Now Read This!
FEBRUARY 2026
 
Our Now Read This! newsletters offer suggestions for your next favorite read, from hidden gems to the latest hot pick. In this issue, you will find a literacy tip of the month, a special event worth checking out, a curated selection of newly acquired and upcoming titles for children, and booklists for further reading. Whether you prefer picture books or middle grade fiction, your friendly BPL Youth Services Librarians have recommendations for every reader.
 
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Literacy Tip of the Month

Did You Know?
 
Audiobooks do count as reading! When learning how to read, following along on the page while listening can help young readers strengthen their letter-sound proficiency, especially for difficult-to-pronounce words. For older readers, listening can help with reading comprehension by allowing them to better absorb the information presented, rather than being focused on decoding the words. 
 
For the best of both worlds, check out BPL's Vox and Wonderbook collections.These titles have the audio component built into the physical book itself! They're available in all different levels of reading, from picture books up through middle grade.
 
Event Spotlights
Wampamoag Pottery with the Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Tuesday, February 17, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Central Library in Copley Square
 
Come find out about the importance of pottery to Wampanoag families from one of the instructors for the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Kids will then make and take their own pot using traditional methods. For ages 7-12.
 
 
Stories on the Wind with Kemp Harris
Wednesday, February 18, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM at the Central Library in Copley Square
 
A special storytime led by Kemp Harris, a singer-songwriter, performer, storyteller, and award-winning educator. His repertoire includes African folk tales, original stories, and familiar adventures from children's literature. Kemp's immersive performances incorporate music, theatrical movement, expression, and heavy audience participation: essential tools in the oral tradition of "telling." For ages 4-12. 
 
 
Author Visit & Acting Workshop with Tanya Wright
Thursday, February 19, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM at the Central Library in Copley Square
 
Author and actress Tanya Wright will be joining us to read a selection of her early chapter book, Harriet of Harlem: The Great Birthday Surprise! After that, kids will learn and perform a short play based on what we've read together! For ages 5-12. 
 
New and Upcoming Titles
I Don't Wanna Hibernate! by Anna Ouchchy
One Day at the Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea by Daniel Bernstrom
On Our Way! What a Day! by Janay Brown-Wood
I Don't Wanna Hibernate!
Anna Ouchchy
 
In this cozy picture book, it's time to hibernate—but our little groundhog is NOT sleepy. So she tries to stay up all winter... and almost misses Groundhog Day!
 
One Day at the Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea
Daniel Bernstrom
 
A clever little girl outsmarts a silly hungry shark in this rhyming underwater read-aloud!
On Our Way! What a Day!
JaNay Brown-Wood
 
In rhyming text, siblings search for the perfect birthday gift for their grandmother.
Ember the Fire Dragon: An Acorn Book (Dragon Hill #1) by Tracey West
Blizzard Rescue: A Branches Book (Disaster Squad #3): Volume 3 by Rekha S. Rajan
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith
Ember the Fire Dragon
Tracey West
 
Ember the Fire Dragon and Gus the Mushroom Dragon work together to find the missing magic jewel that protects Dragon Hill.
Blizzard Rescue
Rekha S. Rajan 
 
The Jackson family rushes to Minnesota where a blizzard is putting both people and animals in danger from freezing temperatures and blinding snow.
 
 The History of We
Nikkolas Smith
 
A lyrical meditation on the chronology of humanity's shared beginnings.
Their Just Desserts by Tracy Badua
 Lion Dancers by Cai Tse
Dream Warriors 1: A New World by Jesse Byrd 
Their Just Desserts
Tracy Badua & Alechia Dow
 
 As a criminal investigation and baking competition heat up, best friends, Lucy and Laila, have their bond put to the ultimate test. Can they solve this bakeoff mystery, or will they—and their friendship—crack under pressure?
Lion Dancers
Cai Tse
 
A boy feels his passion for lion dancing re-igniting after the death of his father, and so he decides to join the local junior team, where his ex-best friend becomes his new rival.
Dream Warriors: A New World
Jesse Byrd
 
The Bad Dreams have teamed up to conduct a multi-layer plan to convert all dreams into nightmares and permanently scar humanity. It's up to the Dream Warriors, including newbie, Khi, to defeat them.
 
Looking for More Recommendations?
Black Is... 2026: 75 Books For Children, Teens, & Adults
Black Is… is a booklist of recently published titles commemorating the achievements, complexities, struggles, joy, and culture of the Black experience. This list is published every February as part of the BPL's observance of Black History Month.
 
For More Suggestions...
2026 Youth Media Award Winners and Honors Books
Let's Celebrate Lunar New Year! Books for Kids
Snowy Sporty Stories for Kids
 
 
 
   

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