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.

Children’s Book Blog: June 2025

Color Our World

Have you heard about our Summer Reading Challenge? This summer’s theme is Color Our World (as developed by the Collaborative Summer Library Program).

Beginning on June 16th and ending on August 6th, kids of all ages can complete reading logs that earn them rewards & raffle entries.

Our summer programming is all about creativity and the ways in which art enriches our lives so it’s fitting that this June’s recommendations are focused on art.   Let’s get reading and creating!

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Peter Reynolds’ “Creatrilogy” series includes Sky Color, Ish and The Dot.  The Dot is the first (and my favorite) of the three books.

With encouragement from her teacher, Vashti – a frustrated student – learns how to make her own artistic mark.  At the end of her dotted journey, she encourages another young artist – Ramon.  

This story has become a global phenomenon with millions around the world celebrating International Dot Day on the 15th-ish of September each year.

Ish by Peter Reynolds   

Ish continues where The Dot ended – with Ramon drawing freely.  But, a remark from his older brother causes Ramon to struggle with perfectionism.  With help from his younger sister, he discovers that thinking ‘ish-ly’ is far more fun and leads to some perfect-ish results!  

Afterall, art should be about expression, not perfection.

Sky Color by Peter Reynolds

Does the sky have to be blue? Ramon’s sister, Marisol, decides ‘no!’

Sky Color, much like its predecessors, explore themes of tempering expectations, finding inspiration and altering your perspective.

We all love the creatrilogy series.  Really, we love anything written by Peter Reynolds.

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

If your kids are like mine, it can be disheartening when their creative vision does not come to life as intended.  It can be hard to “go with the flow”.  I think this is a universal hurdle in creating. 

The Book of Mistakes challenges ‘mistakes’ in the most the beautiful way – by simply creating MORE from mistakes. Luyken shows us that blunders can lead to inspiration.

We are all a never-ending work in progress.

Art is Everywhere by Ellie Chan and Liv Bargman

Don’t think nonfiction books can be fun?  Think again! 

In “Art is Everywhere”, Keith (an art historian ostrich) and Marmaduke (his assistant cat) teach readers all about art – where it is found, why it exists, how it is made and more!

For a book all about art, it’s no surprise that the illustrations are extremely vibrant – I love the use of so many colors.  A fun bonus feature is the various artists’ work throughout, complete with an image credit index at the back. 

 

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: May 2025

Lions!

For May, we are featuring lions! Why lions? Well, Joanna and Connor are currently obsessed with them which means I am currently obsessed with them. 

My favorite thing about lions? They are the only big cats that live in groups—a pride—and the females raise their cubs together.  It takes a village to raise a cub/child, right? 😉

Here are roar-some books to read with your cubs!

The Lion’s Share by Matthew McElligott

The idiom ‘lion’s share’ means the largest or most significant portion of something. In this book, the dinner party guests take the ‘lion’s share’ of cake until there’s nothing left for their host – the lion king.  Then, they pridefully promise too much in return. 

This book explores fractions and multiples of two – making math fun (and funny!) for kids. 

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Kevin Hawkes

A picture book about a lion finding his place in a library? What more could you ask for? This book has a permanent spot in our home library so you know it’s a good one!

It’s about understanding circumstances/exceptions, belonging/inclusion and making things right. Library Lion gets a lot of reactions from Joanna and Connor: from awes to oh nos and boos to woohoos!

“Sometimes there’s a very good reason to break the rules.”

Lion Lessons by Jon Agee   

In Lion Lessons, a young boy learns what it takes to be a lion from a master instructor – a real lion.  The boy may not have the loudest roar or the fastest legs but he has the most important trait of being a lion – having the courage to stand up for your friends!

 While geared towards 3-5 year olds, it’s a great read for all ages.

 

The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

This wordless adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable is beautifully done.  I struggle with wordless books –with ‘reading’ them at bedtime. 

Pinkney’s illustrations are so full of life that words truly aren’t needed. In these pages, a picture really is worth a thousand words teeming with compassion, trust and bravery.

The Inside Scouts Help the Kind Lion by Mitali Banerjee Ruths and Francesca Mahaney

Have a budding reader in the house? Look for the acorn in the corner! The acorn is Scholastic’s designation for readers age 4-7.

These books, including The Inside Scouts series, build confidence through repetition. They use speech bubbles to engage readers and make the stories easy to follow.  

In The Inside Scouts, kids shrink down in size to help animals in need – like the kind lion! We like the Best Buddies series as well. 

Magic Tree House: #11 Lions at Lunchtime by Mary Pope Osborne

I have a confession: I added this to the list to highlight our new Yoto Mini Sets.  Yoto Minis are compact, travel-friendly audio players with various story cards.  Great for ages 3-12. One of our sets includes the Magic Tree House Books #1-8. 

I couldn’t believe how enamored Joanna and Connor were with the Yoto.  Their favorite places to listen? In the car and in their fort! And I love them, too— no screen time, lots of imagination.

 

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: April 2025

Nod to Nature

Spring is finally here! As everyone sheds their coats and soaks up the sunshine, April’s blog celebrates nature.  Tuesday, April 22, 2025 is Earth Day so these books remind us to:

  • Be kind to the Earth
  • Put down the screens and get outside
  • Recognize we are a part of nature
  • And go a little wild!

Miss Leoparda by Natalia Shaloshvili

Miss Leoparda is a new book to our collection. It’s a great introduction to environmentalism and collectivism – emphasizing the importance of nature and community.

As an adult, it wasn’t lost on me that the author essentially made our main character, Miss Leoparda, a “tree hugger”.  

The whimsical animals will keep kiddos of all ages engaged. 

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day explores the beauty and benefits of boredom – specifically the magic of being “bored” outside. 

When our androgynous young protagonist starts taking note of all the wonders in nature, the whole day changes.  The macro illustrations of mushrooms, snails and more are gorgeous and inspirational, encouraging kids (and adults!) to get closer to the ground after reading.

This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers   

Oliver Jeffers, for good reason, is a very popular picture book author and illustrator. This Moose Belongs To Me is our families’ favorite.

Packed with humor for both kids and adults, This Moose Belongs to Me is a read-a-loud treat.   While the book is presented in a fun and light-hearted manner, there are deeper messages about the wilderness, friendship, compromise, and most importantly, knowing that no one belongs to us.

 

 

You Belong Here by M.H. Clark & Isabelle Arsenault   

With poetic prose, lyrical rhymes and earthy illustrations, this is a classic bedtime book. Truly, one of my all-time favorites. 

A parent tells their child(ren) about which habitats animals belong in while ensuring the child knows they are safe and loved where they belong, too. It is really such a beautiful book about belonging, love and nature – put it on hold immediately.

 

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild is a wild romp! It’s perfect for children who are learning when they can be wild.

One online reviewer wrote, “Who would be the worst person to give this book to? A friend whose kids already like to run around naked and howling. Am I going to do it? Absolutely. She can hate me and love me for it at the same time.” And that about sums it up!

Looking for a chapter book? The Wild Robot, also by Peter Brown, is great!

 

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: March 2025

Chickens!

Which came first: the chicken or the egg?

All the chatter about egg prices, Spring’s arrival, and March 19, apparently, being National Poultry Day has got me thinking about chickens!

Our backyard chickens love spring as much as we do! Sick of being cooped up (literally), they are eager to forage outside again. One thing the kids love about having chickens, aside from the eggs, is how funny they can be pecking around. So, March’s book recommendations are full of chicken humor!

Chicken Big by Keith Graves

Chicken Big follows the big humongous chick as he helps a little rooster and three chickens through “the sky is falling” moments. This book only works if you, the parent(s), bring the book to life by using different voices for each character. In my version, one of the chickens has a British accent.

With lots of kid-approved humor and a heartwarming ending, Chicken Big is sure to be a hit in your house.

The Good Egg by Jory John & Pete Oswald      

The Good Egg is the second book published in the creators’ “The Food Group” series. The Good Egg is a relatable book about the pressure of perfectionism and one’s eggs journey to self-acceptance. While this book explores emotional health (important for adults and kids alike!), it’s also quite funny, especially the illustrations.

Other books in the series include The Bad Seed, The Smart Cookie and more.  My kids seem to really enjoy series, like this, that are similar but not interconnected.

Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman  

I love Blue Chicken, arguably more than Joanna and Connor do. 

I don’t want to spoil the fun of it, so I’ll just say it is an extremely clever picture book – a great play on perspective and the innocent mischief that kids (and chickens) couch as help. Visually, it is a beautiful book too!


Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein     

In Interrupting Chicken, Little Red Chicken wants Papa to read her a bedtime story but cannot help herself from interrupting each story.

I love how Stein puts Little Red Chicken into each storybook; it makes it easier for kids to understand the chaos her interruptions are creating. Every exhausted parent can relate to the adorable ending.

This is a great book to read in tandem with another person – one as the narrator/Papa and one as Little Red Chicken.  Much like Chicken Big, it really brings the story (and humor) to life!

Little Red Chicken continues her interrupting antics in Cookies For Breakfast and The Elephant of Surprise – both equally as fun as the first. 

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin

This is our first chapter book recommendation on this blog! The Chicken Squad is the first book in a series about chicks who solve mysteries and fight crime from their backyard coop.

Continuing with the chicken humor theme, this book is laugh out loud funny for kids. The storyline is silly and engaging. With short chapters, large font and numerous pictures, this is a great “intro” to chapter books.

Since we started borrowing more chapter books, I have had the pleasure of hearing, “Just one more chapter!” before bed.  That’s music to any book-loving parent’s ears.  

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4).  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: Feb. 2025

Send a letter!

With National Thank a Mail Carrier Day on February 4 and Valentine’s Day on February 14, February’s book recommendations are all about sending letters!  
 
Benjamin Franklin was appointed our first Postmaster General in 1775. In an increasingly tech-focused and instantly-gratifying world, slowing down to participate in a service that has been around for 250 years can be very grounding!  

Sending and receiving snail mail is just fun.  It is a creative outlet – drawing pictures, crafting cards, writing messages and more.   It is a way to connect – how nice is it to hold something tangible sent by a loved one? 

When was the last time you sent a letter or card to someone?  

Mail Duck by Erica Sirotich

Mail Duck is the first board book recommendation since this book blog began! This is a great book for little ones – colorful pictures, shape-specific pages, lift the flap mail surprises and letter alliterations.  

But, don’t discount any book due to the “age-range”.  Joanna and Connor still enjoy the occasional board book – especially a lift the flap one!  Plus, a toddler probably won’t notice the letter alliterations (Omar likes Ovals) but my emerging reader, Joanna, did.  
 
Our society has a bad habit of saying “you are too old for that” to children.  When it comes to books, you aren’t too old for any (in my opinion).

It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton   

Town Hall Library has the VOX book edition of It Came in the Mail. VOX books have a built-in audio player that narrates the hardcover book – making it easy for kids to follow along without an adult.   
 
Children love receiving mail. They often check the mailbox only to discover there isn’t something in there for them.  Like most kids, It Came in the Mail’s main character wants some mail too! His wish is granted – but how much is too much? What should you do when something becomes too much? Share!

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin  

Another VOX book edition! VOX books are an awesome mom hack – my kids think they are a special treat, like screen time.  

In Click, Clack, Moo, a herd of cows have gotten their hooves on a typewriter.  They use it to type letters to the farmer demanding blankets for the too cold barn.  Hilarity ensues as Duck delivers letters back and forth between the farmer and cows.   

The ending always makes us chuckle.  

How to Send a Hug by Hayley Rocco & John Rocco     

My personal favorite on this list! In How to Send a Hug, Artie teaches us how to do just that – send a hug (letter)!  This heartful story encapsulates everything I was trying to convey in the opening of this blog post. Sending and receiving a physical letter is powerful – like a hug.  

The kids enjoyed discovering the various ways a hug might travel. And the book definitely made an impression. When I said I had to send a get-well-soon card to his grandpa, Connor corrected me with “You mean, a hug!”. 
 
I also love that this was written and illustrated by a wife and husband duo!   

Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnell & Ted Rand 

I let Joanna and Connor pick between Mailing May and another letter-based book titled Xo, Ox.  Obviously, Mailing May won!  

The hyper realistic illustrations and story (mailing a little girl!) were a big hit. We talked about how some stories are completely made-up while others, like Mailing May, are based on real events. It was a good history lesson, too! We chatted about how rules, prices, transportation and more have changed since May was young.  

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4).  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: Jan. 2025

SNOW!

January’s theme is snow! 

Our family loves the snow.  Its’ beauty makes the long cold winter more bearable for me and more fun for Joanna and Connor.

I am writing this blog post in an attempt to manifest a snowy January because December’s total snow fall was lack luster.  

 

When It Starts to Snow by Phillis Gershator & Martin Matje

I rejoice anytime I can find a children’s book that is both educational and entertaining. 

Through repetitive, rhyming text, various forest animals answer the question “where do you go when it starts to snow?”

In the end, we discover that while most animals hunker down, one character chooses to play in the snow instead.

Snow by Roy McKie and P.D. Eastman   

Fun fact: P.D. Eastman was NOT Dr. Seuss but he was a protégé and colleague of Theodor Geisel (who went by the pen name Dr. Seuss).

In his own signature style, Eastman shows us all the fun things to do in the snow. 

And when it gets warm enough for that snow to melt, where to hide it to play another day.  A trick Joanna and Connor would now like to try…which means I’ll have a freezer full of snow soon.

Harold Loves His Wooly Hat & Harold Hates to Hibernate by Vern Kousky

Two for one! Kousky’s follow up to Harold Love His Wooly Hat was recently added to our collection so I am giving you a bonus because they are perfect to read one after the other. 

Both books have delightful pictures and similar messages – kindness is the most special thing in the world. These books are great read-alouds with funny AND heartwarming moments.

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell  

Despite Wolf in the Snow being a nearly wordless story, the illustrations are beyond captivating enough to hold mine and the kid’s attention – beautifully telling the tale of a girl and a wolf lost in the snow.

With a satisfying nod to the classic Little Red Riding Hood, Cordell takes the reader on an emotional journey filled with courage, cooperation and kindness.

As the 2018 Caldecott Medal Winner, others definitely agree!

Hush, Little Trucker by Kim Norman and Toshiki Nakamura

Written to the tune of “Hush, Little Baby”, this book is perfect for any truck-loving kid (like Connor)!

The lullaby text follows a boy and his mom in search of his missing truck.  Together, they try out numerous vehicles to aid in their search.

The sing-song text and fun illustrations are the perfect combination – making this book a regular winter request in our home.

A Mischief of Mice by Christie Matheson

A whodunit picture book for small children? Count me in!

As the mystery of the missing mice unfolds, we are introduced to the collective nouns for each animal species: an unkindness of ravens, a sleuth of bears, a scurry of squirrels, etc.  I have always loved the interesting group names for animals so this is my favorite part of the book.

My realist, Joanna, guessed that the owls ate the mice…thankfully, she was wrong!

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4).  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: Dec. 2024

Holiday Light

This month’s theme is light and, of course, holiday cheer! 

December hosts the shortest day of the year.  The darkness (and cold) can be tough. I picked books that will, hopefully, lighten moods and brighten nights.

No matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year –  Joanna, Connor and myself hope it’s filled with books, baked goods and the best company!

 

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

I know what you are thinking: “another Barnett & Klassen book, Michelle?!”

…I suppose I am a bit obsessed with the duo BUT this one is Joanna and Connor’s favorite holiday book.  It comically guesses how Santa goes down the chimney. The reindeers trying to help him really add to the fun.

As a family, I like that it makes us laugh, makes us question and, in the end, makes us believe.

The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper & Carson Ellis  

Susan Cooper’s poem celebrates the short day of the year – the winter solstice.

Yule has been celebrated throughout the ages.  This book pays homage to that tradition. It spotlights the seasonality of our world, the joy in returning light, and our connections to the natural world.

Every year on December 21, our family has dinner by candlelight and reads this book. You are welcome to borrow this tradition, too!

Bright Winter Night by Alli Brydon & Ashling Lindsay

In Bright Winter Night, forest creatures (“no one hunter, no one prey”) come together in pursuit of the northern lights. Sound familiar?  Not so long ago, Wisconsinites were trying to catch glimpses of those brilliant lights, too!  

I love the color palette chosen by the illustrator.  It perfectly sets the winter scene and compliments the author’s warm and cozy message of togetherness.

The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore & Kitty Moss  

A Christmas book about books? Yes, please!

The Christmas Book Flood is based on the real Icelandic tradition of book sharing on Christmas.  In a similar style to Bright Winter Night, the pictures really shine in this one demonstrating how “reading is magic—when you have the right book.”

Book flood on a budget? We don’t mind if you wrap library books! Just make sure they return to the book drop on time for others to spread the book flood.

Ray by Marianna Coppo

Joanna and Connor request Ray frequently!

Who knew a light bulb could be so lovable? Not me. 

Ray follows a lightbulb’s journey from closet bulb to a lantern in the great outdoors. 

I picked it because of the light theme and because, even though it’s set in the summer season, there’s a Christmas tree reference!

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4).  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: Nov. 2024

Gratitude

November’s theme is, fittingly, gratitude.

Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Teaching Joanna and Connor to practice genuine gratitude is high on my parent priority list. If they can express gratitude, not only at Thanksgiving and gift-receiving times but every day, I believe I’m doing something right!

This month’s book recommendations show gratitude for friends, family, health, and other things we often take for granted.

Apple Cake by Dawn Casey & Genevieve Godbout

I purposefully listed this book first – Apple Cake is all about gratitude! The book follows a young girl (and her dog) as they thank nature for gifts provided. If you celebrate Thanksgiving, you’ll likely sit down together for a large meal – a meal made possible by farmers, pollinators, livestock, etc. Apple Cake is “a gratitude” to food and how it reaches our growling stomachs!

Bonus – with simple rhyming text, Apple Cake is a great book for young readers to practice on.

Double bonus – an apple cake recipe is included. It is a delicious recipe with basic ingredients and less refined sugar.

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

Another Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen recommendation! Set in a dreary town in the dead of winter, Annabelle knits colorful clothing for everyone. I believe Annabelle’s yarn symbolizes happiness – when shared, happiness is infectious and world-changing.

Extra Yarn is a fun story about generosity triumphing over greed. A great lesson as we head into “giving season”. Happiness cannot be bought and in the archduke’s case, it cannot be stolen either.

Sun and Moon by Lindsey Yankey

As the days get shorter and colder, moods tend to plummet. But, there is wonder in the night, too! Moon discovers this in this beautifully illustrated book about being thankful for what you already have.

We, parents and children, often focus on what we don’t have. When we focus on the negative, it can be difficult to see what’s right in front us. This month I encourage you to find ways to celebrate the dark. Eat dinner by candlelight, bundle up for a full moon hike/walk or simply, read this book.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead & Erin E. Stead

Flu and cold season is upon us. In this heartwarming story, Amos McGee’s unlikely friends care for him while he is sick, returning the kindnesses he showed them at the zoo.

I love how each animal friend cares for Amos differently based on their unique personalities. It showcases how there are many ways to be a good friend. This book is a great introduction to empathy.

The last page always receives a collective “aww” in our household.

What Can a Mess Make? by Bee Johnson

Grateful for mess?! Yes, especially when messes encourage creativity, imaginative play and sibling connection!

This book is an amazing reminder to parents that “a mess” is not always a bad thing.  I know it’s not always easy to do but embrace the mess! 

Our kids don’t see a mess – they see the product of their play and hard work.

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris & LeUyen Pham

Bear Came Along is one of our all-time favorite children’s books. This adorably illustrated and smartly written book demonstrates how “we’re all this together”. Each animal brings their own perspectives to the log and they all embrace being on this wild ride called life, together.

The river path taken by the animals is shown in the beginning and end of the book cover. Joanna and Connor like tracing the path and naming where each animal hopped on. They, also, enjoy counting all the animals on the last page!

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4).  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: Oct. 2024

Spooky Season

It’s officially spooky season! For a household of “chicken littles”, you’d think we wouldn’t enjoy October as much but, boy, do we love it!  

As the air cools and the nights lengthen, I’m drawn to books rooted in folklore; books where the monster isn’t all that monstrous; and books where nature’s gifts take centerstage.  

October’s children’s book recommendations have not-so-spooky vibes with fall feels that can be read year-round! 

– Michelle 

Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds & Peter Brown  

This book is deserving of its’ Caldecott Honor – an artist’s award for American Children’s Picture Books. Peter Brown somehow makes carrots cute AND creepy as they stalk Jasper Rabbit.  

Joanna and Connor love this somewhat suspenseful book.  With zombie postures and drawn-out syllables, they now turn every garden veggie into the creepy variety: “Creeeepy Caaarrrooots. Creeeepy Tooomaaatoes. Creeeepy Zuuuchini.”   

Check out the Vox book version of this gem!

 

Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl  

Little Witch Hazel is a beginner’s introduction to longer, chapter-like books.  It is broken into four parts, each focusing Little Witch Hazel’s experiences in the different seasons. 

With nature as her guide, the author reminds us to slow down, lend a hand, be brave and more.  Fans of fairy gardens will love this one!

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise   

Another Caldecott book, Knight Owl won the 2023 Caldecott Medal!  
 
Owl is determined to become a knight. Knights will  be brave, smart  and have many friends. 
  
But, what happens when the dragon shows up? Admittedly, the dragon’s menacing face spooked Joanna at first; her fears quickly subsided at the heartwarming end. The story, message and illustrations of Knight Owl will likely find a place among the classics.

The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen   

Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen are a picture book powerhouse duo! Their children’s books are unique and quirky with endings that always leave you pondering and wanting more.  


The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse is a story you’d hear gathered round a campfire – a folklore tale on why the wolf howls.  The unbelievability of the story makes it that much more enjoyable – a laugh out loud recommendation. 

A Spoonful of Frogs By Casey Lyall & Vera Brosgol   

What happens when a witch’s favorite ingredient – frogs – refuse to be made into soup? Hilarity! And knowing that sometimes you have to improvise in the kitchen… 
 
This may be the only “true” Halloween book on the list. I added it because I think it needs more recognition. As the publisher writes, “Casey Lyall is a master of comedic timing with her deceptively simple and energetic text”.

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.