Kids Picks
It’s tough to be a kid right now. Home schooling wasn’t easy, and not being able to hang out with your friends was probably even harder. Thankfully, we are on the road to recovery, and hopefully things will start to feel close to normal again soon. In the meantime, there are so many new books being released this summer to help take your mind off of everything happening in the world. From perfect beach days to groovy cats and kids finding friendship in the most unexpected places, books have a way of helping you take a timeout when the world is too much. Here are some great new books to try!
Ages 3-5
“You Matter” by Christian Robinson
The world is in a place where everyone needs to be reminded that we all have a purpose and we certainly all matter. In this beautiful picture book, the author shares many different perspectives from around the world, inviting the reader to see things in a new and different way, and to ultimately remind each of us of our importance in the world.
“Today Is a Beach Day!” by Nancy Viau
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every day was a beach day? In this story, today certainly is! Join the children as they play in the ocean, build sandcastles, and look for the perfect seashells. When someone’s ice cream falls in the sand, the day has the potential to be ruined. But a good friend steps in to share and everyone is happy once again. Kids will love this lively rhyming tale inspired by the author’s own trips to Stone Harbor’s beaches.
Ages 6-8
“Pete the Cat’s Groovy Guide to Kindness” by Kimberly & James Dean
It doesn’t get much cooler than Pete the Cat, and he is back with a new book to remind us that being kind is cool, too! Read along as he adds his Pete the Cat touch to well-known classic quotes from inspirational people such as Booker T. Washington and Henry James. Fans of this bestselling series will enjoy his fun take on quotes, accompanied by his witty responses.
“That’s Life!” by Ame Dyckman
Sometimes life is tough, and sometimes it’s the most wonderful thing in the world, but ultimately life is what you make of it. When Life literally comes knocking, one kid realizes that Life is whatever you want it to be, and that it’s the best when you embrace it for all that it is. Readers of all ages will find themselves learning wisdoms from all stages of life.
Ages 9-12
“Hello, Universe” by Erin Entrada Kelly
In just one day, four lives come together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is a shy boy who doesn’t quite fit in with his sports-crazed family. Valencia Somerset is smart and brave but also deaf and lonely. Kaori Tanaka thinks she is psychic, and Chet Bullens just wants to focus on basketball. When Chet pulls a mean practical joke that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well, Kaori, her sister Gen and Valencia set out to find him. Overcoming all obstacles, they are able to rescue Virgil and put the bully Chet in his place where he belongs!
“The Bridge Home” by Padma Venkatraman
Life on the streets of Chennai, India is rough. Viji and Rukku are sisters and also runaways. At just 11 years old, Viji realizes how dangerous this world can be. They are able to find shelter on an abandoned bridge where Muthi and Arul, two homeless boys, also hide out. The four kids form a friendship, and make their living sifting through trash heaps. They are now their own bosses and don’t rely on anyone but themselves, and that is something to be proud of, isn’t it? When illness strikes, Viji has to make a tough decision on whether to risk everything and find an adult for help, or stick it out and hold on to their freedom.
