Hygge, pronounced "hoo-ga" is a Danish word which seeks to capture the satisfaction of being cozy. Denmark has consistently been named one of the happiest countries in the world, despite the chilly weather! Getting cozy with a good book is the perfect way to cultivate hygge! Here are some Children's books that spread this unique type of joy that we can all tap into during the darkest days of the year. 

On January 19th (Dolly's birthday!), Nashville Public Library launched a week-long registration drive for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. This incredible program provides a free book every month to children, from birth until the age of 5. Without a doubt, the Imagination Library has become an integral part of the movement to boost early literacy and foster a love of reading among young children!

Feeling restless just staying indoors? There are SO many free events and activities for you and your child to enjoy here at NPL, and in the community beyond! Here are a few great ways to pass the chilly minutes this month. 

November is Native American Heritage month. Here are some Children's books that give voice to modern indigenous communities, who have humbly withstood the many challenges and violences of Western colonization. 

Diwali, or Deepawali, is a 5-day holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Beginning on the new moon in October, popular festivities include the lighting of diyas, beautiful clay candles, a great cleaning of the living space, honoring of deities such as Lakshmi and Ganesh, and creating rangoli, decorations from colored sand, inside each room in the house. Check out some books from Nashville Public Library that shine a light on these radiant celebrations!

Here are some fabulous oportunidades to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th) with your children, at NPL and beyond!

Pronouncing someone's name correctly is a conscious choice, regardless of whether it is normalized in the United States. Check out these beautiful Children's books that create empathy around the idea of misnaming and celebrate diverse names!

B.B Cronin's Lost series is an enchanting exploration through a world of color and beautiful scenery. Join Granpa and his grandchildren on their quests to find all the things (and people) they lost! These Seek and Find picture books are fantastic for readers of all ages.

Cooking with children is a great summer past-time and can help build motor skills and vocabulary! Here are some fabulous cookbooks for kids available at Nashville Public Library. WARNING: Reading this blog post may cause hunger and salivation.

The whole family can celebrate Pride Month with two fantastic children's books about same sex couples and their families' lives. Bathe the Cat is a hysterical tale about a feline friend who causes all kinds of mayhem in efforts to avoid his bath. Dad and Daddy and the whole family are thrown out of sorts trying to prepare for Grandma to arrive! Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle is an endearing story of a child and her Mama who spend a whole week together while Mommy is travelling for work. 

Storybook Trails provide a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with print in the natural world. Spread out over 19 different state parks in Tennessee, this project shares stories from picture books about the natural world! What better way to transform a short hike into a learning experience?!

Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal goes beyond many bromidic books about the tragedy of global warming typically read for Earth Day. Zonia's vivacious spirit uproots the paradigm of a lifeless, victimized planet  in a way that truly honors our Mother Earth. Follow the young Asháninka heroine as she salutes each of her animal friends and decides to stand up for her forest home.

Body positivity is an important issue to address for young people. Self-esteem can have effects on confidence and academic achievement, as well as social-emotional skills. Establishing a healthy inner dialogue can shift every aspect of the human experience! Learn about a couple of captivating children's books about body image that can speak to kids and adults alike!

Children's books provide a wonderful opportunity to spark discussions about race and antiracism with children. By learning about one another, listening, and practicing non-violent communication, we can teach our kids the importance of cultivating empathy.

Discover books about mindfulness and meditation that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike!

We could all use a little reminder of what really matters this holiday season. These three titles explore the diverse ways in which kindness prevails in every winter celebration! 

Explore other fun bedtime stories inspired by Margaret Wise Brown's classic Goodnight, Moon! Goodnight, Ganesha by Nadia Saloman and Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann mirror the soothingly sweet tone and format of Goodnight, Moon, offering new and playful perspectives to the theme of nighttime rituals and unwinding before bed.