EUREKA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT (Eureka, Illinois)
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Picture

April 28, 2026 | 'A Forest Song' by Kirsten Hall & Evan Turk [Picture Book Review]

4/28/2026

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Picture

A Forest Song

Hall, Kirsten
​Turk, Evan

2025, Random House Studio

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 3; Lexile: AD560L

Availability

EPLD: print
This vivid and evocative poem reimagines classic lines of poetry from Robert Frost, Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe and others. Readers will journey into a forest, listen carefully to its sounds, and observe the creatures that call it home.

With swirling colors, the stunning illustrations create scenes of the forest awakening through the eyes of a child – a wolf finds its lair, a deer steps with care, even the trees appear to flutter awake! With each verse, the child embraces these sights, imagining the trees lifting him to the sky, gently lulling him to sleep, and greeting him anew in the morning.

A tribute to writers of the past, this stunning picture book by poet Kirsten Hall and award-winning illustrator Evan Turk celebrates the beauty of our forests, and encourages readers to respect, honor, and be in awe of their natural wonders.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow:

a_forest_song.pdf
File Size: 239 kb
File Type: pdf
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March 24, 2026 | 'Words of Friendship' by Jake Biggin [Picture Book Review]

3/24/2026

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Picture

Words of Friendship

Biggin, Jake

2025, DK Publishing

Fiction

Grades: 2 - 3; Lexile: 450L

Availability

EPLD: print
Meet Sunny. Sunny's only little, but he has big thoughts and most importantly, a big heart. Acting as a guide, mentor, and friend, he'll never judge your questions, worries, or anxieties. We all have them, and this sausage dog is here to help.

With charming illustrations throughout, and enchanting lyrical text from the talented author and illustrator, Jake Biggin, Words of Friendship is the perfect story to remind us that we're not alone. Readers will find a loyal companion in Sunny, and Alice's fears, questions, and anxieties are relatable for people big and small.

​Discover comfort, joy, and acceptance in this little book that's full of friendship and love and reconnect with what's truly important.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow:

words_of_friendship.pdf
File Size: 238 kb
File Type: pdf
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January 27, 2026 | 'Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children' by Bryan Mellonie & Robert Igpen [Picture Book Review]

1/27/2026

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Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children

Mellonie, Bryan
​Igpen, Robert

1983, Bantam Books

Nonfiction

Ages: 6 - 9; Lexile: AD570L

Availability

EPLD: print
When the death of a relative, a friend, or a pet happens or is about to happen . . . how can we help a child to understand?

Lifetimes is a moving book for children of all ages, even parents too. It lets us explain life and death in a sensitive, caring, beautiful way. Lifetimes tells us about beginnings. And about endings. And about living in between. With large, wonderful illustrations, it tells about plants. About animals. About people. It tells that dying is as much a part of living as being born. It helps us to remember. It helps us to understand.

Lifetimes . . . a very special, very important book for you and your child. The book that explains--beautifully--that all living things have their own special Lifetimes.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow:

lifetimes.pdf
File Size: 614 kb
File Type: pdf
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December 16, 2025 | 'Kittybunkport' by Scott Rothman [Picture Book Review]

12/16/2025

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Kittybunkport

Rothman, Scott
OHora, Zachariah - illustrator

2025, Viking

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 2

Availability

EPLD: print
eBook: Palace Project
Lighthouses, lobster rolls, two silly scaredy-cats, and one uproarious seaside adventure!

Chowder and Crackers live in the quiet, coastal town of Kittybunkport, where they pass their time sitting in the sun, napping, scratching stuff, and of course, catching lobster. Until one day the town's lighthouse—rumored to be haunted—suddenly goes dark. When Chowder and Crackers are sent to fix the problem, will the two scaredy-cats be able to save Kittybunkport?

With playfully purrfect text by Scott Rothman and riotous illustrations by New York Times bestselling illustrator Zachariah OHora, Kittybunkport is a story young readers will want to visit again and again.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow: 

kittybunkport.pdf
File Size: 497 kb
File Type: pdf
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October 14, 2025 | 'Pete the Kitty and the Mermaid's Sandcastle' by Kimberly Dean & James Dean [Picture Book Review]

10/14/2025

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Pete the Kitty and the Mermaid's Sandcastle

Dean, Kimberly
​Dean, James

2025, Harper

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 3

Availability

EPLD: print
ILL: audio-enabled book
eBook: Libby & Hoopla
Pete the Kitty and his mermaid friend Jessie work together to build a sandcastle. But the castle is missing something. Will one shell, two barnacles, three strands of seaweed, and more gifts from the sea be enough to make their sandcastle the best it can be?

Young mermaid fans and beachgoers will love building and counting with Pete and Jessie in this My First I Can Read story, complete with original illustrations from the creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean.

This My First I Can Read book is carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and sweet illustrations—which means it's perfect for shared reading with emergent readers. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow:

pete_the_kitty_and_the_mermaids_sandcastle.pdf
File Size: 507 kb
File Type: pdf
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August 13, 2025 | 'My Daddy is a Cowboy' by Stephanie Seales [Picture Book Review]

8/13/2025

 
Picture

My Daddy is a Cowboy

Seales, Stephanie
Esperanza, C.G. - illustrator

2024, Abrams Books for Young Readers

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 3

Availability

EPLD: print & book with CD
ILL: Spanish edition & audio-enabled book
eBook: Palace Project, Freading, & Hoopla
eAudiobook: Hoopla
A young girl and her father share an early morning horseback ride around their city.

Tall. High as the clouds.
Strong as a horse’s back.
Like a cowboy.

In the early hours before dawn, a young girl and her father greet their horses and ride together through the waking city streets. As they trot along, Daddy tells cowboy stories filled with fun and community, friendship, discovery, and pride. Seeing her city from a new vantage point and feeling seen in a new way, the child discovers that she too is a cowboy—strong and confident in who she is.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow:

my_daddy_is_a_cowboy.pdf
File Size: 604 kb
File Type: pdf
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April 16, 2025 | 'Six Princess Tales' by Disney [Picture Book Review]

4/16/2025

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Picture

Six Princess Tales

Disney

2019, Random House

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 3; Lexile: 280L - 410L

Availability

EPLD: print
Princess Hearts: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Aurora, Belle, Snow White, Tiana, Ariel, and Jasmine celebrate love in many different ways. This Step 1 reader features all the Disney princesses, as well as the princes and friends who love them. Young children ages 4 to 6 who are just starting to read will embrace this book about love.

Kingdom of Color:
When the kingdom's most wanted—and most charming—bandit Flynn Rider hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower—70 feet of magical golden hair! Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense. With super simple text and full-color illustrations, this Step 1 Step into Reading leveled reader is based on Disney Tangled!

Ballerina Princess: Tutus and toe-shoes—what could be more fun? A Princess wearing them—of course! For the first time ever, the Disney Princesses become ballerinas. Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, and others will dance and spin themselves into the hearts of Princess fans in this sweet Step 2 reader.

Teachers' Pets: Join Belle, Tiana, and the rest of the Disney princesses as they teach their friends how to read, cook, swim, and more! Based on the beloved Disney films Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, The Little Mermaid, and more, this Step 2 reader will have kids ages 4 to 6 eager to be the teacher’s pet.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel is one of the most beloved Disney princesses of all time, and now children ages 4-6 can relive the magic of Disney's The Little Mermaid with this Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader. Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Quest for the Heart: Go on a journey with Moana, Maui, Pua, and Heihei in this Step 3 Step into Reading leveled retelling the exciting story of 
Disney Moana! Perfect for children ages 4 to 6. Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow:

six_princess_tales.pdf
File Size: 607 kb
File Type: pdf
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March 19, 2025 | 'Give Back' by Gina Bellisario [Picture Book Review]

3/19/2025

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Picture

Give Back

Bellisario, Gina

2024, Scholastic

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 3; Lexile: AD480L

Availability

EPLD: print
Celebrate kindness and sharing in a sweet picture book about giving back! Thank You, Omu meets All Are Welcome!

Greet the morning shiny-new,

seat for me and seat for you,

drip-drop syrup, pancake stack.

Take a plate, and...

give back!

Follow a little girl and her multigenerational family as they prepare for a community meal and clothing drive. With charming, lyrical text from Gina Bellisario, Give Back celebrates kindness, community, and the various ways we can give to those around us. A perfect book for the holiday season and all year round.

Read a review by Kathryn Longfellow:

give_back.pdf
File Size: 607 kb
File Type: pdf
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July 10, 2024 | 'The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn' by Shawn Harris [Picture Book Review}

7/10/2024

 
Picture

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn

Harris, Shawn

2024, Alfred K. Knopf

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 2; Lexile: AD590L

Availability

EPLD: print
eBook: Palace Project
Meet Teeny-Weeny! A pint-sized unicorn in this funny, modern fairy tale about perception and self-confidence from a Caldecott-Honor winning creator.

Once upon a time, in a land where horses were mythical beasts, there lived a unicorn—a Teeny-Weeny Unicorn. He lived with his family in a palace—one that was extra-large for him, full of extra-large rugs and extra-large food. And when his brother and sister played chess, they used him in place of a pawn.

When it’s just too much to take, Teeny-Weeny Unicorn runs away—and has a chance encounter with a salty gnome. It's then that he suddenly starts to wonder... IS he teeny weeny? Or is he just the right size?

Every kid will relate to Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, as he figures out how to live in a world not made for his stature. With wit and charm, as well as delightful illustrations, Shawn Harris creates a modern classic made for sharing—be it at bedtime or on a story time rug.

Read a review by Gennifer King:

the_teeny-weeny_unicorn.pdf
File Size: 495 kb
File Type: pdf
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December 20, 2023 | 'Christmas Ahoy' by Erin Dealey [Picture Book Review]

12/20/2023

 
Picture

Christmas Ahoy

Dealey, Erin
​Stark, Kayla - illustrator

2023, Sleeping Bear Press

Fiction

Grades: Pre-K - 2; Lexile: AD480L

Availability

EPLD: print
eBook: Hoopla
Ahoy! A spectacular Christmas boat parade is underway! Count up to ten as the dazzling crafts bob pass . . . but wait! Where is Santa and his reindeer? Surely, they aren't missing the parade? Never fear, little mariners, Santa simply has a surprise in store. With backmatter on the bevy of boats featured!

Read a review by Gennifer King:

christmas_ahoy.pdf
File Size: 497 kb
File Type: pdf
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address

Eureka Public Library District
​202 S. Main St.
​Eureka, IL 61530

phone

309.467.2922

fax

309.467.3527

hours

Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday:
​9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday & Friday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
© COPYRIGHT 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • About
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    • Library Newsletter
    • Fine Free
  • At The Library
    • Program Calendar
    • Illinois Libraries Present
    • Kids
    • Teens
    • Adults
    • Get a Library Card
    • Loan Periods and Fines
    • Library of Things
    • Hotspots
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  • Find Books & More
    • Search Catalog
    • Access Your Account
    • Wowbrary: Latest Additions
    • Interlibrary Loans
    • Digital Resources
    • Staff Book Reviews
  • Services
    • Outreach
    • Porch Pickup
    • Free Services
    • Copy, Print, & Fax
    • Educational Materials Request
    • Talking Books
    • Explore More Illinois
    • Online Classes
    • Mango Languages
    • Niche Academy
  • Research
    • IRIS: Illinois Reliable Information Sources
    • Genealogy & Local History
    • Eureka Pumpkin Festival
    • City & County Resources
    • State & Federal Resources
    • Tax Form Information
    • Voter Information