Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Both Sides Now: A Story About Young Joni Mitchell By Lydia Corry New York: Godwin Books, 2026. Comics. 144 pgs. Joni Mitchell is undeniably one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, and this graphic novel biography - chronicling her early childhood - introduces her to a new generation of fans. Growing up on the prairie in Saskatchewan, Joni identified as an artist at a young age and found a sense of wonder in her surroundings. She begged her parents for piano lessons, but was penalized by her teacher for creating her own compositions. She contracted polio and painfully relearned to walk. Finally, an encouraging teacher introduced her to poetry and ignited her artistic spirit. This is a truly captivating, highly illustrated biography of Joni Mitchell. Filled with colorful, swirling illustrations (that feel incredibly reminiscent of 1970s designs) this book is a treat for Joni Mitchell fans. Focusing mostly on her young childhood and early adulthood, this book explains how...

  Cuentos Adoptar un dinosaurio Por José Carlos Andrés y Ana Sanfelippio Málaga, Spain : NubeOcho, 2018. Libro ilustrado. "Ale quiere una mascota, pero sus padres siempre dicen que no, hasta que encuentra un huevo muy grande del que nace un saltasaurus." --Editor Cuentitos Nosotros Means Us Por Paloma Valdivia New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2021. Pequeño libro ilustrado. "Si yo fuera una oveja, tú serías un cordero. Si yo fuera una osa, tú serías un osenzo. Con su niño en brazos, una madre contempla cómo sería elamorentre ellos si fueran diferentes animales. Pero por mucho que cambien,no importa. Siempre serán"nosotros". Este cuento bilingüe es una oda eterna al lazo irrompibleentre madre e hijo" --Amazon

Stories in the Park Dino Duckling By Alison Murray New York, NY : Little, Brown and company, Hachette Book Group, 2018. Picture Book. A funny and touching celebration of difference, based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling. Dino Duckling can dive, swim and fish just like his duckling brothers and sisters. But when the time comes for the family fly south for the winter, Dino Duckling finds he really is different! --Editor Stories in the Park There's a Dinosaur in Your Book By Tom Fletcher New York: Random House Children's Books, 2025. Picture Book. The reader helps Little Dino make new friends while avoiding the task of waking up the Big Dinosaur. --Editor Canopy Capers and Summer Story Time This Is a Story Written by John Schu Illustrated by Lauren Castillo Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2023. Picture Book. Children's literacy advocate John Schu and Caldecott Honor recipient Lauren Castillo celebrate the power of finding the perfect book--in a story that...

It is the time of year when people like to start dreaming about the 4th of July, fireworks, and the history of the USA. As a person who grew up in a household that loved to celebrate the founding of this country, I tend to read a lot of books that make me want to go out and cheer for the red, white, and blue. Here are five books that are all about the United States and what makes it great. Enjoy!  America is Wild!: A State-By-State Encyclopedia of American Wildlife   Written by Brad Timm  Illustrated by Jill De Haan and Margaux Samson Abadie  Beverly, MA: Wide Eyed Editions, 2026. Informational. 207 pages.  This is a great encyclopedia that celebrates all the plants, animals, and insects that are found around the 50 states. The book is organized according to state, so readers who want to know what the main trees, bugs, or whatnot in each state are can find things that way.  America’s Dreaming   Written by Bob McKinnon  Illustrated by Thai My Phuon...

Story time is a wonderful time for families to come together. This collection of picture books centers on family: families playing together, learning together, and celebrating their histories and differences. All families will be able to relate to the stories found in these pages, regardless of their own backgrounds.  Mama Car Written by Lucy Catchpole  Illustrated by Karen George New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2025. Picture book.  A child notices the similarities between her tricycle, her dad's big car, and her mom's Mama Car. The Mama Car can take them on expeditions, leading way to exciting adventures before heading back home. The Mama Car is special in many ways, but the most important thing is who it contains: Mama.  Let's Rumble Written by Rachel G. Payne Illustrated by Jose Pimienta  New York: Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2025. Picture book.  This "rough-and-tumble book of play" depicts a mom and her two children rough housing together. The illustr...

When I was in elementary school, our internet safety training was pretty simple: don't go to online chatrooms and don't give out your personal information. That was before the big social media platforms took off and became a huge part of communicating. Now there's a lot more complexity towards being safe online. If you want to find a story to start a conversation about the effects of social media and online safety, check out one of these new books! So Over Sharing By Elissa Brent Weissman New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2025. Fiction. 326 pages. Hadley and Willow are different, but have one major thing in common: both of their moms are influencers who post their daughters on social media for content. Tired of the over-sharing and double lives, they create a private Instagram account @WeAreNOT_Content, where they share the realities of being children of content creators. A great story to talk about the effects of internet fame and children. Confessions of a Mango By ...

  The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler New York: Harper Alley, 2021. Comic. 136 pages.  " Nyuki is a brand-new honey bee, and she has a lot of questions. Follow her on a lifelong journey as she annoys her sisters, avoids predators, and learns to trust her inner voice as she masters the way of the hive." --Publisher  Ant Story by Jay Hosler New York: Harper Alley, 2024. Comic. 156 pages.  "Meet Rubi, a tiny ant with a big personality and an even bigger love for stories. Who knew the small world of her colony could be full of unexpected friendships, epic adventures, and death-defying escapes?" --Publisher Santiago!:  Santiago Ramón y Cajal--Artist, Scientist, Troublemaker by Jay Hosler New York: Holiday House, 2022. Comic. 217 pages.  "A graphic novel biography of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the father of neuroscience." --Publisher Sandwalk Adventures by Jay Hosler Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace Publishing, 2013. Comic. 162 pages.  "The Sandwalk Adventures is ...

I Am a Big Fish By Susie Lee Jin New York: Simon Spotlight, 2026. Easy Reader. When pufferfish insists that she's "a big fish," the other sea creatures are quick to one-up her. Shrimp is bigger than pufferfish, and octopus is bigger than shrimp. All of their bosting is quickly forsaken when a shark comes by, looking for "a big fish" for his meal. Pufferfish's ability to quickly become "a big fish" ends up saving the other creatures from a hungry shark and pufferfish is extremely glad she can be a big fish...when she wants to be. This book has everything I want out of an easy reader. The words are easily decodable–relying on mostly sight words and words with short-vowels flanked by consonant blends. The story is told entirely through speech bubbles, promoting reading out loud with or without a partner. Lastly, the story is fun! Filled with aquatic puns and a sweet story of knowing who you are, this is easily my favorite book to recommend to kids lea...

Peachaloo in Bloom By Chris Raschka New York : Neal Porter Books / Holiday House, 2025. Fiction. 295 pages. Peachaloo Piccolozampa is stung by a wasp and gains a superpower: she understands what people mean and not just what they say. This newfound ability has come at just the right time–an audacious villain has moved into town and is planning to replace her favorite swimming hole with a golf course. Simultaneously, the citizens of Fourwords are planning their annual pageant, which reenacts a historical bank heist.  Altogether this book reminds me of  True Stories,  my favorite movie when I was twelve. Talking Heads' front man David Byrne (wearing a cowboy hat) narrates vignettes leading up to a Texan town's sesquicentennial celebration. Chris Raschka's novel is similarly rambling, off-kilter, and sweet. Peachaloo is a thoughtful and bighearted protagonist. An omniscient townsperson acts as a chatty narrator, packing the book with peculiar characters and funny asides. It...

My Bicentennial Summer: True Adventures from the Most Epic Family Road Trip of All Time Written by G. Neri Illustrated by Corban Wilkin Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2026. Informational. 75 pages. In 1976, America turned 200 and Greg Neri's family celebrated by driving from their home in L.A. across the whole country to make it to Washington D.C. for the Fourth of July. Along the way, the family visited 26 states, found strange local delicacies, encountered all kinds of accents, and saw natural and historic monuments. There's a lot packed into America, from its places to its people to its history and this book does a good job at touching on all of it. I was a little surprised how weepy this book made me feel. As we prepare for America250, looking back on the Bicentennial celebrations was making me excited for things to come and reflect on parts of American history–both good and bad. I think this book does a good job of navigating all the things that make America great, whil...

There is something so cuddly and about a slow moving sloth. It must be their big eyes and their soft fur, but we love to adore these little creatures! If your sloth-lover is looking for a good picture book, here are a few good reads. Sloth is Not a Baby! Written by Nelly Buchet Illustrations by Janie Bynum New York, NY : Feiwel & Friends book, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC, 2024. Picture Book.  Sloth is climbing up a tree and knows she can do it because she's "not a baby!" Her friend Moth reminds her of all the cools things animals can do and it giver her courage to keep going. This cute sloth is inspiring as she works hard and overcomes her fears. Mama in the Moon by Doreen and Brian Cronin New York: Rocky Pond Books, 2024. Picture Book. One night, baby sloth fell from the tree where he slept in his mama's arms in the vines and leaves below. At first he was scared, since he was far from home and his mama had to slowly make the journey down to get ...

Into the Wilderness Written by Haven Iverson Illustrated by August Zhang New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2026. Picture book. You have probably heard people in your life talk about their "happy place." If you haven't heard of that, the best way I can think of to describe it, is anywhere that someone feels most at home, comfortable, and where no one has to change their personality to feel completely content. My daughter-in-law's happy place is in the wilderness! She loves to be outdoors: hiking, climbing, and taking in the beauty of nature. This book made me think of her, in all the best ways! This sweet picture book follows the journey of a young child as they spend time in the great outdoors with their family. Like most young children, they start out needing a lot of help from the grown-ups in their world. As a reader, we see the child growing up and becoming more capable and independent. I found it to be a lovely reminder that so much joy is found in the journey of o...

This is what I did By Ann Dee Ellis New York : Little, Brown, 2007. Fiction. 157 pgs. Bullied because of an incident in his past, eighth-grader Logan is unhappy at his new school and has difficulty relating to others until he meets a quirky girl and a counselor who believe in him.–Publisher You may already be a Winner By Ann Dee Ellis  New York, NY : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2017. Fiction. 347 pgs. Twelve-year-old Olivia endeavors to care for her younger sister, possibly make a new friend in the quirky and secretive Bart, and keep hope alive for her, her family, and her community of idiosyncratic neighbors at Sunny Pines Trailer Park.–Publisher. This Cookie will Change your Life By Ann Dee Ellis Atlanta : Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., 2025. Fiction. 342 pgs. It's the summer after sixth grade when a group of classmates turn up at the library at the same time. They know each other, but they're not friends. The truth is, they each spend a lot of time alone. Which is why ...

The Genie Game By Jordan Ifueko Amulet Books, 2026. Fiction. 368 pages. 13-year-old Valentine Adensya knows she has a sister, even though her parents would swear otherwise. Mango seems to have been erased from everyone's memory until Valentine remembers her sister then receives a message from her telling Valentine to meet her at a boba shop. At the shop the strange boy behind the counter asks Valentine to make a wish–and when she wishes her sister was there she's finds out she's been sucked into a magical game: The Genie Game. Forced to live in her boba shop "bottle" until she can score 300,000 points and save herself from the game, Valentine finds that all is not okay in Gloss Angeles. Three main corporations have taken over the entire supply chain of every good in the market and are exploiting both their employees and consumers as they try to take over more and more of the world. Plus they are harnessing the wish energy Valentine creates by granting wishes to ge...

Fashion is more than just clothes—it’s a way for kids to express creativity, identity, and imagination. Books about fashion can introduce young readers to design, history, and the joy of personal style. Whether they dream of becoming designers or simply love getting dressed up, these stories open the door to a colorful world of ideas. From playful picture books to informative guides, fashion-themed reads can spark confidence and innovation at any age. How To Be a Fashion Designer Written by Lesley Ware Illustrated by Tiki Papier New York : Dorling Kindersley, 2024. Informational. 96 pages. This inspiring guide introduces young readers to the creative world of fashion design. It explains the basics of developing ideas, sketching clothing, and understanding fabrics in a fun and accessible way. The book encourages readers to express their individuality and shows how imagination and practice can help turn fashion ideas into real designs. Andre Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob S...

Looking for a new read? We’ve got you covered! Check out one of our Book Boxes for kids ages 9-12. Each Book Box contains a book to check out, as well as envelopes filled with fun surprises that you can open as you read along. We have two new books available to check out! Boxes can be put on hold through the library website, and can picked up at the Circulation Desk. Our The Penderwicks and The Lion of Mars Book Boxes will each be available to pick up from May 1, 2026 through April 15, 2027. Each child aged 9-12 can check out each Book Box once during that time, so if your summer is looking busy, you can wait until fall or winter to pick up your Book Boxes! (And as a reminder for those that may have missed it, we also have One Dead Spy and The Case of the Missing Marquess available as Book Boxes through December 1st!) The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall New York : Yearling, 2007. Fiction. 262 pages. The Penderwick sisters: Rosalind, Skye, Jan, and Batty, are unable to spend summer ...

  Run Home By Alyssa Bermudez New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2026. Comic. 303 pages. Alyssa is starting her freshmen year at a new all-girls school, and she doesn't quite know where she will fit in. Her parents want her to join the cross country team, and while she agrees to it, she doesn't love the idea. With time, Alyssa starts to realize the empowerment that comes with running, and with all of the other things going on in her life–a difficult school load, new friendships, a crush from summer camp, and most of all, her father's declining health–running becomes a welcome sanctuary to tune out the noise of the world and focus on what is truly important.  This graphic memoir was heartfelt and real. The feelings that are so common in the early teenage years are depicted in such vivid color, and any older child who has experienced grief will find solace in Alyssa's journey. The illustrations were brightly colored and dynamic. The journal format added so much heart and emot...

Josephine By Chloé Alméras Minneapolis, MN: Gecko Press, 2026. Gecko Press. Orginally published in France, Josephine tells the story of a giraffe and the various sights and seasons she experiences. With simple illustrations, we see Josephine encountering several different animals, her looking for a snack, playing in the clouds and water, and being filled with wonder at everything around her. With only a line per page and not much plot, this book still conveys how it is amazing to appreciate the world we live in. I think this board book is genius. The illustrations follow a pattern where elements of the left picture are inverted to create the right picture. For example, one page show Josephine surrounded by yellow flowers—represented by yellow dots—and the next page shows the yellow dots being used for stars in the sky. As well, snow becomes bubbles, leaves become flowers, and a mountain becomes small bumps in the grass. In addition to my appreciation, my four-month-old will not stop st...

Styx and Stones By Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge New York: Clarion Books, 2026. Fiction. 240 pgs. After dying while trying to defend his village from the Spartans, Simon of Lacadaemon has spent the last 2,451 years in the underworld. The underworld isn't all bad–Simon is a servant to Queen Persephone and he gets to spend his days chatting with Socrates, Shakespeare, Sartre, and Maya Angelou (among others). But that doesn't mean he wants to stay there. In fact, after thousands of attempts to escape, Simon succeeds and finds himself in present-day Minnesota. Specifically, he emerges from a bathroom stall of a middle school where he is discovered by social outcast Zeke Tripp. To call Simon a fish out of water might be putting things lightly, he masquerades as Zeke's cousin from Las Vegas and does his best to adjust to life in the modern day. Still, it doesn't take long for Simon to become popular and to become a true friend to Zeke. If only things were that easy–Hades do...

Moms! You know 'em, you love 'em, you definitely have one, and you might even BE one yourself! Moms make the world go round. Check out a picture book to celebrate the mothers in your life (or to make your kids celebrate you for once, dagnabbit!) Shaped by Love: An Ode to Mom Bods Written by Nikki Powers Illustrated by Amanda Calatzis Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2025. Picture book.  This thoughtful picture book depicts diverse families experiencing the joyful, transformative journey of motherhood. Mothers' bodies, lives, minds and hearts change when they bring children into the world and those changes continue forever. Using paint, collage, and embroidery on canvas the illustrations reflect careful, maternal effort that links and edifies generations.  My Mom Written by Susan Quinn Illustrated by Sarah Mathew Beverly, MA : words & pictures, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2025. Picture book. A mom with a limb difference empowers her child to overcome ob...