Tandem, Partners in Early Learning

✨ A heartfelt THANK YOU to the incredible authors and illustrator who made our 2026 Building on Books Celebration so special! 📚💛

We are so grateful to Charlotte Cheng, Shruthi Rao, and Kaylani Juanita for sharing their diverse, powerful stories with our community. Their work beautifully embodied this year's theme — Small Books, Big Lessons — reminding us that the stories we share with young children have the power to shape how they see themselves and the world around them.

Charlotte, Shruthi, and Kaylani — your generosity, warmth, and wisdom made this evening truly unforgettable. 🙏

📚🌻Celebrating Spring Through Story: 10 Children's Books That Nurture a Love of Nature🌻📚

Nature is full of wonder, and young children are natural explorers! The changing seasons, a seed pushing through the soil, a sunrise, and a walk through the woods are all rich with opportunities to observe, discover, and connect with the living world. When children learn to notice and appreciate nature early, they develop curiosity, a sense of wonder, and a growing respect for the earth and everything it provides.

Books are a wonderful way to nurture that connection. Whether a story follows the quiet magic of a sunrise, a child exploring their neighborhood park on a spring day, or a tiny seed growing into a flower, each one invites children to slow down, look closely, and feel at home in the natural world. Stories also open the door to important conversations about caring for our planet and the small but meaningful ways we can all help.

Here you will find ten books for young children that celebrate nature, the seasons, and our shared responsibility to care for the Earth. On our blog, each title includes a talking tip to help spark conversation and curiosity, whether you are reading together indoors or stepping outside to explore. We hope these stories inspire many adventures!

📣🌟We're thrilled to reveal our special guest Bay Area children's books authors and illustrator for our 2026 Building on Books Celebration! It is an honor to have Charlotte Cheng () , Kaylani Juanita (), and Shruthi Rao () join us this year and share their stories. Get ready to engage with our inspiring guests and take home a signed copy of one of their books for your own library. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on May 7 2026, at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center and purchase tickets at https://www.tandembayarea.org/building-on-books-celebration/ .

P.S. Can't make it? You can still be part of the magic! Donate at our ticketing page to help us put small books with big lessons into the hands of children across the Bay Area. 🩷

Join Tandem this April virtually or in-person at our many events!

Our interactive Read Alouds promote social emotional awareness, math, language, and other key skills critical to early development. You can register for all of our virtual Read Alouds at www.tandem.ngo/signup! (Check your email for the link to our Zoom Room)

The virtual Trauma 101 workshop will introduce participants to the basics of trauma and its effects on the brain. We will also share strategies for responding to children's extreme emotions and behaviors and help create personalized support plans.

For an in-depth look into our events calendar, visit tandembayarea.org/calendar !

6,500+ books. 1,000+ children. One incredible community. 📚

Tandem's biannual Read & Play Club launched earlier this year in San Francisco! Each child received a box filled with books, activity guides, and supplementary supplies — everything they need to learn, thrive, and develop a love of learning.

Powered by our partner educators and child care providers, this program is breaking down barriers to high-quality early learning curriculum and building kindergarten readiness across the city. This is what it looks like when a community shows up for its youngest learners. 💛

🌟Celebrating Unsung Heroes in Women's History Book List🌟

At Tandem, we believe that books should inspire. And that's the spirit behind this book list that celebrates Women's History Month by introducing children (and their grownups) to stories of trailblazing women in the arts, science, politics, activism, and sports.

Check out our blog (www.tandembayarea.org) that includes accompanying resources for these books for a deeper dive into the lives of these amazing women!

⭐Building on Books Celebration 2026 ⭐

Join Tandem for a fun-filled cocktail party with interactive exhibits, stellar auction items, and guest appearances from esteemed authors and illustrators! Your support will help us build towards a more equitable future for children and families in the Bay Area. Tickets are available now and available at the link in our bio.

Join Tandem this Marchvirtually or in-person at our many events!

Our interactive Read Alouds promote social emotional awareness, math, language, and other key skills critical to early development. You can register for all of our virtual Read Alouds at www.tandem.ngo/signup! (Check your email for the link to our Zoom Room)

The virtual Rhythms to Rhymes: Phonological Awareness workshop examines the different types of phonological awareness and discuss why developing these skills leads to later reading success. Through fun games and activities, educators learn new methods to support young children's phonological awareness in developmentally appropriate ways.

For an in-depth look into our events calendar, visit tandembayarea.org/calendar !