Meet the Rosie Reader Team

Why do you enjoy being a part of the Rosie Reader team?

I enjoy being a part of the Rosie Reader team because we are able to directly interact with the community and individuals who may otherwise not be familiar with the library and the services we provide. Being able to  ignite the love of reading in children and reconnecting adults with the library is a perennial joy.

What's your favorite book?

Currently, my favorite book is Crunch the Shy Dinosaur by Cirocco Dunlap and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli. Pizzoli's art is bright and inviting as always, but there's just something special about a socially anxious brontosaurus, and children love the way the story includes them.

Why do you enjoy being a part of the Rosie Reader team?

I enjoy challenging children to use reading as a tool for fun and creativity. Building and sharing ideas with my colleagues and the community, then seeing them being brought to life fills me with joy and a sense of accomplishment.

What's your favorite book?

Currently, my favorite book/series is the Cat Kid Comic Club because I love comics (& graphic novels), and it illustrates the power of a safe space to have ideas and bring them to life.

Why do you enjoy being a part of the Rosie Reader team?

I enjoy being part of the Rosie Reader team because I get to meet a diverse group of students, parents, and community organizations. I love to talk to them about all the great resources Des Moines Public Library has to offer as well as share the love I have for books, especially bilingual picture books. I enjoy bringing resources to where they are needed and being able to close the accessibility gap a bit more. I like to see myself as a library on wheels!

What's your favorite book?

My favorite book is Paletero Man, by Lucky Diaz. This story allows you to follow the main character through his busy neighborhood searching for the paletero man, the ice cream man. This picture book is available in English as well as bilingual. I enjoy reading the English version of it because it has some Spanish words mixed in which introduces some Spanish words as you read. 

Why do you enjoy being part of the Rosie Reader team?

I love to be a part of the team as I get to see how many kids in the community associate the library with Rosie – even if they can’t make it in, they know where she is from and get so excited to see her.  It’s been amazing to see  the team grow and to watch kids we get to work with grow as well!  I also love to see kids gather around and get super excited about our deposit collections – seeing their faces light up over books is always a joy.

What is your favorite book?

It’s hard to pick just one, but my favorite children’s book of all time is Shrek by William Stieg.  I like what a delightful weirdo Shrek is. He is my guiding light. 

Why do you enjoy being part of the Rosie Reader team?

One of my favorite parts of being a member of the Rosie Reader team is taking Rosie to local schools and community events to share the library love with kids who have never visited a library or may not be able to get to their local branch. I love entering a space to excited shouts of “Rosie! Rosie’s here! The library’s here!” and then using read-alouds, songs, and other activities to connect that joy with reading and learning. It’s extra special when I get to see a confident youngster at the library after a Rosie visit - ready to sign up for a library card and check out their books!

What's your favorite book?

Waiting Is Not Easy by Mo Willems - I love all the Elephant and Piggie books for their ability to foster empathy through humor, but this one has a special place in my heart. Even as a grown-up I can relate to Gerald’s struggle to be patient - and his wonder at the reward!