What do kids want to read this winter? Give them the choice of a little Valentine’s Day reading, a groundhog or two and a few beginner cookbooks to keep them occupied when the weather is nasty and help them learn about healthy eating and basic cooking skills. Help them celebrate Black History month with some books that commemorate the contributions of African Americans in all fields of achievement.

What's a Season? WINTER by Kelly Grettler – Teach your children bout the four seasons starting with this book about winter. For ages birth – 6

Love Monster by Rachel Bright – Can a googly-eyed monster find happiness in a town called Cutesville where everyone is furry and cute? The Love Monster just wants to be loved and accepted. He searches everywhere for someone to love only to find love when he least expects it. For ages 2-4

Sesame Street Let's Cook! Spiral-bound by Susan McQuillan - Features the ABC’s of Healthy Foods and 50 healthful, fun recipes for parents and young children from "celebrity chefs" Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, and the Sesame Street gang. Colorful photos of each recipe help kids decide what to make for breakfasts, main meals, and snacks and the recipes help teach skills such as counting, matching and learning the alphabet. Parents and their kids can make simple meals and learn about healthy eating while having fun together in the kitchen. For ages 2-5

Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff – The mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is back and this time he’s making a special Valentine’s celebration for all of his friends highlighting something each of them does well. For ages 3-5

Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar (The World of Eric Carle) by Eric Carle – The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Images from the World of Eric Carle in this book share with young readers the reasons they are special and makes the world a better and brighter place. Kids will love being reminded of why they are special and valued. For ages 3-5

Groundhog's Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki – Phil and his shadow are best buddies who do everything together, but Phil is quiet and predictable and his shadow gets bored and runs off to have fabulous adventures. Can Phil and his shadow find their way back to their wonderful friendship? Children will love this explanation of why the groundhog looks for his shadow and why it might not be there. For ages 4-8

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles – This is an important story for young children to learn about education. It emphasizes the importance of education and the courage of Ruby Bridges and her family who fought for equal opportunity and desegregation in schools. For ages 4-8

28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World - by Charles R. Smith Jr. – Twenty-eight days of African-American history featuring a different influential African-American hero starting with Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre which sparked the Revolutionary War, to Madame C. J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, and Barack Obama, the country's first African-American president. For ages 6-10

Calendar Mysteries #2: February Friend by Ron Roy – It’s the February installment of the A to Z Mysteries Kids – During the class Valentine’s party, the class finds a mystery gift in the supply closet – an adorable bunny named Douglas. When Douglas gets sick, the friends must track down his owner to find out what’s making Douglas sick. For ages 6-9

Bedtime Inspirational Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World (Volume 1)

by L. A. Amber – stories about Blacks who have overcome adversity and achieved personal and professional successes to inspire young readers to believe in themselves and dream big. Read about historical figures, athletes, entertainers and politicians who have helped change the world by their successes – whether it is the advancement of civil rights or contributions to sciences, medicine, business, athletics or entertainment. For ages 8-11 (can also be read to younger children).

Eat Your Greens, Reds, Yellows, and Purples: Children's Cookbook by DK – get your kids excited about fruits, vegetable and cooking with these easy to make healthy recipes. For ages 8-12