Provo Library Children's Book Blog

From Monday Book Babies Stretch Written by Doreen Cronin Illustrated by Scott Menchin Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009.  Picture Book. Ready...set...stretch!  Can you stretch to the ceiling?  Can you stretch to the floor?  You can stretch with a whisper; you can stretch with a roar.   There's nothing like a good stretch before you jump or wiggle or bounce or run, and the ever-energetic team of Doreen Cronin and Scott Menchin shows kids (and their parents) how a good stretch can be good fun.  Especially if you're stretching your imagination at the same time!  --Publisher From Monday Cuentos El Chupacabras Written by Adam Rubin Illustrated by Crash McCreery Dial Books for Young Readers, 2018.  Bilingual Picture Book. A long time ago, a girl named Carla lived on a goat farm with her father, Hector. One night, a goat disappeared from the farm and turned up flat as a pancake. Only one creature could do t...

Skeleton Tree By Kim Ventrella Scholastic Press, 2017. Fiction, 240 p. The protagonist of "Skeleton Tree", Stanly, is a normal kid, in all the normal ways--he struggles with handling his temper, and he doesn't understand why he sometimes feels like a grown-up yet keeps getting treated like a child. The least normal thing in his life is that his little sister, Merin, is sick, and he's often responsible for taking care of her. That is, until he discovers a finger bone growing out of the dirt in his backyard. Ventrella's strength as a writer comes from being able to wrap the most absurd of concepts--a magical skeleton, in the most realistic of dialogue. Stanly's world is not as magical as the skeleton. His dad isn't around, his sister is sick, and no one seems inclined to give him answers, help him understand, or guide him through the tough stuff he's dealing with. So although this skeleton plot feels like a big, fantastical mystery, it's roote...

Life According to Og the Frog Written by Betty G. Birney G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2018. Fiction, 150 p. Birney follows her Humphrey the Hamster series with a new classroom pet, Og the Frog. This story is told from his point of view. Og comes to Mrs. Brisbane's classroom and the tank is put right next to Humphrey's. Og misses the swamp he grew up in, but enjoys figuring out how to do his job of being a good classroom pet. He likes getting to know the students and listening to the class discussions. It is discovered that Og was taken from the swamp he grew up in, not purchased from a pet store. Some students are upset and a discussion starts. Should Og stay as a classroom pet or be returned to his swamp? Mrs. Brisbane enlists the help of a local expert, Dr. Okeke, who says there is a place that would be perfect for Og called Piney Woods where he would be taken care of and given a good home. Will the children debate and vote to keep Og or send him away to a place that can...

  The Reckless Rescue (The Explorers #2) by Adrienne Kress Delecorte Press, 2018. Fiction. 271 p In this second in the Explorer's Club series Sam has been kidnapped, and Evie and Kate are determined to find him and another member of the Filipendulous Five, Benedict.  The book alternates between Sam's and Evie's adventures, which are pretty outrageous, but full of humor and a lot of action. The thing I like best is watching the kids face their fears. The scene with the K-Pop boy's band was especially well crafted. It had me grinning from ear to ear and made me wonder if the author had experience standing, terrified, in front of an audience of thousands of screaming fans. Give this to kids who like the Mysterious Benedict Society. (2018, 371 p.)

The Stuff of Stars By Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by Ekua Holmes Candlewick Press, 2018. Picture book. Carl Sagan once said "the nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of star stuff." This famous quote serves as the inspiration for this new poem about the foundation of the universe - in sweeping, powerful, dramatic text that looks in awe at the wonder of the cosmos. This same wonder is matched by wonder at the birth of a child, a new life "invisible as dreams/special as Love." This wonderfully emotive book is illustrated with swells of marbled paper that depict cosmic matter (and all creations) as ebbs and flows of beautiful colors. If this book were just a coffee-table book filled with these illustrations, I would still find reason to share this book. But the text and illustrations match so perfectly in this book that it is hard to i...

Imagine!  By Raúl Colón A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2018. Picture Book. Imagine that you were a young kid living in New York City. Imagine that you wanted to go down to the Museum of Modern Art. Imagine what would happen if while you were in the museum some of the illustrations in the paintings started to come to life. If you can imagine all of that, then you will understand the premise of Colón’s newest book. Here is the thing, this book is powerful. It shows off the power of illustrations—especially since it has beautiful illustrations displaying how pictures can make a powerful impact. The textures and colors and imagination just flow throughout the story. Young readers will enjoy thinking about what would happen if what they drew came to life—think of this almost like the grown up book sibling to Harold and the Purple Crayon. Really, this is one powerful book demonstrating the power of a kid’s imagination.

From Monday Book Babies Something's Fishy By Jean Gourounas Phaidon Press Limited, 2017.  Picture Book. Penguin is ice fishing, but the fish aren't biting.  What could possibly be the problem?  Join the cumulative cast of polar characters a they gather, chatter, wager guesses, and aggravate Penguin, until...they hear something from below the ice!  --Publisher From Monday Cuentos Joseph Had a Little Overcoat By Simms Taback Viking, 1999.  Picture Book. Joseph had a little overcoat, but it was full of holes--just like this book!  When Joseph's coat got too old and shabby, he made it into a jacket.  But what did he make it into after that?  As you turn the pages of this book, die-cut holes are cleverly used to show what Joseph will make next out of his old clothing until...well...he has nothing...and then he even makes something out of that.  --Publisher From Toddler Time The Cow Who Climbed a Tree ...

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) Written and illustrated by Dan Santat Roaring Brook Press, 2017. Picture Book. 40 p. What happened to Humpty Dumpty after his legendary fall? As it turns out all the King’s horses and all the King’s men could put him back to together again, but not everything can be healed with bandages and glue. Caldecott medal-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat beautifully depicts how accidents can make you anxious. Before his fall, Humpty’s favorite spot was the top of the wall because it brought him closer to the birds he loved. After his fall, Humpty develops a fear of heights so bad that he can’t sleep on the top bunk or even climb the ladder to reach the best cereals on the top shelf at the grocery store. Santat uses dull colors and shadows to depict how Humpty’s fear and anxiety limits him, and vibrant colors and warm light to depict Humpty’s successes. The illustrations not only make the book visually enjoyable but elaborate ...

50 wacky things animals do: weird & amazing animal facts By: Tricia Martinea Wagner  Illustrated by: Carles Ballesteros Quarto Group, 2017. Nonfiction 103 pg. Did you know that  Octopuses are great escape artists? They can squeeze out of the smallest openings. Spotted Skunks can do handstands, who knew?  They stand on their front paws and raise their tails to make them look bigger and more threatening to their prey before they spray. Butterflies hover around Spotted River Turtles to sip their tears and Pilot Fish actually swim in a sharks mouth and act like a toothbrush cleaning food particles out of their teeth. In exchange for this service the shark doesn't eat them. These fun facts about animals and many more can be read about in this new book. Its a quick read for anyone who loves animals and the strange things they do to survive in the wild. After all, what would you do if you thought you were going to be eaten by something bigger? 

 Early Literacy Tip: Talk! Guess How Much I love You Written by Sam McBratney Illustrated by Anita Jeram During a bedtime game, every time Little Nutbrown Hare demonstrates how much he loves his father, Big Nutbrown Hare gently shows him that the love is returned even more. The Kissing Hand By Audrey Penn When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him. Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA By Jimmy Fallon Illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez A series of animal fathers try to teach their young to say "Dada." Someday Written by Alison McGhee Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds A mother reflects on the all the milestones, from walking in a deep wood to holding someone else's hand, that her child will achieve during life. Así Me Siento Yo Por Janan Cain Versión en español de Yanitzia Canetti Ilustraciones y rimas demuestran las emociones que sienten los niños, tal...

Alfie: The Turtle that Disappeared Written and Illustrated by Thyra Heder Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2017. Picture Book. Nia gets a turtle for her sixth birthday. His name is Alfie, and though she loves to talk to him and show him things, he never seems to notice. This picture book's perspective switches the night before Nia's seventh birthday, when Alfie disappears. Now we hear the turtle's point of view and follow him on his quest for a present for Nia.  Alfie is a very sweet and funny picture book with a twist ending. The combination of ink and watercolor drawings with the perfectly told story make it feel like an instant classic.

Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff Alfred A Knopf, 2018. Fiction. 295 p. Shurtiff once again shows herself as the current master of the fractured fairy-tale. She deftly creates a back story that explains some of the unanswered questions of the Snow White story. Why was the queen obsessed with her beauty? Where did the magic mirror come from? How did the dwarves get their funny names, and why was Grumpy so, well, grumpy.  Fans of Rump , Jack , and Red will enjoy this one as well, but those who have not read the others will have no trouble following and enjoying the story (but I recommend you eventually read the others, they are a delight.)

Honey By David Ezra Stein Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018. Picture book. Bear wakes up hungry from his long hibernation and remembers the sweet taste of honey. But he soon realizes that it’s too early for honey, so he explores the other delights of spring and summer. As Bear experiences warm grass, sticky sap, and ripe berries, he keeps his ears open for that telltale buzz… Full of warm summer colors and descriptive sensory words, this is a lovely little book about the delights of nature through the seasons, the power of being present in the moment, and the rewards of patience. Also check out the companion book, Leaves .

Knock Knock By Tammi Sauer Illustrated by Guy Francis Scholastic Press, 2018. Picture Book. I know quite a few kiddos who love jokes—especially knock knock jokes. Well, this is the perfect picture book for the young readers who think silly jokes are funny (and for the parents who are tired of the same knock knock joke being told over and over again). Basically Bear is getting in bed—since he is tired and about to hibernate. Then there is a loud “Knock Knock” on the door. “Who’s there? Justin. Justin who? Justin the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by!” Thus begins the series of knock knock jokes that keeps Bear awake (and somewhat grumpy) as more and more neighbors come to interrupt the start of his hibernation. Readers soon discover it is all for a good cause (and they are all indeed Bear’s friends, despite the tired state they keep Bear in). Basically, this is a fun book (with loads of great illustrations—with bunny slippers and all) for kids who like jokes and think frie...

From Monday Book Babies Bird, Balloon, Bear By Il Sung Na Alfred A. Knopf, 2017.  Picture Book. Bird is new to the forest, and he’s looking for a friend. Bear could use a friend, too. But Bird is too shy to introduce himself. Just as he musters the courage to say hello . . . it’s too late! Bear has already found a friend: a bright, shiny red balloon. Has Bird missed his chance?  From the acclaimed Il Sung Na comes a charming and beautifully illustrated story about courage, kindness, and friendship.  --Publisher From Monday Cuentos El primer día de un colegio Texto de Adam Rex Ilustraciones de Christian Robinson Traducción de Teresa Mlawer Editorial Corimbo, 2017.  Spanish Picture Book. Aquel verano, cuando terminaron de construir la escuela Frederick Douglass, el edificio comenzó a hacerse muchas preguntas: ¿Cuál será mi destino? ¿Quién vivirá entre mis paredes? ¿Para qué me utilizarán? Através de sus conversaciones con el conserje y t...

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth By Oliver Jeffers Penguin Young Readers, 2017. Picture Book “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” is a charming exploration of the different parts that make up planet earth and how to navigate this place we all call home. Written for Jeffers’ newborn son, this book is both playful and heartfelt, and aims to guide young readers to better understand the great big world around them. The most striking parts of “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” are the spectacular drawings. The quaint and simple illustrations include fun details, scientific facts, and personal touches. Each page of drawings draws your attention by focusing on the bigger picture, before leading your eye to the smaller details. This book will be lots of fun for young readers who enjoy spotting those details, and parents who will enjoy the depth of the drawings. The fun illustration style of this book helps you really understand the message...

Wee Beasties Written by Ame Dyckman Illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths Little Simon, 2018. Board Book Learning how to be gentle and controlling excitement can be tricky. Wee Beasties perfectly shows the way. Huggy the Python has a couple of experiences where he is not able to be gentle. He keeps trying and is given a lot of chances and reminders. In the end he is successful! This is a great tool to teach young children, in a friendly way, how to practice self-regulation skills. Dyckman uses relatable items to emphasize ideas: balloons, ice cream, and puppies. It is speaking straight to young children! Griffiths' illustrations are fun and colorful and pair perfectly with Dyckman's story.

Meet the House Kittens (Kitten Construction Company #1) by John Patrick Green First Second, 2018. Comics. 70 p. Marmalade is an amazing architect, but she is also an adorable kitten.  Because she is so little and cute nobody will take her seriously. When the city planner rejects her plans for the new Mayor's Mansion, Marmalade takes things into her own paws. She recruits other kittens with serious construction skills, and together they work to overcome kitten prejudice. This a cute new graphic novel great for younger readers.  Children will relate with the challenge of being considered too little or too cute to do anything important.  Green's color illustrations are as adorable as, well, a kitten!  Great for either boys or girls, this is one not to be missed.

A Raccoon at the White House By Rachel Dougherty Illustrated by Rachel Sanson Simon Spotlight, 2018. Easy Reader. Did you know that there was once a raccoon named Rebecca who lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? President Calvin Coolidge kept her as a pet (one of many odd animals who lived at the White House with the Coolidges) and liked to walk her around the grounds on a leash. This odd moment from US History is well documented for young readers in this new series Tails from History all about famous pets and their famous owners. This is a well illustrated and unique new series of Easy Readers, perfect for the pet lover in your life.

A Big Mooncake for Little Star By Grace Lin Little, Brown and Company, 2018. Picture Book. Little Star helps Mama make a Big Mooncake on the opening endpapers. Then they place the Big Mooncake in the night sky to cool. Mama tells Little Star to remember “not to touch this Big Mooncake until I tell you to”; yet even though Little Star says she will remember, it is a little hard once it is night time and she is hungry. Even though the story and text are good, for me Lin’s illustrations steal the show. Little Star has some great facial expressions throughout the book and readers will be sure to enjoy. Also, those interested in origin myths will enjoy learning this one about how the moon waxes and wanes. An enjoyable read all around.

From Toddler Time Your Alien Written by Tammi Sauer Illustrated by Goro Fujita Sterling Children's Books, 2015.  Picture Book. You will be looking out your window when something wonderful comes your way.  You will want to keep him.  You and your alien will strike up a fabulous friendship and all will go well...until bedtime.  Can you figure out what your new buddy needs most of all?  This funny, heartwarming story proves that friends and family are the most important things in the universe...no matter who you are.  --Publisher From Preschool Time Oh No, Astro! Written by Matt Roeser Illustrated by Brad Woodard Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016.  Picture Book. Asteroids! Planets! Astronauts! In this charming debut picture book, a grumpy asteroid named Astro is thrown out of orbit and takes an unexpected journey through space! Astro is a cranky asteroid who just wants everyone to respect his per...

This is my Eye: A New York Story By Neela Vaswani Candlewick Press, 2018. Picture Book.  "This is my Eye" is a fun, fictional photographic journey of one young girls view of her home, New York City. Shapes, colors, patterns and people are everywhere and things look differently depending on who is looking. This is a great book for any young budding photographers and simply anyone wanting to see the world through a different lens. 

This Is My Dollhouse Written and Illustrated by Giselle Potter Schwartz & Wade Books, 2016. Picture Book. The narrator of this picture book is a girl who has made her own cardboard dollhouse and furnished it with odds and ends, mismatched pieces and handmade touches. She plays with her dollhouse by making things: clothing for her dolls out of ribbon, a breakfast of fried eggs from cut pieces of paper, a rooftop elevator from a paper cup and a string. It's an interactive and imaginative way to play. But when the narrator goes to her friend Sophie's house and sees Sophie's perfect, plastic, store bought dollhouse, she feels self-conscious. Sophie only wants to play the "right" way, and the right way isn't very fun. The narrator worries that if Sophie ever comes over, she won't like her dollhouse. Sophie does come over, and quickly our narrator's shame disappears. Their fun isn't limited by the homemade dollhouse, with its imperfections and ...

Chasma Knights by Kate Reed Petty and Boya Sun First Second, 2018. Comics. 110 p. Imagine a world where animals and insects are all toys, and most people can temporarily meld, or "catalyze", with the toys to give themselves special powers. That is what Beryl's world is like but she, as a Neon Knight, cannot catalyze with toys. To compensate she has become an inventor. One day in the Toy Market, she meets an Oxygen Knight, Coro, who is very good at catalyzing. Can their rivalry become a friendship? Here is a cute new comic series that will appeal mostly to girls who aren't too girly. It even contains some hidden science principles.  Neon Knights can't catalyze, but Oxygen knights are really good at it, just as neon is an inert gas and oxygen is a highly reactive chemical.  The author includes instructions in the back about how the characters are drawn and how the reader can make their own Chasma Knight.

Did you know that we have two parent/child book clubs every month at the Provo City Library?  They are for children 9-12 and a parent/guardian and this month they will meet on September 25 (girls) and September 27 (guys). You can preregister under the  Kids Corner/Program Registration  tab on the library website and then pick up a copy of the book at the Children's Desk. This month we have two great books to discuss: Girls Read Real Friends Shannon Hale Illustrated by LeUyan Pham First Second, 2017. Comics. 207 p. This graphic novel memoir follows Hale's struggles with friendship from early elementary until her teenage years.   Shannon is awkward as a child.  She has to deal with some toxic relationships at school and at home, but uses her skills of imagination, innate resilience, and faith to make her way through them. Pham's color illustrations are expressive and put the reader right into Shannon's world, both inside and out.  Guys Read...

Little Brothers & Little Sisters By Monica Arnaldo Owlkids, 2018. Picture book. It’s not always easy being a younger sibling – having to wait for a turn to be leader or a chance to join in with your older siblings’ activities. But there are good things too: you always have someone bigger and wiser to help you, protect you, and teach you. This simple and heartwarming picture book depicts the ups and downs of sibling relationships in a way that children will identify with. Both realistic and sweet.

These Colors Are Bananas  Jason Fulford & Tamera Shopsin Phaidon, 2018. Board Book. The idea of this book is pretty simple. Apples, bananas, grass, and so many other things aren’t just the color you usually think they are. Apples aren’t always red—sometimes they are green or pink or yellow. Bananas aren’t always yellow—sometimes they are green or brown. With a few words (after the initial explanation that things aren’t always the same colors) the book has some color blocks that show all the various colors that roses or ice could be. The book is simple enough for babies and toddlers to understand—with the added bonus that at the end it talks about how there are many different colors of hands (or skin). Plus on the very last page there is a square cut out so that the toddler can put their hand behind the page to show that their hand is one of the options of the possible colors. This is a good solid choice for babies learning colors and parents who want a feel-good ending ...