We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families.
Black History Month Books for Little Kids
February is Black History Month. Check out this Youth Services staff-curated list of picture books for young children that feature notable African Americans, past and present, and celebrate stories by Black authors and illustrators that capture the diverse experiences of Black families and children. You can also visit us in the Virtual Story Room as we share picture books created by Black authors and illustrators with interactive read-alouds. Learning about Black history and seeing authentic Black representation is important for all kids to see, no matter their skin color or age, all year round.
Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual February event that brings people around the world together to watch, learn about, count and celebrate birds, takes place this year from Feb. 18-21. All ages are invited to join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the event, a collaboration between the Cornell Ornithology Lab, the Audubon Society and Birds Canada/Oiseaux Canada. The library is hosting a variety of programs and activities to promote the discovery of New Jersey birds (there are more than 430 species) and get the community involved in a little citizen science to help create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Families with young children are especially invited to join the Bird Migration Game on Saturday, Feb. 12 on Hinds Plaza with educators from the Watershed Institute. Families can drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for this in-person, outdoor event geared towards kids ages 4-12. The activity takes approximately 20 minutes and registration is not required. The library will also be offering a “Take and Make” owl craft for families to bring home that day during library hours.
Old Fashioned Valentine’s Day at Howell Living History Farm
The air may be chilly, but the wintry landscape of Howell Living History Farm in nearby Hopewell Township is the perfect setting for a heartwarming Valentine’s Day ride on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Families and groups can snuggle into a bobsled or hay wagon pulled by a handsome team of drafts. No matter the hitch, the horses will be wearing their finest bells. At the farmhouse, there will be soup on the stove, and a children’s craft program from 11 to 3 p.m. for a small materials fee. Mask wearing and socially distancing practices will be in place.
Toddler Time at Stuart
Stuart Country Day School in Princeton is hosting a series of free programs for babies and toddlers ages 0-4 years old and their caregivers on select Thursdays from 9:00-9:45 a.m. The next event is scheduled for Feb. 24, STEM Adventures: Tinker and toy with science fun. Register online to join the fun.
Off-Limits by Helen Yoon
Glorious rolls of tape! Delightful paper clips and binder clips! Wonderful post-it notes! This laugh-out-loud picture book celebrates the temptations of off-limit office supplies in Daddy’s off-limits home office. Perfect for sharing with your own office supplies-obsessed little rascal.
Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash