Youth Services Staff Picks
November 2019
Anna
Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland – E HOL
For grades Pre-K – 3rd; published 2014
Synopsis:Part poem, part silent stage with luminous light-box illustrations, this innovative picture book puts autumn on display to capture the art and science of season change.
Anna says: This book has some of my favorite illustrations! They are absolutely stunning.
Anna also suggests:
Waltz of the Snowflakes by Elly MacKay – J HOL E MAC
Fall Ball by Peter McCarty – E MCC
Chelsea
5 Worlds by Mark Siegel – J GN FIV
For grades 3rd – 5th; published 2017
Synopsis: A story that explores new worlds packed with amazing adventures; ancient mysteries; the unlikely bond of a clumsy dancer, a boy from the poorest slums, and a superstar athlete--and their quest to save one small, distant galaxy from the forces of evil.
Chelsea says: An engaging story line, relatable characters, and a surprising ending work together to entice reluctant as well as well-read readers. A curvy heroine, a disabled friend, and many characters of color round out the diversity of this fantasy story, making it an exciting story of diversity, friendship, and heroism.
Chelsea also suggests:
The rest of the 5 Worlds graphic novel series – J GN FIV
Crystal
Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends by Ame Dyckman – E DYC
For grades Pre-K – K; published 2019
Synopsis: Shark dares to ask the question: Can friends eat friends (and get away with it)?.
Crystal Says: This book had me laughing out loud the entire way through. Let’s just say a little forgiveness goes a looong way and that’s a good thing to practice with your friends.
Crystal also suggests:
All Ame Dyckman books – E DYC
Debbie
Fraidyzoo by Thyra Heder – E HED
For grades Pre-K – 2nd, published 2013
Synopsis: Little T is afaid of going to the zoo but can’t remember why.
Debbie says: Almost anything can be overcome with the help of family.
Debbie also suggest:
The Frazzle Family Finds a Way by Ann Bonwill – E BON
My Family is a Zoo by K.A. Gerrard – E GER
Kelsey
Stack the Catsby Susie Ghahremani – J 123 E GHA
For grades Pre-k – K; published 2017
Synopsis: One cat sleeps. Two cats play. Three cats stack! Cats of all shapes and sizes scamper, stretch and yawn across the pages of this adorable counting book. And every now and then, they find themselves in the purrfect fluffy stack!
Kelsey says: I love this book. The illustrations of these cats literally make me laugh out loud. I tried to take a picture of them and make it my phone background, that’s how much I love these goofy cats. Please join me in giggling at stacks and stacks of cats.
Kelsey also suggests:
How to Give Your Cat a Bath in Five Easy Steps by Nicola Winstanley – E WIN
Cat Nap by Toni Yuly – E YUL
They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel – E WEN
Ofilia
Lovely Beasts: A Surprising Truthby Kate Gardner – J 590 GAR
For grades K – 3rd; published 2018
Synopsis: The author lists several animals that many people would consider scary (sharks), ugly (bats), or creepy (spiders) then explains how they benefit their biological niche, and humans.
Ofilia says: This is a lovely book that illustrates why creatures people often think are detestable are actually not as they seem. The illustrations are done in black and white charcoal pencil and depict each animal in two poses: typically one fierce and one gentle. Gardner effortlessly presents just a few facts that help elucidate why each creature is misunderstood. A fun book to peruse.
Ofilia also suggests:
The Night Flower by Lara Hawthorne – J 583.885 HAW
Look at Me!: How to Attract Attention in the Animal World by Steve Jenkins – J 591.5 JEN
Animals At Night: A Glow-in-the-Dark Book by Anne Jankeliowitch – J 591.518 JAN
Roben
Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley – J F BEA (SFF)
For grades 4th – 6th; published 2017
Summary: Tumble Wilson and Blue Montgomery need to fix their ancestors' mistakes and banish the bad luck that has followed them around for all of their lives, but first they must navigate a horde of quirky relatives. Then they must face Munch, the golden alligator who lives deep in the Okefenokee Swamp and cast the curse centuries ago.
Roben says: Good friends make it easier to accomplish impossible things.
Roben also recommends:
Tupelo Landing series by Sheila Turnage - J SER TUP
Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty – J F BEA (SFF)
Stephanie
Pig the Fibber by Aaron Blabey – E BLA
For grades: Pre-K – K; published 2018
Synopsis: Pig the Pug tells lies to get what he wants and get Trevor the sausage dog in trouble. When Pig hatches a plan to get at the hidden treats in the back of the closet, his lies get Trevor thrown out of the house. Finally he's all alone with those treats. What he didn't expect was the bowling ball.
Maybe this time Pig the Pug will learn his lesson.
Stephanie says: Pig is such a naughty boy! His housemate, Trevor, always ends up being blamed for Pig’s poor choices. The Pig the Pug series is so great! Read them all!
Stephanie also suggests:
Any book by Aaron Blabey – E BLA
Whitney
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai – J F LAI (Classics)
For grades 3 - 7; 2013
Synopsis: Through a series of poems, a young girl chronicles the life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam and resettle in Alabama.
Whitney says: This story is told in three parts from Hà’s time in Vietnam, her families escape and finally where they ended up in Alabama. Thanhha takes you on this journey through Hà’s eyes with moments of great sorrow and great happiness.
Whitney also suggests:
Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag– J GN WIT (Little Maverick)
The Hidden Witch by Molly Ostertag – J GN WIT
Yentl
Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony – E ANT
For grades Pre-K – K; published 2014
Synopsis: Mr. Panda has a plate of doughnuts to share, but most of the other animals forget to say "Please."
Yentl says:Mr. Panda has doughnuts. Mr. Panda wants to share, but only to those who say a magic word: please. This is a very colorful story with awesome illustrations.
Yentl also suggests:
I’ll Wait, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony – E ANT
Good Night, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony – E ANT