTube Channel and check the Finding Value: 60 Second Reviews playlist. 

   
Posted by Aubrey D. on July 28, 2020
Monkey and Me   
Fiction    Finding Value    Literacy    Picture Book    Staff Picks   
Think Library    Kids    Reviews   

Staff Picks: Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers

In this 60 Second Review, Librarian Kim shares the picture book Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers by Freya Hartas. For more video reviews subscribe to our YouTube Channel and check the Finding Value: 60 Second Reviews playlist. 

This review is part of the Finding Value series, inspired by the eleven core values central to our mission. Tune in as Library staff review books and movies that highlight the values accessibility, civil discourse, inclusiveness, integrity, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, literacy, respect, safety, service, and stewardship. 

   
Posted by Aubrey D. on July 23, 2020
Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers   
Accessibility    Diversity    Finding Value    Picture Book   
Think Library    Kids    Reviews   

2020 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award Videos and Voting

Just before the Library closed to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, librarian Amy Caswell prepared a display of this year's nominees for the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award. This state award encourages parents, caregivers, and young children to interact together with exceptional picture books––which serve an important role in the first years of a child's life.

Due to the crisis, the Indiana Center for the Book is opening up remote voting for this award. Children ages 0–5 who live in Indiana can experience the five nominated titles through the videos below, then parents can assist them in voting for their favorite!

   
Posted by Lisa C. on March 25, 2020
Firefly Home   
Early Literacy    Picture Book   
Kids   

Staff Picks: What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? by Chris Barton

Reviewed by Alejandria G. 

It’s impossible not to feel inspired while reading this gorgeous, well-written nonfiction picture book about the life of Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

From a young age, Barbara Jordan had a remarkable voice. Her voice demanded attention and projected confidence beyond her years. As the author ponders, “What do you do with a voice like that?”. And so began the journey of Barbara Jordan from child to college student. From lawyer to Congresswoman. Jordan spent her career speaking up for those who had less power and protected the rights of those who were discriminated against. Chris Barton’s wonderful words remind us to honor Jordan’s legacy by making our own voices heard.

Ekua Holmes honors Barbara’s life with gorgeous mixed media illustrations. Bold colors and patterns fill the pages and add dimension to the story.

   
Posted by Alejandria G. on March 14, 2019
What Do You Do With a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan   
African American    History    Biography & Memoir    Civil Rights    Diversity    Picture Book    Read   
Kids   

Staff Picks: Waiting for Winter

Reviewed by Aubrey D. 

What is wet, white, cold, and soft? Snow of course! For squirrel and his friends snow is a new adventure that they can't wait to experience. Meschenmoser's sketchy illustrations are charming and his characters are endearing, a great book for sharing one on one!

Find it in the Children's Picture Book Collection!

   
Posted by Alejandria G. on January 8, 2019
Waiting for Winter   
Animals    Picture Book    Read   
Kids   

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