Educational Resources Lab / Oakland University

This August, we’re highlighting Don’t Trust Fish, the 2026 Mitten Award winner! Written by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat, this laugh-out-loud picture book turns an ordinary nature guide into a wildly imaginative warning about the suspicious behavior of fish.

The Mitten Award honors picture books that demonstrate exceptional quality, creative risk-taking, and an ability to capture and encourage children’s interests in fresh and innovative ways. Don’t Trust Fish fits that description with its unexpected premise, perfectly timed humor, and illustrations that add even more to the joke. It is the kind of book that invites laughter and repeated read-alouds.

Stop by the ERL to read this year’s winner and explore more Mitten Award titles selected by Michigan librarians!

Some stories are told with words. Others come to life through color, texture, and a paintbrush.

Celebrate World Watercolor Month by exploring books with beautiful watercolor illustrations in our latest ERL display. Stop by, take a closer look, and see which artwork catches your eye first!

Come for the books. Stay for everything you did not expect.

From newly published YA titles and professional development resources to more than 500 manipulatives and plenty of fidgets for a much-needed brain break, there is always something new to discover at the ERL.

Which section would you explore first?

In honor of National Zoo Keeper Week, we’re highlighting Oakland University’s connection with the Detroit Zoological Society. Stop by the ERL to explore our zoo-themed display, then find out more about opportunities for OU students to gain hands-on experience at the Detroit Zoo: https://www.oakland.edu/careers/biology-bs

Open a book, and you can be anything.

A loyal friend, a curious explorer, a scientist, an artist, a problem-solver, a dreamer. Stories give readers the chance to imagine new possibilities and see themselves in new ways.

Stop by the ERL and find a book that lets you become something new.

A whole month dedicated to blueberries? We’re in.

Our National Blueberry Month display is filled with sweet stories, interesting facts, and books that are ripe for reading. Come take a look!

July is Disability Pride Month, and we’re highlighting books from our Schneider Family Book Award collection.

The Schneider Family Book Award recognizes books that portray the disability experience for children and teens. This month, we invite you to explore stories that help readers feel included, welcomed, supported, safe, and valued.

Stop by the ERL to browse the display and check out a title. Representation matters, and these books are a great place to start.

Take a dive into the ERL’s Shark Awareness Day display! 🦈
From silly shark stories to ocean life nonfiction, these books help celebrate sharks, clear up myths, and remind us why these amazing creatures matter.

World Cup excitement is in full swing, and our shelves are ready. Stop by the ERL to explore soccer stories for readers of all ages!

Happy Fourth from the ERL! We’re celebrating with stories, history, and a little red, white, and blue fun.