Welcome to Kid City!
This page is dedicated to kids from birth to 8th grade. Our website is an extension of the great resources we offer in person at Kid City. Browse the calendar to see all the upcoming events for kids of all ages. Use the Recommendations for Kids tile to see our newest book suggestions from staff. If you need more personalized book recommendations please use Book Picks for Kids tile. Have a look at the Reading Challenges Tile to make sure your child is signed up for all current reading programs.
We hope you will come check out your Library and discover, engage, and explore our many play-based educational features. Our welcoming staff will assist you with registration, book recommendations, or a take- home craft. Kid City provides a space for you and your child to blast off into a world of fun.
Staff Picks for Kids
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This Is Not a Drill
Told through text messages, this timely story explores the real dangers kids face with humor, insight, and a ton of heart.
Ava is having a really bad day. Her parents are getting divorced. She just had a big argument with her two best friends. And she forgot to charge her phone... again.
To top it all off, while she is hiding out in the bathroom over lunch, the alarm goes off for a lockdown drill. Ava knows the rules. She has to get herself into a classroom, turn the ringer off on her phone, lock the door, and cover the windows. But all of the rooms have already been locked from the inside and there is no one in the halls.
Pretty soon she realizes there is an intruder in the building. This isn't a drill.
From the author of From Me to Youand House Arrest, comes this timely that explores both the effect of school lockdown drills and the relatable struggles of modern middle grade friendship.
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MapMaker
From Lisa Moore Ramée, author of the Walter Honor Award-winning A Good Kind of Trouble, comes her debut middle grade fantasy--an absorbing, imaginative adventure about a Black boy who has the magical ability to bring maps to life. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and A Tale of Magic.
When Walt and his family relocate to Blackbird Bay, Walt thinks it's the most boring place on earth. While his twin sister, Van, likes to spend her time skateboarding, Walt prefers to hide out in his room and work on his beloved map world, Djaruba. But shortly after their arrival, Walt discovers something extraordinary: He has the ability to make maps come to life.
Suddenly his new hometown doesn't seem so boring after all. And when a magical heirloom leaves Walt, his new friend Dylan, and Van stranded in the fantastical world that Walt created, he'll need to harness his new power to get them home.
But things are changing. People have gone missing, and it's clear that a malevolent rival to the kingdom--a fellow mapmaker--has nefarious plans for Walt. If he's not stopped soon, Djaruba could become nothing but a shadow of itself or, worse, gone forever. And if a mapmaker can destroy one world, could Earth be next?
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The Leaf Thief
Perfect for fans of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, The Leaf Thief is a funny picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons.
Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree--red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends.
With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of autumn is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a leaf thief afoot, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change--both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic.
Pick up The Leaf Thief if you are looking for:
A classic read for ages 4 and up
Back to school books, ideal for your classroom, homeschool curriculum, and more!
Seasonal and educational stories about the changing seasons
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I See Sea Food
Meet some of the wackiest creatures under the sea--creatures that look like food--through eye-catching photos and engaging text. This funny, informative book introduces readers to the egg yolk jellyfish, the lettuce sea slug, the chocolate chip sea star, and many more! Accessible text and engaging photos make this a very fun read.
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You Are a Reader! / You Are a Writer!
Two rhyming books in one that inspire and encourage children who are learning to read and write.
You are a Reader! / You are a Writer! is a book made to be read twice, once from the front and once from the back. Read one way, children will see all the joys that reading can bring--flip it over and they'll be inspired by the imaginative possibilities of writing!
With a jaunty rhyme that’s great for reading aloud and a diverse cast of characters at various stages of reading and writing, there is something for everyone here. Learning to read? Scan, sound, simmer, think. You can guzzle words and ink. You might stumble, you might sigh. But readers practice, grow, and fly! Learning to write? Wake, watch, wonder, plot. You can weave with words and thoughts. Still staring at an empty page? Every writer knows that stage. Ask "What if?" Change your view. Try a pen--or stick--that's new. But writers read and draft, and fly!
Throughout the book are suggestions for where to find inspiration for reading and writing and different ways to move on if you are discouraged. Christine Davenier's energetic illustrations add to the fun in this true celebration of what it means to be a reader and a writer, no matter how accomplished you are or aren't.
Praise for Snowy Race
"A girl gets to ride on her dad's giant snowplow in this delightful rhyming tale. They race through the heavy snow, but it's not clear where they're going until they arrive at the train station. . . Prince's (What Do Wheels Do All Day?) text is intriguingly spare, letting Davenier's (The First Thing My Mama Told Me) softly exuberant wintertime scenes shine." --The New York Times
Rhyming, minimal text coupled with fetching illustrations by Davenier expertly convey the exhilarating drama of entering into a snowstorm as well as the comfy feelings of being in a warm house while the weather is frightful. --School Library Journal
A winning, winter race. --Kirkus Reviews -
The Biggest Roller Coaster
Siblings Fritz and Franny have fun trying all the rides at the amusement park in this early reader from Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler!
Pick a Book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!Get ready to ride! Fox siblings Fritz and Franny -- and their faithful dog, Fred -- are spending the day at the amusement park. After sizing up the tallest, fastest, and loudest rides they can find, these foxes come together on the perfect coaster. Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler's easy-to-read text and humor-filled, full-color artwork will have young readers everywhere laughing out loud!
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I Am the Longest Dog
From the co-author of the hilarious national bestseller All My Friends Are Dead comes a very tall tale about a very long dog--with a very big surprise at the tail-end! Lucy is the world's longest dog, but just how long is she? Like, are we talking pretty long? Or super-crazy number-one-record-breaking BANANAS long? See for yourself in this hilarious picture book by best-selling author-illustrator Avery Monsen. (Warning: the dog is very long.)
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Front Desk
Four starred reviews and over ten best-of-year lists!* Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!* Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewMia Tang has a lot of secrets.Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
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The Maze Runner
Perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games, this special movie tie-in edition of the first book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series, The Maze Runner, features an eight-page full-color insert with photos from the film. The Maze Runner movie and its sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, feature the star of MTV's Teen Wolf, Dylan O'Brien, as Thomas; Kaya Scodelario as Teresa; Aml Ameen as Alby; Will Poulter as Gally; and Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Newt! And look for James Dashner's newest novels, The Eye of Minds and The Rule of Thoughts, the first two books in the Mortality Doctrine series.
If you ain't scared, you ain't human.
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.
Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.
Everything is going to change.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
Remember. Survive. Run.
Praise for the Maze Runner series:
A #1 New York Times Bestselling Series
A USA Today Bestseller
A Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of the Year
An ALA-YASLA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick
"[A] mysterious survival saga that passionate fans describe as a fusion of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and Lost."--EW.com
"Wonderful action writing--fast-paced...but smart and well observed."--Newsday
"[A] nail-biting must-read."--Seventeen.com
"Breathless, cinematic action."--Publishers Weekly
"Heart pounding to the very last moment."--Kirkus Reviews
"Exclamation-worthy."--Romantic Times
[STAR] "James Dashner's illuminating prequel [The Kill Order] will thrill fans of this Maze Runner [series] and prove just as exciting for readers new to the series."--Shelf Awareness, Starred
"Take a deep breath before you start any James Dashner book."-Deseret News -
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
In this hilarious tale of justice gone awry, poor Alexander T. Wolf has been framed and wants to let the truth be known. "Witty illustrations get right to the meat of the matter. . . . A tasty treat".--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. Full color.
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Charlotte's Web
Sixty years ago, on October 15, 1952, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web was published. It's gone on to become one of the most beloved children's books of all time. To celebrate this milestone, the renowned Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo has written a heartfelt and poignant tribute to the book that is itself a beautiful translation of White's own view of the world—of the joy he took in the change of seasons, in farm life, in the miracles of life and death, and, in short, the glory of everything.
We are proud to include Kate DiCamillo's foreword in the 60th anniversary editions of this cherished classic.
Charlotte's Web is the story of a little girl named Fern who loved a little pig named Wilbur—and of Wilbur's dear friend Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider who lived with Wilbur in the barn.
With the help of Templeton, the rat who never did anything for anybody unless there was something in it for him, and by a wonderfully clever plan of her own, Charlotte saved the life of Wilbur, who by this time had grown up to quite a pig.
How all this comes about is Mr. White's story. It is a story of the magic of childhood on the farm. The thousands of children who loved Stuart Little, the heroic little city mouse, will be entranced with Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and Fern, the little girl who understood their language.
The forty-seven black-and-white drawings by Garth Williams have all the wonderful detail and warmhearted appeal that children love in his work. Incomparably matched to E.B. White's marvelous story, they speak to each new generation, softly and irresistibly.
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The Amulet of Samarkand
Nathaniel is a magician's apprentice, taking his first lessons in the arts of magic. But when a devious hot-shot wizard named Simon Lovelace ruthlessly humiliates Nathaniel in front of his elders, Nathaniel decides to kick up his education a few notches and show Lovelace who's boss. With revenge on his mind, he summons the powerful djinni, Bartimaeus. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling him are two different things entirely, and when Nathaniel sends the djinni out to steal Lovelace's greatest treasure, the Amulet of Samarkand, he finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of magical espionage, murder, and rebellion.
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Naptastrophe!
From the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo.
From the creator of Punk Farm and the acclaimed Lunch Lady graphic novel series comes a hilarious romp about one little girl's insistence that she does NOT need a nap.
It's a tale as old as time--naptime, that is.
Lucy is not tired, not tired, NOT tired.
She is not going to nap today.
Lucy is an expert at staying awake.
But when running errands with her dad, it's suddenly way too LOUD. The lights in the store are way too bright.
It's . . . a naptastrophe!
With vibrant, charming illustrations and a relatable main character, this hilarious story is the perfect reminder to parents and kids that you only miss out on the fun when you skip your nap!
Praise for Punk Farm:
"Never have 'Old MacDonald' and 'The Wheels on the Bus' seemed so hip." --NPR
"Laugh-out-loud funny. . . . Fans will definitely want a return engagement. Rock on!" --Kirkus, starred review -
Holes
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER - NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER
Dig deep in this award-winning, modern classic that will remind readers that adventure is right around the corner--or just under your feet!
Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. But there are an awful lot of holes.It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment--and redemption.
A smart jigsaw puzzle of a novel. --New York Times
*Includes a double bonus: an excerpt from Small Steps, the follow-up to Holes, as well as an excerpt from the New York Times bestseller Fuzzy Mud. -
Socks
Socks is one happy cat....
He lives with a nice young couple called Brickers who play with him, pet him, feed him treats, and always have a warm lap for him to sit in. Then a new baby joins the family Suddenly, the Brickers are sharing their laps and love with Charles William, and Socks is getting into trouble. He runs from a phantom dog, wrestles with Nana's best wig, and fights Old Taylor the tomcat for his territory. But as Charles William grows, Socks discovers that he has a new friend and a new way to be a part of the family.
A purr-fectly hilarious portrait of life with a baby from a cat's point of view.
Seasonal Books
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Zahra's Blessing
Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing.
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The Very Impatient Caterpillar
This clever send-up of every child's biggest challenge -- being patient! -- is a STEM-friendly, laugh-out-loud comedy about metamorphosis.
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A Unicorn on a Unicycle
A unicorn, animals driving cars, and fireworks! Counting numbers is a ton of razzle-dazzle fun for everyone!
Follow along with a cool cast of critters as they parade down a road, led by unicorn a unicycle. Let’s count all the wheels on their scooters, bikes, and cars as they go by! 1, 2, 3… How many wheels can you see at the Zoom-Zoom-Whee Jamboree?
Math lovers will enjoy searching each spread for wheels to count as they’re introduced to a variety of vehicles alongside their 1 through 10 numbers. Each time a new animal joins the unicorn's parade, critical thinkers can be encouraged to keep cumulative track of the total number of wheels.
BONUS CONTENT: Grow with numbers 1 through 100 on the endpapers!
With so many opportunities to use the book beyond rote memorization, you'll want to grab this jolly read for your little learner's bookshelf today! -
The Tooth Fairy vs. the Easter Bunny
The Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny go head-to-head in this silly picture book perfect for anyone who's ever lost a tooth or found an Easter egg!
After going head-to-head with Santa on Christmas Eve, Blue completed his mission to collect a child's lost tooth, earning him his Tooth Fairy Badge. Now that he's officially a Tooth Fairy, he's on his way to that child's house once again. But when he gets there this time, he runs into the Easter Bunny--who makes it clear that he works alone. Can Blue convince the rude rabbit to let him stay, or will he be forced to hop out in a hurry? -
St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come!
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a collection of funny and festive poems from the author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Grab a shamrock and start searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, because it's time for St. Patrick's Day! From wearing celebratory green clothing to trying out some Irish dancing, these sweet poems — plus a page of stickers! — from best-selling author D. J. Steinberg are the perfect way to embrace some St. Paddy's luck and fun! -
Purr-Im Time!
In this happy, rhyming romp a group of exuberant kittens get into some feline mischief as they celebrate Purim and explain the holiday to young children.
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Peppa's Rainbow
Peppa visits the biggest, most colorful rainbow ever in this gorgeous 8x8 storybook with a special fact sheet! Based on the hit TV show as seen on Nick Jr.
Peppa loves rainbows! She and her friends will discover how rainbows are made in this storybook with a special fact sheet. Will they find a treasure at the rainbow's end?
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Peppa Pig and the Earth Day Adventure
Recycling, a visit to the Botanical Gardens, and a ride in an electric car--it's all part of Peppa and George's Earth Day celebration!
It's Earth Day, and Peppa and her family are celebrating with a visit to the Botanical Gardens. But first, there's recycling to sort and compost to collect. Then they're off in Daddy Pig's electric car! At the gardens, everyone enjoys seeing and learning about the many plants and the colorful wildflowers, which the bees love almost as much as Peppa does. There's even a surprise outside--one that's wet and squishy and just right for jumping in! -
Peek-a-Boo Little Chick
A little chick looks for mama in this adorable, springtime peek-a-boo book that has soft, felt touch-and-feel flaps throughout!
A little chick is looking for mama! This sweet peek-a-boo book with felt flaps throughout will have young readers looking under the soft, easy-to-lift flaps to help the little chick find mama! -
The Passover Parrot
It's Lily's turn to say the Four Questions at the Passover Seder, but nobody will help her practice. Things change with the arrival of Hametz the Parrot. Clever Hametz not only helps Lily but solves the puzzle of who stole the afikomen! Back by popular demand, the newly illustrated The Passover Parrot will delight a new generation of children.
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No Bunnies Here!
From the author of Wordy Birdy and the illustrator of The Very Impatient Caterpillar comes a hilarious picture book about a super-sassy bunny who tries to save himself and his cotton-tailed pals from a wolf by conning him into thinking they are not bunnies, despite the fact that a.) they are very clearly bunnies and b.) more and more (and more!) bunnies keep showing up. How many bunnies are in this book? A LOT!
Young readers and their parents won't be able to stop giggling at this chatty, boisterous, fur-filled, fun-filled caper.
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The Nature Adventure Book
Get curious, get creative, get outside!
Get close to nature with this outdoor project book. This is the perfect gift for adventurous children, as they play their way through 40 crafts and games to be done outside.
Inside the pages of this activity book for kids, you'll discover:
- More than 40 inspiring outdoor activities split into four sections: adventure skills, nature detective, wild art, and sensory games
- Outdoor crafts that are explained clearly through beautiful photography and step-by-step instructions
- Colourful and fun pages with illustrations mixed in throughout about fun things to do in nature
Nature is a destination, but you don't have to travel anywhere to find it! Perfect for kids aged 5-7 years, this nature book includes heaps of ideas for outdoor fun that can be done on-the-go, in your neighbourhood, or at your local park. It's the ultimate way to keep even the tiniest of explorers entertained for hours.
From leading a friend on a journey to meet a tree and building a twig raft to collecting leaves on a nature walk and creating nature-inspired art, children will love discovering the magic of nature. It's the perfect gift for adventurous kids who love being outdoors and for parents looking for creative outdoor projects and an escape from digital entertainment. -
Mouse Seasons
The first new original Leo Lionni picture book in nearly 30 years, featuring the beloved mouse Frederick as he guides his fellow mice--and young listeners--through a joyous celebration of the seasons.
There is more than one way to prepare for a long winter, as Frederick tells his friends in the classic story. Gathering food and other supplies is important, but gathering the smells, sounds, and sights of a beautiful day to recall later are just as vital. How one little mouse cheers his entire community and prepares them for a full year ahead is a story that young children will love. -
Meet the Hamantaschen
You've met the latkes, you've met the matzah...now it's time to meet the hamantaschen in this zany Purim story!
There's a problem with Purim!
The Purim play is about to start, but the megillah is missing! Without the scroll that recounts the Purim story, how can the show go on? Never fear: three determined hamantaschen—
DETECTIVES!
Right. Three determined DETECTIVES are on the case. With the help of a mysterious stranger and a few disguises, the detectives uncover the facts so the true story of Purim can be told.
In this companion to Meet the Latkes and Meet the Matzah, holiday mistellings have never been so fun. -
Maisy Goes on a Nature Walk
Maisy and her friends are going on a nature walk! This First Experiences book entices children into the great outdoors.
Hooray! Maisy is packed up and ready to go on a nature walk. Everyone is excited when her friends meet up at the park entrance. They’re surprised at how many plants and animals live at the pond, from lily pads to ducks to ladybugs, tadpoles to fish and dragonflies. When they head into the woods, they find the animals to be shy—is that a deer, or even a fox? Looking closely at leaves and under logs helps in spotting small creatures like ants and earthworms. And when they hear birds high in the trees, Maisy uses binoculars to get a better look. Little ones on their first nature adventure and seasoned hikers alike will be happy to share their experience with their favorite mouse and her pals.
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