Youth Services Staff Picks

January 2020

Anna

Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea – E SHE

For Grades:Pre-K - 3rd; Published 2019

Synopsis: Reuben the bear's got donuts for everyone in his scout troop, but his friends are all staring at something else: there's a wet spot on Reuben's pants, and it's in a specific area. "WHO WET MY PANTS?" he shouts, and a blame game starts. His buddies try to reassure him there was no crime. Just an accident. It could happen to anyone But as all the clues begin to point in Reuben's own direction as the culprit, Reuben must come to terms with the truth.

Anna says: Poor Reuben just doesn’t want to accept the reality of this situation. This is a hilarious book for kids and adults! It also has a great lesson about incorrectly placing blame and being angry at your friends. 

Anna also suggests:
Crash, Splash, or Moo by Bob Shea – E SHE
Cheetah Can’t Lose by Bob Shea – E SHE

Chelsea

Explorer: The Mystery Boxes by Various – J GN EXP

For Grades: 3rd-6th; Published 2012

Synopsis:  An anthology of short graphic works by such artists as Kazu Kibuishi, Dave Roman, and Raina Telgemeier, all on the theme of a mysterious box and the marvels, or mayhem, inside.

Chelsea says: These short stories range from spooky to funny to exciting to mysterious. Explorer is a fun and exciting display of all the artists and storytellers we love in one book. 

Chelsea also suggests:
Explorer: The Lost Islands by Various – J GN EXP
Explorer: The Hidden Doors by Various – J GN EXP

Crystal

Pig the Winner by Aaron Blabey– E BLA

For Grades: Pre-K - 2nd; Published 2017 

Synopsis:  Told in rhyming text, Pig is a greedy pug, who insists on always winning, and throws a tantrum if anything thwarts him--until one day he swallows not only all his food but his bowl as well and when his friend Trevor saves him he learns a valuable lesson on sharing. 

Crystal Says: This pug named Pig is living proof that good manners and kindness go a long way! Get ready for laugh-out-loud shenanigans and the misfit adventures of Pig. 

Crystal also suggests:
Pig the Fibber by Aaron Blabey– E BLA
Pig the Stinker by Aaron Blabey– E BLA

Debbie

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris – E MOR

For Grades: Pre-K - 2nd; Published 2019  

Synopsis:  An assortment of animals living separate lives discover they need each other when they have a chance encounter on a river. 

Debbie says: The illustrations are wonderful and the story is about working together despite differences. 

Debbie also suggests:
Bear & Chicken by Jannie Ho – E HO
The Bear Who Wasn't There by LeUyen Pham – E PHA

Kelsey

Circle by Mac Barnett - E BAR

For Grades K-4th: Published 2019

Synopsis: This book is about Circle. This book is also about Circle’s friends, Triangle and Square. Also it is about a rule that Circle makes, and how she has to rescue Triangle when he breaks that rule. With their usual pitch-perfect pacing and subtle, sharp wit, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen come full circle in the third and final chapter of their clever shapes trilogy.

Kelsey says: I love when Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen work together. They could re-do a restaurant menu together and I would still buy it and read the whole thing. Anyway, I got to see Mac Barnett do a storytime of Circle for a bunch of South Korean children and it was totally magical. My advice is to read everything he has written and published and continue to do so until the end of time.

Kelsey also suggests:
Triangle and Square, also by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen - E BAR

Ofilia

Can Cat and Bird Be Friends? by Coll Muir – E MUI

For Grades: PreK-K; Published 2019 

Synopsis:Instead of eating Bird, Cat decides that friendship is better, but will the pair find something in common? 

Ofilia says: An unlikely pair, Cat and Bird learn you can be different and still be friends. Simple, but energetic illustrations perfectly compliment the text. A fun way to explore an important idea.

Ofilia also suggests:
That’s Not How You Do It! by Ariane Hoffman-Maniyar – E HOF
Max the Brave by Ed Vere – E VER

Roben

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - J NEWB GAI

For Grades 5th -8th;  Published 2008

Synopsis:After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own. 

Roben says: The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The Graveyard Book won in 2009 and this year’s winner will be announced on Monday, January 27th!  I wonder who will win? 

Roben also suggests:
It’s Like This, Cat by Emily Neville - J NEWB NEV
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor - J NEWB TAY
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly - J NEWB KEL

Stephanie

Potato Pants! by Laurie Keller – E KEL

For Grades: Pre-K – 3rd ; Published 2018

Synopsis: Potato is very excited to buy a pair of pants on sale at Lance Vance's Fancy Pants Store, but when he sees Eggplant, who pushed him the day before, he is afraid to go in.

Stephanie says: This book is laugh-out-loud funny. It also has a great message about forgiveness.

Stephanie also suggests:
Rot, the Cutest in the World! by Ben Clanton – E CLA
I’m Sad by Michael Ian Black – E BLA

Whitney

The Girl in the Locked Room by Mary Downing Hahn  – J F HAH (Scary/Spooky)

For: Grade 4 - 6; Published 2018

Synopsis: Jules, whose father is restoring an abandoned house, and a young girl, who lived there a century before, begin to communicate and slowly, the girl's tragic story is revealed. 

Whitney says: This is a great easy ghost story for younger readers! Spooky enough to make readers of any age look behind their shoulder or feel chills down their spine. Hahn has such talent with bringing a thought like what if someone was watching you and turns it into a creepy book appropriate enough the youngest spooky seekers. 

Whitney also suggests:
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab – J F SCH (Scary/Spooky)
Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab – J F SCH (Scary/Spooky)

Yentl

A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom – E BLO

For: Pre-K - K; Published 2005

Synopsis: Bear wants to read and write and think. Goose wants to talk and talk and talk. Can Bear and Goose be friends? Suzanne Bloom's picture book says volumes about friendship with a few select words and charming illustrations in this Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book. 

Yentl says: This is a very sweet story about two friends with very different personalities. Although Bear wants to have quiet time, Goose is very chatty. Bear gets a bit annoyed, but then realizes that Goose is his indeed his splendid friend. 

Yentl also suggests:
Bear Can Dance! by Suzanne Bloom – E BLO
Treasure by Suzanne Bloom – E BLO