My Favorite Library-Themed Storytime Books
In celebration of Children’s Book Week, here are my favorite library-themed picture books to share during storytime. From toddlers to 4th graders, these are my go-to titles for capturing the attention of new library users and introducing them to the wonders of the library.
A quick note: As Donalyn Miller said in The Joy of Reading, a list is only as good as its maker. While these titles have been incredibly successful with the readers I’ve served, I don’t expect you to share them wholesale with your community, as you know your community best. I simply hope you discover a new title or two that helps connect you and your readers.
Leo Loves Baby Time
By Anna McQuinn and Illustrated by Ruth Hearson
For Ages 0-2
Leo sings, plays, wiggles, reads, and makes new friends each week at Baby Time! This ode to baby storytimes gives both kiddos and librarians the library warm and fuzzies as it highlights all the fun and familiar things littles and their caregivers can expect in storytime. A great book to set the stage at your first baby storytime or down the road when caregivers can feel the familiar storytime love, too.
Amazon | Goodreads
The Library Book
By Tom Chapin and Michael Mark and illustrated by Chuck Groenink
For Ages 2-7
A young girl finds the best way to spend a rainy day: visit the library! Classic characters from Winnie the Pooh to Madeline make appearances, and the case for taking them home. The text features repetition and rhyme for sing-song fun, and whispering the chorus near the end of the book helps keep the youngest listeners engaged. The story is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school students.
Amazon | Goodreads
The NOT So Quiet Library
By Zachariah OHora
For Ages 3-6
On Saturdays, Oskar and Theodore go to the library with Dad for a quiet reading day, until a five-headed book-hungry monster interrupts! Can they convince the monster that books are for reading, not eating? This book is the perfect choice for rambunctious preschoolers, thanks to its “Boom! Crash! Growl!” sound effects and humor. Lower elementary students will enjoy it during librarian classroom visits or field trips to the library. Perfect for preschool storytime and kindergarten field trips to the library or outreach.
Amazon | Goodreads
Otto the Book Bear
By Katie Cleminson
For Ages 3-8
Otto is happiest when children read his story, but he has a secret: When no one is looking, he comes to life! One day, while walking out of the pages of his book, it’s taken away and he’s left all alone. Otto explores the busy, wet, windy, and unwelcoming world until finding a place “full of light and hope,” the library! Otto discovers it’s full of book creatures just like him and full of readers, which once again makes him “the happiest book bear of all.” This adorable and heartfelt story is my go-to read aloud for 1st grade field trips to the library.
Amazon | Goodreads
All the Books
By Hayley Rocco and illustrated by John Rocco
For Ages 4-8
Piper Waterstone loves her books so much that she takes them everywhere she goes. Why would Piper need a library when she has all the books she could ever want? When disaster strikes and her books are ruined, a friendly librarian shows her the wonders she’s been missing. A great choice for introducing the magical possibilities of reading and libraries, as well as the responsibility that comes with being a library cardholder.
Amazon | Goodreads
Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I Don’t)
By Barbara Bottner and illustrated by Michael Emberley
For Ages 5-8
Miss Brooks is determined to find Missy that just right book despite Missy’s “too flowery, too furry, too clickety, too yippity” literary criticisms. When Book Week arrives and students are challenged to share their favorite story with the class (costume-clad and all), Missy is ready to leave town until inspiration strikes. This classic school librarian tale inspires young book lovers and loathers alike.
Amazon | Goodreads
How This Book Was Made
By Mac Barnett and illustrated by Adam Rex
For Ages 5-10
Who knew the book writing and publishing process involved pirates and eagles? Forget librarians; if you’re an elementary or middle grade teacher, you MUST read this book to your class. Even better if you’re teaching a unit on writing or the book-making process. This book has come a long way and survived numerous hardships to reach your hands and the hands of your students. Just read it. If you don’t, you may face a tiger and his posse. This is my go-to read aloud for 4th grade classes and has even captured the attention of a room full of 1st grade Boy Scouts.
Amazon | Goodreads
Visit The Youth Desk’s Sensory Storytime and Outreach pages for more great read alouds!
