February top 5 for under 5 – 2023

We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families.

Black History Month books for little kids

February is Black History Month. Check out this Youth Services staff-curated list of picture books for young children that feature notable African Americans, past and present, and celebrate stories by Black authors and illustrators that capture the diverse experiences of Black families and children. Learning about Black history and seeing authentic Black representation is important for all kids to see, no matter their skin color or age, all year round.

Musical Tots

Musical Tots is back! Beginning Feb. 7, children ages 3-5 are invited to explore and experience the piano each Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. during this six-week series that runs until March 14. Each session is held in the library’s 3rd floor Story Room and features story time selections and introductory piano skills. No registration is required, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The series is led by pianist and educator Kristin Cahill, a faculty member at The New School for Music Study.

Wonderbooks

The library is excited to introduce Wonderbooks, a new read-along collection of popular and award-winning picture books that each include a ready-to-play audiobook inside. Check out the recent blog post by Youth Services collection development librarian Katie Bruce for more detailed information about this collection.

Gallery programs at Cotsen Children’s Library

Bookscape Babies and Tiger Tales have returned this year to Cotsen Children’s Library inside Firestone Library on Princeton University campus. Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. -12 p.m. babies and toddlers ages 0-2 are encouraged to get active, social, and build their vocabularies in a special play space in Cotsen’s Bookscape gallery. And every Friday at 11 a.m., children ages 3-5 are invited to join a very special, very interactive story time, beginning with a picture book and ending with a creative hands-on project to take home. Both programs are free, open to the public and require no registration. 

Saturday events at Howell Living History Farm

Mercer County Park’s Howell Living History Farm in nearby Hopewell Township has recently announced its calendar of events for Saturdays in 2023, including upcoming maple sugaring tours and an Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day in February. Most Saturday programs are free and open to the public with a small fee for craft supplies and/or food provided. Some require advance registration, so be sure to check out each description for more information. The farm is a wonderful place to explore any day of the week with young children.

Photo by Mieke Campbell on Unsplash

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