Kids Picks
Summer is right around the corner! As the school year wraps up, it’s time to look forward to sun-soaked beach days, glowing cheeks, and sand between your toes. When you’re ready to take a break from the fun, there’s nothing better than getting lost in a great book. Here are some fresh new reads to keep you entertained all season long.
Ages 3-5
“Don’t Trust Fish” by Neil Sharpson
Dive into the deep end of absurdity with “Don’t Trust Fish,” a brilliantly bizarre take on aquatic life that flips the nature guide genre on its gills. Author Neil Sharpson and illustrator Dan Santat team up to deliver a laugh-out-loud look at why fish might not be as harmless as they seem. From suspicious schooling behavior to their unsettling size, the book offers a funny warning against putting your faith in anything with fins. Packed with wit, wildly imaginative reasoning, and Santat’s trademark visual charm, this book is less a lesson in marine biology and more a playful field guide. Perfect for curious kids and adults who enjoy a good giggle.
“Odder: An Otter’s Story” by Katherine Applegate
Odder is a spirited young sea otter whose days are filled with underwater tumbles, playful dives, and the gentle guidance of her mother. But when the tides of life shift suddenly, Odder finds herself in the care of humans. Kind-hearted and patient, they introduce her to a world of fellow rescued otters. Before long, Odder discovers she has a special gift: helping orphaned pups learn how to be otters. Adapted from Katherine Applegate’s beloved, best-selling novel, this beautifully illustrated picture book brings Odder’s journey to life in a way that’s accessible for younger readers. Inspired by real-life rescue programs, it’s a heartwarming story of resilience, connection, and the unexpected ways we can help one another find our place in the world.
Ages 6-8
“Mermaids Are the Worst!” by Alex Willan
Poor Gilbert. All he wanted was a peaceful seaside escape, some sunshine, some floating, maybe a nap or two. But mythological mayhem seems to follow him wherever he goes. This time? Mermaids. Flashy, flippy, and full of flair, they’ve turned his relaxing retreat into an all-out spectacle. And don’t even ask about the octopus arm wrestling. In this latest hilarious installment featuring everyone’s favorite cranky goblin, Gilbert once again finds his patience tested by magical creatures and their maddening antics. With plenty of laughs, over-the-top fun, and one very grumpy vacationer, “Mermaids Are the Worst!” is a splashy story about unexpected company and learning to go with the flow.
“Dear Bookstore” by Emily Arrow
Step inside a bookstore and you’ll find more than just shelves and stories, you’ll find a world that welcomes you home. In this gentle and heartfelt picture book, a young girl shares her love letter to her favorite local bookstore, the place where her reading journey begins, and her imagination is free to roam. With every visit, she discovers new wonders, friendly faces, and endless possibilities tucked between the pages. Inspired by Emily Arrow’s beloved song and brought to life with Geneviève Godbout’s warm, whimsical illustrations, “Dear Bookstore” is a tender tribute to the magic of books, the joy of discovery, and the special spaces that nurture a lifelong love of reading.
Ages 9-12
“The Trouble with Heroes” by Kate Messner
Finn Connelly isn’t anyone’s idea of a hero. While his late father, a beloved firefighter and hometown legend, was known for bravery and boldness, Finn feels like he’s barely keeping his head above water. He’s flunking school, missing his dad more than ever, and now? He’s front-page news for toppling a headstone in a local cemetery. But this isn’t just any grave. It belongs to a renowned female mountain climber. Instead of pressing charges, her daughter offers Finn a deal: spend the summer climbing all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks. The catch? He has to do it with her mother’s dog by his side. What follows is a summer packed with bruises, blisters, and the kind of soul-searching that only comes from climbing mountains, literal and emotional. Along the way, Finn finds unexpected allies, a growing sense of purpose, and glimmers of connection to the father he’s still trying to understand.
“The Wrong Way Home” by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Twelve-year-old Fern has always believed she’s part of something important until a late-night escape shatters everything she thought she knew. This heartfelt novel explores one girl’s journey to uncover the truth, challenge what she’s been taught, and find the courage to choose her own path. Since she was 6, Fern has called the Ranch home. It’s a secluded, eco-conscious community deep in the woods of upstate New York. Life there is demanding but meaningful, and Fern looks up to its charismatic leader, Dr. Ben. So when her mom suddenly spirits them away in the dead of night, claiming Dr. Ben is dangerous, Fern is shocked and skeptical. Thrown into a chaotic outside world she’s been taught to fear, Fern can only think about getting back. She’s determined to return, no matter what it takes. But as she begins to experience the world beyond the Ranch including school, books, the ocean, and a new friend, she starts to notice cracks in the story she was raised with. Now Fern must face an impossible choice: Go back to the only life she’s ever known, or embrace the uncertain freedom of forging a new one. Can she still believe in the Ranch or is it time to believe in herself?
