Kids collections and programs

Children’s New Arrivals

Children's Best Sellers
Hot Mess (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 19)

The pressure is building for Greg Heffley, who discovers that when you mix heaps of family, a tiny beach house, and sweltering heat, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Speaking of recipes—the secret ingredients behind Gramma’s famous meatballs have been closely guarded for years. Can Greg unpack all of his family’s mysteries before their vacation is over? Or will he just stir the pot?

This sidesplittingly relatable summer story is the funniest Wimpy Kid book yet!

Christmas At Hogwarts

From J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the story of Harry Potter’s first Christmas at Hogwarts, joyfully illustrated in a heartwarming picture book sure to delight readers of all ages!

"Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow."

So begins Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and the heartwarming story of Harry Potter’s first Christmas at Hogwarts. From the Great Hall decked with magnificent fir trees to cozy evenings in the Gryffindor Common Room to the joy of presents on Christmas morning, it’s a holiday filled with warmth, friendship, good food, and magical surprises that Harry will never forget.

With text drawn directly from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and luminous illustrations by artist Ziyi Gao, this favorite moment from one of the most beloved books of all time is now fully illustrated for the whole family to enjoy. Sure to be treasured by Harry Potter fans of all ages, Christmas at Hogwarts is the perfect gift, destined to become an enchanting new holiday tradition.

A Boy Called Christmas

Eleven-year-old Nikolas–nicknamed "Christmas"–has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.

Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things-if only he can reach his father before it's too late. . . .

Llama Llama Holiday Drama

How many more days until Christmas? This little llama is overwhelmed by the anticipation of the big day and exhausted by shopping, cookie-making, and eating too many sweets. Before you know it, he is in the midst of a full-fledged holiday meltdown. Luckily, Mama knows exactly what little llamas need - quiet hugs and cuddles - and shows her little one some of the loving kindness and patience Christmas should bring. Children and grown-ups will love the adorable illustrations and lively rhymes.

Mr. Wolf's Class: Snow Day

"A blizzard is coming to Hazelwood Elementary! It's snowing, and there's excitement in the air because the school day might end early. Students and teachers alike are looking forward to seeing what happens! Meanwhile, Abdi is distracted and worried because his brother is having surgery. He's supposed to go home with Henry, but they miss the bus and end up having an unexpected adventure with Mr. Wolf!"--Provided by publisher.

Merry Pinkmas!

Pinkalicious tries to convince her family to put up a pink Christmas tree, although her parents aren't sure what Santa Claus' reaction will be.

We Disagree About This Tree

"Bear and Mouse have finally overcome their differences and are living together in perfect harmony...until it's time to decorate the Christmas tree! Bear wants dazzling lights, while Mouse prefers gigantic ornaments. Did Mouse just put a manatee on the top of the tree? After Bear attempts an upside-down tree, it looks as if Christmas might be ruined for the pair. But maybe, just maybe, Bear and Mouse can reach a compromise in the spirit of the season"--

I Saw Santa's Underpants

When Santa has an unfortunate mishap, a young boy and his dog are shocked by what they see.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The six mean Herdman kids lie, steal, smoke cigars (even the girls) and then become involved in the community Christmas pageant.

Mickey's Snowy Christmas

Mickey and his friends get ready for Christmas while hoping there will be snow on Christmas morning.

Collections

Children’s Collections: Our Children’s books are divided into several categories to help you find the perfect book. The Easy (E) picture book collection (yellow circles) is for children up to third grade. It is further divided to help you select the perfect book at the right age and reading level. There are board books (EBB) for toddlers, (ER) for beginning readers, and (ENF) is easy information books.

We have the 2024-25 BUILDING BLOCK nominated books for preschoolers- Kindergarten which is selected by the Missouri Library Association. These books will be featured in the fall storytime sessions.  SEE BELOW

The Juvenile (JF) chapter book collection (blue circles) is for children in grades 3-6 or whoever reads at that level. It is further divided into (JR) for easy chapter books and (JNF) for non-fiction or information books.

We have 2024-2025 SHOW ME (Grades 1-3) and MARK TWAIN Award (Grades 4-6) nominated books available in the Easy (Show Me) and Juvenile (Mark Twain) sections of the library. Missouri School Librarians have nominated these books for students to read and vote for their favorite in March 2021. SEE BELOW

Media Collections: Titles of interest to children in DVD format are housed in the general media collection. There is a small collection of audiobooks with a printed book and CD in the easy department.

Children’s Computers

The library has 5 early literacy stations that provide educational games appropriate for pre-readers and beginning readers. One of the stations is bi-lingual (English and Spanish) and all are located in the children’s area. It's a popular spot!

Listen to a Story

Listen to an actor or actress read a story while you watch the pictures at Story Line Online from the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.

Online Children’s Resources

ABCmouse.com

PBS Kids

TumbleBooks

Parent Resources

Help for parents in teaching reading: Reading Rockets

Programming for Children

We encourage parents and caregivers to bring their children to the library to check out books, use computers, and enjoy the Early Literacy Center. Watch here for future programming information.

Preschool Storytime: Join us every Wednesday at 10:30 for our Preschool Storytime. This is a time of reading, music, and movement, and normally either a science or craft activity. This Storytime is geared towards children ages 2-5.

Early Literacy Activity Center 

The partnership between the library and Head Start has created an inviting space for young children and parents to interact and learn. The room is open during library hours for anyone in Moniteau County to use for free. All you have to do is register. It is also being used for babies and toddlers during Storytimes and Summer Reading Club.  

The library promotes early literacy by promoting interaction between young children and parents or caregivers. The goal is to help prepare them to be ready to read when they are ready for school. 

This is based on the “Racing to Read” Early Literacy 5 main AREAS OF EMPHASIS:

LOVE BOOKS—Build print awareness, build vocabulary & learn letters

SING & RHYME—Play with sounds, songs, & rhymes

TELL STORIES– Build narrative skills by creating stories & play make-believe.  Your child is the storyteller.

TALK & READ– Explore lots of words and encourage talking

PLAY with LETTERS– Find print everywhere.  Trace letters.

Watching others enjoy reading, taking your child to the library to choose books, and spending time reading together will help your child to develop a positive attitude about learning.

Building Block Nominees 2024-2025

I Was Born a Baby By: Meg Fleming

Mr. Kitty is Lost! By: Greg Pizzzoli

Problem Solved! By: Jan Thomas

A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree by: Daniel Bernstromm

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! By: Sandra Boynton

NO Is All I Know! By: Chris Grabenstein

A Good Place By: Lucy Cousins

My Dad is a Tree By: John Agee

I Am Stuck By: Julia Mills

The Best Bad Day Ever By: Marianna Coppo

Show Me Readers Nominees 2024-2025

Acorn Was a Little Wild By: Jen Arena

Creepy Crayons By: Aaron Reynolds

Every Dog in the Neighborhood By: Philip C. Stead

Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates By: Cheryl B. Klein

Little Red and the Big Bad Editor By: Rebecca Kraft Rector

Marvelous Mabel By: Crystal Hubbard

Pink Is Not a Color By: Lindsay Ward

Rick the Rock of Room 214 By: Julie Falatko

The Library Fish By: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Yetis Are the Worst! By: Alex Wilan

Mark Twain Award Nominees 2024-2025

A Rover’s Story By: Jasmine Warga

Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe By: Alyson Noel

Freestyle By: Gale Galligan

Hummingbird By: Natalie Lloyd

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance By: Lisa Yee

Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting By: Roseanne A. Brown

The Curious League of Detectives & Thieves By: Tom Phillips

The Daredevils By: Rob Buyea

The Girl in the Lake By: India Hill Brown

The Midnight Children By: Dan Gemeinhart

The Two Wrong Halves of Ruby Taylor By: Amanda Panitch

Thirst By: Varsha Bajaj