Congratulations to this year's ALA Youth Media Award Winners!

The Newbery Award for excellence in children's literature went to The One and Only Ivan by Kathryn Applegate. Newbery honors were given to Laura Amy Schlitz for Splendors and Glooms, Sheila Turnage for Three Times Lucky, and Sibert Winner Bomb.

This year, the Caldecott Award for excellence in picture books went to John Klassen, for This is Not My Hat. Klassen also won a Caldecott Honor for Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett. Other Caldecott Honors were given to Peter Brown for Creepy Carrots, Laura Seeger for Green, David Small for One Cool Friend and to Pamela Zagarenski for Sleep Like a Tiger. Special Congratulations to Miss Kiera on her excellent work on the 2013 Caldecott Committee!

The Sibert Award for excellence in children's non-fiction went to Bomb: The Race to Build (And Steal) The World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steven Sheinkin. And the Geisel Award, for excellence in Early Readers, went to Up, Tall and High, by Ethan Long.

See a full list of winners below!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user elycefeliz

Have you been chosen to be a mystery reader in your child's classroom, and not sure what to do next? Never fear, the Children's Librarians have suggestions and tips for you.

If your visit falls close to a holiday, choosing a holiday read-aloud is always a popular choice. Funny books are also a big hit with kids of all ages. If you're feeling theatrical, a prop such as a hat, or a puppet is a fun thing to bring along, especially for younger students.

Be sure to read through the book before you arrive, so you are familiar with it. And remember, if you are having fun with it, so will the kids!

We've picked some of our most favorite read-alouds, and compiled some book lists. Click on the age group of the class, and start browsing.

Ages 3 to 5

Ages 6 to 8

Ages 9 to 12

We love these books!

Save the date for the Children's Library's upcoming book groups for kids. Since the new Nutmeg Nominees for 2014 will be announced in April, the Nutmeg Book Groups will resume in the summer. Interested in starting your own book club? The Library has Book Club Kits available for many ages. 

Jr. Book Club 

Early elementary readers are invited to share their thoughts on some of the booktalking selections for this year. The discussion will be followed by an activity, game, or craft inspired by the story. Grades 2 to 3 

Wednesdays, 5 to 6 pm

February 6 - Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot by Anna Branford

March 6 - Being Teddy Roosevelt by Claudia Mills

April 3 - Earthling by Mark Fearing

Tween Book Group 

Come and chat over pizza about some of the Best Books of 2012. After the discussion everyone will take part in a book-related activity. Ages 9 to 12. 

Wednesdays, 6 to 7 pm

February 13 - Wonder by R. J. Palacio

March 20 - Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

April 10 - Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Below is a list of our book club choices for fourth - sixth grade. Ask any librarian for more information, or click here to see discussion questions for these books!

Below is a list of our Book Club choices for grades 1 - 3. Ask any librarian for more information, or click here to see discussion questions for these books!

Children reading on the playground, 1910. Photo via NYPL's archive.

Parents - thinking about starting a book club for your kids? 

Kids- looking for suggestions for your next book club meeting?

The children's library can help you choose books, offer discussion starters, and even provide a meeting space for your group! Choose a title from our list, check out mulitple copies of the book, and receive a discussion guide including a summary, discussion questions, and further activites for your club's use!

For more information, contact a children's librarian or check out the lists below!

First - Third Grade Books

Fourth - Sixth Grade Books