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Children’s Book Blog: July 2026

Unearth A Story

Every summer, Town Hall Library participates in the Summer Reading Program, coordinated nationally by the Collaborative Summer Library Program. This year’s theme is Unearth A Story, which underscores the joy of discovery that reading brings and that every person and every community have stories waiting to be found and shared – through books, programs, and local knowledge.

Few creatures inspire curiosity quite like dinosaurs. These prehistoric giants have fascinated scientists and storytellers for generations, and they continue to spark wonder in young readers.  

So, in keeping with the theme, we are unearthing some dinosaur books this month! I did choose fictional books that are more humorous and emotionally educational. However, we have whole shelves in the nonfiction area dedicated to dinosaurs, fact-based but still fun! 

 

 

Archibald and the Furry Dinosaurs by Suzanna Lang and Max Lang 

Meet Archibald, the only bald dinosaur in a world where every other dinosaur is covered in fabulous fur!

When Archibald sets off on a quest to discover what happened to his missing locks, he instead discovers that being bald has some surprising benefits.

With plenty of humor and heart, this story is a reminder that sometimes the things that make us different are exactly what make us special. 

ArchiBALD is so incredibly loveable. 

How Dinosaurs Went Extinct by Ame Dyckman & Jennifer Harney

How did the dinosaurs go extinct? Well, this dad has some theories. Running with scissors, petting pets without asking, picking your nose, etc.

This is such a fun faux-cautionary tale.  Just like the fictional mom, I approve these hilarious messages from Dad.  

And I love that it features some less commonly referred to dinosaurs, with the pronunciation of their names! 

Dinos Don’t Do Yoga by Catherine Bailey & Alex Willmore

Rex is a dinosaur who believes being tough means roaring loudly, stomping fiercely, and never slowing down. So when a new dinosaur named Sam arrives in the neighborhood with a love for yoga, Rex isn’t impressed. 

So many wonderful themes in this one: friends are kind, be open to new experiences, strength comes in many forms, communication is key and more! 

“Listen Sam, I was wrong. You did something very strong. You were kind when I was rude. And that makes you…one TOUGH dude.” 

The Dinosaur and the Bird by Richard Ho & Jamie Green 

When new books arrive at Town Hall Library, their first stop is the cataloguing office. 

A library cataloger is a behind-the-scenes professional who organizes and classifies library materials. Their primary job is to create detailed, searchable digital records so you (the patron) can easily find them! 

The Dinosaur and the Bird comes to you at the recommendation of one of our catalogers. She said, “it’s a beautiful story that made her tear up”!

It tells the story of a lonely Triceratops who befriends an injured prehistoric bird during the last days of the dinosaurs, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and hope.

Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets is actually the fourth book in Ryan T. Higgins’ Penelope Rex series. But, as pet people, it is our families’ favorite! We just can’t get enough of Mittens.  Every book in the series is a winner, though. I would recommend reading them in order: 

  1. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates 
  2. We Will Rock Our Classmates 
  3. We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish 
  4. Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets
  5. Bundle Up, Penelope Rex! 
  6. Penelope Rex vs. the New Kid (publishing August 2026)

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two children – Joanna (8) and Connor (6).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations