Youthlit

POP! As a hot day sizzles into evening, everyone on stoops and sidewalks looks skyward on this special summer night—the Fourth of July! Join Caldecott Award-winning illustrator Cátia Chien in this sparkling read-aloud of Fireworks, a colorful picture book about two siblings who celebrate this special day in their city.

Noah is confused about Emily’s family, so he asks her―who’s Papa and who’s Dad? Jacob knows just how to explain, but he can’t. The book he needs isn’t in the library anymore! Ms. Reeves tries to explain why the book is no longer in the library and what all the fuss is about. Join Sarah & Ian Hoffmanin this kid-friendly read-aloud of Jacob’s Missing Book, a story about book banning, censorship, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Ren is heartbroken to leave Popo and her magical stories behind to move to a new country where nothing feels familiar. One day, Ren discovers that with her pencil, she can bring to life what she can’t find the words to say! Through drawing, she bridges the gap between her two worlds. Join award-winning author and illustrator Bo Lu in this read-aloud of Ren’s Pencil, a heartfelt tale about immigration and imagination.

Far below the ocean’s surface live tiny, restless creatures called zooplankton. They are so small, and they live so deep, that we may never see them, but the entire food web depends upon their survival. Venture into the ocean’s twilight zone with Jilanne Hoffmann at this read-aloud of The Ocean’s Heart: The Tiny Creatures Essential to Life!

When Kayla’s favorite dolphin floatie loses its air at the beach, she just wants to sit on the sand. But Daddy reminds her that she knows how to swim and even how to hold her breath underwater. In no time, she can grow from clinging to a dolphin floatie to swimming through the ocean just like a dolphin! Take a deep dive with award-winning author Dashka Slater into this read-aloud of Deep Blue: Swimming in the Big Blue Sea.

Moose has never left his home in the Maine woods, but when he meets Rus, a long-haul trucker on his way to Florida, the two team up and hit the road together. Moose helps Rus navigate, eats his first slice of pizza, and settles into a bunk bed in the truck’s cab after each day’s work. What new discoveries await these unlikely friends? Find out at this read-aloud of Rus and Moose with Chuchu Wang!

Eid is a gathering, a party, a feast, and so much more! From excitedly awaiting the arrival of guests to enjoying steaming hot rotis to sharing treasured family stories, the holiday of Eid brings many gifts. Celebrate the warm family memories and cultural traditions of Eid at this read-aloud with Sana Rafi, author of Together On Eid!

When Antoni Gaudí, son of a Catalan blacksmith, was first starting out, many people called his unusual ideas eccentric or even crazy. But his inventive, daring, and flamboyant style eventually made him a world-famous architect! Today, Barcelona shines with Gaudí’s colorful mosaics, playful flowing forms, and imaginative facades. Listen to this inspiring biography at Susan B. Katz’s read-aloud of Gaudí: Architect of Imagination!

When a mysterious creature starts scaring the chatty town of Rumorridge, everyone believes the worst. Everyone, except Frida. With her detective hat, trusty notebook, and a nose for nonsense, Frida starts asking questions no one else will. Uncover smelly clues from stinky lies with author Stefanie Gamarra in this read-aloud of Jibberjack, Fibberjack, a sharp, funny mystery for kids who ask, “why?”

Tate Tuber is no couch potato; he’s going to be an astronaut! When a space station loses power and begins hurtling back towards Earth on his first mission, it’s up to Tate to save the day with his ability to conduct electricity! Celebrate sci-fi, comics, and potato power in this read-aloud of Tate Tuber, Space Spuds with Michael Slack!