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Who doesn't love a bit of historical fiction? And there are so many sub-genres to choose from - historical romance, historical mystery, multi-eras, and more! But what makes a work of fiction historical? I've been watching oodles of webinars on what we library folks like to call "reader's advisory." Put simply, reader's advisory is a way librarian's recommend books to our patrons, usually based on the patron's interests. In the Historical Fiction webinar, the presenters defined historical fiction as any book that's time period takes place before the author's lifetime. So, what may be history to me (everything 1980s and prior) may not be history to you. Interesting, right? But enough about that, you came here for reading suggestions! Historical Mystery A Test of Wills by Charles Todd The year is 1919. World War I veteran, Ian Rutledge, has joined Scotland Yard as an investigator. As he struggles to deal with the things he witnessed during the war, he is assigned a case that involves the military. Will he be able to temper his emotions and solve the case, or will his wounds prove too difficult to heal? Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear Pardonable Lies is the third novel in Jacqueline Winspear's bestselling Maisie Dobbs series. Maisie's newest assignment is to investigate the supposed death of Ralph Lawton during World War I. Ralph's mother, Agnes', dying wish to her husband is to find out the truth about their son. But before she died, Agnes' quest for the truth brought her to the brink of madness - and she began dealing with folks adept in the dark arts. As Maisie works on the assignment she finds herself tested, spiritually and emotionally. She also runs into one of her old pals who helps her make a startling connection to Ralph - one that just might help her find some answers. Historical Fantasy The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang War orphan, Rin, has lived a life of servitude and humility. So when she aces the Keju - a test that determines the most talented youth in the Empire - and is accepted to Sinegard - the most elite military school in Nikan - Rin and everyone else are shocked. Rin is excited to leave her life of poverty and despair, but she faces prejudice from the other students at Sinegard. But despite the trials, Rin discovers she has a rare talent for the art of shamanism and begins studying with an eccentric teacher. What she discovers through her studies may help save her people and her country in the impending Third Poppy War. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty Nahri knows how to con even the cleverest of Ottoman nobles - it's not magic, just sleight of hand and clever tricks. But one trick goes awry and Nahri winds up summoning a djinn warrior and is forced to admit that magic is very, very real. The warrior tells her about the mythical city of brass, Daevebad - a city in which Nahri finds herself closely bound. As she enters the world of Daevebad she finds herself in a dangerous tangle of court politics and learns how terrifying true power really is. Alternative Histories The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead Imagine the real-life world of slavery and indentured servitude pre-Civil War. Now imagine the Underground Railroad was an actual railroad - located underground. That's the world that Colson Whitehead has created. Cora and Caesar, the novel's protagonists, escape the Georgia cotton plantation and travel on the underground railroad to South Carolina. They spend some time in a city that seems fairly safe - taking regular jobs to care for themselves. But there is a notorious slave catcher hell-bent on finding them, and Cora is forced to take the Underground Railroad on her own in search of freedom. 11/22/63 by Stephen King What would you do if you could change history? This is the question that Jake Epping - a young English and GED teacher asks himself when his friend, Al, reveals that his diner storeroom has a portal to the past - a day in 1958. Al is obsessed with preventing the murder of John F. Kennedy and enlists Jake's help to change history. Jake travels back in time and must familiarize himself with the new culture and his new identity as George Amberson. As 1963 approaches, Jake meets Lee Harvey Oswald and the suspense intensifies in the mission to save JFK. American Civil War Conjure Women by Afia Atakora Conjure Women is a story that spans generations of women in the South before and after the Civil War. Three women are at the center of the story: Miss May Belle, her daughter, Rue, and their master's daughter, Varina. Miss May Belle is a gifted midwife, and, although Rue is expected to follow in her mother's footsteps, she has no desire to do so. The three women share multiple secrets and bonds that are strained by war and the birth of a new child. Superstitions about the child abound among the community and threaten the newfound freedom of the story's women. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara This book is number two in Michael Shaara's Civil War series. The Killer Angels takes place on a Pennsylvania battlefield over four bloody and exhausting days. It's the Battle of Gettysburg brought to life for the reader with author-imagined accounts from leaders and soldiers on both sides of the horrendous battle. Single-Era The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers Inspired by true events. Major Gryffth Hockaday is called for duty in the Civil War shortly after marrying Placidia. In his two year absence, the teen, Placidia, must find a way to manage the three-hundred acre farm and raise a baby by herself. But when Major Hockaday returns, Placidia is facing jail time for birthing and killing a child during her husband's absence. What really happened during those two years? Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel Many of you, I'm sure, have heard of this series. Clan of the Cave Bear takes place in paleolithic times. The novel's protagonist, Ayla, is left alone after a natural disaster. She is taken in by a member of the Clan. However, her appearance differs vastly from those of the Clan, and many are suspicious of her. The boy who is set to become the Clan's next leader develops a deep hatred for Ayla and is determined to be rid of her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ All of the titles listed above are available in our ebook collections through OverDrive/Libby, although some have a short waiting list. If you need help accessing titles, please reach out to us at infolibrary@cityofcaldwell.org or 208-459-3242.

During this global pandemic, many of us are trying to find ways to fill our time while practicing social distancing. Whether you want to binge-watch the latest TV show on Netflix, or you're looking for a way to improve your skills, there's no shortage of fun and interesting things to do (even without an internet connection!). Library staff have been taking this time to brush up on their professional skills, so I thought it would be perfect to practice making video tutorials. I've wanted to make a tutorial to one of my favorite resources, Niche Academy, for quite a while now, but could never find the time to sit down and do it. I'm still busy keeping up to date on community resources and sharing them, but I told myself it was now or never to get these tutorials rolling. So, why am I starting with this resource? Great question! Niche Academy is the perfect starting place because it is a database of...(wait for it)...video tutorials! Wait, what? Yes, you read that right; it's not a typo. Niche Academy is a collection of tutorials on a variety of topics. So whether you want to learn how to use OverDrive/Libby to download ebooks, or you want to brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, Niche Academy is the place to go! Interested? I thought so. Watch this video to learn how to sign in to Niche Academy and start learning: Like this tutorial? Let us know: infolibrary@cityofcaldwell.org

With COVID-19 causing schools to close and parents to take up the mantle of educators, families with special needs kids may have particular concerns. You may feel you aren’t ready to be your child’s teacher, even for a little while. These resources are for you. Feel free to call or email the library with research questions, requests for resources, or assistance with finding what you need. You are not alone. As you take those first steps toward educating your special needs child at home, it will be important to think about creating routines and teaching independence . Looking for information on particular learning challenges? Time4Learning has detailed Special Education (SPED) sections highlighting tips for working with autism, Down Syndrome, auditory processing disorders and dyslexia at home. Ready for a book? Consider the Talking Books Service (managed by the Idaho Commission for Libraries). Audio b ooks and magazines can be loaned free to any Idaho resident who is unable to read standard print, hold a book, or turn pages due to a temporary or permanent physical limitation. Geared to Idaho’s homeschool families, “Homeschooling in Idaho” has detailed tips for educating special needs kids. It’s easy to feel isolated. Today it might seem as if you’re standing on top of a mountain by yourself. But here’s the good news: you are NOT alone. SPED Homeschool features a gallery of resources that are great for short term use. For anyone who might want to get involved with the political implications of coronavirus-related SPED decisions, this article from National Public Radio is a starting place.

What a time to really explore all the great Classics available on Overdrive. I personally needed some time to read or listen to something that was lighter, familiar, and offered a good distraction from the stress we are experiencing today. One avenue I discovered was the Classics collection available on Overdrive. Below are some of the Classics I found that I am loving at the moment. Pride and Prejudice The audio version of Pride and Prejudice has a full cast narration that I am really loving. I have never read this story before, but I have always loved the movie. So much so that I am pretty sure I watch it at least once a year. There is also a print version of the book available in the Overdrive collection if you would rather read it. Be transported back to a time where having more than your fair share of daughters can really create a conundrum of social and courtship mishaps. Anne of Avonlea One of my all time favorite characters since I was a child is Anne Shirley. Because I have been reading her series over and over again throughout the years, I always get this wonderful sense of nostalgia and safety when I read the books. Since I had recently read Anne of Green Gables, I checked out the next book in the series. I’m ready to go back to Avonlea! Scaramouche I was recently playing Rock Band 4 and the Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody came up next in my playlist. This was the inspiration for me to check out Scaramouche. I have never read this before, but it sounds like an amazing story. Have you read it? I can’t wait to get started. The story seems to be really fun and exciting and I can’t remember the last time I read something pertaining to the French Revolution. As with most of my checkouts, I got this one on audio. I will listen to it after I read Anne of Avonlea. A Wrinkle in Time This is another book that I really enjoyed as a child and gives me that sense of familiarity and comfort. Overdrive has it in print as an e-book, as well as audio. When a book starts out with “It was a dark and stormy night” how can we not expect it to be fantastic? It’s a fun journey full of scientific theory and talks about love and friendship despite differences and obstacles. Meet Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit and enjoy the ride into intergalactic time travel! How to Refine Your Search So how did I look just for Classics in the vastness of books that Overdrive has to offer? When I got into the app, I used the search tool and typed in “Classics.” Here, it shows me just a collection of everything that Overdrive considers Classics. Keeping my filter to show everything that is available, I was able to see both e-audio-books and e-books. If I were to filter out my options, I could see all that was available only on audio (which is my personal preference). If I filter out even more, I can see only what is available for immediate download. Explore your refining and searching options today! April’s Collection For the month of April and due to our current global situation, Overdrive is offering special digital library cards, as well as a larger collection than they normally do. Take advantage of this amazing service and explore all there is to see in the Overdrive collection. There should be something available for the whole family. Don’t forget that you can also call, email, or chat with a librarian during this time if you have any questions on how to install apps, get a card, or navigate through any of our electronic resources. Happy reading!

Coronavirus isn’t the only threat to your health. You, your kids, your spouse, and your parents are all subject to stress. We need to give ourselves permission to care for ourselves, to relax, and to look around at nature. There is still beauty in the world! Coping With Coronavirus Stress. “Manage what you can; release what you cannot.” Good advice from the counselors at ‘Psychology Today’ as you are working through the challenges of each day. # SongsofComfort Are you soothed by music? This hashtag is for you. Search on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to experience musicians sharing their gifts in a difficult time. Yo-Yo Ma, the world-famous cellist, has a number of contributions. Many other well-known and unknown artists are contributing. Here's an example . Mindfulness Exercises with Kids . What is mindfulness? Focus. Simplicity. Paying attention to what is right HERE, right NOW. What do I hear? See? Smell? Feel? It’s so simple but so difficult. If your mind feels like it’s going in 10 different directions all day long, you might want to try some soothing mindfulness today. Don’t forget to share these ideas with the kids in your life. YouTube Yoga Can’t make it to the gym? Ready to try yoga for relaxation but you don’t know where to start? Look no further! YouTube’s “Yoga with Adriene” series has just what you need to get started with a beginning yoga workout. Talking to your Kids About Coronavirus If your kids are confused about the coronavirus and what it means, maybe it's time to have a family meeting. Here are some talking points. Good information from PBS. Idaho Coronavirus Resources A long list, including local resources for coronavirus testing, phone numbers, and symptoms. You may have read all these before, but a complete resource listing could be helpful. Was this list helpful? We'll be posting every few days to keep you up to date on resources and activities.

“Out of control.” “Chaotic.” “Crazy.” How do you describe your life as a parent today, especially if you have preschoolers? It’s difficult to be the leader when you aren’t sure what’s coming next. Here are some apps and websites that might be helpful. This Time Magazine article has good advice on structuring your family's day when the usual line-up of activities is unavailable. Want a couple of ideas about how to talk to little ones about corona-virus? While this link goes right to the corona-virus page of “Zero to Three,” be sure to check out their main page . Like Vroom (below) this site is a lifesaver for activity ideas, parenting tips, and ways to cope. Available as an app, daily texts, and a website, Vroom i s pure gold for finding parenting ideas for young children. From games to chores, music to de-stressing, PBS Parents has a smattering of everything. (Do you think we’d get away without promoting Daniel Tiger?) Miracle-recreation has indoor recess games for kids of various ages. A great way to Get the Wiggles Out! Need an indoor game that will burn off some of that 'cabin fever' energy? See if one of these 87 ideas strikes you as fun! Feeling crafty? BabbleDabbleDo has some ideas that use materials you probably have at home! This blog post written by Fiona May, our Youth Services Supervisor at Caldwell Public Library and edited by Monique Gaddy.

What can we do today, mom? If your kids are missing weekly storytime, see if you like “ DayByDayIdaho ,” a daily storytime brought to every Idahoan by the Idaho Commission for Libraries. Listen to a book, sing a song, try something fun and enjoy extension activities. Different storytimes available each day. Available to all Idaho families; you will be asked for your zip code. Photo courtesy of the Idaho Commission for Libraries. Love children’s books? Want to meet the authors and illustrators who make them come to life? Try out KidLit TV , a site for kids to inspire a love of reading. Children’s authors and illustrators are stepping up, reaching out and inviting families to create, listen, learn, and play with them. Where is all this happening? Check Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media sites. Familiar names include Grace Lin, Mo Willems, Dan Gutman, and many more. How about enjoying a storytime - recorded in space ? Picture books about engineers, girls in science, space, and just plain fun stuff. You can find out more on NASA's introductory page , explaining the program. Common Sense Media has reviews to help you choose appropriate movies, books and apps for your children. You can review the comments made by parents about the maturity level of the item, as well as notes from kids who also get to 'weigh-in' on the age appropriateness of the media. Lots of links, including a section on high-quality, free educational games. Who loves sharks? Would you enjoy Shark Story Time? You are in LUCK, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Facebook friends will share a shark story every day. Visit their page, click on Videos and take a look! @oliverjeffers Starting on Monday, at 6pm GMT / 2pm EST / 11am PST, Oliver Jeffers will be reading one of his books every weekday and talking about some of the things that went into making it. We are all at home, but none of us are alone. Also, @macbarnett will be doing the same with his books daily, an hour later. And the genius minds behind @kaleidoscopeire are doing a daily creative project called ‘Home Club’, also starting Monday. ADDITION: this will be made available to watch later for those in other time zones. They will also be looking for someone to help with a Spanish translation. Stay tuned to the blog for more fun things to do at home!

The Caldwell Public Library and the American Library Association are committed to keeping our community informed with the best data that we can find. As natural researchers, we work hard to assess information and make sure that it comes from a credible source. Idaho Resource During this time, people have a lot of questions and may be having a hard time finding accurate information. One resource that we recommend for the latest information on testing and confirmed cases in Idaho is coronavirus.idaho.gov. Also available on this site is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. This resource is local and will give you information on what we are doing here in Idaho to maintain the health of our community. National Resource The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has global outbreak information, travelers health information that is beneficial and useful for the public. It also has recommendations for prevention of illness and what to do if you get sick. Explore their website for further reading and data charts available at this time. Local Media Resource We know that the Idaho Statesman is one of the newspapers that is read by a lot of our library users. The newspaper has made this statement: “The Idaho Statesman and McClatchy news sites have lifted the paywall on our websites for this developing story, providing critical information to readers.” Idaho Statesman has been putting out information quickly on confirmed cases and, specifically, general locations of the confirmed cases in Idaho so far. Our library team will try to keep our information updated and current as best we can while also being available to answer any questions online, over the phone, or through email.

Just over a week ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Public Library Association’s (PLA) biennial conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This was my first PLA conference, and I was not disappointed! The four-day conference offered a host of different sessions and guest speakers, as well as nearly 9,000 public librarians from around the nation (and even the world!). The theme for this year was Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, so the class sessions all related back to the theme. While I learned something from every session I attended, I was particularly interested in the session titled “Social Work Interns in the Public Library.” You might be thinking, “What does social work have to do with public libraries?” Well, I’m here to tell you! As hubs of information, with doors open to everyone in the community, public libraries are uniquely positioned to serve community members with more than checking out books. Library staff is often faced with questions such, “Where can I find a place to sleep tonight?” or “Can you help me write a resume so I can re-enter the job force?” Questions such as these, and the situations that accompany them, often fall outside of the traditional librarian realm and enter the realm of social work. While Caldwell is not considered an urban area, we have seen steady growth in the area as well as our fair share of social work issues. We want to provide the best possible service to our library users and community members. In order to do so, we partnered with Boise State University’s Service-Learning Program this semester. The Service-Learning program places undergraduate social work students in organizations throughout the Treasure Valley. The benefits are two-fold: students gain valuable experience, and the organizations gain perspectives and assistance from the students. Our intern, Hailie, has been working with the library since the beginning of February to identify local resources and transportation options available, particularly transportation to those resources. She’s working alongside library staff to keep our resource binders up-to-date and identify resource/transportation needs in the area. Hailie is also developing “walk-in” activities for kids and teens during the after-school hours when the library does not offer library programming. So far, she has helped kids get onto games on the computers and played board games with kids who want to try something else. This may not seem like much, but it’s a huge help when our library staff is busy assisting other users. Hailie’s big plans will roll out in April, so keep an eye out for new activities! Although her internship only runs for a short time, we greatly appreciate the work Hailie has done and will continue to do for the library. If you’d like to see our current resource binders, or you have questions about transportation options in the area, please let us know! We also encourage you to watch for our Healing Library kits. Each of these kits has a theme, such as “Dealing with the Death of Loved One,” and is packed with resources and activities for families to heal from trauma together. Hailie will be helping us include local resources for these kits. If you still have questions about the role that social workers and social work interns can play in libraries, check out this article from The New Social Worker, or drop by the library’s information desk during our open hours.

Throughout the year, library staff pulls reports to see what items are being used the most. At the end of a calendar year, we can pull reports to see which items in our library got the most use from the previous year. Usually, the top “circulating” items are our headphones and Xbox controllers, but we wanted to see which books were getting used the most in 2019. We looked at a variety of collections from youth to adult to see what books were most popular. I chose the top three items in a few categories to share with you - in a multi-part series. In this week's installment, we'll look at the kids' books that had the most checkouts. Let us know if anything surprises you! Picture Books You may think holiday books only get checked out during that particular holiday season, but Spooky Halloween by Lauren Bisom was checked out a whopping 29 times in 2019! Some things just never fade out of popularity, and it seems that dinosaurs are still a favorite among the kiddos. Both There’s a Dinosaur on the 13th Floor by Wade Bradford and We are the Dinosaurs by Laurie Berkner were checked out 29 times in 2019. Fiction Who doesn’t love a story about a cat, especially kittens? And when kittens are naughty, the stories get even funnier. Nick Bruel’s Kitten Trouble was checked out 26 times in 2019, proving that kids (and adults!) love stories about animals. Is anyone surprised that Diary of a Wimpy Kid made the top 3 list? Jeff Kinney’s infamous series has remained popular with elementary and middle school-age kids since it’s inception. The Meltdown was checked out 25 times last year. The author of Captain Underpants, Dav Pilkey, is another childhood favorite. His series Dog Man, like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, has held steady popularity over the years. Brawl of the Wild was checked out 25 times in 2019. Graphic Novels Although it was published in 2016, Compass South ranked first among youth graphic novels checked out in our library. It’s the first in a series that takes place in 1860, following the adventures of two brothers after the disappearance of their father. The book was checked out 23 times in 2019. Mr. Wolf’s Class, the first in a series, came out in 2018 and takes place in a fourth-grade classroom – with all the unexpected twists and turns that the students encounter. Like Compass South, Mr. Wolf’s Class was checked out 23 times in 2019. Seeing this book on the list surprised me. The Stonekeeper was published in 2008 but has remained a favorite among our younger readers. The Amulet series has 7 published books, and The Stonekeeper (#1) was checked out 22 times in 2019. Non-Fiction If you’ve been around for any time at all, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Guinness Book of World Records, but have you heard of the Gamer’s Edition? This book is for anyone and everyone who loves gaming. You’ll find amazing videogame records as well as trivia and information about newly released games. The 2019 edition was checked out 20 times last year, and the 2020 edition is already out and circulating – check it out! Is it any surprise that the regular edition of Guinness World Records came in second for most checked out youth non-fiction? We always have kids asking when the latest edition is coming out, so I’m not surprised that the 2019 edition was checked out 19 times last year. I’m willing to bet a lot more people viewed the book while visiting the library, than those who checked them out. And the 2020 edition is already out, so get your name on the list soon! For those of us that grew up in the 1990s, it’s amazing to see how big of a comeback Pokémon has had. Although the Alola Region Handbook came out in 2017, it was checked out 18 times in 2019, making it the third-highest checkout in youth non-fiction. The Alola Region is made up of four islands, with one artificial island. Each island is guarded by a Pokémon deity and is home to a variety of other Pokémon. For those interested in the strengths and abilities of individual Pokémon, region handbooks are a must! Did you like this list? Stay tuned for the next installment on February 11: Teen Books!

For many people, non-fiction appears dry and boring, but non-fiction works aren't all that way. Some non-fiction books read just as well as fiction, if not better. Don't believe me? Check out this list of non-fiction titles and tell me what you think. One of them may change your mind forever. Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes In her own voice, author and poet Nikki Grime explores the truth of a harrowing childhood in a compelling and moving memoir in verse. Grimes’ mother suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and her father was barely around. After shuffling between foster families and losing trust in the adults around her, Grimes found power and purpose in writing at the age of six. In this moving memoir, Grimes shows just how powerful the written word can be. Nevertheless, We Persisted by In This Together Media A collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back but persisted. Each one of these contributors shares their stories of subjection to hatred – because of gender, sexuality, race, or something else – and the ways in which they overcame the obstacles that were put in their path. These deeply personal stories with resonate with readers of all backgrounds and will encourage those who are struggling to continue fighting for justice. Vincent and Theo by Deborah Heiligman You’ve probably heard of the infamous artist Vincent van Gogh, but have you heard of his younger brother, Theo? Theo was a Dutch art dealer and a close friend and confidant of his brother, Vincent. Theo supported Vincent both financially and emotionally so he could pursue his art. This is the story of their brotherhood. Meticulously researched, drawing on the 658 letters Vincent wrote Theo during his lifetime, the author weaves a tale of two lives intertwined and the extraordinary love of the Van Gogh brothers. The Miracle & Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets by Sarah Miller When the Quintuplets were born, no one expected them to live so much as an hour. Overnight, Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie Dionne mesmerized the globe, defying medical history with every breath they took. They were born in May 1934 and, between the five of them, weighed only 13 pounds. Under the guise of protection, the Ontario government took custody of the children, raising them in a hospital near their parents. But as the years went on, the government used the children for their own gains. This book tells the story of the five Dionne girls – growing up in the limelight and forging identities of their own. Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, America’s First Black Paratroopers by Tanya Lee Stone The story of the Triple Nickles is largely unknown, but Stone’s book attempts to change that. During World War II, discrimination was still very much alive on the homefront and in the war. African American soldiers were segregated from their white counterparts – in battalions of their own. At Fort Benning, First Sergeant Walter Morris’ men serve as guards at The Parachute School where white soldiers train to become paratroopers. But Morris knows the only way to prove his men are just as capable as white men is to train and perform like them. This is the story of the 555th Parachute Infantry – America’s first black paratroopers – who proved that ability had nothing to do with the color of one’s skin. Did you like this list? Want more book recommendations? Let us know at infolibrary@cityofcaldwell.org

Food, My Favorite Topic The holidays are fast approaching and I don't know about all of you, but one of my favorite parts about the holidays is all the fantastic food. Cooking is such a great life skill and is so versatile - it can be taught early and utilized for life. I know I have always been so grateful for my mother, she taught me how to cook when I was young. Some recipes are easy to make, while others are more complicated. And for those who are brave or wanting a challenge, there is also food that is outside of our comfort zone, whatever that may mean to you and your family (I know in my household we absolutely love Thai food, and we try to incorporate elements and flavors from Thai cuisine into our every day cooking). Baby, Toddler, and Kid Baby and toddler cookbooks offer an array of recipes to help introduce your young one to different foods in a safe way while also providing healthy options. The Baby and Toddler Cookbook by Karen Ansel, MS, RD, and Charity Ferreira, lays out a meal plan from 6 months to 3 years. I am almost positive that when I was a kid that we cooked recipes from this same book- and as I was hunting down cookbooks to show off it brought back a lot of fun memories! The Little House Cookbook by Barbara M. Walker features 100 recipes of classic pioneer food, as well as highlights some of the customs pioneers used to feed the family. A fun book to experiment with everyone in the house. Is your child really enjoying cooking and you're running out of recipes? The Young Chef by Mark Ainsworth talks about measuring, cooking techniques, flavor pairing, and gives out other handy tips throughout the book. Get them into the cooking process and having fun. Teens, Thriving, and Tamales "Written by teens, for teens," The Green Teen Cookbook, edited by Laurane Marchive and Pam McElroy, is a cookbook to help teens navigate the world of green cooking. There is so much to learn about this process that it can be daunting for anyone who is interested in becoming more environmentally aware, and this book is a great start. Showcasing an array of recipes, explore this project as a family and reap the benefits. According to Mareya Ibrahim, there are eight essential strategies to making sure that you eat well, in a way that works for you, and that you won't hate 3 weeks down the road. Eat Like You Give a Fork is a funny, yet informative book about all the ways that we have approached food, and her advice on how to approach it so that we eat well and are satisfied with the choices. Who doesn't love tamales? I love them so much that I actually probably should not have even looked at this book while working...now they are all I can think about! From materials to salsas, Tamales by Daniel Hoyer, has everything you need to get started on the tamale process. New and Classics Exploring some of the more exotic dishes, I picked out two on Asian cuisine, one that has been out since 2013, and one that is on our New Book Shelf (located right next to the Reference Desk). Everyday Thai Cooking showcases some of the classic dishes from Thai cuisine - family dishes that are quick and easy. This cookbook is easy to follow and has beautiful photographs for each dish. From Kimchi to Bulgogi, an array of seafood dishes, to your ever-evolving street foods, Maangchi's Big Book of Korean Cooking is full of fantastic recipes, all dedicated to her children. Maangchi is the owner of the top online destination for Korean cooking and she has over 3 million subscribers on YouTube. Going back to the classics, I chose an Ina Garten cookbook for those who are wanting to come back to some Barefoot Contessa classics. Providing pro- tips for almost each recipe, Ina reminds us that variety and great cooking does not have to be terribly complicated. Another pick from the New Books shelf, Umami Bomb by Raquel Pelzel, features vegetarian recipes that are filled with flavor. According to the cookbook, Cambridge English Dictionary describes Umami as:"a strong taste that is not sweet, sour, salty, or bitter and that is often referred to as 'the fifth taste.'" This small cookbook features recipes that are great for snacks, dessert, meals, sides, and a small section that includes seafood. More to Explore! Listed in this blog are some of the books you can check out at the Caldwell Public Library that have an array of options. While I have just chosen a few, there are plenty of options for food books at your library here or at others within Treasure Valley. Come in and ask your librarians for more help on locating books. Don't forget that there are also a ton of cooking videos and our online recipe collection - AtoZ World Foods - that you can also use to get into the spirit of cooking!