Coping during COVID-19: A Message for Parents
Parents of young kids, this time is hard. For you, for your kids, for everyone. Our staff is here to help us all figure it out, together.
Keep readingWe will be closed December 24 and 25.
Youth Services
Parents of young kids, this time is hard. For you, for your kids, for everyone. Our staff is here to help us all figure it out, together.
Keep readingDrum roll, please! Announcing this year’s Hot and Cool Summer Reads lists!
Keep readingSome science fact, some science fiction, all science fun. Books for preschoolers through grade 5.
View listBooks to share with little ones that can provide some inspiration, perspective, and comfort when the world feels like a scary place.
View listEnjoy these books focusing on Jewish Americans for babies through grade 8.
View listThese audiobooks for families with kids in grades 4-8 are perfect for listening on a road trip, or a cold winter night, or bedtime, or whenever. These titles are available as CDs, downloadable audiobooks, or preloaded audiobooks.
View listThese are some of our favorite books to share with kids in grades K-2 featuring Indigenous and Native American people. We focused on books with Indigenous authors and illustrators.
View listWe celebrate the freedom to read by highlighting books that have been banned, censored, or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.
View listThese are some of our favorite books to share with babies through preschoolers featuring Indigenous and Native American people and stories. We focused on books with Indigenous authors and illustrators.
View listThese picture books emphasize the importance of being kind to everyone.
View listWe celebrate the freedom to read by highlighting books that have been banned, censored, or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.
View listTurn a rainy day into an indoor adventure with these books.
View listSight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing--these books are designed to take you on a sensory adventure.
View listBooks to help you dare to dream.
View listBooks can help families approach issues like diversity, racism, empathy, and our differences and commonalities. This is a collection of books for grown-ups to share with young kids (preschool-2nd grade and up) to spark discussion and help address these tough issues. There are many additional guides to help parents broach these topics. [This is one of our favorites](https://booksforlittles.com/racial-diversity/).
View listWhether you want to read about the great outdoors or go outside and get your hands dirty, these books will get you started.
View listFor our friends of the earth who are ages 3-8, this collection of books introduces the problem of littering and offers some practical suggestion for things we can all do.
View listThis handy guide to imagining and creating activities and adventures in your backyard and beyond includes books for all ages.
View listAs young children move beyond family, they have the opportunity to make friends. While exciting, making friends requires social and emotional skills and resilience. Here are some of our favorite picture books to foster these skills in a fun way, as well as parent guides. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listBedtime is an important routine, and it's not always an easy one. These picture books--some laugh-out-loud funny, some quiet, some interactive--offer lots of ways to entice your little one to bed and chase away their fears. Parenting guides offer helpful solutions. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listMath opportunities are everywhere, from sorting laundry to cooking to looking for patterns in nature. Early math achievement is highly predictive of later math and reading success, so check out these engaging picture books and caregiver guides that will foster the idea that math learning is for everyone and can be a fun part of kids' everyday lives. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listEnjoy reading these special books together to help your child navigate the excitement and anxiety that can come with the transition to preschool. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listAchieving a balanced media diet in this time of pervasive technology is a huge challenge for parents and caregivers, both for themselves and for their children. These engaging picture books and parent guides can help. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group
View listManaging emotions can be challenging for adults and can be even more difficult for young children experiencing powerful feelings for the first time. These titles provide guidance and strategies through stories and breathing exercises to empower children to recognize and express their emotions in healthy ways. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listNot only are rhymes lots of fun to hear and say, they also serve as building blocks for reading readiness. Rhymes help children notice the sounds in words and encourage play with those sounds--important steps toward becoming a reader. Filled with clever and creative rhyming stories and poems, this varied list of titles is sure to delight. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listBooks to share with your children that will not only engage them but will also help them develop healthy ways to express their emotions and resolve conflicts. Guides for caregivers offer strategies for discipline guided by compassion and positive reinforcement. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listBooks featuring LGBTQ+ characters, topics, and themes for babies-grade 2.
View listOur favorite books of 2020 to share with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
View listOur favorite books of 2020 for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
View listOur favorite books of 2020 for kids in 4th and 5th grade.
View listOur favorite books published in 2020 for kids in middle school.
View listWe're celebrating the extraordinary legacy of John Lewis, a lifelong civil rights activist and legislator. Learn about his life and how you can change the world for the better by standing up and speaking out for your beliefs.
View listRiveting nonfiction for kids in grades 3-6 who haven't found the right book yet.
View listEngaging, fast-paced fiction for kids in grades 3-6 who haven't found the right book yet.
View listEnjoy these page-turners from some of the best writers of nonfiction. Daring rescues, scientific mysteries, horrific crimes, tragic lives--they're all here. And they're all true!
View listYou'll be amazed by all the excitement packed into these fabulous, fact-filled books! From the mysteries of nature, to the icy terrain of Antarctica, and all the way to the moon--we guarantee there is something here for you.
View listThese youth titles present fascinating women who made (and are making) our world a better place through their hard work, dedication, and emotional and physical strength.
View listBe inspired by the lives and creative passions of extraordinary women artists and creators. Enjoy these picture book biographies and great stories to stir your artistic imagination.
View listHelp your little ones discover the world around them and awaken their curiosity about distant places or creatures that lived long ago.
View listDelightful poetry books for younger kids, featuring animals, nursery rhymes, counting, silliness, and one great big cuddle!
View listPoetry for kids who don't think they like poetry! Funny, snarky, and heartwarming poetry books that are quick to read and stay with you for a long time.
View listSome novels in verse are a collection of related poem stories, while others tell just one story using a poetic writing style. Either way, here are some of our favorites for kids in grades 1-4. We hope you find them interesting and inspiring.
View listNovels in verse are stories told in poetry rather than prose. Here are some of our favorites for middle school students.
View listBooks featuring LGBTQ+ characters, topics, and themes for kids in grades 3-8.
View listHow can kids and families become better stewards of our planet? What does Earth need more of and, even more important, less of? Find the answers with these books for kids of all ages.
View listThere's a wealth of natural beauty right here in our community. These books are designed to help kids and families learn about and embrace the outdoors.
View listAmazing inventions, hilarious mistakes, killer animals (and cute ones), families of all kinds, and so much more! Our team of experts chose their favorite titles--from picture books to early chapter books--for the youngest readers. Vote for your favorites, watch videos and more on our [Summer Reads page](http://www.skokielibrary.info/summer-reads).
View listFrom dramatic rescues to chilling horror, to political romance, these books will keep you turning the pages! Vote for your favorites, watch videos, and more on our [Summer Reads page](http://www.skokielibrary.info/summer-reads).
View listSecrets, quests, magic, friendship, mysteries, bravery, and everything in between! These books will keep you guessing, make you laugh, and inspire you. Vote for your favorites, watch videos, and more on our [Summer Reads page](http://www.skokielibrary.info/summer-reads).
View listGreat stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View listGreat stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View listGreat stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View listEven when the kids are older and ready for chapter books, reading aloud together is still a great way to share stories--whether it's at the end of the day, on vacation, on a rainy day, on a snowy day, whenever! These titles are long enough to enjoy for more than a few sittings for families with kids in elementary school and beyond.
View listIf your child or children are ready to listen to a chapter book, see the titles in this list. These are in a number of formats: CD, downloadable audiobook, or preloaded audiobook--so they are perfect for long road trips! For the preschool crowd, we have a "Books with CDs" picture book section in the library. These books have an accompanying CD that can be played in cars that still have a CD player.
View listEven when the kids are older and ready for chapter books, reading aloud together is still a great way to share stories--whether it's at the end of the day, on vacation, on a rainy day, on a snowy day, whenever! These titles are long enough to enjoy in one sitting or a few sittings for families with kids in early elementary grades.
View listWe celebrate the freedom to read by highlighting books that have been banned, censored, or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.
View listThese books feature Hispanic characters, settings, and stories, with a focus on Hispanic authors and illustrators.
View listThese books explore how to find reliable sources, and how to spot fake news, disinformation and misinformation for kids in preK through grade 7.
View listFrom picture books, to nonfiction, to beginning readers, to chapter books, these terrific books are sure to delight kids in grades K-2 and their grown-ups.
View listMysteries, friendships, vampires and dragons, a magical train, two goats, two elephants, a life-changing game, and more. This year's books will keep you guessing, make you laugh, and inspire you.
View listStaff favorites from 2021 for kids in grades 6-8.
View listBooks by and about Native and Indigenous people and communities for kids ages 8 and up.
View listBooks by and about Native and Indigenous people and communities for kids ages 0-8.
View listStaff favorites from 2021 to share with kids ages 0-5.
View listStaff favorites from 2021 for kids in grades K-3.
View listStaff favorites from 2021 for kids in grades 4-5.
View listThe Hot Summer Reads list for 2022 includes graphic novels, horror, romance, political thrillers, and much more!
View listGet ready to go back to school with these great books!
View listThese books will help you and your child think about personal and family boundaries in varied, important ways.
View listChapter books with pictures allow readers to experience books on multiple levels. Great tools for encouraging new readers, pictures can tell their own story. They can also deepen the reader's understanding of the narrative.
View listMovie adaptations of beloved books can be polarizing. Here's a list of children's books that have been adapted into movies--whether we like the movie better or not!
View listBeing worried or anxious is not just for grown-ups: kids feel these things too. These books will help kids identify how they're feeling and learn to manage their feelings so they don't overwhelm them. Part of our big topics for little kids booklist series focusing on grades pre-K-2. Find more books on worries and anxiety: bit.ly/BigTopicsWorry2
View listOffering both visual and narrative elements, graphic novels offer multiple points of entry into a story, creating a deep and rich reading experience. Here are a few we really love!
View listMost kids in this age group still love to share picture books with their grown-ups, and many are ready for more sophisticated stories and topics, some of which we've included here.
View listFrom magic to friend stories to humor, mystery, and folklore, this list is packed with great stories and characters.
View listFrom fantasy to finding your own voice, from making bad decisions to living with the consequences, from friendships to romance, there are a lot of books here to love.
View listIt's important for grown-ups to enjoy the books that are meant to be shared with the littlest readers. These are some we think everyone will enjoy!
View listAs kids in grades K-3 become more independent readers, they start to branch out from their still beloved picture books. It's a great time to explore lots of different topics and types of books.
View listThe number of great graphic novels is growing exponentially, and we couldn't be happier to suggest these 2022 selections, as well as some good nonfiction for kids in grades 4-5.
View listThese books explore the feelings of burnout so many face. Pragmatism, empathy, commiseration, and advice for making welcome changes are common themes throughout this list.
View listFor Black History Month, our youth team is celebrating the extraordinary life of John Lewis, who stood up and spoke out for civil rights for more than 60 years. Here are some wonderful books about activism for our youngest citizens.
View listWhat can kids do to be embody the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other activists for change? Here are some great books to help inspire kids of all ages to stand up against injustice.
View listStudies have shown that even very young children will help adults without being asked. These books have been selected to help caregivers nurture this capacity in our children to make the world a better place. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View listTake a dangerous journey through a violent city, witness a deadly competition for potent magic, watch a socially terrified teen suddenly find herself in the middle of the popular group, and more. You'll want to read all of these awesome books!
View listCats in space, magic, and special grandparents! Enjoy these and much more in our favorite fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction for kids in grades 3-5.
View listFrom picture books to easy readers to graphic novels to chapter books, these are some of our favorite books for kids in kindergarten-grade 2 and their grown-ups. They're easy to find right near the Kids desk.
View listThese picture books that feature Muslim kids and families are great for sharing with young kids.
View listThese are the books about feelings, emotions, and mindfulness (plus a few more) shared on episode 1 of *Your Family, Your Library.*
View listGreat stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View listThese are the books about social anxiety (plus a few more) shared on episode 2 of our "Your Family, Your Library" podcast.
View listThese books feature Hispanic characters, settings, and stories, with a focus on Hispanic authors and illustrators.
View listThis selection of books encourages family engagement and fun both inside and outdoors all summer long.
View listThese books address the layered, often overwhelming, nature of parenting. From relationships to work to childcare; it's all complicated and you're not alone!
View listWhether it's incarceration, a job, the military, deportation or another reason for a child to be missing a loved one while they are away, these books help to normalize the situation and help kids feel seen. Part of the Big Topics for Little Kids series, these books are for sharing with kids in grades PreK-2nd.
View listGetting kids to try new foods can be challenging. Here are some books that might help. Part of the Big Topics for Little Kids series, these books are for sharing with kids grades PreK-2nd.
View listThese books will help you and your children into a new school year and beyond.
View listThese books tackle all sides of friendship--from how to meet firends to how to keep them close, or knowing when to turn the page.
View listThese books will help you tackle, or embrace, bedtime and its many challenges.
View listSome of our favorites for beginning readers, along with good information for caregivers on helping your child become a reader.
View listThese books will help kids understand climate change and what we can all do to make a difference.
View listThese books will help you understand climate change and what we can all do to make a difference.
View listWe loved this year's graphic novels and nonfiction for kids in grades 3-5. On this list, you'll find funny books, fantasies, realistic fiction about kids trying to fit in, adventure stories, and more.
View listThese are some of our favorite 2023 readers, chapter books, and nonfiction for kids in grades K-2. The list includes books for kids just learning to read all the way through independent readers. Also see the staff picks list for Grades K-2 Picture Books.
View listThese are books we think grown-ups will love to share with the littlest readers in their lives. They range from silly to unusual to deeply meaningful and everything in-between.
View listYou'll find books about fitting in, family struggles, romance, friendship, and grief in these books perfect for middle schoolers.
View listFrom a new Percy Jackson book to mysteries to stories narrated by animals to fantasies to books about families who migrate to America, this list has staff favorites for every kind of reader!
View listMany kids in grades K-2 love to share picture books with their grown-ups, and these books were specially chosen for this age group. Also check out the 2023 list for readers, chapter books, and nonfiction for grades K-2.
View listThese books dive deep into changing our relationship with failure and learning how to build empathy and resilience so we can better accept ourselves and others.
View listThese books for kids in grades 3-5 feature Muslim kids and families.
View listThese books will help and inspire you and your family to find ways to process the hard moments in life and to empathize with the suffering of others in mindful and constructive ways.
View listThese books help to dispel (or maybe add to) common myths of parenthood and bring different perspectives on challenges caregivers and birthing people face.
View listThese are some of our favorite books to share with kids in grades 3-5 that feature Indigenous and Native American people, stories, and information . We focused on Indigenous authors and illustrators.
View listBooks featuring Hispanic characters, settings, and stories, with a focus on Hispanic authors and illustrators.
View listEnjoy these books with Jewish characters, stories, and themes, focusing on books by Jewish authors and illustrators.
View listMany kids love to share picture books with their grown-ups, and these books were specially chosen for this purpose. Also see the 2024 staff picks list of readers, chapter books, and nonfiction for grade K-2.
View listBreezy Reads are our picks for the youngest readers in grades K-2, including picture books, early readers, and chapter books.
View listMagic, mysteries, misfits, and mayhem are just a tasty morsel of what you’ll encounter in this year’s list of great fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction for kids in grades 3-5.
View listThese books explore how we can better take care of ourselves and protect our relationship with our partner, as well as help our kids develop self-care skills.
View listThese fiction and nonfiction books for all ages explore the effects siblings have on our families and our lives.
View listFrom funny to fantasy, realistic to historical, there's something for every middle-schooler to love here.
View listFrom books about zombies to escape rooms to spies to time travelers to spooky stories to friend and school stories , this list has staff favorites for every kind of reader.
View listThese are books we think grown-ups will love to share with the littlest readers in their lives. They range from silly to unusual to deeply meaningful, and everything in-between.
View listSaying goodbye is never easy, no matter how young or old you are. These books will help you feel, process, and navigate through the emotions and realities of various types of goodbyes.
View listIn this list, you'll find funny books, fantasies, realistic stories about kids trying to fit in, true adventure stories, and more.
View listThe list includes books for kids just learning to read, through independent readers. Also see the staff picks list for picture books for this age group.
View list