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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The Littlest Yak: Home Is Where the Herd Is
Featured on the TODAY Show!
This heartwarming follow‑up to The Littlest Yak and The Littlest Yak and The New Arrival takes Gertie and her family to new pastures.
When the ice starts melting, it’s time for the yaks to move on and find a new mountain. Gertie’s mum tells her that home is about more than the things that you pack, but Gertie’s not so sure. She tries to squash and squeeze everything they own onto her sled.
But, oh no! It seems she’s left behind the most important thing of all . . . her baby sister, Dotty! All at once, the items she’s packed for this trip don’t matter much without Dotty, and Gertie realizes perhaps home isn’t about the things you have after all.
From the award-winning team that created The Littlest Yak, this second companion book following The Littlest Yak and The New Arrival shows our charming protagonist in a new situation that will be familiar to most readers—whether they have moved homes themselves or simply desire a sense of community and support through big life changes. The Littlest Yak Home Is Where The Herd Is will reassure young readers that as long as your loved ones are around, the feeling of home will follow you anywhere. -
The Little Engine That Could: 90th Anniversary
Celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Little Engine That Could with this all-time classic reillustrated by Caldecott Award-winning artist Dan Santat! A perfect gift for all the milestones in your life--from graduation to birthdays and more!
The kindness and determination of the Little Blue Engine have inspired millions of children around the world since the story was first published in 1930. Cherished by readers for ninety years, The Little Engine That Could is a classic tale of a little engine that, despite her size, triumphantly pulls a train full of wonderful things to the children waiting on the other side of a mountain.
This anniversary edition features the original text, all-new reimagined artwork and an introduction from Caldecott Medal-winner Dan Santat, and a special letter from Dolly Parton, award-winning singer-songwriter and founder of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. -
A Bear Is a Bear (except when he's not)
When Bear wakes up early from his hibernation, he can’t remember what he is! Is he a bird? Or a moose? Maybe a fox? Just when it seems like Bear won’t be able to figure it out, he finds his cave and decides another nap might help. Will Bear be able to remember what he is when he wakes up again in the spring?
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All My Stripes
A helpful story for kids with autism spectrum disorders as they follow a young zebra who learns to understand how he is different from the rest of his classmates.
Zane the zebra often feels different. He worries that his classmates don't notice his "curiosity," "honesty," or "caring stripes," just his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes, including his "autism stripe," as the unique strengths that make him who he is.Includes a Reading Guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders and a Note to Parents and Caregivers with tips for finding support.
Excerpt:
All My Stripes provides readers a small yet enlightening glimpse into a day in the life of a young, smart, caring, honest, and curious zebra named Zane. Zane is experiencing challenges at school often associated with autism spectrum disorders. This story can serve as a teaching tool for caregivers—such as parents, grandparents, and teachers—to help other children and family members understand the various challenges individuals on the autism spectrum face on a day-to-day basis. Those that are highlighted in this story are discussed in more depth in the Reading Guide. -
Watch Out for the Lion!
Readers beware—there’s a ferocious lion in this book! The book warns that it has seen the lion already. First its bristly tail, then clashing claws, twitchy ears, fearsome fangs... and it’s lying in wait to turn any unsuspecting passerby into a child cheeseburger or rugrat ravioli.
But does a brushy tail always belong to a lion? When you touch the curvy claws, will they be attached to a paw? You never really know what might be lurking around the corner in this surprising story that challenges readers to face their darkest fears, and maybe even laugh about them. -
Taylor Swift
Learn about the glittering story of Taylor Swift! The talented singer-songwriter who dreamed of sharing her talent with the world.
Little Taylor grew up on her family’s Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. Her life changed at six years old when she attended her first concert. Dancing and singing in the crowd as country musician LeAnn Rimes performed, Taylor fell in love with country music. Some of the kids at school didn’t understand, but Taylor managed to shake it off.
She took her first steps towards stardom by recording a demo of cover songs and sending it to record labels in Nashville, the home of country music. Yet while she enjoyed singing others’ songs, she knew all too well that she needed to express herself in her own words. When she began writing her own lyrics and melodies, her talent for putting feelings into words shone through.
After signing with a record label, she started working on her first album: Taylor Swift. It became very popular, very quickly. Soon, she had earned a number one single on the country music charts.
Next, she released her second album, a country-pop record named Fearless, it was a hit, and suddenly everyone knew her name. She won a Grammy and started to write more pop music for her albums—all the while keeping storytelling at the center of her work. Several albums and sell-out world tours followed. Despite the obstacles in her way, Taylor has always stood up for what she believes in and always believed in herself!
This powerful book will never go out of style. It features quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Taylor’s life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
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Force of Nature
A beautiful and hopeful story of how a young impassioned naturalist grows up to change the world. For everyone who cares about our fragile planet.
"An absolute joy to read." --Book Riot
"Gracefully written...pleasing to the eye and ear." --Kirkus Reviews
Rachel was a girl who loved
science and the sea,
books and writing
and all the creatures of the world.
Rachel was quiet,
a listener by nature.
But when she saw problems,
she could not remain silent.
Some people thought girls
shouldn't be scientists.
They thought girls
shouldn't use their voices
to question or challenge,
even to protect
all the creatures of the world.
Luckily Rachel didn't listen
to them.
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The Story of Barbie and the Woman who Created Her
A beautifully illustrated picture book about Barbie--the most famous doll in the world--and her visionary creator, Ruth Handler.
After noticing how her daughter played with "grown-up" paper dolls, Ruth Handler wanted to create a doll that would inspire little girls to use their huge imaginations and big dreams about their futures. While others told her it wasn't possible, Ruth Handler proved them all wrong by creating the most famous doll ever. This beautiful hardcover picture book will inspire children ages 3 to 7 to believe that anything is possible--especially with Barbie!
Since 1959, Barbie has shown girls that they can live their dreams. From an astronaut to a chef to a president, she knows that girls can do anything! -
Who's Afraid of the Light?
Fergus lives down in the deepest, darkest sea and is scared of just one thing ... the light! Fresh and funny narrative non-fiction from the award-winning Anna McGregor.
From award-winning creator Anna McGregor (author of Anemone is Not the Enemy) comes this hilarious tale of the deepest of sea creatures. Seamlessly combining humor, narrative, and non-fiction, McGregor introduces young readers to the wonders of the ocean's 'midnight zone', where no sunlight at all is able to penetrate. We meet Fergus as he hides from a parade of sea-creatures that use bioluminescence to find their way in the dark. At least, we think he is hiding ... or is it something else entirely?
This book is ideal for:
- Educators and librarians looking for humorous stories to use as a launching pad for further non-fiction investigation into the ocean environment;
- Parents and carers looking to combine narrative and non-fiction to entertain and educate their children simultaneously;
- Kids who just want funny books!
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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!
Seasonal Books
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Joy to the World!
“A sweet journey around the globe to 13 countries and cultures that features how families celebrate Christmas. The ultra-colorful illustrations fill each page, complete with borders that represent traditional fabrics, tile work, or flora from each country. Readers are pulled into the homes of families celebrating their unique holiday traditions” – The School Library Journal
Though we might gather in different ways, Christmas for many brings meaningful days. Explore Christmas traditions from 13 different countries! From the Day of Little Candles in Colombia to Epiphany night in Italy, rhyming text and bright illustrations capture the joy of the season.- Features Christmas traditions from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Australia, Italy, Serbia, Mexico, India, Iceland, Egypt, Argentina, Philippines, Lebanon, Canada
- Seven pages of educational endnotes dive deeper into each tradition portrayed
- Gold foil cover makes this book a beautiful gift in itself
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We Celebrate the Light
A celebration of seven different winter holidays observed in the US and the traditions that unite them all.
Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year are visually depicted in turn, accompanying a stunning, read-aloud text that speaks of the traditions that link them all together. The warm yet accurate imagery is explained in simple secondary text on each spread, and further in the backmatter. Beloved author Jane Yolen and daughter, author Heidi Stemple, have crafted a loving and poignant story with true reverence for our shared traditions of celebrating light, love, food, and family. An empowering, informative, and inclusive holiday book for families of all traditions. -
Christmas at Hogwarts
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Five Little Penguins: a Lift-The-flap Christmas Picture Book
Five little penguins went out one day; Over the hills and far away. Mamma Penguin said "Hurry back to me!" How many penguins can you see? Join the adorable penguins on a lift-the-flap walk through a winter wonderland. There's so much to see as Mamma Penguin and her chicks waddle through a frosty forest, skate down an icy river and toboggan down snowy slopes. Along the way, they meet all kinds of festive animals playing in the snow. But wait the chicks are disappearing one by one. Whatever are they up to?
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Red and Green and Blue and White
Inspired by a true story, this is a tale of a community that banded together to spread light.
It's a holiday season that both Isaac, whose family is Jewish, and Teresa, whose family is Christian, have looked forward to for months! They've been counting the days, playing in the snow, making cookies, drawing (Teresa) and writing poems (Isaac). They enjoy all the things they share, as well as the things that make them different.
But when Isaac's window is smashed in the middle of the night, it seems like maybe not everyone appreciates "difference."
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A Dragon for Hanukkah
Get ready for the most magical holiday ever, with this dazzling picture book debut from New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski that Laura Numeroff, #1 bestselling author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, called a "delightful, brightly colored celebration of Hanukkah." Destined to be a new holiday classic!
On the first night of Hanukkah, my parents gave me a dragon...
So begins Hannah's holiday adventure, as she receives eight magical presents -- one for each night. There's a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns... and much more. But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she'll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.
Written with sparkling wit and wisdom by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski (Whatever After; Upside-Down Magic), and illustrated with vivid, enchanting art by Ariel Landy, this inventive story celebrates both Hanukkah and the power of a child's imagination.
Includes fun, accessible backmatter that defines key Hanukkah terms!
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La Noche Buena
Nina is visiting her grandmother in Miami for Christmas. Usually she spends it in snowy New England with her mother and her family, but this year is different. She isn't certain what to make of a hot and humid holiday, until she learns the traditions of her father's side of the family from her Cuban grandmother. She helps prepare for the evening and takes part in all their traditions--the intricate cooking for the feast, the dancing, the music, and the gathering of relatives and neighbors. It all comes together for a Noche Buena that Nina will never forget.
Antonio Sacre and Angela Dominguez have created a wonderful story that everyone who celebrates Christmas will enjoy. The book includes a glossary of Spanish words.
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When You Adopt a Pugicorn: The Christmas Wish (A When You Adopt... Book)
A perfect picture-book present from author Matilda Rose and illustrator Tim Budgen,When You Adopt a Pugicorn: The Christmas Wish is a sparkling tale of holiday magic, friendship, and bravery—thanks to the magical Pugicorn!
All the princesses and princes of Fairyland know that if you need a magical pet, the place to go is Mrs. Paws’s Haven for Magical Pets. Mrs. Paws is the idea magical-pet matchmaker for when you adopt!
Everything is set for a perfect Christmas in Twinkleton-under-Beanstalk. There’s just one thing missing . . . snow! Princess Ava dreams of playing in the snow with her pet, Pugicorn. But as Christmas draws near, not a single flake falls from the sky! Can Pugicorn find the courage to make Ava’s wish come true? -
Kwanzaa
Learn all about the traditions of Kwanzaa in this board book from the Celebrate the World series, which highlights special occasions and holidays across the globe.
Joyous Kwanzaa! On December 26th of each year, the celebration of Kwanzaa begins. Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that honors history, family, values, community, and culture. During this time, families gather, songs are sung, and dances and stories and poetry are performed! This festive board book helps teach even the youngest of readers about the celebration and importance of Kwanzaa. -
La Noche Before Three Kings Day
Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore's "The Night Before Christmas," La Noche Before Three Kings Day is a perfect holiday tale.
It's almost Three Kings Day, and while the grownups prepare a large meal, the kids prepare their shoe boxes for los Reyes to arrive later that night. Will they stay up late enough to wish the Kings a Feliz Día de los Reyes? Or will the magic pass them by?
Sing along with a great big familia as they fill up their platos, play their favorite juegos, and wait for the three kings and regalitos to arrive.
This enchanting celebration of a beloved holiday is brought to life through lively rhyming dual-lingual text by Sheila Colón-Bagley with festive illustrations from Alejandro Mesa.
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Biscuit's Christmas Storybook Collection
Merry Christmas, Biscuit! This storybook collection brings nine of your favorite Biscuit titles together for the first time ever! The collection includes Biscuit's Snowy Day, Biscuit Gives a Gift, Biscuit's Christmas Eve, Biscuit's Show and Share Day, Biscuit Wants to Play, Biscuit Visits the Big City, Biscuit and the Lost Teddy Bear, Biscuit's Christmas, and Biscuit Goes to School. With full-color illustrations and delightful stories, this Christmas collection is the perfect holiday gift.
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Snowmen's Twelve Nights of Christmas
A classic Christmas carol told with a hilarious Snowmen twist, from the New York Times bestselling creators Caralyn and Mark Buehner
The Twelve Days of Christmas has never been funnier or more chaotic as an energetic dog chases an elf, peeking penguins, scolding squirrels, and many more snowmen and creatures up a tree.
With a pitch-perfect and jaunty rhyme and illustrations chockful of fun details, this cumulative book from New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team Caralyn and Mark Buehner begs to be read (and sung!) aloud over and over again. -
Red & Green
The classic story of the night before Christmas gets a humorous twist in this engaging holiday picture book filled with die-cuts from the acclaimed and beloved picture book creator, Lois Ehlert.
It was a cold, wintery night, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…except a small mouse!
Follow this mischievous mouse on his late-night holiday adventure. The snow is falling, the tree is decorated, and the cookies are ready for nibbling. Just be sure to keep an eye out for Santa! -
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Celebrate the holidays with Bear and his friends in this sweet picture book from bestselling author Karma Wilson!
Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all! -
A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas
Happy holidays from beloved duo Chick and Pug!
Pug is ready for the holidays in his extra cute--and extra itchy--Santa suit. Chick wants one just like it . . . until Pug explains how Santa delivers presents to kids everywhere all in one night, and Chick can't believe his ears. Clearly, Santa Claus is a superhero! And Chick wants to be his fearless sidekick. Spreading holiday cheer is no easy feat, but Chick is ready and willing, even if Pug, of course, would rather nap.
Brimming with the same humor and charm fans have come to know from their favorite dynamic duo, readers will delight in this new adventure as Chick and Pug celebrate the holiday season.
Upcoming Events
Take & Make Craft- Turkey Headband
Gobble Gobble. Pick up a craft kit in Kid City to make a turkey headband.
While supplies last.
Sing and Sign with Pediatric Interactions
Join us for songs and sign language as your child develops their language and communication skills.
Suggested for ages 1-5 with caregiver.
Sing and Sign with Pediatric Interactions
Join us for songs and sign language as your child develops their language and communication skills.
Suggested for ages 1-5 with caregiver.
Overcooked Gaming Tournament
If you're not overly stuffed after Thanksgiving, maybe you'll be hungry for delicious victory in this Overcooked tournament! Savor the competition as you vie for the highest score and out-chop, out-cook, and out-plate your fellow chefs.
Take & Make Craft - Sleeping Bear
Get ready to hibernate for the winter by weaving your own snuggly quilt for a sleeping bear!
Mini Propeller Car
Build your own mini propeller car with craft materials and a simple circuit in this fun STEM activity!
Art & Literary Magazine: Accepting Submissions!
Are you an artist or an author? Submit your original artwork, poetry, short stories, or personal essays for a chance to be published in the Blue & Berry Bulletin, WAPL's Art and Literary Magazine.
Sing and Sign with Pediatric Interactions
Join us for songs and sign language as your child develops their language and communication skills.
Suggested for ages 1-5 with caregiver.
Take & Make Craft - Popsicle Stick Fox
Celebrate winter reading by making your very own fox friend! Check out our YouTube for easy-to-follow instructions.
Resources for Kids
Creative Bug
Nurture your creative side with 1000+ video classes in painting, knitting, crafting, sewing, and more.
Digital Library of Illinois (Libby)
Powered by Libby (formerly known as Overdrive), we have combined our exclusive e-content titles with other libraries to provide a much larger selection of materials to choose from, while still maintaining first dibs on titles we will continue to add regularly.
Explora
Start your research project here. Explora delivers results from multiple sources including articles, ebooks, essays, and primary source documents.”
Hoopla
Stream & download movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on most any device.
KanopyKids
Browse educational and engaging videos for children of all ages that promote positive social and emotional development and inspire creativity in young minds.
Mango Languages
Language-learning software teaches practical conversation in over 70 languages, with free mobile apps, hands-free learning features, and progress tracking.
NoveList Plus K-8
Great for kids, parents and teachers! Browse recommended reads by age, get book discussion guides as well search titles, authors, plot summaries, and series. Includes lexile scoring for both fiction and non-fiction titles.
Primary Search
Primary Search is a full-text database of carefully curated content for elementary school aged children. It includes full text for the most popular children's magazines, e-books, and easy-to-read encyclopedic entries written specifically for kids.
Tumblebooks
For Grades Pre-K - 6. Watch, listen and read your favorite picture books as they come to life with animation.