Best of 2021 (so far): Kids books & picture books

Introducing Oak Park’s Best of 2021 (so far)! We just couldn’t wait until the end of the year to share the titles our library staff loved so far in 2021, so you’ll find our favorite kids books and pictures books on this page. Or browse more using the links below.

Adult fiction & nonfiction | Teen books | Kids books & picture books
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Kids books & picture books

Stella's Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises

Why you should try it: "This is such a fun story about space and hair with super colorful and exciting illustrations."—Jenna, Collection Management Librarian

Description: It's the day of the Big Star Little Gala, and Stella's hair just isn't acting right! What's a girl to do? Simple! Just hop on her hoverboard, visit each of her fabulous aunties across the solar system, and find the perfect hairdo along the way.

Stream & download with: Media on Demand/Libby (ebook)

Find all available formats in the catalog »

Follow That Food by Christy Webster

Why you should try it: "I gave this picture book to my favorite 5-year-old picky eater and recommended the Netflix series for him. It's quirky, fun, and includes lots of learnings. I love the series and the book; it's got a Sesame Series vibe but with a bonus of Michelle Obama!"—Alex, Adult Services Manager

Description: Best friends Waffles and Mochi know that delicious food brings people together. So, when they start new jobs at a supermarket, they want to make a special treat for their coworkers. But what should it be? Their search for an answer will take them around the world as they investigate ingredients, find flavors, and make new friends.

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Wishes by Muon Van

Why you should try it: "Wow. This book is a total stunner from the minimal but so important text to the absolutely gorgeous illustrations."—Jenna, Collection Management Librarian

Description: The powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on the littlest member of the family.

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We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch

Why you should try it: "This is the first book I've ever seen that shows all the people I know: people with feeding tubes, communicating with apps and ASL, ambulatory wheelchair users, and more. It's not preachy, making it perfect for sharing and starting conversations about how we can all help to dismantle unfair barriers in our community."—Shelley, Children's Services Librarian

Description: We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in disability culture and community.

Find all available formats in the catalog »

Laxmi's Mooch by Shelley Anand

Why you should try it: "This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about body hair positivity and affirmations for younger kids. Using words in Hindi with translations illustrated throughout, this book is written for everyone and anyone!"—Megha, Children's Services Library Assistant

Description: Laxmi never paid much attention to the tiny hairs above her lip. But one day while playing farm animals at recess, her friends point out that her whiskers would make her the perfect cat. She starts to notice body hair all over—on her arms, legs, and even between her eyebrows. With her parents' help, Laxmi learns that hair isn't just for heads, but that it grows everywhere, regardless of gender.

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The Dangerous Gift by Tui Sutherland

Why you should try it: "The latest book in the Wings of Fire series, which not only picks up the series plot, but has a great focus on Queen Snowfall! I love how dragons in this series have dragon sensibilities, not human ones, but are still caring beings!"—Amy, Teen Services Digital Learning Librarian

Description: Snowfall didn't expect to be queen of the IceWings at such a young age, but now that she is, she's going to be the best queen ever. All she has to do is keep her tribe within IceWing territory, where its safe while keeping every other tribe out, where they belong. Its a perfect and simple plan, backed up by all the IceWing magic Snowfall can find. That is, until a storm of unidentified dragons arrives on her shore, looking for asylum.

Stream & download with: Hoopla (digital audiobook), Media on Demand/Libby (ebook, digital audiobook)

Find all available formats in the catalog »

My Fate According to the Butterfly by Gail D. Villanueva

Why you should try it: "A semi-fictional tale of a young girl trying to bring her family together for her upcoming birthday. Author Gail D. Villanueva writes a meaningful story, geared for a young age group, who may also be experiencing similar issues as our 11-year-old protagonist, Sab."—Beronica, Middle School Services Librarian

Description: When superstitious Sab sees a giant black butterfly, an omen of death, she knows that she's doomed! With her time running out, all she wants is to celebrate her birthday with her entire family. But her sister, Ate Nadine, stopped speaking to their father one year ago, and Sab doesn't even know why. If Sab's going to get Ate Nadine and their father to reconcile, she'll have to overcome her fears—of her sister's anger, of leaving the bubble of her sheltered community, of her upcoming doom—and figure out the cause of their rift.

Stream & download with: Media on Demand/Libby (ebook)

Find all available formats in the catalog »