I have the pleasure of running the Wednesday morning preschool storytimes at the Kennewick branch, as well as providing storytime visits for several local preschools and daycares. This of course means that I read a lot of picture books, but there are some that just work better than others. A really great storytime book has entertaining pictures, encourages movement, and provides easy…

One of my favorite perks of my job is that I get to be a storytime provider and read to a crowd of kiddos every week! This means that I see my fair share of children's picture books, and I certainly have my favorites. However, this list is made of up picture books that have a meaningful message, a thoughtful twist, or heartfelt illustrations that have quite literally …

As a storytime provider, I want to do my best to pick out books that uplift the young kiddos that attend storytime. Every child deserves to read books that encourage them to be themselves, to listen to their feelings, to have pride in their identity and culture, love the different parts of their body, and to feel a sense of confidence. Here is a list of self-love picture books…

One can never have too much plus-sized representation in media! As a plus-sized woman, I gravitate towards heroines that look like me and share the same experiences. Here are some books, movies, and TV shows that feature plus-sized women and lift up their voices. I have included some non-fiction books to read here as well!

This list of movie recommendations consists of my favorite movies, movies from my childhood, movies I thought were unique, movies that are stellar within their genre, and movies that never get tiring, no matter how many times you rewatch them. Hopefully, you'll find something in here that you've never seen before!

I enjoy what I like to call "soft" fantasy and science fiction books. "Soft" fantasy would be stories that include fantastical elements without the presence of hardcore fantasy elements such as dragons, elves, trolls, etc. Similarly, "soft" science fiction would be stories that include fictionally scientific elements without the intensity of aliens or sterilized dystopian worlds.…

As a kid, I was so obsessed with dogs that I had three dog-themed birthday parties in a row. And, frankly, I'm still obsessed, just in a healthy way. Here are a list of books I read that combined my two loves: reading and dogs. 

If you like books that make you think critically about syntax, themes, symbolism, and other literary devices, you should 1) consider taking some college-level literature courses and 2) read from this list! This list consists of several of the books that I read and studied in order to achieve my Literature minor. Beware, some of these books contain strange, grotesque, violent, and…

Yup, traveling isn't cheap, so why not transport yourself through a book? Fair warning: these books may make you want to travel even MORE. Here is a list of books that take place in other countries, states, or cities and describe the life and scenery so well that they leave the reader itching to buy a plane ticket!

Fun little story: I volunteered as a page in my high school's library and I re-shelved the books in the AAA-DOG section. This was how I was introduced to Sarah Dessen's YA romance books, and I was hooked from then on. If you enjoy YA romances that center around teenagers in high school, here is a list for you!