Last week, April 19-25, was National Library Week where people celebrate the great work libraries do in their communities to further literacy. While libraries are currently closed to the public, San Diego County Libraries and San Diego City Libraries have many resources online through the Libby app and Cloud Library. Both library systems are currently letting people apply for digital library cards during the pandemic so residents can access these online resources from laptops, phones, tablets and other devices. 
Even though librarians cannot make book recommendations in person right now, we checked in with them to find out what the community should be reading right now.  
 
Children’s Picture Book (Age 4-8)  
“Who Wet my Pants?” by Bob Shea and Zachariah Ohora  
On a camping trip, a bear who would never admit to having a bathroom accident accuses his animal friends of wetting his pants. Thankfully, the bear’s understanding of camping companions accept him — accidents and all. 
Submitted by Karen E. Reilly, Branch Manager, Mission Valley Branch Library 
 
Middle Grade Novels (ages 8-12) 
 
“Lalani of the Distant Sea” by Erin Entrada Kelly 
This cinematic novel feels like both a traditional folktale and contemporary story of resilience as Lalani–a smart, fatherless girl on a remote island– struggles to save her village and her people from sickness and despair. Filled with magic, treacherous villains, and a difficult journey, “Lalani of the Distant Sea” will have young readers longing for an island of their own. 
 
Submitted by Karen E. Reilly, Branch Manager, Mission Valley Branch Library 
 
“Taran Wanderer” by Lloyd Alexander 
Taran, the assistant pig-keeper who wants to be a hero, goes questing for knowledge of his parentage, hoping that his journey will ennoble him in the eyes of Eilonwy, the princess with the red-gold hair. Accompanied by several loyal friends, Taran begins his search when three wily enchantresses of the Marshes of Morva send him to consult the Mirror of Llunet for the answers he is seeking, cryptically promising that “the finding takes no more than the looking.”” During his adventures