Color Your World with Magical Books
Summer Reading Program Starts on June 2
Back in my weekly storytime days as Youth Librarian, I occasionally struggled to come up with a theme for each session. Sometimes the books I wanted to read easily coalesced around one idea or another (bath time, bears, birthday parties) and, sometimes, my “theme” was just “These are books I’ve discovered recently that I just love, and you might, too!”
Here’s my “Books” column equivalent of that non-theme theme. These are books I’ve discovered recently that I just love and hope you will, too!
Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illustrated by Dion MBD
What do you do when a monster is under your bed? For Milo and his friend, who has the special power of knowing ASL (American Sign Language), the answer is: Use hand shadows to scare the monster right back! This short book scares, then hugs, surrounding readers with a warmhearted and lovely ending.
Birdlore by Jess Keating and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Once upon a time, birdwatching was not a common hobby. Florence Merriam Bailey changed all of that! In this picture book biography, you will learn more about how this scientist got America to look up – and love birds.
God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook: 140 Connecting Bible Stories of God’s Faithful Promises by N.T. Wright and illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia
(available in print book and digital format on Hoopla)
This lushly illustrated storybook from an internationally known biblical scholar introduces children to both the basic facts of Bible stories but also some of their deeper meanings.
My Daddy is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales and illustrated by C.G. Esperanza
(available in print book and digital format on Hoopla & Libby)
Unusual and beautiful artwork accompanies a unique story of father and daughter on horseback, discovering their city and sharing laughter, stories and a joyful time together. Winner of the 2025 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book Award.
Fiesta! A Festival of Colors written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
(available in print book and digital format on Hoopla)
In this bilingual picture book celebrating street parties, both colors and concepts take center stage: “red enchiladas, green avocados, yellow tortillas, purple dance dresses, and brown charro pants!” You will get lost in the explosion of delightful scenes and colors.
The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
Some American children have TWO jobs: one, to be a kid, and two, to help the adults in their lives who may not be completely comfortable with the English language talk with other adults – at the doctor’s, at the Department of Motor Vehicles, at an insurance agent’s. The work in job number two is important, but it can also be exhausting – and take away from job number one, just being a kid. In this sensitive portrayal of one “interpreter,” readers empathize with the protagonist.
A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester and illustrated by Juana Medina
(available in print book in English and Spanish; Hoopla digital format)
When relatives come to visit, they often bring a suitcase (maleta) of gifts and delights. When Abuela comes to visit from Peru, her maletas burst with candies in crinkly wrappers, storybooks, pictures, blankets and other wonderful treasures!
Time to Make Art, written and illustrated by Jeff Mack
This is the perfect book for this year’s Summer Reading Program, because the theme is ART: “Color Our World”! One girl asks questions about art and is answered by a variety of artists from different times and places. The book acts as a bit of an art history lesson, but it also reinforces the idea that everyone can nurture their own artistic sense and creativity — all they need to do is try!
2025 Summer Reading Program Begins Monday, June 2
- June 2 – July 31
- There is a program for every reader – Littles, Children, Teens and Adults!
- For Littles and Children, read 8 books = medal and coupon book
- Read 12 more books (a total of 20) = bonus prize
- Sign up at any library (and the bookmobile!) starting on Monday, June 2!
- FREE family programs – music, arts, magic shows, and more!
- More information at tulsalibrary.org/summer
