It has been a busy year for the Children’s Services Department! We had so much fun seeing all of you on Zoom, then back in person in the Storytime Room. We loved making Take-it Make-it kits for you as well as crafting with you in Creativity Park. Most of all we loved sharing books with you and learning about what books you love to read. Here are some of our favorite children’s books from 2021.
Picture Books
Applesauce is Fun to Wear
by Nancy Raines Day, illustrated by Jane Massey
Miss Sarah really liked this rhyming picture book that features babies and toddlers having fun making a mess!
Don’t Say Poop!
by Jimmy Matejek-Morris, illustrated by Fred Blunt
When we hear Miss Marta laughing from her desk, we know it’s probably because she’s reading a poop book! She recommended this silly, tongue-twister picture book all about potty words.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
I loved this book so much, it even made my all-time favorite books list. In this poetic picture book that promotes body positivity, a little girl shares her pride in the shape of her eyes, her family and heritage. Be sure to check out this blog post I wrote that tells a little bit more about why I love this book so much.
Fluffy McWhiskers: Cuteness Explosion
by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Dan Tavis
Miss Andreea could not stop giggling while reading this story about a cat that is so cute, anyone who looks at her goes KABOOM!
I Really, Really Need to Pee!
by Karl Newson, illustrated by Duncan Deedie
Miss Rosemary told EVERYONE how much she loved this funny story. She even read it in one of our Virtual Storytimes this year! In this rhyming picture book, a furry friend learns what happens when you don’t go to the bathroom before you leave the house.
Love Was Inside
by Andrew Joyner
Miss Debbie enjoyed this heartwarming story that can help children process their experiences and emotions during the pandemic. This picture book is about a little girl who looks for ways to stay connected to the people she misses while everyone has to stay inside.
Roar: A Book of Animal Sounds
by Katerina Kerouli
Miss Kathy’s favorite book of 2021 is this interactive animal picture book. The rhyming story made this fun for storytime. Another bonus was the lift-the-flap pages that revealed big surprises!
Juvenile Fiction & Nonfiction
The Last Fallen Star
by Graci Kim
We are so glad Miss Jen has read practically every single book from the Rick Riordan Presents series because she always has an exciting book to recommend! This adventure story features Korean mythology, a relatable tween heroine and loads of magical fun.
My Name is Bana
by Bana Alabed, illustrated by Nez Riaz
Miss Susan called this true story a “great nonfiction book that easily reads like a storybook.” 12-year-old Bana gained worldwide attention after her Twitter post about the war in Syria in 2016 went viral. This young writer tells a powerful story of using your voice and remaining strong during times of crisis.
Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book
by Keila V. Dawson, illustrated by Alleanna Harris
Miss Melisa saw this book on display and was immediately drawn into this true story. Victor Hugo Green loved to travel and sightsee, but it was very difficult for African Americans to travel safely when segregation was legal in the United States. Green created a helpful guide so fellow African American travelers knew of safe vacation destinations to visit. Miss Melisa loved this story so much that she was inspired to create a program on it. Keep an eye out for a special Victor Hugo Green-inspired Take-it Make-it in 2022!
Simon B. Rhymin’
by Dwayne Reed with Ellien Holi, illustrated by Robert Paul Jr.
This book was recommended to me by our friends at The Third Institute. I really enjoyed this story about 5th grader Simon, a young lyricist from Chicago’s West Side. He encounters bullies and is nervous about a big school project, but he uses his love of rap to make a positive change in his community.
There were so many great books from this year that we were not able to include in this post. Did you have a favorite book from 2021? Visit the library and share it with us! We wish you a happy new year and look forward to reading more fantastic books with you in 2022!