Youth Services Staff Picks

Chelsea

Dragons by Matt Doeden — J 398.245 DOE

For Grades: 3rd & Up; Published 2020

Synopsis:Striking illustrations and matter-of-fact text take you on an adventurous journey to learn all about dragons.

Chelsea says: The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful. Full of fun facts and amazing dragons, this is sure to excite any mythical creature fan.

Chelsea also suggests:
Unicorns by Cari Meister - J 398.245 MEI
The Very Short, Entirely True History of Mermaids by Sarah Laskow - J 398.21 LAS
The Very Short, Entirely True History of Unicorns by Sarah Laskow - J 398.469 LAS

Debbie

Swim Swim Sink by Jennifer Harney — E HAR

For Grades: prek-1st; Published 2020  

Synopsis:  Three tiny ducks. One straight line.New happy flock. All feeling fine. Until, that is, the last ducking sinks when she should swim. Let's try that again . . . and again and again.  

Debbie says: Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.

Debbie also suggests: 
Underwater Dogs: Kids Edition by Seth Casteel — E CAS
Peppa Pig and the Camping Trip by Candlewick Press— E PEP

Kelsey

Dictionary for a Better World by Irene Latham and Charles Waters - Juvenile- 170.44 LAT

For Grades: 3-6 ; Published 2020

Synopsis:How can we make the world a better place? This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a "try it" prompt for an activity. 

Kelsey says: A beautiful book for difficult times. Please enjoy both it and the following additional suggestions! 

Kelsey also suggests: 
The Day You Begin by Jaqueline Woodson, E WOO
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara, J 303.372 NAG 

Underwear by Jennifer Harney – E HAR

For Preschool – Grade 1; Published April 2019

Synopsis: Getting his rambunctious "bare" cub into his underwear after bath time is hard enough to make a tired bear dad pull out his hair in this simple silly rhyming romp. 

Ofilia says: This mischievous bear cub is so cute and completely obsessed with his tighty whities. You will laugh out loud at this one!

Ofilia also suggests:
Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds – E REY
Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera – E POL

Roben

Madam C. J. Walker Builds a Business by Denene Millner - J SER REB

For Grades: 3rd-5th; Published 2019

Synopsis:From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes a story based on the life of Madam C.J. Walker, America's first female self-made millionaire.

Roben says: I highly recommend this new historical fiction series about amazing women! 

Roben also suggests:
Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code by Corinne Purtill - J SER REB
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Stories of Extraordinary Women by Elena Favili -  J 920.72 FAV 
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2 by Francesca Cavallo - J 920.72 CAV

Stephanie

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo — J F DIC or Tumble Book Library

For Grades:  4th — 6th; Published 2000

Synopsis:Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog Winn-Dixie.

Stephanie says: This is one of my favorite books. All of the characters are so wonderful. It should be a yearly read!

Stephanie also suggests:
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo — J F DIC or Tumble Book Library
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo — J F DIC or Tumble Book Library

Whitney

Barry’s Best Buddy by Renee French  – J GN TOO 

For Grades: Preschool - 3rd; Published 2013

Synopsis: When Barry the bird and his goofy pal Polarhog start off, there’s a new adventure around every bend. But when they turn the final corner, the surprise Polarhog has prepared brings a tear to Barry’s eye–and yours. 

Whitney says: Barry is not amused by his friend Polarhog. There are so many twists and turns around that by the end Barry is beyond surprised with what Polarhog planned for them at the end of the day. 

Whitney also suggests:
We Are All Me by Jordan Crane – J GN TOO
The Real Poop on Pigeons! by Kevin McCloskey – J GN TOO

Yentl

Oddrey by Dave Whamond — E WHA or Tumble Book Library 

For Grades: Pre-K - 2nd; Published 2012

Synopsis:Oddrey is a little bit different from everybody else, but she never lets that get her down in spite of the teasing of her classmates.

Yentl says: Oddrey is original and she likes to be herself. She has her own talents and they make her special. When there’s a problem at the school play, she saves the day! Oddrey is awesome and I love this cute series. 

Yentl also suggests:
Oddrey and the New Kid by Dave Whamond — E WHA or Tumble Book Library
Oddrey Joins the Team by Dave Whamond — E WHA or Tumble Book Library