South End Scoop: Books & More From KCLS — April 2025
The King County Library System (KCLS) and the South Seattle Emerald are teaming up to bring you the "South End Scoop." Dig into this community-centered column each month for great book, music, movie, and event recommendations from your local librarians.
Get curious about the environment and celebrate Earth Day with KCLS! Explore these handpicked selections about conservation, climate change, and the natural world, and find more books and events at KCLS' Earth Week webpage.
LIBRARIAN PICKS
Kids (Ages 3–7)
You Are a Wildlife Warrior by Bindi Irwin
This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book is written by Bindi Irwin, daughter of Steve Irwin, "the Crocodile Hunter." Bindi's book will help young kids become interested in conservation and fall in love with the Australia Zoo, which was founded by her grandparents. Go on a literary tour of the animals at the zoo and learn about their natural habitats, from lemurs to rhinos and, of course, crocodiles. The rhyming structure is engaging and acts as a gentle introduction to zoos and what they can do for animals.
Kids and Tweens (Ages 8–13)
The Wild Robot, directed by Chris Sanders
When Roz the robot gets stranded on an uninhabited island, she must learn to survive in her new surroundings — and get to know her new animal neighbors. This unique fish-out-of-water tale, adapted from the novel by Peter Brown, is bursting with heart and humanity. Sure to be loved by viewers of all ages, this stunning animated movie features fantastic voice acting performances by Lupita Nyong'o from A Quiet Place: Day One and Kit Connor from His Dark Materials.
Teens (Ages 14–17)
A Snake Falls to the Earth by Darcie Little Badger
Nina, a Lipan girl, and Oli, a young cottonmouth boy from the spirit realm who can shapeshift, become unexpectedly intertwined in this beautiful novel about climate change and the importance of cultural traditions. Nina is worried about her grandmother, and Oli is concerned for his frog friend when both of them are impacted by an environmental disaster on Earth. This is a great pick for fans of magical realism and will engross readers from the first page.
Adults (Ages 18 and Older)
A Little Queer Natural History by Josh L. Davis
From penguins and turtle hatchlings to mushrooms and tomatoes, learn about diverse forms of sexuality and reproduction in the natural world. Davis, a science writer for the Natural History Museum in London, delves into complex plant and animal biology and behavior while sharing how queerness in nature has been diminished and hidden by scientists in the past. The full color photographs complement his research, and will enrapture any reader who's interested in the natural world around them.
Recommendations courtesy of KCLS teen services librarian Shel Grinstead from the Tukwila Library. When not at the library, Shel enjoys going to concerts, playing cozy games, and trying out new handicrafts. Drop by their "Game On" program on Wednesdays after school or check out one of their art programs throughout the year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
KCLS offers a variety of in-person and online events and activities for all ages! All events are free. Find one that interests you at kcls.org/events.
Wednesday, April 23, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Renton Highlands Library
Join Black Stax for a journey through the history of Northwest hip-hop. Embrace the power of your own voice with written and vocal exercises, learn how peer communities support each other through sound, and enjoy stage performances by and with Black Stax.
Wednesday, April 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Renton Library
Watch Chasing Coral with us and learn about the alarming disappearance of coral reefs around the globe. This special event will feature a guest scientist from the Environmental Science Center (ESC) who will answer questions after the film. Refreshments generously provided by Friends of Renton Libraries.
Saturday, April 26, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Burien Library
Stop by the Burien library for a special Día celebration! Also known as Children's Day or Book Day (El Día del Niño y del Libro), Día promotes books, world languages, and cultural awareness. Visit the popsicle stand for a free conchita or paleta, get a free children's book in Spanish, and enjoy story times, arts and crafts, and mariachi performances!
Monday, April 28, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Fairwood Library
Urban spaces can present challenges for edible gardens, especially if they're impacted by shade from buildings and mature trees. This workshop with The Garden Hotline will cover site assessment and ways to integrate edible plants into your ornamental landscape.
Tuesday, April 29, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Fairwood Library
We are presented with many changes and challenges throughout our lives. Meet with your older adult peers to explore how hope is connected to health and well-being, and share ways to build your hope "muscles" for the years ahead.
Wednesday, April 30, 4:00–5:15 p.m.
Skyway Library
Learn about the art of Capoeira Angola with Capoeira Life. Explore the movement and music of Capoeira Angola to develop respect, awareness, strength, and agility. Through a combination of ancient traditions and modern Capoeira techniques, Capoeira Life aims to ensure that this sacred element of African-Brazilian culture survives for generations to come.
Thursday, May 1, 12:30–6:00 p.m.
Skyway Library
This is your chance to share what's on your mind with South Seattle Emerald. Connect with local journalists to help shape the stories we tell.
Friday, May 2, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Bellevue Library
Enjoy performances from poets who entered this year's competition as part of National Poetry Month. We will announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners at the event.
Sunday, May 4, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Fairwood Library
Local author Arleen Williams will talk about her new book, Pandemic Baby: Letters to My Grandson Before He Could Read. Williams' touching memoir unfolds in real time through a unique blend of journal entries and letters to her grandson laced with poetry as she supports her daughter and keeps her grandson safe during turbulent times.
Wednesday, May 14, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Skyway Library
Join Pamela Adams, owner of BeaverInsights, to talk about beavers and see how they are returning to their native waterways. Adams is a freelance beaver detective advocating for beavers' rights and wetland habitat health who works with nonprofits such as Beavers Northwest, Western Beavers Cooperative, and Beaver Works Oregon. She'll share amazing video footage and photographs of Longfellow Creek in this illuminating presentation and discussion.
NEED A LIBRARY CARD?
Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a physical card to access our full collection. Seattle residents may sign up for a digital eCard to access our digital collection. Visit kcls.org/library-cards to get started. Contact Ask KCLS at kcls.org/ask if you need assistance with your account, or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600.
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