Welcome to another installment in our series of blog posts featuring children’s books we’re currently loving! “Book Chat with the Youth Services Team” features one book recommendation from each of our Youth Services team members. We cover a variety of books from fiction to non-fiction, picture books to chapter books, graphic novels and more! We hope that this month’s reading recommendations get you excited about some awesome new books we’ve added to our collection as well as some oldies but goodies. Enjoy!
Beth recommends: My Book and Me by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Chris Raschka (Ages 4-8)
My Book and Me by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Chris Raschka is a wonderful picture book for ages 3 and up about the LOVE of books. It goes through how this little girl just LOVES her favorite book. She takes it with her everywhere every day. Sometimes it gets messy, sometimes it gets lost, but is always found! She reads it to herself, her family, her pets, and even the 17 worms in her jar! My favorite part is at the end when she asks, “Do you have a favorite book?” to spark some discussion with your children. Hopefully, they will come to the library and find a new book to love.
Lisa recommends: Treehouse Town by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Charlie Mylie (ages 4-8)
One of my memories from childhood was pouring over the illustrations in Richard Scarry’s books. When I saw this 2024 release, it brought me right back there! For nature lovers, this is the perfect book to peruse. Children and animals coexist lovingly in a treehouse village high in the sky. So many things are happening on each page that one can spend many sittings going over the different things occurring. Some of the questions you could ask your little one-“What is that animal’s name?” “How many squirrels can you count?” as well as delving into the story plot by noticing the actions of the different characters. My favorite character is the heroic tiger that saves the day (see if you can find him!) After looking at the book, I couldn’t help asking myself how I could get to Treehouse Town!
Lauren recommends: It’s Fall by Renne Kurilla (ages 4-8)
There is nothing I love more in this world than fall. The leaves change color, the weather is chilly but not cold and in my humble opinion it is truly the best time of year. This character feels the same way I do and celebrates all things fall in this fun rhyming picture book that reminds you all the wonderful things to do this time of year.
Heather recommends: A Love Letter to My Library by Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Rob Sayegh, Jr. (ages 4-8)
With Library Card Sign-Up Month in full swing, it seems like the perfect time to give a shout-out to one of our many awesome library-themed books! Lisa Katzenberger’s A Love Letter to My Library is exactly what the title says; a tribute to the power of libraries and all they have to offer, from storytime, crafts, as well as access to technology. Through personal experiences and reflections, Katzenberger captures the impact that libraries have on individual lives and communities. A Love Letter to my Library is a must-read for kiddos, or adults for that matter, who cherish the magic of books and the spaces that house them.
April recommends: The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes (ages 3-5)
Calling all parents of children entering kindergarten! This is a must-read book. Derrick Barnes has once again delivered a charming classic with The Queen of Kindergarten. I loved following the character MJ on her journey to confidence in a new setting with new friends. The book features stunning illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, which perfectly complement the story. I truly believe this book will positively impact children as they transition into kindergarten.
Sarah recommends: We’re Having A Party (For Everyone!) by Katie Vernon (Ages 4-8 )
How do you host a party for a chipmunk, a ghost, a vampire, an astronaut, a giraffe, a robot, a tooth, an octopus, a rockstar, a T. rex, a queen, Gramps, Paw Paw, and Bigfoot? In this colorful and riotous book, Lana details how to pull off this incredible feat step-by-step for her pup and nervous co-host, Lemon. This book showcases social etiquettes in a fun and whimsical way, while also teaching children how to be kind and accommodating to others. Full of zany characters and packed with silly jokes, this book is a joyful read for the whole family. Check it out today and be inspired to host your own amazing dinner party!
Katie recommends: Pigs in Jeans by Brenda Li (ages 4-8)
Brian is a pig who LOVES to wear jeans! They are the most comfortable piece of clothing, but Brian’s friends just don’t understand it. Then one day, Brian’s friends need help and Brian is able to save the day with all the things stashed in his jean pockets. A fun story about individuality and helping others.
Mirissa recommends: The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry, illustrated by The Fan Brothers (ages 3-7)
This sweet, rhyming story covers all the seasons, but it’s one of my favorite reads for Fall. It’s Scarecrow’s job to keep the crops safe from anyone who eats them, and that—of course—includes crows! But then one day a baby crow in need drops from the sky and becomes Scarecrow’s only friend. As Crow makes his home in Scarecrow’s heart, the two build a friendship. The seasons change, and “Scarecrow knows that he must stay, and Crow must go.” Can their friendship last through all the highs and lows? Bring this one home to find out.
Summer recommends: The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer (ages 4-8)
All is not as it seems during the first week of school in this delightful picture book. A classroom, featuring an artist, an inventor, the Sport Kings, and other students experience the ups and downs of adjusting to a brand-new school year. A visitor of extraterrestrial origin joins them – and conducts experiments after school lets out. This humorous story alongside the bright illustrations by Drew Beckmeyer make this volume a great pick for any young kids excited and nervous about going to school.
Rachel recommends: Pick, Pull, Snap! Where Once a Flower Bloomed by Lola Schaefer (ages 4-8)
Well, readers, that’s a wrap! Check back again next month for some more fabulous reading recommendations. Until then, happy reading!
