Provo Library Children's Book Blog

The White Ballets By Rajka Kupesic Toronto, CA: Tundra Books, 2011. Informational. The white ballets, particularly 'Swan Lake', are amongst the most popular ballets in the world. This title features three magical loves stories which are brought alive with stunning artwork. - Publisher Brave New Ballet: The Story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Written by Robyn McGrath Illustrated by Alexander Mostov New York: Penguin Workshop, 2026. Informational. In the 1970s, an all-male ballet company called Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo was formed in New York City-but the dancers did not play only traditional male roles on stage. Instead, "The Trocks" dressed in tutus and wigs. They danced in both male and female roles. Their practices and performances were precise and serious, but the dancers brought joy, comedy, and whimsy to the stage! With determination, hard work, and a desire to create an all-inclusive and empowering LGBTQ+ community, Les Ballets Trockadero ...

  Cuentos Bye Land, Bye Sea Escrito por René Spencer Ilustrado por Rodolfo Montalvo New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2024. Picture Book. "Two children lost at sea must overcome a language barrier if they want to find a way home." --Editor Cuentitos Alma de pies a cabeza Por Juana Martinez-Neal Somerville, MA : Candlewick Press, 2023. Pequeño libro ilustrado. ""La adorada estrella de Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre ahora aprece en una divertida serie de libros de cartón bilingües, con palabras sencillas y frases simples en inglés y español -- ideal para compartir con niños que están aprendiendo ambos idiomas." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "I" Imagina una foto, sonr̕e, clic, ¡eso! La intérprete Imposible Isabel y Pedro en su país nuevo No me importa

Preschool Time I Want Ice Cream! Written by Elisabetta Pica Illustrated by Silvia Borando New York: Rise x Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2021. Picture Book. Illustrations and simple text follow a young child's colorful journey from disappointment and resistance to acceptance. --Editor Preschool Time Just Itzy Written by Lana Krumwiede Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2015. Picture Book. Tired of being called "Itzy Bitzy," Itzy tries to catch his own lunch on the first day of spindergarten to prove he is a big spider, but a girl sitting on a tuffet, a dangerous waterspout, and other nursery rhyme characters get in his way. --Editor Toddler Time Our Islands By Phoebe Roze Berlin: Post Wave Berlin Studio, 2026. Picture Book. A wild storm carries Bear far from his island home. On a new shore, he meets Isla, and together they set off across a patchwork of sparkling islands. Will their journey lead Bear back home--or keep...

  I love a good toddler picture book. There is something special when a book has developmentally appropriate text and illustrations—with the bonus of being well-written so that a parent won’t mind reading it over and over again (since that is the way with any toddler’s favorite books to read). Here are some of my favorite toddler picture books that have come out in the past couple of years. Enjoy!  Cat Nap   By Steve Antony  New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2025. Picture Book.  This is a fun picture book for toddlers! (Though be warned that there is another picture book titled “Cat Nap” that is about art and is better for older kids.) Anyway, this book by Antony is about a little cat that needs to take a nap—which is really hard to do when there is so much playing to be done! With bold illustrations and just the right amount of text for toddlers, this will be a fun book to read aloud.  Don’t Do It, Doug!   Written by Maudie Powell-Tuck  Illustrat...

  Same Time, Next Week?   By Marlene Droop  Translated by Alisha Niehaus Berger  New York: NorthSouth Books Inc., 2026. Picture Book.  This is a tale of friendship, plans, and disappointment. Four animal friends (Giraffe, Turtle, Crocodile, and Sheep) go on a drive in Turtle’s van. Their goal is to head outside the city so that they can all see the stars—since there is too much light in the city to be able to see them. Although the friends make a valiant effort, the rain and sleepiness and timing make it so they don’t see the stars before the sun starts to rise. And the best part of the book—in my opinion—is how the group responds to their disappointment. Young readers who love animals, delightful illustrations (I love the wordless spread of Giraffe driving in the rain with an umbrella over their head), and a healthy reaction to disappointment will enjoy reading this book.

Did you know that the library checks out much more than books? There are so many cool items to check out from our Library of Things , including board games for all different ages. Here are five of the best board games for preschoolers:  The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game Created by Riley Wilkinson Gardena, CA: Educational Insights, 2010. Board Game.  In this game, players race to be the first to collect all five colors of acorns. But it won't be easy! Players can steal from each other and windstorms can make the acorns fly away! Preschoolers will love this game, and parents will love all the skills it teaches: fine motor, matching, and strategic thinking.  My First Carcassonne Designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede Roseville, MN: Z-Man Games, 2020. Board Game.  Carcassonne fans rejoice! This simplified version of the classic board game keeps all of the elements of the original while making it easy enough for children ages four and up to play. Players use street and buildin...