Darien Library

Best Books for Preschoolers

The _Best Books for Preschool Children_ is a recommended reading list compiled by the Darien Library Children's Librarians and made possible by the Phil A. Petit Memorial Fund. Phil Petit was a great storyteller as well as a man of indomitable spirt whose love of life was felt by all who knew him. The collection is dedicated to his grandchildren: * Samantha, Lizzie, and Davy Choos * Alessan ...

Last Updated 5 years ago
(25 items)

Spring Stories

Spring has sprung! Celebrate springtime with these refreshing read alouds for all ages.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(10 items)

New Children's Books: November 2019

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the eleventh month of 2019.

Last Updated 2 years ago
(29 items)

Be Kind: Books for Birth to 5

If you're looking for books to encourage kindness, unity, and peace, you've come to the right place! Below you'll find an ever-expanding list of some of our favorite titles geared toward children birth-5.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(47 items)

New Children's Books: December 2019

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the twelfth month of 2019.

Last Updated 2 years ago
(18 items)

Youth Media Awards 2020

The American Library Association announced their Youth Media Awards this week. Check out this list of notable books for children and young adults, or check [ALA's website](http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/01/american-library-association-announces-2020-youth-media-award-winners) for a complete run-down of the winners.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(60 items)

Do You Believe in Magic

Looking for a magical picture book to share with your child at storytime? Look no farther! Darien Children's Library has all the princesses, dragons, mermaids, and unicorns you could ever desire.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(21 items)

New Children's Books: February 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the second month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(47 items)

New Children's Books: March 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the third month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(92 items)

Staff Picks for Small Fries: Digital Edition

Looking for books to enjoy with your preschooler? Here’s a list of titles we’ve selected just for you!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(29 items)

Earth Day: Digital Edition

Celebrate Earth Day with one of these environmentally-focused reads.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(23 items)

Hoppy Easter: Digital Edition

Celebrate Easter with these hop-tastic reads!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(13 items)

Sweet Dreams: Digital Edition

Check out these great reading suggestions to mix up your bedtime routine!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(18 items)

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with these librarian-recommended titles.

Last Updated 10 months ago
(43 items)

2021 Nutmeg Book Award Elementary Nominees

The 2021 Elementary Nutmeg Awards were announced on Friday, May 1, 2020. The Elementary list is created for kids in grades K-3. Which book do you think will win? Check out the list below and start reading today!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(15 items)

New Children's Books: April 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the fourth month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(20 items)

Helping Heroes: Digital Edition

Not all heroes wear capes. Celebrate the helpers in your community with these great reads!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(13 items)

Mental Health Awareness Month: Digital Edition

Take a moment to focus on your mental health and well-being with these great books for families and children.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(19 items)

We Created a Monster: Digital Edition

Darien’s One Book One Community program starts up soon. Get into the spooky spirit with these great monster books!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(22 items)

Social Justice for Kids

"To counter racist socialization and racial bias, experts recommend acknowledging and naming race and racism with children as early and as often as possible.” - [The Conscious Kid](https://dar.to/2zHGsMX) The titles on this list are geared toward a variety of ages and address issues of racism and social justice, with a focus on resistance and resilience.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(61 items)

New Childrens Books: May 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the fifth month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(30 items)

World Refugee Day

June 20th is World Refugee Day. Here are just a few titles to help spark a discussion with your family.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(18 items)

Summertime When the Weather is Hot

Summer is officially here! Celebrate with some of our favorite warm-weather reads for children 0-12.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(24 items)

2020 Pre-Reader Summer Reading Suggestions

Not sure where to start when selecting books for your Read to Me Club challenge this summer? Try one of these great librarian recommendations!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(27 items)

Don't You Forget About Me

Looking for an award-winning book your kids haven't already read? Check out this list of librarian recommendations, all of which have won a prestigious award or honor!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(28 items)

Listen to Me: Audiobook Recommendations

Need a good audiobook to keep the kids entertained? Check out these great librarian recommendations, available digitally via OverDrive or Hoopla, or physically in the Children’s Library.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(32 items)

New Children's Books: June 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the sixth month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(40 items)

New Children's Books: July 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the seventh month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(24 items)

New Children's Books: August 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the eighth month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(24 items)

Just the Facts, Please

Looking for a great nonfiction title to share with your curious kid? Check out these librarian recommendations!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(34 items)

Back-to-School Books

Check out this list for librarian-recommended titles all about starting or returning to school.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(27 items)

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these librarian recommendations.

Last Updated 4 months ago
(39 items)

New Children's Books: September 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the ninth month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(39 items)

Cozy Fall Reads

Fall is just around the corner. Here are some of our favorite sweater-weather reads for kids and families.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(20 items)

What Makes A Hero

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, as these great librarian-recommendations show!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(18 items)

Spine-Chilling Stories to Share

Whether you’re looking for something truly frightful or just want to celebrate the scary season, we’ve got you covered with these librarian recommendations.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(25 items)

New Children's Books: October 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the tenth month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(58 items)

Native American Heritage Month

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with one of these librarian recommendations.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(26 items)

New Children's Books: November 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the eleventh month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(36 items)

Great Big Stories for Little Dinos

Looking for some books to share with your budding paleontologist? Check out these librarian recommendations.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(21 items)

New Children's Books: December 2020

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the twelfth month of 2020.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(37 items)

Hanukkah Books

Celebrate Hanukkah with these librarian-recommended titles.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(20 items)

Kwanzaa Books

Celebrate Kwanzaa with these librarian-recommended titles.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(15 items)

Christmas Books

Celebrate Christmas with these librarian-recommended titles.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(23 items)

Nature in Winter

Some of our favorite Winter nature books, selected just for you.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(14 items)

New Children's Books: January 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the first month of 2021.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(67 items)

New Children's Books: February 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the second month of 2021.

Last Updated 6 months ago
(44 items)

New Children's Books: March 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the third month of 2021.

Last Updated 6 months ago
(59 items)

Let's Talk About Consent

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and while this might not seem like a subject for children, having conversations about consent and boundaries from an early age can help instill a healthy understanding of body autonomy. If you're interested in tackling these topics with the children in your life, check out this list of librarian recommended fiction and non-fiction titles.

Last Updated 10 months ago
(18 items)

New Children's Books: April 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the fourth month of 2021.

Last Updated 10 months ago
(47 items)

Books by and About Neurodivergent People

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and in the Children's Library we're celebrating with some wonderful titles we know you'll love by and about neurodivergent people.

Last Updated 9 months ago
(29 items)

Librarian Recommendations: Preschool

Looking for some great titles to share with your preschooler? We've got some fantastic librarian recommendations, both old and new, we know you'll love!

Last Updated 9 months ago
(15 items)

New Children's Books: May 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the fifth month of 2021.

Last Updated 8 months ago
(53 items)

Books by and About Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but Darien Library celebrates AAPI stories and experiences all year long. If you're looking for a great title to share with your children this month, be sure to check out this list of librarian recommendations.

Last Updated 7 months ago
(36 items)

Stories of Resilience

Check out these librarian-recommended titles to demonstrate resilience, perseverance and hope to your child.

Last Updated 8 months ago
(26 items)

New Children's Books: July 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the seventh month of 2021.

Last Updated 5 months ago
(55 items)

New Children's Books: August 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the eighth month of 2021.

Last Updated 5 months ago
(49 items)

Listen to These Books

Looking for audiobooks for those last-minute summer vacation plans? Check out this great selection of recommended titles, available physically in the Children's Library or digitally via the Libby app.

Last Updated 5 months ago
(55 items)

World Elephant Day

Celebrate World Elephant Day by checking out a book about these amazing, intelligent animals!

Last Updated 5 months ago
(10 items)

New Children's Books: September 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the ninth month of 2021.

Last Updated 4 months ago
(59 items)

1000 Books Before Kindergarten - Toddlers

At this age, your toddler is likely very active! They enjoy books with lots of movement and actions. Continue reading while your child plays as they are often still listening. Toddlers may have favorite books and songs that they enjoy listening to again and again. This repetition is great because it helps your child build an understanding and master new skills.

Last Updated 4 months ago
(10 items)

1000 Books Before Kindergarten - Preschoolers

During your child's preschool years, they start to develop a longer attention span. Try reading books with longer plots and simple concepts such as letters, numbers, colors, and opposites. Children at this age often become more talkative, express themselves creatively, and try to be more independent. Encourage them in these behaviors to develop their growing self-esteem.

Last Updated 4 months ago
(10 items)

New Children's Books: October 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the tenth month of 2021.

Last Updated 3 months ago
(68 items)

Incredible But Unknown

Have you ever fallen in love with a book and been shocked when it doesn't get the recognition you feel it deserves? We like to think of these as underappreciated gems of the Library. Here you will find a little something for everyone of all ages. The one thing they all have in common is that they are incredible stories that our staff has loved.

Last Updated 3 months ago
(16 items)

New Children's Books: November 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the eleventh month of 2021.

Last Updated 3 months ago
(44 items)

New Children's Books: December 2021

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the twelfth month of 2021.

Last Updated 1 month ago
(11 items)

New Children's Books: January 2022

On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the first month of 2022.

Last Updated 2 weeks ago
(28 items)

Recommendations

Find It

More

Calendar of Events

Classes & Schedules

Resources

Learn

Services For

In the Library

Explore

Get Involved

Using the Library

More Information

Search Again

subscribe to our weekly newsletter