Kids

The first selection in the Back-Seat Book Club is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, which is perfect for Halloween. It's the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is normal in every way – except that he has been raised by ghosts in a graveyard.

Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider.  James is a very, very picky eater.  His dad has tried everything to get him to eat, but then he starts telling really weird stories about their meals to try to convince James to eat.  Did you know that there is a troll who cooks for us and if you don't like his food he'll have to go back to working at the rat circus?  This funny book will tickle picky and adventurous readers alike.  Recommended by Lisa from the Westwood branch.

Younger Readers:

Younger Readers:

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg tells the story of what happens when 8-year-old Eleanor's favorite babysitter moves away.  Everybody in the family misses her.  Could the new babysitter ever be okay?  This sweet story isn't as funny as the title sounds, but it is a terrific and realistic book.  Recommended by Anna from the Eugene Field branch.

Whether you're a seasoned graphic novel reader or are new to the format, this list is a great place to find suggestions for what to read next. The nominees cover a wide range of categories, from continuing series to single issue, from publications aimed at kids, teens, and adults, to humor, reality-based, and anthologies. There are also specific awards for the all of the different artists who put their talents to work to make a graphic novel as a whole: writer, penciller/inker, painter, cover artist, lettering, and coloring.

Children's Book Week is May 2-8 and celebrates books for young people of all ages. While the Children's Book Week website has all kinds of good stuff on it, like a bookmark by Jeff Kinney (!), my favorite part is voting for the best books. The Children's Choice Book Awards honor books for Kindergarten - High School. If you haven't read some of these yet, you can pick up copies of all of the nominees from the various branches of the Denver Public Library. If your branch doesn't have one you want to read, just place a hold.

Younger readers:

Check out the literacy line-up! Spend some time with Frog and Toad and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eat the Alphabet and play I Spy! You and your kids will be enriched by this massive exposure to literacy.

Reading to an infant, a toddler, a pre-schooler, or a young child affords a multitude of benefits to children, parents, families and communities alike. Over time, you'll see the time spent reading with children taking positive effect. Shared reading promotes:

Early brain development

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly written by Carolyn Parkhurst and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.  Five-year-old Henry is trying to put on a TV cooking show with his two-year-old sister Elliebelly. They're making raspberry-marshmallow-peanut butter waffles with barbecued banana bacon.

Books for younger readers: