Staff Book Picks

We love books at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Here’s a list of some of our favorites. You can find them in our gift shop, Play Central Toys & Books.

“Wreck This Picture Book,” by Keri Smith

Picked by Play Guide Summer

I have read quite a few books in our gift shop at the children’s museum. This is one that stuck out to me because it’s unique. You can jump on it, jump with, slap it, fold pages…it’s not like a normal book. It opens your mind to creative and I love that. This is why it’s my favorite.

“A Fine, Fine School,” by Sharon Creech

Picked by Play Guide Esther

I recommend this book because it has sentimental value. When I was 3 years old, my dad started a new position as principal as previously being a teacher. His staff gave it to him before he started his new position in a different district. He used to read it to us for bedtime stories, so it means a lot to me, and I highly recommend it.

“Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea,” by Meena Harris

Picked by Play Guide Mandy

“Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea” is a true story about two sisters who work hard for an important goal. They want to have a playground built outside their apartment building. There were many different obstacles and yet they persevered and pushed through. It’s just a great story about how children can make a difference in their community.

“Wonder Walkers,” by Micha Archer

Picked by Play Guide Sarah

I like this book. “Wonder Walkers” explores climbing on rocks, being outside, and wondering about nature. It reminds me of a Gooseberry Falls vacation I went on. It’s a really inspiring book about all of the fun things to go and see in life and outside. 

“Don’t Let Them Disappear,” by Chelsea Clinton

Picked by Play Guide Noah

I recommend this book. It’s about a couple of different endangered species across the planet. It talks about giraffes, whales, and lions, and more. It tells a little bit about each animal and then about why they are going extinct. It gives a couple of recommendations for what you can do to help bring these animals back.  

“My Grandma Mi Abuelita,” by Ginger Foglesong Gibson

Picked by Custodian Dora

I recommend this book because it’s really nice for people who are like me and are a new grandma. I have a little granddaughter. It’s a good opportunity for people who want to introduce children to a new language. You can learn many words in Spanish and English. The color and pictures are beautiful.

“The Circles All Around Us,” by Brad Montague

Picked by Director of Education Carrie

I’m recommending the story “The Circles All Around Us.” This book beautifully illustrates how you start in one circle and then watch your circle grow as you add in family, friends, your school, the community, and even the entire world. It helps you reflect upon how you as one person can help spread love, joy, and happiness through all those different circles.

“Change Sings,” by Amanda Gorman

Picked by Executive Director Kate

This book captures my heart and soul every time I read it. “Change Sings, a Children’s Anthem” has words written by youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman and beautiful illustrations by Loren Long. It takes us on a musical journey reminding young readers that they have the power to make a difference whether that’s big or small.

“I am a chant that rises and rings. There is hope where my change sings.”

I think the book sends a beautiful message inspiring children to use their personal gifts to be themselves and to impact the lives of others.

“Big Feelings,” by Alexandra Penfold

Picked by Director of Marketing Kerrie

“I have big feelings, you have them t0o. How can I help? What can we do?”

This book Big Feelings brings big conversation for children and adults. I love this book because the illustrations are gorgeous and it empowers us to use others’ words to define our feelings, to talk about them, to apologize, and to help each other. It’s just a beautiful story. It’s good for adults and children.

“Just Ask” by Sonia Sotomayor

Picked by Play Guide Amanda

This book teaches us that everybody is different and that we should not only accept those differences but celebrate them. Check it out in our museum gift shop!

“Pass it On,” by Sophy Henn

Picked by Play Guide Madi

This story inspires me because it explains that just by giving joy to others you can make the world a little nicer. A simple smile or a hug can go a long way. It also has some really awesome illustrations and lots of colors, so I highly recommend it.

“Going Places,” by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Picked by Educator Lauren

I recommend this book called “Going Places,” by Peter and Paul Reynolds. It’s a story about a go–cart building contest that inspires a young engineer, Mia, to throw away her step-by-step instructions and to use her materials to make something that is one-of-a-kind. It reminds us that there is not just one way to cross the finish line.