Each month a variety of observances and celebrations take place, from well-known holidays to much lesser known fun (and downright funny or strange!) observances.

Library Card Sign-Up Month

Book! Book! Book! by Deborah Bruss
Library Catalog

When the farmyard animals need a diversion, they wander into town and discover the library. None of them can make themselves understood by the librarian–until the hen enters and clucks, Book! Book! BOOK! Soft, naive watercolor paintings illustrate the satisfying story with its witty conclusion.

The Library Book by Tom Chapin
Library Catalog

This cheerful picture book opens on a rainy Saturday morning. While her dad's snoring and her brother's watching TV, an African American girl walks down to the library. Looking around, she sees old friends (Winnie the Pooh, Sleeping Beauty, Madeline, the Cat in the Hat, etc.), who all want to go home with her. Soon a happy crowd of fictional characters is parading down the street. On the wordless last page, the girl's on her bed, reading beside Winnie the Pooh.

A Big Surprise for Little Card by Charise Mericle Harper
Library Catalog

In the world of cards, each one has a special job to do. Big Card keeps important papers in order. Tiny Card can be exchanged for a prize in an arcade. Round Card hangs out in a glamorous boutique. But is any card as lucky as Little Card? Offbeat and utterly endearing, this tale of a little guy who gives it all he's got is complete with a sweet twist and a surprise ending.

Where Are My Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Library Catalog

When Spencer realizes someone is raiding his bookshelf, he makes a plan to catch the thief. The trap reveals some unusual culprits: a band of squirrels in search of something to read. Spencer–a book lover himself–kindly devises a library-style lending system.

Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card by Herman Parish
Library Catalog

On a class trip to the library, young Amelia Bedelia learns library rules and procedures. The librarian awards everyone a library card and the chance to check out a book.

Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book by Alexander Stadler
Library Catalog

One very special morning Beverly Billingsly becomes a proud new card-carrying member of the Piedmont Public Library. But what happens when she forgets to return her book by its due date? Will Beverly ever be able to borrow another book? Beverly and her favorite librarian, Mrs. Del Rubio, prove just how friendly a place the library can be.

Back to School = September 5

Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube
Library Catalog

It's Mae's first day of school, but she's “not going.” She hides in a schoolyard tree and before long, another little girl and then teacher Ms. Pearl climbs up with similar fears, which gives them all the confidence to go inside.

The Bus for Us by Suzanne Bloom
Library Catalog

At the bus stop, young Tess asks, “Is this the bus for us, Gus?” every time an unusual vehicle goes by. While a multicultural crowd of children gathers, Gus patiently identifies each vehicle, from taxi to backhoe, until their school bus arrives. In the attractive illustrations, readers can enjoy not only the parade of vehicles but also the antics of the waiting children.

The Brilliant Ms. Bangle by Cara Devins
Library Catalog

Change can be challenging but good. Summer’s over, and the Belford Elementary students are thrilled to return to school. But when they learn that Ms. Stack, their librarian, has moved away, they hatch a plan to refuse to read with the new librarian, Ms. Bangle, until Ms. Stack returns. Instead of resisting the students’ rejection of her, she thanks them for giving her the day off and puts them to work on (boring) library chores. A charming portrayal of a whimsical trickster librarian who knows how to get kids reading.

Sorry Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! by Christina Geist
Library Catalog

In a reverse of the back-to-school books featuring teachers reluctant to face the first day, this one spotlights some grown-ups who long to head back to the classroom. Buddy is back (Buddy's Bedtime Battery, 2016), joined by his sister, Lady, and the two are getting ready for school, but first they have to dissuade some overeager adults. Mom is thrilled with her new backpack; she's wearing it to school, but: “You can't go to school. / Only kids and teachers. / Only kids and teachers.” Dad's got new high-tops. He hears the same refrain, as do Grandma, Grandpa, and their dog. Then come the wheedling and whining: “It's not fair.” The grown-ups want to play alphabet games, do science experiments, have recess, etc. The kids are apologetic and try to sweeten the disappointment, promising they can go to the playground on the way home.

Out the Door by Christy Hale
Library Catalog

Hale's got a clever premise here — a this-is-how-I-get-to-school picture book written entirely with prepositional phrases that combine a direction or position with a location. The title page kicks things off as a young girl, backpack on shoulders and lunchbox in hand, heads “out the door.” With a page-turn, “down the stoop” she goes, trailed by her briefcase-toting dad. It's a fall day, and yellow leaves speckle the street and sidewalks in the textured collage illustrations. Deftly capturing the pace and rhythm of the pair's morning commute, Hale shows the girl contentedly leading the way, swinging her bright yellow lunchbox in the air. Soon, her father catches up, so they can hold hands before they walk “across the street.”

Wow! School! by Robert Neubecker
Library Catalog

School comes wildly and wonderfully alive. A brief setup introduces Izzy, who lives on a mountain. The school bus takes her into a new world of books, art, music, and students. Kids will be mesmerized by each big two-page spread, made seemingly larger by the neon-bright illustrations, brimming with stuff to look at and emphasized with plenty of india ink lines.

Grandparents Day = September 8

The Truth about Grandparents by Elina Ellis
Library Catalog

A child narrates the stereotypical view of grandparents as boring old people opposite a very different visual portrayal. Though they may look over the hill, with “wrinkly faces, a little bit of hair, and funny teeth,” this set of grandparents is anything but. They are far from “not much fun,” “slow,” “clumsy,” and “not bendy”; rather, with their grandchild, they go on daring roller-coaster rides, enjoy the roller rink, do yoga, play in a lively jazz band, dance, and take part in nighttime stargazing. Instead of being set in their ways, they embrace technology. While the child's words state the negative, unflattering assumptions about their elderly status, the comical cartoon illustrations reflect quite the reverse.

Tangerines and Tea: My Grandparents and Me by Ona Gritz
Library Catalog

Relaxing times reading nursery rhymes, / the songs we sing while we sit on the swing. Inventive rhyming verses arranged alphabetically celebrate a joyous relationship between two children and their peppy grandparents. Intensely patterned illustrations sporting sophisticated colors and rich narrative content complement the engaging, imaginative text.

Grandparents Day! by Candice Ransom
Library Catalog

Two siblings enjoy a busy day with their grandparents in this beginning reader. Eating pancakes at a restaurant, exploring a natural history museum, riding paddle boats in the park; then to the grandparents' home to watch old family movies, build a birdhouse, and play with the pet dog round out a fun-filled day for this brother and sister and their grandparents, who are all Black. The cheerful and energetic text has solid artwork to support the plot.

A Grand Day by Jean Reidy
Library Catalog

Every day is a grand day when family members have fun together. Children and parents and most especially grandparents gather to enjoy one another’s company while sharing a wide variety of activities. Young readers and their grown-ups will appreciate this homage to familial love and will return to it again and again. A heartfelt, exuberant ode to intergenerational bonding.

My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee
Library Catalog

A day in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when a bored little girl makes a connection with her grandpa.

Hispanic Heritage Month = September 15 –October 15

Empanadas for Everyone by Jackie Azúa Kramer
Library Catalog

Saturdays bring fun times and the pumping beats of salsa on the radio when Carina visits Tía Mimi to knead and fry empanadas and sing, “I like empanadas! I like you!” But then Tía Mimi goes to volunteer at the Community Meal Center one day. Oh no! Can Carina make empanadas on her own? Accompanied by her mom, Carina explores Tía Mimi’s barrio and gathers the ingredients she needs: coriander at Aamir’s Market (useful for samosas, too), achiote from Lila’s Jamaican patties street cart, “garlic from the market selling mandu, and onions from the deli selling pierogies.” Ah, and beef, which Carina gets from Mrs. Chang, who’s making dumplings. To feed a busy Tía Mimi, Carina rallies the barrio and heads over to the Meal Center, each neighbor with food reminiscent of empanadas from their own culture. An ode to diverse communities, Kramer and Wen’s joint effort exudes compassion and generosity. Full of warm colors like soft yellows and oranges, the artwork complements Carina’s adventure; Tía Mimi and Carina are Latine and brown-skinned, while the neighborhood is a diverse one.

Our Celebración! by Susan Middleton Elya
Library Catalog

Get your family–one, two, three! / Are you ready? !Claro! !Si!” A small-town summer celebration is the thread that weaves fourteen brightly illustrated spreads together. The rhymes on each page, which include Spanish words in bold text, flow well and will inspire young readers to carefully inspect the detailed watercolor and ink scenes. Rain or shine, la celebración continues!

May Your Life be Deliciosa by Michael Genhart
Library Catalog

The aroma of steamy corn deliciousness wraps Abuela’s home in incredible warmth and anticipation. Alongside mounds of masa, earthy roasted chiles, and seasoned meat, the entire family forms an assembly line of cooperation and laughter. Family stories are shared and passed down to the kids, along with Abuela’s own unique way of creating her tamales. Each step carries a special message of encouragement: “may you always be flexible”; “may you always stand tall and proud”; “may you have lots and lots of hugs.” The tamales are wrapped in their pliable husks stuffed with dreams, hope, and love—and meat and chiles. As they steam, the family waits with paciencia—patience.

Spanish is the Language of my Family / El español es la lengua de mi familia by Michael Genhart
Library Catalog

Genhart highlights the love between a grandson and his abuela through their connection with the Spanish language. Narrator Manolo signs up to compete in his school's Spanish spelling bee. While he practices, Abuela tells him stories of how she was not allowed to speak Spanish in school, recounting the punishment and shame doled out to her and her classmates. After hearing about her experiences, Manolo is more determined than ever to study, and ultimately triumphs at the spelling bee. With a vivid color palette, Parra's acrylic and digital illustrations bring warmth and brightness to Genhart's story, which smoothly incorporates Spanish words and phrases within the text. Extensive back matter explains how Spanish was frequently prohibited in schools in the Southwest, especially from the 1930s through 1960s, causing many families not to pass on their language to their children. The National Spanish Spelling Bee, first held in 2011, is an effort “to change the history of negative attitudes toward Spanish and to raise its status in the United States.”

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Library Catalog

Alma Sofia Esperanza Jos Pura Candela feels self-conscious about her long name until her father tells her about the family members after whom she is named. Use of the past tense indicates that her grandparents, a great-aunt, and a great-grandparent are deceased, but they are very much alive in Alma, who delightedly proclaims the ways in which she is like them as her father recounts their accomplishments and attributes. Straightforward text describes one ancestor who was especially spiritual and another who was an activist, one who loved books and flowers, and another who longed to travel. The pictures end up stealing the show in their depiction of the sweet closeness between Alma and her father. They also convey a subtle, supernatural connection between Alma and her ancestors, whose images in the family photos make eye contact with her outside of her fathers awareness.

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez
Library Catalog

Tired of being asked where she's from, a little girl brings the question to her abuelo. His smiling response is that she comes from the Pampas, the open, free land . . . from hurricanes and dark storms . . . from this land where our ancestors built a home for all, even when they were in chains because of the color of their skin. Abuelo takes the girl on an imaginative journey through their history and culture, but this doesn't satisfy her, so she repeats the question. Abuelo's second response is more personal, connecting her with the people she loves. Kim utilizes a warm color palette to suffuse the narrative with beautifully sentimental shades of ochre and gold. This touching book addresses a ubiquitous question for children of color, and in the end, the closeness between the girl and Abuelo shows that no matter the questions, she knows exactly where she's from.

With Lots of Love by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Library Catalog

After moving to a “new home” in the southeastern United States, Rocio finds herself missing her “other home” in Central America, where she'd lived with her grandmother, aunt, and cousins. She visits there in her imagination, recalling everything from the “smell of spicy peppers and burnt sugar” to the “soft rustling of pinatas that hung from the ceiling” of her abuela's small grocery store. But it's Abuela herself that Rocio misses most of all. Her longing for her beloved grandmother is palpable, as is her delight when a package, covered in stamps, arrives on the morning of her birthday. It's not spoiling the surprise to say that it was sent by her abuela, “con mucho amor.” While the contents of the package are satisfying, Rocio's emotional connection to Abuela — one that spans the star-sprinkled sky — remains central to this story. Happily, Rocio finds a way to send lots of love back home to Abuela, too.

Autumn = September 22 — December 21

Hello Fall! by Deborah Diesen
Library Catalog

How do you greet a season? From spotting porcupines to watching squirrels, munching on apples to touching ticklish mums (the floral kind), and picking pumpkins to jumping in piles of leaves, this child takes advantage of all that fall has to offer, greeting every element. The story's lyricism and warmth, coupled with the colorful, cartoon-like illustrations, will leave readers with a smile and perhaps some interesting observations of their own about the magic of fall.

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant
Library Catalog

Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. “All leaves fall in the fall,” say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing. The clock is ticking, the wind is blowing. What will happen when a gust of wind pulls Leif from his branch?

Hooray for Fall! by Kazuo Iwamura
Library Catalog

Autumn brings a forest full of color! Mick, Mack and Molly  set out on a merry walk in their new red sweaters to visit a mushroom family, meet the contented bear and experience a beautiful sunset. And what does Mama Squirrel do when the young squirrels are tired and happy in their beds? She knits a warm scarf for dad with the remaining red yarn.

It’s Fall! by Renée Kurilla
Library Catalog

An homage to the joys of the season–from jumping into piles of leaves, to trick-or-treating, to baking tasty meals–written in sweet and simple verse by a #1 New York Times bestselling artist.

Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde
Library Catalog

Plourde and Gal capture the vitality of fall right along with the season's more melancholy realities. Bella has outgrown her favorite coat. Her Grams wants to sew her a new one, but Bella's too busy playing in piles of leaves and picking apples. Not until the first snow appears, and with it a snow woman who can wear the old coat, will Bella let go. The pages fly by like autumn leaves in the wind: Bella is a whirl of messy, lovely girl-energy, while Grams is a warm, whiz-bang wonder of a grandmother.

Poppleton in Fall by Cynthia Rylant
Library Catalog

Autumn has arrived and it is filled with fun for Poppleton, the posh and persnickety pig! He meets geese flying south for winter, he goes shopping for a brand-new coat, and he has a delicious pancake breakfast with his friend Cherry Sue!