Each month, we share books recommended by local authors or libraries. Be sure to check back and fill your bookshelf with these titles.
The Future Book
By Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris
Do you want to know what the future is like? Turn the pages to get a glimpse at the world of tomorrow and its unexpected words, strange social customs, and mind-blowing colors.
The Day Moon and Earth Had an Argument
By David Duff and illustrated by Noemi Vola
After 4.5 billion years together, Moon has had enough of Earth. So she packs her things and sets off to see what the solar system has to offer. On her galactic tour, Moon sweeps young readers along on a delightful and educational journey.
Rayne Climbs Up
By Tasha L. Wilburn
Tasha Wilburn’s daughter came up with the idea of writing a book about her sister’s arm. It’s more than a book — it’s a movement rooted in awareness, representation, and advocacy for children with brachial plexus injuries and other limb differences. It shows families that children with differences are strong, capable, and full of life. It’s a celebration of courage, inclusion, and sisterhood. Visit tashalwilburn.com/raynesrainbows
Squirrel Lock Holmes: The Pet Rock Mystery
By Ashley Belote
Squirrel detective Lock Holmes investigates the mysterious disappearance of a pet rock in this pun-filled, laugh-out-loud mystery.
Ages 3-8.
Better Than A Touchdown
By Jalen Hurts
NFL star Jalen Hurts’ new book shares an uplifting story about teamwork, perseverance, and what matters more than winning.
Ages 3-8.
A Visit With The Birds
By Sara Levine
A curious child explores the sights and sounds of nature while visiting with birds in this gentle, beautifully illustrated story.
Ages 3-8.
This collection of books was curated by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky. Check out her newest book, “Being Middle.”
Spreading Awareness
April is National Autism Awareness Month, which promotes inclusion and fosters acceptance. For families of all abilities, here are some books you can read with your kids. Curated by Northeast Ohio Parent Editor Angela Gartner:
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism
By Danielle Royer and Shaina Rudolph
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.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
By Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley
When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe.
Planet Earth Is Blue
By Nicole Panteleakos
Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger. While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, her sister Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can’t express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova’s new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget.
Loops
By Jashar Awan
This big kid is wearing his first pair of big-kid shoes, the kind with laces. Even though they’re a little on the roomy side — shoes to grow into, of course — he knows he can take care of them. Except they keep falling off! Not to worry, he’ll just tie them up again, because he knows how to tie those loops.
I Used to Be a Dinosaur
(Ages 4-8)
By Casey Lyall and illustrated by Laurie Keller
Did you know that chickens are descendants of dinosaurs? A soon-to-be mother hen just found out, and now she is reexamining her entire life. She used to be a dinosaur, a prehistoric queen with a mighty roar. Now she spends her days on a farm, waiting for her eggs to hatch. At least, that is until she decides to summon her own inner dinosaur.
A Book of Loves
By Cynthia Rylant
Cats love boxes and windows and toys. Dogs love sticks and biscuits and puddles. Children love bubbles and cake and stories and other things. Celebrate the small, often overlooked things that cats, dogs and children love.