Patch Picks: Great Reads For Kids From Your Local Library

Who doesn’t love a party? Celebrate a belated Read Across America Day (which coincides with Dr. Suess’ birthday, March 2) with these picks from local librarians.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (For ages 8-11)

This is a touching story about a young girl named Minli who lives in the Fruitless Mountains with her struggling family. Every night her father tells her tales of the mean Jade Dragon, who keeps the mountain bare of food, the greedy Magistrate Tiger and the Old Man of the Moon, who guides destiny. In an effort to aid her struggling family, Minli sets off on an adventure to find the Old Man of the Moon and meets an interesting cast of characters inspired by Chinese folklore, including a king who helps her. This book is on the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award List.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas (Toddlers/Preschool-1st Grade) 

This is the story of three dust bunnies named Ed, Ned and Ted who love to rhyme all day. Unfortunately, they are so busy rhyming that they don't notice Dust Bunny Bob trying to warn them of impending danger. Seriously. Vacuum cleaner maybe? This book is on the Illinois Monarch Award List. P.S. Don't tell the other books, but we think this story sounds awesome.

The Squeaky Door by Margaret Read MacDonald (Preschool-3rd Grade)

Everyone can relate to being afraid of things that go bump in the night, (heck we get scared during the day too). This is the story of a little boy who's afraid of a squeaky door and his kind grandmother who comforts him with stuffed animals until he feels safe enough to fall asleep. Awwww. This book is on the Illinois Monarch Award List.

Rainbow Fairies Early Reader Series by Daisy Meadows  (For ages 4-8)

This very popular series centers around seven fairy sisters and their adventures in Fairyland. These books have simple story lines that are easy for youngsters to follow and focus a lot on colors and familiar items.

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion by Mo Willems  (For ages 4-8)

For anyone who has ever lost a favorite toy on a vacation...this new book is from one the Des Plaines Library's favorite authors. Follow the adventures of Trixie and her beloved stuffed Knuffle Bunny, this time all the way on a family trip to China! Unfortunately Trixie leaves Knuffle Bunny on the plane! Oh no! Though her parents encourage her to be tough (after all she's getting to be a big girl) she can't help but be down about losing her bunny. That is until she dreams of him and all of the fun he is having. On the trip home Trixie finds Knuffle Bunny on the plane and though tempted to return home with him, she hands him over to a crying baby, because she is becoming a big girl and the baby needs it more than she does. Hence, she is Knuffle Bunny Free! (Pass the Kleenex now please...)

Diamond Willow by Helen Frost (For ages 10-130

The story of a girl and her dog. Willow lives in Alaska with her Anglo father and Indian mother. While she is a modern girl, she is eager to learn more about her traditional culture from her maternal grandparents. When an accident occurs, blinding her beloved dog, Roxy, Willow's parents are eager to put the dog down. Willow of course will have nothing of it and she and Roxy set off on an adventure across the Alaskan wilderness.  This book is on the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award List.

Author Helen Frost will be appearing at the Des Plaines Library in April. Dates coming soon.