Picture Books

[close] "Our Global Neighborhood: Celebrating Diversity and Community" is a bookshelf aimed at teaching children living in Japan about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Through a selection of books that feature characters from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and identities, this bookshelf invites children to explore the rich diversity of our world and to celebrate what makes us all unique. It emphasizes the importance of community and the idea that we are all part of a global neighborhood. Whether your child is just starting to learn about different cultures or already has a deep interest in the world around them, "Our Global Neighborhood" is a wonderful resource for fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of connection to the wider world.

[close] This is a group for those who want to take on the less-daunting task of reading all of the books from Julia Eccleshare's 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. Decidedly easier than 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, the books on this list still pack plenty of emotion, philosophy, and fun. Feel free to share thoughts on these books, as well as experiences you've had reading these books to your child. Also, if you do not have access to Julia Eccleshare's guide, please browse the bookshelves to see our group's focus. And now, the Amazon description of the book: "This is the best and most authoritative guide to classic and contemporary children’s literature today. It is the latest in the best-selling 1001 series, and its informative reviews are the key to differentiating the "must-read" books from all the rest in the realm of children’s books. Whether you are a parent seeking to instill a love of reading in your child, an educator or counselor looking for inspiration, or a young reader with a voracious appetite, this guide to the best writing for children and young adults covers the spectrum of children’s literature. It is organized by age group—from board books to YA novels and all the gradations in between. Each entry features evaluations by a team of international critics complete with beautifully reproduced artwork from the featured title. The beloved classics are here, but the guide also takes a global perspective and includes the increasingly diverse contributions from African American and Latino authors and illustrators—not to mention important books from around the world."

[close] Childhood is a magical time and young minds need to loved and nurtured.

[close] A group especially for discussing good books to use in youth programs or in readers advisory!