Kids

What We’re Reading Kids – April

03/31/25 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.

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!

Take a Wander With Me Under My Big Umbrella

Sometimes it’s nice to fully embrace the rain, to allow it to run over you with your face to the sky…and other times it sure is nice to have an umbrella. The children in some of these picture books like to do both, but somewhere among the pages, you’ll always find an umbrella or two!

My Family Branches Like a Wild Tree

Celebrate Genealogy Day with these great picture books about family trees and families! I feel like big family reunions and gatherings are kind of like a living “family tree,” so there are a few books about that, too. A lot of circumstances can make family trees and “genealogy day” complicated or even painful, so I’ve included books that acknowledge some of those situations. No matter how you define family or draw your family tree, I hope you will find echoes of it here!

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!

Mad Science for Kids

An assortment of science experiments about fossils and dinosaurs and rocks, oh my!

Title - Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures Activity Lab

The Prankster’s Playbook: Fun and Mischief in Children’s Literature

This list celebrates the joy and excitement that mischievous characters bring to children’s stories. These characters often challenge the status quo, encourage creativity, and teach valuable lessons through their adventures. Their playful antics and clever tricks make for engaging and memorable tales that inspire young readers to think outside the box and embrace their own sense of fun and curiosity.

Title - Danny, the Champion of the World

Stories That Unite Us: A Journey Through World Folktales and Fables

This curated list of enchanting books invites children to explore the rich and diverse tapestry of world folktales and fables. From the clever tricks of Anansi the Spider in Africa to the breathtaking adventures of Sinbad the Sailor in the Middle East, these stories connect us to the traditions, values, and imaginations of cultures across the globe. Each tale is a timeless treasure, brimming with life lessons, magic, and wonder.

Title - The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm

Portals to Possibility: Fantastical Adventures for Young Readers

There’s something magical about stepping into a world that’s just a page away from our own. These enchanting books transport children into realms of wonder, where danger and delight walk hand in hand, and the impossible becomes reality. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, each story offers an unforgettable journey into a fantastical world brimming with adventure, courage, and imagination. Perfect for sparking curiosity and inspiring a love of reading, these tales are gateways to worlds you’ll never want to leave.

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

Skateboarding for Kids!

Did you know Skye Brown was only 8 when she became a professional skater, and 13 when she earned the bronze medal in the skateboarding park event at the 2020 Olympics? Check out the list below to get your library kid inspired to start skating this Spring!

Title - The Life-changing Magic of Skateboarding

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: Storytime at College Avenue – Babies
Date & Time: Friday, April 18, 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, April 18, 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, April 19, 10:30am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: School-aged children who are beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to 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, April 19, 11:00am
Location: Fort Ben Branch
Description: School-aged children who are beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to a registered therapy dog, who loves to listen to stories. Sign up for a 15 minute session in a non-judgmental setting. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence!
Register Here

Event: Preschool Tales ‘n Play Storytime
Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 11:30am
Location: Central Library
Description: Stop in for some stories, music, and fun! Preschool-aged children and their families are invited to visit the Learning Curve for a Saturday storytime. Afterward, all are welcome to stay for open playtime.
No Registration Required.

Tags What We're Reading