Book picks for kids: '100 Things ...' a charming, rhyming list

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!

All KCLS libraries are open. Plan your next visit at kcls.org/visit.

Adults: Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

Author Edward Ashton’s amusing sci-fi questions humanity with humor in this fast-paced read. Desperate to escape his gambling debts, Mickey decides to become an “Expendable.” Given the most dangerous and deadly jobs on an inhospitable ice planet, he’s prepared to die. A lot. And every time he does, a clone is regenerated with all of Mickey’s memories. When Mickey7 falls into a deep crevasse, he expects to die again shortly, but is saved by the planet’s native species instead. However, Mickey’s employers have already regenerated his next clone. When Mickey7 and Mickey8 meet and realize they both want to live, the clones must work together to keep their dual existence a secret.

Kids: 100 Things I Know How to Do by Amy Schwartz

This charming picture book from Amy Schwartz explores just how much children learn in their first few years. Each page bursts with new experiences, from zipping a zipper to admiring a pond. Colorful, slice-of-life illustrations may appear simple at first, yet offer delightful discoveries with each reading. And the cute, rhyming couplets allow parents and children to linger, skip to different pages, or read in in sections before bedtime. If you love this one, Schwartz has two more “100 Things” books that are just as lovely: “100 Things I Love to Do With You” and “100 Things That Make Me Happy.“

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.