Kids Picks
Spring is such a wonderful time of year! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and school is winding down after another year. There is still a lot of fun to be had, though! Spring break is right around the corner. Here are some new titles to keep you entertained until summer arrives.
Ages 3-5
“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” by Mo Willems
“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” is a heartwarming and humorous picture book that follows the beloved character, The Pigeon, as he faces his biggest challenge yet: graduating from school. The story is filled with The Pigeon’s signature optimism and wit as he reflects on his journey, overcoming obstacles and worrying about the future. With his characteristic big eyes and expressive wings, The Pigeon must confront the unknown, making this tale both relatable and entertaining for readers of all ages.
“Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever” by Suzanne Lang
“Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever” is a delightful addition to the Grumpy Monkey series. The story follows Jim Panzee, the lovable grumpy monkey, who wakes up with a bad case of spring fever, feeling unusually cheerful and energetic. His jungle friends are concerned and offer various remedies to calm him down, such as taking a nap or sniffing lavender. However, Jim’s attempts to regain his grumpiness fail, and his spring fever becomes contagious, spreading joy and excitement throughout the jungle. The animals join in a lively celebration of spring, engaging in activities like decorating eggs and planting flowers.
Ages 6-8
“The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share” by Steve Small
“The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share” is a charming tale about a grumpy hare who loves turnips and refuses to share them with anyone. The hare believes that sharing will only leave him with less, but his perspective changes when a greedy boar threatens the nearby rabbits’ carrot patch. As the boar poses a danger to his new friends, the hare devises a plan to save the day. Through this adventure, he learns that sharing and helping others can lead to greater rewards than hoarding everything for himself. The story is beautifully illustrated with vibrant and whimsical artwork, making it a delightful lesson in the value of generosity and friendship.
“A Little Slugger’s Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Baseball and Life” by Patrick Renna
“A Little Slugger’s Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Baseball and Life” is a heartwarming and instructive book that combines the lessons of baseball with life’s broader challenges. The book offers 20 tenets that guide young readers through both the game and life’s journey, emphasizing themes such as perseverance, embracing failure, and the importance of practice. Renna, known for his role in “The Sandlot,” shares personal anecdotes and real-life stories, including Michael Jordan’s baseball stint, to illustrate these principles. It serves as a lively road map to life, encouraging kids to work hard, be themselves, and learn from their experiences.
Ages 9-12
“The Lost Library” by Rebecca Stead, Wendy Mass
“The Lost Library” by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass is a captivating mystery that unfolds in the small town of Martinville, where a little free library mysteriously appears overnight. The story follows Evan, an 11-year-old boy who discovers that the books in the library are from the old Martinville Library, which burned down 20 years ago. Along with his best friend Rafe, Evan embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets behind the fire and the library’s past. Narrated through multiple perspectives, including Evan, a ghost librarian named Al, and a wise orange cat named Mortimer, the book explores themes of truth, friendship, and the transformative power of stories. As Evan and Rafe dig deeper, they uncover surprising truths that not only change their lives but also bring new life to their town.
“Iceberg” by Jennifer A. Nielsen
“Iceberg” is a historical fiction novel set aboard the Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. The story follows Hazel Rothbury, a 12-year-old girl who stows away on the ship after her mother fails to provide enough money for a ticket. Hazel’s dream is to become a journalist and write about the Titanic’s voyage to support her family financially. With the help of a porter named Charlie and a first-class passenger named Sylvia, Hazel navigates the ship’s secrets and mysteries. However, her adventure turns perilous when the Titanic strikes an iceberg, and Hazel must use her courage and wit to survive the disaster and protect those she cares about. The novel explores themes of friendship, survival, and sacrifice against the backdrop of one of history’s most tragic maritime events.
