Welcome to another installment in our series of blog posts featuring children’s books we’re currently loving! “Book Chat with the Youth Services Team” features one book recommendation from each of our Youth Services team members. We cover a variety of books from fiction to non-fiction, picture books to chapter books, graphic novels and more! We hope that this month’s reading recommendations get you excited about some awesome new books we’ve added to our collection as well as some oldies but goodies. Enjoy!
Lisa recommends: Love Matters Most by Mij Kelly & Gerry Turley(ages 4-8)
The first page of this picture book brings us to an illustration of a polar bear and asks “Why is the bear staring into the night at a world that is turning shimmering white?” And so begins the bear’s adventure through the pages that depict various Arctic landscapes. The illustrations are simple but captivating and the rhyming prose takes us through an icy, winter journey to find what the bear is looking for. Written for ages 4-8, but definitely appropriate for 2-4 year olds.
Katie recommends: Hoo Hoo Who? by Mary Maier(ages 2-5)
Owl needs to welcome all of his friends to Mouse’s surprise party, but he can’t find his glasses! Owl needs help to see who is at the door. Toddlers and preschoolers will love reading this playful, interactive picture book.
April recommends: And She Was Loved by Andrea Davis Pinkney (ages 4-8)
Toni Morrison, born Chloe Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, was the second of four children of Ramah and George Wofford. As the only African American girl in her first-grade class, Toni discovered the friendship and power of words early on. Years later, she attended Howard University, where she embraced the name Toni Morrison. Armed with a degree, she left Howard University four years later. Toni Morrison went on to become a visionary figure-a mother, wife, teacher, New York Times bestselling author, and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, the Nobel Prize in Literature, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Most importantly, she was deeply loved.
Sarah recommends: Mama Hug by Emma Straub (ages 0-3)
Mama Hug brings readers along for a day spent with mama and baby, showcasing different interactions along the way. It is a great introduction to action words like “dance,” “hug,” and “cook” as well as basic body parts and objects. The simple text in a repetitive nature introduces children to early literacy ideas and can help expand their vocabulary. Do each movement as you read so that your little one can start to make connections between the words and the associated actions. With its warm and bright illustrations and easy-to-read text, this is one you can read over and over again (did you know repetition is great for building early literacy skills?) while snuggling your children and teaching them new things. Check it out today!
Mirissa recommends: Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming (ages 4-8)
Candace Fleming is one of those wonderful authors who writes nonfiction as well as she does fiction, and her newest book about narwhals is a great example. Written almost as an ode, the narrator speaks directly to these unique arctic creatures, describing their habits as seamlessly as their beauty. Her descriptive text takes us through a year of feeding, sleeping, fighting, and avoiding predators. She also uses onomatopoeia to share the sounds that break up the silence of our narwhals’ icy, underwater world. However, perhaps the real star of the show is Deena So’Oteh’s beautiful illustrations, which feature the aurora borealis and a whole arctic ecosystem that is much more than just whites and blues. This book would be a great companion piece for fans of the graphic novel series Narwhal and Jelly (by Ben Clanton) as a way to learn the facts behind our favorite cartoon Unicorn of the Sea.
Summer recommends: Harriet Tubman: Toward Freedom by Whit Taylor and Kazmir Lee (ages 10-14)
This nonfiction comic illustrates one of Harriet Tubman’s most impactful missions on the Underground Railroad – that which liberated several of her siblings from enslavement. Harriet – born Araminta, nicknamed Minty – was born enslaved in Maryland. As a youth, an overseer threw a heavy metal weight attempting to injure a different slave, but it hit Harriet in the head. This traumatic brain injury lead to lifelong migraines, seizures, and visions – which she took as a connection to God. The beautiful artwork brings Harriet’s stories to life, from that plantation in Maryland to the Freedom Society in Philadelphia – even all the way up to Canada, after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act meant that running to northern states was no longer enough to secure freedom. This volume is a fantastic addition to anyone’s history shelf.
Rachel recommends: I Am Wind: An Autobiography by Rachel Poliquin (ages 8-12)
Want to read a book written by the Wind itself? Sure you do! In this book, Wind will tell you all about itself, from scientific explanations of how it works to myths it features in to historical events it was a part of. With lush art and prose that edges on verse, this is an easily digestible book with a little bit of something for everyone.
Adriane recommends: Gamerville by Johnny Christmas (ages 8-12)
This 2024 graphic novel by the award-winning author of Swim Team tackles balancing gaming and the real world. The story comes with a great message about friendship including respecting your friends. The main character, Max Lightning has qualified for Gamerville, the finals in the multiplayer game Lone Wolf of Calamity Bay. But his chances aren’t looking so good when his parents announce he is headed to Camp Reset for the summer, where he will spend the summer unplugged with, wait for it, healthy food and lots of time outside!
Well, readers, that’s a wrap! Check back again next month for some more fabulous reading recommendations. Until then, happy reading!
