Provo Library Children's Book Blog

  Into the Wilderness Written by Haven Iverson Illustrated by August Zhang New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2026. Picture book. You have probably heard people in your life talk about their "happy place." If you haven't heard of that, the best way I can think of to describe it, is anywhere that someone feels most at home, comfortable, and where no one has to change their personality to feel completely content. My daughter-in-law's happy place is in the wilderness! She loves to be outdoors: hiking, climbing, and taking in the beauty of nature. This book made me think of her, in all the best ways! This sweet picture book follows the journey of a young child as they spend time in the great outdoors with their family. Like most young children, they start out needing a lot of help from the grown-ups in their world. As a reader, we see the child growing up and becoming more capable and independent. I found it to be a lovely reminder that so much joy is found in the journey of...

  The Genie Game By Jordan Ifueko Amulet Books, 2026. Fiction. 368 pages. 13-year-old Valentine Adensya knows she has a sister, even though her parents would swear otherwise. Mango seems to have been erased from everyone's memory until Valentine remembers her sister then receives a message from her telling Valentine to meet her at a boba shop. At the shop the strange boy behind the counter asks Valentine to make a wish - and when she wishes her sister was there she's finds out she's been sucked into a magical game: The Genie Game. Forced to live in her boba shop "bottle" until she can score 300,000 points and save herself from the game, Valentine finds that all is not okay in Gloss Angeles. Three main corporations have taken over the entire supply chain of every good in the market and are exploiting both their employees and consumers as they try to take over more and more of the world. Plus they are harnessing the wish energy Valentine creates by granting wishes t...

Fashion is more than just clothes—it’s a way for kids to express creativity, identity, and imagination. Books about fashion can introduce young readers to design, history, and the joy of personal style. Whether they dream of becoming designers or simply love getting dressed up, these stories open the door to a colorful world of ideas. From playful picture books to informative guides, fashion-themed reads can spark confidence and innovation at any age. How To Be a Fashion Designer Written by Lesley Ware Illustrated by Tiki Papier New York : Dorling Kindersley, 2024. Informational. 96 pages. This inspiring guide introduces young readers to the creative world of fashion design. It explains the basics of developing ideas, sketching clothing, and understanding fabrics in a fun and accessible way. The book encourages readers to express their individuality and shows how imagination and practice can help turn fashion ideas into real designs. Andre Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob S...

Looking for a new read? We’ve got you covered! Check out one of our Book Boxes for kids ages 9-12. Each Book Box contains a book to check out, as well as envelopes filled with fun surprises that you can open as you read along. We have two new books available to check out! Boxes can be put on hold through the library website, and can picked up at the Circulation Desk. Our The Penderwicks and The Lion of Mars Book Boxes will each be available to pick up from May 1, 2026 through April 15, 2027. Each child aged 9-12 can check out each Book Box once during that time, so if your summer is looking busy, you can wait until fall or winter to pick up your Book Boxes! (And as a reminder for those that may have missed it, we also have One Dead Spy and The Case of the Missing Marquess available as Book Boxes through December 1st!) The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall New York : Yearling, 2007. Fiction. 262 pages. The Penderwick sisters: Rosalind, Skye, Jan, and Batty, are unable to spend summer ...

  Run Home By Alyssa Bermudez New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2026. Comic. 303 pages. Alyssa is starting her freshmen year at a new all-girls school, and she doesn't quite know where she will fit in. Her parents want her to join the cross country team, and while she agrees to it, she doesn't love the idea. With time, Alyssa starts to realize the empowerment that comes with running, and with all of the other things going on in her life–a difficult school load, new friendships, a crush from summer camp, and most of all, her father's declining health–running becomes a welcome sanctuary to tune out the noise of the world and focus on what is truly important.  This graphic memoir was heartfelt and real. The feelings that are so common in the early teenage years are depicted in such vivid color, and any older child who has experienced grief will find solace in Alyssa's journey. The illustrations were brightly colored and dynamic. The journal format added so much heart and emot...

Josephine By Chloé Alméras Minneapolis, MN: Gecko Press, 2026. Gecko Press. Orginally published in France, Josephine tells the story of a giraffe and the various sights and seasons she experiences. With simple illustrations, we see Josephine encountering several different animals, her looking for a snack, playing in the clouds and water, and being filled with wonder at everything around her. With only a line per page and not much plot, this book still conveys how it is amazing to appreciate the world we live in. I think this board book is genius. The illustrations follow a pattern where elements of the left picture are inverted to create the right picture. For example, one page show Josephine surrounded by yellow flowers—represented by yellow dots—and the next page shows the yellow dots being used for stars in the sky. As well, snow becomes bubbles, leaves become flowers, and a mountain becomes small bumps in the grass. In addition to my appreciation, my four-month-old will not stop st...