Blog

From time to time, a parent comes up to the Youth Services Desk with a rather sheepish look on their face.

“My kid asked me to get some book...about underwear…?”

“Ahh...sure...no problem. Captain Underpants?”

The parent, relieved, follows me to the “P” for "Pilkey" section of J Fiction, explaining along the way that they’re trying to get their kid to read something else, but all they want is Captain Underpants.

“I get it,” I reply. “My kids loved it too.” 

Continue Reading "Keeping ‘em Happy 2: Winter Break Edition" →

May 4th is Star Wars Day, and though all of the droids and Storm Troopers are sheltering in place there is still fun to be had! 

Having trouble feeling the force this Star Wars Day?

I hope this simple origami Yoda helps you find your inner Jedi.

Continue Reading "May the 4th Be with You" →

Each story matters, every child counts.

El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) is a celebration of children and wonderful books.

Día honors the cultures and language of all children.

Here are some ideas for celebrating at home.

Continue Reading "Celebrating the Día!" →

Once upon a time, in the Dark Filterless Ages, before people carried dual-camera 12 megapixel computers in their pockets...

...it was a Special Occasion to get a family photo taken at a department store.

Soon after the turn of the millenium, I chose to capture the moment with my young son and husband at Sears.

Carpeted half-wall? Check. Marble pull-down screen background? Check. Stiff pose? Check. Forced smile? Check.

Pretty much every family photo back then could make it into Awkward Family Photos.

Continue Reading "Windows, Doors and Mirrors of Beautiful Diversity at DPPL" →

Kindness has become the new buzzword.

Kids are sporting t-shirts with words such as Kindness is Cool!, Be Kind!, Choose Kindness! 

Is wearing Kindness attire enough to teach children to treat others with respect?

Continue Reading "Happy World Kindness Day. (Books About Being Kind)" →