Children's books - not just for kids!

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, June 2019; written by Ann Marie Meiresonne.

New Books in children’s are not only for the kids.

In picture books Crafty Llama: A Story about Crafting, Friendship and the Very Best Gifts by Mike Kerr and illustrated by Renata Liwska with darling pictures of llama and friends speaks to those of us who want to share the joy of making one’s own gifts to give.

There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher and illustrated by Greg Abbott is a bright funny interactive read-aloud featuring a baby dragon who starts a fire in the book with a sneeze. A very entertaining read to share.

Peter H Reynolds book Say Something a book for all ages about how the world needs your voice either in words, art, music, poetry, courage, or with your presence. I would read this book to middle grade and high school students to start discussion on how their voices may be heard on important issues.

And one more delightfully illustrated book about how a little family explores their new neighborhood is The Littlest Family’s Big Day by Emily Winfield Martin. This book is so full of great detail that when reading it to a Head Start class each student pleaded to spend more time pouring over every single page.

A non-fiction children’s title A Kid’s Herb Book for Children of all ages by Lesley Tierra and illustrated by Susie Wilson has super content about the secret gift of herbs with recipes for herbal steams, remedies, uses and crafts. A great read for adults and kids.

In the chapter book new reads hands down my current favorite is Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr. This book, translated from Norwegian, is a non-stop hilarious adventure with a young girl, whose best friend is her 70 year old godfather, and who gets into lots of mishaps with style. I want Astrid to be my best friend. Great read-aloud or on your own read.

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Maras is a close second for my current favorite. This historical fiction takes place in medieval Scotland with the youngest child and only daughter of the leader of a war-band. The adventure begins immediately and is a page turner to the end. Plus there are historical notes following to dive in deeper to this time in history. The sequel, The Hunt for The Mad Wolf’s Daughter, is new to the library and just as exciting.

These are a few of the great new titles available at the Ketchikan Public Library for your summer reading pleasure. Remember there are opportunities for all to participate in a Summer Reading Program.