New books for kids

“The First State of Being” by Erin Entrada Kelly, winner of the 2025 John Newbery Medal. This is an excellent read. Set in the months before Y2K, this book revolves around an apartment complex and 2 of the kids who live there. Intertwining themes of community, fear of the unknown future, diversity, economic differences and time travel make for an intriguing read. The time travel aspect is very well done – and helps break 1999 to life for kids who were not alive during that time in a relatable way. Throughout the story there are little hints dropped that tie in together at the end of the book in a very satisfactory way. Highly recommended!

“To See an Owl” by Matthew Cordell. This is a beautiful picture book that will resonate with children determined to accomplish a goal. In this instance – to see an owl. The protagonist is a little girl obsessed with seeing an owl. She researches, draws pictures, talks to birders and spends hours and hours outside looking successfully to see an owl. Accompanied by a loving, but less enthusiastic mom (which will resonate with the parents of such determined children), she finally gets a tip from a bird loving teacher and heads out once more. Will she see an owl? You will have to read it and find out! Beyond the beauty of the book itself, I think I loved it so much because I unexpectedly got the chance to see an owl this winter – and it was a truly unique and cool moment that reminds me to spend a little more time slowing down and looking up! 

“The Iguanodon’s Horn” by Sean Rubin. This non-fiction books is a must have for the dinosaur enthusiasts in your home who want to know how we know what we know about dinosaurs. This book goes into the idea that with science we are never done, but that we have to start somewhere. From creatures of myth (like dragons), to the first attempts to assemble bones into complete skeletons, to now considering that the physical features of dinosaurs may be different than was though a few decades ago, this book contains a lot of interesting information that will fascinate readers.

“Like No Other: Earth’s Coolest One-Of-A-Kind Creatures” by Sneed B. Collard III. Another non-fiction book absolutely perfect for your animal and weird facts loving child. Each double spread covers a different on-of-a-kind creature, such as the Aye-Aye (a primate) and the Purple Frog intersecting images with a narrative style delivering of fun facts about each unique creature. Great starting place for a report – or simply a book to enjoy learning new and amazing things.

“Over and under the Wetland” by Kat Messner. Messner is back with a new Over and Under title – this time about wetlands! Reading like a picture book, these books are full of information about, in the case, the animals over and under the wetlands. With plenty of onomatopoeia, a conversation between a child and a grandma relays factual information along with a lot hints of how to observe and listen to the wildlife around you.

“Log Life” by Amy Hevron. The non-fiction book is sure to be a hit will kids who wonder ‘what happens when a tree falls in the woods?’ All the tiny ecosystems that come and go around a deposing log over the course of 1000 thousand years are shown, with little humorous asides from various creatures and fungi that are certain to keep kids giggling while they learn. Perfect to read before a nature walk, it will show what to look for on fallen logs.

“Island of Whispers” by Frances Hardinge. This book is perfect as a read-aloud to younger children who want a little spooky (but not too scary), or for independent readers looking for an adventure. With full page illustrations to pour over, the story is a twist on the Ferryman tale. On this particular island, the dead don’t move on on their own. So the Ferryman takes their shoes on his boat and ferry’s their spirits through an arch to a tower. This story relate the passing of the role of Ferryman to the son who did not expect it, and who was told by his father that the role would not suit him. A story of adventure and self-discovery that will appeal to many.

By Sarah Rehborg

Youth Services Librarian