BPL’s 2024 Kids Big Borrows (so far!)
Earlier this year, our Big Borrows story about the most borrowed adult books in 2024 generated lots of interest—which got inquiring readers asking us what Burlington kids are borrowing. So, we looked at our borrowing stats to the end of August when our Kids Summer Reading Club wrapped up, and here’s what we found.
The BIGGEST Borrows
The thing about young readers is that they have voracious appetites for book series—which is fantastic! This also means we see the same authors topping our popularity lists. This is particularly true of bestselling author-cartoonist Jeff Kinney of Diary of a Wimpy Kid fame, and author-illustrator Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and the Cat Kid Comic Club series, to name a few.
From January through August, BPL members borrowed 37 children’s titles at least 50 times for 2,256 total borrows—yay! Of these titles, 18 were written by Jeff Kinney or Dav Pilkey with 1,172 loans.
While we like to give Kinney and Pilkey their due as wildly popular writers, let’s look at the other sensational children’s titles enthralling our young readers.
More BIG Borrows
After respectfully removing Jeff Kinney and Dav Pilkey titles from the top borrows, here are the most borrowed physical books with at least 50 checkouts each.
Children’s Fiction & Graphic Novels
Our numbers show that young Burlington readers love an illustrated story. They reached for the graphic novel format for eight of the 11 top titles on our list.
Graphic novels are an excellent way for kids to build their confidence as independent readers. So, if your child is hooked on the graphic novel edition—that’s terrific! You can help your child discover the wonderful world of words and build on their reading momentum when you find opportunities to share the print edition together.
Scaredy's Nutty Adventures, Volume 2, Scaredy Squirrel Gets a Surprise by Melanie Watt
Wings of Fire, Volume 1, The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Scaredy's Nutty Adventures, Volume 3, Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive by Melanie Watt
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Cat on the Run, Volume 1, In Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
Guts, Volume 3 by Raina Telgemeier
The Baby-Sitters Club, Volume 3, Mary Anne Saves the Day by Raina Telgemeier
Scaredy's Nutty Adventures, Volume 1, Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell by Melanie Watt
Picture Books
Burlington tots and their adults agree: you can never have too much Munsch! Guelph-based author and perennial picture book favourite Robert Munsch led the pack with five of the eight most borrowed picture books.
Up, Up, Down by Robert Munsch
Class Trip by Robert Munsch
I Can Fix It! by Robert Munsch
The Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo Willems
Leaves! by Robert Munsch
Munsch-a-thon! by Robert Munsch
Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses by James Dean
The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach
Looking For More Great Books for Kids?
We drew the line at titles borrowed at least 50 times, but our children’s book collection has so many wonderful reads that are just waiting for kids and their adults to discover.
Our staff can help you find books that will appeal to your child’s interests and are appropriate for their reading level. Call or visit any branch or ask for suggestions through our Handpicked For You readers advisory service. We’re here to help grow readers for life!
