Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Peachaloo in Bloom By Chris Raschka New York : Neal Porter Books / Holiday House, 2025. Fiction. 295 pages. Peachaloo Piccolozampa is stung by a wasp and gains a superpower: she understands what people mean and not just what they say. This newfound ability has come at just the right time–an audacious villain has moved into town and is planning to replace her favorite swimming hole with a golf course. Simultaneously, the citizens of Fourwords are planning their annual pageant, which reenacts a historical bank heist.  Altogether this book reminds me of  True Stories,  my favorite movie when I was twelve. Talking Heads' front man David Byrne (wearing a cowboy hat) narrates vignettes leading up to a Texan town's sesquicentennial celebration. Chris Raschka's novel is similarly rambling, off-kilter, and sweet. Peachaloo is a thoughtful and bighearted protagonist. An omniscient townsperson acts as a chatty narrator, packing the book with peculiar characters and funny asides. It...

My Bicentennial Summer: True Adventures from the Most Epic Family Road Trip of All Time Written by G. Neri Illustrated by Corban Wilkin Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2026. Informational. 75 pages. In 1976, America turned 200 and Greg Neri's family celebrated by driving from their home in L.A. across the whole country to make it to Washington D.C. for the Fourth of July. Along the way, the family visited 26 states, found strange local delicacies, encountered all kinds of accents, and saw natural and historic monuments. There's a lot packed into America, from its places to its people to its history and this book does a good job at touching on all of it. I was a little surprised how weepy this book made me feel. As we prepare for America250, looking back on the Bicentennial celebrations was making me excited for things to come and reflect on parts of American history–both good and bad. I think this book does a good job of navigating all the things that make America great, whil...

There is something so cuddly and about a slow moving sloth. It must be their big eyes and their soft fur, but we love to adore these little creatures! If your sloth-lover is looking for a good picture book, here are a few good reads. Sloth is Not a Baby! Written by Nelly Buchet Illustrations by Janie Bynum New York, NY : Feiwel & Friends book, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC, 2024. Picture Book.  Sloth is climbing up a tree and knows she can do it because she's "not a baby!" Her friend Moth reminds her of all the cools things animals can do and it giver her courage to keep going. This cute sloth is inspiring as she works hard and overcomes her fears. Mama in the Moon by Doreen and Brian Cronin New York: Rocky Pond Books, 2024. Picture Book. One night, baby sloth fell from the tree where he slept in his mama's arms in the vines and leaves below. At first he was scared, since he was far from home and his mama had to slowly make the journey down to get ...

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 o...

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 to ge...

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...