Book picks for kids: a day in the life of a spider

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.

For Adults: “The Children on the Hill“ by Jennifer McMahon

Author Jennifer McMahon weaves alternating storylines together in this spine-tingling read about childhood perceptions and the true monsters of the world. Lizzy Shelley hosts a hit podcast about hunting monsters. When a girl disappears and a monster eerily familiar to Lizzy gets blamed, she knows the hunt is on. Lizzy’s monster-hunting interests started at a young age. Lizzy’s grandmother, Dr. Hildreth, was a renowned psychiatrist who treated people with mental illnesses on a large estate. Lizzy spent her childhood at the estate with two other children, running wild and creating a monster hunting club. As past and present unfold, readers discover more about what Lizzy witnessed as a child— and what she didn’t — in this creepy and intense psychological thriller.

For Kids: Jumper by Jessica Lanan

When you are a tiny jumping spider, no larger than a bean, sensing both danger and dinner are life’s necessities. Readers get a glimpse inside this crawly world to experience a day in the life of a spider. We see a fold-out spread of the spider’s field of vision before it jumps for its prey; a small child parallels these actions for scale and comparison. Wouldn’t you like to jump five times the length of your body and feel vibrations through your elbows? This excellent non-fiction picture book brings those possibilities to life. Curious kids will find spider anatomy fascinating, and may use the supplemental glossary and identification tips to further explore their neighborhoods.

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