Check out this month’s recommendations for upcoming events at the library and around town, and new picture books for children up to 5 years old and their families, curated by the Youth Services Department.
Princeton Children’s Book Festival!
You don’t want to miss this annual event on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nearly 80 acclaimed authors and illustrators in children’s literature gather on Hinds Plaza to meet, interact with and sign books for young readers. An “instrument petting zoo” set up by Princeton Symphony Orchestra will feature a variety of instruments for the public to handle. Book sales are handled by jaZams with 20 percent of the proceeds donated to the library’s Youth Services Department. Hinds Plaza, rain or shine. Co-sponsored by the library and jaZams.
This four-week special story time session for children ages 6 months to 5 years will be in the third floor Story Room at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2. Happy Hands teaches American Sign Language vocabulary, speech, and expression through multi-sensory learning. Signing helps promote verbal communication and encourage reading skills and can have amazing results with children who have speech and communication challenges. This program will empower communication by teaching a broad base of ASL vocabulary that can be used immediately. Children, including babies, have the capacity to understand, learn, and communicate before they develop the ability to speak. Co-presented by the library and Happy Hands.
Palmer Square is proud to present its second annual Music Fest on Sunday, Sept. 15. This family-friendly event features two stages with no shortage of amazing tunes: folk bands, Irish bands, jazz ensembles, country sets, and rock & roll. Enjoy the music along with food and beverages provided by Palmer Square vendors, as well as retail offerings and activity tables. Fun for all ages!
“Pigeon Has To Go To School!” by Mo Willems
The pigeon is back! And now he HAS to go to school…but of course he doesn’t want to. He already knows EVERYTHING! The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet, heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him. Another laugh-out-loud picture book featuring Mo Willems’ stubborn, crafty pigeon that will delight your preschooler. And just in time for starting school!
An adorable new picture book by beloved author/illustrator Amy Schwartz that celebrates babies as they play, make trouble, think, and take a nap. Not only is this a perfect book to cuddle and share with your own baby, but also a lovely gift to give anyone welcoming a new addition to their family.
Photo courtesy of Princeton Public Library.