Provo Library Children's Book Blog

  Turtle Walk  By Matt Phelan  Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2020. Picture Book.  In this story turtles go for a walk. It is a long walk (through four different seasons). It takes a long time for the turtles to get there. But when they do, it is all worth it (and since the surprise happens in winter, this is a great book to read at this time of year...though I am really hesitant to tell why or what the surprise is in this post). This is a brilliant book that has all the makings for a perfect story time read—alone or with a group at the library. The bright pictures, the clever expressions on the turtle’s faces, the small amount of text that is repeated (and can be anticipated for large group readings) makes this a brilliant choice for any weather/seasons or turtle loving kiddos. Seriously, this one is so good I just might have to go out and buy it for myself! Love it so much!

Monster's Trucks Written by Rebecca Van Slyke Illustrated by Joe Sutphin Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020.  Picture Book. Monster loves his construction vehicles. They help him dig deep trenches, push dirt and rocks, and carry all kinds of materials around his construction site. But Monster does not like sharing his trucks! No one can touch his bulldozer, fork lift, or crane. So what happens when the reader does exactly what Monster has said NOT to do? Monster is in for a wild and hilarious ride, getting scooped and raised and dumped all over the place. Thankfully, the end result -- after pushing levers, buttons, and gears galore -- is a surprise that's good fun for everyone (especially Monster).  --Publisher My Papi Has a Motorcycle Written by Isabel Quintero Illustrated by Zeke Peña Kokila, 2019.  Picture Book. When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community ...

  How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell 2003 Chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third as he tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, by catching and training a dragon. The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex 2007 When her mother is abducted by aliens on Christmas Eve (or "Smekday" Eve since the Boov invasion), 11 year-old Tip hops in the family car and heads south to find her and meets an alien Boov mechanic who agrees to help her and save the planet from disaster. Shrek! by William Steig 1990 Horribly hideous Shrek leaves home and terrifies everyone he encounters in his search for his equally ugly bride. Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg 1981 Left on their own for an afternoon, two bored and restless children find more excitement than they bargained for in a mysterious and mystical jungle adventure board game. Jack Frost by William Joyce 2015 After helping a group of kids in ...

Twins By Varian Johnson Illustrated by Shannon Wright New York, NY: Graphix. 2020. The Carter twins, Maureen and Francine, had basically ruled the school in elementary school. They did all the same activities, were always partners for school projects, and were at the top of their class. But right before they start middle school, Francine starts to pull away. She wears different clothes, signs up for different extracurriculars, and doesn't even seem to mind that she and Maureen only have one class together. When shy Maureen decides to run against Francine, who now goes by Fran, for class president their relationship is pulled apart and both girls are left to wonder whether sisterhood can survive sixth grade. Middle-grade comic book lovers will adore this new graphic novel from the author of THE PARKER INHERITANCE. Maureen and Fran's rocky adjustment to middle school will ring true for many young readers who are apprehensive about the transition from elementary school. Maureen an...

  Kitty and the Treetop Chase Written by: Paula Harrison Illustrated by: Jenny Lovlie Green Willow Books, 2020. Intermediate. This is the fourth book in a new Kitty series by author Paula Harrison. Kitty comes from a family of superhero's and she has some amazing catlike superpowers that she is learning to use. When there are any signs of trouble in her neighborhood,  Kitty and her three cat friends Figaro, Pixie, and Katsumi are there to help save the day. She loves climbing and balancing on rooftops, using her special nighttime vision, and super hearing to spot trouble but she especially likes being able to talk to animals. One day Kitty's meets a new friend named Ozzy and she discovers that Ozzy has a secret, he also has superpowers. Together they set out on an adventure to solve the mystery at the bakery. I really enjoyed this sweet story. I thought Kitty was a charming and clever character who was always ready to step in and help. The mystery was layered enough to provide...

  Paola Santiago and the River of Tears  By Tehlor Kay Mejia  Rick Riordan Presents, Disney Hyperion, 2020. 350 p.  Paola lives in Silver Springs, Arizona with her mother. Dante, one of her best friends lives in the same apartment complex with his abuela. Emma, the third friend in the trio, lives nearby. When Emma suddenly disappears Paola and Danta try to figure out what has happened—only to discover that the crazy stories that Paola’s mom and Dante’s abuela have told them about La Llorona (a scary legend mother that killed her own children) are true and that is probably where Emma has gone. Of course Paola and Dante can’t stop trying to save Emma, even if it means Paola must confront her own monsters and feelings inside herself.  This is a thrilling adventure story that has just enough horror and monsters (like chupacabras and disembodied hands) to keep readers on their toes. Kids who like an adventure with Latina-based legends will cheer along with Paola as s...

The Shortest Day By Susan Cooper 2019 A celebration of the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before-- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!  --Publisher Now By Antoinette Portis 2017 Follow a little girl as she...

Lift Written by Minh Lê Illustrated by Dan Santat Disney-Hyperion, 2020.  Picture Book. Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but when it's time to share the fun with a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. But when she's forced to choose between going at it alone or letting her little brother tag along, Iris finds that sharing a discovery with the people you love can be the most wonderful experience of all. Using their dynamic comics-inspired storytelling, acclaimed author Minh Lê and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Dan Santat carry readers on a journey of ups, downs, and twists and turns that will send hearts--and imaginations--soaring.  --Publisher Linus the Little Yellow Pencil By Scott Magoon Disney-Hyperion, 2019.  Picture Book. Linus hopes to win the family art show but his e...

  Will You Be My Friend? Written by: Sam McBratney Illustrated by: Anita Jeram Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2020. Picture Book.  Little Nutbrown Hare is back for a new adventure! While Big Nutbrown Hare is busy, Little Nutbrown Hare decides to go exploring. At first he tries to play, but only has himself to play with. Before long he meets another hare named Tipps and they become friends as they explore and play together.  Fans of the classic book Guess How Much I Love You will love this nostalgic sequel. The illustrations and story bring back old memories with new life and capture the importance of having a good friend!

  Love, Triangle Written by Marcie Colleen Illustrated by Bob Shea Ever since they were a dot and a speck, Circle and Square have been best friends ... Then someone new comes along: a cool, exciting Triangle. And three starts to feel like a crowd ... With their friendship bent out of shape, can they put it back together again? Watch This!: A Book About Making Shapes Written by Jane Godwin Can you make a circle with your arms? Or a triangle with your fingers? If we work together, we can make a rectangle, or even a pyramid. We can make lots and lots of shapes - just watch this! Wednesday Written and Illustrated by Anne Bertier Wednesday is about Little Round and Big Square, two friends that get together to play every Wednesday. My Shape Is Sam Written by Amanda Jackson Illustrated by Lydia Nichols In a place where jobs are based on shape, Sam, who looks like a square but longs to roll like a circle, discovers his true, unique shape. Shapes Written by Shelley Rotner An introductio...

The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp By Jonathan Auxier New York: Amulet Books, 2020. Intermediate chapter book. Auggie is a mostly normal child -- except that he has a job. Auggie's job is to care for the magical, mythical, strange animals that live in the Fabled Stables on the island at the top of the world. One day, the stables suddenly prepare themselves for the arrival of a new creature -- a mysterious animal that Auggie must venture into a swamp to rescue. Auggie uses all of his clever skills to save Willa, a new-born Wisp, from a pack of hunters. This early chapter book series opener is a whimsical and colorful delight. Auggie is a charming main character and readers will relate to his longing for a friend on the island -- and will laugh as he tries to befriend his enchanted stick-in-the-mud named Fen. Full-color artwork on every single page brings Auggie, Fen, and all the creatures to life with vivid and dreamy fervor. With the next Fabled Stables book planned for a spring re...

  The Best Seat in First Grade Written by: Katharine Kenah Illustrated by: Abby Carter Harper Collins Publisher, 2020. Easy Reader. It's the first day of first grade and Sam is so excited he nearly falls off his chair! Class begins and Sam must wait while the other students share news of lost teeth, going to soccer camp, and getting new glasses. Finally, its Sam's turn. Sam excitedly tells the class that this summer his elephant had a baby and her name is Daisy. Sam's classmates don't believe Daisy is real, after all no one has an elephant. But Sam keeps talking about Daisy and insists that she is real. One day the teacher, Mr. Leon announces that the class is going on a field trip to the zoo, and Sam can't wait! He has a surprise for his class.  I really enjoyed this sweet story, it reminded me of the excitement you feel on the first day of school and the anticipation of sharing stories with your class during show and tell. Children and adults can both relate to Sa...

  Now You See Me, Now You Don’t  By Patricia Hegarty  Illustrated by Jonny Lambert  Tiger Tales, 2020. Picture Book.  In the jungle there is a chameleon who is quite the trickster. Since he can change color he likes playing tricks on various animals. The elephant gets quite a scare when a “rock” yells boo. Chameleon is not around when it is time to do chores. And sometime the orangutan’s snack seems to mysteriously go missing. However, one day frog comes along and helps chameleon realize that getting tricks played on you is not always much fun when you are the one the trick is played on. Give this to young readers who like bright colors and illustrations, animals, and won’t mind the subtle message of being kind.

Undefeated : Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team By Steve Sheinkin Native American Jim Thorpe became a super athlete and Olympic gold medalist. Indomitable coach Pop Warner was a football mastermind. In 1907, at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, they forged one of the winningest teams in American football history. Called "the team that invented football," they took on the best opponents of their day, defeating much more privileged schools in a series of breathtakingly close calls, genius plays, and bone-crushing hard work.  Quarterback Sneak By Jake Maddox Anton loves playing football until Malik, the talented quarterback, starts acting strange. Instead of working with the team, Malik is just showing off. He's hogging the ball, and the team is starting to lose. Anton thinks it has something to do with the tall guy in sunglasses who keeps showing up to their games. But who is he, and why does Malik care what he thinks? Anton has to ...

Look out "K" week -- here we come! Three Little Kittens By Barbara McClintock Scholastic Press, 2020.  Picture Book. Who will be able to resist wailing along with the naughty little kittens as they lose their mittens? And who won't relish rejoicing with the good little kittens as they find and wash their mittens -- and earn their pie -- as well as a loving hug from their mama? Barbara McClintock, a master of visual storytelling, presents this classic favorite in a comic-book style that encourages full reader participation. And her original twist to the ending is a warm embrace of kindness and empathy to strangers.  --Publisher Mommy's Khimar Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow Illustrated by Ebony Glenn Salaam Reads, 2018.  Picture Book. A young girl plays dress up with her mother's headscarves, feeling her mother's love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait ...

  Where Happiness Begins By Eva Eland New York : Random House Children’s Books, 2020 Happiness is a fun friend who comes to visit a small child. Happiness helps the child discover new excitement and enjoy time with family and old friends. Sometimes Happiness is difficult to find but the little child learns that Happiness will always help him find his way home again. A wonderfully simple children’s book that focuses on the emotions of happiness and sadness rather than the specifics that cause the emotions. This book helps teach readers to take a deep breath and see that happiness begins within yourself.

Madame Saqui By Lisa Robinson New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2020 Marguerite Lalanne was the daughter of circus performers. When an unfortunate injury forced her parents to walk away from the stage, they moved to the country for a simpler life. Yet, Marguerite had a dream and she wouldn't let anything get in the way. She trained in secret until the day came that she showcased her talent for the tightrope. Marguerite's performance was outstanding and she soon became known as Madame Saqui the tightrope dancer. Throughout Madame Saqui's career nothing stopped her from performing: not old age, not a storm, and certainly not Napoleon Bonaparte. This picture book biography is a beautiful introduction to the life of Marguerite Lalanne. Readers who enjoy timeless illustrations, performing arts, and brave women will enjoy this book. Marguerite's life is truly inspiring and her story may provide the motivation needed to reach your dreams.

  Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business Written by: Lyla Lee Aladdin, 2020. Fiction. Second-grader Mindy Kim and her father have just moved from California to Florida to make a fresh start. Her Dad has a new job, they have a nice new house and Mindy will be starting at a new school. On the first day of school Mindy pulls out her lunch of seaweed, kimchi, rolled eggs and rice and gets a lot of attention from the kids at her table when they don't recognize the food. The next day she doesn't have time to ask her dad for a different lunch so she decides to make the best of it. She asks a girl named Sally if she can sit with her at lunch and when she pulls out her lunch Sally asks if she can try her seaweed snacks. Soon all the kids sitting at the table want to try some and the yummy seaweed trading ring begins. This is a sweet story that deals, in a very kid friendly way, with some bigger issues of grief, diversity, responsibility and making and keeping new friends. The story fl...

  My Life as a Potato  By Arianne Costner  Random House, 2020. 261 p.  Ben Hardy has just moved from California to Idaho with his family—which overall is good…except for the fact that it is harder for Ben to avoid potatoes in Idaho. See, Ben has a potato curse (once he broke his arm while tripping over a bag of potatoes, he once got hurt by a cat named tater tot, and his mom makes awful mashed potatoes). When Ben causes an accident in the school lunchroom and as punishment must substitute for the school’s mascot at four basketball games, Ben is horrified and wants to keep it a secret (since the school mascot is a potato). Of course, the secret causes a lot of mayhem and confusion with his friends and the kids he hopes to be friends with.  Readers who love laughing at comical situations and characters who care about others (even if they want to pretend to re-invent themselves and be too cool to care) will enjoy this story. The friendships, the honesty from Ben ab...

Jinkies -- it's "J" week! Here are three fun books as we learn more about the letter "J." Jasper & Ollie By Alex Willan Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2019.  Picture Book. Best friends Jasper and Ollie decide to go to the pool. On your mark, get set . . . WAIT! As Jasper races ahead—crashing into the mailman, speeding past the ice cream truck—Ollie takes his sweet time, pausing to admire a butterfly, smell a daisy, and help the mailman pick up his letters!  With a clever design that shows Jasper's hectic rush compared with Ollie's casual stroll, this hilarious story allows young readers to easily recognize the differences between the two pals.  --Publisher Jabari Jumps By Gaia Cornwall Candlewick Press, 2017.  Picture Book. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take...

  Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon By Patty Lovell Illustrated by David Catrow New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2020. Picture Book. Molly Lou Melon is back in a brand new book! Molly Lou's mother has always taught her how important it is to speak up when something is not right or when someone is not being treated fairly. Molly uses this important lesson in different situations including when one of her friends is being bullied.  With colorful illustrations by David Catrow, this picture book is a fun addition to anyone's Molly Lou Melon book collection. With important lessons such as respect, taking responsibility for your actions, accepting differences, and standing up for someone when others are treating them unkindly, this book is not only fun but provides teaching moments. 

Measuring Up By Lily LaMotte Illustrated by Ann Xu New York, NY: Harper Alley, 2020. Graphic novel. Cici has just moved from Taiwan to Seattle with her parents and she is trying to adjust to life in her new school and new country. Though she quickly makes a couple of best friends, kids at school still treat her like she's weird and make fun of the Taiwanese food she brings for lunch. Her parents aren't a huge help, they don't understand that kids do things differently in America and won't let her have a sleepover because that would never happen in Taiwan. More than anything, though, she misses her grandmother back in Taiwan. One day, Cici - a budding chef - sees an advertisement for a kids' cooking contest with a cash prize. Cici decides to enter the contest in the hopes of using the prize money to bring A-ma to Seattle for her 70th birthday. Her plan seems easy enough, until she meets her assigned competition partner - the intimidating Miranda who works in her fami...

  See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog Written by: David LaRochelle Illustrated by: Mike Wohnoutak Candlewick Press, 2020. Easy Reader. See the Cat. Max is not a cat he is a dog! Max can't seem to make the book understand that he is not a cat at all, he is a dog. So begins the first of three stories about Max the dog and how he is mistaken for a cat, outwits a snake, and declares his independence. This story will make young readers laugh out loud at the combination of humor and cleverly drawn illustrations. These entertaining stories give beginning readers a chance to practice their reading skills while having fun at the same time as they admire the expressive illustrations. The simple repetitive text helps readers practice sight words and word recognition in a enjoyable way.  If you love books like Elephant and Piggie or The Monster at the End of This Book then you will definitely love these stories. Cheer on Max as you read See the Cat.

  Attack of the Underwear Dragon  By Scott Rothman  Illustrated by Pete Oswald  Random House, 2020. Picture Book.  Cole is a young kid that wants to be an assistant knight to Sir Percival—one of King Arthur’s knights of the round table. So, he writes a letter to ask if he can be his assistant. Sir Percival cried at the thought since once upon a time he was the assistant knight to Sir Lancelot. As an assistant knight Cole learns all kinds of things. One of the things he learns is that the Underwear Dragon terrifies Sir Percival. And w hen the Underwear Dragon comes to terrorize and destroy the kingdom, Cole has to be brave and save the day.  This is a hilarious take on castles and knights and bravery. I mean, who wouldn’t love throwing a giant pair of tidy-whities on the most terrifying dragon who can destroy kingdoms with a single visit? This is the perfect blend of scary and comedy for the preschool set who want to be brave and laugh all at the same time. ...

  Attack on Pearl Harbor By: Lisa L. Owens Lerner Publications, 2018. Informational. Through the stories of nurses, military personnel, and ordinary people living in Hawaii, this book recounts the events of the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor. Navajo Code Talkers By: Nathan Aaseng Walker, 1992. Informational. Describes how the American military in World War II used a group of Navajo Indians to create an indecipherable code based on their native language. The Tuskegee Airmen's Mission to Berlin By: Thomas Kingsley Troupe Picture Window Books a capstone imprint, 2018. Informational. Through clouds and over mountains and farmland- Two cartoon flies accompany readers on an adrenaline-pumping flight over war-torn Europe as the U.S. Army Air Corps' Tuskegee airmen take on a heroic, history-making mission during World War II." The Good Fight: How World War II Was Won By: Stephen E. Ambrose Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2001. Informational. The Good Fight brings the most horrific-...