Bringing Books To Life

Child and parent embracing
It's National Poetry Month! Reading poetry aloud is a really fantastic way to help children develop literacy skills, boost vocabulary, and practice oral language. Read for some of my favorite poetry picture books to read at home!
Little dog enjoys the spring flowers
It's finally springtime! It's warming up outside and life is blooming back into action. Here are some brand new picture books all about the joys of spring.
Little girl smiling in her Carnival outfit.
Carnival Queen is a wonderful picture book about a little girl celebrating an ancestral family tradition: Carnival! She is distressed when she encounters an issue with her costume, but her community comes through and she ends up with a more beautiful dress than she expected!
Family with baby enjoys a shared reading experience.
Reading doesn't have to look any particular way! No matter the format, what matters the most is sharing stories in ways that work for your family. Mixing and matching how you read keeps things fresh and allows children to experience books as something flexible, enjoyable, and immersive.
Pumpkin with carved eyes and a mouth.
This spooky season, check out some of the many fun factual reads! In this post, we'll explore some Halloween and autumn-themed Children's books that feature baking, arts & crafts, and seasonal lore.
Illustration of a man and child running on the beach.
Here is a roundup of recently published children's books all about spending summery days at the beach! Whether you love the ocean or prefer to soak up the sun on the shore, there is something for everyone in this list of picture books.
Illustration of people with various pride flags.
Every June, we celebrate the hardships and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here at Nashville Public Library, we love to lift up queer voices and celebrate self expression! Read to discover some of my top picks for Pride themed Children's books this year.
Two women with a small child.
There are so many fantastic children's books about immigrants and refugee children and families. It's vital to share books that offer lots of different perspectives and varied life experiences with children so that they can feel seen and understand other people better & practice empathy.
Hands rolling dough with a rolling pin.
Holidays are a great time to spend time with family. Often times, it's best to have an activity for children when they have so much time off from school. Cooking and baking offer a fun, hands-on learning experience for kids that the whole family can enjoy. Here, I've compiled a list of kid-friendly cookbooks that provide recipes for some different winter holidays! Happy cooking!
I wish ... everyone saw the real me.
Transgender Awareness Week happens every year from November 13th through 19th and serves as a reminder of what it means to be transgender and how allies can help spread awareness and advocate for the trans community. In recent years, many trans authors have shared their important stories in literature, and more and more children's books are being published on the topic of gender identity. Read this article to learn about some transgender authors who have written picture books to spread the word about the transgender experience and make children feel that they belong no matter who they are! 
Illustration of a girl holding a skull.
It's spooky season and Halloween is approaching quickly! There is an incredible abundance of children's books about Halloween, and I decided to specifically dive into the titles published in the past few years. After compiling a book list of 100 new-ish titles, I've selected some of my top favorites to share. Boo to all of you from the crew here at NPL! 
I read banned books.
Banned Books Week is September 22-28, 2024. Here at NPL, we believe in the "Freadom" to read! Read on to discover some of our favorite banned & challenged picture books published in our current decade! You'll be surprised at the types of books that have been up for debate. We proudly offer all of these titles and more for check out here at Nashville Public Library. Happy Banned Books week!
Illustration of three kids goofing around.
Here are some fresh new book picks for children this Disability Pride Month! It is so important to share books with your children that celebrate all types of bodies and abilities. Read on for some of my favorite picture books featuring disabled characters.
Children reading books that partially obscure their faces.
Writing books for adults and writing books for children are two very different things.  Yet some writers for adults have also written for kids! Learn about picture book titles written by some of the titans of literature.   
Opal Lee book cover.
Opal Lee, "The Grandmother of Juneteenth", is a former-school teacher, counselor, and activist responsible for making Juneteenth a national holiday in the United States. At the age of 94, she is an accomplished and outspoken advocate for Civil Rights. This year, President Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 
Woman sitting with her chin in her hand.
Naomi Shihab Nye's 1994 picture book, Sitti's Secrets, is about a young girl, Mona, and her Sitti, her grandmother, who lives in Palestine. This book captures the essence of the love that can persist despite being worlds apart. Mona remembers her visit to meet her Sitti, and the simple fun they shared together, although they did not share a language. Thirty years after the publication of this book, it is ever relevant. This beautiful read is just one of many children's books about Palestinian children and a tender longing feeling for one's distant homeland and loved ones. 
Cover of picture book "The Ferris Wheel." Image has large goldfish floating in foreground above a ferris wheel set off in a rectangular stone arch. There are queues of people flanking each side of stone arch framing the ferris wheel. On the left hand side, there is boy with his mother. He is wearing a yellow raincoat. On the right hand side a girl is accompanied by her father. She wears red, and he carries a blue suitcase.
In the Turkish import The Ferris Wheel, the stories of a boy and a girl living in different parts of the world intertwine in an exceedingly moving and timely picture book. 
Illustration of a girl in the woods.
It wasn't just Cozbi Cabrera's beautiful illustrations that captured my heart the first time I read Me and Mama. The prose that filled the pages was so sweet and specific, and sounded just like something that could have come from a child's mouth. After reading several of her other works, I was amazed at Cabrera's level of artistry and sincerity. This post shines a light on Cozbi Cabrera's masterfully created picture books. 
Girl with blue hair reading a book.
Fractured fairy tales are classic fairy tales with a new spin. Children LOVE funny books and books with surprises, which are pretty much a given in these types of stories! Read on to discover some of our favorite fractured fairy tales!
Illustration of a child running in a snowy forest.
Snuggle up with some of the coziest picture books published in 2023! Each of these wintery stories centers around nature, family, and a spirit of giving. As the days get shorter and the air gets chillier, shared read-alouds are such a fun way to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. 
Image contains a Santa in a red suit, white beard, and cap waving
In the now 200 years since it was first published, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" has become a beloved staple of many a holiday celebration. You and your family can experience this classic poem in picture books, in oh so many ways! 
Drawing of a woman holding a child.
Discover some brilliantly beautiful picture books by native authors that have recently come under the fire of book bans & challenges in the United States. These books were thoughtfully created for children and do not, in the least, contain ANY explicit content. Exposing our children to a variety of worldviews, cosmologies, and perspectives can be an enlightening and expansive experience for all involved. Check out these excellent reads and more here at NPL!
Book Cover of "Let's Play Gonggi." Image contains two children, a boy and a girl, playing with plastic game pieces; boy uses game pieces to simulate goggles.
Many of us adults now look back on our decidedly low-tech childhood pastimes with fondness. Tap into this nostalgia with  Let's Play Gonggi, a picture book from Korea!     
Raibow with musical notes and a small girl on the right.
Hubo una multitud de libros fantásticos escritos por autores latines para niños publicados en 2023. ¡Aquí están mis favoritos, y una lista comprehensiva de unos más, para celebrar el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispánica! There were a multitude of great children's books written by Latine authors published in 2023. Here are my favorites, and a comprehensive list of more books, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Drawing of children outdoors with giant flowers.
Many picture books celebrate the beauty of childhood. Being young and full of wonder is something adults often forget about, but children know better. Read on to discover two children's books that reclaim the magic of being a child, despite what other children and adults may think or say!
Nashville Public Library logo in red, white, and blue.
The Fourth of July is a fitting day to reflect upon our country's history. These picture books help tell a honest, nuanced, and sensitive story of what the Fourth of July means to different people. 
Drawing of Beatrix Potter.
Beatrix Potter was not only a brilliant author/illustrator of Children's books, but also a conservationist, natural scientist, and a downright fascinating woman. On display at the Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville until September 17th, "Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature" is an incredibly rich and engaging celebration of Potter's life and work. Both children and adults alike will enjoy this timeless collection, a beautifully curated and re-imagined collage of nature drawings, children's book illustrations, photography, and interactive activities!
Rainbow colors
Pride month is upon us! Discussing LGBTQIA+ issues with kids can be a challenge, especially if you don't identify as a part of this community. Here are some tips for starting a conversation around gender identity and sexual preference! It is never too early to open a child's heart and mind, and doing so can foster empathy and compassion, for themselves and for others.
Children in a garden.
Not all of us are gifted with a green thumb. However, getting our hands dirty in the garden (or with whatever space you have) can be a fantastic opportunity for you and your child to learn about the natural world. Here are a few books and resources to inspire a love of plants this spring! 
Cover image of Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II. Contains a girl dressed in red coat and hat, carrying a small brown suitcase. She is holding the hand of an unseen adult. The girl is reflected in the water puddle on the cobblestone streets. There are also three war planes reflected in the puddle.
This year's Mildred L. Batchelder Award, given to an outstanding children's book translated into English, is the wonderful Italian middle grades memoir Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II. Sensitive and age appropriate, this standout book is an ideal shared read aloud for older children.
Overhead view of arms with red mittens holding hot chocolate.
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. 
Book cover of When Dad Was Away by Liz Weir. Cover includes redheaded girl reading a book with a green cover against a yellow background.
December is a time of holiday celebrations for many families. For families with a parent currently incarcerated, however, the reality is very different. Picture books about incarceration can help children and parents talk about a complex topic that affects millions of children and families in the United States.
Book cover illustration which includes three Wampanoag figures and a fox
Many of us are gearing up to celebrate Thanksgiving at the end of the month. But how do teach what is actually a complicated story of conflict and colonization? Learn about books from our collection and online resources that can help us teach a more accurate history.
Illustration of a small child.
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!
Cover of Bravo!: Poems About Brave Hispanics by Margarite Engle
During Hispanic Heritage Month we intentionally recognize the many contributions made by persons of Latin American, Hispanic, and Latina/o descent to every part of U.S. American life. Check out these picture book biographies about Hispanic and Latino trailblazers, strivers, and justice seekers. 
Hello name tag with a blank spot for a person's name.
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!
Illustration of three characters on a colorful green sofa, where two characters on sitting on their heads and one character has a blue umbrella on their head.
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.
Illustration of a woman and two girls making dough.
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.
Globe of wold made up of stacks and different formations of books
Add some picture books in translation to your reading routine! Picture books by international creators offer different perspectives, and feature groundbreaking art and narratives.
Chalk drawing of a rainbow in the shape of a heart.
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. 
Caterpillar bites into a blade of grass.
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?!
Little girl hangs upside own from a tree next to a boa constrictor
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.
Cover of Kats Hats by Daniel Pinkwater. Image contains one boy wearing a blue and white striped scarf and an orange tabby cat in the shape of a hat on his head.
At Kat Hats Incorporated, cats are trained to serve as hats  for people looking for maximum warmth. Who is the warmest cat, however, and how will he rise to the challenge when his skills are called upon? 
Book cover for Every Body is a Beautiful Body
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!
Headshot of Ashley Bryan. He is an older African American man with white hair and a mustache,
During a career spanning over six decades, Ashley Bryan (1923-3022) illustrated more than 70 children's picture books in a variety of media and in several genres. 
Illustration of a man and a woman with a child.
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.
Pages from the book Good Night Ganesha
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. 
Cover of Bright Star by Yuyi Morales. Pink background with a fawn and cactus.
The publication of a new book by Yuyi Morales is always a cause for celebration—and for immediately placing a hold on one's library account. Published in September of this year, Bright Star is an incandescently beautiful picture book about love, courage, and caring for one another
Book Cover of Sharing a Smile by Nicki Kramar
Picture books can help children (and their parents) process big emotions around major life events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Children's book creators have risen to the occasion and produced books that children and adults can both enjoy. 
Book cover of My First Day
The first day of elementary school is a big event in a child’s life. Some children mark the day with new outfits and a bevy of pictures. Others, meanwhile, begin the first of many intrepid commutes to school. This delightful picture book details one such adventure to get to school. 
Book Cover of Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued
There are not many picture books about the Holocaust. Published earlier this year, Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued tells two intertwined stories. 
Book Cover of Luci Soars by Lulu Delacre
 Luci Soars is the newest book by prolific author and illustrator Lulu Delacre. When you're different, it can seem like the whole world is against you. How can you rise above it? 
Book Cover of a New Kind of Wild
When Ren has to move to a gray and concrete city, will he miss his home in the wild and beautiful el Yunque too much to see anything magical ever again? Published just this year, A New Kind of Wild is a delightful, imaginative picture book.
Slightly smiling woman with dark brown wavy hair looking sideways at viewer.
During these times of sheltering at home, patrons and staff alike are missing regular in-person library programming. Here at NPL in 2020, we also had to postpone special in-person library events for the year's Nashville Reads title, Dreamers by Yuyi Morales.
Row of kids laying on their stomachs with their heads in their hands like they're bored.
Parent and caregivers, we know it's challenging to have your children at home during this pandemic. Here is a roundup of online resources that can help kids stay engaged in learning—preventing their brains from "turning to mush" while they are not in school.
Christmas tree made up of green books sits on a red table in the lobby of the downtown Nashville library.
December and January present a rich opportunity to explore how different cultural traditions celebrate the winter holidays. Branch out from snowmen, reindeer, and candy canes by learning about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.
Windows and Mirrors logo illustration of cross-legged person reading large book.
Books can serve as both windows and mirrors. All children should have access to both. We provide curated lists featuring diverse children from varying backgrounds and experiences.
Headshot of a woman with curly gray hair.
Although she is perhaps best known as the writer of The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood has also written several books for children. Take an opportunity to introduce your child to one of the giants of modern literature by reading some books written especially for them.
Toni Morrison.
The news of Toni Morrison's passing on August 5 was met with tributes and gratitude for a life well lived. While she is best known as the author of such novels as The Bluest Eye and Beloved, Morrison also wrote several books for children. It is not yet too early to introduce the children in your life to the work of this incomparable writer.
Book cover for the illustrated book Bread and Jam for Francis.
Do you have a picky young eater at home? You are not alone! Bread and Jam for Frances is the story of a winsome little badger who decides that only bread and jam will satisfy her appetite.  
A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a purple patterned cardigan and a magenta shirt, looking toward the camera.
Writer Pat Mora is a poet, an educator, an activist, and a storyteller who often borrows from her Chicana background to tell stories of family, heritage, and the joy that reading can bring.
Book cover for "In Your Hands" featuring a child cradled between two large, protective hands.
The author of multiple books, Carole Boston Weatherford "mines the past for family stories, fading traditions and forgotten struggles" to write poetry, nonfiction, and picture books that give pride of place to the African American experience.
Black and white photo of smiling Black woman wearing hair band and looking to the side.
Born in rural Kenya and educated in the United States, Wangari Maathai was the first woman in East Africa to earn a doctoral degree, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and is the founder of the Green Belt Movement. Her incredible story is the subject of several picture book biographies for children.
Black history month text on a black, red, green, and yellow background.
An acquaintance of mine is fond of saying "28 days will never be enough," to refer to Black History Month. That is, one month out of the year (and the shortest month at that) is not enough time to highlight the full depth and breadth of black history in the United States and around the world. Nor should it be limited to one month out of the year. Black History is History writ large. But during African American History Month it is important that we bring our particular attention to the contributions of African Americans. Picture books are an ideal (and beautiful) way to address the gaps in our knowledge.
Caldecott medal.
The announcement of the Caldecott, Newbery, and other recipients of the American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards is a cause for celebration! Did your favorites win? Or what books will now be on your reading list? Check out our round-up (with links to our collection) below
Book cover for To Kill a Mockingbird.
Using stories as the basis for coding games encourages children to explore early computer programming principles in a fun and interactive way.
Illustration of two hands holding an ebook reader that shows the words "RIP Books?"
Did you know that you can check out e-books­ from the library, with your library card? Our OverDrive E-Book collection has thousands of titles to choose from, all of which can be downloaded to your favorite e-reader. Many of those e-book titles are for children, including both fiction and nonfiction. Let us help you navigate the wide world of e-books for children available at the library!
Headshot of a woman with dark brown hair, a denim jacket, and a blue scarf smiling.
Born in Mexico City, author and illustrator Angela Dominguez grew up in Texas. Named several times as a Pura Belpré Honor for illustration, she now lives on the East Coast. Her friendly and open artwork invites the reader into a world where they can truly see themselves and others.    
Slightly smiling woman with brown wavy hair looking sideways at viewer.
One of the most marvelous writers and illustrators of children's literature today, Yuyi Morales mines her Mexican childhood for the magical words and riotous colors that inform her beautiful books. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Pura Belpré Medal.
Group of children sitting on the floor. One child holds a book and smiles up at the camera.
Are you clever? Shrewd? Canny? Or just plain brainy? How can you learn to use a wide variety of words like these? The answer is to read, read, read! The more you read, the better your vocabulary becomes. The more words a child reads, the more words she or he will learn and eventually use and understand.
Waiting for Baby book cover with illustration of pregnant mother and young child looking at her belly.
Expanding your family is a crazy yet wonderful time. Luckily, there are picture books for almost every situation that can help ease the transition for your little ones.
Drawing of a spider with glasses.
Summer is a great time for getting outside and exploring all the tiny creatures that surround us. Check out these activities and books to help you and your kids learn more about all the creepy crawlies hiding in plain sight!
Book cover for an illustrated book called Island Born showing a drawing of a small girl with dark hair piled on the top of hear head.
Published on March 13, Junot Díaz´s long awaited first book for children is a love letter to the children-both young and old- who carry in themselves the memories of the places that have shaped them and their communities.
Illustration of "Super Diaper Baby" wearing a blue mask, yellow cape, and red boots while jumping joyfully.
Active kids love to run and explore the world around them. But how can you read a story when your kid is always on the move? 
Book cover for doesn't match. girl with red hair and blue hairband is bending over backwards.
It's especially important  in our current cultural climate that children not only see themselves in the books they read, but also that they read about children different from them. Below are some examples of books in NPL's collection in which biracial and multiracial children take center stage.
Olympic rings.
The Winter Olympics may be happening in South Korea, but you can have your own olympics right in your living room!
Drawing of a man saying Apple and thinking la Manzana.
Many parents would like their children to speak more than one language. It’s going to take a more than a few videos or (even!) books for your child to become bilingual, however. For children—or anyone—to acquire a second language, bilingualism must become a way of life.
book cover shows illustration of three angels.
Now that it's officially December, we can bring out the Christmas music! These beautifully illustrated versions of Christmas songs and carols bring traditional music to life in a whole new way.
Rashad Rayford headshot.
Rashad "thaPoet" Rayford shares his reading list for those who wish to further explore activism and civil rights in literature.
Young boy lays on his back reading a book.
Reading over the summer is essential to preventing "summer slide," or the loss of valuable academic skills gained during the school year. Although it may seem unfair to make kids read and do assignments over the summer, it is in fact exceedingly important. The key to getting a child to read during summer vacation, however, is to let them read what they want to read.
Book cover for "Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns" featuring a girl, a lit lantern, and a mosque with golden domes.
In this country’s present political and cultural climate, there are some people who think it’s acceptable to discriminate against people who may be Muslim or from the Middle East. This, of course, is wrong. People are people, and they all deserve respect, safety, and understanding. The children's books below portray Muslims and the Middle East in the light they deserve: positive, honest, open, and respectful.
Book cover for "Four Feet, Two Sandals" depicting two young girls walking in a refugee camp, each wearing one yellow sandal.
Recent events have brought the world's attention to the presence of refugees in the United States. The children's picture books featured in this blog post share what it’s like to be a refugee from a child’s perspective, and are wonderful to share with children of all backgrounds.
Cartoon mouse saying "toon into reading."
Graphic novels appeal to many readers, but are not always appropriate for young children. Luckily, TOON Books are here! TOON books are high-quality comics for children ages 3 and up. They are especially leveled for developing readers in grades Kindergarten through third, and are fun to share at any age!
B&W photo of a young girl with a "March for Jobs & Freedom" pennant at the 1963 March on Washington for Civil Rights.
The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom called on the United States to hold to its promise of freedom and justice for all, not just for the few. Though we have come far, the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of freedom and equality, proclaimed that day, remains to be fully realized. The books below are a good place for preschoolers and other young children to begin learning about the March on Washington, MLK, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement.
Green poster with the text Keep Calm School's Out for Summer.
While students may be breathlessly awaiting the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation, parents may feel a bit differently. Namely, they may wondering what are they going to do with those kids all day now that school’s out for summer.  Not to worry, Nashville Public Library is here to help! Summer is a busy time for us: we have stuff going on all summer long, for you and the kids. Read on to learn about some of the many things NPL has in store for the summer.

In a former life, Klem-Marí was a Religious Studies scholar. She much prefers being the Family Literacy Coordinator for Bringing Books to Life! She wants you to read and share books with the children in your life, and for those children to see you to read as well. Originally from Puerto Rico, Klem-Marí also enjoys her cat, baking, yoga, and the works of Octavia Butler.

Caroline is a Bilingual Literacy Assistant for Bringing Books to Life! She is passionate about accessibility and language justice and loves to share stories and art with friends of all ages. In her free time she enjoys singing, cooking, teaching and practicing yoga, and roller skating.

Liz Atack is the Bringing Books to Life! Program Manager. She trains teachers and parents on early literacy and conducts rollicking storytimes at preschools, childcare centers, and early childhood education programs. Learn more about Bringing Books to Life!.

Amber loves learning more about her city and the world through books and stories. She currently works with Bringing Books to Life! where she gets to share stories with boys and girls throughout Nashville. 

Olivia was a summer 2018 outreach intern for the Bringing Books to Life (BBTL) program. In her free time she enjoys drawing, writing, and reading about strong female protagonists doing cool things.

Sammie is an outreach assistant with the Bringing Books to Life! program. When she’s not busy reading childrens' books to preschoolers all across Davidson County, you can find her curled up on her couch with a good book and a cup of coffee, or chasing her toddler Emmett around the backyard.