Beautiful picture books

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, April 2019; written by Ann Marie Meiresonne.

Discover the joy of picture books in the children’s library collection. These books are diverse, beautiful, kind, funny, silly, thoughtful and more. If you are unsure where to start the collection of New Books prominently displayed is a good beginning. If you have children in your life whether living with you, visiting from out of town or seen on the weekends come choose a few to bring home and read aloud. Such an activity does not take too long. Some active kids do well to have coloring books or blocks to play with to keep their hands busy so their minds can absorb while being read to. While other children at the sight of a book will snuggle up to listen and linger over each page filled with delightful illustrations. Even the self-labeled I-am-too-old-for-picture-books child will come listening in when they think they are not noticed. Adults that may be around stop, look and listen to a good story as well.

Some new books to take a look at include Mo Willems Because, about how an unexpected opportunity can change a life. A young girl who happens to get a chance to hear an orchestra perform is immediately drawn to becoming a composer and conductor herself. Leading the reader and listener to ask what is their “because” or a-ha moment.

My Dog Laughs by Rachel Isadora, with a very cute cover, introduces a child to the ins and outs, good and bad, joy and frustration of taking care of a dog.

Llama Llama Loves to Read an Anna Dewdney book that was written with and completed by Reed Duncan. The joys and challenges of reading told in Anna Dewdney style with rhyming fun text and large bright engaging pictures.

Maya Papaya and Her Amigos Play Dress-Up written by Susan Middleton Elya is a bilingual celebration of a little girl’s playtime throughout the seasons.

I Belong, I Play, I Feel and I Share are new board books teaching about early social skills for young children.

And don’t forget to check out all the New non-fiction, fiction and graphic novel titles available in children’s. Reach Higher: an Inspiring Photo Celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama by Amanda Lucidon is a new favorite title I will recommend to inspire young ladies in so many ways.

Reading aloud not only models the act of reading but places value on reading, encourages connection with each other, develops background knowledge and vocabulary and can be extremely rewarding at a low cost, especially when you come and use your library card. Children enrolled in the school district have an account at the Ketchikan Public Library that allows them to check out their items of choice. Resident adults need an Alaska state picture ID (or military ID) and a piece of mail to register for a library card. Non-residents have an option as well. Come check out your library.