We recently received an email with a link to a very interesting article on kids and screentime. We all know screen time is everywhere, so we wanted to share it with you.
Top New Children's Books Released in May 2025
May 2025 brought a fresh wave of children's books that are as engaging as they are diverse. Whether you're looking for heartfelt stories, laugh-out-loud adventures, or tales that spark the imagination, this month's releases have something for every young reader. Here's a curated list of standout titles that deserve a spot on your bookshelf.
📚 Picture Books
1. Growing Home by Beth FerryA charming tale about friendship and family, featuring chatty houseplants and a quirky man in purple shoes.
2. Papa Doesn't Do Anything! by Jimmy FallonA humorous and joyful celebration of dads, perfect for Father's Day reading.
3. I Am NOT a Vampire by Miles McKennaAn empowering story about self-acceptance, following Arlo, a boy who doesn't quite fit into his vampire family.
4. Sato the Rabbit: Morning Light by Yuki AinoyaA meditative and beautifully illustrated journey with Sato, who embarks on surreal adventures in a magical world.
📖 Middle Grade Novels
5. J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry CraftA hilarious tale of two creative fifth graders engaged in a battle of wits and creativity.
6. The Doughnut Club by Kristina RahimExplores diverse family dynamics through the eyes of Quinn, a girl seeking connection with her donor siblings
7. Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui SitA fantasy adventure with environmental themes, as Puffin Lau sets out to save a magical wildcat species.
8. Stuck by Kayla MillerDelves into middle school friendships and the challenges of summer camp, resonating with fans of Raina Telgemeier.
🌟 Noteworthy Mentions
9. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine ApplegateA novel-in-verse that tells the story of Ruby, a baby elephant, offering a fresh perspective in the beloved series.
10. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace LinAn enchanting tale that weaves together magic and adventure, perfect for young fantasy enthusiasts.
These titles offer a blend of humor, heart, and imagination, making them excellent additions to any young reader's collection. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a book lover, these new releases are worth exploring.
When school lets out, the learning shouldn't stop. Public libraries step in as unsung heroes during the summer months, offering more than just books—they provide a lifeline to literacy, learning, and community engagement. Here's why they're indispensable:
📚 Combatting the Summer Slide
Summer break can lead to a decline in reading skills, especially for kids without access to books. Public library programs offer free access to a vast array of reading materials, helping children maintain and even improve their literacy levels during the break
🎯 Engaging Reluctant Readers
Not every child is eager to pick up a book, but libraries make reading appealing through interactive programs, storytelling sessions, and reading challenges. These initiatives can ignite a passion for reading in even the most hesitant young readers
🌐 Bridging the Access Gap
For families without the means to purchase books or educational materials, libraries offer an essential service. They provide free access to books, digital resources, and educational programs, ensuring all children have the opportunity to learn and grow .beanstack.com
🧠 Fostering Critical Thinking
Beyond reading, libraries host workshops and activities that promote critical thinking and creativity. From science experiments to art projects, these programs encourage children to explore new ideas and develop problem-solving skills .Manistee News Advocate
🤝 Building Community Connections
Libraries serve as community hubs where children can interact with peers, participate in group activities, and develop social skills. These interactions are crucial for personal development and fostering a sense of belonging .
In Summary
Public libraries are more than repositories of books; they're dynamic centers for learning, growth, and community engagement. By offering free resources and programs, they play a pivotal role in supporting children's development during the summer months. Check out your local library today!
In a world where screens are everywhere, giving kids a screen-free summer can feel like a bold move—but it’s one that pays off. From boosting creativity and improving focus to building deeper family bonds, screen-free activities help kids thrive, especially during the long, sunny days of summer.
If you're a parent looking for fun, screen-free summer ideas for kids, you're in the right place. Here are some of the best ways to keep your children entertained, engaged, and off the screen—all while creating lasting memories.
Time has a funny way of slipping through our fingers. One day you’re teaching your child how to tie their shoes, and the next they’re grabbing the car keys and heading out the door. While we can’t slow down time, we can make the most of it—by being intentional about creating moments that matter.
This is a really special book. Maybe even a really important book if you're a man or helping to raise a young man. I fall into both categories. Masculinity always seemed
Big Boys Cry is a tender, empowering picture book that gently challenges outdated notions of masculinity. Written and illustrated by Jonty Howley, the story follows a young boy on his first day of school. The boy is scared. His father is scared too and doesn't know what to do. He tells his son, “big boys don’t cry.” It's advice most of us men have received for a myriad of different reasons, but even if well-intended, it can have chilling effects as we grow into men. On his way to school, the boy sees a big tough fisherman with tears in his eyes as he says goodbye to his family. On his journey to school, the boy sees men of all sorts crying for a wide range of reasons. Spoiler alert: the boy has a good day at school and when he gets home, he finds his father with tears in his eyes. It was your fist day at a new school and I was scared for you his father tells him.
The magic of this book lies in its simplicity and heart. Howley’s lyrical prose is spare yet deeply resonant, creating space for children (and adults) to reflect on their own feelings. The illustrations are bold and expressive, full of whimsical details and vivid color that capture both Levi’s internal emotional world and the supportive, tear-friendly community he finds.
Without preaching, it opens a window into the emotional lives of boys and encourages self-expression with compassion and grace. It’s an ideal read-aloud for families, teachers, or counselors looking to start conversations about feelings, empathy, and the power of vulnerability.
This book is a wonderful tool for helping all children understand that there's a width and breadth to any emotion and that when men (or anyone for that matter) are more open to examining and understanding those emotions, they become stronger and the world becomes a better place.
Gentle, affirming, and beautifully illustrated, Big Boys Cry deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.
