2026 Blogging A to Z Challenge: Libraries
Today’s letter was a no-brainer for a book lover and librarian! It’s the letter “L” for libraries for the 2026 Blogging A to Z Challenge. Board books make great baby shower and birthday gifts (especially if you focus on newer titles that not everyone is going to choose!) If you’re looking for more great baby shower book ideas, check out this post. But, anyway, we want kids to equate reading with positive feelings, so starting them off at the youngest of ages is extremely important in creating strong readers later in life.
And while it doesn’t really matter what you’re reading to babies (you can read research articles, newspapers, magazines, whatever), there is something special about opening up a book that little ones will love! Black and white bold contrast or bright colors are eye-catching for little ones and the time spent with their loved ones while hearing their voices is essential! So, the next time you’re looking for a book to read, why not try a book about books!
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2026 Blogging A to Z Challenge: Libraries
Can I Sit in the Middle? by Susanne Strasser
Everyone’s on the sofa to share a book: zebra, cat, child, lion. “Wait!” says zebra, “Stork isn’t here yet!” Then cat needs a cushion, hamster’s missing, someone’s sitting on lion’s tail, fish wants to be in the middle . . . . NOW they’ll be able to start―won’t they?
In this fun, humorous story, the familiar chaos of piling onto the sofa with friends builds to a climactic hullabaloo until the happy ending of sharing a book in an ideal reading spot―behind the sofa under the blanket tent.
Let’s Go to the Library by Joe Rhatigan, illustrated by Megan Higgins
Libraries are vibrant and vital centers of community where people go to connect to the world, technology, information, stories, and each other. They’re also often the most fun place to be when at school! This book encourages an early love for “going to the library” with delightful illustrations and a fun, rhyming story about one child’s first trip.
When Peter wants to know more about dinosaurs, his best friend, Lara, knows just where to go. With card in hand, they head for the library where they find just the right book. Then, it’s story time!!!
Each spread features one or more library vocabulary words such as alphabetical, author, barcode, catalog, database, scanner, nonfiction, and more—with their definitions on the last spread. Get kids excited about reading, researching, self-directed exploration, and more with Let’s Go to the Library!
Library Babies by Puck, illustrated by Violet Lemay
Perfect for babies and toddlers ages 0–4, Library Babies celebrates the excitement of exploring library shelves, cozy storytime corners, and the milestone moment of receiving a very first library card. Each page features vibrant, inclusive illustrations and gentle, rhythmic text―inviting families to share joyful moments and spark early literacy together.
Designed for little hands, this award-winning board book encourages interactive reading with built-in prompts and simple activities, making every storytime playful and meaningful. Library Babies not only reflects the diversity and warmth of real libraries, but also supports developmental milestones and bonding between caregiver and child.
Lola at the Library with Mommy by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Every Tuesday Lola and her mommy go to the library. Lola meets her friends there. They share books and don’t have to be quiet all the time. The nice librarian tells stories. There is a big machine that buzzes Lola’s books in and out, and she can take any books she wants home with her. Lola and her mommy always stop for a treat on the way home. No wonder Lola loves the library.
This gentle story of growing with books encourages little ones to discover the joy of reading as well as getting them ready and excited to visit the library.
Reading Time! by Mama Makes Books
This engaging title pairs expressive vocabulary with baby-friendly imagery designed to spark early language skills.
One side features bold black-and-white patterns and saturated colors that stimulate visual tracking and encourage longer tummy time sessions. The other side delights with real baby photos and an embedded mirror―perfect for giggles, bonding, and early self-recognition.
The book’s accordion-style format stands upright for hands-free play or folds up for intimate lap reading. Whether you’re trumpeting like an elephant or wiggling like a puppy, Reading Time! encourages playful reading and rich verbal interaction from the start.
7 Best Things About Reading by Patrick Yee
We asked real children what they love most about reading and these were their answers. This book features cuddly animal friends doing all the things that make reading great including picking a book, turning the page, doing the funny voices, and more! Simplistic text and colorful illustrations by award-winning illustrator Patrick Yee make this a great read for preschoolers and new readers.
Stanley’s Library by William Bee
Stanley has stocked his bookmobile with lots of great books to take to the local park. Everyone stops by to borrow a book that Stanley selected just for them, and later at the main branch, he hosts an out-of-this-world author visit from Agatha Mouse!
Accessible text and brightly colored illustrations helpfully convey librarianship for toddlers who love equipment, tools, and vehicles. After a hard day at work, Stanley winds down his day with a familiar supper and bath routine that makes this series a great pick for bedtime reading!
William Bee’s beloved Stanley series is a trusted model for basic preschool concepts like colors and shapes, kindness and teamwork, jobs and daily routines. Toddlers will love hanging out with this adorable cast of friendly neighborhood critters in any of the available series titles. Help your little one collect them all!
Who Loves Books? by Lizi Boyd
Who loves books? Is it Rabbit? Is it Bird? Is it Butterfly? Flap and flap the sturdy pages of this playful book to find out.
The buoyant colors, silly story, and interactive format will keep even fidgeting little readers engaged.
- A seek-and-find book with flaps to encourage play and exploration in babies and toddlers
- Foster a love of books and reading at a young age with this fun board book.
- Eye-catching art and fun animal illustrations will make this a perfect read-aloud book to share with baby.
You’re My Little Bookworm by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Natalie Marshall
Come here, my little bookworm,
Let’s snuggle up and read.
Adventures bold, new worlds unfold,
Just us, that’s all we need.
You’re My Little Bookworm is a cute rhyming story that celebrates the love between a parent and child. Each colorful spread features a sweet sentiment—a smart cookie, a gold star, and more—paired with a die-cut shape that provides a tactile reading experience. With chunky pages for little hands and heartfelt text, this book is the perfect read for back-to-school or any time of the year!
2026 is my eleventh year participating in the Blogging A to Z Challenge! This year, my theme is Board Books for Babies with a focus on providing book suggestions that parents and caregivers can share with, of course, babies, but also toddlers and preschoolers! Each letter of the alphabet will focus on a different subject and will provide nine titles for each subject. While there are dozens of classic board books out there, this list includes titles published in the past 5-6 years, so you’ll get to learn about new titles, authors, and publishers! Stop by daily to check out the new books and other posts that I’ll be sharing in April.
