Are you looking for reading recommendations for kids? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get ideas for great reads for kids. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian!
This collection of book lists created by our staff can assist students with homework, help them find more books by their favorite authors, and aid parents in finding books for the youngest readers, among other things! We add new lists each month so returning readers can continue to find their next read! Find more reading recommendations for kids in our blog or enjoy storytime online.
You can also get reading recommendations online from NoveList K-8 Plus or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.
Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Picture Books
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our staff share some of their favorite picture books from 2024 that they have seen – from beautiful to funny, we hope there is something for you and your littlest readers to enjoy.
Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Fiction for Kids
Some of our favorite new fiction titles published for kids. At the very bottom of the list, enjoy older bonus material: staff were also asked if they read an older title/not published in 2024 that they might also recommend.
Holiday Storytime Online
Christmas
A long, cold December night is a great time to share favorite Christmas stories! There are many holiday classics to choose from to get your family into the holiday spirit. You can listen to a video read aloud of the favorite, Llama Llama Holiday Drama, by Anna Dewdney, right now! More free video read alouds are listed here along with printable activities and Christmas favorites you can check out with your IndyPL library card. It’s Christmas storytime online! Have a wonderful holiday! Enjoy Christmas Storytime Online.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah in Alaska, by Barbara Brown and winner of the 2014 Sydney Taylor Book Award, is the story of what Hanukkah is like for a little girl living during a long, cold Alaskan winter. For her, daylight only lasts for five hours each day and she doesn’t have squirrels or rabbits in her backyard, she has a moose! Can she convince the moose to leave her trees and swing alone by sharing a Hanukkah treat? You can listen to Hanukkah in Alaska right now, read aloud by Molly Ephraim. Enjoy Hanukkah Storytime Online.
Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Graphic Novels for Kids
Some of staff’s favorite graphic novels they read and enjoyed.
Books for Kids to Celebrate Kwanzaa and Nguzo Saba
Kwanzaa is a celebration in the U.S. that honors African heritage. It is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, ending with gifts and a feast. Kwanzaa features customs from different traditional African celebrations that include singing, dancing, storytelling and African drums.
Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Beginning and Early Readers for Kids
Staff sent in some of their favorite 2024 books that fall into our JZ and JE category. JZ are the books for young readers that are beginning to read on their own and typically these books have very controlled vocabulary and still a lot of pictures. (Think Piggie and Elephant; Bob books; Yasmin). JEs are books that introduce a longer narrative and sometimes chapters or vignettes; contain more content; characters that have depth and experiences. (Think Magic Treehouse or Bad Guy series)
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot has been adapted into an animated feature film that is premiering in theatres this fall. Shipwrecked on a deserted island, a robot named Roz must learn to adapt to its new surroundings. Building relationships with the native animals, Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling. If you have read or watched The Wild Robot…try one of these!
Join Us for Storytime!
- Event: Storytime at College Avenue – Babies
- Date & Time: Friday, December 20, 10:30am
- Location: College Avenue Branch
- Description: Mothe Goose is on the Loose! Babies up to 24 months and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays, and fun! Each session is followed by playtime just for babies.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Tales ‘n Play Storytime
- Date & Time: Friday, December 20, 11:00am
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Stop in for some stories, music, and fun! Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to join the Learning Curve for a storytime! Afterward, all are welcome to stay for some open playtime.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Paws to Read at Spades Park
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 10:30am
- Location: Spades Park Branch
- Description: School-aged children who are beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to Winston, a registered therapy dog, who loves to listen to stories. Sign up for a 15 minutes session in a non-judgmental setting. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence!
- Register Here
- Event: Paws to Read at Fort Ben
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 11:00am
- Location: Fort Ben Branch
- Description: Children who are reluctant readers are invited to read to a registered therapy dog. This activity can help young ones improve their reading skills and self-confidence. Participants may sign-up for a 15-minute reading session by visiting the Fort Ben branch or by calling 317-275-4570.
- Register Here
- Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
- Date & Time: Monday, December 23, 6:30pm
- Location: Lawrence Branch
- Description: Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
- No Registration Required.