Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Children often wonder whether their ideas matter, especially when they are quiet, young, or unsure of themselves. These five picture books celebrate the courage to speak with kindness, showing that even small acts of bravery can inspire meaningful change. Together, they encourage conversations about confidence, empathy, community responsibility, and the power of using one's voice to make a positive difference. Little Helper By Regina Linke New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2026. Little Helper  tells the story of young Ah-Fu, who discovers that paying attention, speaking up, and offering ideas can help solve problems that affect everyone around him. As he grows in confidence, Ah-Fu learns that even a quiet voice can make a meaningful difference. This beautifully illustrated picture book encourages readers to recognize the value of their own voices and reminds them that thoughtful words and actions can strengthen a community. My Sister, Goose Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli Ill...

  Queso Just in Time By Ernesto Cisneros New York: Quil Tree Books, 2026. Fiction. 257 pages Quetzalcóatl Castillo, Queso for short , is mourning the loss of his father . Even with his friends trying their best to cheer him up, Queso can’t help but feel the ache in his heart in the shape of his dad . He just wants to see his dad one more time . Queso whispers his wish to a bunny he saved during a night -t ime rainstorm while taking shelter in the tree house his dad built with his own father, the man Queso is named after but never got the chance to meet , only to wake up in 1985 and meets a twelve-year-old Pancho, the boy who will grow up to be his dad. Despite the potential dangers for his current /future time , Queso takes advantage of this strange time-travel to spend time with his father again and getting to know his grandfather , Quetzalcóa tl “Queso” Senior . Queso wonders how much the future would change for his family if he helps  Pancho with the one  ...

I never road a school bus to school, and only ever occasionally road one home from school. But it's hard to deny that a school bus is an icon. Seeing a yellow and black school bus evokes nostalgic memories of back to school, and though it's sad to see summer come to an end - we love back to school season. This list has five favorite school bus books to get you ready for back to school. On Our Way with Mr. Jay Written by Chelsea Lin Wallace Illustrated by Thyra Heder New York: Neal Porter Books, 2025. Picture book. Mr. Jay starts his morning early so that he can pick up the 18 kids on School Bus 3 and get them to school on time. Their route takes them over hills, across the freeway, and over cobblestones. The minutes are counting down as we get closer to 8:05 A.M. - the start of the school day - but bouncing, rhyming text reassures the reader that all's okay "we're on our way!" It's Not a School Bus, It's a Pirate Ship Written by Mickey Rapkin Illustrat...

Friendship is such an important part of life! I love to have my friends to celebrate life's victories with. When I am having a rough time, I also rely on the strength of my friends. Picture books are a great way to talk to kids about friendships. With a new school year just around the corner, I think talking with kids about friendship and how to be a good friend is so important. These five books have friendships in them that might help facilitate discussions with your people! Love Grows Here By Amy Adele New York : Magic Cat Publishing, 2025. Picture Book. In this sweet story, there is a lovely garden that an elderly couple tends to with joy in their heart. When the woman is sent to the hospital for an extended stay, the animals that love the garden worry it won't be the same. But through grit and determination and teamwork, they work together and do what friends do best: take care of each other! The illustrations are absolutely amazing and will have kids enthralled with all of...

Real Castles Around the World Written by Kaitlyn Duling Vero Beach, Florida : Rourke Educational Media, 2025. Informational. 48 pages Take a trip around the world as you read about the most impressive castles ever built! Explore fierce fortresses, castles that have inspired stories, uniquely colorful castles, and the history behind them all as you Travel to Real Castles Around the World! Part of the Travel to Children s Book Series, this 48-page nonfiction book explores castles both past and present, the kings that inhabited them, and knights that fought to protect them! Lower the drawbridge, cross the moat, and travel to real castles from all around the world as you learn about our magical history with fun-filled facts and vibrant photos. History Book Features: Before- and after-reading activities. Extension activity. Glossary About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to...

Wombat Waiting By Katherine Applegate New York: Storytide, 2026. Fiction. 328 pgs. Wombat isn't really a wombat. She's a stray dog, with a destiny that she's determined to find. As wildfires sweep through the park where Wombat lives, a voice inside her tells her not to run from the fire, but to head straight into them. Her destiny is there. Meanwhile, Henry Cooper is forced to evacuate from his home alongside his moms and sister and make their way to a shelter. As the blaze burns on, threatening to destroy the community completely, Henry and Wombat find their way to one another. Wombat doesn't usually like people, but she feels drawn to Henry - her person. Henry is less certain at first, he loves animals and volunteers with his Mama Ro at an animal shelter, but is nervous around dogs. It's up to both of them - dog and pup - to decide to trust each other. This novel in verse is based on the real-life Palisades and Eaton fires in Southern California in 2025. That real...