I have another children's book to add to my list of children's books featuring libraries and librarians. As far as I am concerned, public libraries are magical places, and Lola certainly agrees as you'll see in librarian Nancy Snyder's book review of Lola at the Library. Lola at the Library is available as a board book for toddlers, as well as a picture book for preschoolers.

Here are some other children's picture books that celebrate books, libraries and librarians:
Otto the Book Bear
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians
Tomas and the Library Lady
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story of Iraq
Don't just read about libraries; visit them often! In these tough economic times, it's nice to know you can save money at your public library.

(Cover art courtesy of Charlesbridge)

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Our pansies and butterfly weeds are in bloom and the sunflower seeds we planted have grown into foot-tall plants already. Share the joys of gardening with your kids with hands-on experience and children's picture books about gardens and gardening. There are a lot of excellent children's picture books on the subject, including books set in the city, in the suburbs and in rural areas. My Top 10 book list includes books for children ranging in age from two- to ten-years-old. These picture books emphasize the joys of planting seeds and bulbs, cultivating a garden, and enjoying the flowers and vegetables that result. If you are planting a vegetable garden, I also recommend Simply in Season Children's Cookbook, which focuses on good foods that can be grown and enjoyed from the garden.

(Cover art courtesy of PriceGrabber)

If you are looking for special Mother's Day gifts for a mother or grandmother who enjoys children's books, see my list of children's books that make good Mother's Day gifts. It includes a number of children's picture books, plus one book of quotations from children's books. For example, Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts is an excellent gift for a woman who quilts. Love to Mamá: A Tribute to Mothers, a book of poetry by Latino poets, will appeal to a wide audience while Mommy, Mama, and Me will be of particular interest to gay couples. Are there other children's books that you think would make good Mother's Day gifts? If so, click on "Comments" below and share your recommendations.

(Cover art courtesy of Lee & Low Books)

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While I still think the children's picture book Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss makes a great graduation gift for a high school or college graduate, there are some other children's books that I also really like. Other children's books that make good graduation gifts include: Pete the Cat and the Four Groovy Buttons, Only One You, Zoom and Henry Hikes to Fitchburg. Each of these books makes some good points about life, but because they are kids' books, you can share them without the recipient feeling you're being preachy. What are some of the children's books you'd recommend as graduation gifts? Click on "Comments" below and share your recommendations.

(Cover art courtesy of HarperCollins)

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