Jen’s Picks:

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier  J GN TEL

Catrina’s family moved to northern California because the air will help her sister breathe easier and make her strong. She is trying to be happy with the change, but their neighbor is obsessed with ghosts and Catrina fears the supernatural. Can she overcome the fear for her sister?

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes   J EST

Wanda wears the same faded dress to school every day and is teased by the other girls. She tells the girls that she has 100 dresses, but this makes the other girls even meaner. When the girls realize the truth about the 100 dresses, they learn a lesson about the importance of being kind.

The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone J MAL

This magical tale takes place inside the sixty-eight miniature Thorne Rooms that exist deep within the Art Institute of Chicago. What if you discovered a key that allowed you to shrink so that you were small enough to explore those rooms? What if you discovered that you weren’t the first one to have visited them?

Cowboy Playground by Putumayo World Music  J CD WORLD COW

Giddy up and journey back to the Wild West with fun songs for little buckaroos. Yee Haw!

Yoga for Kids by Lorena V. Pajalunga  J E 613.7046 PAJ

A little boy begins taking yoga lessons at the zoo, where he learns that he can imitate the animals there with simple yoga poses.

Anne Frank: Her Life in Words and Pictures by Menno Metselaar and Ruud van der Rol  J B FRA

Anne Frank’s diary was one of the most moving books I ever read as a young girl and solidified my love of books at age 10. Discover more about Anne’s life in this scrapbook style book through photographs and a timeline that shows what life was like in her world.

Alissa’s Picks:

Pokemon Cookbook by Maki Kudo  J 641.5 KID

This book is full of so many awesome Pokemon inspired recipes, you’re going to want to catch ’em all! Some require adult help so this book is great for getting the family working together in the kitchen.

The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids by Whitney Cohen and John Fisher  J 635 COH

It’s the time of year to start thinking green, and this awesome collection gives great ideas for garden enthusiasts of all ages.

The Daring Miss Quimby by Suzanne George Whitaker  E B QUI

Harriet Quimby, the first american woman to get her pilot’s license, still serves as an awesome inspiration for girls and women to stay bold and stay daring!

Girl’s Best Friend by Leslie Margolis  J M MAR

Dogs all over the neighborhood are starting to go missing, so it’s up to Maggie Brooklyn to solve the case and find the lost pups

The Friendship Code by Stacia Deutsch  AUDIO CD J F DEU

A new coding club at school offers Lucy to learn something she’s always wanted to, and to make friends while doing it. Can she balance working with new friends to create a brand-new app?

Louise Loves Art by Kelly Light  E LIG

Louise loves making art… and her little brother, Art. But when her projects and her brother combine, Louise has to figure out how to keep them BOTH happy!

Sheena’s Picks:

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau  J DUP

The City of Ember is falling apart, so friends Lina and Doon race around the city collecting clues left by their founders and solving mysteries that bring shocking truths to the surface of both the past and present. You don’t have to be a sci-fi fan to appreciate this exciting and thrilling novel.

Rocket and Groot: Stranded on Planet Strip Mall: by Tom Angelberger

J ANG

Rocket and Groot crash-land on a stranded strip mall. They quickly find out that this isn’t your average strip mall. With Crazy robotic store attendants and hungry killer toilets, Rocket and Groot find themselves having to save the planet.

Prince Ribbit by Jonathan Emmett  E EMM

When Princess Martha overhears her sisters talk about a fairy tale they just read about, a frog turning into a handsome prince, she doesn’t believe them. Weirdly, Lucinda and Arabella come across a frog and start treating him like royalty, and Martha is determined to prove her sisters wrong.

Bloom by Doreen Cronin  E CRO

Bloom is the name of a mud fairy, whose magic can turn weeds into flowers and spin sand into glass, but she was just too messy and muddy for the people in the kingdom and they forced her to move far away. However, when the glass castle starts to crack and crumble, the king and queen ash for the fairy’s help. With a little bit of mud and magic, together they can do extraordinary things!

 

Planting the Trees of Kenya by Claire A. Nivola J B MAA

Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, grew up in Kenya. She noticed her home that was once “dressed in green” was now bare and suffering. She urged the women of Kenya to take matters into their own hands and restore the land to the way it used to be.

Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart E 598.147 STE

Springtime is here and that means more bird spotting! Did you know that the feathers on a bird serve a purpose other than for flying? With simple text and beautiful illustrations, this book explains why birds have the feathers they do and how it helps them thrive in their habitat.

 

Dana’s Picks:

Cork & Fuzz: Spring Cleaning by Dori Chaconas  ER CHA

Cork loves to clean, and his friend, Fuzz, would rather play. When Cork tries to boss Fuzz into helping with the Spring Cleaning, it creates some problems they must work out.

When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes  E HEN

Henkes describes how the dark world of winter develops into the bright and blooming world of spring.

How Do You Know It’s Spring? by Ruth Owen  J 508.2 OWE

In this non-fiction title, the author describes the various ways spring makes itself known to us, from budding flowers, to longer days, and to the birth of baby animals.

Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur  E SCH

Schnur uses acrostic poetry, a poetry form in which the first letter of each line spells out a word, to describe spring.

The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins  E B SES

In this picture book biography, we learn about Katherine Olivia Sessions, who brought trees to San Diego, California and is credited with developing what eventually became Balboa Park.

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart  E STE

Told through letters, Lydia Grace goes to live with her uncle after her father loses his job. Lydia Grace is a gardener and brings that with her, always hoping to bring a smile to her uncle’s face.

Liz’s Picks:

The Night Gardener by Eric Fan and Terry Fan  E FAN

Awesome illustrations! This is an excellent book about a man who works at night to transform trees into beautiful topiaries. One night, young William follows the Night Gardener to the park and is invited to help him.

 

My Wiggle Makes Me Giggle by Scott Simons  J CD MYWI

Fun Songs that encourage healthy habits.

The Littlest Bigfoot by Jennifer Weiner  AUDIO CD J F WEI

Alice struggles with being comfortable in her own skin and does not fit in anywhere. Shipped off to a new school each year. Alice saves Millie, who is a Bigfoot, from drowning in a lake. A friendship blossoms. Elsewhere, Jeremy, a lonely boy, believes there are Bigfoot in the forest and tries to expose them. This is a wonderful story about friendship, acceptance, and standing up for others.

If you Plant a Seed  by Kadir Nelson  E NEL

A story about kindness and reaping what you sow. The illustrations are wonderful!

Stormstruck by John MacFarlane  J MAC

A fast paced read about a boy who tries to protect his dog from being euthanized. They embark on a sailing trip, only to find themselves caught up in some very dangerous situations.

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale by Carmen Agra Deedy

J 398.2 DEE

Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha was a beautiful cockroach. When she was old enough to marry, her Abuela (grandmother) gave her some shocking advice. She should spill coffee on her suitor’s shoes to see how they react. Read this humorous story to find out if the coffee test works.

Carolyn’s Picks:

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck J P PEC

Joey and Mary-Alice go to visit their grandmother every summer in rural Illinois. The kids think it will be boring, but things don’t always turn out the way you expect. Each summer has its own chapter and is a fun and touching read.

The Night World by Mordecai Gerstein  E GER

A little boy and his cat discover the world of shadows at night. It is dark, but soon “something” is coming!

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen  JP PAU

Brian’s plane crashed, and he has to learn to survive in the wilderness by himself. He has a hatchet and not much else. What dangers will he have to face? Will he be rescued or is this his new life?

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin  J MAR

Rose has a dog named Rain. Rain is a homonym for Reign, and Rose loves both Rain and homonyms. Her love of homonyms makes her different. The other kids don’t understand her and even her father has a hard time accepting her. One stormy night, Rain goes missing and Rose has to overcome her own challenges to find her.

Hidden by Helen Frost  J FRO

This novel in verse tells the story of two girls who share a secret from their past. One summer they meet at camp and must learn to deal with the secret that they have kept for so long.

Ah Ha by Jeff Mack  E MAC

How many ways can our frog friend combine the letters A and H? What do the words mean? This is a fun, colorful book with a lot of action.

 

Carolyn’s Picks:

This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne  E BYR

A great interactive book. What happens when Bella’s dog disappears into the book? Will she be able to get him back? Read and watch each page to find out!

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors  by Drew Daywalt  E DEW

Each of our heroes is superior in their own domain. Will any of them find a worthy opponent to battle? This book tells the funny story of how this game will never end.

The Julian Chapter by R.J. Palacio  Audio CD J F PAL

Julian is a bully when it comes to Auggie Pullman, but what makes him that way and will he change? If you’re a fan of the book Wonder, you will enjoy listening to Julian’s version of what happened.

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin  J MAR

Discover this short Game of Thrones style story about a young girl who is not affected by the cold, and her special relationship with an ice dragon during the battles in her ancient world.

Get into Art by Susie Brooks  J 704.9432 BRO

Colorful, animal art from various artists will inspire you to make your own animal art. In this book, you get to learn about the artist, their art, and how to create your own art!

Around the World Cookbook by Abigail Johnson Dodge  J 641.59 DOD

This cookbook is full of food you’ve heard about, and maybe even tasted, but now you can make it yourself! Start out by learning your way around the kitchen, the tools you’ll need, and the terms that are used in cooking. Next, find a recipe you want to try. You might try making Tandoori Chicken Legs from India or Vanilla Panna Cotta from Italy. There are step-by-step instructions, colorful pictures, and fun facts about the food. Remember to always ask a grown-up for help before starting!

Dana’s Picks:

The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino  J 551.784 CAS

A snow photographer and a snow scientist explain how snowflakes develop and the different shapes that snowflakes take. Enjoy the photographs of enlarged snowflakes and learn the best way to catch your own snow crystals.

Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen  J B PRE

In this beginning biography, Christensen shares information about the very early years of Elvis Presley. From his birth to his first recording for Sun Records; learn how this legendary talent first developed.

Eight Dolphins of Katrina: A True Tale of Survival

by Janet Wyman Coleman  J 599.53 COL

Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi was destroyed by a forty foot storm surge during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Eight dolphins housed there were discovered missing after the hurricane. This is the story of their rescue. Also included is additional information about dolphins.

Two for One by Kate DiCamillo & Alison McGhee  J DIC

In this second Bink & Gollie story, the two best friends have adventures at their local state fair.

Year Comes Round: Haiku Through the Seasons by Sid Farrar  J 811.6 FAR

If you enjoy haiku poetry, try these poems that simply describe what the seasons mean to us.

My First Day by Steven Jenkins & Robin Page  J 591.392 PIN

What do newborn baby mammals, insects, and amphibians experience on the first day they are born? Read this non-fiction title by Jenkins and Page to find out.

Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

by Andrea Davis Pinkney  J 323 PIN

Through words and music, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson were forces of change during the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s. In Martin & Mahalia, Pinkney eloquently shares their stories.

Alissa’s Picks:

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier  J GN TEL

Raina Telgemeier is fantastic at telling stories about sisters, and this is book is no exception! The story of two sisters who move from their home to Northern California- the sea air is good for younger sister Maya’s cystic fibrosis- where everyone is obsessed with ghosts. As the Day of the Dead celebrations draw near, the sisters learn more about their Hispanic heritage, and older sister Cat tries to make peace with her sister’s illness.

The Danger Box by Blue Balliett  J M BAL

Zoomy is a kid who sees the world a little differently. Abandoned to his grandparents as a baby, mystery abounds when his father shows up with an odd box, which sets in motion a strange series of events. Readers who loved Chasing Vermeer by Balliett are sure to enjoy this mystery, too!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

PLAYAWAY J F KEL

Callie is a girl growing up in 1899, but she isn’t interested in things she “should” be. Instead of learning to be the lady of a well-to-do household, she would much rather run around the woods with her grandfather, seeking out the science in nature. Narrated by Natalie Ross, this great story will be an inspiration to kids everywhere who want to nurture a passion, even if it’s not the popular thing to do.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet J B SAR

Everyone loves a parade, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most famous, beloved parade of all! But who was the first person to create the iconic balloons? And how did they become such a key part of American culture? Meet Tony Sarg, a puppeteer who designed the first balloon marionette for Macy’s Parade in 1928. His unique story proves that a little ingenuity can go a long way.

Tales Our Abuelitas Told by F. Isabel Campoy

J 398.2 CAM

Folktales from around the world always make for interesting reads, and this collection of Latino stories is no exception! Witty, funny, and heartfelt, these tales will introduce readers to a whole new slate of characters and may inspire them to learn more about the Latino cultures they come from.

Kids’ Embroidery by Kristin Nicholas J 746.44 NIC

Winter is a  great time to learn a new skill and cross stitch embroidery is coming back into popularity! This great book walks readers step-by-step through different stitches and techniques, and is great for beginners of all ages! From scarves to coasters, the variety of projects makes for fun crafting.

Steffanie’s Picks:

Grounded: the Adventures of Rapunzel

by Megan Morrison  J MOR

In the country of Tyme, no one is luckier than Rapunzel. She lives in a magic tower, reads books that she stars in, and has a loving Witch who protects her from evil princes and unhappy thoughts. Then a stranger named Jack breaks into her tower to steal an enchanted rose! Jack is the first person, besides Witch, that Rapunzel has ever met. He infuriates Rapunzel by implying that Witch is lying to her. Driven by anger, Rapunzel descends to the ground for the first time, and finds a world filled with beauty and adventure.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez  J PER

Twelve-year-old Maria Luisa (though you better call her Malu) likes zines, Chuck Taylors, and punk music. She’s an outcast at her new school where she annoys the most popular girl in school, forms a band with other outcasts, and stands up to an anti-punk school administrator to fight for her right to express herself.

Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian  E AUS

Worm and Worm fall in love with each other and want to get married. Their friends want to know, who will wear the dress and who will wear the tux? The answer is : it doesn’t matter who wears what because Worm loves Worm.

Escargot by Dashka Slater  E SLA

Escargot is a cute little French snail who only wants two things in life. He wants to be your favorite animal and he needs to get to the delicious salad at the end of the book. When he finally gets to the salad he finds there’s a carrot in it. Escargot hates carrots. With a little help from the reader, he tries one and discovers that carrots aren’t so bad after all.

Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Allison McGhee  E MCG

A father tells his son the story behind each of his tattoos and together they go on a journey through family history. There is a tattoo from his favorite book that his mother used to read him, and one from the longest trip he ever took. The best tattoo of them all is a little heart with numbers inside.

Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin  J BAS

Eleven-year-old Ruby Danes is starting middle school and only her aunt knows her deep dark secret: her mother is in prison. Ruby is desperate for friendship but doesn’t get too close to anyone due to her secret. Until Margalit Tipps moves into Ruby’s condo complex and Ruby thinks Margalit could be her first true friend. Can she let her in on the big secret? Maybe not. It turns out that Margalit’s family seems closely connected to the very event that put her mother in prison.