News from Youth Services Category: Picks by Rebecca R.

Bug Scouts: Out in the Wild

by Mike Lowery

bug scouts in the wild book cover
ER LOWERY, M.

Hey Fly Guy Fans! We have your next book to read. Meet the Bug Scouts, Doug, Abby and Josh. Doug and Abby love everything about the Bug Scouts from hiking to nature exploring. and Doug well he is just here for the snacks. These bugs are on a mission to get their next badge. Follow them along in this easy-to-read graphic novel for those beginning to read on their own. Grab your binoculars and boots and get ready for a wacky adventure with your new bug friends!  

A Comb of Wishes

by Lisa Stringfellow

a comb of wishes book cover
JF STRINGFELLOW, L.

In honor of Caribbean Heritage Month here is a book from Lisa Stringfellow, who is family emigrated from Barbados.  

What if one of your wishes came true? This is what happens to Kela. She finds a comb while beachcombing on the beach of her island home. She makes a deal with an evil creature and a wish for something that she desperately wants. What Kela doesn’t know is that all wishes come at a price. This magical tale is interwoven with Caribbean folklore, giving this gem of a book a worthwhile read.  

It is also an amazing audiobook to listen to and can be accessed on Overdrive Audiobook here.  

Caribbean-American Heritage

Encanto Read Alikes

Encanto characters

Got “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” stuck in your head? Check out some of the library’s Encanto books and other similar books for the whole family can enjoy!

Listen to the Soundtrack on hoopla  app.


For younger readers:

Encanto by Naibe Reynoso

Mirabel’s discovery by Vicky Weber

Family is everything by Luz Mack

Kind as a Princess by Catherine Manning

Moana finds her way by Susan Amerikaner

For elementary readers:

Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez

Savvy by Ingrid Law

The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag

Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano

Encanto Junior Novelization  by Angela Cervantes

Best Books 2021

Zoom Program: Best Books: MPPL's Favorite Children's Books of 2021, Thursday, November 18 from 7 to 8 p.m.

As you gear up for your holiday shopping, look no further than the library for the year’s best books for the children in your life. If you missed the presentation, don’t worry– we recorded it so you can watch it at your convenience and learn all about fabulous fiction and nonfiction titles for preschoolers through 6th graders. This event was sponsored by Mount Prospect Public Library Foundation. 

Booklists online:

Best Books for All Ages

Best Books for Prek

Best Books for K-2

Best Books for 2-3

Best Books for 4-6

Honorable Mentions PreK

Honorable Mentions K-2

Honorable Mentions 2-3

Honorable Mentions 4-6

Happy reading!