Back to top

MADreads for Kids

Book reviews for children by library staff and guest contributors

The danger of being an unreliable narrator

Cover of I Do Not Eat Children
A review of I Do Not Eat Children by Marcus Cutler

"I would never eat a child. What do you think I am...a monster?" proclaims the main character of this book who, admittedly, looks an awful lot like a monster. 

The orange creature stands in a line with a bunch of kids. Ten kids, to be exact - this is important, so pay attention. Each kid has some sort of accessory - a kite, a soccer ball, knitting needles, etc. 

Nov 8, 2024

Many stories to share

Cover of What's in a Bead?
A review of What's in a Bead? by Kelsey Borgford
Tessa Pizzale

Tessa, a young Cree girl, wants to learn beading from her grandmother, or Kohkom. But her mother informs her that first, she must learn why beads and beading are important to them. The two of them visit Kohkom, and she proceeds to lovingly teach Tessa all about the stories behind the beads. Written by a Nbisiing Nishnaabe author, What's in a Bead? shares indigenous words and customs alongside clear, bold illustrations.

Nov 4, 2024

Holding on to what matters most

Cover of Tree. Table. Book
A review of Tree. Table. Book by Lois Lowry

This is a touching story that starts with a day that is not like the others. Eleven-year-old Sophie Winslow is best friends with her neighbor, eighty-eight-year-old Sophie Gershowitz. Eleven-year-old Sophie is an unusual child - she's an old soul and hypochondriac. She loves using traditional library reference tools such as looking up medical ailments in the Merck Manual and memorizing quotes from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations.

Oct 18, 2024

Earl's pumpkins, peppers, plums and eggs

Cover of The Last Stand
A review of The Last Stand by Antwan Eady
Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey

This picture book is perfect for sharing during farmers' market season, especially when pumpkins are ripe. A boy and his Papa head to the last remaining stall at the farmers' market with their pumpkins, peppers, plums and eggs. A year ago, there were two vendors. The year before there were five. The community still needs the fresh produce and the boy and his Papa head to the market every Saturday while Granny makes baskets from sweetgrass on the front porch of the farmhouse. Familiar, friendly faces start lining up and their orders are ready before they even have to ask.

Oct 14, 2024

Beauty in rhyme

Cover of One, Two, Grandpa Loves Yo
A review of One, Two, Grandpa Loves You by Shelly Becker
Dan Yaccarino

Feel the playful and rhythmic beat in One, Two, Grandpa Loves You. The story starts with a child packing her unicorn backpack for a visit with grandpa. They are ready for many outdoor adventures! They hike, explore, find baby birds, and munch trail mix. All the while repeating the phrase: “One, two, Grandpa loves you!” like a sweet reassuring hug. The illustrations are bold and colorful and show each vignette of the grandpa and grandchild’s time spent together. Green and leafy trails, star-filled skies, and majestic purple mountains set the scene.

Oct 11, 2024

Celebrate who you are

Cover of Laxmi's Mooch
A review of Laxmi's Mooch by Shelly Anand
Nabi Ali

Laxmi’s Mooch introduces us to Laxmi, a delightful and confident child, who has never paid much attention to the little hairs that grow on her upper lip – until a classmate points them out during a playground game of farm animals. After that, Laxmi becomes very aware of the hair that grows on her upper lip, arms, legs, and between her eyebrows.

Oct 8, 2024

Counting dragons

Cover of 100 Mighty Dragons All Nam
A review of 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle
Lian Cho

Do you love Dragons? Do you love silly picture books? Do you love excellent read-alouds that get more and more ridiculous until you're a  giggles on the floor? Do you love books that sneakily teach concepts like MATH to little kiddos so you can give yourself a "I am a great parent!" pat on the back? This book is for you!!

Oct 4, 2024

Pausing to breathe

Cover of Too Much!  An Overwhelming
A review of Too Much! An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutièrrez
Angel Chang

The day has begun and the world is full of noises, lights, sounds, and feelings. The alarm clock is loud, the sun is bright, and the shirt is too itchy. Our main character is struggling and experiencing sensory overload. How will she navigate her day when the world is so loud, bright, and overwhelming?

The grownups in her life allow her to self-regulate and tell them what she needs. Slowly, our main character is able to have a gentle hug, quiet time, and personal space in a dark place surrounded by comfy things.

Oct 2, 2024

Pages

Subscribe to MADreads