Posts by Chris B. (22)

Blog Articles

If you're a history- and vegetable-lover who DOES NOT suffer from coulrophobia, then we have a program for you! If you do suffer from a fear of clowns, then we *might* have a… continue reading Will This Make Me Eat My Vegetables?

By written by Chris B.    May 30, 2024   

The exhibition Into the Night features two paintings by N. C. Wyeth, The Admiral's Ghost and Snow-Drop . The first's title is somewhat explanatory ( It's a ghost! ), but the… continue reading Snow-Drop: A Märchen, a Mouse, and a Mystery

By written by Chris B.    April 2, 2024   

For the last year, the shared offices of the Children's Literature Research Collection and the Map Collection have had a consistent litmus test for visitors. When a new visitor enters… continue reading Spotlight: The Letter People

By written by Chris B.    January 8, 2024   

In 1973, author Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) wrote The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man , a comical fantasy novel about a housecat who is magically transformed by his wizard-owner into a… continue reading The Human Who Was Amazed by "The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man"

By written by Chris B.    May 31, 2023   

The Free Library of Philadelphia has some wonderful resources for people researching the history of children's literature in America. With just a library card , several databases are… continue reading Profiles in Literature

By written by Chris B.    April 25, 2023   

From May 2nd to May 8th, the country will be celebrating Children's Book Week , an annual celebration that promotes the joy of reading to children and young people. The event began a little… continue reading Children's Book Week & the Free Library

By written by Chris B.    May 3, 2022   

Just in time for spring cleaning, N. C. Wyeth's The Old Woman Tost Up in a Basket is back on display in Up Above: Thinking About the Skies in Parkway Central Library. Creating and… continue reading Up Above: Thinking about the "Little Old Lady Tost Up in a Basket"

By written by Chris B.    April 19, 2022    2

Updated Wednesday, December 15, 2021 4:20 p.m. One of the most popular attractions of the Free Library's Rare Book Department is Grip the Raven, the late lamented pet of author Charles… continue reading Grip: A Poem, Book, and Raven

By written by Chris B.    December 3, 2021   

It's Primary Election Day in Philadelphia! If you've signed up in Pennsylvania to vote by mail , you should have already received your ballot with its easy-to-follow instructions,… continue reading "I Voted" Stickers from Our Special Collections

By written by Chris B.    June 2, 2020   

Preservation Week is an annual celebration that began in 2012 with the American Library Association and is celebrated in libraries, museums, and households around the country. The theme for this… continue reading Celebrate Preservation Week at the Free Library!

By written by Chris B.    April 27, 2020   

While everyone is stuck at home, boredom may already be setting in. One way to alleviate boredom is to read or reread a book series (the more volumes, the better!). If you don't have a full… continue reading Middle Schoolers + Epically Long Series = Match!

By written by Chris B.    April 16, 2020   

Tomie dePaola (1934 - 2020) knew how to tell a story. In person, he could keep you spellbound with his stories. His eyes would twinkle and he knew just the right moment to pause and let… continue reading Remembering Tomie DePaola (1934 - 2020)

By written by Chris B.    March 31, 2020    1

With the current quarantine for Covid-19 affecting Pennsylvania, many parents are looking for fun, educational activities for their children. One activity worth exploring is window birding . Due… continue reading Window Birding

By written by Chris B.    March 30, 2020   

In preparation for the opening of Our Five Senses , a new exhibition running now through November 2 in Parkway Central Library's Dietrich Gallery , we've had the honor of sitting down with… continue reading Our Five Senses | A Conversation with Author and Illustrator Aliki

By written by Chris B.    May 14, 2019   

On May 13, the Free Library's Special Collections Division will present Our Five Senses , the first family friendly, fully-interactive exhibition at the Free Library. The exhibition connects… continue reading Our Five Senses | A New Family Friendly, Fully-Interactive Exhibition

By written by Chris B.    April 29, 2019    5

Author  Erin Entrada Kelly recently sat down with us in the  Children's Literature Research Collection  and spoke about illustration, cultural struggles, and how her childhood… continue reading Q&A with Children's Author Erin Entrada Kelly

By written by Chris B.    December 7, 2017    1

“My child loves mysteries and solving riddles. What’s a good series?” Oh how I love this question. Mystery readers can be a difficult group to please. The books recommended have… continue reading #MysteryMonday: Children's Mysteries

By written by Chris B.    May 1, 2017   

Katherine Milhous (1894-1977) wore many hats in her time: a supervisor for the Federal Art Project ; an artist for the Pennsylvania Art Project (a subsidiary of the Federal Art Project, which… continue reading The Art of Katherine Milhous

By written by Chris B.    April 7, 2017   

Jerry Pinkney is a rock star. His fans tend to be of the toddler-variety, but he has legions of older die-hard devotees of his work as well—mostly parents, nannies, and a lot of… continue reading Jerry Pinkney Day

By written by Chris B.    July 19, 2016