A Child's Request by Caitlin Newman

Britannica School (Early Elementary)

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 14:48:02 UTC

Britannica School allows children to search by topic—there is an entire section on "pets"—the layout is image-forward and easy to navigate. Text is scaled to the appropriate level, and users have the option of using a read-aloud function that highlights each word as the narration reads it aloud. Free with a Pennsylvania public library card.

BookFLIX

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 15:19:04 UTC

Deciding on a pet is not only a fact-driven choice; it's also a heart-driven one. BookFLIX pairs a nonfiction and a fiction book to give readers a wide-ranging, nuanced view of a single topic. (I liked their pairing of Emily Jenkins's picture book That New Animal with Laine Falk and Joan Michael's Let's Explore the Five Sense with City Dog and Country Dog.) Free with a Pennsylvania public library card.

Gale in Context: Elementary

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 15:41:31 UTC

With Gale In Context: Elementary, patrons can access a wealth of information delivered in textual and visual forms, including a bar graph of 2023's most popular pets. Free with a Pennsylvania public library card.

TrueFlix

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 15:59:37 UTC

This resource offers award-winning science books, along with related articles, project ideas, and videos. A patron seeking more information about reptiles, for example, can also find an article about the dangers of keeping wild and exotic pets from Scholastic Math (a publication I never would have thought to check for information about pets!). Free with a Pennsylvania public library card.

DK Find Out!

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 16:16:58 UTC

Innovative interactive graphics make it fun to browse and explore your preferred topic. An article on pet care encourages users to click on the pets you're most interested in to see what type of upkeep they require. Free.

The World Almanac Kids

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 19:25:08 UTC

Articles and videos from the World Almanac Kids offer insight on topics including presidential pets, animals you wouldn't want as a pet, and the cost of pet ownership. Subscription required.

InfoBase Just for Kids Streaming Collection

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 19:31:27 UTC

This resource allows users to find streaming videos that are fact-based or feature beloved fictional characters. Either approach will help the patron gather information on their desired subject. The episode The Trouble With Pets from the Berenstain Bears might be a good fit for this family. Subscription required.

EBSCO NoveList Plus

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-12 19:41:03 UTC

This book recommendation database allows librarians and patrons to search for recommended books by keyword, then narrow by a range of filters, including audience age, format, and fiction/nonfiction. Listings include industry reviews, which might not be of interest to young patrons, but are a great source of support for caregivers, educators, and librarians who are assisting young patrons in their search. Free with a Pennsylvania public library card.

Libby

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-13 17:01:49 UTC

After narrowing down a list of books or audiobooks with EBSCO NoveList Plus, I might recommend searching for and checking them out on Libby. The app is a great, user-friendly way to engage with audiobooks and e-books; my library has a surprisingly robust selection of kids' books and audiobooks. Free app; must have a card from a participating library to access titles.

The Creature Garden

caitlinnewman1 — 2023-12-15 02:50:19 UTC

Phew—that's a lot of information! Sometimes we just want have a moment and connection and play with a special animal. Take a minute to dream up a magical pet, name it, and care for it with The Creature Garden app, which emphasizes creativity and storytelling. Named to the ALA's ALSC list of Notable Children's Digital Media in 2021. Paid app.