Knox County Library Picks for May
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Pasta! These Names Are Fun to Say by Felice Arena
A group of children and a cat discover how to pronounce the different kinds of pasta, their sauces, and more. Ages 3-7
Perfect by Waka T. Brown
Miki Amelia Masuda, who likes everything in her life to be perfect, learns to appreciate life's imperfections when her grandmother teaches her about the Japanese art form kintsugi, showing that rips, cracks and tears have their own stories to tell -- ones that are beautiful and meaningful in their own way. Ages 4-7
Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Once there was a boy who would often play hide-and-seek with his friends the star and the penguin. The star was always easy to find, but one day it went missing. So, the boy radioed the Martian for help, and soon found himself on an exciting spaceship rescue mission to the North Pole! But there, he discovered that he wasn't the only one who had always dreamed of having a star as a friend . . . Ages 3-7
Knox County Library Picks for April
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Emily Snook: The World's Smallest Cook by Laura Bower
Emily Snook is a whiz in the kitchen and dreams of becoming an award-winning chef. With the encouragement of her favorite sous chef--her grandpa--she enters an international cooking competition, but quickly loses steam when things go wrong. Emily fears she won't be able to measure up to the competition, until she takes charge and uses her skills--and size--to her advantage. Ages 4-7
Who Took My Lollipop? by Doug Cenko
Someone took Squirrel's lollipop...and he's MAD. Who took it? Was it Badger? Mouse? Rabbit? Can the lollipop thief be found before Squirrel loses his temper? Ages 4-7
I Can Help in the Neighborhood by David Hyde Costello
Uh-oh. Duck is lost! Luckily, there are plenty of animal friends ready to help! Ages 3-6
Knox County Library Picks for March
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin by Julia Donaldson
Jonty Gentoo is excited by his aunts' stories of the South Pole, so he slips out of the zoo, and sets out to find his ancestral home -- which would be easier if he was not swimming in the wrong direction. Ages 4-7
Squirrel-ish by Bambi Edlund
Trying to be more "squirrel-ish," and finally able to walk through the park without getting shooed and with a free peanut in hand, Rat soon understands why squirrels do so much scampering when a pack of dogs gives chase, in this laugh-out-loud ode to being yourself. Ages 3-6
Pigs Dig a Road by Carrie Finison
A team of pig construction workers building a new road to the county fair use teamwork to overcome unforeseen problems. Ages 3-6
Black History Month Recommendations
Black History Month is a great time to celebrate and learn about the achievements of Black scientists, politicians, activists, artists, and more who have left their mark on U.S. history. Use this month (and every month) to support Black authors, learn about Black history, and celebrate diversity.
The Bottom has provided these recommendations and every book is available for purchase through their website.
Please visit and support our local bookstores!
Board Books
Hair Love ABCs by Matthew A. Cherry
Our Skin: A First Conversation about Race by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli
Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs
Baby Says by John Steptoe
Whose Toes are Those? by Jabari Asim
Whose Knees are These? by Jabari Asim
Picture Books
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Reneé Watson and Nikole Hannah-Jones
Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder
The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson
Repeat After Me by Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill
Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon
Calvin by Vanessa Ford and Jr. Ford
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
A Church for All by Gayle E. Pitman
Seoul Food by Erin Danielle Russell
Like Lava in My Veins by Derrick Barnes
A Library by Nikki Giovanni
Your House is Not Just a House by Idris Goodwin
The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
Chapter Books/Graphic Novels
School Trip by Jerry Craft
Class Act by Jerry Craft
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Twins: A Graphic Novel by Varian Johnson
Mia Mayhem is a Superhero! by Kara West
Thanks again to The Bottom for putting together this list!
Knox County Library Picks for February
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Under the Table by Allan Ahlberg
What do you do when you're having an ordinary day, only to discover there's a big gray elephant (named Nathaniel) and a kangaroo (named Abigail) under the table, as well as penguins in the fridge? There is only one thing to do: pack everyone in the camper and go on vacation! Ages 4-7
I'll Love You till the Crocodiles Smile by Kathryn Cristaldi
A cozy bedtime read-aloud guaranteed to have both you and your little one smiling - tender and gently humorous, this story of unconditional love will become a household favorite to be read over and over. Ages 3-6
The Day We Got Lost by Faith Pray
A family goes for a hike together but feels disconnected until they get lost in the woods and the experience brings them closer together. Ages 4-7
Knox County Library Picks for January
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The Fairy Tale Fan Club: Legendary Letters Collected by C.C. Cecily by Richard Ayoade
In this series of letters organized by fictitious C. C. Cecily, Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club, the fairest of them all (and a few bitter foes) correspond with curious--and opinionated--fans. Ages 6-10
Shared Space by Maddie Frost
Mouse liked having his own yard. There was never a stick out of place. There was room to stretch. Room to move. But when Pak-Rat moved in next door, Mouse realized two things: 1. A neighbor meant sharing the yard. 2. It was going to be a problem. Ages 4-7
Tuggoat by Kersten Hamilton
Cordelia may look like a goat, but on the inside she knows she is a tugboat--or tuggoat--no matter what anybody tells her. Ages 3-6
Knox County Library Picks for December
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Squawk of Spanish by Gabriella Aldeman
Lorito the bilingual parrot translates for Max and Abuela, but without him they must figure out how to communicate. Ages 4-7
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Christopher discovers the Archipelago, a world where mythological creatures were secreted away by magic long ago, but those creatures are now dying, and it is up to Christopher and Mal, a girl from the Archipelago, to save both of their worlds. Ages 8-12
Where Is My Nose? by Lucas Zanotto
A dog with no nose? Oh no! The dog woke up without a nose. What surprises will he uncover as he sets out to find his missing snout? In this interactive story, young readers turn and fold pages to reveal how the journey can be just as remarkable as the destination. Ages 3-6
Knox County Picks for November
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Help Wanted: One Rooster by Julie Falatko
Hilarious havoc ensues when Cow, determined to find the perfect rooster for the farm, auditions candidates who learn that roostering isn't what you are but what you do! Ages 4-7
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
Dictionary wishes she could tell a story like other books, so one day, she decides to bring her words to life. But what will she do when her characters collide and everything gets all in a jumble, causing the most enormous tantrum to explode? Ages 4-8
Sour Apple by Linda Liu
A picture book about an apple who learns the importance of self-acceptance and patience after being left behind during picking season. Ages 3-6
Knox County Library Picks for October
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Chloe and Maude by Sandra Boynton
Two comic felines, sensible Chloe and temperamental Maude, experience the ups and downs of friendship in this trio of stories. Ages 4-7
Go and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle
Jack, Jill, and Rex are excited to play a game of Go and Get! The rules are simple: on the count of three, each player must go and get something that begins with a certain letter. While Jack's and Jill's picks always fit the bill (What starts with F? Frog! Fish!), Rex keeps getting it wrong (a duck?)--or does he? Ages 4-7
The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class: Emma McKenna Full Out by Kate Messner
Third-grader Emma McKenna's plans to start fresh at a new school are complicated when her former best friend--and now enemy--shows up in Emma's class. Ages 6-9
Hispanic Heritage Month Recommendations
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrate with some great recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library.
Picture Books
A Song of Frutas by Margarita Engle
While visiting her abuelo in Cuba, a young girl helps him sell frutas, singing the name of each fruit as they walk, and after she returns to the United States, they exchange letters made of abrazos--hugs. Includes historical and cultural notes.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
An illustrated picture book autobiography in which award-winning author Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story.
Sing with Me = Canta Conmigo by Jose-Luis Orozco
Come along and sing with me! Sing along to your child's favorite songs, from "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to "The Wheels on the Bus," in English and in Spanish! Accompanied by joyful, charming illustrations by Pura Belpré award winner Sara Palacios, this book is for every child who loves to sing, dance, and play.
¡Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge by Raúl the Third
Little Lobo and Bernabé are delayed in traffic with all kinds of people speaking different languages while bringing supplies to the big celebration in the country across the bridge, but when someone has a grumpy moment, they all come together to make the wait as good as can be.
Mi Casa Is My Home by Laurenne Sala
Bienvenidos a Lucia's home. Lucia lives in her casa with her big, loud, beautiful familia, and she's going to show you around!
Chapter Books
Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina
A spunky young girl from Colombia loves playing with her canine best friend and resists boring school activities, especially learning English, until her family tells her that a special trip is planned to an English-speaking place. Ages 5-8
The Storm Runner by Jennifer Cervantes
To prevent the Mayan gods from battling each other and destroying the world, thirteen-year-old Zane must unravel an ancient prophecy, stop an evil god, and discover how the physical disability that makes him reliant on a cane also connects him to his father and his ancestry. Ages 8-12
Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano
Wanting to be a part of her family's Día de los Muertos preparations, Leonora sneaks out of school to discover her mother, aunt, and older sisters have been keeping a secret. Ages 8-12
Tumble by Celia C. Perez
Before she decides whether to accept her stepfather's proposal of adoption, twelve-year-old Adela Ramírez reaches out to her estranged biological father--who is in the midst of a career comeback as a luchador--and the eccentric extended family of wrestlers she has never met, bringing Adela closer to understanding the expansive definition of family.
Children’s/Teen Graphic Novel
The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America by Jaime Hernandez
A collection of three Latin American folktales retold in graphic novel form.
Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin
Pedro Martin has grown up in the U.S. hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this moving and hilarious graphic memoir.
Knox County Library Picks for September
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Don't Ask Cat! By Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Cat always says what's on his mind, no matter how much his words may upset others. But when he hears his friends talk about him, Cat realizes that words can hurt, even though that may not be the intention. Ages 3-7
The Wishkeeper's Apprentice by Rachel Chiver Khoo
Dropping a penny in the wishing fountain at the center of town, 10-year-old Felix meets a strange old man who is a Wishkeeper and becomes his apprentice to help stop a threat to every wish that has ever been granted in the town of Whittlestone. Ages 7-11
Rumie Goes Rafting by Meghan Marentette
Waking up early to test out the raft they built with their Uncle, impatient Rumie decides to go on their own, but the strong current puts them in danger and in need of rescue, in this adventure-filled lesson in practicing patience. Ages 4-8
Knox County Library Picks for August
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Jam, Too? by JaNay Brown-Wood
A jam session forms, instrument by instrument, and welcomes a child who loves dancing along. Ages 3-7
'Pie-Rats! By Lisa Frenkel Riddiough
A band of swashbuckling rats set sail in search of dessert. Ages 3-7
Shape Search by Melissa Sweet
Nature is full of shapes; what shapes can you find in the plants and animals in this book. Ages 2-7
Knox County Library Picks for July
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
I Do Not Eat Children by Marcus Cutler
A monster claims he would never eat a child as the children playing around him suspiciously disappear one by one. Ages 3-7
I Am Hungry by Michael Rosen
How hungry is this squirrel? He could eat steaming rice, chocolate mice, a gingerbread man... or even a frying pan! What won’t he eat? Ages 3-7
Julia on the Go!: Swimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn
Julia is always in the pool with her swim team, but when she develops an ear infection and is forbidden from swimming for ten days, she is so desperate to get back in the pool that she goes behind her parents' back to do so. When her scheming lands her in a sticky situation, it requires the entire community center coming together to help her out of it! Ages 7-10
Knox County Public Library Picks for June
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The Imposter by Kelly Collier
Skunk wants to be a dog because everyone loves dogs, and every dog seems to have exactly what he's looking for: a home and a family. When Skunk sees a "lost" poster for Max the dog, he wonders if he can pass himself off as the missing pet. He enlists the help of three neighborhood critters -- a racoon, a cat, and a squirrel -- who train him in the art of being a dog with hilarious results. Ages 3-7
Turbo's Special Delivery by Jean Reagan
Turbo the truck loves to drive fast, but has to learn to slow down for a very special delivery. Ages 2-7
The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee
An elite group of underdogs trained to fight crime must save their unique school from shutting down. Ages 8-12
Knox County Library Picks for April
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
My Cat Does Ballet by Robert Heidbreder
A boy compares the antics of his ballet cat with those of his friends and invites them to bring their cats over to join in a Corp de Chat performance. Ages 4-8
Brave Little Bear by Steve Small
When a winter storm separates timid Arlo from his family, he refuses to let fear thwart him from reuniting with his mother and sister. Ages 3-7
The Owl Who Dared by Stephanie Stansbie
A little owl is scared of flying because he keeps tumbling to the ground, but when Mommy explains to him that it will take a few failures before he succeeds, he soon feels brave enough to keep trying. Ages 3-7
Knox County Library Picks for March
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Giants Are Very Brave People by Florence Parry Heide
Bigelow is afraid of almost everything until he meets the tiny Mrs. Pimberly, who thinks he is a giant, and gives him some surprising advice. Ages 4-7
365: How to Count a Year by Miranda Paul
This fun-filled exploration of the many ways a year can be broken down, such as 52 Friday night movie nights, 365 "good mornings," and 12 calendar backgrounds, introduces numbers big and small in imaginative ways. Ages 5-8
The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder
King penguin Percival is off to find subjects who will listen to him, as long as they do not eat him first. Ages 3-7
Black History Month Recommendations
Black History Month is a great time to celebrate and learn about the achievements of Black scientists, politicians, activists, artists, and more who have left their mark on U.S. history. Use this month (and every month) to support Black authors, learn about Black history, and celebrate diversity.
These recommendations have been provided by The Children’s Diversity and Justice Library. This list is a mix of award-winning books and lesser-known titles. All books are available or will be available to borrow from the CDJL. Click here for information on how to borrow these books.
Board Books
The Story of Rap. Editors of Caterpillar Books with art by Lindsey Sagar.
The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford with art by Frank Morrison.
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison.
Follow Your Dreams, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Picture Books (~ 4 - 8 years)
There Was A Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds with art by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey.
We Wait for the Sun by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Kate McCabe with art by Raissa Figueroa.
The 1619 Project:Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson with art by Nikkolas Smith
The Magic Shell by Jillian Christmas with art by Diana G. A. Mungaray
The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music by Roberta Flack and Tonya Bolden with art by Harden Goodman
Picture Book - Juvenile (~4 - 10 years)
When We Say Black Lives Matter by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual by Carole Boston Weatherford with art by Frank Morrison
We Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier
Juvenile (~7 - 10)
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Shannon Wright.
Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch by Heidi Tyline King with art by Ekua Holmes
Middle Grades (~ 8 - 12) and up
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford (10 - 14 years)
Proud (Young Readers Edition): Living My American Dream by Ibithaj Muhammad (10 - 13 years)
Knox County Library Picks for January
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Alphabuddies: G Is First! by Beth Bacon and Karen Kane
When G wants to be first in the alphabet, A refuses, declaring that reading will be destroyed, but G is willing to take that risk. Ages 4-7
Baller Ina by Liz Casal
A rhyming picture book about Ina who is a graceful ballerina who also loves to get competitive on the basketball court. Ages 4-7
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change. Ages 8-12
Knox County Library Picks for December
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Lupe Lopez: Reading Rock Star by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller
Stuck in Group A with the kids who can't read, upbeat first grader Lupe Lopez is made fun of by a rival but refuses to let that stop her from becoming a reading rock star. Ages 3-7
Kitty-Cam by Margie Palatini
A kitty documents its adventures around the house with an action camera strapped to its head. Ages 4-7
A Delicious Story by Barney Saltzberg
Little Mouse is looking for a story, and Big Mouse has to admit that the story is gone, but since they are in a book, maybe they can work together to find a new one. Ages 3-8
Knox County Library Picks for November
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies
After spending her life moving from house to house with her parents, ten-year-old Alice becomes fascinated by an abandoned old mansion, including a trio of ghosts haunting it who just might end up helping Alice find her forever home. Ages 8-12
Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! by Bill Martin, Jr. and Michael Sampson
In a singable tale, this old car has been everywhere, from the backyard to the sky, from the hills to the water, but everywhere it goes it is loved by a clever young boy. Ages 2-6
What If I'm Not a Cat? by Kari-Lynn Winters
Donkey has always believed he's a cat, just like the ones he lives with on the farm, but one day a puzzling remark by Farmer makes Donkey question his identity and begin a journey a self-discovery to find out who he really is. Ages 3-7
