We visited the West Los Angeles Regional Library, located near UCLA. This is branch number 27. This is a big deal since this branch puts us at a numeral palindrome of our library adventure 27/72! Also, Riley is now 22 months old . . . and I am 040 years old.
Anyway, we beelined straight for the stuffed animals in the children’s section.
We found some books and started to read while in the library, the first one being a very small book of The Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter. This little book is full of fun sounds.
The next book, which ended up being a favorite that we read several times during the week, was Pup and Bear by Kate Banks and illustrated by Naoko Stoop. I was quite moved by this little story about animals adopting and caring for other animals.
The Graphic Alphabet by David Pelletier was a cool take on our letters, and also a Caldecott Honor Book.
Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Richard Jones was out on display (thankfully) and reminds us that winter is coming. . . A beautiful reminder for those of us who live in Los Angeles and are having 80F weather at the end of January.
The Cow Who Climbed A Tree by Gemma Merino was a very uplifting story about trying new things.
Jumanji written and illustrated by Chris Van Allburg, winner of the Caldecott Medal, was another book we chose off the shelf at random. It just so happens that there is a movie out based on it right now.
Riley really liked Maisy’s Amazing Big Book of Words by Lucy Cousins – opening and closing the flaps and looking at the bright pictures . . . She also enjoyed playing my ukulele during the music pages.
We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty and illustrated by Ryan Wheatcroft was a favorite too, with beautiful words and images.
Thank goodness for all of these books. Thank goodness for photographs that can hopefully convey some of the wonders that these books bring to Riley — when my energy level and words fail to accurately describe them.
Thank you LAPL for another fun library visit. Check out the West Los Angeles Regional Library for upcoming events – such as Travis Taft Origami Workshop by LA Made on February 10, 2018 at 2pm. There is always Toddler/Preschool Storytime on Wednesdays at 10am as well.
And — in the midst of unsettling news cycles — I am happy to hear about LAPL’s New Americans Initiative! LAPL’s New Americans Centers and New Americans Welcome Stations have in-person assistance, study materials and provide access to a variety of helpful services and resources — providing important information about immigration and citizenship. The New Americans Centers are located at Central Library, plus the Pacoima, Junipero Serra and Wilmington Branches.
There is always a spark of hope in the library, no matter what we are all going through or what the local news is reporting. Be kind to each other out there, and visit your library.