Bookmarked

Children don’t usually start formal education until ages 5 or 6, but the years before this period are critical for brain development and literacy skills. To help set up children on the path to a bright future, Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) has introduced “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten,” a new …

Learn about the value of creative expression with this month’s selections. Board Books ‘Nature: Early Learning at the Museum’ by Nosy Crow, illustrated by the Trustees of The British Museum Toddlers will love learning with this beautiful and engaging book that uses items contained in The British Museum. Each page …

Erin Hagar writes fiction and nonfiction works for children and teens. Before earning her Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, Hagar served as a curriculum and instruction specialist for several colleges and universities. While her childhood home was …

Author and illustrator Elizabeth Lilly made her debut in children’s book publishing with “Geraldine” (Neal Porter Books/Roaring Brook Press). Growing up outside Washington, D.C. with three sisters in a multiethnic household, Lilly decided early on that she wanted to become an artist. A resident of Baltimore City, Lilly writes and …

Kevin O’Malley has written and illustrated many popular children’s books including “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude” (Bloomsbury USA Childrens), his New York Times bestseller “Gimme Cracked Corn and I Will Share” (Walker & Company, 2012) and books in the Miss Malarkey series. O’Malley lives in Baltimore with his wife …

Susan Detwiler grew up in Maryland and lives in Baltimore with her husband and two sons. In addition to her work as a children’s book illustrator, Detwiler has created illustrations for advertising, merchandise and greeting cards. Her work has been commissioned by many local businesses and institutions, including Baltimore Precision …

Explore love in all its forms with the following terrific reads. BOARD/TODDLERS ‘Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!’ by Laura Numeroff Our friend, Mouse, celebrates Valentine’s Day by celebrating his love for each of his friends. Each one is special: Pig is strong, Cat is brave, and Dog always knows the perfect …

Bring the family together with some great reads for playtime or anytime. BOARD/TODDLERS ‘Animal Antics (‘Juegos de Animales’) by Whitney Stewart The bilingual Spanish and English text teaches mindfulness though imaginary play. Pretending to be different animals guides adults and their little ones through activities good for the body and …

Warm up from winter’s chill with some holiday reads and reflections this month. Board/Toddlers ‘Peek-a-Boo Santa’, ‘Peek-a-Boo Snowman’, and ‘Peek-a-Boo Reindeer’ by Charles Reasoner Looking for titles to read with the babies and preschoolers in your life? Author-illustrator Charles Reasoner features indestructible reads which are nevertheless engaging for older siblings. …

These books will inspire young readers interested in all kinds of artistic endeavors – poetry, illustration, movies, dance and more. Easy Nonfiction ‘Imagine’ by Juan Felipe Herrera Former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera recalls his childhood spent traveling with his migrant farming family in this memoir in verse. Luminous …