Easter Break Book Suggestions

Whether you have Friday, Monday, or both off, this weekend is a long weekend! That means extra time to sleep-in, browse social media, or watch another episode of the latest Netflix series everyone is talking about. Those are all fine ways to decompress, but what if you took some time to read with your child instead? We’re bringing to the table some books can read with your family and spend some quality time together, make memories, and have some fun!

As always, we've included virtual readings to provide an ease of access, and links to all of these suggestions through the Calgary Public Library (CPL) where you can place a hold and pick them up at one of the 21 CPL locations!

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

by Beatrix Potter

The classic original of Beatrix Potter's best-selling tale!

The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published by Frederick Warne in 1902 and endures as Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved tale. It tells the story of a very mischievous rabbit and the trouble he encounters in Mr McGregor's vegetable garden!

Re-originated in 2002 to mark the centenary of publication bringing it closer to the original edition, six illustrations were restored, four that were removed in 1903 to make room for endpapers and two that have never been used before, Beatrix having initially prepared more illustrations than could be accommodated in the original format.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is number one in Beatrix Potter's series of 23 little books.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C300601

Make Way for Ducklings

by Robert McCloskey

Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live. The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston. But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arrive safely at their new home.

This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers. Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favorite of millions.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C137108

Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up

by Sean Taylor, Alex Morss & Illustrated by Chinyee Chiu

In this uplifting picture book about spring, follow two children and their father through their backyard as they discover all the different ways nature wakes up from its long winter sleep.

Spot the busy creatures and plants as the tale unfolds, then learn about how each responds to the increasing daylight and warmth that usher in the season.

Co-authors Sean Taylor (picture book author) and Alex Morss (ecologist, journalist, and educator) offer an inviting introduction to the science behind spring. The yard is bright, birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, and there are tadpoles in the pond! What is all the commotion about?

In each colorful scene, the family discovers a different sign of spring --a bird collecting twigs for its nest, a fox snuggling her cubs, a caterpillar feasting on leaves... After the story, annotated illustrations explain the spring behaviors of various plants and animals.

Inspire an appreciation for the natural world in this joyous exploration of spring.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1363845

Blackflies

by Robert Munsch and Illustrated by Jay Odjick

Helen loves springtime -- except for the gazillions of blackflies and mosquitoes. But she has a plan.

One day Helen wakes up and it's SPRING! The snow has melted and the sun is shining. But Helen knows that the blackflies will be coming out soon. So she does what any smart kid would do: she sends her little sister outdoors to check! When the blackflies and mosquitoes carry her away, Helen tells her dad, who rushes outside and is carried away himself. Now Helen needs to rescue BOTH of them, along with a wolf and a very clever bear.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library:https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1127853

The Runaway Bunny

by Margaret Wise Brown

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, beloved children's book author of Goodnight Moon. "If you run away," said his mother, "I will run after you. For you are my little bunny." A little bunny keeps running away from his mother in this imaginary game of hide-and-seek. Children will be profoundly comforted by this lovingly steadfast mother who finds her child every time. The Runaway Bunny, first published in 1942 and never out of print, has indeed become a classic. Generations of readers have fallen in love with the gentle magic of its reassuring words and loving pictures.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C128178