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...