Happy February, everyone! Let’s celebrate Black History Month with our favorite African American authors and illustrators. The recently published books linked to in this month's downloadable calendar are great to share all year long.

And after you read all of those suggested titles, make time to check out this year's Youth Media Award winners, including the Caldecott, Newbery, Pura Belpre and Geisel awards, among others. Pay special attention to the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, given annually "to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values."

Below you'll also find some entertaining and educational videos for children about African American men and women who helped shape and better our world!

This month's Early Literacy calendar and links, compiled by Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians, is full of great suggestions that parents and caregivers can engage in with their children to help nurture and develop necessary Early Literacy skills!

Download Early Literacy Calendar for February 2018 »

Stop in at your local neighborhood library and ask a children's librarian for more tips and suggestions on Early Literacy; we're always here to help!

Additional calendar design and content by Peter Santa Maria.