Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Capybaras are known for their calm demeanor and legendary ability to get along with every creature in the animal kingdom. These semi-aquatic superstars make the perfect protagonists for early literacy. Whether they are teaching young patrons about self expression, boundaries, or just bringing a bit of silly, rhyming joy to family storytime, these gentle giants are an absolute magnet for young readers. Capybara Disco Dreams Written by Frances Stickley Illustrated by Nikki Dyson Naperville, IL : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2026. Picture book Colin the capybara loves to dance disco, despite the heavy disapproval of the other animals around him. Through vibrant, pun-filled illustrations, this lively story shows how his uninhibited movement inspires his self-conscious peers to stop worrying and join the fun. Ultimately, the lighthearted tale celebrates confidence, individuality, and the pure joy of letting go. Capy Capy Capybara By Charise Mericle Harper New York, NY : Union Square Kids, 2026....

  School Spirits Written by Charlotte Gunnufson Illustrated by Rebecca Crane New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 2026. Picture Book Going back to school brings all sorts of jitters. What if the classes are too hard? What if you get lost? What if you can't make friends? What if your school is full of ghosts?!? All the worries must be set aside because yes, the school is full of ghosts. Rowdy ghosts that don't remember the rules for school. Classmates must band together to teach the ghosts how to behave in school.  School Spirits is an adorable book with rhymes and cute illustrations as it explores the anxiety of going back to school. This book is silly, a bit spooky, and all-around fun. I loved all the cute expressions of the ghosts as they make their silly messes. As we enter October, it's the perfect time to read spooky books and this is a wonderful book for little readers wanting to read something fitting for the season but not wanting to read something too scary...

  I have two young kids. And their feelings are always SO BIG! The joy, anger, sadness. All of it is always big feelings. There are some new picture books that are good at talking about feelings with toddlers. Here are some of my favorites:  Because of a Shoe   By Julie Fogliano  Illustrated by Marla Frazee  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. Picture Book.  This book makes me laugh out loud as a parent. It talks all about how a young child won’t put on their shoes and instead goes through all the emotions (including responding to the frustrated emotions of their caregiver). Read this to the children who have meltdowns over what seem like small things (and then trigger possible grownup meltdowns as well). They will see all the emotions and feelings that build and bubble and burst into the world when things don’t go exactly as planned. Delightfully real.  A Book of Loves   By Cythia Rylant  New York: Beach Lane Books, 2026. Picture Book.  In...

  Cinderella (Original Brothers Grimm Version) By the Brothers Grimm  Illustrated by Bernadette Watts  New York: NorthSouth Books Inc., 2026. Picture Book.  If you know me, you know a few things about me. And one of those things is that I have LOVED Cinderella stories ever since I was a little girl. (No really, if you don’t believe me come visit my office where a giant Cinderella quilt hangs on my wall—thanks, Mom!) Anyway, I love a good retelling of Cinderella. And I also love a good classic retelling of Cinderella. And this is one of those.  Although this retelling might not be for the youngest of readers (it is the version where the step-sisters cut off parts of their feet to make their foot fit into the slipper), those who want to read the more traditional (non-Disney) story of Cinderella will find this a great book. And know that the text is a bit lengthy and true to the Brothers Grimm original tale. Also, Watts’ illustrations are beautiful and convey the i...

The Jewish holiday Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, is an annually held fall holiday. Arriving shortly after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot recognizes the exodus from Egypt and when the Israelites had to live in temporary shelters. Sukkot started just last Friday night, and currently, Jewish families all over the world will be eating or living in temporary houses called "sukkahs." I saw my first sukkahs when my family and I lived in Jerusalem. I loved seeing the way my neighbors celebrated and I love that now we have so many picture books to learn about how different Jewish families celebrate Sukkot. If you are celebrating Sukkot yourself, or want to learn about this holiday, check out these picture books about the Feast of Tabernacles. חג שמח! Our Spectacular Sukkah Written by Sidura Ludwig Illustrated by Sophia Vincent Guy Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2026. Picture Book. A Jewish family is setting up their sukkah and are excited to eat, play, and sing in it. Then...

I Am a Rock Written by Ashley Qilavaq-Savard Illustrated by Pelin Turgut Iqaluit, Nunavut; Toronto, ON: Inhabit Media Inc., 2023. Picture Book. Pauloosie loves his pet rock, Miki Rock. Pauloosie's Anaana, his mother, tells him a bedtime story about what Miki Rock sees, hears, and feels in his Arctic home. As part of the land, Miki Rock sees char and beluga, listens to chirps and howls, and feels the snow and sun. Through lyrical text and ethereal landscape illustrations by Pelin Turgut, readers are taken on an Arctic journey from the point of view of a most unlikely object--a child's pet rock. --Publisher A Pocket Full of Rocks Written by Kristin Mahoney Illustrated by E.B. Goodale New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2025. Picture Book. A sweet and soulful celebration of how a child's imagination can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary treasures. You can do a lot with a pocket full of rocks ... Rocks make excellent chairs for fairies, they are perfect for writing your name...