Tag children's literature

The book cover depicts cartoon images of characters from classical Greek mythology, including Poseidon, Aphrodite, Perseus, and a harpy.

Greeking Out

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The book cover depicts cartoon versions of various characters from classical Greek mythology, including the Cyclops, Athena, Zeus, and three snakes.

by Jean B.

Greek myths are having a moment. From the Percy Jackson series where Greek gods inhabit today’s world, to Madeline Miller’s feminist novel Circe, to the blues and jazz songs driving the hit musical Hadestown, ancient stories keep popping up in new guises.

There’s a reason myths have stuck around for thousands of years. The core elements – the heroes, quests, relationships, life lessons – are memorable and timeless, but not static. These stories can be told in endless ways and the details suited to the times in which we live. They’re riveting and relatable whether recounted around a fire, in a book, on a stage, or even – in our electronic age – on a podcast.  

Enter the epically popular creators of Greeking Out, a National Geographic Kids podcast and book series. This fall, Kenny Curtis, a 30-year veteran of kids’ radio, and his daughter, Jillian Hughes, are bringing their funny, family-friendly renditions of classic world myths to HCLS. The Greeking Out podcast started in 2019 as an extension of the National Geographic book series, Zeus the Mighty, but gained great popularity in its own right and now includes three print books, each a collection of 20 stories and associated sidebars (silly, snarky, informational), as well as comic illustrations, a glossary of people and places with pronunciation guides, and maps of ancient places referenced in the tales. Whew!  Material of mythic proportions! Irresistible titles like “Three Scary Old Ladies and One Dirty Eyeball” and “The Princess, the Cow, and the Giant with 100 Eyes,” instantly pull in readers, young and old alike.

The book cover depicts cartoon images of characters from classical Greek mythology, including Poseidon, Aphrodite, Perseus, and a harpy.

I saw this for myself on September 17, when an enthusiastic crowd at HCLS Central Branch listened with delight to Curtis’s rendition of Persephone’s story. Maybe you think you know it? Probably not like this! How did she really feel about the Underworld? Was she tricked or was she the trickster? Curtis gave his listeners lots to think about. And while the storyteller helped the audience see different perspectives and possibilities, he didn’t have free rein with the facts. Fortunately, the Oracle of Wi-Fi (modern descendant of the one that resided in Delphi, and bearing a close resemblance to Jillian Hughes) weighed in regularly to bestow all-knowing wisdom, definitions, cultural tidbits, and little-known facts. For example, did you know that strawberries are NOT berries? And acorns are fruit?   

An exciting takeaway, for sure, but even more noteworthy was the atmosphere in the room. Demonstrating the power of myth and storytelling skills, Curtis and Hughes held the audience of eight- to ten-year-olds (and their grownups) without screens, devices, or even togas –  just dramatic voices and entertaining material.   

If you’re thinking, “I’ve got to see this for myself!” – you’re in luck! The Greeking Out authors offer two more presentations in October: 

Thursday, October 16 at HCLS Miller Branch at 6 pm

Saturday, October 18 at HCLS Glenwood Branch at 12 pm 

Greeking Out books on sale from local independent bookseller The Last Word, and the authors will gladly sign them. Registration preferred, as space is limited.

The book cover depicts various mythological characters from around the globe, one holding a scythe, one about to eat an apple, and one goddess wearing traditional Hindu dress.

In the meantime, check out a copy from the library: 
Book 1: Epic Retellings of Classic Greek Myths is available in print and as an e-book
Book 2: Heroes and Olympians is also available in print and as an e-book
Book 3: Tales from the Underworld, reaches into myths from other regions of the world. Set to be published on October 7, the latest book can be placed on hold.

While you’re waiting, listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Radio, Spotify, or YouTube. And for kids who just can’t get enough of these classic characters and stories, lots of other entertaining modern versions can keep them reading, including:

Goddess Girls/Thunder Girls by Joan Holub. Available as chapter books, first chapter books, and graphic novels. 

Myth-o-Mania by Kate McMullan. Chapter book series featuring classic characters telling their stories.

Heroes in Training various authors. Short chapter books with illustrations. 

You Choose Greek Myths various authors. Interactive stories put the reader in charge. 

Olympians by George O’Connor. Graphic novel series for kids, each volume about a particular god. 

Weird but True Know-It-All: Greek Mythology by Sarah Wassner Flynn. Trivia for fact fans.  

Be part of something epic and start Greeking Out!

Jean is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch. She loves talking about books with people of all ages, but especially enjoys leading the Heavy Medals book club for fourth and fifth graders, exploring award-winning books of all genres.

A solitary giraffe stands on the golden savanna with a massive, purplish rainstorm in the distance.

Going to Extremes: Tales of Global Adventure with Peter Mandel

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A solitary giraffe stands on the golden savanna with a massive, purplish rainstorm in the distance.

Thu, Jul 24 | 6 – 7:30 pm
online
For adults & teens. Register here.

Join nationally known adventure-travel journalist Peter Mandel for a thrilling virtual exploration of the world’s most remote and extreme locations. Mandel has chased stories from the deserts of Africa to the fjords of Norway, the mountain paths of Japan to the icy wilderness of Antarctica—often returning with unforgettable tales and striking photos.

In this dynamic storytelling event, Mandel shares gripping experiences from the field —surviving a coup in Ecuador, fishing for piranhas in Brazil, floating in the Goodyear Blimp, kayaking to the Statue of Liberty, visiting a ‘city’ of penguins at the South Pole, and more. Along the way, he’ll reveal how these real-life adventures are transformed into powerful prose for today’s newspapers, magazines, and books.

Peter Mandel’s work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, National Geographic Kids, The Los Angeles Times, and more. He has published eleven children’s books, with titles exhibited at the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His books have been translated into several languages, including Japanese, German, Dutch, Swedish, and Danish. Based in Rhode Island, he shares his home with his wife, Kathy, and their rescue cats, Emily and Cecil.

This all-ages virtual program is perfect for curious minds, aspiring writers, world travelers, and armchair adventurers alike. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey around the globe—from the comfort of home.


A colorful boxed set of all seven Chronicles of Narnia books.

Revisiting Old Favorites

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A colorful boxed set of all seven Chronicles of Narnia books.

by Sahana C.

Sometimes mere escapism isn’t enough. Sometimes you need to really dig deep and find a distraction from endless online scrolling, so you can sit down and get back to a book. Sometimes you need to revisit an old – and I mean nostalgic old – favorite.

I’ve been rereading The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis for much of February, after not touching them in any way for maybe 15 years. Let me tell you – some of it really does not hold up. I chose to listen to the books this time, chasing, perhaps, some long-lost childhood feeling of being read to and trying to visualize the world as each chapter progressed. It made all the blatant anti-Arab sentiment a lot worse, and it made obvious the problematic writing of an Oxford don existing safely within the walls of the British Empire at her zenith.  

Still, I found myself caught up in the magic, in the sheer scope of the ever-expanding world Lewis built. Even when the metaphors hit you over the head, even when the pacing is uneven, there’s something about these books — some mix of whimsy, sincerity, heart, and adventure — that draws readers back, generation after generation.  

I’ve read the books in publication order before. This time I went for in-world chronology, and it’s apparent that The Magician’s Nephew is not a strong start to the series, as fun as the story is. As a starting point for the world, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the quintessential Narnia book for a reason – the highs and lows are epic, the enemy looms, and the heroes are authentic and full of heart. The backdrop of the second World War is apparent throughout, and the in-world nostalgia lends a sparkle over the whole story. The wonder of Lucy’s first steps into Narnia and the cozy charm of Mr. Tumnus’ home are hard to beat.

Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader are fun for being some of our first repeats with characters and through-lines within Narnia itself. Despite being one of the worst offenders in terms of blatant Orientalism, The Horse and His Boy will always have a special place in my heart as a pure adventure story, moving from Calormen to Archenland. It’s fun to experience Narnia during the reign of the Pevensies. Much like Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair expands the world around Narnia, giving us Marshwiggles and Bism. It has a heavy atmosphere that leads well into the final, most apocalyptic book, The Last Battle, where finally Narnia ends. Listening to each book (about five hours long each, and available on Libby) does make it obvious that C.S. Lewis had an agenda, but all fairy tales can give us morals if we’re looking.

Do these books still work? Yes and no. There’s plenty to critique, but the sense of wonder remains. If nothing else, rereading them made me realize how much childhood nostalgia smooths over the flaws of beloved books. But maybe that’s what revisiting old favorites is for — seeing them clearly, appreciating what they gave us, and questioning what they left out.  

Sahana is the Communications Strategist at HCLS. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.

The book cover depicts a child and a sleeping dog sitting on steps with light coming through the door behind them; there is also a toy sailboat, a seashell, a green sand bucket, and a small reddish sand shovel.

Summer Reads for Kids

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The book cover depicts two mice standing on green grass, flying an orange kite against a blue sky.

by Eliana H.

If you haven’t checked out our Summer Reading Adventures 2024 yet, it’s not too late to take a look! We have ideas for activities, book suggestions, and prizes for all ages. While the titles on our summer reading lists cover a wide range of topics, I wanted to share some specifically summer-themed books for our younger customers. 

Mouse Loves Summer by Lauren Thompson 

This Early Reader follows Mouse and his big sister, Minka, as they go on a simple summer adventure. On each page, readers are invited to identify something with simple clues and pictures to guide them, providing a great opportunity for interaction between an adult reader and a young child. Asking questions can also invite little ones to make a prediction about what the characters might find next, or you can make connections to experiences you’ve had together! 

The book cover depicts a blue cottage with a brown roof at the seaside or lakeside. There are three sailboats on the water and you can see the distant shore with the blue sky beyond. There is a sandy beach behind the blue cottage and a girl and dog are running in front of the house. There is a small skiff with an oar beached on the sand on one side, and a boxy car parked on the other side. There are sandcastles and beach toys on the shoreline.

The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan 

Perfect for fans of The Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton, this story highlights the special connection we can feel to a place. Every summer, a girl and her family visit the little blue cottage. The girl and the cottage both look forward to their time together, until the girl grows up and her family no longer visits. But finally, when the girl is grown and a mother herself, she brings her family to create new memories in the little blue cottage that has waited for her all this time. This sweet story may be especially meaningful if you have a particular place that you visit regularly. 

The book cover depicts a child sitting on the front steps of a house with an open red door, drinking something from a straw. A parrot-like bird is seated on the sidewalk in front with legs splayed, also drinking from a cup.

Sun by Sam Usher 

In the summer installation of this series sharing the adventures of a boy and his grandfather (see Rain, Snow, and Storm for other seasons and Free for an extra adventure), our two main characters gather provisions and set off for a picnic on the hottest day of the year. Grandad navigates, and the narrator is the lookout, as they seek the perfect spot. But when they find it, a band of pirates is already there! Watch for interesting details in some illustrations, and enjoy the panoramic view in others. 

The book cover depicts two children crouched in the sand beneath a tree, looking at two winged insects that are sitting on the sand.

Natsumi’s Song of Summer by Robert Paul Weston 

Natsumi loves summer, especially the insects she can see during that time of year. This summer will be particularly special, as her cousin Jill comes from the United States to visit her in Japan for the first time. Will they have anything in common? Striking illustrations accompany text written in the form of Tanka poems, a traditional Japanese format that includes five lines with 31 syllables.

The book cover depicts a child and a sleeping dog sitting on steps with light coming through the door behind them; there is also a toy sailboat, a seashell, a green sand bucket, and a small reddish sand shovel.

A Lullaby of Summer Things by Natalie Ziarnik 

After a fun day at the beach, a family winds down and gets ready for bed, despite their dog’s interference. Simple, rhyming text complements illustrations full of action and joy. This would be an excellent choice to bring along to a beach trip and read at the end of your day, remembering the fun you had together. 

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover shows a young woman walking with an elder; both are wearing winter coats, scarves, and hats. There are four bare trees in the background with snow on the branches, and several buildings in the distance with snow on the roofs.

Winter Reads for Kids

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The picture shows a child in a blue snowsuit with a blue and white striped scarf and mittens walking with a colorful cityscape in the background, with red, peach, and yellow buildings and a lamppost. There are piles of snow on the sidewalk and snowflakes falling from the wintry blue sky above.

by Eliana H.

Winter is here! Are you ready to snuggle up with a seasonal book to share with your child? You can find a few of my favorites for various ages below, and feel free to call or visit any HCLS branch to ask for personalized recommendations. Whatever you choose, we wish you a safe, warm, and joyous winter season. 

For youngest readers (board books): 

A Winter Walk in the City by Cathy Goldberg Fishman 

An unnamed narrator walks through a diverse city, counting objects they see along the way, from one to ten. The items seen show that residents are celebrating a range of holidays spanning the winter season. 

The book cover shows some cartoonish mammals with big eyes - a polar bear, a fox, a chipmunk, and a squirrel - surrounding a snowman against a snowy but sunny backdrop. Another chipmunk is scaling a tree limb above the gathering.

Hooray for Snowy Days! by Susan Kantor 

Cartoonish woodland creatures celebrate many parts of a snow day. Getting ready to go outside, enjoying fun snow activities with friends, and cozying back up at the end of the day are all included. 

To share together (picture books): 

The book cover is a photograph of a blue jay perched on a snowy branch of a bare tree.

Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre 

Beautiful, detailed photographs showing nature and animals in real snow and ice accompany rhyming text in this appealing volume. Enjoy the opportunity to take a closer look at what might be a familiar experience, while using some terms that you may not usually choose to talk about snow. Bonus snow facts at the end can help answer questions for curious readers! 

The book cover shows a young woman walking with an elder; both are wearing winter coats, scarves, and hats. There are four bare trees in the background with snow on the branches, and several buildings in the distance with snow on the roofs.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper 

Lina wakes up to a world transformed by an overnight blizzard blanketing everything in snow. But that won’t stop her from going to help her grandma, Sitti, who has trouble seeing, make grape leaves. On the way Lina notices different sounds associated with the snow. After they make the stuffed grape leaves, she shares them with Sitti, and they find one final way to hear snow together. 

For older readers (chapter books): 

Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell 

The book cover depicts two mice in winter clothes, seated at a table with a teapot and teacups. They are next to a window that shows a snowy mountain in the distance.

Cornbread and Poppy are best friends, but they are very different. While Cornbread prepared for winter well in advance, Poppy was too busy enjoying other activities. Now winter is here, and Poppy is not ready! Cornbread would never let her go hungry, but he doesn’t have enough for both of them. The two set off on a surprising adventure to find food to last Poppy through the winter. Enjoy colorful illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell in this beginning chapter book, a great choice for a family read-aloud as well. 

The cover depicts a child seated at the edge of a body of water, with snowy pine branches extending all around and raindrops falling into the blue-green water. The child wears a red duffle vest and a red bobble hat.

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day 

Maisie Cannon is having a hard time. She has been taking ballet since the age of four, and her studio has been her sanctuary and second home. Now twelve, Maisie is months into hard work at physical therapy after an injury, trying to resume her training and catch up with her friends. As Maisie’s family, of mixed Native American backgrounds, prepares for a midwinter trip to connect with their heritages, Maisie struggles with feelings of frustration and disconnection. Although it lacks a simplified happy-ever-after, Maisie is supported by her family and working to find a path through her struggles at the story’s end. 

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover shows four whales in dark-blue silhouette, facing in opposite directions against a lighter blue ocean background. One whale is emitting a breath, which turns into a long white line that connects all four of them together. The title and subtitle of the book are inscribed in white across their bodies.

The Sea-Ringed World: Sacred Stories of the Americas

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The book cover shows four whales in dark-blue silhouette, facing in opposite directions against a lighter blue ocean background. One whale is emitting a breath, which turns into a long white line that connects all four of them together. The title and subtitle of the book are inscribed in white across their bodies.

By Eliana H.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and I’d like to share a special book in honor of that observance. I am writing this post at the Elkridge Branch, and before I begin sharing the information about the book, I’d like to acknowledge the history of the land we are occupying. 

We want to respectfully honor the Susquehannock Confederation who governed, lived, farmed, and hunted on the land now called Howard County. Their nations conceded into land treaties in 1652 and 1661 after English colonizers ended their generational governance and stewardship of the land Howard County is built upon. This practice of land acknowledgement is to honor and respect the indigenous inhabitants both from the past and the present. 

Native Americans are part of our present as well as our past, still living in communities around the Americas despite the atrocities that have been committed against them. While none of us has the power to go back and change the course of history, we can make a step toward greater shared understanding through the power of stories. One source for stories from various Native American traditions is The Sea-Ringed World: Sacred Stories of the Americas by María García Esperón, illustrated by Amanda Mijangos, and translated by David Bowles. 

I noticed this book on our new children’s nonfiction shelf, and I had to pick it up. I was eager to increase my understanding of some of the mythology of the groups that lived here for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. I read the tales aloud to my 10-year-old child, and we were both captivated by the narratives, which were very new to us. As with any mythology, the stories in The Sea-Ringed World explore essential questions of humanity: What is our place in the universe? What are the origins of this world? What happens when we move out of this life? And many others.

Before you begin reading the stories in this volume, I encourage you to peruse the back matter a bit. A note about transcription of Indigenous terms is followed by a pronunciation guide, which is especially helpful if you are reading aloud. In addition to those, you will find “A Quick Guide to Cultures,” along with a map of those cultures, a glossary (including more pronunciation help!), and a bibliography. 

Even if you do not make it through all of the narratives contained in The Sea-Ringed World, it is worth exploring at least a few. Be sure to pause on the striking tricolor illustrations that adorn many of the pages. 

Extra note: I was especially glad for the background knowledge provided by this book when I read Gods of Jade and Shadow!

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover depicts a little girl in a blue print nightgown and ponytails with pink ribbons, in bed with her pink teddy bear. She has hands on her hips as if she is confronting the six monsters surrounding her, whose expressions range from menacing to goofy to friendly.

Mostly Monsterly

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By Eliana H.

Does your family have monsters on the mind? If you’re looking for inspiration for wacky Halloween costumes or just want to enjoy some cute, silly monster stories, look no further. Here are a few of my favorite monstrously fun picture books. 

Monsters Go Night-Night by Aaron Zenz

The book cover depicts a blue monster with orange hair and a dragon-like tail and a smaller orange monster bouncing with gleeful smiles above two white pillows and some white feathers, as if having a pillow fight at a slumber party.

Be prepared for your little one to beg you to read this over and over again. Each page presents a question of how monsters get ready for bed with multiple answer options. Your little one may be surprised, even if you are not, by what monsters use in familiar bedtime routines. 

The book cover depicts a little girl in a blue print nightgown and ponytails with pink ribbons, in bed with her pink teddy bear. She has hands on her hips as if she is confronting the six monsters surrounding her, whose expressions range from menacing to goofy to friendly.

Monster Trouble! by Lane Fredrickson 

Poor Winifred Schnitzel has some trouble with monsters. They keep pestering her at bedtime, keeping her awake, and nothing she tries works to trap them or scare them away! Until one night, Winifred is so exhausted that she’s half-asleep and tries something completely different. Check out this fun, rhyming book to see what you might be able to do to get rid of any monsters bothering you! 

The book cover depicts a blue monster with pink horns and four sharp teeth, wearing a black and white striped shirt and running with arms outstretched.

There’s a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher 

Part of a series of interactive titles, this book comes with its own monster. Oh no! What do we need to do to get rid of it? Follow the directions on each page together and see if you can get this (actually very cute and friendly-looking) monster out of your book. 

The book cover depicts a one-eyed green monster with a red mouth and three teeth, holding a blue bowl of mac and cheese that also has a red mouth and three teeth on the side.

The Monster Mac & Cheese Party by Todd Parr

Todd Parr is a favorite author and illustrator with a very distinctive style and many, many books under his belt. I was excited to see this new one hit the shelves, especially in time for spooky season. A range of different monster-y creatures bring their own twists on macaroni and cheese to The Monster Mac & Cheese Party – no humans allowed! But if the book makes you hungry for some people-friendly macaroni and cheese, check out the recipes at the back to try making your own. 

The book cover depicts a red monster with a little at its side in bed, clutching the bedcovers and looking up and to the side as if frightened.

Love Monster and the Scary Something by Rachel Bright 

Even though Love Monster followed all his usual bedtime routines, he can’t fall asleep. Then, he hears some spooky sounds coming into his house and finds himself even MORE awake! What could that scary something be? What will Love Monster do?

The book cover depicts a child in a monster costume, seated cross-legged and reading a book cloud to a large group of varied monsters, mummies, witches, ghosts and dragons who are arrayed behind. Branches with a few leaves and the moon are above in a night sky.

I Will Read to You by Gideon Sterer 

Another new title that’s a perfect fit for our monstrous menu, this book calls to mind Where the Wild Things Are but with a child who encourages calm rather than clamor. As a mother offers to read to her child, he asks her about who takes care of the monsters! Then, the two walk together to a spot where they summon creatures of all kinds to come and listen to a bedtime story. Mother is supportive and proud, then the two head home for the human child’s turn to be read to. A very sweet perspective on monsters, perfect for your big-hearted little one.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

A child poses in front of pages from the Janey Monarch Seed StoryWalk.

StoryWalk© in the Enchanted Garden

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By Erica C.

A child poses in front of pages from the Janey Monarch Seed StoryWalk.

Visit the Enchanted Garden to discover the amazing journey of the fall Monarch butterfly migration. Now through the end of September, visitors can enjoy a self-guided StoryWalk© in the HCLS Miller Branch Enchanted Garden. The story, Janey Monarch Seed, written by local author Julie Dunlap, is a tale of a girl who is determined to make a difference for the imperiled Monarch butterflies by planting seeds of milkweeds from Texas to Quebec. 

A monarch butterfly in the Miller Branch Enchanted Garden, with marigolds in the foreground and black-eyed Susans in the background.

This story is a lively introduction to monarch biology and ecology that illustrates how our role as active stewards can benefit the natural world we all inhabit. Alongside the tale, sidebars add further details to engage and expand children’s fascination with butterflies and other pollinators. The  StoryWalk© concludes in the Enchanted Garden’s Monarch Waystation, an area of the garden abundant with the caterpillars’ host plant, milkweed. Look closely, as you may find caterpillars munching on leaves or forming their chrysalis. 

A monarch butterfly lands on tall plants near the Enchanted Garden fence.

The  StoryWalk© Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. This particular StoryWalk© was brought together by Cheryl Farfaras of the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.

A series of pages from the Janey Monarch Seed StoryWalk in the Enchanted Garden.

Erica C. is in her dream role as the Enchanted Garden Instructor at the Miller Library. When she’s not tending to the garden, you can find her cycling along the C & O Canal, experimenting with new recipes from around the world, or curled up with her coffee and a good read.

The picture shows a beige tree with green leaves against a pale pink background, surrounded by animals, including a wolf, a tortoise, a buffalo, and a beaver.

Animal Fun on the Summer Reading Lists

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The photograph shows a tiger bathing in a pool of water.
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash.

By Eliana H.

Happy Summer! I’m hoping that you are enjoying lots of fun activities so far this summer, including some of our classes and events. When you’re ready for some quieter fun, of course we always encourage you to dive into a good book. Our Summer Reading Adventures last all summer long, so here are a few suggestions to check out and regain your momentum if the first burst of reading excitement has passed for your student. In particular, these are titles that many an animal lover will be excited to explore. 

K-1: 

Wutaryoo by Nilah Magruder 

The illustration shows the title creature, Wutaryoo, facing a group of animals in what looks like a conversation, against a green-blue sky. The animals include an elephant, a giraffe, a fox, a rabbit, a bird, a buffalo, and a wolf.

In this book, Wutaryoo is a mysterious creature. She doesn’t know her name, so when other animals come up and say “Wutaryoo?” it sticks. Since she can’t answer their question, Wutaryoo asks it back. And each animal tells her their story, of what kind of creature they are and how that type of creature came to be. More than anything, Wutaryoo wants to know her own story, who her people are, and where she came from. So, Wutaryoo sets off on a long journey to try to find out. She walks and swims and climbs and digs. She encounters even more different kinds of creatures and seeks answers for herself. Where does she go, and what does she learn? You’ll have to read the book to find out! 

2-3: 

Horace and Bunwinkle by PJ Gardner 

The illustration shows a dog and a pig, back-to-back, in front of a barn and a fence against a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. A female mallard is perched on one of the fenceposts.

Horace is a very proper Boston terrier who hates dirt and the outdoors. So when his person, Eleanor, moves to a farm called the Homestead, he is NOT excited. Just as he starts to come to terms with this new home, Eleanor adopts a piglet as Horace’s little sister and calls her Bunwinkle. The two couldn’t be more different, and they can’t understand each other at all. Eventually they begin to bond, especially when they start to watch a pet detective show together. Soon they discover a real mystery in their neighborhood when animals start to disappear! Can Horace and Bunwinkle, along with their friends, solve the mystery before it’s too late and one of them disappears?! Read along as Horace, Bunwinkle, and the whole cast of furry and feathered friends – each of whom has LOTS of personality – work together to figure it out. 

4-5: 

Rewilding: Bringing Wildlife Back Where It Belongs by David A. Steen, illustrated by Chiara Fedele 

The picture shows a beige tree with green leaves against a pale pink background, surrounded by animals, including a wolf, a tortoise, a buffalo, and a beaver.

Anyone with much interest in animals will know that, unfortunately, many are endangered. Whether due to habitat loss, over-hunting, or other human activities, people have made it impossible – or nearly so – for some animals and plants to thrive in the places they used to live. This book shares efforts that have been made around the world to help various wildlife make a comeback in the areas where they previously flourished. From toads to lynxes to carnivorous plants, learn about how people have worked to change the circumstances they face and support their success. Beautiful, realistic illustrations help readers envision the flora and fauna being described, and a “What Can You Do?” section at the end inspires action to accompany the learning. 

Eliana is a Children’s Research Specialist and Instructor at HCLS Elkridge Branch. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The photograph is a collage of the six books in the blog post: Garden Day!, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, The Hidden Rainbow, On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring, Spectacular Spring, and Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More. All are against a background of a blue cloudy sky with tall green grasses and pink and white flowers with yellow centers.

A Season of Spectacular Beginnings

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Spring Picks for Little Kids

The photograph is a collage of the six books in the blog post: Garden Day!, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, The Hidden Rainbow, On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring, Spectacular Spring, and Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More. All are against a background of a blue cloudy sky with tall green grasses and pink and white flowers with yellow centers.

By Sylvia H.

Though it is difficult to know if we’ve had our complete winter experience, signs of spring are beginning all around. If you’re ready to welcome spring, here is a selection of books for young children to get you started. As always, if you’re interested in more recommendations, visit your local branch. We will be happy to help!

Spectacular Spring: All Kinds of Spring Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone

“Spring is a season of spectacular beginnings.” In the book, Spectacular Spring by Bruce Gladstone, readers are introduced to facts about the season of spring, including answers to questions like, “How do umbrellas work?” and “How do baby birds hatch?” Following a preview to “Super Summer,” the book ends with instructions for six spring-themed activities, including seed jars, dirt for dessert, and mud painting. Striking photos with bright and bold text make this nonfiction book a great selection for elementary-aged children.

Garden Day! by Candice Ransom

Join the brother and sister duo from Apple Picking Day! and Pumpkin Day! as they prepare their garden for spring along with their parents. From gathering tools to watering their plants, the family works together, having fun along the way. With large print, colorful illustrations, and simple, rhyming text, Garden Day! by Candice Ransom is a great choice for emerging readers.

The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson

Winter is melting away, and one little bee is ready to eat! In Christie Matheson’s adorable story, The Hidden Rainbow, the reader is invited to help the little bee find the colors of the rainbow hidden throughout the garden. Tickle tulip leaves, blow flower buds, and more, as this interactive picture book combines the concepts of colors, counting, and simple lessons about bees and flowers. Preschool readers can enjoy the watercolor illustrations, and everyone will learn something about the importance of bees and pollination.

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

It’s the most anticipated battle of the spring: Mr. McGreely versus three hungry bunnies! Mr. McGreely prepares the garden of his dreams, filled with lettuce, carrots, peas, and tomatoes. He is not, however, prepared for the obstacles he will face trying to protect his garden from the sneaky bunnies enjoying the yummy veggies. Determined to make his garden bunny proof, Mr. McGreely works to make his garden bigger and better. Will it be enough to stop those “pesky puff-tails”? Readers can enjoy cheering for the bunnies or Mr. McGreely in this silly and enjoyable story.

On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring by Buffy Silverman

How do we know when spring is on its way? In this book, readers are introduced to some of the various signs of spring, from the drifting of ice and drooping of snowmen to the warming of flowers and singing of blackbirds. The back of the book provides informative descriptions about the subjects mentioned in the book, great for discussing with preschool and early elementary-aged children. With astounding photography and simple, rhyming text, young readers will enjoy learning how to search the world around them for signs of spring.

Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More! Poems for Two Voices by Carole Gerber

What can be better than learning about the wonders of springtime? Learning about the wonders of springtime through interactive poetry! The poems in this book are made to be read aloud by two voices, delineated through spacing on the page and colors of the text. Readers are introduced to a variety of information about the plant and insect worlds, including seed germination and pollination, in an enjoyable format with bright, beautiful illustrations.

Sylvia is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch. She enjoys crafting, listening to audiobooks, naps, and walks with her dogs in 75 degree-ish weather.