Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder Chronicle Books, 2017. Easy Reader, 36 p. This is the first in a new Easy Reader series about the daily life of Charlie and his younger brother, Mouse. The book contains four mini stories and is illustrated with charming ink and watercolor drawings. Charlie and Mouse have quiet, every-day, adventures full of family and love that will appeal to the target audience. This book has very low level vocabulary, but a quaint kind of charm reminiscent of the Little Bear and Frog and Toad books.

Stormy Seas: Stories of Young Boat Refugees By Mary Beth Leatherdale Illustrated by Eleanor Shakespeare Annick Press, 2017. Informational. It can sometimes be very difficult for kids to understand the hardships that their peers face, especially if they haven't faced something similar. By spotlighting the lives of five adolescents who left their countries as refugees for different reasons, this book is a great resource to help readers (of all ages) feel compassion for refugees around the world. These stories are even more meaningful thanks to first person accounts from each of the five refugees highlighted. Side panels throughout also provide more historical context. This book is timely, poignant, and very hopeful - the stories featured are personal enough to provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the current refugee crisis with young readers.

Mighty Moby By Ed Young Text by Barbara Dacosta Little, Brown and Company, 2017. Picture Book I am not usually a fan of classic tales being abridged and remade into children’s books—I feel like kids often miss out on experiencing the classic books the way they were mean to be experienced when they are ready to read the original works. However, I think this is an exception to my rule—probably because it isn’t really a retelling of the classic tale—more an introduction to the idea of Moby Dick. Another fun fact about this book is that according to the author’s note at the end the illustrations were done first, followed by the text. The cut paper collage illustrations depict sailors looking for a particular white whale. Then once the sailors find the whale their harpooning starts—which in turn angers the whale who comes and smashes the boats in revenge. Yes, all this happens in a children’s picture book; however, there is a twist. And I feel like I can’t say much lest it spoil ...

Read in Book Babies and Toddler Time Penguin Cha-Cha By Kristi Valiant Random House, 2013.  Picture Book. When penguins at a theme park become fascinated by the dancers who perform there, the typical penguin shuffle turns into a dance-floor extravaganza.  And when Julia, a curious little girl, becomes fascinated by the penguins and their new hobby, she is determined to join in the fun.  Get ready to move, groove, whirl, and twirl with Julia and her penguin pals in this funny and spirited story.  --Publisher Read in Preschool Time I Love My Pirate Papa Written by Laura Leuck Illustrated by Kyle M. Stone Harcourt, Inc., 2007.  Picture Book. A pirate's life is a raucous life--full of rough-and-tumble adventure, hard work, and the occasional brush with danger.  And a ship isn't a cozy place.  But to a hardy seafaring boy with a pirate for a papa, the waves feel just like home.  Plenty salty and a little bit sweet, this pir...

Festivals and Celebrations  By Sandra Lawrence Illustrated by Jane Newland 360 Degrees, 2017. Informational. 63 Pages. This is a beautifully illustrated book that takes a look at traditions around the world celebrating the four seasons and new year. This is a fun way to learn about the world as the book shows ancient to modern and the more traditional and unusual celebrations.

You might have noticed that we have been adding numerous picture-book-related DVDs to our Children’s collection lately. Some of my favorites are the new Reading Rainbow DVDs! For over 30 years, LeVar Burton has hosted this reading program, helping kids explore a topic then concluding with a picture book reading. This is a great way to introduce your children to new books--but don’t take my word for it, check them out for yourself! LeVar’s Favorites This DVD includes The Bionic Bunny Show, Tar Beach, Enemy Pie, Amazing Grace, and The Tin Forest. Reading Rainbow: Animal Cafe This DVD includes Animal Café, The Tortoise and the Hare, Ludlow Laughs, and Giving Thanks. Reading rainbow: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie This DVD includes If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Owen, Two Old Potatoes and Me, and Mr. George Brady. Reading Rainbow: Miss Nelson Is Back This DVD includes Miss Nelsen Is Back, Our Big Home, How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, and Kate Shelley and the Midni...

Dino Duckling By Alison Murray Little, Brown and Company, 2017. Picture Book. Dino Duckling has always been different, but it has never bothered him because his family always said “Big and wide, sleek and slim, we’re a family and we all fit in.” But when winter comes and the family gets ready to fly south for warmer weather, Dino begins to worry that his differences might matter after all. A wonderful book about how family sticks together no matter what and loves each other’s uniqueness.

  The End of the Wild by Nicole Lea Helget Little, Brown, and Co., 2017, Fiction, 266 p. Fern lives with her step father and two brothers in a small, run-down house in rural Minnesota. Fern's step father is unemployed and they get much of their food by foraging and poaching animals in a nearby forest. Despite their poverty and the absence of a mother who died in a car accident years before, they are relatively happy. Then a fracking company moves into town and threatens the woods near their home. Fern feels threatened, but many in town welcome the company hoping for better employment opportunities.  I think this book is getting attention because it deals sensitively with a current issue. The author resists the temptation to oversimplify and make the story about a innocent girl fighting against an evil corporation. Instead she explores all sides of the issue. Well drawn and sympathetic characters make it all work. This is a great choice for fans of Carl Hiaasen's env...

Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal'd By Mary Losure Candlewick Press, 2017. Biography. Sir Isaac Newton is probably best known among kids for his observations on gravity. Those more interested in physical sciences may also know about his Laws of Motion. I'm willing to wager that not many young readers know about his experimentation with alchemy - the pseudo-science that attempts to turn everyday metals into gold. The focus of this fairly slim biography is on this part of the great scientist's life - a part many people may not know. This book is exciting, riveting, and (forgive me for saying) magical. Before I read this book I wasn't really sure how a nonfiction book - even a biography - could have a real setting. Now, I'm a believer that this is something all biographers should strive to accomplish. The text of this book is very clever without being cutesy and makes the reader feel like they're living in the late middle ages. Period i...

Life Cynthia Rylant Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel Beach Lane Books, 2017. Picture Book. At certain times of the year I am a sucker for those feel-good books. You know, like at graduation time reading Oh the Places You’ll Go or at a birthday reading You Are Special . Those books that help people you know and love realize just how important they are and life is. Well, I now have a new book to add to the “must read all the time to feel all the feelings” book. It is this one. And you can bet that this book will be one I will own shortly. Life takes you on a journey explaining just how important and precious life is. It tells about the wonderful things and it doesn’t hide the fact that there are “wildernesses” or dark places. But then it goes to show just why it is important to keep going and to keep waking up—because of life! Oh how I believe that everyone should read these poignant words and bask in the gorgeous illustrations. This powerhouse of a team have managed to describ...

Read in Book Babies Frog on a Log? Written by Kes Gray Illustrated by Jim Field Scholastic Press, 2014.  Picture Book. A read-aloud story that will have kids rhyming around the house!  "It's very simple, really.  Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas, and frogs sit on logs."  Each animal's designated seat rhymes with that animal's name.  "It's not about being comfortable," explains the cat.  "It's about doing the right thing."  The frog does not want to sit on a log.  Doing his best to find an alternative place to sit, the frog asks the cat a litany of questions.  For every answer the cat has, the frog has another question--until the frog finds out what dogs sit on!  Peppered with catchy rhymes, FROG ON A LOG? shows young readers that every animal has a special place to sit.  With rhymes that are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's beginner books, FROG ON A LOG? is a fun, educational...

Oxford Children's Rhyming Dictionary Oxford University Press, 2014. Have aspiring poets in your family? This is a great tool to keep the creative juices flowing! Each letter's section contains a handful of simple words a child might find themselves using such as act, air, ant, arm, and ask. Then the dictionary provides a wealth of words a frustrated poet may not have considered that rhyme. Act: abstract, attract, contact, distract, exact, backed, cracked, sacked, quacked, etc. Each page is full of bright illustrations and sample poetry. The back also includes some simple instruction about different kinds of poems. Trust me, this book is way more fun than looking up boring lists of words on the internet. If you aren't sure how to teach your children to use a dictionary, consider checking out and reading " How Do I Use a Dictionary ."

Me and Marvin Gardens  By Amy Sarig King Arthur A. Levine, 2017. Fiction. 243 p. Obe Devlin lives on the land his parents and grandparents lived on.  He feels connected to the land, and goes out to the creek every day to pick up trash and keep things nice.  As a new housing development grows on what used to be Devlin land, Obe mourns and tries desperately to hold on to everything he has lost.  Then one day he finds an amazing animal near the new subdivision.  It is unlike anything he or anyone else has ever seen before.  He instinctively feels that he must protect it, but as he learns more about the creature, he realizes that protecting it is going to be harder than he could have imagined. This book defies categorization.  Is it realistic fiction, science fiction, fantasy?  It is certainly a relationship book.  Obe's relationships with his old friend who has become his enemy,  his new friend, the strange animal, and the land itse...

Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines By Sarah Albee Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017. J Informational. 192p. Did you know that deadly radium used to be touted as a wonder drug and was added to everything from water to makeup to lollipops? Did Joseph Stalin die of natural causes or was he poisoned by one of his inner circle? From assassins to snake oil salesmen to industrial contaminants, poison has been playing a role in world history for centuries. This clever book tells the story of poison – both natural and manufactured – through the ages, with humorous illustrations, informative “tox boxes,” and fascinating historical anecdotes. A great history and STEM read.

Grand Canyon Jason Chin Neal Porter Book, Raring Brook Press, 2017. 48 p. This is one of my new favorite books for 2017. It is brilliant. In the book a girl and her dad are visiting the Grand Canyon—one of the natural wonders of the world. Readers will learn about the history (how it was formed) of the national treasure along with what is there today. The best part of this book is the illustrations. The part where the main story is looks like it is on photo paper (with white borders). These illustrations are layered on top of illustrations of things important to the canyon—animals, plants, rocks, etc. Then there are the die cuts. When the girl looks at a trilobite fossil it is actually part of the illustration showing through the cutout so when readers turn the page they can see how that trilobite actually could have come to be in the Grand Canyon. Chin creates an informational book that is delightful to read and captivating to learn from. He mentions in an author’s note that...

Read in Book Babies Big Bear, Small Mouse Written by Karma Wilson Illustrated by Jane Chapman Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2016.  Picture Book. Bear is big, big, big, and mouse is small, small, small but these friends stick together through all the highs and lows!  Join Bear and mouse as they spot all the opposites in their little glen. Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman team up again to bring the youngest Bear fans a delightful concept book that begs to be read out loud. --Publisher Read in Toddler Time Hensel and Gretel:  Ninja Chicks Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz Illustrated by Rebecca J. Gomez G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2016.  Picture Book. These ninja chicks are anything but chicken!  When Hensel and Gretel’s dad gets snatched by a fox, the sisters put their ninja skills to work to track him down before he can be stir-fried.  But are these two little chicks ready to take on a dark tangled forest, a tricky house made of corn bre...

A Beginner's Guide to Immortality: From Alchemy to Avatars Written by Maria Birmingham Illustrated by Josh Holinaty Owlkids Books, 2015. Informational. It's almost been 2 weeks. How's that new year's resolution going? Why not ditch it for something a little cooler? ... I'm thinking something along the lines of everlasting life. With A Beginner's Guide to Immortality  you'll get all the motivation you need to begin your own journey towards eternity. This book shares tons of folklore as well as real stories about the men and women who have attempted to cheat death. *Spoiler Alert* No one has actually achieved immortality... unless you believe the Greek myths. But don't let that stop you from trying! This beginner's guide is an interesting and entertaining read for kids who appreciate fun facts and anecdotes.

Basketballogy by Kevin Sylvester Annik Press, 2017. Informational. Not just the regular facts and tidbits about basketball are included. Sylvester has researched the interesting to the extreme. The evolution of the basketball shoe (including a life-sized picture of Shaquille O'Neal's actual size 22 shoe), how much players make, extreme hairstyles throughout its history, underhanded free-throws, among all the stats about the sport and its players. There is information about the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, wheelchair basketball, and regular old street ball . Interested in improving your free throw accuracy? Sylvester has included that, too. This is a great informational book for basketball fans and especially for those who don't yet know how big of a fan they might become.

  Patina By Jason Reynolds Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 2017. Fiction. 233 p Patty hates to lose.  She has lost a lot in her short lifetime.  She lost her father and later her home when her mother lost her legs to diabetes.  Now Patty and her sister live with their auntie, and Patty is starting to find friendship and purpose on an elite track team. Will her drive to win drive away the people who matter most? This is a companion volume to Reynold's award winning book, Ghost .  Ghost appears in this book, but this book can also stand alone.  Patty is a great character, with a kind and resilient heart. Readers will cheer her on as she navigates life's tricky twists and turns on and off the track.

Did you know that we have two parent/child book clubs every month at the Provo Library?  They are for children 9-12 and a parent and they meet the fourth Tuesday (girls) and Thursday (guys) of each month during the school year. Families can preregister under the  Kids Corner/Program Registration  tab on the library website. This month we have two great books that we will be discussing. Guys The Westing Game By Ellen Raskin Dutton, 1978. Newbery. 185 p. Millionaire Sam Westing has named 16 potential heirs in his will.  When he dies of foul play the heirs are put into teams, and whichever team can figure out how he died will win the inheritance money.  Young and old, male and female, the heirs work together and against each other to figure out "who dun it."  This is one of the all time favorite Newbery winners.  It is a fast paced and complex story with a whole host of interesting characters.  So grab your magnifying glass and get ready for ...

My First Yoga Class By Alyssa Satin Capucilli Illustrated by Jill Wachter Simon Spotlight, 2017. Easy Reader Informational. Do you have little ones who are curious about yoga? Yoga for youngsters has increased in popularity as a way for kids to develop mindfulness and awareness in a non-competitive group. This new Easy Reader Non-Fiction book is a perfect introduction to yoga for brand new readers. A diverse group of students learn some basic poses together - such as cat, down dog, and snake - in pages decorated with photographs and doodle-like artwork. This book is especially good for grown-ups and kids to read together - the text in most of the book is super simple for brand new readers, but includes instructions in the back to try yoga that an adult can help read. This is fun new book is perfect for the start of the new year.

The Apprentice Witch  James Nicol Scholastic Inc., 2017. 318 p. The story opens with Arianwyn heading into her witch’s assessment—the assessment that determines if a witch is capable and competent and thus would be assigned a witch’s assignment. Unfortunately she fails the test miserably. Due to some intervention by her grandmother she The Civil Witch Authority deems her an apprentice witch (thus only having a bronze moon badge instead of the witch’s silver star badge) and Wyn is sent away to a community to serve as a witch. On her way via bus to the remote town of Lull, Wyn meets Salle who immediately becomes her friend. Unluckily the bus also encounters a demon in the woods and Wyn is barely able to save Salle and the bus driver. This are pretty rocky for Wyn as she tries to keep a few secrets about her power, deal with her nemesis Gimma (who also gets sent to Lull after a few months), and somehow become a real witch. This book has loads of magic, friendship, and adve...

Slug Days Written by Sara Leach Illustrated by Rebecca Bender Pajama Press Inc., 2017. J Intermediate. 116 p. Lauren has trouble reading social cues. She often misunderstands her classmates, and they often misunderstand her, too. On “butterfly days” Lauren gets the approval of her teacher and can make other kids laugh. But on “slug days” nothing seems to go right for her. Lauren’s motivations and reasoning are different from other people’s because she is on the autism spectrum. This J Intermediate chapter book follows Lauren through a week of ups and downs, using the lens of her unique perspective to describe her thought processes, coping mechanisms, and routines. Slug Days is a sensitive invitation into another way of experiencing the world. The gentle, thoughtful, and funny story would be good for encouraging empathy in any young reader.

Brave By Stacy McAnulty Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff Running Press Book Publishers, 2017. Picture Book. This powerful book examines what it means to be brave-- whether it is standing up to a bully at school, telling the truth when it is hard, asking for help, or never giving up--and helps kids know that they can be everyday heroes. With great colorful illustration's this is a must for every collection just like McAnulty’s and Lew-Vriethoff’s other book, Beautiful .

Ashes to Asheville by Sarah Dooley G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2017. Fiction. 243 p. Fella and Zany are two girls that were raised as sisters.  Their mothers are a Lesbian couple who had wanted to be married, but didn't live where and when such marriages were legal.  When Mama Lacy dies, Mama Shannon is unable to get custody of Fella, since she is not a blood relation, so the family is broken up. The story begins when Zany, who is 16, comes to get Mama Lacy's ashes so that she can scatter them in their old home town as per their mother's dying wish.  Fella (age 12) comes along for the wild road trip. This book highlights some of the difficulties families with same gender parents had before the 2015 ruling that made same gender marriages legal across the country. It is an enjoyable read, with alternating funny and tender moments. Although some of their adventures are a little over the top, the personalities of the sisters are very believable and their family struggles ar...

Claymates By Dev Petty  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2017. Picture book. Two balls of clay are shaped into animals by a sculptor and then left alone. The new friends decide to experiment with turning themselves into crazier and crazier shapes. But can they fix the mess before the sculptor returns? The sequential panels and speech bubbles make this story like Claymation in book form. Some of the situations the claymates get themselves into are laugh-out-loud funny, and the photographed clay creations make the illustrations new and exciting. This has lots of personality and laughs.

How to Be an Elephant: Growing Up in the African Wild  By Katherine Roy David Macaulay Studio, Roaring Brook Press, 2017. Picture book. This beautiful nonfiction picture book is getting some attention. Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but the information is presented in such a way that even young children can learn more about elephants and what it takes for an elephant to survive in the African savannah. The book starts out with the birth of a baby elephant. Then it goes on to explain all of the various things that the baby elephant will have to learn before she can become a capable adult elephant that is part of the herd.  Some of the pages are beautiful double page illustrations of elephants (the baby in particular). Other pages not only have an illustration but also have a full page of details about a specific elephant topic and are often accompanied by a diagram or additional illustration that clarifies the information discussed. This is a great introduc...