The Trouble with Giraffes by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
Find it: J Picture Caring Pets Mantchev, L.
A girl and her giraffe overcome challenges of size as their pet club learns the true meaning of friendship, inclusion, and making space for everyone.
This follow-up to Strictly No Elephants is a great, funny read-aloud for kids ages 4-7. Recommended by Catherine.
Sadie Mouse Wrecks the House by Elliott Kalan, illustrated by Tim Miller
Find it: J Picture Funny Kalan, E.
Sadie is tired of being the obedient mouse while her brother runs amok, but when she turns bad, Reggie has to think up a way to return his sister to being good – and fast!
A good pick for kids ages 4 and up. Recommended by Mary.
Fanny’s Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was Born by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Alyssa Russell (nonfiction)
Find it: J Picture Biographies Goldstein, F.
Fanny loved libraries from the age of 6 when she immigrated to the United States from Russia. Over the course of her life, Fanny worked in libraries and helped curate diverse book collections, going on to create Jewish Book Week to celebrate Jewish heritage, culture, and religion.
Recommended for anyone interested in learning about someone new, library history, and influential Jewish people. Recommended by Denise.
Women on a Mission: The Remarkable Heroes Who Put Men on the Moon by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Molly Magnell (nonfiction)
Find it: J 629.454 SLA
This is the story of our daring quest to visit the moon, featuring the twelve talented women who performed the daunting jobs to help us get there.
Recommended for elementary-aged space enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the true stories of the women who made Apollo 11 and many other NASA successes possible. Recommended by Janki.
If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Emily Hughes
Find it: J Picture Imagination & Play Sterer, G.
What if you make a call from a banana? Will a gorilla answer? What would you talk about? A silly picture book about the joy of friendship found in unexpected places.
Recommended for preschoolers and a great pick for anyone looking for a funny animal story. Recommended by Alyssa.
Piccolo by Dan Yaccarino
Find it: J Picture Communities Helpers Yaccarino, D.
Piccolo is a helpful Italian shrew who can’t wait to visit all of his favorite places in Bella Cita. But after helping several friends in need, he may miss out on the one thing he was most looking forward to.
This is a sweet picture book to share with kids ages 3 and up at home or in the classroom. Simple Italian words and phrases are incorporated throughout and translated on the endpapers, making this a gentle introduction to Italy and its language and culture. Recommended by Staci.
Henry’s Picture-Perfect Day by Jen Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song
Find it: J Early Bailey, J.
It’s picture day, but Henry does not feel comfortable in his new shirt, he hasn’t practiced smiling, and worst of all his front tooth is starting to wobble! Join Henry and the kids of Classroom 10 in this warm and funny tale of learning what it truly means to make a day – and a memory – that is picture perfect.
A great pick for early readers looking for a relatable and reassuring school story, and for caregivers looking for a positive neurodivergent representation in a familiar setting. Recommended by Janki.
Gabby Torres is the Best Winner Ever by Angela Dominguez
Find it: J Early Dominguez, A.
Gabby is feeling left out after realizing she’s the only one of her friends that hasn’t won a major award, so she enters a baking competition in hopes of winning the grand prize.
A perfect pick for 3rd graders and up who are fans of baking championships and graphic novels. Recommended by Melissa.
Earth Day with Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
Find it: J Early Faruqi, S.
Yasmin and her classmates are celebrating Earth Day by planting trees. Yasmin gets frustrated when a rabbit eats the little trees her class just planted, but she gets an idea that might help the trees and the rabbits!
Recommended for students in 1st-3rd grade who have an interest in learning about the environment and celebrating Earth Day. Recommended by Reilly.
Changing Magic by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Ariane Moreria
Find it: J Early LaReau, K.
Young witch Blue isn’t quite ready for the season to change but as they deliver enchanted baked goods all over town, Blue helps their neighbors get used to new things and discovers the magic of change!
A great pick for 2nd and 3rd graders looking for a book about rolling with the changes and enjoying baking! Recommended by Maddie.
The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham by Ryan James Black
Find it: J Fiction Black, R.
Twelve-year-old Nimble Nottingham is an orphan who spends his days exploring the streets of war-torn London during the bomb raids of War World II. One night Nimble, his dog Winnie, and a friend named Mouse explore an abandoned mansion and unintentionally unleash a shadow monster on the city.
Recommended for kids in 4th grade and up who enjoy historical fiction, WWII settings, and light sci-fi and horror elements. Recommended by Denise.
Caring for Herself: Advice, Activities, and More to Help You Care for Your Mental Well-Being by Erin Falligant, illustrated by Brenna Vaughn (nonfiction)
Find it: J 155.4 FAL
From American Girl, a self-care guide for girls’ well-being that includes advice, tips, and techniques to help you make smart choices that boost self-esteem, manage emotions, build resilience, and become your best possible YOU!
A friendly self-help book that would be good for 3rd grade and up. Recommended by Mary.
Growing Home by Beth Ferry, illustrated by the Fan Brothers
Find it: J Fiction Ferry, B.
An interesting group of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish work together to use their newfound magical powers to defend their family.
This lovely, humorous story of animal friendship would be great for readers in third grade and above. Parents are likely to be drawn in as well if read as a family. Recommended by Liz.
Disney Princess Enchanted Worlds: Look Inside the Spellbinding Kingdoms by Laura Gilbert (nonfiction)
Find it: J 791.43 DIS
Enter the enchanted world of Disney princesses! The many detailed illustrations show charming, colorful, cross-section views of the princesses’ castles, gardens, and villages.
Recommended for fans ages 7-10 who would like to immerse themselves in the magical kingdom and maybe even imagine stories of their own. Recommended by Karen.
Vanished: Seven Women Magicians Who Simply Disappeared by Anna Hays, illustrated by Mary Kate McDevitt (nonfiction)
Find it: J 793.8 HAY or Middle School 793.8 HAY
Discover the amazing, illustrated stories of seven women magicians who pulled off spectacular and death-defying illusions and acts, achieved global fame, and then simply…disappeared.
Recommended for kids in 3rd grade and up who enjoy magic and/or learning about lesser-known historical figures and their contributions to the magic community. Recommended by Catherine.
The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker
Find it: J Fiction Pennypacker, S. or Middle School Pennypacker, S.
Lucas gets the chance to show his bravery when he saves a litter of kittens from cruel boys and brings them to an abandoned stable to care for them. There, he comes upon a stranger who is none too happy to see him – Alice, the daughter of a horse trainer, who is hiding her filly from German soldiers. Soon, Lucas begins to realize they are not the only ones in the village with secrets.
Recommended for readers who like historical fiction, animals, learning about little-known parts of well-known history, and stories about good, brave people doing what’s right in the face of danger and hardship. A good read-alike for The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman. Recommended by Emily.
Spark by Chris Baron
Find it: Middle School Baron, C.
Living in a small California town surrounded by redwoods, Finn has learned about the natural cycle of wildfires, but no class in school can prepare him for the trauma of evacuation and displacement when a catastrophic fire forces everyone in his town to flee.
The perfect reader for this book enjoys novels in verse and lyrical writing that unpacks the emotional weight of trauma while also demonstrating the possibilities of growth and healing. Recommended by Emily.
Soundtrack by Jason Reynolds
Find it: Middle School Reynolds, J. or as an eaudiobook on Libby
An audiobook original about teen musicians who find each other, start a band, and build an underground following in the New York City subway stations.
This book is recommended for teens who love music, audiobooks, and coming of age stories. The audiobook is an immersive experience with a full cast, original score, and sound effects; a print version will be released in mid-April and available at the library soon! Recommended by Leah.
The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker
Find it: Middle School Walker, J.
Two teens become secret pen pals through a forgotten astronomy textbook and join forces to unravel a decades-old mystery tied to one of their late mothers.
A good pick for middle schoolers who like stories about secret connections or books with unusual layouts and amazing illustrations! Recommended by Emily.
Heartsick by Kristina Forest
Find it: High School Fiction Forest, K.
Margot Whitman is an intern at Healing Hearts Inc., the company that created a pill that can erase a person’s heartbreak overnight. When Margot overhears the CEO discussing a harmful secret about the pill, she must go on the run (with her ex!) to get the truth out.
A perfect pick for teens looking for a combination of romance and suspense or those looking for an easy introduction to romance. Recommended by Melissa.
Steam by Shaenon K. Garrity, illustrated by Emily Holden (graphic novel)
Find it: High School Graphic Garrity, S.
Ruby is a humanoid genius created in a secret university research lab, designed to solve some of life’s greatest problems. After escaping the lab, Ruby hides in plain sight working in a coffee shop and realizes that she can solve the main issue humans seem to be dealing with, finding happiness and love!
A fun graphic novel for teens interested in a short but easy to follow sci-fi story. Recommended by Denise.
Celestial Banquet by Roselle Lim
Find it: High School Fiction Lim, R.
Once every generation, the Major Gods hold a Celestial Banquet, inviting chefs from all over the Continent to prepare mouthwatering fantastical feasts. The winner is awarded the fabled Peaches of Immortality, along with a lifetime of fame and fortune. The losers perish, per the whims of the fickle gods.
Recommended for anyone looking for Southeast Asian/Chinese folklore inspired by the Great British Bake Off (with a pinch of The Hunger Games), wrapped up in a light fantasy that feels just like curling up with a warm bowl of noodles on a rainy day. Recommended by Emily.
Still looking for a good book?
Take a look at our Kids’ Booklists or our T(w)een Booklists to narrow down by genre or format – or fill out a Book Match with information about what you’re looking for in your next book. We’ll make a custom booklist just for you! Feel free to stop by and chat with our staff – we love to hear about books you’re loving!
