Library Closed on Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day
Library summer hours are in effect. MPL will be closed every Sunday through Labor Day. All other hours remain the same.
Staff Picks
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Hippos Remain Calm
Catch up with the party-loving hippos from Hippos Go Berserk! in this long-awaited picture book more than forty-five years in the making—from the one and only Sandra Boynton!
Hippos have a reputation for wild parties that go on till dawn. People have even gone so far as to say that partying hippos “go berserk.” Nobody knows how these rumors got started.
But even if it’s true (it is), it’s not the whole story. Given the deep appreciation that hippos have for water, it’s no wonder that your average hippopotamus seeks, finds, and offers a state of flow, no matter the situation.
We have much to learn from their example. Accordingly, this helpful book follows two typical hippos as they calmly and mindfully go about their ordinary hippo day.
“O, flare thy wild nostrils,
And welcome the day!
Onward! And upward!
Come what will,
come what may.” -
Out in the Wild!: A Graphix Chapters Book (Bug Scouts #1)
From New York Times bestselling illustrator Mike Lowery comes a wild and hilarious Graphix Chapters series featuring the amazing Bug Scouts!
"Raise your leg or antenna, and make the BUG SCOUT pact:
"I promise to fly, I promise to crawl
Or make a cool web, or roll into a ball.
I pledge to be brave and adventurous too.
And do all of the things that bugs like to do!"
Meet Doug, Abby, and Josh: the BUG SCOUTS! Doug and Abby love everything about being Bug Scouts: their super-duper top-secret headquarters, earning bug badges, wearing scout gear, and, of course, snacks. Josh, meanwhile, is a grump and doesn't like anything (except the snacks). The Bug Scouts begin to work on earning the "foraging" bug badge, which they can only get if they successfully find an edible plant. Together, they head into the woods in search for adventure and something to eat. But will they be able to avoid the poisonous plants and manage to not get eaten by a clever frog?!
With laugh-out-loud humor, puns galore, kid-friendly artwork, and endless heart, Bug Scouts is the perfect early graphic novel series for enthusiasts of Dog Man, Narwhal and Jelly, and CatStronauts. So get on your hiking boots, put on your binoculars, and head into wacky adventures with THE BUG SCOUTS.
Graphix Chapters are ideal books for beginning and newly independent readers. With approachable page counts, easy-to-follow paneling, and artwork that supports text comprehension, these engaging stories with unforgettable characters help children become lifelong readers.
Get drawn into reading with Graphix Chapters!
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New Kid
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft.
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
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Baby Monkey, Private Eye
Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick and debut children's book author David Serlin create a dazzling new format especially for young children!
A New York Times Bestselling BookAn Amazon Best Book of the YearA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearParents Magazine Best Early Reader of the Year"A marvel." --The New York Times"Inventive... fabulously expressive..." --San Francisco ChronicleWho is Baby Monkey?He is a baby.He is a monkey.He has a job.He is Baby Monkey, Private Eye!Lost jewels?Missing pizza?Stolen spaceship?Baby Monkey can help...if he can put on his pants!Baby Monkey's adventures come to life in an exciting blend of picture book, beginning reader, and graphic novel. With pithy text and over 120 black and white drawings accented with red, it is ideal for sharing aloud and for emerging readers.Hooray for Baby Monkey!
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Who Made This Mess?
Mud splattered everywhere, tangled-up wool in huge piles, and carrot tops strewn about--what in the world is happening in this animal village? It's quite a mystery! But thanks to rhyming clues, everyone will be able to easily guess the animal culprits--or will they? In this laugh-out-loud, expectation-defying picture book, Laura Gehl (May Saves the Day and The Hiking Viking) uses a rhyming mystery to help readers adjust their outlook, keep an open mind, and learn not to make assumptions.
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Ten Dragon Eggs
A fun and dragon-filled countdown of numbers 10 through 1
Mama Dragon is tending to ten colorful eggs, and she needs our help to hatch them all! Shim-shim-shimmy shout! Baby draglings, please come out! Count down from ten with Mama Dragon as each of her draglings jiggles, thumps, and KER-ACKS their way into the world.
Young readers will delight in meeting each little dragling as they hatch. Portrayed with plenty of personality and humor, this is a perfect pick for celebrating parent-child relationships while learning about color, numbers, and ordinal vocabulary. The book's lively refrain is sure to inspire many spirited story times. -
A Family Like Ours
Everyone's family is unique--and good! From sprawling extended families and close-knit units to adopted and chosen families, A Family Like Ours celebrates all those important connections we build over the years. Regardless of what yours looks like, family is a place for support, safety, growth, and inspiration. What is special, surprising, or sensational about your family?
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All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!
A tender and timeless tale about what truly matters: LOVE -- from creative visionary of The Word Collector, Happy Dreamer, and The Dot, #1 New York Times bestseller Peter H. Reynolds!
Poppy: All we need is love.
Little One: And a pillow.
Poppy: Yes, a pillow, but that is all we need.
This heartfelt celebration of love follows Poppy and Little One as they discuss all the things they need in life like a really good pillow or a roof over their heads but most important of all, love. Despite the challenges they face as a storm sweeps away their home, this duo never lose their optimism because in the end they know that all they truly need is love . . . and each other.
This tender, wholly original tale of all the ways we express and share love, from our most celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds, is a needed comfort and a new classic that will offer reassurance to readers of every age.
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The Lost Library
Now a New York Times bestseller, a #1 Indie Bestseller, and the Amazon #1 Best Kids' Book of 2023, readers won't want to miss this story of a little free library guarded by a cat and a boy who takes on the mystery it keeps.
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you). -
When Dad's Hair Took Off
One day, Dad's hair decided it was tired of being brushed and combed. It wanted a life of its own, to see the world. It took off.
Out of the bathroom, into the kitchen, and before you could say, "Hairsta la vista, baby!" it was gone.
Dad gives chase around the town. He spots his hair hiding in the lawn, on the road, at the zoo--it's amazing how many things look like hair. He gives up and tries to accept life without hair. Then the postcards arrive. The hair is on a round-the-world trip, and Dad is still bald. Until one day the unbelievable happens and the hair comes back.
A fast-paced, wonderfully absurd story packed with wordplay and hilarious illustrations.
When Dad's Hair Took Off is a comical chapter book for early readers or for any child to enjoy reading aloud with a grownup who relates! A fun book to celebrate and share with Dad on Father's Day or any day.
Translated from the German edition by Melody Shaw, which was shortlisted for multiple awards.
Jörg Mühle studied illustration in Offenbach and Paris. He has been illustrating for books and magazines since 2000. He is the author and illustrator of worldwide bestselling interactive bedtime book for toddlers, Tickle My Ears.Praise for When Dad's Hair Took Off
"[A]ll the relish of a tall tale, deadpan timing, and choice vocabulary."--starred, Foreword Reviews
"Get ready for a hair-raising--or should we say hair-racing?--chase and an abundance of absurdity and witty wordplay."--Kirkus Reviews
"An early chapter book--the kind Gecko Press excels at."--Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production
"When Dad's Hair took Off is the perfect book to read when you feel like a good dollop of humour sprinkled with imagination and steeped in word play, I mean horse play, I mean HAIR play."--NZ Poetry Box -
The One and Only Ruby
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
From beloved powerhouse author Katherine Applegate comes The One and Only Ruby, starring the adorable baby elephant from the Newbery Medal-winning modern classic The One and Only Ivan and its bestselling sequel, The One and Only Bob.
Ruby's story picks up a few months after the events of The One and Only Bob. Now living in a wildlife sanctuary, Ruby's caretaker from the elephant orphanage in Africa where she grew up is visiting. Seeing him again brings back a flood of memories both happy and sad of her life before the circus, and she recounts the time she spent in the African savannah to Ivan and Bob.
In the timeless way that only Katherine Applegate could craft, this highly anticipated novel in verse is the perfect mix of heartfelt and humorous, poignant and sweet. Artist Patricia Castelao returns to the world of Ivan and his friends with gorgeous black-and-white interior illustrations to complete the story.
The One and Only Ruby features first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); and story elements (plot, character development, perspective).
This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom.
Don't miss the film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan, now streaming on Disney+!
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Mexikid
NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER • An unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican American boy’s family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico
“One of those books that kids will pass to their friends as soon as they have finished it.”—Victoria Jamieson, creator of the National Book Award finalist When Stars Are Scattered
WINNER OF THE PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR AWARD AND ILLUSTRATOR AWARD • ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library
Pedro Martín has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito—his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito. -
The Eyes and the Impossible
NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An enthralling middle-grade novel by award-winning author Dave Eggers, told from the perspective of one uniquely endearing dog— featuring beautiful color artwork with illustrations by Caldecott honoree Shawn Harris.
“Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages.” —The New York Times
Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison. His friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance.
But changes are afoot. More humans, including Trouble Travelers, arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats—an actual boatload of goats—who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes’s view of the world.
A story about friendship, beauty, liberation, and running very, very fast, The Eyes & the Impossible will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way. -
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
An instant New York Times bestseller!
"A Harry Potter-esque adventure." --Time Magazine
A breathtaking, enchanting new series by debut author Jessica Townsend, about a cursed girl who escapes death and finds herself in a magical world--but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination.
Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.
But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.
It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each with an extraordinary talent that sets them apart--an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests--or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.
Perfect for fans of the Harry Potter series and Neil Gaiman, this fast-paced plot and imaginative world has a fresh new take on magic that will appeal to a new generation of readers. -
Dogtown
Now a New York Times bestseller, an Indie bestseller, and an Amazon Best Children's Book of 2023! From beloved authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko and with illustrations from Wallace West, Dogtown is at once an uplifting story and a page-turning adventure, sure to find a forever home in readers’ hearts.
Dogtown is a shelter for stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs, whose owners have outgrown them.
Chance, a real dog, has been in Dogtown since her owners unwittingly left her with irresponsible dog-sitters who skipped town.
Metal Head is a robot dog who dreams of being back in a real home.
And Mouse is a mouse who has the run of Dogtown, pilfering kibble, and performing clever feats to protect the dogs he loves.
When Chance and Metal Head embark on an adventure to find their forever homes, there is danger, cheese sandwiches, a charging station, and some unexpected kindnesses along the way.
Upcoming Events
Class/Workshop
You’re never too old or too young to experience something new.
Learn to start a survival fire with Joshua Stuck, the Woodsy Dude! Joshua is a self taught survivalist and bushcrafter passing on his knowledge and experiences of survival and native skills for over the past 20 years.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.
Join us in the Idea Box for a demonstration of the Cricut Maker, a machine that cuts and scores a variety of materials for hobby crafting.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.
A Patchwork of Stories: Sharing Caribbean Culture with Baptiste Paul
Born in St. Lucia, Green Bay author Baptiste Paul will share the patchwork of his colorful culture. He is the author of several picture books, including his latest, Patchwork Prince, about growing up in the Caribbean.
Disclaimer(s)
Unattended Children
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Manitowoc Public Library is closed every Sunday Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
The Libby app gives you access to thousands of free eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines that you can read online. Haven’t tried Libby yet? Join us on Monday August 5 for a demonstration of Libby and receive hands on assistance with the app.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.
Unattended Children
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Arts & Crafts
Tap into your artistic side with a hands-on creative experience!
Can't sew? Sew what! Kids and teens are invited to this crafty workshop, where endless possibilities await! All supplies provided.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.
Unattended Children
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.