Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Train I Ride by Paul Mosier Harper, 2017. Fiction. 181 p. The story starts as Rydr boards a train that will carry her across the country to live with relations she has never met. At first Rydr sticks to herself, but eventually an empty stomach (she didn't have any money to buy food) and the long lonely miles compel her to interact with the other passengers and staff. As she does the reader comes to learn her back story and the unfortunate events that have lead to the journey. Soon friendships bloom and when the end of the trip arrives she feels like she has become a part of a loving family. This is a different and refreshing approach to the "social issues" trope.  Rydr has a boat load (or should I say a train load) of issues, as do others on the train, but their forced physical proximity makes them come together and help each other cope.  Rydr is a quirky and likable character and her relationship with Dorothea the train attendant, Neal the concessions guy, and he...

When's My Birthday? By Julie Fogliano Illustrated by Christian Robinson Roaring Brook Press, 2017. Picture Book. This book is a celebration of the most exciting holiday of all - birthdays! With simple text, this book shares in the excitement and anticipation that little kids experience while waiting for their birthdays. This is a book best read aloud to fully capture the excitement and frenetic energy of young children waiting for their birthday. Simplified, childlike illustrations done in a muted toned cut paper collage are silly and (often) larger than life to drive this point home. Caldecott Honor illustrator Christian Robinson shows children in all colors celebrating and enjoying their birthdays. Something about this book feels so timeless and retro that it is sure to be a favorite in many families for years to come. Unlike many birthday themed picture books, this one never seems too loud or too big - just subtle and realistic enough.

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC’s (the Hard Way)  Patrick McDonnell Little, Brown and Company, 2017. Picture Book. This book is amazing! Really! It is a wordless picture book that tells a story through the alphabet. So a little red cat runs out of the house and comes upon an alligator (with an “Aa” printed on the page above the alligator). Turn the page and you find that the cat keeps running (the alligator chases) as a “Bb” bear and a “Cc” chicken also join in pursuit. Various animals and events or objects are inserted at appropriate times (i.e. when the “Dd” dragon blows “Ff” fire the animals all put on “Gg” glasses). The illustrations are what make this book (and provide all the humor due to the hilarious expressions on the animals). This would be a perfect introduction to any young reader who likes to elaborate on a story (or tell the story themselves without the grownups getting in the way) and is learning the alphabet.

Read in Book Babies Hop, Hop, Jump! Written by Lauren Thompson Illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012.  Picture Book. Get moving and have some fun with this invigorating picture book romp!  Bestselling author Lauren Thompson and acclaimed illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka have teamed up to show just how much fun moving around can be. Wiggling, waggling, stomping, and clomping—there are so many different ways to do it! Go ahead—try them all.  Each page has a big, bold toddler face, minimal rhyming text, and a corresponding label for the body part that’s moving, making this bright, rhythmic book perfect for the youngest movers and shakers.  --Publisher Read in Toddler Time My Toothbrush is Missing! By Jan Thomas HMH Books for Young Readers, 2018.  Easy Reader. Dog's toothbrush is missing. Has anybody seen it? Maybe . . . But what does a toothbrush look like? Donkey wonders. Featuring Jan Thomas’s...

Max and Marla By Alexandra Boiger G.P. Putman's Sons, 2015. Picture Book. Max and Marla are not just best friends but true Winter Olympians. Seriously, they are. They understand the importance of taking care of the equipment, working as a team, staying healthy, and preparing for the unexpected. But most importantly, they have learned that obstacles are turned into victories when they never give up. This humorous adventure of a young boy and owl friend perfecting their sledding skills is one not to be missed, especially right now with the Winter Olympics going on.

Exploring Space From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond By Martin Jenkins Illustrated by Stephen Biesty Candlewick Press, 2017. Informational. This book is a great examination of the past, present and future of humans in space. This is a great book to see where it all began, from landing on the moon to sending robots to Mars. What I liked especially about this book was the detailed illustrations of the rockets, the space shuttles and the space suit. The detail on it explaining the different parts is perfect for the inquisitive mind on space and how it all began. If you have someone with an inkling of an interest about space exploration, this is a great book to share.

The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend Little Brown & Co, 2017. Fiction. 465 p. Morrigan is cursed because she was born on Eventide. She has spent her whole life being blamed for any bad thing that happened, and knowing she would die on her 11 birthday.  When her 11th birthday comes, instead of dying she is whisked away to another land, called Nevermoor, and registered as a candidate for the Wundrous Society. To stay in Nevermoor, and to stay alive, she must pass the four trials that will decide which of the 500 candidates will receive one of the nine appointments to the society.  As she progresses through her trials she learns more about herself, the other candidates, and the evil Wundersmith whose memory still haunts the land. This is now my favorite fantasy from 2017.  It is fun and well crafted.  I kept expecting it to get dark and tragic, but it never did.  It has a lot of elements one could compare with Harry Potter, but not, I th...

Bob and Tom By Denys Cazet Atheneum, 2017. Picture book. Bob and Tom are two barnyard turkeys who don’t have a lot of brains but do have plenty of friendship and philosophical ideas about the world. As they bumble through their day, their adventures include encounters with a rainstorm, borrowing Mrs. Farmer’s swimsuit, and losing their names and finding them again. The dialogue is silly, hilarious, and sure to make both children and grownups laugh.

Goodnight Unicorn: A Magical Parody By Pearl Horne Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer As night falls in the enchanted forest, the unicorns and their friends gather to get ready for bed. A parody of a nighttime classic. Lily the Unicorn By Dallas Clayton Lily the unicorn teachers her new pal, Roger the penguin, that it's fun to try new things. Twelve Dancing Unicorns By Alissa Heyman Illustrated by Justin Gerard The king's beloved unicorns are hiding a secret and a little girl is determined to solve the mystery. Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great By Bob Shea Envy turns to admiration and finally to friendship for Goat and Unicorn. Claire and the Unicorn Happy Ever After By B.G. Hennessy One night, Claire and her toy unicorn, Capricorn, journey to a magical land filled with characters from fairy tales to find out what makes someone live "happy ever after." I Wished for a Unicorn By Robert Heidbreder Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton A s...

Who Am I?: An Animal Guessing Game  Steve Jenkins & Robin Page Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017. Picture Book. In this clever picture book young readers are able to guess what animals are being described by a variety of clues. For example when the book reads, “I have two round yellow eyes, soft, silky feathers, eight grasping claws, a sharp black beak, and a mouse for a snack! Whoooo am I?” Readers see little bits of clues to help them figure out that it is an (turn the page) owl! The animals are all ones that youngsters will be able to recognize and guess—which help make this a great choice for story time (seeing how kids won’t mind shouting out with confidence their guesses). Plus the book also has a section at the back that gives some more information about the various animals highlighted (which is great for little readers who like animals and animal science). Fun book!

Read in Book Babies That's Me Loving You Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal Illustrated by Teagan White Random House, 2016.  Picture Book. When soft breezes give kisses and shimmering stars offer winks of encouragement, the world around you takes on a whole new light.  Open this book to find gentle rhymes that soothe the pangs of separation and remind those you love that you are never really far away.  --Publisher Read in Toddler Time The Perfect Siesta By Pato Mena NubeOcho, 2017.  Picture Book. The perfect book to read before bed.  Kids will laugh with exotic animals trying to nap just before they do!  It is very hot in the jungle and suddenly a nice breeze arrives.  The jaguar wants to take a siesta.  Just then he saw a coati and said, “Could you do me a big favor?  Could you wake me up in exactly 10 minutes?”  The coati wanted a siesta too, and asked the cockatiel to wake him up in exactly 10 minutes....

Animals Hide and Sneak by Bastien Contraire Phaidon Press Limited, 2017. Board Book. This board book is a companion to the popular Vehicles Hide and Sneak  also published this year. I quiet enjoy Contraire's basic tri-colored images. As you might imagine, a different illustration style would make the "finding" a snap, but this book wants to challenge you. My only complaint is that it may be a little too challenging for the young eyes that make up the board book readership.  However, I say check it out and have a good time helping your toddler find what's different. It may spark a nice little lesson on why rhinos and tractors just aren't the same thing.

Sing, Don't Cry Angela Dominguez Harry Holt and Company, 2017. Picture Book. Dominguez tells the true story of her grandfather coming each year to visit during her childhood and sharing his love for music and remaining positive, despite hard times. He also believes in the importance of passing stories down to his family. The simple message throughout comes from the ever popular Mexican song "Cielito lindo" Ay, ay, ay, ay (Ay, ay, ay, ay) canta y no llores, (sing and don't cry) porque cantando se alegran, (because singing gladdens) cielito lindo, los corazones. (the heart, sweet lovely one.)  Sing, don't cry. Although hard times will come, choose to sing. This sweet, simple story can be shared with young and old as a perfect motto to live by.

In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O'Brien Scholastic, 2017. Fiction. 303 p. Mia and her brother Simon travel with their father to North Korea. Mia's father has been an aid worker in North Korea for several years, but this trip is supposed to be purely recreational. That all changes when Mia's father is arrested by North Korean police and Mia and Simon flee into the countryside with pictures that the government does not want leaving the country. As Mia and Simon start a long and dangerous trek toward the boarder, they get a taste of what daily life is like for the oppressed people of North Korea and come to understand each other --and themselves--better. This book gives the reader a peak into what life is like for foreigners and citizens in what has been called the most oppressive dictatorship in the world. O'Brien grew up in South Korea and meticulously researched the details of the landscape and people Mia and Simon encounter. She also does a great job po...

The Quilts of Gee's Bend By Susan Goldman Rubin Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2017. Informational. In Gee's Bend, Alabama a group of African American women have been making quilts for generations. The women in this small community have been taught how to make quilts by their mothers and grandmothers from any scraps of fabric they have on hand - quilts made to keep people warm and comfortable. No one ever imagined that these handmade quilts would someday hang in art museums in Houston, New York City, and Washington D.C. This book does a compelling job of intertwining art history, folk art, and the struggle for civil rights into one book that is both interesting and inspiring. This book may not have immediate kid appeal, but is a great choice for families with older children who are looking for a different approach to American History. The color photographs of these quilts are satisfyingly abstract, making this a unique way to celebrate Black History Month. 

Love Matt de la Peña Illustrated by Loren Long G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018. Picture Book. This is a book about love. It tells how love comes in different forms, different actions, and different feelings. There are different types of love—but it is all love. Once again Matt de la Peña has written words that need to be read aloud (really, that is the best way to feel the rhythm and experience the feelings), especially to someone who you love. These words touch upon the great feeling that is so hard to describe and quantify. The powerful words along with illustrations that show just how diverse love can be create a beautiful book that grownups should read to little ones—and perhaps to themselves. So that everyone can remember the importance of love. This is a great book to read as friends, family, or to those who represent love to you—especially at this Valentine’s time of year.

Read in Book Babies Moo Written by David LaRochelle Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka Walker Books for Young Readers, 2013.  Picture Book. When Cow gets her hooves on the farmer's car, she takes it for a wild ride through the country. Moooo! But a bump in the road brings this joy ride to a troublesome end. Moo-moo. . . Has Cow learned her lesson about living life in the fast lane? Moo? Pairing two talented creators who managed to tell a complete story with just one word―MOO―this imaginative story will have readers laughing one moment and on the edge of their seats the next, as it captures the highs and lows of a mischievous cow's very exciting day.  --Publisher Read in Toddler Time Rhyming Dust Bunnies By Jan Thomas Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009.  Picture Book. Bug! Rug! Mug! Hug! These dust bunnies love to rhyme. Well, except for Bob. Much to the other bunnies’ frustration, Bob can never get the rhythm right. Then he saves every...

Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary Text by Roald Dahl Illustrated by Quentin Blake Compiled by Susan Rennie Oxford University Press, 2016. Who doesn't love Roald Dahl?? This is a great reference for Dahl fans as well as a sweet postmortem tribute to an amazing author. Many of the words included are normal dictionary words, while plenty are the kinds of words that can only be attributed to Dahl's imagination such as "Jabble." However, ALL the words are defined by Dahl with examples to show just how one would use "sniff" if you were a giant. If you're child is starting to venture into the world of BFGs and magical chocolate factories, this should be on your reading list. If you aren't sure how to teach your child to use a dictionary, consider checking out and reading " How Do I Use a Dictionary ."

This Is Not a Valentine By Carter Higgins Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins Chronicle Books, 2017. Picture Book. It can’t be a valentine when a young boy gives his friend a ring from the toy vending machine because it’s not sparkly or pink--but it does match her favorite shoelaces. It can’t be a valentine since the flowers came from his garden and not a store. It can’t be a valentine because the card is not pink and glittery, and everyone knows valentines have to be pink and glittery. A cute story about true friendship of a young friend giving his best friend the perfect gifts, ones that aren’t exactly typical valentines but show how he does love her and cares about what she likes.

The Song from Somewhere Else by A. F. Harrold Bloomsbury Children's Books, (2016 uk) 2017. Fiction. 217 p. Frank, (short for Francesca) has been mercilessly bullied by Neil and his goons for over a year.  She lives in fear and sees no way out.  Then one day, Nick, a over-sized boy with body odor problems comes to her rescue.  At first Frank is afraid that now he will want to be her friend, which would cause her more social problems. Yet something keeps bringing her back to his home, and slowly she comes to realize that he is more -much more- than he seems. This is a great book about the emotional damage done by bullying and the healing possible through true friendship. Fern learns that she shouldn't judge by appearances, and that help can come from the most unexpected places. This book is as heartwarming as recent popular realistic fiction, but an added fantasy element gives it a broader appeal. 

Rot: The Cutest in the World! By Ben Clanton Atheneum Books, 2017. Picture book. Rot is a mutant potato with a lot of confidence. So when he sees a sign for the “Cutest in the World Contest,” he can’t wait to enter. But when he sees the other contestants, such as an itty-bitty baby bunny, and a little-wittle cuddly kitten, his sense of self is shaken a bit. Should Rot change himself to look more like the others? Will he be booed off the stage? Plenty of surprises await, as well as some irreverent humor and gentle lessons about believing in yourself.

My Toothbrush Is Missing  Jan Thomas Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018. Easy Reader. Someone nabbed Dog’s toothbrush. Dog asks if anyone has seen it. Donkey, Sheep, and Duck have no idea where it could be. Then Donkey asks what it looks like. Dog explains and Donkey mistakenly finds various objects that it could be after explaining, “Weird. I feel like I’ve seen it…” From the comical reactions of the Giggle Gang (Sheep and Duck just get more and more flabbergasted when Donkey mistakenly presents various objects) to the climax and discovery of just what happened to Dog’s toothbrush this book will keep young early readers giggling. So. Much. Fun. I really think this book should win a comedy award. And the Geisel for next year. It is just that good. Please excuse me while I go and read it to another unsuspecting library staff member who just needs to laugh at this book(even if they don’t know it yet…).

Read in Book Babies Alice the Fairy By David Shannon Blue Sky Press, 2004.  Picture Book. Alice has a nose for trouble, but luckily she's a fairy--a Temporary Fairy.  She has a magic wand, fairy wings, and a blanket, all of which she uses to disappear, to fly, to transform her dad into a horse, and to turn his cookies into her own!  There are still a few things Alice needs to learn to become a Permanent Fairy, like how to float her dog on the ceiling and make her clothes put themselves away, but she's working on it--sort of.  Here's an endearing, funny story about a girl and her magical imagination, sure to delight every fairy in training!  --Publisher Read in Toddler Time Thump, Quack, Moo:  A Whacky Adventure Written by Doreen Cronin Illustrated by Betsy Lewin Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008.  Picture Book. It's time for the annual Corn Maze Festival.  The farm is bursting with activity.  Cluck Whack! ...

9 Months Written by Courtney Adamo and Esther van de Paal Illustrated by Lizzy Stewart Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2017. Informational. Sweet illustrations accompany informative text in 9 Months, a gentle nonfiction book about pregnancy. 9 Months shows how a baby grows month-by-month and also answers the question “How is Mama feeling?” throughout the progression of her pregnancy. The page layouts are welcoming and filled with fun and interesting “Did You Know” questions, size comparisons, development milestones, and even facts about other baby animals. This book is endorsed by Dr. Pippa Kyle, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the London Ultrasound Center. 9 Months would be appropriate, engaging, and useful for any child who has a sibling on the way.

Read to a child everyday! Show Me a Story!: Why Picture Books Matter: Conversations with 21 of the World's Most Celebrated Illustrators Written by Leonard Marcus Read for me, Mama Written by Vashanti Rahaman Illustrated by Lori McElrath-Eslick An African-American boy who loves to read helps his mother on the road to literacy. Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar Written and Illustrated by Emily McKenzie Ralfy the rabbit wants to read books all the time even if it means he has to steal them, and soon his obsession sends him spiraling into a life of crime Read All About It Written by Laura Bush Illustrated by Denise Brunkus Tyrone and his friends rule the school except for the library, which he thinks is boring until strange happenings during story hour change his mind. How to Read a Story Written by Kate Messner Illustrated by Mark Siegel A picture book celebration of the act of exploring--and sharing--a book. 20th Century Children's Treasury Selected b...

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 Read Ghost  By Jason Reynolds Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016. Fiction. 181 p. Castle Crenshaw (he goes by Ghost) lives in a rough neighborhood.  His dad is serving time and his mom barely makes enough to put food on the table.  Ghost can't stay out of trouble at school, but when he gets a chance to be on an elite track team he is motivated to keep in step both on the field and in class.  For the first time he feels like he is a part of something, but when his past and his poor decisions catch up with him, he is at risk of losing it all. Girls ...

Seasons By Siân Smith Heinemann, 2015. Large informational book. This large informational picture book is perfect for introducing preschool or kindergarten children to the four seasons. There are interactive questions with large, detailed pictures. New vocabulary is introduced, as well as, activities, plants, animals and insects for various seasons. A table of contents is in the front and a picture glossary in the back are included. These can also introduce children to different book formats. Our large picture and informational books (items that are too big for the regular shelves) have recently found a new place in our children's library. They have large boxes with shelves inside. Currently they are located next to the Spanish board books, ask a librarian about large picture books available for check-out!