Books To Treasure

Celebrate children’s literature at Books To Treasure with illustrator Raúl the Third

For over 20 years, Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) has inspired children’s love of reading with Books To Treasure! This year, Books To Treasure will take place at Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St., on Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. The event will feature a presentation and book signing with this year’s illustrator, Raúl the Third.

What is "Books To Treasure"?

Books To Treasure is an annual tradition for Tulsa County second graders, who receive a free copy of the featured illustrator's book, the chance to get a special library card and an opportunity to see the illustrator in person. Through September and October, second grade teachers will coordinate with TCCL staff to get these special-edition library cards to second graders, or parents and guardians can take their second grader to any library branch to apply.

2025’s featured book is “¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read,” authored and illustrated by award-winning artist Raúl the Third, whose works celebrate modern Mexican American culture with nods to luchadores, Spanish vocabulary and tales of friendship. His honors include two Pura Belpré awards for his “¡Vamos!” series, a Texas Bluebonnet Award for “Lowriders in Space” and the Pura Belpré Award for Illustration by the American Library Association for “Lowriders to the Center of the Earth.” Find these titles and more in the library’s catalog at www.tulsalibrary.org/books-music-movies.

Books To Treasure Is A Beloved Tradition

Books To Treasure has been sponsored by The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation since its inception in 2003. With their support, the program has become a beloved tradition for Tulsa County second graders for over two decades.

Previous recipients of the Books To Treasure award include: Sophie Blackall (2024), Ben Clanton (2023), Katherine Roy (2022), Selina Alko (2021), Zachariah OHora (2020), Christian Robinson (2019), Shadra Strickland (2018), Hannah E. Harrison (2017), Rafael Lopez (2016), Derek Anderson (2015), Philip C. Stead (2014), Peter Brown (2013), Mo Willems (2012), Grace Lin (2011), Steve Jenkins (2010), Brad Sneed (2009), Jim Arnosky (2008), Floyd Cooper (2007), Lisa Campbell Ernst (2006), Janet Stevens (2005), Arthur Howard (2004) and Marla Frazee (2003).

To learn more about Books To Treasure, visit www.tulsalibrary.org/bookstotreasure or call the AskUs line at 918-549-7323