Provo Library Children's Book Blog

It's that eerie time of year, and you may have started wondering about all the whys and hows behind our spookiest traditions. Well then, non-fiction readers, celebrate—because this is the list for you! Here are some of the latest publications covering everything from ghoulicious cooking to haunting locales to spooky global celebrations and stories for this bone-chilling season! Spooky Celebrations Around the World Written by Matt Ralphs Illustrated by Veronika Kotyk  New York; London: Phaidon, 2024. Informational. 47 pages.  Dive into a global tour of fascinating festivals in Spooky Celebrations Around the World . Beyond familiar favorites like Halloween and Día de Muertos, this vibrant book introduces young readers to 21 unique celebrations honoring spirits across every continent. With playful, yet respectful text and stunning artwork, it's a brilliant, year-round read that will spark curiosity about cultural traditions and the world. Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious ...

September was an interesting month for our family. Typically I get very excited for September! I love fall and the changing colors. When the air starts to feel a little more crisp in the mornings I feel happy. This year, though, September ended up anything but typical. We had a family member in the hospital for nearly the entire month, which definitely made things feel a little bit heavier than usual, and I wasn't able to revel in the changing seasons the way I ordinarily do. On the brighter side of things, I was fortunate to read several picture books that brought me joy and even inspired feelings of hopefulness. You will find five of them listed below. All's Right With the World Written by Jennifer Adams Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal New York, NY : Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2023. Picture Book. I always love when a cover pulls me in before I even open the book! This cover showing two kids on swings in front of a beautiful sun and sky, with a...

  Cuentos Joaquín y Marta Por Petr Horáček Londres ; Nueva York : Phaidon Press, 2012. Libro ilustrado. "Joaquín es un gusano solitario que vive a la izquierda de un árbol. Marta también es un gusano solitario, y vive a la derecha del árbol. Pero una gran pera jugosa caída del cielo los unirá en más de un sentido ..." --Editor Cuentitos ¡A comer! Escrito por Elizabeth Verdick Ilustrado por Marieka Heinlen Minneapolis, MN : Free Spirit Publishing, 2024. Pequeño libro ilustrado. "¡Es hora de llenar la pancita de cosas ricas! Es una comida sana y divertida. ¡Puedes empezar! Come frutas y verduras, prueba algo nuevo y trata de quedarse sentado hasta que hayas ... ¡TERMINADO!" --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "G" Gato Gordo Pato y Ganso No abrazar a Gaspar: (no le va a gustar) La pequeña gaticornia Los tres chivitos gruff

Preschool Time Bear's Lost Glasses By Leo Timmers Minneapolis, MN: Gecko Press, 2024. Picture Book. Bear has lost his glasses and walks to his friend Giraffe's house, where he thinks he left them. --Editor Preschool Time Wolfgang in the Meadow By Lenny Wen New York: Clarion Books, 2024. Picture Book. Everything in the meadow, from hugging the trees to stargazing with friends, fills Wolfgang with joy. His ambition, though, is to become the great spirit of the Dark Castle. So Wolfgang strives to perfect his spooking skills, practicing day and night. When Wolfgang wins the honor of haunting the shadowy halls, he is very good at it... but if being a great spirit means leaving his beloved meadow behind, is it good for him? --Editor Toddler Time Giant Parsnip Soup By Daniela Sosa New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book. Friends gather ingredients from one to ten to make a delicious parsnip soup together. --Editor Book Babies A Hop is Up Written by K...

Folktales have long carried the wisdom, imagination, and traditions of cultures around the world by passing stories from one generation to the next. They often weave together important life lessons with magical creatures or daring adventures. Books, like the ones on this list, bring these age-old tales to life for today’s readers. Each story is rooted in its own cultural heritage and offers a glimpse into the values of the people who first told them. They remind us that storytelling is a powerful way to connect us across time and place. The Three-Year Tumble By Dayeon Auh New York: NorthSouth Books, 2025. Picture Book. Based on a beloved Korean folktale, a superstitious grandfather and his thoughtful granddaughter turn the legend of Misfortune Mountain on its head. According to the myth, anyone who falls down the mountain has only 3 years left to live! Together, this family learns how changing your mindset can make a positive impact on your life. The Salt Princess By Anoosha Syed New Y...

... and wish they'd love you back, here are some great reads for you. Though I dream of being a plant parent, my relationship with plants is a little less satisfying. Think overwatered, underwatered, neglected, floppy, dried-up, sad. I'm trying to be better! But in the meantime, here are some great books about kids who love their plants, and find a best friend in the meantime! How to Talk to Your Succulent By Zoe Persico Toronto, ON: Tundra Books, 2025. Comic. 223 pages. 11-year-old Adara and her dad are moving across the country from California to Michigan to live with her grandmother. Things have been hard since her mom passed away. It's harder to talk to her dad, she misses her mom, and now she's in a new home where everything is unfamiliar. Soon, she discovers she shares a special talent with her late mother - she can talk to plants! Adara connects with a young succulent named Perle, and starts to open up and process her grief. This lush, leafy read makes for a love...