Kids

What We’re Reading Kids – May

04/30/25 What We're Reading

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 No veList K-8 Plus or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.

Visit the Farmers Market!

It’s Farmers Market season! Enjoy a visit to a market near you and here are some great books to share with your kids to go along with it!

Cookies for Storytime

Fun cookie stories to read with your littles!

A StoryWalk® Through the Woods at Newfields

Beginning April 19, take a stroll through The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields to read Wake Up, Woods by Michael Homoya and Shane Gibson with illustrations by Gillian Harris. The StoryWalk® is a partnership between The Indianapolis Public Library and Newfields. Find this book and more like it below. We hope you’ll visit soon! Learn more about the grand opening event.

Graphic Novels for Kids

Look at this graphic novel roundup for kids! Read science fiction, history, and romance, you can even find some to read to your pet!

Community Garden Picture Books

The library is flourishing with wonderful picture books about community gardens for kids. You don’t have to have a “green thumb” to thumb through these books! Enjoy!

Twisters

2025 is the 100th anniversary of the Tri-state tornado that hit southern Indiana, Illinois and Missouri on March 19th, 1925 and the 60th anniversary of the Palm Sunday Tornado outbreak on April 11, 1965. Tornadoes are always a popular subject. Here are some chapter books and a few picture books that tiny storm chasers will enjoy.

Community Gardening For Kids

Spring is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and help your favorite grown-up work in your local neighborhood or community garden! Check out these books about community gardens.

Title - Biscuit and Friends Visit the Community Garden

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.

Title - Amari And The Despicable Wonders

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: Construction Zone
Date & Time: Monday, May 05, 10:30am
Location: East Washington Branch
Description: Toddlers 18-36 months can build and then demolish in this hands-on program with the Indiana State Museum. Explore art and engineering with ramps, towers, trucks, and more construction fun! This program will offer a tactile experience to build fine motor and problem-solving skills.
Register Here

Event: Storytime at Fort Ben – Baby & Toddler
Date & Time: Monday, May 05, 10:30am
Location: Fort Ben Branch
Description: Babies and toddlers and their grownups are invited for stories, songs, coloring/crafts, and playtime.
No Registration Required.

Event: DAR Storytime at Beech Grove Library
Date & Time: Monday, May 05, 6:00pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Learn about our country’s history by joining us for a storytime hosted by the Samuel Bryan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Kids will listen to a story and make a craft while learning about the Revolutionary War era.
No Registration Required.

Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
Date & Time: Monday, May 05, 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.

Event: Storytime at Franklin Road – Babies
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 06, 10:30am
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Babies from birth to 18 months are invited for stories, lab bounces, songs, and other early literacy activities!
No Registration Required.

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