October 2024 Books of the Month

Picture Book of the Month

Synopsis: A story of a young rabbit named Jasper who finds a purple crayon. When the purple crayon starts acting creepy, Jasper must find a way to get rid of it!

Why We Love It: The kid-friendly spookiness makes it a fun a read for Halloween. It also conveys the theme that making the right choice is not always the easy one.

Chapter Book of the Month

Synopsis: Ivan, a silverback gorilla, is the sole gorilla residing in a shopping mall. Fortunately, he has companions: an elephant, a dog, and a young girl. His pastimes include watching television and painting. However, it is the arrival of a baby elephant that propels Ivan into action, confronting his past.

Why We Love It: The fictional character of Ivan was inspired by an actual gorilla who experienced a comparable solitary existence in a circus-themed mall. It is Applegate’s creative rendition of Ivan’s backstory and his interactions with the animals he befriends that truly animate this story.