1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Track progress online with Beanstack or a printable log. If you have questions, email us at 1000books@bcpl.org.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails one free high-quality, age appropriate book each month to children from birth to age 5.
Tales Birthday Club
Children up to 5 years old are eligible to register for the Tales Birthday Club. During the month of their birthday, children will receive a card in the mail! Bring your Tales Birthday Card to any BCPL location to get the card stamped and receive a birthday gift.
Access Video - Just for Kids!
Stream many favorite children's programs and PBS favorites, such as Sesame Street, The Electric Company, Arthur, Reading Rainbow, and much, much more!
ComicsPlus for Kids
A growing collection of digital comics, graphic novels, and Manges specially curated for kids!
Explora for Kids
New Picture Books
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Is It Spring?
Indie Bestseller
If one day buds bloom and birds chirp, and the next day a late snow falls from the sky, is it spring? Will it ever be spring? An evergreen, child-friendly picture book that explores themes of patience, hope, the seasons, and nature by the New York Times bestseller and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes.
A flower in the garden down the street. Birds in the sky. Buds on the branches in the park. It must be spring.
But wait! What is this icy gust of wind? Why are snowflakes falling from heavy gray clouds? Will it ever be spring? Yes, says the sun. Just be patient.
Kevin Henkes, the #1 New York Times bestseller who has been awarded the Caldecott Medal, two Caldecott Honors, two Newbery Honors, two Geisel Honors, the Children's Literature Lecture Award, and Children's Literature Legacy Award, among numerous other honors, has created a masterful and classic picture book that combines an evocative call-and-response text with delicate and lovely illustrations. Readers will be left assured that the sun--and spring--will always come again.
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Chicka Chicka Peep Peep
A New York Times bestseller!
It’s time for spring in this companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and the letters peep something hidden up in the tree…
A asked B
and B asked C,
“What’s up there
in the pretty pink tree?”
Everyone’s favorite alphabet crew is ready to hop to the occasion and sniff out the surprise, with the help of some fuzzy new friends. Celebrate springtime in this colorful romp that will have everyone chanting—and hopping!—along. -
All Bodies Are Good Bodies
Bold and beautiful, loud and proud, All Bodies are Good Bodies is an uplifting board book about different body features and types. Through playful rhyme, it promotes the development of body acceptance and celebrates inclusivity and individuality.
I love hands!
Hands that are white and hands that are brown,
Freckles mean sunshine has sent kisses down.
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Thank You, Snow
When we say yes to exploring nature, we discover so many reasons to smile and say, "Thank You."
Thank You, Snow follows a young girl as she enjoys the magic of a snowy day. Overcoming her hesitation to leave the cozy warmth of home, she ventures with her family into the neighborhood. They notice how the snow sounds crunchy under their feet, how it feels cold and wet on their faces, and how it looks like glitter falling through the air. They share their gratitude for nature's gifts--the sparkling snowflakes, the scent of evergreen trees, and even their breath forming clouds in the crisp air. Through mindfulness, togetherness, and play, the girl feels a deepening sense of gratitude.
Thank You, Snow:
- Celebrates snow and promotes appreciation for nature in all seasons
- Helps children practice optimism, mindfulness, gratitude, and connection
- Includes continued conversation questions on the story's themes and suggestions for practicing mindfulness and gratitude
Thank You, Snow shows how to embrace new experiences and use our senses to connect with the natural world.
Thank You, Snow is part of the Thank You, World series featuring lyrical stories about appreciating nature, connecting with our senses, and being present in the moment. These soothing books help young readers let go of stress, observe without judgment, and remain optimistic.
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A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ BookPage, starred review
Hungry as always, Bear finally feasts on DONUTS in his third picture book adventure. With delightful art, perfect rhyme, and the series’ indelible screwball appeal, A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van will have everyone in stitches and demanding repeat readings!
Everyone’s favorite hungry bear is back! This time Bear discovers a van full of donuts—YUM! Bear climbs in the van, but the unsuspecting donut man doesn't see what's going on. Until... he looks in his rear view mirror, and OMG!!! What should a donut man do when a bear is eating donuts in his van?
Here is a road trip neither bear nor man will ever forget—with mooses, traffic jams, and a giant forest donut spill. With mayhem and fun on every page, the critically acclaimed duo of Daniel Bernstrom and Brandon James Scott are at their best in this high-stakes joyride through millions of donuts, perfect for toddlers and new readers alike. -
Blues Boy: the B. B. King Story
From his childhood in the Jim Crow South to his triumphant reign as the King of Blues, Blues Boy tells the aspirational story of American music icon B.B. King. For readers of Trombone Shorty, When Marian Sang, and Drum Dream Girl. Includes a timeline, author's note, and suggestions for reading and listening.
At twelve years old, Riley B. King borrowed fifteen dollars from his boss to buy a used guitar. Before long, he was playing his music for jubilant crowds all over the world. Blues Boy chronicles B. B. King's inspiring journey from his childhood in the Jim Crow South to global stardom. It is a compelling biography about the widely known and celebrated American music figure as well as a beautifully illustrated picture book with themes of family, community, history, kindness, empathy, and justice.
Acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan makes B.B. King's story both accessible and inspiring for young readers. The text is sometimes uplifting and sometimes heart-wrenching, but always carries emotional depth, much like the music it celebrates. Illustrator and visual artist Carl Joe Williams provides artwork that is rich and distinctive, bringing B.B. King's story to life on every page. Blues Boy will find a place on the shelf with books like Trombone Shorty and Radiant Child. Includes backmatter.
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Peg's Egg
A hilarious story about making a mistake and learning to laugh at yourself.
One day, as Peg is running around chasing butterflies, she comes upon an egg! What is it doing out in the field by itself?! It's a big egg, and she wonders what it could be! A turtle? An ostrich? A DRAGON?
Peg takes her role of caretaker of the egg very seriously. She keeps the egg warm, protects it from the dog and the rain, sings it songs, and patiently waits for something to hatch. Until she discovers it's not an egg at all. Oh no! Peg is so embarrassed. How could she have made such a ridiculous mistake?
With similarly funny antics to Jo Renfro's Peg Gets Crackin' and Peg Gets Plucky, this new story is perfect for showing how humor and laughter can help overcome embarrassing moments.
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Plenty of Pancakes
From the creators of Dozens of Doughnuts comes a lively take on friendship, springtime, and counting by fives.
Opossum Topsy is preparing a "Welcome Spring!" meal for her bear friend LouAnn, who has been asleep all winter long. She's brought milk, eggs, berries, and syrup, and soon she has five perfect pancakes, fresh from the pan. But when Topsy's back is turned—MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH!—she discovers someone has eaten all of the pancakes! No problem, she'll just make more, counting out five at a time. But then, it happens again! Who could the thief be?
Whether it's squirrels, or crows, or someone else swiping the food, Topsy knows she doesn't have much time left before hungry LouAnn wakes up. And it will take the help of all her animal friends to get the feast done in time. Can they make enough pancakes to feed everyone? -
It's Spring!
Ring in spring with #1 New York Times bestselling artist Renée Kurilla's ode to the season, from bees and blooms to Easter egg hunts, Passover seders, and a big hug on Mother's Day!
Bulbs are blooming, robins sing. Nature's waking up--it's spring!
Slide on your splashy rain boots! Bring on the flowers and fresh air! It's time for hiking, biking, and kite-flying--it's spring! This bright, rhyming follow-up to It's Fall! and It's Winter! by a #1 New York Times bestselling artist is the perfect way to celebrate all the joy this happy season has to offer.
Celebrate the seasons with more books by Renée Kurilla:
It's Fall!
It's Winter! -
I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Dubbed "the Internet's librarian"— and now host of the relaunched Reading Rainbow — Mychal Threets invites all to take a look and find themselves at the library! Perfect for little readers who are regular visitors and those who might be stepping into the stacks for the first time.
Welcome to the library!
It’s a place just for you! There are activities, movies, games, and SO. MANY. STORIES. Best of all, it’s a place where you will always belong.
Take a tour of the library with the internet’s favorite librarian, Mychal Threets! This heartwarming debut picture book from Mychal extends an invitation to anyone who could use a little library joy and a reminder that libraries are for everyone.
New Graphic Novels for Kids
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PAWS: The Trouble with Leo
The girls of PAWS have a bone to pick with a group of rival dog walkers in the fifth book of this heartwarming and hilarious graphic novel series that is the Baby-Sitters Club for pets!
It's been seven whole dog years of PAWS (or just one if you're a human), and business is at an all-time high! But after a regrettable run-in with Gabby's arch-nemesis, Leo, things take an unfortunate turn. The two have an argument and Leo leaves the girls with an ominous message: "You're not the only one who can walk dogs..."
It's not long before the girls notice flyers advertising a new dog walking business, SCAMPS. Sure enough, Leo and friends Brandon and Nolawi are behind it. And when Gabby and Mindy take some not-so-righteous retribution on these PAWS copycats, what could just be a little healthy competition turns into an all-out turf war.
In the midst of it all, Mindy gets stuck doing a group project with Brandon, bringing her face to face with the enemy. But is it possible they have more in common than not? As the battle between the two groups escalates, and neither side is playing fair, the girls are forced to reconsider who the true villain of this story might really be. -
The Lair of the Owl King
"PAWSSIBLY the sweetest books on the shelf!"
-- Ben Clanton, bestselling author of the Narwhal and Jelly series
Follow the antics of Squash and Ginny in the sixth installment of Cat & Cat Adventures from popular webcomic creator Susie Yi! This chapter book graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Catstronauts, Babymouse, and Catwad.
Into the belly of the beast! After recovering the orbs of the Past and Present, Squash, Ginny, and the rest of the crew head to the zoo to secure the Orb of the Future from their greatest enemy yet: the Owl King. But their mission will be no easy feat. After all, the Owl King holds the Orb of the Future, which means he knows their next move even before they do. Their best plan of attack: to have no plan at all!
Armed with nothing but their wits (and some snacks, of course) the Spirit Squad must find a way to rescue the third orb and restore the Staff of Knowledge. If not, the Spirit Realm, Human World, and the future of snacking all hang in the balance!
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Eowulf: The Creature Connection
The second volume in an action-packed graphic novel series starring an iconic new heroine who is a descendant of a legendary monster hunter!
Eowulf Wegmund (descendant of legendary monster hunter Beowulf, of course) can’t wait to escape the suburbs—with their boring chores and rules—to start her new job at Vulcan’s Celestial Supply Shop on the lost island of Celestina. Her first assignment? Deliver the dreaded Helm of Balor to a movie studio and keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Guarding an all-powerful super-weapon from a few monsters-turned-actors should be a piece of cake. Right?
On her first day on the job, Eowulf stumbles on a dark conspiracy involving missing magical creatures. Now, Eowulf and her new monster friends must face an interdimensional evil-doer and stop a cosmic cataclysm! -
Operation: Make a Splash
Nick, Sy, and Violet have the perfect vacation planned, but nothing is going according to plan. Now, they'll have to think fast, get creative, and make a splash in ways they never expected! A fun-filled graphic novel for fans of Cat Kid Comic Club, Hilo, and InvestiGators!
Sy's finally going to prove himself as a pro gamer--if only his dad didn't insist on a father-son fishing excursion instead.
Nick is set to collaborate with his musical hero, DJ French Toast--but their jam session is far from smooth.
And Violet? She signed up for Comic Design Camp . . . so why is she suddenly the star of the Drama Camp play?
Despite the obstacles, this trio isn't backing down. Together, they're ready to take on every obstacle, sink or swim. After all, school break has only just begun--and it's time to make a splash!
Full of laugh-out-loud moments, big-hearted fun, and cartoonist Tate Godwin's signature style, this graphic novel proves that no mission is impossible when you've got your friends by your side. Perfect for spring break, summer, or any time!
"Charming and colorful and cleverly told. Operation Cover-Up is full of humor and characters that any kid can relate to!" -- John Patrick Green, New York Times bestselling author of the InvestiGATORS series, for Operation: Cover-Up
"Featuring a lively, nonstop narrative arc and precise pastel cartoon art, this humorous graphic novel conveys complex truths about loyalty, identity, and honesty. Godwin employs a split screen-style format early on as Sy and Nick embark on parallel storylines that eventually converge--an inspired way to introduce the protagonists and to help readers realize that everyone, no matter how outwardly confident, feels self-doubt and uncertainty. Hilarious, perceptive, and thoughtful--just like its protagonists." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review, for Operation: Cover-Up
"The kids' world bursts with vibrant color that brings the characters and their surroundings to life with dynamic, youthful exuberance. Playful banter and touching moments of self-discovery showcase the challenges of navigating adolescence--and the importance of having a friend to do it with." - Publisher's Weekly, STARRED review, for Operation: Cover-Up -
Space Chasers: To the Moon
Perfect for fans of Hilo!
Created by real-life astronaut Leland Melvin!
The action-packed space adventure continues!
The team of kids-turned-astronauts are back again and this time they are heading farther than any kid has traveled before...to the moon!
But ever since Steven got back from being injured and going through physical therapy, his friends are acting a little strange. They are extra courteous to him, almost tripping over themselves to help, and stuttering over the wrong words. They mean well but Steven just wants to be treated like a regular member of the team. Plus the moon is an unstable environment, and when moonquakes keep shaking things up, the lives of the entire team are danger. It’ll be up to the kids to trust each other’s wits, capabilities and strengths in order to get through the crisis and get each other home safely.
Crafted by the visionary minds of astronaut Leland Melvin, Joe Caramagna, and Alison Acton, dive into this riveting space odyssey, where the vastness of space tests the bounds of friendship and courage. -
Cats with Jobs Vol. 2
MORE HARD-WORKING CATS!
Imagine a world where cats do all kinds of jobs! They deliver your food, help you in the hospital, and entertain you in so many ways in the second volume of this hilarious full-color comic by the author of Yokai Cats and Monster Cats. -
I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018 (I Survived Graphic Novel #13)
A vividly rendered graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Cassie Anderson.
All across California, deadly wildfires rage . . .
Still reeling from the life-changing challenges that propelled him and his mother across the country, Josh finds solace in the California wilderness and in the newfound friendship with his cousin Holly.
But on a trip into the nearby forest, Josh and Holly suddenly find themselves in the middle of a frighteningly powerful firestorm, one which threatens to burn down everything in its path. Josh needs to confront the family issues burning him up inside, but first he'll have to survive the flames roaring all around him.
Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I SURVIVED series blazes to life in this graphic novel edition. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep readers turning the pages. Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.
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Sweet Valley Twins: Three's a Crowd
The Sweet Valley Twins are no strangers to vying for attention. But when their mom starts focusing on helping a friend, the twins face a tough choice: should they team up against her or make room for someone new in their family?
Dive into the fun and drama of this New York Times bestselling graphic novel series!
The Sweet Valley Twins have a lot of work to do. Between Elizabeth's newspaper articles and Jessica's new celebrity cook book project, there's barely any time for anything else! When their friend Mary decides to help them both, the twins are relieved—but Mary seems more determined to help their mom around the house than them with their work!
Jessica is suspicious that Mary is more interested in Mrs.Wakefield being her new mom than in actually being friends with the twins, but Elizabeth isn't so sure. There has to be a reason why she'd rather be with the Wakefields than at home, right? -
Band Camp! 4: The Big Audition (Band Camp! #4)(A Little Bee Graphic Novel Series for Kids)
The band is excited for the Maestro's performance in the fourth book of this laugh out loud series starring four musical instruments in their first year at Band Camp!
Zook can't contain himself when world renowned composer Maestro Talenti graces the camp with his presence. Zook's big dream is to be the first kazoo to ever be featured in a symphony orchestra, and with the Maestro arriving he sees an opportunity to make that a reality.
But much to Zook's disappointment, the Maestro turns out to be a total snob; he scoffs at the mere suggestion that a kazoo could ever join him on stage. Can the group help Zook convince the Maestro that he can play in tune? -
Investigators: Agents of S.U.I.T.: Sew Much Trouble
"When I'm faced with a Pilkey fan looking to branch out, this graphic novel is the first book I reach for... If eight books aren't enough, the spinoff series, Agents of S.U.I.T., continues the fun." ―The New York Times
More than four million copies in print!
InvestiGators fans, get ready to dive into the fourth volume of Agents of S.U.I.T. with the weirdest mystery yet!
Someone has stolen the Notorious P.I.G. food truck, and with it, Piggy Smalls’s special BBQ sauce! But before Bongo and Marsha can solve the case, they need to solve the problems they’re having with each other. To help them realize what a great team they truly are, General Inspector decides to split them up. He assigns Marsha to work with Cilantro on a super-secret pilot program, and Bongo to work with Sven on a not so-secret reality competition: "Sew You Think You Can Sew!”
But here’s the rub: This season includes a chef challenge, and underground sources say Piggy Smalls's notorious sauce was stolen to help one of the contestants win!
Collect all the books in the bestselling Agents of S.U.I.T. series:
Agents of S.U.I.T.
From Badger to Worse
Wild Ghost Chase
Sew Much Trouble