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March is one of our favorite months because it’s reading month! We love seeing our littles get excited about stories, whether it’s a bedtime favorite, a trip to the library, or just flipping through a picture book together. Reading with your littles is such a simple way to spark their imagination, build language skills, and just enjoy some time together.
We’re excited to share some local authors, and free local events and resources happening this month to help make reading part of your everyday routine-and to hopefully inspire a few little bookworms along the way!
Hooked, a bookstore and community space housing a coffee shop and wine bar, is a company founded by Dr. Matt Grossmann and Dr. Sarah Reckhow. You can find us at 3142 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, on the corner with Dori Ln. just east of 127 in the new apartment building across from the former Frandor Sears. We open at 8 am every day. We close at 8 pm Sun-Tue & 10 pm Wed-Sat.
Mission: Hooked is a place for community gathering, discovering great books, participating in discussions, meeting authors, and trying something new – whether it’s a favorite new food or drink, or a fantastic new book.
“Celebrate National Reading Month with stories, snacks, art, and free coloring books! Julian Van Dyke- a local artist, author of children’s books, and actor- will join us for a story time and coloring. His fantastic artwork is currently on display in the Hooked cafe. All ages welcome.
Creative Kids @ Hooked Reading and Coloring with Local Artist & Author, Julian VanDyke
Mr. Mouthful by: Joseph Kimble
“The Mr. Mouthful books will delight young readers with the comic adventures of the main character and his hotshot monkey, Dupree. His fancy talk confuses kids, and funny moments follow. But in both books, sudden emergencies arise—and kids come to the rescue. Readers will love the stories, the colorful language, and the whimsical illustrations. Both books teach, even as they charm and amuse. Reviews from professional reviewers, teachers, and children have been stellar. You can find them on the book’s website. “
*Available for pre-order until it’s official release date of June 1st*
Hiking with Kids Michigan by: Amanda Shaffer
DREAM IT Families are leading the way when it comes to getting outside—and Hiking with Kids makes it easy to join the fun. Whether you’re exploring your own backyard or traveling through new terrain, this guide offers exciting outdoor adventures for parents and their elementary-age explorers. From waterfall walks to mountaintop views, discover places where kids can roam, climb, and imagine.
PLAN IT This family-friendly guide makes adventure planning simple and stress-free:
- Organized by location for easy “bucket list” exploring
- 40–50 accessible day hikes with full-color photos and detailed maps
- Trailhead GPS coordinates, directions, best times to go, fees, and contacts
- Descriptions written with kids in mind—educational, fun, and engaging
- “Best Hikes For” chart to highlight hikes with water features, wildlife, history, and more
DO IT Bring the outdoors to life for your little adventurers:
- Follow scavenger hunts and learn to identify animals, birds, and plants
- Discover fascinating stories about the land and its history
- Make every hike an experience filled with curiosity, laughter, and learning
Free Children’s Events for Reading Month 2026:
- Creative Kids @ Hooked | Saturday, March 21st 10:30am
- WKAR Literacy Celebration @ Hannah Community Center | Sunday, March 15th 1-3:30pm
- March is Reading Month | Sunday, March 15th @ all Capital Area District Library Branches
- Kids’ Reading to Dogs | Monday, March 16th 4:00pm-5:00pm @ CADL Okemos
- Tadpole Storytime | Thursday, March 19th 11:00am-12:00pm @ Impression 5 Science Center
- Special Under the Sea Storytime with Ariel | Wednesday, March 18th 10:30am-11:30am
Local Literacy Resources:
1000 Books before Kindergarten guides:
Raising Readers Capital Area District Libraries:
- Preschool Learning Tools
- Early Learning Calendar
- Story Walks
- Reader Backpacks
- CADL Tales
- Raising Reader iPad
Early Literacy Programs at Delta Township Library:
- Ready to Read Michigan guide
- Sensory Walk located outside of DTDL’s Library
- StoryWalk located in Sharp Park
- Story Line (Call in to DTDL’s Story Line to hear a new children’s story each week.)
- Storytime Blog
- Storytime Kits
- Take It & Make It
- TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten
- Virtual Storytimes
- Welcome Baby Bags
Local Children’s Authors:
- Mr. Mouthful – Joseph Kimble
- I Want to Be, When I Grow Up – Julian Van Dyke
- Uncle John Comes Over for Dinner – Modestina Golnick
- Shine Bright, June Bug – Kristin Ray
- Mama Sings – Amanda Esch-Cormier
- Snow Day with Theo – Amanda Esch-Cormier
- Wild and Beautiful – Amanda Esch-Cormier
- Madeline’s Money Adventure – Darla Bishop
- Willow B The Kiss on My Wrist – Cirea Strode
Local Bookstores to visit:
- Hooked | East Lansing
- A Novel Concept | Downtown Lansing
- Schuler Books | Okemos
- Curious Book Shop | East Lansing
- Everyday Reads | Lansing
- Best Sellers | Mason
- Barnes & Noble | Lansing Mall, Frandor Shopping Center
Library/Local Storytimes:
- Harris Nature Center
- Chip Monk Storytime, 3rd Thursday every month 10:00am-11:00am *$5 per child/registration required
- Impression 5 Science Center
- STEM Storytime, the last Thursday of each month at 10:30am
- East Lansing Public Library
- Family Playtime, Tuesday’s 2:00pm-5:00pm
- Read to a Dog, Wednesday’s 5:00pm-6:00pm
- Preschool Storytime, Friday’s 10:30am-11:15am
- Baby time, Monday’s 10:30am-11:15am
- Delta Township District Library
- Stories & Crafts Tuesday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- Baby/Toddler Storytime 10:30am-11:30am
- Music & Movement Storytime 10:30am-11:00am
- Bath Township District Library
- Sensory-Friendly Story Yoga, 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:00pm-7:00pm *space is limited to 12 participants, so you must register/sign waiver on their website* (sponsored by: Mid-Michigan Autism Association and Nurture Yoga Studio in Dimondale)
- Grand Ledge District Library
- Preschool Family Storytime, Tuesday’s 11:00am-12:00pm
- Ready to Ready Storytime for Preschoolers Wednesdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm
- Baby Stories & Play, Saturday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- Community District Library – Perry
- Byron Storytime, Monday’ 1:00pm-2:00pm
- New Lothrop Storytime, Tuesday’s 11:00am-12:00pm
- Corunna Storytime, Friday’s 10:30am-11:15am
- CADL Downtown Lansing
- Baby Storytime, Tuesday’s 10:30-11:30am
- Toddler Storytime, Wednesday’s 10:30-11:30am
- Family Storytime, Thursday’s 10:30-11:30am
- CADL Aurelius
- Preschool Storytime, Wednesday’s 10:30-11:30am
- CADL Dansville
- Family Storytime, Monday’s 10:00am-11:00am
- CADL Haslett
- Baby Storytime, Tuesday’s 10:30-11:00am
- Preschool Storytime, Wednesday’s 10:30am-11:00am
- Toddler Storytime, 10:30-11:00am
- CADL Holt-Delhi
- Movers & Readers Playtime, Tuesday’s 10:30am-11:00am
- Preschool Storytimes, Tuesday’s 11:15am-11:45am
- Pajama Storytime, Wednesday 7:00pm-7:30pm
- CADL Mason
- Preschool Storytime, Tuesdays 10:30-11:00am
- Movers & Readers Storytime, Wednesday’s 10:30am-11:00am
- Preschool Storytime 10:30am-11:00am
- CADL Okemos
- Preschool Storytime, Tuesday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- Baby Storytime, Wednesday’s 3:00pm-3:30pm
- Toddler Storytime, Monday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- CADL South Lansing
- Toddler Storytime, Tuesday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- Baby Storytime, Thursday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- Family Storytime, Monday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- CADL Stockbridge
- Discovery Storytime, Wednesday’s 10:30am-11:00am
- CADL Webberville
- Storytime with Miss Betty, Wednesday’s 10:30am-11:30am
- CADL Williamston
- Family Storytime, Thursday’s 10:30am-11:15am
- Preschool Learning Stations, Monday’s 10:30am-11:15am
As you can see, there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate Reading Month right here in our community. From meeting local authors and visiting cozy bookstores to attending storytimes and exploring library programs, there are countless opportunities to help your little ones fall in love with reading. Whether it’s a special event or simply sharing a book together at home, those small moments spent reading can spark imagination, build confidence, and create lifelong memories. We hope this list inspires you to pick up a few new stories, explore a local resource, and make reading part of your family’s everyday adventures this March and beyond. Happy Reading Month!
Lansing Area Littles strives to keep our resource blog up to date with helpful Greater Lansing resources for families. If you know of an event, program, author, or local resource that should be included, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out through our contact page so we can continue adding your recommendations and keeping this space as helpful and current as possible. Thank you for helping us stay informed and supporting local families in our community!
