Who doesn’t love a good book list? We often finding ourselves reaching for the same titles over and over, and reading your child’s favorite book for the 57th time in one week can get… tedious, to say the least. Why not head to the library and choose some fresh titles – we promise your kiddo won’t be disappointed with these choices!
Birdsong by Julie Flett
This vibrant and powerful story by a Cree-Métis author, illustrator, and artist follows a young girl moves to a small town where she befriends an elderly neighbor. A friendship blossoms, and her neighbor shares with her a love of arts and crafts. This lovely tale touches upon the beauty of intergenerational friendships and the deep bonds that shared passions create.
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around. Inside, the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family unfolds as the keeper boils water for tea, lights the lamp’s wick, and writes every detail in his logbook. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is sweet and engaging.
Cinnamon Baby by Nicola Winstanley
This contemporary fable about a magical remedy for a baby who won’t stop crying is a lovely tale about baking, a celebration of the bond between mother and child, and an ode to the power of our senses. Beautifully illustrated and creatively told, this story should be savored!
Little You by Richard Van Camp
Written by a a celebrated DogribTłı̨chǫ writer of the Dene nation, this warm and poetic book illustrates and celebrates the individual gift of every child. Lines like, “You are life and breath adored” serve as an important reminder of everyone’s inherent value, paired with simple a stunning cut-out illustrations.
A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston
From the creators of An Egg Is Quiet , A Seed Is Sleepy , A Butterfly Is Patient , A Rock Is Lively , and A Beetle Is Shy comes this gorgeous and informative look at the fascinating world of nests, from those of the smallest hummingbirds to those of huge orangutans high in the rainforest. Poetic and elegant, this informative book introduces children to a captivating array of nest facts and will definitely get their imaginations going!
It’s Skeleton Time! / ¡Es la hora de los esqueletos! by Ana Galan
This fun book teaches children how to tell time in both English and Spanish. Based off of a traditional Costa Rican song, a group of skeletons jump out of their tombs and engage in fun activities as the clock strikes each of the 12 hour marks. This bilingual rhyming book brings a fresh perspective to the spooky season.
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki
In this moving story, we see the power of bravery, perseverance, and honor through a talent show performance. This tale about culture, family, and music, through Hana’s own bravery, is an excellent choice for children of all ages.
Secret Tree Fort by Brianne Farley
This books explores the idea of creating a world of one’s own – which can be sometimes made more vivid when shared with a sibling or friend. Two sisters are ushered outside to play, and one sits under a tree with a book while the other regales her with descriptions of a cool fort in a tree that grows ever more fantastical in the telling. What will it take to get the older sister to look up? Tall tales laced with creativity are spun in this story.
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
Lost and alone in the forbidden Black Forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica. In “Echo,” a harmonica travels across years and over continents and seas to touch the lives of three embattled, music-obsessed children — and, quite possibly, save a life.
The Water and the Wild by K.E. Ormsbee
A green apple tree grows in the heart of Thirsby Square, and tangled up in its magical roots is the story of Lottie Fiske. For as long as Lottie can remember, the only people who seem to care about her are her best friend, Eliot, and the mysterious letter writer who sends her birthday gifts. But now strange things are happening on the island Lottie calls home, and Eliot’s getting sicker, with a disease the doctors have given up trying to cure. This poignant, creative, and poetic story will keep older children thoroughly engaged.