Tails & Tales Summer Reading Picks for Kids

 

Summer Reading 2021 is underway! We have reading challenges for all ages. Sign up today by picking up a reading log at the library or you can participate online! Visit our website for all the details.

This year's theme is "Tails and Tales". So, get your young readers inspired with these amazing animal stories!

Crossings by Katy Duffield 

This exciting non-fiction book shares amazing examples of crossings like bridges and tunnels built by animal lovers around the world to help animals safely move through human construction. Recommended for grades 2-3.

Like a Lizard by April Pulley Sayre 

Discover how lizards live by learning about 28 different types of lizards! Written by April Pulley Sayre, an amazing nature photographer (though this book is  wonderfully illustrated by Stephanie Laberis). Check out Sayre's many other nature loving books! Recommended for grades K-3.

Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq

While not about any animal specifically, this is about a young girl's first camping trip and developing a love of the outdoors. Perfect for kids who are less than enthusiastic about being out in the wild! Recommended for PreK-Grade 1.

Lion and Mouse by Jairo Buitrago

A modern retelling of this classic tale from Aesop's Fables. This story of an unlikely friendship is sure to make you smile. Recommended for grades K-3.

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins

This book has a fun, interactive element that encourages readers to guess what animal is featured on each page. You'll learn about the amazing things animals can do with their tails, ears, eyes, and more! Recommended for PreK-Grade 1.

The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter by Shabazz Larkin

This sweet book features a poem from a father to his two sons about his love for his children and the bees that make so much possible in our world.  Recommended for PreK-Grade 1.

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes

A lovely bedtime story following a young child as they go through their nighttime routine. Beautiful illustrations showcase the child's wild imagination. Recommended for PreK-Grade 1.

Anamalium by Jenny Broom and Katie Scott

Take a trip to a museum in the pages of this book. 160 animals are featured with lovely detailed illustrations. The book is quite large making it fun to page through as you learn new animal facts. Recommended for grades 1-5.

Ice Cream Social

 

The Friends of the Eager Free Public Library are bringing back a beloved Evansville tradition, their ice cream social! This year’s event will take place on Friday, June 25th from 6-8pm at Creekside Place located at 102 Maple Street, Evansville WI. Drive through or walk up to support the Friends of the Library! The Friends provide us with financial support for our collections and programs. Here's a link to the Facebook event for more details.

Here are some sweet reads for you and your kids to enjoy all about ice cream!

Saffron Ice Cream by Rashin Kheiriyeh

Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

Wemberly’s Ice Cream Star by Kevin Henkes

Curious about Ice Cream by Bonnie Bader

How is Ice Cream Made? By Grace Hansen

Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs by Eric Litwin

Gorilla Loves Vanilla by Chae Strathie

The Little Ice Cream Truck by Margery Cuyler

If You Like Elephant & Piggie

The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems is a stand out for beginning readers. Kids and adults love the back and forth from Gerald (the elephant) and his best friend, Piggie. They are funny, the right balance of challenging and accessible for beginning readers, and all around a joy to read. 

So, what to do when you've read them all but want to keep the fun going?! Here's a list of some other series and books for beginning readers who love Elephant and Piggie. 

Unicorn & Yeti by Heather Ayris Burnell

These two magical friends might seem like opposites, but they have a lot of fun together. These are illustrated in a graphic novel style. 

Croc & Ally by Derek Anderson

A grumpy crocodile and a happy-go-lucky alligator are best friends. Each book has a few stories about this charming duo.

Fergus & Zeke by Kate Messner

The adventures of two cute mice, one a class pet and another who lives at a museum.

Snail & Worm by Tina Kügler

Stories about two quirky friends that's sure to make you smile.

Fox & Chick by Sergio Ruzzier

These books are perfect for graduates of Elephant & Piggie who are reader for books that are a little longer and more challenging. You'll find these funny and sweet books in our first chapter book collection. 

Doggo & Pupper by Katherine Applegate

A first chapter book about old Doggo and his new playmate, Pupper by the author of The One and Only Ivan. 

Pizza & Taco by Stephen Skaskan

What a combo! These walking, talking foods are the stars of some very silly stories.

The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel

Meet the slug, the bat, the worm, and other so called disgusting critters who are actually adorable and quite funny in these books.

 Happy Pride Month, Evansville!

There are some fun festivities organized by Building a Safer Evansville going on around town this month. Check out their Pride month calendar for more info!

Here are some great board books for families celebrating Pride with their little ones. We also have displays up in our adult and teen areas, so if you're looking for a book for an older reader, stop by to check one out!

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer 

Baby’s First Words by Stella Blackstone

My Two Dads and Me by Michael Jooston 

My Two Moms and Me by Michael Joosten 

Pride 1 2 3 by Michael Joosten 

Our Rainbow by Little Bee Books 

Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson