Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Night Chef: An Epic Tale of Friendship with a Side of Deliciousness By Mika Song New York: Random House Graphic, 2025. Comics. 160 pages. At the end of the day, the cooks leave the kitchen of a fine dining restaurant -- and Night Chef, a small raccoon, emerges from the walls to create culinary masterpieces. One night, she spots a small egg outside the window of the French restaurant, and envisions how delicious that egg would be on top of her evening ramen. But when the egg hatches, revealing a baby crow, Night Chef decides to leave the only home she's ever known on a quest to return the crow, who she names Ichi, to her family. Their adventure is not without peril, but it also opens Night Chef's eyes to a world and community of animals beyond her restaurant. She finds a late-night mole cafe, a raccoon-run diner, and a group of coyotes riding in boxcars. All the while, Night Chef and Ichi are fighting time and doing their best to avoid run-ins with a frenzied owl. Mika Song is a...

I love comics and graphic novels! This format has such a cool ability to draw in an audience by being able to show emotion on character's faces, give extra details to non-fiction stories, and add in extra vocabulary while showing what the word means. These qualities of comics are really helpful in telling stories about people from diverse cultures. These five comics all tell stories about people from different indigenous nations and how their culture affects how they live. The Ribbon Skirt By Cameron Mukwa New York: Graphix, an Imprint of Scholastic Inc., 2024. Comic. 175 pages. Anang, an Ojibwe tween wants to make a ribbon skirt—a traditional Anishinaabe clothing piece worn by women—to wear to an upcoming powwow, but Anang is worried about what the kids from school will think of them. Anang's classmates see them as a boy, when they are two-spirit and don't identify as a boy or a girl. They ask their grandparents for advice, who advise them to ask the spirits of animals and...

Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel Written by Natalie Babbitt Adapted and Illustrated by K. Woodman-Maynard New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2025. Comics. 256 pages. 10-year-old Winnie Foster feels trapped like a bird in a gilded cage. She lives with her parents and grandmother in a large home on the edge of a sleepy town, and she is already bored with the expectations put on her by her family and society. While dreaming of adventure, Winnie comes across a young man named Jesse Tuck drinking from a spring in the woods near her home. Winnie becomes involved with the entire Tuck family, and learns their secret - after drinking from that spring 87 years before, the Tucks became immortal. Now Winnie must choose whether she wants to live forever or live a normal life with a beginning and end. Tuck Everlasting is a modern classic for good reason. The story balances deep philosophical questions with an enticing plot, and it does it in a way that respects children and never talks down t...

Superheroes and comics go hand in hand, but not every comic hero is a superhuman or a reclusive billionaire. Here are some awesome and unexpected superheroes to love! Aquamanatee Written by Ben Clanton Illustrated by Cassandra Federman Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2025. Comics. 72 pages. Marlow the manatee is obsessed with Aquaman, but he doesn't exactly live a superhero lifestyle. When Marlow unexpectedly gains superpowers, he must look past his own blunders and work with his idol to help save the day. Super Pancake Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd Illustrated by Abhi Alwar New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. Comics. 169 pages. Peggy the pancake seems to constantly be making mistakes and disappointing her family. When a classmate's prank leads to her gaining superpowers, though, she must use her newfound abilities to protect Breakfast Town and the people she cares about from a supervillain's evil plot. It's Jeff: Jeff-Verse By Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru New York: Marvel Worldwid...

Pumpkin and Beetle: Two Vampire Cats By Jannie Ho New York: Holiday House, 2025. Comics. 70 pages. Pumpkin and Beetle are vampire cats and very best friends, and they desperately want the latest issue of their favorite comic book. But they don't have any money! The intrepid feline friends start out on various money making ventures --with varying degrees of success. Right before despair, an offer to barter comes from an unlikely source! This graphic novel is perfectly for emerging readers. Cartoons in a Halloween-y color palette are big and easy to read with lots of different sized panels to keep readers engaged. The text is printed in an easy-to-read font without too many extra words. And, while Pumpkin and Beetle's village is populated by various ghouls and goblins, their barely scary appearance makes for a fright free adventure. For young readers wanting a Halloween story they won't be scared of --look no further!

Mirror Town (The Bizarre Bazaar #1) Written by Daniel Nayeri Illustrated by Liz Enright New York: Little, Brown, 2025. Comic. 135 pages. In a small town in Texas, 12-year-old Abel Azari can't help but feel a little underwhelmed by his life. His mother is always working, his father left them, his plans for summer are non-existent, and his crush Ginny may not know he exists. Abel wanders into a mysterious new pawn shop in town and lays eyes on a charm bracelet he knows Ginny will love, but he has no way to pay for it. Until the overeager shopkeeper offers a trade in exchange for the item. While helping his strange elderly neighbor, Abel finds the perfect item to trade; a large antique mirror. Before he can trade for the charm bracelet, however, Abel falls into the mirror and finds himself in a mirror world where everything is as he dreamed. Suddenly, Abel is the most popular boy in school with parents who can't stand to be away from him, and Ginny chasing after him. It's all ...

KPop Demon Hunters has been one of the most talked-about movies of the summer. If you loved this movie as much as I did, you don't want the magic (or the music) to stop. Try reading these books that touch on some of the same topics and themes as the animated hit! Brick Dust and Bones By M. R. Fournet New York: Feiwel and Friends, 2023. Fiction. 247 pages. Orphaned Marius works in the family business--as their cemetery's ghost caretaker. However, Marius also moonlights as a monster hunter in order to earn the costly Mystic currency he needs to bring his mother back from the dead. As the window to bring his mother back begins to close, Marius's exploits get more and more dangerous, and he may have set his sights on a monster too big to handle on his own. Like Mira, Marius longs for familial connection, and his work as a monster hunter will satisfy the thrill of demon hunting for fans the movie. Where's Halmoni? By Julie J. Kim Seattle, WA: Little Bigfoot, 2017. Comics. W...

What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat? (Class Pet Ghost Detective #1) By Akeem S. Roberts New York: Kokila, 2025. Comics. 121 pages. It was Carter's weekend to take home Mr. Pebbles, the class naked mole rat, and he couldn't be less enthused (he never really liked the class pet). On Monday morning, he drops off Mr. Pebbles, heads to breakfast, and returns to class to learn that Mr. Pebbles has died -- and everyone is blaming him. Suddenly, Carter finds himself haunted by the talking ghost of Mr. Pebbles and the two team up to clear his name and help Mr. Pebbles' final wish come true. This quick comic book is a silly, tongue-in-cheek whodunit that opens a new series with a lot of mystery and unanswered questions. Despite the title, this isn't a good guide on death to give readers wondering what happens to their pets when they move on, but it is a fun exercise in mystery writing with a diverse cast and a big cliffhanger.

Free Piano [Not Haunted] By Whitney Gardner New York: Simon & Schuster, 2025. Comics. 245 pages. Margot is an aspiring singer-songwriter living in the quiet town of Cascade Cove, but she dreams of stardom. When she comes across a free keyboard on the street, which bears the promise "not haunted." Margot is sure this new instrument will help her grow her internet following and win the attention of her social media obsessed dad. Despite promising to teach her to play, Margot's dad is preoccupied with his social media followers, and Margot's mom works long hours to support them. Soon, Margot learns she's not as home alone as she expected -- the keyboard is in fact haunted by the ghost of Vision, a teen pop star from the 1980s. Writing music with Vision is the happiest Margot's been, but she can't help but envy the social media following of her friends and long for her dad's attention. Worst of all, Vision isn't the only ghost haunting the keyboard...

  Almost Sunset By Wahab Algarmi New York: HarperAlley, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 2025. Comics. 215 pages. Hassan is trying to juggle school, after school soccer, a social life, and family obligations...all while fasting. This isn't Hassan's first time fasting for Ramadan, he's participated for the last three years, but this year Ramadan falls during the middle of soccer playoffs and he's struggling to keep up. When his midfielder position is in jeopardy of being challenged by his friend, Rosie, and Rosie replaces Hassan in his after school gaming group while he's at masjid, he gets jealous and lashes out. As Ramadan proceeds, Hassan learns how to own up to his mistakes and persevere to gain more control over his life—and his hunger. Algarmi has written a moving story about Hassan, who is trying his best to be a good person. Hassan cares a lot about his friends, his family, and his religion. Algarmi's often wordless illustrations emotively show ho...

It's Jeff: Jeff-Verse By Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru New York: Marvel Worldwide, Inc., 2025. Comics. Told through mostly wordless vignettes, this Marvel comic collection follows Jeff the Land Shark—yes, a tiny shark with legs—on his bite-sized adventures in the every day world. From sneaky snack heists to impromptu team-ups with iconic heroes like Spiderman and Captain America, Jeff’s antics are adorably chaotic as he gets into various scrapes and adventures with his friends.  The playful visual storytelling portrays Jeff's escapades in a gentle, humorous way--even when villains do appear to challenge the hero. Readers will be just as enchanted by Jeff as he is by the world around him. Its sweet tone and whimsical pacing make it a standout among superhero titles, offering a quiet celebration of friendship, fun, and the joy of small moments. An absolutely charming entry point for young readers into the world of superhero comics or returning fans.

Band Nerd Written by Sarah Clawson Willis Illustrated by Emma Cormarie New York: Harper Alley, 2025. Graphic novel. 258 pages.  12-year-old Lucy Carver has been looking forward to starting at the Windley School of the Arts all summer. She is nervous about the academic challenge of a private school, but is excited to continue improving her flute skills. The flute is one thing that makes Lucy feel special - and distracts her from her challenging home life. Lucy's father is an alcoholic and his increasing arguments with Lucy's mother intensify Lucy's fears that if she isn't the best at the flute then she isn't good enough. Driven to be the best, Lucy fights for first chair flute in her school band, driving a wedge between her newly budding friendships. Lucy's challenges with perfectionism and trying to hide a troubling home life will, unfortunately, ring familiar for many young readers. But, this graphic novel does a lot to approach a challenging and heavy topic wi...

Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum Written by Hannah Tunnicliffe Illustrated by Erica Harrison London: Flying Eye Books, 2025. Comics. 58 pages. Detective Stanley is ready to enjoy the first day of his retirement when his assistance is urgently requested to help solve a break-in at the city art museum. It's the opening of the Bleat Mondrian show, the gallery is in shambles, and the director fears that one of their priceless works has been stolen! However, when Stanley arrives, nothing seems to be missing. While examining the scene for clues, Stanley is framed for a separate crime that derails his investigation! He must solve the puzzle of his framing and clear his own name in order to uncover the truth behind the real criminal's plot. This comic is perfect for easing newer readers into the medium, with its large easy-to-follow panels, descriptive text, and vivid illustrations that highlight both the mystery and the museum setting. Readers will have a good time puzz...

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel Adapted by Colleen A.F. Venable Illustrated by Honie Beam New York: Random House, 2025. Comics. 150 pages. This classic beginning chapter book has a fresh new look and a brand new graphic novel adaptation. Like always, Junie B. Jones is a spunky, curious, brand-new kindergartener excited to start school for the first time. Junie B. has no trouble knowing what she likes - and she knows she does NOT like the school bus. It is smelly and noisy and she doesn't have anyone to sit by. So, at the end of the school day, when it is time to go home, Junie B. simply doesn't -- opting instead to hide out in the school. This book is the latest in a long string of classic 80s and 90s kids stories adapted into graphic novels for young readers. This book in particular has bright, cartoony illustrations and a natural pairing of words and text that are just right for emergent readers. Apart from slight technology updates, this book ring...

The Cartoonists Club By Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud New York: Graphix, 2025. Comics. 261 pages. After almost getting in trouble for passing comics in math class, two kids, Makayla and Howard, decide to start the Cartoonists Club for other kids who have a passion for making and reading comics. Together with the other club members, Art and Lynda, the kids learn how to make mini comics from the school librarian Ms. Fatima. In fact, this book functions as a how to draw, write, read, and understand comics how-to guide from two groundbreaking cartoonists. The integration of Makayla, Howard, Art, and Lynda's story with a young reader accessible adaptation of McCloud's ideas from Understanding Comics works perfectly and gives good information for experienced and new cartoonists. The premise of this book seems like it might be too much to accomplish successfully, but this wonderful book gives an immediate answer to any doubts. Engaging, informative, and worth turning back to agai...

I love fantasy, and some of the most exciting aspects of fantasy books are the magical creatures in them. In these comic books, you'll find magical creatures of all sorts, from ghosts and goblins, to vampires, to mermaids, to fairies and demons. If you love fantastical beings, these comics are perfect for you! Plain Jane and the Mermaid By Vera Brosgol New York: First Second, 2024. Comics. 352 pages. To Jane's parents and the rest of her coastal village, Jane is too plain to be worthwhile. After Jane's parents die in an accident, her cruel cousin stands to inherit the entire estate--and he plans to leave her penniless. Deciding that marriage to a fisherman's son will solve her problems--and give her access to her dowry--Jane proposes to Peter. But, before the two can go through with their plan, they argue and Peter is kidnapped by a mermaid and taken to her underwater lair. Jane must go on a journey to save Peter from a grim fate, while learning that there are people wh...

  Sea Legs By Jules Bakes and Niki Smith New York: Graphics, 2025. Comics. 247 pages. Janey and her parents live on a 40-foot sailing ship. They have recently made a longer stop and are moored in Miami, Florida. Janey has been going to a regular school there and has made a best friend, Rae. Janey's parents love to travel and they are soon ready to leave Florida behind and  head out to sea. Janey is both sad and excited to leave. She can't wait for new adventures, but she is sad to leave behind her new friend. Rae and Janey make plans to stay in touch, and Janey promises to send letters whenever she can.  Life at sea is both exciting and challenging. It is also lonely and Janey misses her best friend more than she thought, and longs to find another friend. When her family makes a stop at another port, Janey notices a girl about her same age. The girls meet and as they spend time together, Janey learns that connecting with people her own age can have it's challenges. Astrid...

Amazing Grapes By Jules Feiffer New York: Michael di Capua Books, HarperCollins Publishers, 2024. Comics. If you're looking for a truly unique graphic novel, here it is! When Shirley, Pearly, and Curly's father walks out on them, their dreamy, distracted mother announces she is taking them away to live in a new house with a new family. Instead, a giant two-headed swan brings the bickering Pearly and Curly to the Lost Dimension of Ephemera. Here they wander in spaces both nonsensical and allegorical, meeting strange characters who often move fluidly between being friend or a foe.  Amazing Grapes has some hilarious writing and impeccable comedic timing, embodied by Feiffer's scratchy, colorful art and handwritten text. Underneath the wackiness is an exploration of abandonment, anxiety, and existential uncertainty. It's cheeky, poignant, and strange, a good fit for anyone interested in Alice in Wonderland , Spirited Away , or The Phantom Tollbooth (which Feiffer himself i...

Every month we have two book clubs for kids here at the Provo City Library! These book clubs are just for kids ages 9-12 and a caregiver. This month, our Girls Read book club will meet April 22 and our Guys Read book club will meet April 24. You can register now, using the library's online calendar! Girls Read is reading: Squire & Knight By Scott Chantler New York: First Second, 2023. Comics. 161 pages. A young Squire and his bumbling but confident knight, Sir Kelton, stumble upon a cursed village where the townsfolk live in fear of a vicious, fire-breathing dragon. Sir Kelton of Eldergard is confident that he can defeat the dragon -- that's what knights do, after all. So he rushes off to slay the beast and leaves his bookish Squire behind. As days drag on with no sight of the knight, Squire begins to research the supposed curse on the village and discovers the truth about the ancient town wizard, the dragon, and the curse. Despite the Squire's warnings, the villagers...

  Chickenpox By Remy Lai New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2025. Comics. 235 pages. Abby Lai is twelve-years-old and has three younger brothers and sisters who always seems to make the house feel like a chaotic zoo. She tries to spend as much time as she can away from the house, and her younger siblings, preferring to hang out with her friends at their homes. Finally she decides to be brave and invites her friends to hang out at her house. Shortly after that, one of her friends comes down with chickenpox. Because she was contagious while at Abby's house, all of the Lai kids become infected and must quarantine for two weeks. Abby doesn't know how she is going to endure being trapped inside the house for two whole weeks with her siblings. What could possibly be worse? As the madness of Abby's family threatens to push her over the edge, Abby must find a way to accept her role as big sister. This is a delightful family story full of friend drama, misunderstandings, and family h...