Youth Services Staff Picks

June 2013 Staff Picks

Youth Staff Cropped

Need some ideas to help fill out your Summer Reading Logs? (If you don’t have one, stop by the Children’s Reference Desk). The staff has pulled together their favorites for the month. Enjoy and good luck working towards your prize!

Alyssa’s Pick:

Big Little Brother by Kevin Kling– E KLI

For ages 3 – 4; Published 2011

Synopsis: A boy wants nothing more than to escape his brother’s sticky fingers, his brother who touches all of the boy’s things and follows him wherever he goes! Then an encounter at day care teaches him that having a pesky brother is a blessing after all.

Alyssa says: This book is a funny and honest tale of the annoyance that comes from a sibling who follows and copies his brother’s every move – and how this can actually be pretty cool. The simple narration by Kevin Kling and childlike (and hilarious) illustrations by Chris Monroe make it easy for kids to relate to the story and characters, from big sibs to little brothers and sisters alike.

Alyssa also suggests:

Book of Big Brothers by Cary Fagan – E FAG

Little Pig Joins the Band by David Hyde Costello – E COS

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Debbie's Pick:

Phoebe & Digger by Tricia Springstubb – E SPR

For ages 3 – 7; published 2013

Synopsis: When Mama got a new baby, Phoebe got a new digger. Mama takes them to the park, and while Mama and the baby sit on the boring bench, Phoebe and Digger happily build and knock down and dig things up. That is, until a big girl comes by, a kid with mean teeth and grabby hands. Phoebe tries everything, but what if she never gets Digger back?

Debbie says: Jealous of the new baby Phoebe finds it hard to be nice. Until she encounters a mean girl who shows Phoebe how it feels to be treated unkindly. Luckily, Mama loves Phoebe no matter what.

Debbie also suggests:

Big Bad Bruce by Bill Peet – E PEE

Betty Lou Blue by Nancy Crocker – E CRO

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Dia’s Pick:

Summer According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney – J SER ACC

For grades 3 – 5; Published 2011

Summary: When Humphrey hears that school is ending, he can't believe his ears. What's a classroom hamster to do if there's no more school? It turns out that Mrs. Brisbane has planned something thrilling for Humphrey and Og the frog: they're going to Camp Happy Hollow! Humphrey is always curious about new adventures, but could camp be too wild even for him?

Dia says: Humphrey is one of my favorite rodents to read about. His summer adventure at Camp Happy Hollow gives him the opportunity to make new friends and rescue old friends.

Dia also suggests:

Adventure According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney – J SER ACC

Friendship According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney – J SER ACC

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Jenn's Pick:

Seriously, Cinderella is So Annoying! by Trisha Speed Shaskan – E SHA

For ages 5 and up; Published 2011

Synopsis: The classic tale of Cinderella is told by her stepmother, who was not really so wicked after all.

Jenn says: If you’re tired of classic fairy tales, Trisha Shaskan takes stories we all know and turns them on their heads. Seriously, Cinderella is told from the viewpoint of the jealous stepmother who finds Cinderella to be just too chatty and oh, so annoying. I like this book, not only for its humor, but also because it is an original take on a tried and true fairy tale. It is a great one to help kids understand point of view.

Jenn also suggests:

Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten! by Trisha Speed Shaskan – E SHA

The Three Horrid Little Pigs by Liz Pichon – E PIC

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Kelsey’s Pick:

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett – J SER SER

For ages 8 and up; Published 1999

Synopsis: After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that the distant relative who is appointed their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune.

Kelsey says: I actually read the Series of Unfortunate Events books when I was in high school, and it says a lot about the writing that they translate so well across age groups. There’s always some mystery that leaves you wanting more at the end of every book, and they are very inventive and definitely quirky.

Kelsey also suggests:

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood – J SER INC

WildWood by Colin Meloy – J F Sci Fi/Fantasy MEL

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Ofilia’s Pick:

Alvin Ho: Allergic to babies, burglars and other bumps in the night by Lenore Look– J SER ALV

For grades 2 – 4; Published 2013

Synopsis: When fearful seven-year-old Alvin Ho learns that his mother is expecting a baby, he develops a sympathetic pregnancy and hilarity definitely ensues.

Ofilia says: Lenore Look has created such a memorable character in Alvin! He is still frightened by absolutely everything and now he has a new baby to worry about. Fun, clever and super silly, this one is a fun read aloud for the whole family. The illustrations by LeUyen Pham are just as delightful as the story.

Ofilia also suggests:

Clementine and The Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker – J SER CLE

Big Sister, Little Sister by LeUyen Pham – E PHA

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Veronica's Pick:

A Is for Musk Ox by Erin Cabatingan – E CAB (ABC)

For ages 5 – 8; Published 2012

Synopsis: Musk Ox takes over an alphabet book, explaining to his friend Zebra why almost every letter can be used to describe musk oxen.

Veronica says: This silly book had me laughing from page one. Not only is it a spoof on learning your ABC’s but it actually has fun facts about Musk Oxen that I didn’t know about. Actually, because of this book I learned what a Musk Ox really is and your children will be laughing alongside you if they are not scratching their heads in puzzlement first.

Veronica also suggests:

Z Is for Moose by Kelly Bingham – E BIN 2X2

1-2-3 Peas by Keith Baker – E BAK (123)

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May 2013 Staff Picks

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December 2012 Staff Picks

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