For Kids
Librarian Resources
Quicklinks: Collection Development Resources | Programming Resources | Additional Resources for Serving Children in Public Libraries
Collection Development Resources
Related Databases
Books in Print »
Find publisher-verified information on all U.S. books in print. Books in Print contains in-print and forthcoming books, and books declared out-of-print or out-of-stock since 1979.
NoveList »
Help readers find new works of fiction to explore based on their favorite titles, authors, subjects and genres.
NoveList K-8 »
Help out younger patrons find books on every level, from picture books to books for teens. Searches can be narrowed by age or grade level and by Lexile Reading Level. This database also includes BookTalks, Book Discussion Guides, Picture Book Extenders, recommended read-alikes, and much more.
Professional Journals
Booklist Online »
Includes reviews (searchable by topic, audience, date, "starred review," etc.) of both fiction and nonfiction as well as columns from the magazine and has a "find similar titles" feature.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books »
This journal, from the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, not only reviews children's books, but also creates monthly themed booklists and a yearly Blue Ribbons list of their choices for the best books of the previous years. Full text reviews are available online through Proquest Reseach Library.
The Horn Book »
The oldest review journal in America has more than 80,000 searchable reviews, along with articles on using books, interviews with authors and illustrators, editorials, and co-sponsors the yearly Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards. Full text issues available via EBSCO Magazines & Journals database.
Publisher's Weekly »
Find the latest news on the publishing industry as well as a searchable archive of reviews back to 1987. Watch for the spring and fall previews in the "Children’s" section and the Best Children’s Books of the year chosen by PW’s editors.
School Library Journal Online »
Up to the minute news, innovative programming ideas, and, of course, reviews for librarians working with children and young adults. Visit the Reviews Center (with your SLJ subscription) to find reviews from Library Journal, School Library Journal, The Horn Book, and Junior Library Guild.
Voice of Youth Advocates »
Find out what’s hot in the world of teen books and programming, including reviews, booklists, author interviews and online exclusives.
Additional Resources
America Reads Spanish »
Sponsored by the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade and the Spanish Association of Publishers Guilds, this site offers reviews, in English, of books written in Spanish for children and adults.
Books from the Chicago Sun-Times »
Find book reviews and local literary events.
Chicago Tribune Children's Book Reviews »
Collected reviews of children's books written by Mary Harris Russell.
Children's Book Council »
Find news, events and reading lists, including Children’s Choices (cosponsored with the International Reading Association), from the national association for children’s book publishers and the sponsor of Children’s Book Week.
Cooperative Children's Book Center »
The library of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin offers information on books for children and young adults and resources on intellectual freedom. Discover their extensive bibliographies and booklists, including the yearly CCBC Choices, Shelf Stories podcasts, discussion boards, book discussion guidelines, and be sure to check out the book of the week.
EarlyWord: The Publisher-Librarian Connection »
Want to know what the next hot book will be? Find links to publisher catalogs, best books lists, the latest “Books to Movies” info and much more! Follow Lisa Von Drasek’s blog for the newest in Children’s and Young Adult books.
National Public Radio Books »
Listen to author interviews, read reviews and find booklists featured on National Public Radio.
The New York Times Best Sellers Lists »
Find out what the best selling picture books, chapter books, paperback books, and series are each week from the New York Times.
Programming Resources
Helpful Websites
Dr. Seuss' Seussville »
Year-round activities, based on books by Dr. Seuss, can be found in the Educator’s section of this interactive site.
Día: Many Children, Many Cultures, Many Books! »
Celebrate books, reading, and families every day of the year (Resource Guide and Book List included)!
Great Group Games »
Discover over 100 games and activities to add play into your story programs.
FamilyFun »
Everything you need to create fun and easy programs for any time of the year.
Kaboose: Activities for Children »
With the searchable “Craft Finder,” you will be able to find activities for any age or time of year.
SurLaLune Storytime »
Find complete story time programs, including books, songs, and flannel boards, covering over 50 themes, as well as nursery rhyme ideas and story time tips.
TeachingBooks.net »
Use this free resource to create fun and interactive elementary-aged book discussions.
Helpful eBooks
101 Rhythm Instrument Activities »
Introduce rhythm instruments into story programs with these fun and easy lessons.
ABC, Follow Me! »
A practical e-book covering the basics of phonemic awareness with lessons plans on letter and sound recognition to help build the foundation for an effective reading program in the library.
Art with Anything »
A years worth of fun and easy art projects, made from just about anything, for 4- to 10-year-olds.
Encyclopedia of Infant and Toddler Activities: For Children Birth to 3 »
Easily integrate over 300 activities into story programs specifically for infants through 2-year-olds.
Science is Simple »
These simple, literature-based, science activities will encourage your youngest explorers to full discover their world.
Seven Skills for School Success »
Learn practical information about the seven skills and activities that can be incorporated into programming to help children become life-long learners.
What Does a Lion Say? »
Use these language games and book suggestions to add playfulness into literacy skill building programs.
Additional Resources for Serving Children in Public Libraries
Professional Organizations
American Library Association »
The home of the largest and oldest library association in the world includes information on conferences and events, online learning, professional tools, and much more. Also link to the Association for Library Service to Children, the Young Adult Library Services Association, and the Public Library Association.
Butler Children's Literature Center: Dominican University »
Dedicated to the assisting adults in engaging children and young adult in a life-long love of books, the center offers professional development programs, including a monthly book discussion (Butler Book Banter), conferences, and a access to books published in the United States for review by adults.
Center for Children's Books »
Part of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Center works to keep librarians connected to children’s and young adult literature. Find links to a full calendar of activities, including the Edible Book Festival, resources, including the PUBYAC listserv, and the Gryphon Award for and exemplary work of fiction or non-fiction written primarily for children in Kindergarten through fourth grade.
Children's Literature Association »
This association encourages the scholarly study of literature for children and young adults.
Illinois Library Association »
The association for library services in the state of Illinois.
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators »
This non-profit organization is a network for writers, illustrators, publishers, and anyone who works with children’s and young adult literature. The Illinois Chapter has information on local classes and conferences and a listing of new books by Illinois authors.
United States Board on Books for Young People »
USBBY is the U.S. section of the International Board on Books for Young People, the sponsor of the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and International Children’s Book Day.
Helpful Information
Competencies for Librarians Serving Children in Public Libraries »
ALSC recommends these standards for all library staff working with children ages 0 to 14 in a Public Library setting.
Library Accessibiltiy Guides »
These Library Accessibility Guides are useful tools to prepare and support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ensure that they have a safe and positive experience at their library.
Six Early Literacy Skills »
The six early literacy skills were developed as part of the Every Child Ready to Read @ your library program of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, divisions of the American Library Association.
- Print Motivation: An Interest in and enjoyment of books and reading.
- Letter Knowledge: Recognizing letters and knowing the names of letters. Knowing letters are different from each other and related to sounds.
- Phonological Awareness: The ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.
- Vocabulary: Knowing the names of objects as well as concepts, feelings, and ideas.
- Narrative Skills: The ability to describe things, talk about events, and tell stories.
- Print Awareness: Knowing how books work and how to handle them. Recognizing that print is all around and that words represent things.