We bring the joy of picture books to children’s hospitals.

STORYTIME FRIENDS

What We Do

STORYTIME FRIENDS brings the joy of storytelling and the power of community to children in hospitals and care-giving facilities through a carefully curated program that includes monthly conversations between kids, hospital staff, and picture book creators. We also provide free copies of our featured books to kids.​ We believe in the value of authentic human connection. We believe this happens by creating a sense of friendship and community through sharing books. We support the emotional safety of patients by helping to reduce stress and lift spirits. We center books that feature diversity and highlight social justice themes.​​​​

Since 2022, WE HAVE SERVED THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN and their families through our ongoing partnership with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Campus. We've delivered more than 500 hours of video programming and in-person and Zoom visits, more than 1,000 free books, and many fun & educational activities. We have also delivered children's books to several outpatient clinics in Oakland. 

Who We Are

ANGELA DALTON is our Executive Director. Angela is an award-winning author of children’s literature based in Oakland, California. Her work has been recognized by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, Jane Addams Peace Association, California Golden Poppy Awards, and many other esteemed organizations in children’s literature.

ALEX GIARDINO is our Communications Director. Alex is the author of three award-winning picture books: ODE TO AN ONION, ME + TREE, and THE GOOD SONG. Alex is also a Spanish translator, community builder, community college professor, black belt in karate, avid hiker, and mythosomatic DJ.

Meet Our Advisory Board

Julie Barton, PhD, is a consultant in nonprofit management and fundraising with more than fifteen years in the industry.

Chetana Bisarya, a nonprofit professional.. Her son was successfully treated for liver cancer at UCSF.

Breanna J. McDaniel, PhD, is the co-founder of Researchers Exploring Inclusive Youth Literature and an author of several children's books.

Elyse Lily Cann is a Certified Child Life Specialist, with more than twenty years' experience in the field

STORYTIME FRIENDS builds strong creative connections by proudly working with authors & illustrators. We curate our annual programming to center and celebrate diverse voices and ways of storytelling.

Grant Snider * Hayley Diep * Nancy Johnson & Constance Moor * Chelsea Johnson, La Toya Council, & Carolyn Choi *

Maggie Tokuda-Hall *

Natasha Yim * Muon Thi Van * Deborah Underwood * Nadia Salomon *

Nidhi Chanani * Laura Atkins * Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris * Danielle Dufayet *

Amy Novesky * Meera Sriram * Melissa Reyes * Dr. Rachel Remen * Meenal Petal* Jane Park

Michael Genhart * Bethanie Murgia * Darshana Khiani * Marissa McGee

Peter Stein *

Sandhya Acharya *

Carmen Bogan *

Janine MacBeth * Rob Liu-Trujillo * Darshana Khiani *

Grant Snider * Hayley Diep * Nancy Johnson & Constance Moor * Chelsea Johnson, La Toya Council, & Carolyn Choi * Maggie Tokuda-Hall * Natasha Yim * Muon Thi Van * Deborah Underwood * Nadia Salomon * Nidhi Chanani * Laura Atkins * Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris * Danielle Dufayet * Amy Novesky * Meera Sriram * Melissa Reyes * Dr. Rachel Remen * Meenal Petal* Jane Park Michael Genhart * Bethanie Murgia * Darshana Khiani * Marissa McGee Peter Stein * Sandhya Acharya * Carmen Bogan * Janine MacBeth * Rob Liu-Trujillo * Darshana Khiani *

COMMUNITY MATTERS TO US.

We’ve partnered with Mr Mopps Bookstore, Book Passage, and Children’s Fairyland to create more offerings for the children we serve.

We’ve also been supported by the Oakland Literacy Coalition, which awarded us a grant in 2024, and by Tandem Partners, LLC.

Stay in touch with us.