Provo Library Children's Book Blog

One Whole Hippopotamus By Carter Higgins San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2026. Picture Book. Counting, sorting, parts and wholes! This book is a science and math primer disguised by a bouncy rhyme. One Whole Hippopotamus  explores similarities and differences by showing two shapes, and asking how they are the same and how they are different. Some are speckled, differently sized, or in pieces. Back matter gives ideas on how to read this book with different age groups. I love a Carter Higgins book. Her illustrations have a classical feel, similar to Eric Carle, and the bright colors help kids answer the questions the narration asks. This book is a fun bouncy story to read straight through and it will be fun to methodically go through the pages with a child. This discussion provoking title is sure to help teach concepts of similar, different, parts, and builds vocabulary to describe patterns (e.g. speckled, checkered). All over, a delightful read for multiple ages.

Found Sound By Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek New York: Dutton Children's Books, 2026. Fiction. 212 pgs.  Every July, Felix and his family abandon their cramped apartment in New York for Blissfield, Massachusetts. Ordinarily, Felix and his younger brother Miles participate in a summer camp for gifted kids. But this year, there's no camp for Felix, and he's already dreading a summer with nothing to do in the middle of nowhere. Reluctantly, Felix befriends his 11-year-old neighbor named Marigold Tanizaki-Weathers. With her multicolored hair and combat boots, Marigold isn't a typical friend for Felix, but before long they stumble on a field recorder in Felix's closet and begin a wild scavenger hunt around town. The puzzles, all sound based, start simple but quickly reveal deeper, cryptic messages. Could they be meant for Felix in particular? Could they somehow be connected to his older brother Dylan, whose relationship with Felix is strained?  This book is an audio-fir...

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...