Book picks for kids: colorful picture book about community

Book picks for kids (and adults):

Looking for some reading inspiration? Here’s a peek at what KCLS staff and the young readers in their lives are digging into this month!

KCLS has something for everyone, with 50 libraries across King County and innovative programs, services and resources for all ages. Learn more at kcls.org.

For adults:

“It’s Elementary,” by Elise Bryant

Mavis is a busy single mom who gets bullied into heading the elementary school’s newly created DEI committee by overbearing PTA president Trisha. At her first meeting, Mavis watches the principal severely undermine Trisha. While walking her dog later that night, Mavis happens to see Trisha dragging a heavy trash bag out of the school. Mavis doesn’t think much of it, but the next day they discover that the principal is missing. Is there a murderer hiding amidst the mundane meetings of the PTA? As the days go by with no sign of the principal, Mavis decides to launch her own investigation with the help of handsome school psychologist Jack in author Elise Bryant’s sharp adult mystery debut.

For kids:

“We Are Definitely Human” by X. Fang

Awakened by a loud crash, Mr. Li discovers three odd blue and pink strangers and a damaged “car” in his field. He invites them to stay overnight until repairs can be made. Although the visitors claim they are normal humans from Europe who “play sportsball,” “wear hat” and “make business,” their sleeping and eating habits are rather unusual. The town residents assist with repairs, and a spontaneous party erupts before the “humans” float away. Kids will get the joke immediately in this spare, colorful picture book celebrating acceptance, kindness, generosity and community.

Jenna Zarzycki is an adult services librarian at KCLS who works in south King County. She adores talking about books to anyone who will listen and regularly contributes to KCLS’ BookMatch and booklist services. Jenna likes fantasy, romance and narrative nonfiction best, although any book has the possibility to become a new favorite. KCLS Children’s Librarian Robin Howe serves her Kent Library community with tuneful Story Times and creative programs. She enjoys connecting young patrons to KCLS’ rich resources, and when she’s not reading aloud or jumping up and down to Sleeping Bunnies, she’s probably knitting, traveling or making soup