Children’s Staff Picks
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Gloam
For fans of Small Spaces and Goosebumps comes a delightfully creepy tale of a girl who must defend her family home from a babysitter with a monstrous secret!
Gwen doesn’t want to admit that everything has been different since her mom died. There’s no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger brother and twin sisters to look after. Especially not after the move into their late grandmother’s creaky old house on a tiny, damp island where someone—or something—is waiting for them.
Esme Laverne. Gwen isn’t fooled by the beautiful babysitter with the hungry eyes and too-sharp teeth, even though everyone else is. How does no one notice the sinister threats beneath her sickly sweet words? It quickly becomes clear that if Gwen wants Esme gone, she’ll have to handle it herself.
In order to protect her family, Gwen will have to fight off terrifying creatures and literal nightmares come to life. But as rot begins to eat away at the house’s walls and Esme’s power grows, Gwen must face everything she’s been running from and embrace what she’s truly scared of before she can defeat the monster in her home . . . for good. -
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
In one of the best-reviewed books of the year, an undead fox named Clare meets a badger named Gingersnaps who turns his life upside down--perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.
Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive--just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.
Clare's quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare's efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.
Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl--the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate. -
The Star That Always Stays
When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you’re Ojibwe.
Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage.
Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia’s mother forces her to pretend she’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan.
Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion.
But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?
Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson’s family history.
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Touch the Brightest Star
This interactive bedtime story proves nighttime isn't scary at all. The gentle journey from sunset to sunrise shows even the youngest children the magic of the nighttime sky—and lets them make magic happen! A companion to the popular and acclaimed Tap the Magic Tree.
What happens while you're sleeping? With lush, beautiful watercolors and cut-paper collage, Christie Matheson reveals the magic of the nighttime sky, using the same kinds of toddler-perfect interactive elements as her acclaimed Tap the Magic Tree. Wave good-bye to the sun, gently press the firefly, make a wish on a star, rub the owls on their heads, and . . . shhhh. No two readings of this book will be the same. That along with the gentle, soothing rhythm, makes Touch the Brightest Star a bedtime winner—no matter how
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All the Small Wonderful Things
In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last.
Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought--unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity. This charming story, told through Alex's clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn't one-size-fits-all--maybe it's found in the small things where you least expect it. -
Oh, Look!
The famous Polacco goats are back! In this playful interactive chant, three mischievous little goats find their way out of the gate (squeak, squeak, squeak!), over a bridge (click, click, click!) through some mud (squish, squish, squish!), onto a carousel (um pah pah pah, um pah pah!)...and right into the path of an angry ogre! Of course, they are happy to turn right around and run straight back over the path they traveled, until at last they are back home gain, safe and sound.
Patricia Polacco's color palette is bright and springlike in her second goat adventure for very young readers.
Upcoming Children's Events
Winter Storytime With Miss Natalie
Storytime
Come for stories, music, crafts and more! Aimed toward preschool aged children, but children of all ages are welcome. Dress for a mess!
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Holiday Storytime and Treat Decorating
Storytime
Come for stories, music, crafts and more! Aimed toward preschool aged children, but children of all ages are welcome. Dress for a mess!
Enjoy the Holiday Season at Storytime & Treat Decorating!
📖 Storytime for the little ones begins at 11:00 a.m.
Cat Adoption Event
Community Cats of Owosso will be at the Owosso children's library with cats and kittens available for adoption!
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Drop-in Holiday Crafts
🎄 Holiday Crafting at the Library! 🎄
All ages are invited to make fun crafts perfect for the holidays:
Winter Storytime With Miss Natalie
Storytime
Come for stories, music, crafts and more! Aimed toward preschool aged children, but children of all ages are welcome. Dress for a mess!
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Winter Storytime With Miss Natalie
Storytime
Come for stories, music, crafts and more! Aimed toward preschool aged children, but children of all ages are welcome. Dress for a mess!
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Download & Stream Children’s Titles
1911 Owosso Tornado
November 11, 1911 at 11:11 p.m., a tornado struck the Owosso area leaving destruction though out the city.
BiblioBoard Library
Discover local content from self-published authors, top indie eBooks, and so much more. Never experience a hold, checkout, or lending limit.
Read Michigan
A cooperative effort between the Library of Michigan and the presses of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State Univ
Hoopla
Instantly borrow free digital movies, music, eBooks and more, 24/7 with your library card.
eBook Public Library Collection
Ebsco Books
Full text of more than 20,000 titles for the general user. A variety of topics is included.
Libby
Free downloads of e-books and audio books. A valid library card is required. New home for Overdrive users.