Provo Library Children's Book Blog

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Review: The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan By Jasmine Warga New York: Balzer + Bray, 2026. Fiction. 229 pages. In The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan , Chase, a cheetah born in captivity at the zoo, and Finnegan, a rescue dog, have been paired together as playmates and training partners. They help each other through different struggles and learn the importance of trust and love. According to the author's note at the end of the book, this story was based on the real practice of pairing young cheetahs in captivity with dogs, as they work and play together well, encouraging each other in many different ways. This was a cute and heartwarming book! Animal lovers will enjoy the interesting information provided about cheetahs and dogs, including facts about real life cheetah conservation efforts. On top of interesting facts, the dynamic between Chase and Finnegan is relatable and real, exploring themes of friendship and learning to open up and trust those closest to u...

Review: Hail Mariam

Hail Mariam By Huda Al-Marashi New York: Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2026. Fiction. 188 pages. Fitting in is hard enough when you're a sixth-grader, let alone if you're also the only Muslim kid at a Catholic School. Mariam's parents have always stressed that she's supposed to be the best, especially because her making a good impression will help people see all Muslims in a good light. But being the best is hard when you're in a new school and someone's already filled the role of "teacher's sunshine." Mariam finally gets a chance to shine when she's offered the role of Mary in her school's nativity play, but will she be able to reconcile the line "behold the son of God" with her own religious tenets? I loved how Al-Marashi made a very unique situation feel universal. While not everyone has been the religious minority at a religious school, most kids have felt the need to fit in, to impress their teachers, and to...

Display: Where Knowledge Soars

Fly : A Family Guide to Birds and How to Spot Them Written By David Lindo Illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows New York, NY : Magic Cat Publishing, 2024. Informational. 61 pgs. This is an engaging introduction to birdwatching designed especially for families and young readers. The book combines accessible information about different bird species with practical tips on how to observe and identify them in everyday environments. It invites readers to slow down, look closely, and develop a lasting appreciation for the birds around them. Robins! How They Grow Up By Eileen Christelow Boston : Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017. Informational. 48 pgs. In this book, Eileen Christelow beautifully illustrates the story of a pair of robins as they build a nest, lay eggs, and raise their chicks. The book shows each stage of a robin’s early life, from hatching to learning to fly. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation for nature as they watch the baby robins grow and become ind...

De la hora del cuento: La letra "W" y "X"

Cuentos Los niños no se comen Por Ryan T. Higgins Barcelona: RBA Libros: RBA Molino, 2019. Libro ilustrado. "Penélope empieza el colegio. ¡Por fin va a conocer a sus compañeros! Pero le va a costar hacer amigos humanos si son tan deliciosos ..." --Editor Cuentitos ¡Hora del fútbol! Escrito por Terry Pierce Ilustrado por Bob McMahon New York : Random House, 2021. Fácil. "Pateamos. Pasamos. Corremos sobre el césped. Sin manos, sólo pies. El juego comienza. ¡Piii!" Otros libros sobre las letras "W" y "X" La tímida Willow Popo el xolo ¡No explotes! Pequeña Excavadora Wilma y wómbat

From Story Time: The Letter "W"

Preschool Time Victor, the Wolf with Worries By Catherine Rayner New York: Boxer Books, 2024. Picture Book. Victor, the Wolf with Worries is a comforting and reassuring tale that is especially helpful for little ones who have trouble talking about their feelings. --Publisher Preschool Time While We Wait Written by Judy Ann Sadler Illustrated by Élodie Duhameau Berkeley, CA: Owlkids Books, 2022. Picture Book. A boy and his grandmother wait and wait and wait. While they wait, they sit and knit, they stretch, they rock, they dance, they pace, they snack, they talk. But still, time passes s-l-o-w-l-y. And all the while, they "sit and knit and wait." What are they waiting for? Spoiler alert! The family's new baby! When mom and dad finally get home from the hospital there is joy and awe--and a special gift for baby, knitted with love. A gentle lesson about patience that is well worth the wait. --Publisher Toddler Time My Words By Grant Snider New York: Harper, an imprint of Har...

If You Like... Tigers

Tigers are the biggest cats in the world—even larger than lions! Each tiger has a unique pattern of stripes, much like people have unique fingerprints. They are excellent swimmers and usually live alone, except for mothers raising their cubs. In the stories that follow, tigers appear not only as fascinating animals but also as symbols of self-acceptance, hope, and generosity. Their adventures highlight lessons about consequences, growth, and perseverance—showing that the biggest cats can help teach some of life’s biggest ideas. My Tiger Written by Joy Cowley Illustrated by David Barrow Minneapolis : Gecko Press, 2026. Picture book. This book is about a tiger who only eats cake. And just like anyone who only eats cake, he ends up with a toothache. Will a dentist be able to help? This delightful story gives a whole new meaning to watching what you eat! You Can't Tame a Tiger Written by Stephanie Ellen Sy Illustrated by Julien Chung Toronto, ON : Owlkids Books, 2025. Picture book. Wha...