Amara Visits the Library

Join Amara and friends in this richly informative picture book series that introduces little ones to community environments and the occupations and objects found there!

There's something new to explore in our neighborhood, and Amara is excited to visit her local library with her Gram. Amara is looking for just the right book to borrow, but a library is a big place and this is her first time visiting. Luckily Ms. Donna at the librarian's desk is ready to give Amara and her Gram a grand tour. From the computer stations to the makerspace, Amara learns lots of important ways her public library serves her community. It always feels so nice and so good to get out and about in our neighborhood!

Written by an expert in early childhood education, Where in Our Neighborhood? is a first experiences picture book series that welcomes children to vicariously explore new places. With so many interesting objects to spot along the way, little ones will grow their visual vocabulary as they tag along for a tour led by a helpful neighbor that works there. Excellent questions from Amara and friends also prompt readers to learn more about occupations and what goes on behind-the-scenes. Whether for supplemental use in the classroom or at home, this gorgeously illustrated picture book is an excellent model of community, diversity, and curiosity.

Author: Janay Brown-Wood
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: 10/06/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.50h x 10.70w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781682638125
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 09/14/2026

About the Author
JaNay Brown-Wood is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author who grew up with a passion for writing and drafted her first series of unpublished picture books in the second grade. After earning a BA in Psychology from UCLA, an MA in Child Development from CSU, and a PhD in Education from UC Davis, JaNay still loves storytelling! Her first book, Imani's Moon, won NAESP Children's Book of the Year and was featured on Stephen Colbert's The Late Show. She is also the author of the popular Where in the Garden? picture book series. JaNay lives with her family in California.

Samara Hardy has always loved to draw. Unfortunately for her parents, this was often on their walls and furniture. . . with her mother's lipstick. Realizing she might make a career out of this, she graduated with a degree in Illustration from Falmouth University and has since illustrated all kinds of wonderful things from picture books to reusable bags. She spends her days scribbling away and drawing by the sea in England.