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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.