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!
Lisa recommends: Bert, the Bowerbird: the small bird with a big heart by Julia Donaldson & Catherine Rayner (ages 3-6)
Bert is a kindhearted bowerbird who would like the companionship of a wife. To impress his beloved Nanette, he starts collecting items for his bower, a shady, leafy shelter. Nanette is not satisfied with the trinkets Bert finds for her and Bert is left seeking advice from a crow named Claude. Young readers will understand the depth of Bert’s efforts as he tries to persuade Nanette to be his love. The story has rhyming text, beautiful illustrations, and an ending that will make you smile.
Madison recommends: Whose Dinosaur Bones Are Those? by Chihiro Takeuchi (ages 3-5)
Looking for a way to celebrate Dinosaur Day? Then check out Whose Dinosaur Bones Are Those? by Chihiro Takeuchi. This fun and interactive picture book is perfect for young dino enthusiasts! Little readers are invited to become junior paleontologists, using clues like footprints, favorite foods, and scattered bones to solve a prehistoric mystery. Can you guess which dinosaur the bones belong to? Turn the page for the big dinosaur reveal and see if you were right! I love the book’s repetitive format and sparse text—it makes it super engaging and perfect for repeat reads with curious kids. Celebrate Dinosaur Day on June 1st with Richmond Public Library and dig into this dino-mite book!
Mirissa recommends: Babajoon’s Treasure by Farnaz Esnaashari (ages 4-8)
Mysterious gold coins? Check. Parrot companion? Check. Secret language? Check. Treasure? Check. It’s confirmed; Babajoon must be a pirate! Sprinkled with Farsi words and pieces of Iranian culture, this sweet story about a girl spending the day with her grandfather explores the way heritage is passed down to future generations. While the story itself is entertaining, Nabi H. Ali’s illustrations are the real star of the show with swirling colors and glittering gem tones guiding the reader through the mystery that is Babajoon’s past.
Summer recommends: Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour (ages 3-7)
This sweet picture book is a great read for Mother’s Day or anytime a child is missing someone they love. When Mommy goes on a week-long business trip, her daughter misses her badly. Mama keeps up fun routines, but it’s not the same without Mommy – two cups at the café instead of three, no blueberries (Mommy’s favorite) from the grocery store. When Mommy’s trip is almost over, the girl and Mama plan a lovely welcome home. The illustrations by Kaylani Juanita create a fun, colorful world with a beautiful family at its heart.
Rachel recommends: Beenie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer (ages 5-9)
Beenie is a bansheenie (a young banshee, obviously), and all bansheenies have one job: to howl at the first human they see when that human is about to die. Usually, bansheenies know when their human is about to die just by looking at them. Beanie, however, loses sight of her human, Rose, too early. So, Beanie has to learn about Rose the hard way by watching Rose live her life. When Rose’s time finally does come, Beanie doesn’t want to howl her banshee howl. Maybe there’s something Beanie can do to help Rose avoid her demise?
Lauren recommends: Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences (ages 8-12)
Rose doesn’t like to rock the boat and follows all the rules because she thinks adults know best. But when the new girl Talia comes into town challenging the rules, Rose is confused how something that she liked could be controversial. Things get complicated with her life-long best friend when they have a difference of opinion about what should and should not be allowed in school. Rose must make a lot of difficult decisions that could have very big consequences. This is a great book about learning how to redefine yourself and open up to new experiences and still staying true to your core values.
April recommends: Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Prize by Shauna J. Grant (ages 7-10)
Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Prize by Shauna J. Grant is a fun graphic novel. The novel follows Karen, the younger sister of Kristy from the Baby-Sitter Club. In this story, Karen wants to prove she can be a great babysitter and embarks on her own adventures. The vibrant illustrations make the story exciting and easy to follow for young readers. The book teaches important lessons about responsibility and friendship, showing how support from family and friends matters. It’s a delightful read for middle-grade children, perfect for those new to graphic novels, or fans of the original series. Overall, Karen’s Prize is an uplifting story about believing in yourself and the value of community!
JOAN RECOMMENDS: WORM MAKES A SANDWICH BY BRIANNE FARLEY (AGES 3-8)
Would you like Worm to make a sandwich for you? How would that even work? Worms don’t even have hands! Well, it turns out, Worm just needs some tasty garbage to get things started for your sandwich. Don’t worry, though, your sandwich won’t be made of garbage. Worm is here to show you how he can help create compost for the garden- where the vegetables for your sandwich grow! Let Worm be your guide as you learn all about the process of composting from start to finish! This informational book is clever, entertaining, and gives a great introduction to composting.
Well, readers, that’s a wrap! Check back again next month for some more fabulous reading recommendations. Until then, happy reading!
