Children’s Book Blog: December 2025

The Long Night Moon

December’s full moon will be the Cold Moon occurring on Thursday, December 4, 2025. This is also known as the Long Night Moon because it happens near the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. 

The December full Moon is also a supermoon, the third in a series of three consecutive supermoons at the end of 2025 (October, November, December). A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Rising brighter and slightly larger than usual, it lights up the long winter night.

All that shared, it felt fitting to use our December children’s book picks to highlight our wonderous moon. One of my family’s favorite winter traditions is to go for a full moon hike (bonus if there’s snow!) and cuddle up for a story and hot cocoa after. 

– Michelle 

Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Joanna, Connor and I all love Kitten’s First Full Moon. It’s a simple, yet charming and humorous, story of a kitten who mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk. 

While it’s intended readership skews to the youngest, it’s storytelling at its finest– so I encourage everyone to give it a try! 

Illustrated in greyscale with bold outlining and endearing facial expression from Kitten, Kitten’s First Full Moon was 2005 Caldecott Medal winner. Published in 2004, this one is a timeless classic. 

When the Moon Comes by Paul Harbridge and Matt James

Hockey fans – this one is for you! 

Evocative and atmospheric, this beautifully illustrated story follows a group of children waiting for the perfect winter night when the ice is ready for moonlit hockey. It’s a peaceful and nostalgic celebration of community, anticipation, and the magic of winter evenings.

This book took me back in time – watching my older brothers play pond hockey – and makes me want to get the kids on the ice. 

New to our shelves as of Nov. 2025.  

Mending the Moon by Emma Pearl and Sara Ugolotti

When the moon accidentally breaks, it’s up to a brave girl, her father and their forest friends to help put it back together. Mending the Moon celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the power of believing that anything is possible—even fixing the moon itself. 

It is great introduction to traditional folklore. In many folklore tales, questions about natural phenomena are answered.  Here we get the whimsical answer to “Why does the moon look the way it does?”

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

A timeless winter classic, Owl Moon invites readers into the quiet woods as a child and father go owling on a snowy night. It’s a tender story about patience, courage, and the bond between parent and child. 

This book evokes everything I feel when we embark on our own moonlit hikes (mentioned above): calm, peace, wonder, hope, togetherness. Everything the holiday season should bring. 

“The kind of hope that flies on silent wings under a shining Owl Moon.”

The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey & Don Wood

A full moon is keeping everyone in the napping house awake! Soft rhythms, dreamy illustrations and building text make this a perfect bedtime read for “not so sleepy” kiddos. 

We didn’t feature any holiday books on our December list so this is my nod to the restlessness of Christmas Eve! Plus, Town Hall Library has a signed copy! 

 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.

“Dinner for Vampires” by Bethany Joy Lenz

About This Book:

An “incredible” (Alex Cooper, Call Her Daddy), “riveting” (People) New York Times bestselling memoir by One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz about her decade in a cult and her quest to break free.

In the early 2000s, after years of hard work and determination to break through as an actor, Bethany Joy Lenz was finally cast as one of the leads on the hit drama One Tree Hill. Her acting career was set to soar, but her personal life was beginning to unravel in ways her fans could never imagine. Unknown to the millions of viewers and even her costars, Lenz led a secret double life within a cult.

As an only child seeking belonging, Lenz thought she found a safe haven in a Bible study group with fellow Hollywood creatives. However, the group morphed into something more sinister—a web of manipulation and fear under the guise of a church covenant called The Big House Family. Piece by piece, Lenz surrendered her autonomy, eventually moving to the Family’s Pacific Northwest compound overseen by a domineering minister who convinced her to marry his son and secretly drained millions from her TV income without her knowledge. Family “minders” assigned to her on set, “Maoist struggle session”—inspired meetings in the basement of a filthy house, and regular counseling with “Leadership” were just part of the tactics used to keep her loyal.

Only when she became a mother did Lenz find the courage to escape and spare her child from a similar fate. After nearly a decade (and with the unlikely help from a devoted One Tree Hill fan), she broke free from the family’s grip, beginning her healing journey from deep trauma that reshaped her faith and identity.

Written with powerful honesty and dark humor, Dinner for Vampires is a “tart, refreshing” (The New York Times Book Review) story about the importance of identity and understanding what you believe.

-From Simon & Schuster

My Thoughts After Reading:

Wow. What a [insert adjective] story. Choose any of the following adjectives because there are simply too many words to describe Bethany Joy Lenz’s memoir: candid, raw, unflinching, empowering, eye-opening, courageous, transformative, vulnerable, redemptive, heartbreaking, etc. 

I am specifically recommending the audiobook version of “Dinner for Vampires”. After being silenced for so long, Lenz deserves to tell her story with her voice. Her narration is incredible –  distinct character voices, perfect inflections, translatable sarcasm,  and even some really talented singing. But don’t just take my word for it : she’s being considered for a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Audiobook Narration and Storytelling Recording. Have I convinced you yet? If so, head to Libby to place “Dinner for Vampires” on hold.

While some celebrity memoirs skim the surface, “Dinner for Vampires” dives deep. Lenz gives you everything: the good, the bad and the ugly. She shows how easy it can be for smart, capable people to get drawn into manipulative systems. There is a part where the cult leader convinces her to give up her dream role; I was white knuckling my steering wheel in anger on her behalf. 

A closing note so One Tree Hill fans are not disappointed. Her time on the show is only mentioned; it is not the focus. I believe this was deliberate – showing how wholly the cult consumed her life, even during her raise in fame. 

– Michelle 

Children’s Book Blog: November 2025

Trees!

Typing this on November 1, 2025: the trees in our community are at peak fall color and the ground is blanketed with an assorted of warm colors. It is absolutely gorgeous…and fun! Leaf piles transformed our backyard into a stunt course for my 7 and 5 year old.  Cushioned by the colorful piles, they  jumped, dove and hid all weekend.  

 It is through this lens that I am so thankful for the changing of seasons in Wisconsin.  And so, November’s children’s book blog is about trees and all they share with us! 

– Michelle 

Pro parenting tip: skip the manual labor and use a leaf blower to make your leaf piles! 😉 

Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger

Otto and the Story Tree is about growth, connection and the magic of storytelling.  

The kids and I stumbled upon this darling book while gift shopping at our local bookstore.  I knew immediately that, not only did I need it on my shelf but, the Library needed it on theirs.  At my recommendation, our children’s department added it right away. 

Milderberger’s illustrations are absolutely stunning – adding so much depth to the charming story of an old bird who tells stories to a seed. 

 

Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter & Daniel Miyares

Nell Plants a Tree was published in 2023; I’m disappointed it took us 2 years to discover this gem! 

Told in lyrical verse, this beautiful story weaves together generations. It shows how one small act—planting a tree—grows into a family legacy. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the seeds we plant today nurture the future.

It’s also an ode to trees. The wonder they bring, the play they inspire, and the gifts they share. 

This one has secured a spot in my all time favorite picture books. 

The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward & Lisa Falkenstern

For good reason, The Busy Tree is a staple in many classroom. 

This rhyming picture book introduces the many creatures that call a tree home. Perfect for read-alouds, it encourages curiosity about nature’s interconnectedness. 

It’s a good reminder to everyone how crucial trees are to our world.  They sustain, provide and nourish so many creatures – including us! 

Little Tree by Loren Long

Cue the tears! 

Little Tree tells the story of a tree who clings tightly to his leaves while the forest around him moves on. It’s a tender tale about embracing change and letting go.

This book is applicable to so many seasons of life. It reminded me of a video clip I saw recently: 
Interviewer: “What’s the best part of being a parent?”
Interviewee: “Watching them grow up.”
Interviewer: ” And the worst part?”
Interviewee: “Watching them grow up.”

When Tree Became a Tree by Rob Hodgson

Shouting it from the tallest tree: Nonfiction children’s books can be fun, too (even for little ones)! In fact, research shows that young readers enjoy nonfiction books just as much as, if not more than, fiction books. 

Kids love stories, but they are also incredibly curious about their world. 

So, here’s a great example of a fun nonfiction read! When Tree Became a Tree follows an apple tree’s life cycle, using humor and whimsical art to explore scientific concepts in an approachable way.

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.

“Aftertaste” by Daria Lavelle

About This Book:

What if you could have one last meal with someone you’ve loved, someone you’ve lost? Combining the magic of Under the Whispering Door with the high-stakes culinary world of Sweetbitter, Aftertaste is an epic love story, a dark comedy, and a synesthetic adventure through food and grief.

A food story to binge.
A ghost story to devour.
A love story to savor.

Konstantin Duhovny is a haunted man. His father died when he was ten, and ghosts have been hovering around him ever since. Kostya can’t exactly see the ghosts, but he can taste their favorite foods. Flavors of meals he’s never eaten will flood his mouth, a sign that a spirit is present. Kostya has kept these aftertastes a secret for most of his life, but one night, he decides to act on what he’s tasting. And everything changes.

Kostya discovers that he can reunite people with their deceased loved ones—at least for the length of time it takes them to eat a dish that he’s prepared. He thinks his life’s purpose might be to offer closure to grieving strangers, and sets out to learn all he can by entering a particularly fiery ring of Hell: the New York culinary scene. But as his kitchen skills catch up with his ambitions, Kostya is too blind to see the catastrophe looming in the Afterlife. And the one person who knows Kostya must be stopped also happens to be falling in love with him.

Set in the bustling world of New York restaurants and teeming with mouthwatering food writing, Aftertaste is a whirlwind romance, a heart-wrenching look at love and loss, and a ghost story about all the ways we hunger—and how far we’d go to find satisfaction.

-From Simon & Schuster

My Thoughts After Reading:

I get secondhand pride for authors that knock it out of the park with debut novels – or in Daria Lavelle’s case produce a chef’s kiss debut novel.  Aftertaste is one of the most unique books I have ever read – a wholly original plot with complex characters that are easy to root for (even the ghosts!). 

This is also another genre-blending book (something I appear to be gravitating towards lately!). It’s a supernatural thriller with hangry ghosts and surprise twists. It’s magical realism with special gifts and afterlife glimpses. It’s an epic love story with romantic and familial bonds. It’s a kitchen drama with high stakes and banter. On top of all that is the cherry of grief.  Loss, guilt, and letting go all swirl through the narrative. 

In Aftertaste, food is memory and magic. In the world Lavelle built, flavors are the echoes of a person’s life. This is poetic and central to the story – BUT I must admit, I did skim some of the longer sections of food descriptions. Regardless, Lavelle’s prose is immersive and vivid making the story, even the supernatural elements, feel real and tangible.

In short, this marketing of Aftertaste is beyond accurate:
A food story to binge.
A ghost story to devour.
A love story to savor.

I hope you find it as delicious as I did! 🙂

-Michelle 

P.s. What food would call you back to the living? For me, it’s a toss up between my mom’s mushroom gravy meatloaf and a chocolate chip cookie whose recipe has been passed-down through generations.

Children’s Book Blog: October 2025

Spooky Season is Back!

It’s officially spooky season! From loyal ghostly pets to party planning witches and a bear who discover that independence isn’t always what it seems, these Halloween characters capture the fun of the season without sending little ones running for the covers (no nightmares, I promise!). 

October’s children’s book recommendations have spooky vibes but are still very accessible to all ages (and scare levels!). 

– Michelle 

Bone Dog by Eric Rohmann

Cue the tears – at least for us whose beloved canine family member is getting older…and weaker each day. 

Bone Dog balances grief and comfort beautifully—loss is acknowledged, but the love between Gus and Ella transcends even death. 

It’s a great Halloween read for spooky fun without being overly frightening. The skeletons, while they do try to eat Gus, are illustrated in a friendly manner. 

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer and Steve McCarthy

In Irish folklore, banshees are spirits who foretell death. In this tale, young banshees are “bansheenies,” who bond to a human. Beanie is one such bansheenie, meant to be paired with a girl named Rose. But things don’t go as expected— and Beanie discovers a different path for her and Rose.

As folklore fans, we all LOVE this book about friendship and breaking the mold. 

Given it’s length and slightly darker fairy-tale elements, it might be better for ages 5+. 

Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween by A.A. Livington and Katya Longhi 

A witch who doesn’t like Halloween?! Meet Grizelda the Green! 

Grizelda is the Halloween version of the Grinch. She tries to ruin Halloween but a group of kids endless optimism, enthusiasm, kindness and acceptance change her mind. 

The rhyming text is bouncy and playful, making it especially good for read-alouds. The illustrations are bright and whimsical, making it a great Halloween choice for younger kids.

*This is a new book to our shelves as of fall 2025. 

Luna and the Witch Throw a Halloween Party by Dan Murphy, Aubrey Plaza & Hannah Peck 

Another great book that keeps a playful Halloween mood without being too spooky. 

When she meets Pheenie, a witch whose Halloween parties always flop, Luna proposes a deal: she’ll help Pheenie plan the best Halloween party ever, and in return, Pheenie will teach her magic.

As a parent, I really liked the themes of ambition, open-mindedness and cooperation. Luna and the witch both have knowledge and insights to share with each other – just like children and adults. 

*This is a new book to our shelves as of fall 2025. 

Little Bear’s Big House by Benjamin Chaud 

Like the house, this book is BIG.  It sticks out awkwardly on our shelves. And that’s one of the reasons kids love it! 

With so much page space to work with, Chaud’s art is full of detail. Kids can spend a long time observing all the animals, rooms, curious objects and more. It’s a great book for an impromptu game of eye spy. 

If you like this one, our shelf does have more big book adventures featuring Chaud’s bear family. 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.

“Dissolution” by Nicholas Binge

About This Book:

A woman dives into her husband’s memories to uncover a decades-old feud threatening reality itself in this staggering technothriller from the bestselling author of Ascension.

Maggie Webb has lived the last decade caring for elderly husband, Stanley, as memory loss gradually erases all the beautiful moments they created together. It’s the loneliest she’s ever felt in her life.

When a mysterious stranger named Hassan appears at her door, he reveals a shocking truth: Stanley isn’t losing his memories. Someone is actively removing them to hide a long-buried secret from coming to light. If Maggie does what she’s told, she can reverse it. She can get her husband back.

Led by Hassan and his technological marvels, Maggie breaks into her husband’s mind, probing the depths of his memories in an effort to save him. The deeper she dives, the more she unravels a mystery spanning continents and centuries, each layer more complex than the last. But Hassan cannot be trusted. Not just memories are disappearing, but pieces of reality itself. If Maggie cannot find out what Stanley did all those years ago, and what Hassan is after, she risks far more than her husband’s life. The very course of human history hangs in the balance.

-From Penguin Random House Website

My Thoughts After Reading:

Did I understand everything I read? Nope! Did I still love every page? Yup! This is a “suspend some disbelief” and “trust me” book recommendation. 

Nicholas Binge impressively blended speculative sci-fi, psychological thrills, a deeply emotional love story, and even fantasy horror into one book. 

The puzzle-box narrative alternates between Maggie’s present-day urgency to help her husband and flashbacks to Stanley’s youth—focusing on his time in a memory-training club. 

I loved how memory took center stage. In the graphic below, I said to read if you like time travel. That remains true but Binge’s take on time travel is so unique; it’s actually memory travel instead. What does memory mean to identity and humanity? And what are the consequences of tampering with one’s memories? As someone who obsessively memory keeps (scrapbooking, journaling, etc.) due to poor memory, I know I would never be invited to join Waldman’s secret club, but boy did I want to be! 

Dissolution is a high stakes page-turner with thought-provoking themes, a realistic arch-villain and emotional/philosophical depth.  I can’t wait to read this one again to piece it all together with more clarity.

-Michelle 

P.s. This will be me on my second read. 
Red String Meme Generator - Imgflip

Children’s Book Blog: September 2025

Reminders for Back to School

Heading back to school is an exciting time! But, it can also be a source of anxiety and uncertainty.  For September, we selected books with universally uplifting messages on kindness, individuality, empathy and leadership.  

At the end of an exhausting school day, reset and connect as a family with these reads:

The Boy and The Shells by Erik Richter

This book begins with the age-old playground question “who is your best friend?”. Having a best friend is wonderful until you are asked to pick just one…excluding your other friends. 

Richter ‘highlights the value of individuality and differences and the importance of each friendship within the reader’s own life.’ THAT is a message worth sharing with every back-to-schooler. 

The Day The Book Disappeared by Dan Santat

Per usual, if Dan Santat illustrated it, I’m reading it.  In Santat’s signature style, the author’s timely story comes to life. 

Arnold, who only reads books about airplanes, accidently makes every other classmate’s books disappear. Close-mindedly, he is excited about this. But, Arnold discovers that we don’t all have to like the same thing. 

It’s a celebration of choice, diversity, and empathy. 

We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang 

Three ‘definitely human’ creatures (ha!) crash their ‘car’ in Mr. Li’s field. Mr Li and others show the trio what it means to be human. Being human is being kind. 

This book is FANTASTIC! It’s funny and silly and heartwarming. 

Keep your eye on the dog – he knows something is up. Like the other characters, his facial expressions are expertly illustrated. 

The Littlest Drop by Sascha Alper, Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

Another FANTASTIC book – this one is all heart (no alien humor). 

When a fire rages through the forest, a tiny hummingbird takes charge.  The positive messages are endless:

  • When we work together, we can make the world a better place. 
  • Even the smallest can have a big impact. 
  • Self-motivation and hard work do pay off. 
  • and more much more!

For kids returning to school, I believe this line with resonate: “I am doing what I can.”

 

Back To School, Backpack! by Simon Rich & Tom Toro 

Does your child have first-day-of-school jitters? Lighten their mood with this hilarious story. 

While this one had Joanna and Connor belly laughing, it also reminded them that they aren’t alone.  Everyone gets nervous, especially on the first day of school, but with a little help from friends, everything will be OK. 

 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.

“Cat Fight” by Kit Conway

About This Book:

Big Little Lies meets Tiger King in this fun and propulsive debut novel about three suburban women who, over the course of one summer, each use the growing hysteria around a big cat sighting to achieve their own agendas—some more sinister than others.

Former zoologist Coralie King now reigns over a different sort of animal kingdom as Queen Bee of Sevenoaks, a wealthy suburb of London. When her husband Adam spots a panther on the hood of his car at one of her exclusive dinner parties, Coralie is quick to reassure her guests that they’re in no real danger. She sees the sighting as the perfect opportunity to revive her career and promote her own ecological endeavors.

New neighbor Emma Brooks doesn’t believe for a second that there’s a big cat in their midst but is all too willing to use the concern as a distraction from her home remodel application that’s been facing scrutiny. Meanwhile, former punk musician Twig Dorsett doesn’t know what to believe. She never thought she’d return to Sevenoaks and be living in her childhood home, but after her daughter became sick, she and her wife traded their Bohemian life in Bali for the security of London suburbia.

As the summer heats up, the frenzy around the big cat sighting reaches a fever pitch when gnawed bones, pawprints, and scratches are discovered. But is the real predator a big cat on the prowl or is the true threat more of the domestic variety? Filled with gasp-worthy twists and turns, Cat Fight is a wickedly entertaining novel of suspense that examines the lengths to which some women will go when they feel caged.

-From Simon & Schuster website

My Thoughts After Reading:

Fun fact about me: Like Coralie King, I am a former zoologist. I’ve worked as a zookeeper, field researcher and wildlife rehabilitator. So, I was invested in the “Sevenoaks Panther”.  Conway centering a domestic suspense and social satire novel around a panther sighting is brilliant, completely unique. I’ll, now, think of Cat Fight anytime someone posts a rare wildlife sighting on Facebook or in the Nextdoor app. 

Cat Fight is narrated in turns by the three women (Coralie King, Emma Brooks and Twig Dorsett) living next door to one another – plus snippets from a fictional docuseries. At first, this format is difficult to follow given how many characters are introduced and how quickly the author switches between narrators. But once you get a sense of the neighborhood, it really adds to the reading experience. I loved how the docuseries snippets foreshadow what’s to come, too. 

Each neighbor is likeably unlikeable – messy, manipulative, slightly unhinged and yet, vulnerable and real.  I did enjoy Coralie’s chapters the most.  As more is revealed, I had whiplash deciding who to root for and who to trust. Conway definitely keeps you guessing.. spoiler alert: the panther isn’t the cat we should be fearing. 

Set under a scorching heat, this is a fun summer novel to sink your claws into. 😉

-Michelle 

Children’s Book Blog: August 2025

To The Beach!

As August heats up, our book recommendations are headed to the beach.

Family vacations are said to strengthen bonds, improve cohesion and enhance communication. Plus, they provide opportunities for new experiences, cultural exposure and real-world learning. These are all benefits of reading together, too!  

So, whether you are going to salty, shady shores physically or in your mind – soak up your time together! 

Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson & Dan Santat 

Our family reads (and inevitably loves) anything written or illustrated by Dan Santat. 

After a laugh-out-loud first read, Don’t Trust Fish earned a permanent spot in our home library.  Now, we all have it memorized. 

The book begins with simple vertebrate classifications: what makes a bird a bird, an animal an animal, etc. Until we get to fish…who don’t seem to follow any rules. The “author” hilariously lays out all the reasons we can’t trust fish. Joanna & Connor especially liked the “author” reveal at the very end. 

Hot Dog by Doug Salati  

In a too loud, too crowded, too hot city, this dog has had enough.  A terribly relatable feeling, for kids and adults.  Hot Dog reminds us that a relaxing reset is not just a want, but a need – especially when you are overwhelmed (and overheated). 

Doug Salati deservingly won the 2023 Caldecott Medal AND Ezra Jack Keats Award for his illustrations. Hot Dog is picture book perfection. 

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry & Juana Martinez-Neal

This book is just a delight – clever, charming & cute. It’s about friendship and coming out of your shell. 

The fiddling sea (who shines as an anthropomorphic character) provides new readers with spelling challenges.  You can take this concept and make it into a fun game at home, too!  

When reading, please give Swashby a proper pirate-like accent. 🙂

Our Blue Planet by Leisa Steward-Sharpe & Emily Dove

As a former zoologist, if Sir David Attenborough is involved – I am reading (or watching) it. 

I’ve found that some non-fiction reads – even those written for children – can be too dense, too overwhelming. Our Blue Planet introduces young readers to the wonders of the oceans in an accessible way. Like the Blue Planet series, its categorized by beautifully illustrated ocean habitats.  

Joanna and Connor really enjoyed the stories from each habitat.  We would read the stories and then watch the corresponding Blue Planet clips – this helped tremendously with their understanding and recall. 

The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale & LeUyen Pham

We love The Princess in Black series. The kids like the humor, animal sidekicks and mild monster fighting (nothing too scary/violent!). And I appreciate the underlining message: you can be more than one thing – a monster fighting hero AND a tea party going princess.  

The series is best for ages 5-9 as a first chapter book for early readers or as a family read aloud. 

Vacation (Bat, Cat & Rat) by Ame Dyckman & Mark Teague 

Vacation, the second book in Dyckman and Teague’s Bat, Cat & Rat books, won the 2025 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.  This award is given to authors and illustrators whose books excel at engaging beginning readers. 

This easy reader combines repetitive text and simple & complex words with humorously illustrated antics making it a favorite to read again and again. 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.

Children’s Book Blog: July 2025

How To Read About Dragons!

Between the highly anticipated release of the live action How To Train Your Dragon movie and the continuation of Bridges Library System’s Journey of Dragons library challenge, we have dragons on the brain! 

In my family, the hype surrounding both is high! Joanna and Connor are determined to visit every library (and dragon) in the collaborative Jefferson and Waukesha county system. And their screen-time consists of every How To Train Your Dragon film and TV series in the franchise. 

Personally, I love dragon mythology so I fully support this new obsession.  

Here’s a small sample of the dragon books available at Town Hall Library – for various age ranges with varied dragon portrayals. 

The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung and Hanna Cha

The Truth About Dragons normalizes embracing multiple cultures in one family. 

Our main character embarks on two, seemingly conflicting, adventures – showing the stark difference between Western and Eastern dragon mythologies. 

It’s a beautifully told story, with equally beautiful illustrations, about how people can hold multiple truths at once. 

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz   

Our family loves Ember! He is simply the cutest, especially when his little paws knead the dough. 

The Bakery Dragon leans heavily on the myth that dragons hoard treasure. But, what happens when one dragon discovers a different type of gold? Put this one on hold to find out! 

Where Is The Dragon? by Leo Timmers

Where Is The Dragon? is accurately described as a playful hide-and-seek book. Instead of lift flaps, Timmers uses silhouettes to hide his ‘dragon’, keeping children and adults guessing until the next page turn. 

Diving deeper, it shows how are minds manifest fear, especially in the dark. But, for little ones, it is just fun! 

 

The Magnificent Book of Dragons by Stella Caldwell & Gonzalo Kenny 

The Magnificent Book of Dragons features all sorts of dragons from across the globe – highlighting their cultural significance.

Books like this offer a nice alterative to your typical storied format. Written more like a dragon encyclopedia, you can bounce around between the pages in search of your favorite dragon lore. 

Joanna’s favorite was The Rainbow Serpent of Australia while Connor liked The Polish Wawel Dragon. 

The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill

Graphic novels are great for new (and often reluctant) readers; Joanna loves them! 

The visual nature of graphic novels makes reading less daunting, easier to comprehend,  and more accessible to many kids.  As a parent I love them because they encourage non-linear thinking, rereads and so much more! 

The Tea Dragon Society is a great springboard into a gentler form of fantasy and complex world building. Dragons don’t have to be fierce and ferocious to be fun.  

How To Train Your Dragon 

And of course, I couldn’t forget the works that inspired this entire blog post! 

From the original book to early readers to DVDs, we have a “How To Train Your Dragon” option for everyone! 

Simply search “How to Train Your Dragon” in the catalog. 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.