TumbleBookLibrary – Digital Storytelling That Delivers

Being thankful in November holds special significance because it aligns with the spirit of Thanksgiving, a time dedicated to reflection, gratitude and connection. As the year comes to a close, November offers a natural pause to reflect on the people, experiences and lessons that have shaped our lives.

Practicing gratitude not only strengthens relationships, but also fosters a sense of community. The library is a great place to foster connections with others through storytimes for families, job assistance for adults, tech classes for seniors and cultural events for all.

The Tampa Hillsborough County Public Library offers many great programs and resources for families, including TumbleBooks. TumbleBookLibrary is a curated collection of children’s eBooks for grades K-6, including animated picture books, read-along chapter books, graphic novels and math stories.

Your library card provides you with free access to TumbleBookLibrary, a digital library of animated talking picture books. As a bonus, it is accessible 24/7 from any device with an internet connection. Check out some of the titles available below on TumbleBookLibrary today! Go to hcplc.org to get started.

Little Brothers & Little Sisters by Monica Amaldo

Little sisters and little brothers all long for the same few things when it comes to their older siblings: a turn to play, a place on the team, a chance to shine.

This book begins with four pairs of siblings living in and around an apartment complex, each expressing through play and daily life the many gripes and pitfalls of being a younger sibling. Subtly, the narrative shifts to reflect the benefits of having an older sibling: a helping hand, a partner in crime, and a friend for life.

The book ends on a high note―when it comes to brothers and sisters, the good outweighs the bad, and both big and little siblings have a special place in each other’s hearts. Minimal text paired with impressionistic, full-spread illustrations creates weight and emotion in this lovely book that will help kids feel understood in all the pains and joys of siblinghood.

Anansí and the Pot of Beans by Bobby and Sherry Norfolk

This classic African folktale, written by Bobby and Sherry Norfolk, tells the story of when Anansí goes to help his grandmother. Upon arrival, he finds a steaming, hot pot of beans, which he can't resist. This is where the fun begins.

“Anansí and the Pot of Beans” is a charming story that is entertaining while also teaching important life lessons in character values about responsibility and trust.

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner

Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End.

This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.

Wild Ideas by Elin Kelsey

“Wild Ideas” looks deep into the forests, skies, and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem-solving tools and strategies.

iStock-1365335217 | Originally published in the November 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.