Journey by Aaron Becker (All Ages) (See also Quest and Return, books 2 and 3)
A lonely young girl uses a magical red marker to draw a door on her bedroom wall. When she goes through the door, she finds herself in another world, where she experiences adventures. Told using intricate illustrations, the girl continues to use her red marker to draw objects that help her on her quest, such as a boat and hot air balloon. Can she find her way home? Don’t miss the two sequels to this book, also available from the library. ▸ Get it at the Library
Chalk by Bill Thomson (All Ages)
It’s a beautiful sunny day when three children go to the park. They find some chalk and begin to draw, but the pictures start to come to life! ▸ Get it at the Library
Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Schaar Idle (All Ages)
Both a wordless and lift-the-flap book, this story shows a young girl and her flamingo friend’s relationship through an elaborate dance. Can these unlikely friends learn to dance in harmony? ▸ Get it at the Library
Bee and Me by Alison Jay (All Ages)
A young girl traps a bumblebee under a cup after she finds it in her room. She gives it some sugar water and sends it back on its way, but the bee keeps returning to see its new friend. What kind of adventure will they have? You’ll have to read and find out. ▸ Get it at the Library
These resources were recommended by Samantha Blanquart, an Early Literacy Outreach Librarian with Ready to Read Resource Center. Visit their website for more info about early literacy or to check out one of their reading kits for young children.
Imagination Library Picks:
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann (All Ages)
It’s bedtime at the zoo, and a young gorilla sneaks the keys from a sleep zookeeper. Gorilla starts letting other animals out of their enclosures. Uh-oh! What are they going to do? ▸ Get it at the Library
Babies on Track by Best Beginnings (Infant, Toddler)
Babies on Track, produced by Best Beginnings, includes two baby board books – Our Alaska Family (photos of Alaska baby faces), Let’s Talk Alaska! (objects found especially in Alaska) – with Alaska themes and a 14-minute DVD for parents. Watch a preview of the Babies on Track video. Using delightful images of Alaska babies on location around the state, the DVD shows parents, rather than just telling them, how they can foster early learning and healthy brain development at home in easy, convenient ways. Babies on Track is especially valuable for families with babies under 2 years of age. ▸ Get it at the Library
