Children's Fiction
A Normal Pig
by K-Fai Steele

Submitted by Sara E.

What really is normal? This cute picture book tells the tale of a pig that feels normal but is teased for things that are different about him. This is a great book about celebrating our differences.
(New Picture Books)
Miss Turie's Magic Creatures
by Joy Keller

Submitted by Sara E.

Such a fun book about a boy trying to find the perfect pet. He gets introduced to all sorts of mythical creatures and then ends up picking a cat in the end that may or may not have it’s own magical abilities. Bonus in the back of the book is an explanation of all of the mythical creatures encountered in the book.
(New Picture Books)
Can Cat and Bird Be Friends?
by Coll Muir

Submitted by Sara E.

Cat and Bird are wondering if they can be friends. A cute back and forth about how much they are different ends up with a happy ending.
(New Picture Books)
Animalphabet
by Julia Donaldson

Submitted by Sara E.

A beautiful alphabet book with clever hints and peekaboo holes.
(New Picture Books)
The Last Peach
by Gus Gordon

Submitted by Sara E.

A cute and funny story with great illustrations about 2 bugs deciding who should eat the last peach of the season.
(New Picture Books)
A Stone Sat Still
by Brendan Wenzel

Submitted by Sara E.

A wonderful book that introduces the concept of perspective in a charming way.
(New Picture Books)
Parenting Non-Fiction
The Growth Mindset Coach:
A Teacher's Month-by-Month Handbook for Empowering Students to Achieve
by Annie Brock & Heather Hundley

Submitted by Katie S.
The concept of growth mindset is everywhere in education these days. Books are being published left and right. This book is a practical resource to kick off your learning or strengthen and promote what you already do. It is full of ideas, lesson plans, charts/graphs, guiding questions, and journal entry starters. This researched based book would be great for grades K-8. However, it could be adapted for older students. You will want to adopt this philosophy in your classroom.
(Parenting Collection)
The Parenting Project:
Building Extraordinary Relationships with Your Kids Through Daily Conversation
by Amy Alamar, Ed.D
& Kristine Schlichting, Ph.D

Submitted by Katie S.
If you are looking for a book to help you have honest and candid conversations with your child, this book is for you. It gives you real life strategies to strengthen your connection with your child. Some of the topics that are covered are loss/grief, alcohol/drugs, diversity, humility, and taking risks. This practical book is for all stages and ages in a child’s life.
(Parenting Collection)
Parent Alert!
How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
by Will Geddes

Submitted by Katie S.
This practical and easy to read book will give you information and suggestions on ways to keep your children safe while they are online. There are so many hidden dangers on the internet and social media. 

Be proactive with this book and educate yourself about the digital world.
(Parenting Collection)
No More Mean Girls:
The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls
by Katie Hurley

Submitted by Katie S.

A great book for anyone with a young girl in their life. Learn strategies with helpful activities to help guide and support girls while they learn empowerment, strength, and respect. Imagine a world with girls that build each other up instead of tearing each other down. 
(Parenting Collection)
Kids Choice & Monarch Book Clubs
August 16th - February 28th

Monarch Book Club (Grades K-3)
Great books for emerging readers, the Monarch Award nominees offer a chance to read something different. Which one will be your favorite? Read all twenty to find out. Voting starts in November, prizes given at halfway and completion of list. Pick up your list at the Kid City Desk downstairs.

Kids Choice Book Club (Grades 3-5)
Choose from a diverse collection of the Illinois Bluestem and Rebecca Caudill nominees. Earn a prize when you read five and ten books. Pick up your list at the Kid City Desk downstairs.