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.
The Wheels on the Bus
… go up and down!
Back to school season will be here before we know it. These picture books feature the wonderful yellow vehicles that take us to school and back home.
Going to School is Giving Me the Jitters!
Going back to school can be exciting, but it can also make you feel like you’ve got butterflies in your tummy! Here are some picture books that I hope will help!
I know most children have been back in school for a while, but I’ve gotten two requests related to this topic in the last couple of weeks, so I figured I would make a list! Some of the books are a bit older, but after going through quite a few books, these are my favorites on the topic.
For more stories and at-home activities about starting school, try Online Storytime: Starting School.
Mindfulness and Meditation Picture Books and Juvenile Nonfiction
Mindfulness and meditation can be a great part of improving and maintaining healthy mental and emotional well-being. Here you will find picture books and some juvenile nonfiction that display and teach the principles of being mindful and meditating.
Picture Books and Juvenile Nonfiction About Mental Health and Illness
Each year has a Mental Health Awareness Month and a Suicide Prevention Month, but mental health is important all year long! If your young one or someone close to your family is struggling with their mental health, then some of these titles may help them understand themselves or others better.
As many of the forewords and afterwards within these titles share, please reach out to a professional if needed. These books are meant to help, not treat on their own.
Ohana Means Family
“Ohana means family” is a phrase made popular from the Lilo & Stitch movies. While you won’t find Lilo or Stitch here, this list for young children captures the spirit of Ohana, celebrating blood-related, adoptive, and intentional family. Love is what makes a family!
BIG FEELINGS
A part of mental and emotional health is understanding what you’re feeling, so here are some Social-Emotional Learning picture books about feelings and emotions. First, we have some books that deal with a variety of emotions, and then there are titles that relate to one emotion. Because fears are such a part of growing up (at least for some of us), the last few titles are about facing fears (stage fright, swimming, the dark, etc.).
Favorite Toddler Books
An informal list made for a friend. It has minimal annotations and features my favorite books for toddlers.
Indigenous Picture Books
Indigenous picture books offer a wonderful way to introduce children to the diverse cultures, stories, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. Many picture books feature Indigenous characters and themes, often highlighting traditions, family connections, and the importance of the natural world. Many of the books highlighted below are award-winners.
I’m Hungry!
Lets run a restaurant! These books are all about hamburgers and hotdogs and running a restaurant!
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.
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)
Join Us for Storytime!
- Event: Storytime at Michigan Road
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 10:30am
- Location: Michigan Road Branch
- Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Bilingual Storytime at Wayne – Baby and Toddler
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 10:30am
- Location: Wayne Branch
- Description: Babies and toddlers up to age 2 with an adult are invited for an active class featuring stories, songs, and rhymes followed by socialization and playtime with age appropriate toys.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Paws to Read at Irvington
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 6:00pm
- Rescheduled Date & Time: Tuesday, August 19, 6:00pm
- Location: Irvington Branch
- Description: Beginning or reluctant readers ages 6 – 11 are invited to take a turn reading to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence. Children may read from any book they choose.
- Register Here
- Event: Paws to Read @ Glendale
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 6:00pm
- Location: Glendale Branch
- Description: Beginning or reluctant readers ages 6 – 11 are invited to read to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence. Register online or call the branch at 317-275-4410, ext. 4.
- Register Here
- Event: Storytime at Eagle – Pajama Time!
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 7:00pm
- Location: Community Location
- Description: Families with children ages 3 – 8 are invited for a fun-filled storytime featuring stories, music and activities! Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffie for bedtime! No registration is required!
- No Registration Required.