Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Mad, Mad Bear! Written and Illustrated by Kimberly Gee Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 2018. Picture Book. This story creates a window for parents to see into the thoughts and feelings of their toddler! For toddlers it validates their experiences. Being the first to leave the park to go home and take a nap really is hard and falling down and getting hurt is terrible! Toddlers have tough experiences and combined with being tired and hungry it can be difficult to manage their emotions. Everything that happens can create outbursts a toddler doesn't know how to control. Gee has given toddlers a simple idea of how to stop feeling so frustrated "Bear takes a breath. And another breath . . ." This is a perfect story for parents and their toddlers to read together to prepare a toddler for how they can manage their emotions. It can also be read after a child has calmed down from a tantrum, as an idea for something they can practice the next time...

Pay Attention, Carter Jones By Gary D. Schmidt Clarion Books, 2019. Fiction. On the first day of school when they run out of milk, the Jeep won't start, and Carter's little sister Charlotte's favorite yellow sock is ruined - the Butler arrives. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick is a real-life English butler who was bequeathed to Carter Jones's family by the paternal grandfather he never met. Carter's father is deployed in Germany, his mother is struggling to make ends meet, and the family is still reeling from the death of Carter's younger brother Currier three years earlier. The Butler shows up at just the right time  - a gentleman's gentleman determined to turn Carter into the aforementioned with an approach not dissimilar to Mary Poppins (minus the magic). At first, Carter tries to resist but he isn't counting on the Butler being quite so determined. The Butler is determined - to encourage Carter to step up at home, remember the hard memories of his past,...

How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk illustrated by Sara Palacios New York, New York : Viking, 2018.  ©2018 Pearl is a young girl struggling to build a sandcastle before it gets knocked down. She decides to have a robot build the sandcastle for her, but quickly finds that she has to give him very specific instructions, otherwise things get out of hand. She gives him the instructions in code, walking though each step on how to set up a basic code with a loop, a sequence, and an if-then-else command. She works through her errors, and by the end of the book Pearl and her robot have built a sandcastle kingdom.  This book is a simple introduction to what coding is and how it works. Sponsored by the Girls Who Code organization, it teaches basic coding instructions like 'sequence' and 'loop' in a way that makes sense for kids new to the language of coding. It also showcases how coding isn't a foolproof method, and shows Pearl working out the problems her cod...

Squint  By Chad Morris & Shelly Brown Shadow Mountain, 2018. 252 p. Flint is a kid who has a hard time seeing. He has keratoconus, an eye disease, which makes it so he can hardly see without squinting—thus some people call him “Squint”. Flint also draws comics and he has named his main protagonist—a superhero—Squint (who not surprisingly does have some similarities to Flint). McKell is a new friend from school—close to Flint’s only friend since many of the kids bully him or make fun of him once his eyesight changed. McKell has problems of her own. Her brother died and she has to come to terms with not only his loss but trying to figure out who she is without him. This is a fun story about a newly formed friendship and the power of letting others see all the good, the bad, and the emotional mess that comes with life. Kids who like reading realistic fiction books about solidly written characters who are trying to navigate life, friendship, and middle school will enjoy thi...

Read in Toddler Time It's a Tiger! Written by David LaRochelle Illustrated by Jeremy Tankard Chronicle Books, 2012.  Picture Book. Kids and parents alike will rejoice in this lively read-aloud picture book, as the main character runs into (and away from) a tiger over and over again as the plot gets sillier and sillier. Perfect for acting out while reading, It's a Tiger! offers just the right amount of excitement without being too scary, and a sweet ending with a bit of a twist.  --Publisher Read in Preschool Time Turtle Tug to the Rescue By Michael Slack Henry Holt and Company, 2017.  Picture Book. Turtle Tug is on the lookout! This chugging, tugging turtle powers through gusty winds and treacherous tides, combing the seas to protect his friends from a dangerous storm. From panicking puffins to an entangled squid and whale, Turtle Tug is out to rescue all his sea-dwelling friends!  --Publisher Read in Preschool Ti...

Stephen Hawking Written by Isabel Sanchez Vergara Illustrated by Matt Hunt Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2019. Informational, 29. Stephen Hawking is one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century. This book starts tells his life story, starting with when he was a little boy and stared in awe up at the stars. We see the beginning of his disease explained simply and how he coped with the diagnosis. This book helps kids relate to the mathematician by showing what he was like as a kid. It's a great resource to learn more about the influential character in our history. And don't forget to check the back page to find out about more books regarding Stephen Hawking! 

Up! Up! Up! Skyscraper Written by Anastasia Suen Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke Charlesbridge, 2017. Informational, 32 p.  As a little kid, I didn't know a dump truck from an excavator. I was too preoccupied with mermaids and fairies to care very much. But  Up! Up! Up! Skyscraper helped me finally understand the appeal of these huge machines and their functions. The steps of constructing a skyscraper are described clearly and simply in the pages of this book, with illustrations that include labels and cross sections.  There are friendly, action-based rhymes on each page which will appeal to preschool-aged children, as well as descriptions of each moment within the process of constructing a skyscraper that six or seven-year-olds will understand and appreciate.  Up! Up! Up! Skyscraper is a great example of process-oriented nonfiction for younger children, perfect for future engineers and construction fans.

New Kid By Jerry Craft Harper, 2019. Graphic novel. All Jordan Banks wants is to draw cartoons in his sketchbook and go to the special arts school. But instead, his parents insist that he attend the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day School since he's smart enough to get in. This means that Jordan has to ride a bus from his apartment in Washington Heights all the way to R.A.D. everyday where his classmates wear salmon colored shorts and his homeroom teacher keeps calling the black students by the wrong name - because she can't tell them apart. For Jordan, his new school - where he is one of a handful of Black students - is one filled with microaggressions and sometimes overt racism. The tension in this very realistic graphic novel is loosened up by humor that feels true to a seventh grade boy and realistic characters who are both likable and distinct. The three-dimensionality of all the characters in this book, which some teachers at Jordan's school seem eager to sq...

New York City Trails by Moira Butterfield Carlton, Victoria, Australia ; Oakland, CA : Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd., 2016. Here's a book about New York that's seriously streetwise! Let Marco and Amelia, our Lonely Planet explorers, take you off the tourist trail and guide you on a journey through New Yor k you'll never forget. This book is perfect for anyone who has been to New York, plans to go there or is just interested in finding out more about this amazing city! Discover New York's best-kept secrets, amazing stories and loads of other cool stuff from the comfort of your own home or while visiting the city! But, you don't have to be a visitor or armchair traveler to enjoy this--New Yorkers are sure to learn new things about their very own city too! A Subway For New York  by David Weitzman New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005. On October 27, 1904, the first section of the most famous subway system in the world was opened for b...

Elmore By Holly Hobbie Random House Children's Books, 2018. Picture Book. Elmore is a porcupine with a big heart, and even sharper quills. He wants to make friends, but his forest neighbors are a little bit apprehensive because of his pesky quills. Elmore feels the rejection from his peers deeply, and searches for a way to change their minds. The sweet message of this story centers on learning to accept the differences of others, and remembering that friendship can take many forms. The sweet illustrations of this book feels older than they are, but in a good way. The style is calm, and feels a little nostalgic for a less busy time in cartoons. The animals have adorable faces, and everything is drawn in a gentle watercolor style. The pictures will remind adult readers of picture books they read as a child, giving them something extra-sweet to share with the kid they're reading it to. Hobbie's calm style makes this book appropriate for quiet evenings curled up under a...

Winterhouse By Ben Guterson With Illustrations by Chloe Bristol Henry Holt, 2018. 370 p. Elizabeth’s guardians (her aunt and uncle that don’t really care about her) are sending her to the Winterhouse hotel for the winter holiday. Elizabeth doesn’t really want to go—but soon discovers that the strange circumstances that sent her to the hotel, her love of puzzles, and a wee bit of magic make her stay quite memorable. This book has a lot of clever puzzles thrown in—so those that are fans of books that challenge readers to think like The Westing Game will happily devour this novel. Also, the bits of mystery as to why Elizabeth was sent to Winterhouse and what is really happening in the library at midnight will keep those mystery-reading kids looking for more clues. And there is magic. Just a little. But enough that readers who love a touch of fantasy reading will also enjoy this book. With so many twists and turns and puzzles and clues readers will race to get through this book—a...

Read in Monday Book Babies The Ballad of Valentine Written by Alison Jackson Illustrated by Tricia Tusa Puffin Books, 2002.  Picture Book. Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling Valentine.  I have written forty letters, but you've never read a line.  While Valentine goes about her day, doing chores around her mountain cabin, her secret admirer is hard at work trying to find a way to ask her an important question.  He tried many ways to contact her, including Morse code and smoke signals, but he can never complete his message.  Will he ever be able to reach his beloved Valentine?  --Publisher Read in Monday Cuentos La idea más maravillosa Por Ashley Spires Beascoa, 2018.  Spanish Picture Book. La idea más maravillosa es un cuento infantil que trata sobre la creatividad y los pasos del proceso creativo. Una historia que motivará a niños y niñas a no desanimarse, a cambiar su perspectiva y a probar de nuevo. Un dí...

Blended By: Sharon Draper New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2018. Fiction, p. 308 Have you ever felt like a favorite toy that is being fought over by two people? That is exactly how Isabella Badia Thornton feels every weekend when her parents do the exchange in front of the apple store in the mall. Switching back and forth between her divorced parents every week feels like "Whiplash". Isabella just gets used to one house then the week is over and she has to get comfortable in another house with different food, clothes and rules. If that wasn't hard enough she is is also struggling to figure out who she is. Eleven year old Isabella is biracial; her mom is white and her dad is black so what does that make her? People are always commenting:  "You're so exotic." "You look so unusual." "But what are you really?" She is struggling to define herself and find her place in the world. This is an honest portrayal of a modern...

My Heart Written and Illustrated by Corinna Luyken Dial Books for Young Readers, 2019. Picture Book. Luyken's illustrations are simple with a consistent yellow and gray color scheme throughout. Hearts appear on each page in the form of different objects and plants. Each page compares a heart to different emotions and feelings. Although outwardly straightforward text, the analogy of feelings could be discussed with older children and the theme of the book is empowerment, which can benefit any reader. One heart (or person) can go through a variety of emotions and hard experiences. Luyken's story is a beautiful representation that it is possible to exercise the power of choice to overcome difficulties and insecurities, all while experiencing tremendous growth. 

So Done By Paula Chase HarperCollins Publishers, 2018. Fiction. Tai is excited for summer to end so her best friend Jamila will come home from her aunt's house in the suburbs and back to their low-income housing projects called Pirates Cove. Tai and Mila have been inseparable since they were toddlers, but Mila hasn't even sent Tai a single text the whole summer - and then she comes back acting weird. Mila is happy to be home with her dad and brothers, but sort of wishes that he would send her to live in the suburbs forever like her older sister - then she wouldn't have to stress about her dance audition for the big new Talented and Gifted Program or about accidentally revealing her secret to someone. Especially to Tai. This is a book that carries quite a bit of heft in a small volume. Tai and Mila are two very different and interesting Black characters dealing with crushes, secrets, and very real issues. The story is told in dual-perspective with alternating chapte...

Welcome Baby Display Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals By Mo Willems An introductory guide to the world for new babies. It welcomes readers to the world using bold, eye-catching graphics and clever text that is perfect for reading aloud. With a fun and heartwarming message, it playfully interacts with the reader with its meta-humor, while addressing such topics such as injustice, cats, friendship, and family. This one-of-a-kind guide to the world is a must-have for infants and new parents alike. Mama's Belly By Kate Hosford Illustrations by Abigail Halpin A little girl expresses curiosity and excitement for the coming birth of her baby sister while her parents tenderly reassure her of love's ability to expand with their growing family. Julius: The Baby of the World Written by Kevin Henkes Lilly is convinced that the arrival of her new baby brother is the worst thing that has happened in their house, until Cousin Garland comes to visit. Ten L...

The Jungle Book: A Seek & Find Classics Book original story by Rudyard Kipling retold by Sarah Powell illustrated by Federica Frenna New York, NY: Sizzle Press, an imprint of Bonnier Publishing USA, 2018 Everyone knows the classic story of The Jungle Book. Whether you read it in school, or watched the Disney animated version, you know the beloved characters of Mowgli, Balloo, and Bagheera and their fight to stay safe in the jungle. In this gorgeous retelling of the classic tale, readers are able to interact with the story in a fun new way. Each two page spread focuses on a short story from the original, with full-color illustrations and a short story synopsis and list of images to find. Readers young and old will enjoy the seek and find aspect of the book, with just the right amount of challenge to keep you interested, but not frustrated (although there is a guide in the back of the book for those who would like a hint or two). This book is best when shared, so gather ...

Robot In Love  By T. L. McBeth This may be my new favorite book on love for this Valentine’s Day season. In the book there is a robot who does a great many things every day…though one day he sees someone beautiful. Robot thinks about her. Robot dreams about her. Robot is distracted by the mere thought of her. Every day Robot tries to get up the courage to go and talk to her; however, one day she is gone! Robot looks all over trying to find his true love—and is unsuccessful until he goes into the store where he saw her (in a display window). It turns out that Robot is in love with a toaster. They run away together (though the store owner might disagree). This is a playful book that pokes fun at falling in love—in a comical way. This is a good book to read to kiddos this Valentine’s Day.

Read in Monday Book Babies Dog on a Frog? Written by Kes & Claire Gray Illustrated by Jim Field Scholastic Press, 2016.  Picture Book. "You know the rules," said cat. "Cats sit on mats, frogs sit on logs, and dogs sit on FROGS!" "Well, I'm changing the rules," said the frog. In this hilarious sequel to Frog on a Log? , frog decides that he does not want to sit on a log, and he definitely does not want a dog to sit on a frog! So he changes the rules. Now, dogs sit on logs, and cats sit on gnats! But what will frog decide to sit on now? Chock-full of absurd animal rhyme pairings, Dog on a Frog? shows young readers that every animal has many special places to sit. Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's Beginner Books, this sequel is a fun, educational read-aloud story that helps build reading skills!  --Publisher Read in Monday Cuentos ¡La Paloma necesita un baño! Por Mo Willems Traducción por Anna Llisterri Andana, 2018. ...

A World of Birds By Vicky Woodgate Blueprint Editions, 2018. Informational, 94 pages. Did you know that the Blue-footed booby was named because of how clumsy it is? Or did you know that a Blue jay buries up to 5,000 nuts to save them as a snack in the winter? You learn these facts and so much more if A World of Birds . With over 10,000 species of birds in the world, this book provides just a taste of 75 amazing different species. From the American goldfinch to the Indian peafowl and so many more, the book takes you to each continent to explore its native birds. From the American goldfinch to the Indian peafowl, each bird is unique and prominent in it's home land. Each bird is drawn out in it's beautiful colors. Features and traits specific to the bird are pointed out. Enjoy beauty of these amazing creatures while you get to know them.

Fox the Tiger Written and Illustrated by Corey R. Tabor Balzer + Bray, 2018, Easy Reader. "I wish I were a tiger," says Fox. And so, using his imagination and some painted stripes, Fox becomes Tiger. Soon his friends join him, playing out their own flights of fancy until a sudden rainstorm pulls them back into reality. Fox is a fox again. Can he learn to accept himself as he really is? This book is perfect for children learning to read: a quick paced, engaging story with enough repetition to be encouraging and enough surprises to be fun. Tabor's simple text and appealing illustrations work together to great effect.  Fox the Tiger  is the winner of the 2019 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, which is given annually to the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.

The Night Diary By Veera Hiranandani Dial Books for Young Readers, 2018. Fiction 12-year-old Nisha isn't much of a talker - she doesn't like to talk to her father, her Dadi, or her schoolmates. The only place she likes to talk is in her diary, where she writes to her mother who died in childbirth and tells her all about her world. It is 1947 and Nisha's home country of India has suddenly been torn apart. Though Nisha and her twin brother Amil are half-Muslim and half-Hindu, their family is forced to leave their hometown of Mirpur Khas when it becomes part of a new country called Pakistan. Nisha and her family leave everything they know to embark on a dangerous journey seeking refuge in India. This book is packed with a lot of depth and emotional weight that is lightened up by the strong voice of a 12-year-old narrator who is only trying to understand why people aren't as inherently good as she'd always assumed them to be. This work of historical fict...

Grilled Cheese and Dragons (Princess Pulverizer #1) Written by Nancy Krulik Illustrated by Ben Balistreri Penguin Workshop, 2018. Intermediate, p. 132. Princess Serena isn't really interested in learning how to wear fancy dresses, or walk like an elegant princess. She's more interested in becoming a brave knight —complete with sword fighting. But her father thinks she needs to learn a little bit more about what it really takes to be a knight. He sends her on a quest to do good deeds for others, hoping she'll become a more giving, thoughtful person while doing so. On her quest, she encounters an actual knight, although he isn't what she expected, and a dragon with a talent for making amazing grilled cheese sandwiches.  "Grilled Cheese and Dragons" is a fun story about a spunky heroine who has a thing or two to learn about what it really means to be kind and brave. And although she's a princess by birth, she's far from prim, making her relatabl...

Love, Z By Jessie Sima In this sweet picture book about love a young robot named Z found a note in a bottle. The note is illegible except for the part that reads “Love, Beatrice”. Z askes the other robots what “love” means. None of them know. So Z goes off on a quest to find love—or rather what love is (not a significant other). All of the people that Z meets don’t explain what love is in a way that a robot can understand…until Z meets Beatrice (from the letter in the bottle). This is a sweet story that explains how love is more than just one thing—and is often something that is right in front of our noses. Delightful.

Did you know that we have two parent/child book clubs every month at the Provo City Library? They are for children ages 9-12 and a caregiver. This month, they will meet February 26 (girls) and February 28 (guys). Preregister is available under the  Kids Corner/Program Registration  tab on the library website. We have two great books to discuss this month: Girls A Long Way From Chicago By Richard Peck Dial Books for Young Readers, 1998. Fiction. During the Great Depression, Joey and his younger sister Mary Alice take a yearly trip from their home in Chicago to visit their odd Grandma Dowdel and her sleepy small town. The quickly learn that Grandma's life is not so quite after all, and it certainly isn't boring. This episodic novel is told through surprising and hilarious stories that bring one of the greatest characters of children's literature (Grandma Dowdel) to life. This book was the only book selected to receive a Newbery Honor in 1998, meaning it ba...