Skip to content

The Library will be closed on Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday.

May Picks

Picture Books

Dandy
Dandy by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Charles Santoso

J Picture Funny Dyckman, A.
Recommended by Liz

This humorous father-daughter story is the perfect read-aloud for this time of year–and may make you think twice about pulling up those dandelions!

Fox and the mystery letter
Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G. Griffiths

J Picture Caring Friendship Griffiths, A.
Recommended by Reilly

Fox gets a mysterious letter inviting him on an adventure. He must follow clues and solve puzzles to find the letter writer and solve the mystery.

Gwei the hungry ghost
Gwei the Hungry Ghost by Emiline Lee, illustrated by Basia Tran

J Picture Folk & Fairy Tales Lee, E.
Recommended by Maddie

A lonely ghost wanders the night market eating but never feeling full until he learns to share his food with a new friend.

Vida : the mice, the cat, and the alebrije
Vida: The Mice, the Cat, and the Alebrije by Duncan Tonatiuh

J Picture Folk & Fairy Tales Tonatiuh, D.
Recommended by Catherine

In the vibrant city of Mousetepec, two brave mouse siblings confront a menacing cat with the help of a magical alebrije. Filled with bright, colorful illustrations, this Mexican tale is based on Aesop’s fable “Belling the Cat”.

Beginning Readers and Chapter Books

The mighty Macy
The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Kitt Thomas

J Early Alexander, K.
Recommended by Alyssa

Macy has to find her voice and fight for what she believes in when she learns that her school library will be closed several days a week in this chapter book for 1st-3rd graders.

Hocus and Pocus and the dragon next door
Hocus Pocus and the Dragon Next Door by A.R. Capetta, Illustrated by Charlene Chua

J Early Capetta, A.
Recommended by Emily

Puppies Hocus and Pocus have mixed reactions when they learn their next-door neighbor’s new pet is a blue dragon named Bye-Bye! Pet lovers of all ages will enjoy this sweet early chapter book series.

Lost and found in the city
Ratnip: Lost and Found in the City by Cam Higgins, Illustrated by Allison Steinfeld

J Early Higgins, C.
Recommended by Denise

Ratnip loves treasure hunting and collecting fun items. When he finds a mysterious item that might belong to a human, he and his friends must find a way to return it. Recommended for 1st-3rd graders who like animals and adventure.

Best buds
Bitty and Bub: Best Buds by Janee Trasler

J Early Trasler, J.
Recommended by Leah

Best friends Bub the squirrel and Bitty the bunny play together in five short comics for emerging readers who love funny duos like Elephant & Piggie.

Elementary School

Stitch : reimaging Frankenstein
Stitch: Reimaging Frankenstein by Pádraig Kenny

J Fiction Kenny, P.
Recommended by Melissa

Stitch and Henry were brought to life by genius Professor Hardacre. But when his wicked nephew takes over the laboratory, they must escape and make their way in a world that sees them as monsters. This Frankenstein retelling is recommended for 4th or 5th graders looking for a quick read about embracing differences.

The teacher of nomad land : a World War II story
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story by Daniel Nayeri

J Fiction Nayeri, D. and Middle School Nayeri, D.
Recommended by Leah

In the shadow of World War II, two orphaned siblings embark on a perilous journey across the mountains of Iran–where survival depends on finding a common language in a world torn apart. Nayeri is a skilled storyteller both on and off the page, bringing his characters to life with heart and humor in the audiobook edition.

Secrets of the broken house
Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Souders

J Fiction Souders, T.
Recommended by Karen

In the small, southern town of Everson, goats can run for mayor, the mail is always late, and nothing all that bad ever happens. That is, until 13-year-old Tucker finds Miss Geraldine dead at the bottom of her stairs.

Past Months’ Picks


Looking for more great reads?

Browse our Booklists for ideas.

Kids’ BooklistsT(w)een Booklists

Fill out a Book Match form to get a personalized list!

Personal Book Match

Want to receive recommendations (and more!) in your mailbox each month?

Sign up for our email newsletter!

Park Ridge Public Library

Install Park Ridge Public Library

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Accessibility Toolbar