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2024 BTT

What is Books to Treasure?

The Tulsa City-County Library treasures books... but we treasure children more! That is the idea behind the Books To Treasure program, which has been around since 2003. The goal is to celebrate the beauty and power of children’s literature and inspire a love of reading in children. Sponsored by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation since its inception, Books To Treasure has grown into a Tulsa tradition for all second-grade students in Tulsa County. These youngsters receive a free copy of a treasured illustrator's book, the chance to get their very own library card, and an opportunity to see the illustrator in person and get their books signed!

How Do 2nd Graders Get a Library Card for Books To Treasure 2024?

Second grade teachers in Tulsa and Tulsa County schools will have Books To Treasure library card applications and Tulsa City-County Library staff will coordinate with them to get library cards to second graders at schools. This will be done in September and October of 2024.

However, starting in September, parents and guardians of 2nd graders may go to any library branch location (child must be with them) to get a special Books To Treasure library card.

NOTE: Only 2nd graders who are in Tulsa or Tulsa County are eligible for a library card. 

How Does it Work, and When?

The Books To Treasure “season” is in the fall. Children’s librarians and library staff typically visit schools in September and October to talk about the illustrator and talk about the importance of reading and the library. All second-grade children in Tulsa County receive a free copy of the featured book and the opportunity to get a special library card with artwork from the book.

In 2023, Tulsa County second-grade students received nearly 12,000 free books and over 3,000 special library cards as part of the Books To Treasure program.

Sophie Blackall, the 2024 Books To Treasure illustrator, will give a public presentation and book signing on Friday, November 8 at 6 p.m. at the Hardesty Regional Library. This is an amazing opportunity for children to witness the creativity and passion that goes into illustrating a book, and to meet a “real life” illustrator.

Who Makes it Possible?

The Books to Treasure program is sponsored annually by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation. With their support, the program began in 2003 and has grown into a Tulsa County tradition for second grade students.

Content
Books to Treasure Featured Illustrators

2024 Sophie Blackall

Sophie Blackall

2024 Books To Treasure Illustrator Sophie Blackall

Library card just for second-graders!

btt library card 2024

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from If You Come to Earth written and illustrated by the 2024 Books To Treasure illustrator Sophie Blackall.

Second graders will also receive a free copy of If You Come to Earth to keep!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools will receive library card applications from Tulsa City-County Library children's staff, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

Meet Sophie Blackall!

November 8, 2024 at 6:00 pm 

Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Get a Sneak Peek of Sophie Blackall! https://youtu.be/wwvpZKsuyLc

 

Lesson Plans Based on Sophie Blackall's Books:

2023 Ben Clanton

Ben Clanton

Library card just for second-graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from Narwhal's School of Awesomeness written and illustrated by the 2023 Books To Treasure illustrator Ben Clanton.

Second graders will also receive a free copy of Narwhal's School of Awesomeness to keep!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools will receive library card applications from Tulsa City-County Library children's staff, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

Meet Ben Clanton!

November 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm 

Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Lesson Plans and Printables Based on Ben Clanton's Books

 

Special Books To Treasure Videos from Ben Clanton!

Wow, an original Ben Clanton Narwhal & Jelly story about his visit to Tulsa!

 

Ben Clanton short video screenshot

And what's this? The original story PLUS a sneak peek at his art studio and process?

Ben Clanton long video screenshot

 

2022 Katherine Roy

Katherine Roy

Library card just for second-graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from How to Be an Elephant written and illustrated by the 2022 Books To Treasure illustrator Katherine Roy.

Second graders will also receive a free copy of How to Be an Elephant to keep!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

Meet Katherine Roy!

November 18, 2022 at 6:00 pm 

Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Lesson Plans and Printables Based on Katherine Roy's Books

2022 Books To Treasure Library Card Artwork

2022 BTT library card

A Special Message for 2nd Graders from Katherine Roy!

https://youtu.be/_1gpiPx90kE

Katherine Roy video

2021 Selina Alko

Selina Alko

Library card just for second-graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from Why Am I Me? illustrated by Selina Alko and Sean Qualls and written by Paige Britt.

Second graders will also receive a free copy of Why Am I Me? to keep!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

Meet Selina Alko!

Friday, November 19, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Virtual presentation on www.youtube.com/tulsalibrary 

See Selina Alko's full presentation (including art demonstration and Q&A) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h5tf_rqw1A&t=4s

Just her presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYcubRkZ_YI&list=PLuXhb5SpouStyv4tAQBjPGSnvXz6YH20E&index=4

Just her art demonstration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pWx3lpGcKs&list=PLuXhb5SpouStyv4tAQBjPGSnvXz6YH20E&index=2

Just Q&A:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGEPvrn4JNE&list=PLuXhb5SpouStyv4tAQBjPGSnvXz6YH20E&index=3

Lesson Plans based on Selina Alko's books

2021 Books To Treasure Library Card Artwork:

BTT 2021 library card

Watch Selina Alko Talk Directly to 2nd Graders!

In this short video, the 2021 Books To Treasure illustrator Selina Alko shows off her art studio and talks about her virtual visit to Tulsa in November!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO_vQ74Ksuw

2020 Zachariah OHora

Zachariah OHora

Library card just for second-graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from Horrible Bear!, written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by 2020 Books To Treasure honoree Zachariah OHora. Second graders will also receive a free copy of Horrible Bear! to keep!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card. If your child is a second grader, you may apply for a special Books To Treasure library card at this link here:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020BooksToTreasure. Library cards will be mailed to the address listed in the application. Families may also complete a printed application at any library location and receive a special Books To Treasure library card for their second grader through curbside or express service.

Meet Zachariah OHora!

Friday, January 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
www.youtube.com/tulsalibrary

Lesson Plans based on Zachariah OHora’s books

2019 Christian Robinson

Christian RobinsonGaston book

Library card just for second-graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from Gaston, written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by 2019 Books To Treasure honoree Christian Robinson. Second graders will also receive a free copy of Gaston to keep!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

Meet Christian Robinson!

Friday, November 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Lesson Plans based on Christian Robinson’s books

 

2018 Shadra Strickland

Please LouiseShadra Strickland

Shadra Strickland

Please Louise written by Slade Morrison and Toni Morrison, illustrated by Shadra Strickland.

Every second-grader in Tulsa County schools will receive a free copy of this beautifully illustrated book, which follows Louise on her journey to the library, where she finds the comforts and joys of imagination through books.

The Booklist review of Please Louise points out the importance of Shadra Strickland’s illustrations: “Strickland’s illustrations bring Louise ’s world to life; the objects of fear, in dark colors and threatening profiles, dominate the pages until the world of the library embraces her. Off comes her hooded coat, the sun comes out, and she now dominates her environment. We even see a close-up of her face, totally absorbed in a book, a friendly dog by her side. A cozy way to address the subject of fears—and to get children to the library.”

Author & Event Information

Meet Shadra Strickland!
Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
November 9 at 7:00 pm 
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Library card just for second graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from Please Louise

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

Shadra Strickland

Lesson Plans based on Shadra Strickland

2017 Hannah E. Harrison

Book coverHannah E. Harrison

Hannah E. Harrison

Extraordinary Jane written and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison.

Every second-grader in Tulsa County schools will receive a free copy of this beautifully illustrated book, which follows an everyday dog (Jane) and her life in a family of circus performers. She discovers that being yourself can be “extraordinary” – even if you can’t ride a unicycle or walk on a tightrope.

In a starred review, Publishers Weekly concludes: “Harrison's acrylic paintings, which blend realistic animal portraits with a charmingly old-fashioned circus setting to very funny effect, are the star of the show, but her understated storytelling and pacing are equally on the mark. Jane's under-the-radar helpfulness and all-around sweetness confirm the story's closing sentiment that being ‘a really good dog’ is something extraordinary in itself.”

Author & Event Information

Meet author and illustrator Hannah E. Harrison
Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
November 3 at 7:00 pm 
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Library card just for second graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from Extraordinary Jane

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

Library card design

 

Lesson Plans based on Hannah E. Harrison's books

2016 Rafael Lopez

Rafael Lopezbook cover

Rafael Lopez

Tito Puente, Mambo King by Monica Brown and illustrated by Rafael Lopez

Every second-grader in Tulsa County schools will receive a free copy of this beautifully illustrated book. Tito Puente made music his entire life (1923-2000), bringing the Latin rhythms of mambo, salsa, and cha-cha to the masses. In this bilingual celebration of Puente’s life and music, readers will experience why he was so beloved – and will be inspired by the exuberant, energetic, and colorful illustrations.

Illustrator Information

Meet illustrator Rafael Lopez
Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
November 4 at 7:00 pm 
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Library card just for second graders!

All second-graders are invited to get their very own library card featuring art from Tito Puente, Mambo King

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second-graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans based on Rafael Lopez's Books

2015 Derek Anderson

Derek Andersonbook cover

Derek Anderson

Hot Rod Hamster Monster Truck Mania by Cynthia Lord and illustrated by Derek Anderson

Every second grader will receive their own copy of this book. It's Fair Day, and Fearless Franco's famous Monster Truck Mania has come to town.  Hot Rod Hamster and his friends are geared up for a roaring, soaring great time, so they set out to find the best ride at the fair.

Illustrator Information

Meet illustrator Derek Anderson
Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
November 13 at 7:00 pm 
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Derek Anderson's website

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from Hot Rod Hamster Monster Truck Mania!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans based on Derek Anderson

2014 Philip C. Stead

Philip Steadbook cover

Philip C. Stead

A Home for Bird by Philip C. Stead

Every second grader will receive their own copy of this book. Ruby is a small bird in a very big world, and she's looking for a friend. With simple text and charming illustrations, Philip Stead brings life to a gentle tale about tiny but fearless Ruby's quest to find her place in the world.

Author & Event Information

Meet author and illustrator Philip C. Stead
Hardesty Regional Library, Connor's Cove
8316 E. 93rd Street
November 14 at 7:00 pm 
Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale.

Philip C. Stead's website

Philip C. Stead's blog

More about the Philip and Erin Stead in Publisher's Weekly

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from A Home for Bird.

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans based on Philip C. Stead's books

2013 Peter Brown

Peter Brownbook cover

Peter Brown

You Will Be My Friend! by Peter Brown

Peter Browns' book titled You Will Be My Friend!  is the featured book for Books to Treasure, a Tulsa-City County Library event sponsored annually by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation. Every second grader in Tulsa-County will receive a copy of Peter Brown’s book You Will Be My Friend!

You Will Be My Friend!  is a story about friendship. Lucille Beatrice Bear wakes up one morning DETERMINED to make a new friend. At first, she tries making friends nicely. When things don’t go the way she planned, she gets very frustrated. Lucy begins DEMANDING that animals be her friend. She finds out that this may not be the best way to actually make friends. Find out if Lucy learns a better way to make friends and if she is able to make a new friend!

Author Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from You Will Be My Friend!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Peter Brown's Books & Art 

2012 Mo Willems

Mo Willemsbook cover

Mo Willems

Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator! by Mo Willems

Having a stuffed alligator for a best friend can be surprising. Sometimes Amanda surprises her alligator with books. Sometimes alligator surprises her by eating them. But what happens when Amanda brings home a special and not entirely welcome-surprise? The result might be unexpected indeed.

Author Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator!

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Mo Willems's Books & Art 

2011 Grace Lin

Grace Linbook cover

Grace Lin

Lissy's Friends by Grace Lin

What do you do when you're the new girl at school? If you're Lissy, you make a friend. A paper friend. And to Lissy's surprise, her little origami bird opens his eyes and says hello! So she quickly makes more friends. And soon Lissy has more friends than she can count!But what do you do when your friends have to leave? If you're Lissy, you make another friend... but this time one that stays.Utterly imaginative and charming, Lissy's Friends is a fresh take on the importance of friendship.

Author Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from Lissy's Friends.

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Grace Lin's Books & Art 

2010 Steve Jenkins

Steve Jenkinsbook cover

Steve Jenkins

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

How big is a crocodile? What about a tiger, or the world's largest spider? Can you imagine a tongue that is two feet long or an eye that's bigger than your head? Sometimes facts and figures don't tell the whole story. Sometimes you need to see things for yourself-at their actual size.

Author Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from Actual Size.

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Steve Jenkins' Books & Art 

2009 Brad Sneed

Brad Sneedbook cover

Brad Sneed

Aesop's Fables retold and illustrated by Brad Sneed

Retellings of fifteen fables from Aesop, including, among others, "The Stag at the Pool," "The Lion and the Mouse," and "The Vain Jackdaw."

Author Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from Aesop's Fables.

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Brad Sneed's Books & Art 

2008 Jim Arnosky

Jim Arnoskybook cover

Jim Arnosky

Raccoon on His Own by Jim Arnosky 

A curious young raccoon takes an unexpected trip downstream in a small wooden boat.

Author Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from Raccoon on His Own.

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Jim Arnosky's Books & Art 

2007 Floyd Cooper

Floyd Cooperbook cover

Floyd Cooper

I Have Heard of a Land by Joyce Carol Thomas and illustrated by Floyd Cooper 

Describes the joys and hardships experienced by an African-American pioneer woman who staked a claim for free land in the Oklahoma territory.

Illustrator Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from I Have Heard of a Land.

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Floyd Cooper's Books & Art 

2006 Lisa Campbell Ernst

Lisa Campbell Ernstbook cover

Lisa Campbell Ernst

Hannah Mae O'Hannigan's Wild West Show by Lisa Campbell Ernst

Born to be a cowgirl, city-dweller Hannah Mae O'Hannigan gets a pony for the back yard and practices herding hamsters before proving her worth on her Uncle Coot's ranch out West.

Author & Event Information

Library card just for second graders!

All second graders are invited to get their own special library card featuring art from Hannah Mae O'Hannigan's Wild West Show.

Teachers at Tulsa County schools have library card applications, or second graders may come to any Tulsa City-County Library with their parent/guardian and get the new card.

library card

Lesson Plans Based on Lisa Campbell Ernst's Books & Art 

2005 Janet Stevens

Janet Stevens

book coverCook-a-Doodle-Doo! 

By: Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

With the questionable help of his friends, Big Brown Rooster manages to bake a strawberry shortcake which would have pleased his great-grandmother, Little Red Hen.

 

Books to Treasure 2005 Library Card Design 

library card

Animals cooking.
From Cook-a-Doodle-Doo! by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

Author Information

Lesson Plans Based on Janet Stevens' Books & Art 

2004 Arthur Howard

Arthur Howard

book coverSerious Trouble 

By: Arthur Howard 

Despite the objections of his very serious parents, Prince Ernest longs to become a jester, and this helps him in an encounter with a three-headed dragon.

 

Books to Treasure 2004 Library Card Design

library card



Prince Ernest zooming down the stairs. 
From Serious Trouble by Arthur Howard 

Author Information

  • Arthur Howard Interview

2003 Marla Frazee

Marla Frazee

book coverRollercoaster

By: Marla Frazee

Twelve people set aside their fears and ride a roller coaster, including one who has never done so before.

 

Author & Event Information

Lesson Plans Based on Marla Frazee's Books & Art