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 Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever
Every family who ever spent a sleepless night with a newborn baby will feel seen in this hilarious new book about the uncanny ability of babies to stay awake FOREVER—from a mom who's been there.
They tried lullabies, they tried cuddles, they tried soothing words. But now it's 3 a.m. and the baby has achieved a new level of consciousness. Throwing binkies, climbing the crib . . . Is this baby going to stay awake forever?!? (Even the neighbor would like to know.)
Parents and siblings of new babies will share some BIG laughs together as they follow a VERY tired family trying to get just a few minutes of rest while their precious one jumps, pounds, yells, and even throws a 1 a.m. dance party.
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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
Seasonal Books
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The Easter Surprise
Fern the bunny wakes up one morning to a surprise: a beautifully decorated egg! She's soon joined by Mo the kitten, the goslings, the puppies, and even the lambs on an egg hunt all around the farm. But who is hiding them? The baby animal friends will have to solve this Easter mystery together to find out.
With vividly evocative photo illustrations, John and Jennifer Churchman bring to life a delightful story based on real animals and events on their Vermont farm. -
The Golden Egg
Little Duck is hunting for a very special Easter egg. She searches high and low with the help of her forest friends, but where will they find the golden egg? Children will be delighted by this fun Easter egg hunt as they discover colorful foil-stamped surprises hidden under gatefold flaps on each page. Accompanied by beautiful watercolor illustrations, this simple rhyming story and hide-and-seek game is the perfect addition to any Easter basket.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Easter Egg Hunt
Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar on a fun lift-the-flap Easter egg hunt!
Meet friendly farmyard animals and lift the flaps on every page to help The Very Hungry Caterpillar hunt for Easter eggs. Will you find them all? This is a delightful seasonal lift-the-flap adventure with big flaps that are perfect for little hands. -
Uni the Unicorn: Easter Bunny Helper
Celebrate spring with Uni and the Easter Bunny! The little girl is so excited for the Easter Bunny to visit and especially for the great Easter egg hunt. But, uh oh! The colorful Easter eggs are missing! Uni the Unicorn is happy to help. They check the trees and flowers and the garden, but still no eggs! It just might take a little Uni magic…
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Bunny's First Spring
Easter Story, written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones, is a wonderful story told through the perspective of nature that prompts children to explore the joy and excitement in the resurrection of Jesus. Alison Jay’s whimsical illustrations reflect the beauty of nature and the immense adoration God has towards us, and Sally Lloyd Jones’ inspirational text moves along with the creatures that prompt children to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ.
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The Twelve Days of Springtime
The frost is melting and it's time for spring! That means field trips, planting school gardens, and discovering new friends for this adventurous class as their teacher introduces them to the season one gift at a time. Two turtle ponds, four ladybugs, and a class full of curious kids equals a whole lot of fun!
Young readers will love following the students' hilarious misadventures as these rambunctious kindergartners explore the delights of spring, including mud, frogs, and baby farm animals. The whimsical illustrations reveal new surprises on every page.
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Wake Up, Woodlands
Celebrate the promise and potential of spring in this effervescent follow-up to Woodland Dreams.
Oh, the promise of spring and a new day! A honeybee, bear cub, bunny, squirrel, fawns, and more wake up as the landscape brims and bursts with spring firsts. In this beautifully illustrated picture book follow-up to their beloved bedtime book, Karen Jameson and Marc Boutavant offer a lyrical and reassuring ode to the morning and a celebration of a new season, affirming the power of greeting the day with energy, positivity, and hope.
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The Passover Parrot, 2nd Edition
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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Paulie's Passover Predicament
Paulie the moos-ician can hardly wait to host a Passover seder for his friends. Unfortunately, his seder doesn't turn out quite the way he planned. Will the hunt for the afikomen make the evening a success?
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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. -
The Gift of Ramadan
Sophia wants to fast for the first time in this Ramadan tale.
Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly—and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate. This lovely multigenerational family story explores the many ways to take part in the Ramadan holiday. -
A Ramadan to Remember
Ramadan is almost here! It's Zain's favorite time of the year.
Well, it usually is. After a recent move and with no mosque or Islamic school in his new neighborhood, will Zain find a new Muslim friend to celebrate with him?
Children will learn what makes the ninth Islamic month special from pre-Ramadan decorating, the importance of fasting and volunteering in the community, and the festivities and prayers that continue through the month, ending with Eid al-Fitr.
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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.
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Luck of the Unicorn
A four leaf clover! A ladybug! A rainbow! The unicorns are seeing good luck charms everwhere, and that means the day must be full of good luck. But what's at the end of a rainbow? Uni and the little girl are curious and excited to go on an adventure
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The Leprechaun's Gold
In this classic Irish legend, two harpists -- merry-hearted Old Pat and ill-spirited Young Tom -- set off for a contest to name the finest harpist in all of Ireland. When Young Tom realizes that Old Pat is truly the better musician, he schemes to be the winner -- but he doesn′t reckon with the clever trickery of a mischievous little leprechaun.
Noted picture book creators Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole have imagined a joyful and fanciful tale with a priceless lesson.
Upcoming Events
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.
Quack-a-Palooza
Duck on over to Kid City for some quacktastic fun.
The Great Library Chase
Sign up with a friend and come in between March 21 and 30th to work together to solve a mystery using books and clues in Kid City.
Take & Make Craft - Rock-a-Duck
Take a quack at making your very own rocking duck. Check out our YouTube for easy-to-follow instructions!
Upcycled Cork Fairy House
Paint a miniature fairy house on a recycled object for some springtime whimsy.
Take & Make Craft - Spring Butterfly Breathers
Create a calming moment with these custom Butterfly Breathers. Check out our YouTube for easy-to-follow instructions!
Book Buddies
KIDS-
Readers looking for a new way to gain confidence and practice reading skills? Kids will enjoy being partnered with a young volunteer buddy. Enjoy great books, a relaxed reading time and making a new friend.
TEENS-
Take & Make Craft - Spring Umbrella
Keep dry during April showers with this 3D umbrella art. Check out our YouTube for easy-to-follow instructions!
Paper Lanterns
Design and build your own paper and wood lantern.
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.