Search Options

Changes coming to MOBIUS soon! Find out more.

The Midtown Carnegie Branch Library elevator from the basement to the 2nd floor is not operational. Please ask a staff member if you need assistance. The branch will close for renovations May 6. Find out more.

KIDS

BOOKLISTS

Ages 3-5

Families

Find these books and more online at https://catalog.coolcat.org

'Ohana Means Family by  Ilima Loomis
In this cumulative rhyme in the style of The House That Jack Built, a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau.
A Crazy-Much Love by  Joy Jordan-Lake
How MUCH is the crazy-much love? This simple question is answered as two parents recount the journey of adopting their daughter and the many milestone moments that follow. From the child's first bath and first time riding a tricycle, all the way to her boarding that big yellow bus, the crazy-much love grows SO MUCH that it spills out the windows and busts down the doors. A warm, lyrical celebration of the deep love parents hold for their children, and a comforting message for kids about how there can be only one special YOU.
Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty
Who knew cleaning day and doing chores could be so fun? Dad has posted a list of chores for the family to do before grandma comes, including bathing the cat; but the cat does not want a bath, so she mixes up the instructions, and soon the family is mowing the floor, vacuuming the lawn, mopping the baby--and the house is in chaos.
Bee-bim-Bop! by Linda Sue Park
A child, eager for a favorite meal, helps with the shopping, food preparation, and table setting.
Between Us and Abuela : A Family Story From the Border by  Mitali Perkins
When Maria, Juan, and their mother go to the border between California and Mexico to visit their grandmother at Christmas, Maria must devise a way to get Juan's gift over the fence.
Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by  Joanna Ho
A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents. Her family bond is deep and their connection is filled with love. She wonders about her birth mom and comes to appreciate both her birth culture and her adopted family's culture, for even though they may seem very different, they are both a part of her, and that is what makes her beautiful. She learns to appreciate the differences in her family and celebrate them.
Family Reunion by  Chad Richardson
In this contemporary #OwnVoices tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he's sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid's-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties.
Fry Bread : A Native American Family Story by  Kevin Noble Maillard
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America's 573 recognized tribes.
Just Like a Mama by  Alice Faye Duncan
Carol Olivia Clementine wishes her parents did not live so far away, but Mama Rose provides a home, loves her, and cares for her just like a mother would.
Milo Imagines the World by  Matt de la Peña
While Milo and his sister travel to a detention center to visit their incarcerated mother, he observes strangers on the subway and draws what he imagines their lives to be.
Mommy's New Friend by Shelley Tougas
Even though it was not easy at first, Lily learns how to embrace Mommy's new friend Carl as a member of her family.
Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner by  Angela Dalton
Inspired by the rich tradition of African American reunions, a multigenerational story follows the experiences of young Ruby, who helps loved ones prepare the foods they are bringing while trying to think of a signature dish of her own.
Shhh! The Baby's Asleep by  JaNay Brown-Wood
Baby is finally asleep, and Mama is trying to shush the rest of the family, but when they are all finally quiet baby wakes up--and it is up to big brother Dante to find the right book to read so everyone can get some rest.
The Day of Your Arrival by  Dolores (Children's author) Brown
An adoption story told from the point of view of two parents about the love they have for their adopted child.
The Heart of Mi Familia by  Carrie Lara
A bicultural child describes her visits to her grandma's house and her abuela's house, and how both sides of the family come together to celebrate her younger brother's birthday.
The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round by  Wendy Wan Long Shang
Presents a song set to the tune of The wheels on the bus, where a multigenerational family enjoys a culturally rich meal.
Two Homes, One Heart by  Jessica (Jessica E.) Young
Living in two homes can be a big adjustment, but it can also present opportunities for growth. Jessica Young's poignant story and Chelsea O'Byrne's tender illustrations offer gentle reassurance to kids navigating separation or divorce and remind us that while families change, love is constant.
Updated 03/22/2024