Primary (ages 6-9)

Material appropriate for primary age groups

Sea Lions In The Parking Lot: Animals On The Move In A Time Of Pandemic

A Junior Library Guild selection. With the skies, roads, and waterways clear and quiet during the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural world seemed to return to an earlier, wilder state. Animals crossed boundaries that people had set over centuries, reclaiming ancient habitats. From sea lions who clambered into a parking lot in Argentina to deer who wandered in a Japanese subway to lions lounging in the middle of South African roads to kangaroos who bounced through a shopping district in Australia, this thoroughly researched, stunningly illustrated book tells the stories of these newly footloose creatures — and describes what the COVID-19 “pause” taught scientists about how ecosystems and wildlife can rebound if the right environmental conditions are achieved.

The Great Realization

This idea sparked The Great Realization. Sharing the truths we may find hard to tell but also celebrating the things—from simple acts of kindness and finding joy in everyday activities, to the creativity within us all—that have brought us together during lockdown, it gives us hope in this time of global crisis.

Germy Science: The Sick Truth About Getting Sick (And Staying Healthy) (Gross Science)

This perfectly revolting — and perfectly timely! — introduction to germs from award-winning comedy writer Edward Kay will turn any kid into a master of microbes! Children get up close and personal with germs (ew!) in this entertaining, thoroughly researched exploration of the science and history of these tiny, ubiquitous creatures. Heavy on the gross factor to keep readers engaged, the book covers what germs are, how we get sick, how the human immune system works and the best ways to stay healthy. There are intriguing stories about early attempts to fight disease (heard about corpse catapults? how about shaved chicken butts?), and the plagues and pandemics that changed the course of history. A look to the future describes how germs may be helpful for cleaning the environment and solving crimes. It’s a kid-friendly overview that provides the perfect introduction to the world of germs.

Coronavirus And Covid

What is Covid, and why is everyone talking about it? Engagingly illustrated by Axel Scheffler, this approachable and timely book – now newly updated for 2021 with the latest developments in vaccination and extra content about emotional wellbeing – helps answer these questions and many more. This new larger and expanded 32-page edition provides clear explanations about COVID-19 and its effects – both from a health perspective and the impact it has on a family’s day-to-day life.

While I Wait

While it is difficult for adults to understand the extent of changes in the world brought about by the 2020 pandemic, it must be so much more confusing to children. Waiting and spending time indoors while a favorite park is closed or school is shut down has been a constant companion for children in 2020.

The Fossil Whisperer

A captivating look at the life of a modern-day fossil hunter who makes the find of a lifetime told by award-winning author Helaine Becker. Wendy has an eye for the unusual and is skilled at finding things that others don’t see. While on a school field trip at age 12, she spots one of those unusual things poking out of the ground, and it turns out to be a piece of fossilized coral that’s 100 million years old. Wendy’s thrilled! And soon, she gets hooked on finding fossils. When she grows up, Wendy turns her passion into her career and becomes a preeminent fossil hunter, known as the “fossil whisperer” around the world. But it’s on a dig close to home where Wendy makes her most important discovery: Wendiceratops!

Ga’s / The Train (English And Micmac Edition)

Ashley meets her great-uncle by the old train tracks near their community in Nova Scotia. Ashley sees his sadness, and Uncle tells her of the day years ago when he and the other children from their community were told to board the train before being taken to residential school where their lives were changed forever. They weren’t allowed to speak Mi’gmaq and were punished if they did. There was no one to give them love and hugs and comfort. Uncle also tells Ashley how happy she and her sister make him. They are what give him hope. Ashley promises to wait with her uncle by the train tracks, in remembrance of what was lost.

Ten Blocks to the Big Wok: A Chinatown Counting Book

This sweet story about a girl, her uncle, and a little cat they meet on the way accomplishes multiple fun and useful aims: It’s a fully bilingual counting book that teaches readers the numbers one through ten in both simplified Mandarin and English. It provides a fun tour of a typical Chinatown–a beloved neighborhood in many cities around the world. Children will enjoy spotting the kitten in every illustration as it trails Mia and Uncle Eddie through the streets. And with each item that Mia encounters on her walk, the book introduces some fascinating new aspect of Chinese culture or myth, as explained in the friendly backmatter. Join Mia and Uncle Eddie as they wander Ten Blocks to the Big Wok!

Human Town

On a hot summer day, the elephant family decides to do something fun and visit the Human Town! Junior and Lulu, the elephants become disappointed to see humans are not taking good care of their environment. “Does this mean humans will soon be extinct?” asks Junior. This story is a playful look from outside to what humans are doing to the planet and to themselves.