CLI Book Talk: Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years

Our latest Book Talk introduces young readers to the planet earth in a way that Is a lot of fun! Earth, My First 4.54 Billion Years, is a great way to introduce children to non-fiction text features through a humorous storyline, and colorful, engaging pictures. The book takes us through Earth’s journey from birth to the present day and leaves …

Books We’re Excited About!

Each year when the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards are announced, I see a glimpse of CLI’s future. Though a book does not have to win an award to be chosen for a CLI collection, we do love to include winners and honor books that will inspire children and teachers with their beautiful writing and illustrations, their diversity, and …

Reading about Reading

As a children’s book nerd, a writer, and a former teacher, I feel a special fondness for books about writing, reading, and books. And I know I am not alone! For years, teachers have been using books like Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco, Click Clack Moo by Doreen Cronin, and Goin’ Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack to …

Holiday Book Collection

We believe high-quality books are an integral part of early literacy education. Offering children a balance of fiction and nonfiction reading experiences can provide not only gorgeous illustrations and compelling text, but also an opportunity to learn!  With the holidays around the corner,  winter break offers a great opportunity to spend extra time with your kids reading amazing books. Whether you …

3 Books that Promote Positive Classroom Culture

Teachers often ask us to recommend books that promote a positive classroom culture. Below are some wonderful read alouds that can help children learn to take care of themselves, take care of others, and take care of their classroom. Children’s Literacy Initiative calls this the Power of Three. Take Care of Yourself Melena’s Jubilee by Zetta Elliott   Melena wakes …

Wandering Whale Sharks

4 Exceptional Non-Fiction Books

Offering students a balance of fiction and nonfiction reading experiences has always been important.  Since the publication of the Common Core State Standards, which emphasize the use of both kinds of text, informational picture books have gotten more and more attention.  And the attention is well deserved.  Though many of us turn first to fiction for a pleasure reading, I …

First Snow by Peter McCarty

Stay Warm This Winter with Great Books

Winter break can be a great time to spend some extra time reading with the children in your life.  Cozy up together with one of these seasonal picture books and you’re sure to feel warm. First Snow by Peter McCarthy Pedro travels a long way to visit his five cousins.  He has never seen snow and does not like to …

Marvelous Cornelius

Closing the Diversity Gap in Children’s Books

Here are the facts: people of color make up 37% of the U.S. population, but only 10% of children’s books published in the past 21 years include multicultural content. That is a disconcerting gap. We know that children benefit from seeing people like themselves in the books they read, which means that for an organization working in urban schools, CLI’s collections …