Celebrating Picture Book Month at the library

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Filled with colourful illustrations and engaging stories, picture books are an excellent introduction to lifelong reading for young children. November is Picture Book Month, and the library staff have some reading recommendations that the family can share.

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Award-winning author Corey R. Tabor’s tale of a catfish with a unique perspective, Ursula Upside-Down, is library technician Janet’s pick: “Ursula Upside Down is a flipped-format picture book that kids will love. Ursula is a happy catfish swimming through the river. Is Ursula upside-down or right-side up? It’s all a matter of perspective in this silly but innovative book.”

Intergenerational family bonds are lovingly illustrated in library technician Laura’s choice, The Blue Pickup, by Natasha Tripplett: “Grandad has stories to share and lessons to teach. The relationship between a Grandad and granddaughter is captured perfectly in this wonderful story. The vibrant and expressive illustrations add a level of joy to this wonderful intergenerational story.”

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Encouraging young readers to explore patterns in nature and daily life is explored in librarian Danielle’s selection, Patterns Patterns Everywhere, gorgeously illustrated by Kellie Menendez: “This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces young children to patterns and encourages them to look, listen, and feel for the patterns within the book and all around them. The rhyming text makes this a joy to read aloud!”

Young readers eager to learn the alphabet will love library technician Cassandra’s selection The Imaginary Alphabet by Canadian author and illustrator Sylvie Daigneault: “The classic animal alphabet is elevated to an enchanting work of art in this picture book by Sylvie Daigneault. Each page features alliterative text and drawings which invite readers to look closely to find all the subtle ways each letter is represented.”

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In addition to the enormous collection of print picture books at both Library branches, an impressive selection of digital picture books is also available for free. Install the free Libby app from Overdrive on your device and download classic and contemporary picture books from Curious George to Pete the Cat.

The online TumbleBook collection is available through the Library’s website and offers an impressive collection of picture books from favourite authors such as Robert Munsch. Picture books in Spanish and Mandarin are also available.

Explore French-language digital picture books for free through Cantook Station. Just log in with your library card and PIN to download up to seven titles each month. In addition to Cantook Station, Tumble Biblio Enfants also offers digital picture books in French.

At Your Library is a weekly column provided by the staff of the Brantford Public Library. Readers requiring more information can visit www.brantfordlibrary.ca

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