Now that 2026 has kicked off, that means it’s time for our Handprint Calendar again!
The library is continuing our tradition of providing a handprint calendar just for you. Not only do these calendars make great gifts, but they’re also a handy way to document family milestones.
Celebrate the new year by printing off a 2026 DBRL handprint calendar to decorate with the little ones in your life. (We recommend using a thicker paper, like cardstock.) These calendars make great gifts for loved ones or special keepsakes to record milestones and accomplishments in 2026.
To prepare, gather these materials:
- Paint
- Non-toxic ink pads & stamps
- Crayons
- Markers
- Colored Pencils
- Stickers
Continue reading “Handprint Calendar 2026”
It’s pre-autumn! I’m very ready to wear all the cozy things and drink all the hot tea, but the weather hasn’t obliged me yet. No themes from me this month, but I hope your school year is off to a good start!
Picture Books
“Found You!” written by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Sylvia Morris
“Ready or not, here I come!” A little boy finds the perfect hiding spot for hide-and-seek, but it might be a little too good. As all the others are found, and the group heads outside to keep searching, he worries that he’ll never be discovered. This book perfectly captures all the emotional highs and lows of the game and will be very relatable for little ones. Before reading this, I had forgotten how unnerving it can be when you’re waiting in the dark to be found! And if this anxiety rings true in your child, might I suggest a game of Sardines? Reverse hide-and-seek is a perfect way to alleviate the concern about hiding alone. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: September Favorites 2025”
Summer is coming to an end, and we’re gearing up for another school year, but there is always time for a simple craft activity! For this one, you will need some basic art supplies and a desire to add a pop of color to your home or to brighten a friend’s day! I made a bauble with four different fruits, but you could choose to make something with an individual fruit, a rainbow or just your favorite colors.
Continue reading “DIY Fruit Bauble”
Do you need a book to read under a shady tree this summer? Or under a shady…air conditioner vent? No judgment! Either way, try one of these new books. My unofficial theme this month is siblings, so maybe share that perfect reading spot with a sibling—or at least share a favorite book if you both would rather have your own space!
Picture Books
“I Got You” written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Ever since Rasheed can remember, his big brother Anthony has been there for him. Anthony taught him how to build, demolish and rebuild block towers, and how to button his own shirt for church. He comforted him during thunderstorms and showed him how to ride a bike. Anthony has always been there, reassuring him with the words, “I got you.” As the boys grow older, Rasheed learns that it’s okay if they don’t spend all their time together; their love and bond will still be strong. When their parents announce a new addition to the family, Rasheed is thrilled to become the kind of steady and loving big brother that Anthony has always been for him. I feel like there are a lot of books out there about resolving sibling conflict, but I love that this book focuses on secure, joyful connections. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: July Favorites 2025”
Summer is (unofficially) here! If you haven’t already started your Summer Reading, make sure you do so. As always, a good book is its own reward, but we also have some fabulous prize drawings to offer a little extra motivation. And if you need book ideas, I’ve got some wonderful new books coming out this month!
Picture Books
“There’s Something Odd About the Babysitter” written by Elayne Crain and illustrated by John Ledda
Freddie is tired of a long string of lackluster babysitters. Whether too strict or too uninvolved, Freddie hasn’t liked a single one. So he doesn’t have high hopes for the evening, until he takes a closer look at the new babysitter. There’s something odd about them, but at least they’re not boring! After seeing them wash their hands in the dog’s bowl before preparing a dinner of garbage, Freddie realizes the new sitter might need a little help. Together, they turn the evening around and turn the sitter’s first job into an unqualified success! While the sitter is literally three raccoons in a trenchcoat, the narration never explicitly states this, and kids will love being in on the joke. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: June Favorites 2025”
I’ve got some great new books for you this month! I always like to look for accidental themes in my picks, and this month it’s family. From learning to take on new roles and responsibilities to appreciating time with loved ones, these books all touch on the importance of family.
Picture Books
“Little Big Man” written by Varian Johnson and illustrated by Reggie Brown
Elijah is looking forward to flying his new kite with Daddy this weekend! But a newborn baby in the house means everyone has a bit more work to do — and Daddy asks Elijah if he can be his helper. The little big man steps up and helps Daddy as they complete various jobs around their house and for their neighbors. Finally, Elijah reminds Daddy that it’s important to take breaks sometimes, too, and the whole family enjoys time outside together flying their kite. A lot of new sibling stories focus on feelings of jealousy or uncertainty, but I love that this book addresses positive ways to take responsibility and show love to others. The father is a fantastic role model for his son, guiding him adeptly through big life changes.
Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: May Favorites 2025”
So…you’ve got a curious, intelligent, creative, wonderful kiddo who doesn’t seem particularly interested in reading. It can be frustrating to handle this as a caregiver, especially when you yourself are a literature lover. While we can recognize that many people, including children, genuinely aren’t interested in reading, we can also understand that it’s still a crucial skill that needs to be practiced. It helps us build our language skills and explore worlds and circumstances we never would otherwise. I am of the opinion that there’s a book out there for everyone and that once it’s found, the floodgates open. But how on earth can we encourage literary exploration with kiddos who simply aren’t interested?
It’s a lot more fun than it might seem — we encourage their language development, we set a good example, and we have fun with it. Like anything else in caregiving, we find out where their needs are so that we can meet them where they’re at. In this blog, I’d like to focus on small-action, big-impact choices we can make to better our children’s and students’ relationship with reading.
1. Talk, talk, TALK! Continue reading “5 Ways to Foster a Love of Reading”
We’re off to a great start of new books this year! If you haven’t signed up for Winter Reading yet and you need some inspiration, I’ve got some wonderful options for you. We’ve got characters who learn about community and connection, as well as detectives who solve cases both high profile and low. Enjoy!
Picture Books
“The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share” by Steve Small
Hare loves his turnips and has no intention of sharing them with anyone. When rabbits move in next door, the other animals are eager to help them get settled in and bring food to share. The rabbits generously cook a big stew for everyone, which baffles Hare. Why would they share when they have so little? Later, when he’s tending his garden, Hare has a run in with a fierce boar who steals his turnips and is heading for the rabbits’ carrots next. Hare turns his selfishness into selflessness, and realizes the joy that can be found in community. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: February Favorites 2025”
My favorite spot in my home is located right in my living room. I love having my blanket and cuddling up on the couch. My youngest and I ‘cheer’ (me with my coffee cup, his with his sippy) and we will dive in with our cozy reads.
As brutal as winter can be, it reminds us it’s a good time to rest. Between being newly back to school and then in the thick of the fall season, we have collectively had to be somewhere in the last few months. Now is a great time to just be still. At least as still as we can with little ones, right?
Here are a few recommendations for some cozy reads to share with your family. My hope for your family is to enjoy some much-needed cozy time in this winter season.
For the family who likes to browse the library on a wintery Saturday: This bookshop is drawing to a close one evening and the owner is wishing her shop goodnight. There are plenty of hidden details throughout the pages — see if you can spot the hidden glasses and the forgotten hat. With such rich detail, it is fun to look over the pages to see what you can find. Continue reading “Cozy Reading”
It is almost time to wish 2024 goodbye and welcome in 2025. Which can only mean —
It’s handprint calendar time again! Download your own handprint calendar that you can enjoy all year! It’s recommended to print your calendar on cardstock for the best results. You will want something sturdy to support all of your amazing creations. Having your kiddo dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting messy or stained is also a good idea.
What you’ll need:
- Paint or a non-toxic stamp pad
- Crayons or markers
- Wet wipes or towels to help with cleaning up
Not only does the paint have to dry, but sometimes the kiddos (and us adults, let’s be honest here😅) run out of steam as well. This project may take multiple sessions, and that is alright! When the paint does dry and it’s time for a second round, you can take markers or crayons to add flair to your calendar. You can use buttons or googly 👀 to make faces on your handprints. The ideas are endless. Be as creative as you’d like!
Here are some guidelines if you would like ideas to get started. How you would like your 2025 handprint calendar to look is completely up to you!
For more ideas check out these book recommendations:
“Fingerprint Bugs” by Bobbie Nuytten
“Drawing With Your Fingerprints” by Godeleine de Rosamel
No matter how you create your calendar, you will have memories to reflect on year after year. Happy 2025! ✨🎉
