Children’s Services

Classroom Visits

Attention elementary teachers! Schedule a classroom (grades PreK-5) visit to one our Heights Library branches! Guest readers and library visits are just a click away. Simply fill out the request form below and a staff member will be in touch. We hope to see you soon!

Click here to fill out a request.

Our Collection

Picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, books on CD, Playaway Views, magazines, and a large non-fiction collection ensure that there is something for every reading level.

Visit our branches and talk to a librarian, check out recommendations on our blog, or browse our catalog.

Programs

From storytimes for babies and toddlers to special programs for the school-age set, our children’s programs make learning fun.

Online Resources

Sign up for Heights Little Learners, Heights Libraries’ e-newsletter aimed at caregivers of children ages 0 to 6, featuring upcoming programs, early literacy tips, book recommendations, and more!

Our Youth Librarians have selected a wide variety of digital resources for teachers, parents/guardians, and other caregivers.

Children’s Blog Recent Posts

Favorites of the Year: June to June

It’s my birthday today! Therefore, I am sharing my favorite picture books published this past year (from June 2021 to now). In fact, these are all in my favorites-of-all-time list… you’re welcome! First are six books that are transcendently joyful and beautiful: We All Play = Kimêtawânaw, by Julie Flett (technically published May 25th 2021, but that’s still Gemini season so it stays) Walrus Song, by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup, by Hunter Liguore, illustrated by Vikki Zhang Emile and the Field, by Kevin Young, illustrated by Chioma Ebinama The Big Bath House, by Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang A Garden of Creatures, by Sheila Heti, illustrated by Esmé Shapiro (to me, this is one of the most beautiful picture books ever created) Next are my favorite funny books: Mr. Watson’s Chickens, by Jarrett Dapier, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi Bathe the Cat, by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts My Parents Won’t Stop Talking, by Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Leah Nixon (I really relate to this one as someone who loves a dog who loves to roll in the worst possible things) And finally, my favorite nonfiction titles: The People Remember, by Ibi Zoboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise Let’s Go for a Walk, with Ranger Hamza, illustrated by Kate Kronreif Happy Sloth Day! by April Pulley Sayre with Jeff Sayre The Wolves of Yellowstone: A Rewilding Story, by Catherine Barr and Jenni Desmond Bodies are Cool, by Tyler Feder (yes, I’m going to find a way to work this title in to every one of my blog posts)
Picture books to celebrate gender diversity

In the past few years, many outstanding picture books have been published featuring trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and queer people and stories. In light of recently introduced legislation and a surge in challenges to and bans of such books, I would love to share some of my favorites here now. These are excellent titles for exploring gender and sparking conversation: It Feels Good to Be Yourself, by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni A House for Everyone, by Jo Hirst, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff Pink, Blue, and You: Questions for Kids About Gender and Stereotypes, by Elise Gravel Except When They Don’t, by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Joshua Heinsz What Are Your Words?, by Katherine Locke, illustrated by Anne Passchier What Riley Wore, by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by Linda Davick The Pronoun Book, by Cassandra Jules Corrigan, illustrated by Jem Milton Bodies Are Cool, by Tyler Feder And these titles center and celebrate trans and gender nonconforming characters: Calvin, by Vanessa and Ronald Ford, illustrated by Kayla Harren My Rainbow, by Trinity and DeShanna Neal, illustrated by Art Twink Julián is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love When Aidan Became a Brother, by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita Pride Puppy, by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin Phoenix Goes to School, by Michelle and Phoenix Finch, illustrated by Sharon Davey And finally, here are my favorite titles in which there is incidental queer representation (there are queer characters but that fact is not a central part of the story): Mr. Watson’s Chickens, by Jarrett Dapier, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi Bathe the Cat, by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle, by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita A Family is a Family is a Family, by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng I Love You Because I Love You, by Mượn Thị Văn, illustrated by Jessica Love My Parents Won’t Stop Talking, by Emma Hunsinger
Great Reads for Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month! This observance, now increasingly led by autistic self-advocates, seeks to open discussion and celebration around life with autism spectrum disorder. Everyone interacts with people with autism regularly, whether they know it or not, and everyone can take part in creating more inclusive communities that allow everyone to fully express their strengths and differences. The following books, authored by autistic self-advocates, can help people of any age start understanding themselves and others better: Little Senses series by Samantha Cotterill These picture books, beautifully illustrated by the author, evoke the experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, or “wonderfully sensitive children,” as Cotterill herself puts it. So far, topics include sensory overload, changes of plans, social missteps, and trying new things. Each title demonstrates for readers an effective strategy for moving through these challenges so that everyone can get back to having fun! Here’s one of my favorite spreads from This Beach is Loud! The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kapit This delightful middle-grade novel is co-narrated by two very different autistic sisters. Older sister Lara is trying to solve consequential mysteries such as why their father burned the brisket for Shabbat dinner, and who her little sister Caroline has been texting. Meanwhile, Caroline tries to independently navigate starting middle school, making new friends, and handling bullies. Their diversely neurodivergent and Jewish family offers love and support, allowing them to solve mysteries and resolve problems in their own time. This was one of my very favorite new releases of 2021! Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity, edited by Emily Paige Baillou, Sharon da VanPort, and Morenike Giwa Owainu This anthology, published by the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network, is an invitation to current parents of autistic children to learn from the past experiences of autistic adults. Most essays cover ways that childhood could have been better, if only there had been kinder, more helpful information available to parents at the time. Thanks to this resource, parents of any child, but especially autistic children, can start with that kind, helpful information to more thoroughly meet their needs as they grow up. This title is just one of many ways autistic adults are making the world a little easier for a new generation.
Hair Stories

Hair! What a surprisingly powerful part of us. Hair is one way we can celebrate our individuality, our cultures and histories, our identities. Hair can also be a struggle: we may face judgement and discrimination for how our hair looks or doesn’t look, for how much we have or don’t have, for accessories or coverings; we may feel pressure to conform to certain norms and try to get rid of hair in particular places, grow it, or change it. But it’s never too early to help children feel confident about their hair and appreciate it in all its forms! Here is a list of superb picture books to explore the meaning of hair in all its glory. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, by Derrick D. Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James Hair Twins, by Raakhee Mirchandani, illustrated by Holly Hatam My Hair is Magic!, by M. L. Marroquin, illustrated by Tonya Engel Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison What’s Silly Hair Day with No Hair?, by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Camila Carrossine Laxmi’s Mooch, by Shelly Anand, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali Hair Story, by NoNieqa Ramos, illustrated by Keisha Morris Bodies are Cool, by Tyler Feder I Don’t Want Curly Hair, by Laura Ellen Anderson Under My Hijab, by Hena Khan, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel Princess Hair, by Sharee Miller Bedtime Bonnet, by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers Nowhere Hair, by Sue Glader, illustrated by Edith Buenen Hair Dance!, by Dinah Johnson, photographs by Kelly Johnson Stella’s Stellar Hair, by Yesenia Moises I Love My Haircut!, by Natasha A. Tarpley, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Fun Reads for ALL kids!

Racial and ethnic diversity in children’s literature is an important topic for children, parents, and the people who serve them. There are many books that discuss heavy issues such as race, history, immigration, etc. While these books certainly have their place, we must also remember that reading is fun! Children from all walks of life should be able to see other children from all walks of life having fun, discovering the world around them, and using their imagination. Here are several new titles that feature characters of color that are just about kids being kids. First up, we have Memory Jars, by Vera Brosgol. Freda is devastated when she can’t eat all the delicious blueberries she’s picked. She has to wait a whole year before they’re back, and she doesn’t want to lose them! Then Gran reminds her that they can save blueberries in a jar, as jam. So Freda begins to save all her favorite things. But it turns out that saving everything also means she can’t enjoy anything, and Freda realizes that some things are best saved as memories. This is an adorable and funny story about family, friendship, and memories. I especially love the whimsical and cartoon-like artwork. Next is The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round, by Wendy Wan-Long Shang A lovely variation of “The Wheels on the Bus” song, this book features a Chinese family enjoying a meal and good times together. The artwork has a classic, 1950s feel with bright pictures that will engage your little one. I’m also a fan of books you can sing, and books with onomatopoeia. This title has both! Carpenter’s Helper, by Sybil Rosen and Camile Garoche Join a girl as she helps a mama and papa bird build a nest in her bathroom, hatch their eggs, and teach their babies to fly away. This is a great STEM focused title. We all know that the road to good science starts with discovery, observation, and questioning. Amira’s Picture Day, by Reem Raruqi Ramadan has come to an end, and Amira can’t wait to stay home from school to celebrate Eid. There’s just one hiccup- it’s also school picture day. How can Amira be in two places at once? This book features a Middle-Eastern girl who is super excited about celebrating Eid with her friends and family. Islam is a global faith, and the artwork of this book shows that via children of many ethnicities dressed in their finest holiday attire. Lastly, we have I Am the Subway, by Kim Hyo-eun (translated by Deborah Smith) This is a lovely snapshot into the daily life and hustle and bustle of South Korea. Take a ride on the subway with Mr. Wanju as we meet many people on the train. Don’t hesitate to pick up one or more of these great titles at your nearest library!
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Celebrate or expand your knowledge by checking out some of these books from your local library! Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Jo Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang Drawn Together by Minh Le A Different Pond by Bao Phi The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi No Kimchi for Me! by Aram Kim Hot Pot Night! by Vincent Chen ‘Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park Hush: A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho A Map into the World by Kao Kalia Yang Thread of Love by Kabir Seghal The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins Our Favorite Day by Joowon Oh Puddle by Hyewon Yum Natsumi! by Susan Lendroth Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India by Meera Sriram Ho’onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim
Herstory with Picture Book Biographies

March is Women’s History Month, four weeks dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the accomplishments of women throughout history. Picture book biographies are an excellent way for kids to explore the impact women have had on all areas of society. These real-life stories are inspiring and eye opening; I always learn something new and hope that you will too! Below is a list of new(er) picture book biographies about women who have made significant contributions in art, science, politics, sports, social justice and more, with their perseverance, smarts, charm, and bravery. Check them out at your nearest Heights Libraries branch or online. Exquisite: the Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks written by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins and Her New Deal for America written by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Alexandra Bye It Began with A Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way written by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars by Jodie Parachini, illustrated by Alexandra Badui *published April 1, 2021 Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues written by Leah Henderson, illustrated by George Doutsiopoulos Shaped by Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez written by Anna Harber Freeman, illustrated by Barbara Gonzalez, Aphelandra *published April 1, 2021 There Goes Patti McGee! written by Tootie Nienow, illustrated by Erika Medina We Wait for the Sun written by Katie McCabe, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa Selena: Queen of Tejano Music written by Silvia Lopez, illustrated by Paola Escobar Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist written by Evan Griffith, illustrated by Joanie Stone The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read written by Rita L. Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora The World is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid written and illustrated by Jeannette Winter All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for American with Disabilities Changed Everything written by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali Shirley Chisholm is a Verb! written by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Rachelle Baker Michelle’s Garden: How the First Lady Planted Seeds of Change written and illustrated by Sharee Miller Dumpling Dreams: How Joyce Chen Brought the Dumpling from Beijing to Cambridge written by Carrie Clickard, illustrated by Katy Wu Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston written by Alicia Williams, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and her Family’s Fight for Desegregation written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh Try It! How Frieda Caplan Changed the Way We Eat written by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Giselle Potter A Computer Called Katherine written by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison Send a Girl! The True Story of How Women Joined the FDNY written by Jessica Rinker, illustrated by Meg Hunt R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré written by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines written by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Dow Phumirok
Black History Month

It’s February and with it comes Black History Month! It’s the perfect time to pick up some books and read about the numerous and amazing accomplishments of Black Americans, past and present. Check out some of our favorite titles below: Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez This is the Rope by Jacqueline Woodson Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson Respect: Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, A Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson This is Your Time by Ruby Bridges Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim
Library, Cedar Lee District collaborate on holiday Storywalk®

Heights Libraries and the Cedar Lee District are pleased to announce their collaboration on the neighborhood’s first Storywalk®, featuring the timeless children’s favorite The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats. A Storywalk® is a family-friendly, outdoor activity where pages of a book are presented along a popular walking route for people to read in order as they move through the neighborhood. The reproduced pages of the book are featured in windows along Lee Road at local merchants S’Wonderful Gifts, Dewey’s Pizza, CLE Urban Winery, Heights Arts, The Wine Spot, Voodoo Brewery, Atma Center, and the Lee Road branch of Heights Libraries. The installation of the Heights Libraries-Cedar Lee District Storywalk® coincides with the beginning of the holiday shopping season, specifically Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and last until January 4, to finish out the holidays. “We wanted to find a way to promote our local businesses and offer our families a fun, safe holiday activity, too,” said Kelley Robinson, director of the Cedar Lee Special Improvement District, or SID. “We hope that while families are enjoying the story, they’ll do some holiday shopping in the district.” Robinson added, “I think folks will appreciate a reason to get outdoors, especially with so many of the wee ones learning from home this year due to COVID-19. Household groups can walk together safely, while easily maintaining a safe distance from others.” Heights Libraries hopes the Storywalk® will also inspire families to make books, movies, and music from the library part of their holiday routines. “With school winter breaks heading our way, we hope our community remembers to stock up on books and movies while everyone is home,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “Even though our buildings are closed, customers can still pick up books and movies curbside, and also enjoy our free online streaming services for music, movies and TV shows and eBooks and audiobooks through Overdrive and other services.” Levin continued, “The Library is happy to create this beautiful display for families and to partner with the SID once again to promote Small Business Saturday.” Story Walk stops, in book order: 1. S’Wonderful Gifts, 2254 Lee Road 2. Dewey’s Pizza, 2194 Lee Road 3. CLE Urban Winery, 2180 Lee Road 4. Heights Arts, 2175 Lee Road 5. The Wine Spot, 2271 Lee Road 6. Voodoo Brewery, 2279 Lee Road 7. Atma Center, 2319 Lee Road 8. Heights Libraries Lee Road branch (Lee Road side), 2345 Lee Road The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Social Media and Children

If your teen or tween child were to say to you that they were on TikTok or Kik or Tinder, would you know what they were talking about? Would you as a parent know whether what they were doing was safe? I’m lucky in that when my children started getting an online presence, there wasn’t much social media for them to get into. They had to use the family PC, which was in the family room so that my wife and I could watch their every move. With today’s tablets and smart phones, it’s my grandchildren that I worry about. Your child can be on many different social media sites without your knowledge and certainly not when you are watching. In this blog post, we will give you resources to know what is out there and what you need to know to help you guide your children through the social media minefield of criminals, child predators, cyberbullies, and more. Let’s start with learning what apps are out there and are popular with today’s teens. Here a few links to some good websites that can give you some guidance to your child’s online activity. A Complete Guide to Potentially Dangerous Apps All Parents Should Be Aware Of 18 Social Media Apps and Sites Kids Are Using Right Now The Most Popular Apps for Teenagers: What’s Hot, What’s Not Top Apps Teens are Using Right Now Now that we know what is out there and what is popular right now (which may not be the case next week, month or year), what can you do as a parent to help avoid the pitfalls that these social media sites present to you children? Most experts agree that communication is the key, and knowledge is power. Get to know the social media sites that your kids are using. Set up an account, cruise around the site, and educate yourself on what each offers and how kids are using it. Be familiar with sites’ age restrictions and know that kids can easily get around them. If you have a child under the age of 13, check the browser history and all apps on their device. If you see something like Facebook listed, assume your child has created an account. Talk to them about why the age requirement exists and how it might be a good idea for them to hold off on joining. Talk to your children and try to keep an open line of communication. Let them know it is okay for them to talk to you about whatever is going on. Since many of the social media apps allow users to post anonymously, child predators and cyberbullies flourish in those environments. It may be hard for you as a parent to have these types of conversation (no parent wants to have adult-type conversations with their children even if your children are adults!), but if your child is armed with the knowledge that a trusted caregiver has their back, and they can trust you to help and not lecture them about a problem, that is something very powerful. The most important thing is to be proactive in your child’s online activities, not reactive. This site not only list seven apps that are bad for children, but also gives some great advice on how to be involved. 7 Bad Apps for Kids That You Don’t Want on Their Phones Can I monitor what my child is doing online? How about an app for me to watch them? Yes, there are also apps available to you as a parent to help you monitor your child’s devices. 10 Apps for Parents to Monitor Kids’ Mobile Use Best Apps & Devices To Monitor Your Kids Online Activity 5 Effective Safety Apps for Parents of Tweens/Teens Surely there must be some apps out there that my child can be on without fearing the worst for them, right? Yes, there is, and here are a few websites that tell you about the good apps out there. Best Social Media Apps for Kids Social Networks Made for Children Yes, social media can be scary, but hopefully you, with the information we’ve put forward here, are better equipped to help guide your children successfully through the social media minefield and keep them safe.

Locations & Hours

About the Library

Library Happenings

Collections

Outreach

Computers & Tech

Other Services

Special

Classroom Visits

Our Collection

Programs

Online Resources