A Long Awaited Library Book Haul
ft. Picture Books selected by my kids + Mama's library holds
Our local library branch has been undergoing a massive remodel. We haven’t made many trips over the last 9 months or so. With renovations nearing completion and books back on the shelf, we stopped in to check out some kid lit and get info on the summer reading program. They’ve also been hosting mini scavenger hunts in the branch for a chance to win prizes. My kids came home with a mini flashlight so now they can read in bed! I let them each pick out their own books so that they’re guaranteed to participate in reading time.
Three-Year-Old Selections
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt — The title says it all! This is a laugh-out-loud hilarious picture book about the epic tale of the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Bedtime for Batman by Michael Dahl — When a dark night comes to the big city, one little super hero prepares for a great adventure . . . bedtime!
Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat Book #2 by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth — Klawde and Raj are back! As summer turns to fall, our favorite warlord cat remains in his pitiful exiled existence. But Raj has an even scarier prospect than cosmic exile: starting at a new school.
Five-Year-Old Selections
Give Please a Chance by Bill O’Reilly and James Patterson — With a vivid array of illustrations by seventeen different artists, this charming, helpful book is a fun and memorable way for children to learn the magic power of one simple word: please.
Baby’s First Year! by Rick Walton — My daughter wants to read this book baby of milestones to her baby dolls.
Peppermint Patty Goes to Camp by Charles M. Schultz — When Peppermint Patty discovers that Charlie Brown is at the boy's camp on the other side of the lake, she comes up with a plan for a summer camp adventure! Perfect to pair with the new Camp Snoopy series on Apple TV+
Honey Bunny’s Honey Bear by Marilyn Sadler — Honey Bunny Funnybunny likes Eddy Bear, but he never notices her. She wears her prettiest dress, tries to play ball with him, and even makes him a valentine–all to no avail. But Honey Bunny’s questions are answered and her heart mended in a surprise ending sure to please kids and parents alike.
Jeanie & Genie: The First Wish by Trish Granted — Follow Jeanie Bell and Willow Davis as the two friends go through the mishaps of a first wish, accidental transformations, art coming to life, and a camping adventure that tests their friendship! A book I hope will pair nicely with The BSC series.
The Baby-Sitters Club: Jessi’s Secret Language by Ann M. Martin — Jessi recently moved to Stoneybrook and is one of the newest members of The Baby-sitters Club. She's getting ready to start regularly sitting for the BSC's newest charge, Matt Braddock. Matt has been Deaf since birth and uses sign language to communicate, so Jessi has to use it, too. It's a secret language! My daughter is fascinated with sign language and I know this will be one of her new favorites from The BSC graphic novel series.
Bob Books Beginning Readers Set 1 by John and Bobby Lynn Maslen — Each book contains two- and three-letter words that can be sounded out. The simple stories allow kids to read a whole book, boosting their confidence and motivating them to come back for more. I hope my beginning reader will be proud that she can read these stories on her own.
All Mama’s Holds Came in at Once!
This Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune — I finished Carley’s 3rd book on Monday and returned it to the next reader. I enjoyed the PEI setting and fun coastal references. Lucy and Felix’s slow-burn relationship was sweet but this wasn’t my favorite Carley novel.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo — I started reading this gothic historical fiction novel last week and I’m making great progress. I’ve seen reviews that say it’s a slow read but that hasn’t been my experience at all!
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood — I’ve told you I’m in my Ali Hazelwood era. I started this audiobook immediately after finishing This Summer Will be Different. I’m slowly making my way through the rest of Ali’s backlist! I have a soft spot for women in male-dominated industries.
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth — I was a big fan of the Divergent series so I’m eager to pick up this new fantasy steeped in Slavic lore. It’s set in Chicago just like her previous works! This novella is sure to be a quick read.
Beach Read by Emily Henry — After falling in love with Funny Story earlier this year, I want to revisit Beach Read and compare which book claims my top spot in Emily Henry’s oeuvre. I wasn’t expecting this audiobook hold to come in so quickly so I’ve got my work cut out for me to fit it all in!
I loved this newsletter from
about why you should be reading picture books… even as an adult! I haven’t tracked all the picture books I read aloud to my kids every year but it’s a great suggestion. My favorite part of picture books is the art. I’m a visual learner and even as an adult I get so much more from the stories by seeing them come to life on the page.
Tell me — how are you using your library this summer?
My friend just recommended The Familiar! Excited to hear your thoughts. I’m always so panicked when all my holds come thru at once (and they always do)!! I’ve had great success with Bob books and early readers who really needed the big wins. Also, the Piggy and Gerald books by Mo Willems are such fun fun early readers! My little would pick which character to play and read their parts. Good luck and yay for library Reno!
All of these books look delightful. But I’m a sucker for a good title so Give Please a Chance is added to my library list.