All together now

This month’s Bookworm Kids list is brought to us by the Gentry Public Library. Through the month of June, the library will have its summer reading program, All Together Now, every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon and every Saturday from 10-11 a.m. The program will highlight the attributes of good citizenship and spotlight people who work in our city and create a vibrant community for us all.

• June 6: The Gentry Police Department will demonstrate police dog maneuvers and kids will be able to explore police vehicles.

• June 13: Fire trucks and emergency vehicles will be available for kids to see the equipment first responders use to keep our community and citizens safe.

• June 20: Children and their families are invited to a story walk at Flint Creek Nature Area.

• June 27: The Amazeum will be at the library for a special craft event.

All events are free and open to the public; registration is encouraged. Please call the library at 479-736-2054 or stop in at 105 E. Main St. in Gentry.

Thank You, Garden By Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Simone Shin

“For soil and sun, for friends and fun … Thank you, garden.” Scanlon’s simple, rhyming story gently moves the reader through Shin’s strong, yet tranquil illustrations to describe a community garden and the diverse people and plants that inhabit it.

Out and About at City Hall By Nancy Garhan Attebury, illustrated by Zachary Trover

Every city has one, but what really goes on inside city hall? Attebury describes the various departments in city hall including water and sewer, garbage, fire protection and law enforcement. She clearly explains to young readers about paying for city utilities and taxes

Firefighters By Laura K. Murray

Murray gives young readers a simple, narrative introduction to a firefighter’s job. The bold photographs show firefighters in emergencies like fighting fires and in nonemergency situations like demonstrating how to use a fire extinguisher. The large print and simple words are easy for a toddler to understand and for a beginning reader to master.

Police Officers By Laura K. Murray

A very basic introduction to a police officer’s job for toddlers and young readers. Along with a brief description of the job duties of a police officer, the book explains the tools and equipment they use.

What Happens to Trash? By D.J. Ward, illustrated by Paul Meisel

Part of the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out series, this book explores the science behind trash disposal and the concepts of reuse, reduce and recycle. It describes different types of trash including general household waste and hazardous waste and gives an introduction to the processes involved with landfills. Some of the statistics are quite startling. The book is illustrated with deep, bold colors and extensive detail.

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind Written and illustrated by Jessica Hische

Beautifully illustrated with hand lettering and soft colors, this sweet story defines what it means to be helpful, patient, gentle, honest, generous, grateful and kind. The rhyming prose is simple, and the animal illustrations express emotions coordinating with the story message.

What If Everybody Said That? By Ellen Javernick, illustrated by Colleen Madden

Javernick and Madden illustrate the power of words in this story that explores how our words affect others. Emotions are clearly expressed in the illustrations. The storyline includes a small social media discussion that shows written words can have a similar effect as spoken words do. This is an excellent book to help children reflect on their actions.

What If Everybody Did That? By Ellen Javernick, illustrated by Colleen Madden

Javernick and Madden explore how actions have consequences and what would happen if everyone broke the rules. Self-control and consideration of others are implied in the story. The illustrations are bold and amusing. This is another great book that helps children reflect on their experiences.

What Does It Mean to Be Present? By Rana DiOrio, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

Charming illustrations in muted colors frame the simple narrative about what it means to be present by listening, noticing and focusing. The author sums up the idea by writing, “Being present means living in the moment. It means realizing that yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift – that’s why we call it the present!”

What Does It Mean to Be Kind? By Rana DiOrio, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch

DiOrio examines what it means to be kind using simple questions and gentle guidance. She includes various issues including bullying, patience, diversity and animals. Paired with the adorable watercolor illustrations, this is a truly charming book.

for city services. She includes descriptions of a city manager, a mayor, and a city council. The short, 24-page read packs in a comprehensive overview of city services.