The Favorite Book
by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Submitted by Sara E.

A sweet book about choosing a favorite thing. Great for one-on-one reading with your child.
(Children’s Picture Book)
Smarter Than a Monster:
A Survival Guide
by Brandon Mull

Submitted by Sara E.

Want to avoid monsters? FACT: Monsters love dirt and grime. SURVIVAL TIP: Take baths and brush your teeth. A fun book that helps ease fears and encourages good behavior at the same time.
(Children’s Picture Book)
The Love Letter
by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Submitted by Sara E.

One kind act can start a chain reaction of kindness. A sweet book that shows that everyone wants to be loved.
(Children’s Picture Book)
A Piglet Named Mercy
by Kate DiCamillo

Submitted by Emily D.

Kate DiCamillo’s Mercy Watson early chapter book series has been revered for some time. Now we have a picture book to start the love of Mercy even earlier!
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson live very ordinary lives and wonder if they should be a little more unpredictable. They certainly couldn’t have predicted an adorable piglet landing on their doorstep!
(New Picture Book)
Snow Globe Wishes
by Erin Dealey

Submitted by Emily D.

The recent snow may inspire you to pick up a wintry title. This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a snow day in muted colors. It gives How the Grinch Stole Christmas vibes but instead of a villain, it is one child’s wish to bring everyone together.
(New Picture Book)
Pluto Gets the Call
by Adam Rex

Submitted by Emily D.

Poor Pluto gets the call from Earth scientists that he doesn’t qualify as a planet anymore. Feeling upset, this call launches Pluto (and the reader) on a journey through the solar system filled with laughs, commiseration, and so many facts! I really hope Pluto copes well with his dwarf planet status.
(New Picture Book)




We Are (Not) Friends
by Anna Kang

Submitted by Emily D.
Two friends are having a playdate when a new friend arrives. As the day progresses, the friends realize it’s easy to share toys but it’s harder to share friends. Simple art helps to demonstrate this tough concept.
(New Picture Book)
Sulwe
by Lupita Nyong'o

Submitted by Emily D.
Sulwe is darker than everyone in her family and everyone in her school. She does not find anything magical or beautiful about herself. That is, until she goes on a journey in the night sky.
(New Picture Book)
The Fate of Fausto: A Painted Fable
by Oliver Jeffers

Submitted by Emily D.
There once was a man who believed he owned everything and set out to survey what was his. What he learns is that nature isn’t always submissive. Fans of Jeffers’ beautiful illustrations will not be disappointed.
(New Picture Book)
The President Sang Amazing Grace:
A Book about Finding Grace after Unspeakable Tragedy
by Zoe Mulford

Submitted by Katie B.
Poignant, alarming, important, remarkable; all these words can be used to describe how the President made us feel about our sense of mortality, purpose, and security in this world when he sang Amazing Grace. It was the most touching thing any President could do to respect and honor those who were the victims of, or affected by, a tragedy. Although it hurts (and some parents may elect not) to read The President Sang Amazing Grace, I urge as many as possible to share this beautiful book with their loved ones, young and old.
(Children’s Non-Fiction)
We Are All Greta:
Be Inspired to Save the World
by Valentina Giannella

Submitted by Katie B.
This is such a great book. I loved every minute of it. I have been following Greta for a while now and to see her full story in one book is amazing. I have so much respect for that inspiring young girl. Do not underestimate her power. This book taught me a lot more about climate change than what I already knew. It was so interesting to read the consequences about climate change in such an easy to understand context. The tips given at the end of the book were really useful and I definitely will take a look in making my life more sustainable.
(Children’s Non-Fiction)
All the Impossible Things
by Lindsay Lackey
Read by Samantha Desz

Submitted by Katie B.
This book is the perfect balance of happy-sad. It will make you ugly cry and will fill your heart with hope. I felt the struggles of each character and the trials and tribulations that families go through in regards to fostering children. There are threads of magic on every page, reminding us that sometimes, impossible things are possible. This is the kind of book that will make a difference.
(Children’s Playaway)
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.