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January Book Chat with Youth Services Team

Posted about 3 weeks ago by Lisa Wiertel
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Happy New Year!

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!

Beth recommends:  Doctor Fairytale by Catherine Jacob Illustrated by Hoang Giang   (Ages 3-7)

As a parent or caregiver, we often do quick story retells. Sometimes sitting down with a book is not an option when your child wants a story. This book fell right into that category for me. As a mom, I would sometimes just make up stories or mix stories up and see if my kids could catch the mistakes for fun. Doctor Fairytale is just such a story. A little girl plays doctor to all the storybook characters. From Cinderella’s sore feet, to Rapunzel’s hair issues, to troubles with the Big Bad Wolf, our heroine is on the case. In the end, she gets sick and they all come to help her feel better. Written in rhyme, it is fun for kids and easy to read. What a great time you’ll have getting your child to guess which story each character is from and how to help them through their troubles.

Lisa recommends:  Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows (Ages 10-14)

I am not an 8th grader or a gamer, so I am definitely not the intended audience for Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows, a 2024 release.  However, I loved this book and wished it was around for me to read when I was in middle school!  Ingrid is a shy introvert muddling through middle school with all the concerns that an 8th grader has. She is not popular at school and has few friends except for Rachel, a long-time friend who she feels does not have her best interests at heart. Ingrid is popular though through her anonymous Scrollr account in which she shares random wrong number texts with the world.  The book tackles friendships, both real and online, gaming, fandoms, and romance; all relatable topics for middle-schoolers.  The dialogue is quick and funny, and the characters might remind you of people you know in real life or online!

Katie recommends:  Alice in a Winter Wonderland by Jan Brett (Ages 4-8)

Jan Brett has released another twist on a classic tale with Alice in a Winter Wonderland set in Alaska. It is a great introduction for young children who are not yet familiar with the original silly, nonsense story. What a great story to cozy up with on a cold winter day!

April recommends:  I Want Freedom Now! by Claudette Colvin  (Ages 4-8)

Sarah recommends: Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom (Ages 4-8)

What better way to ring in a new season than with a cozy winter story like Counting Winter? This book is not only beautifully illustrated, but a great pick for practicing The Basics that we follow here at Richmond Public Library. (Need a refresher on The Basics? Click here for more information!) Counting Winter encourages young readers to count, point to items on the page, explore colors, make animal sounds, explore snowy landscapes, discuss winter weather and activities, and learn about various winter animals. Whether simply looking at the pictures, counting along with the story, or reading the detailed information about each animal provided in the back, kids of all ages will love this one! And you’ll enjoy knowing you’re reading a book that supports your child’s development. Check it out and get to counting winter today.

Mirissa recommends:  Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson (Ages 2-4)

A perfect book for all times of seasonal change, Tap the Magic Tree takes you along as an apple tree goes through winter, spring, summer, and fall. In one of the best uses of interaction that I’ve come across, you’re invited to help the tree along its journey by tapping, blowing, jiggling, and more. With simple text and images, even the youngest readers can get involved in either a larger group or a lap read setting. The text may remind little hands to “be gentle, please,” but don’t worry—this one comes in both board book and picture book format.

Summer recommends:  A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh (Ages 4-8)

At school one day, the teacher asks her students to show where their families are from on a map of the world. When Falasteen can’t find Palestine, her teacher says no such place exists. Falasteen returns home to ask her family members – why isn’t Palestine on the map? Her grandpa draws a map for her, from the coast on the Mediterranean Sea to the River Jordan. Her grandma shares her experience of being violently expelled from her home decades ago – she still carries the house key on a chain around her neck. And Falasteen’s mother reminds her, “Sometimes people live in countries. Sometimes countries live in people. Palestine lives in you and me.” This picture book has gorgeous, delicate illustrations and ends with two pages of relevant historical information. Anyone interested in learning more about the beauty and culture of Palestine should definitely check out this book!

Rachel recommends:  This is My Room! (No Tigers Allowed) by Jennifer Jacobsen (Ages 4-8)

JoJo is ready to spend her very first night in her very own bed in her very own room! Her sister, whose room JoJo used to sleep in, says she’ll be back. JoJo absolutely will not; nothing could make her abandon her new room. Then a lion (rudely, without even knocking) comes into her room. Startled, but unwilling to back down, JoJo goes to her sister for advice. Her sister suggests a sign to inform the lion that no lions are allowed in JoJo’s room. The lion gets the message, but then a bear shows up. JoJo amends the sign to say that bears are, likewise, not allowed. The bear retreats. When a tiger creeps into JoJo’s room, she again changes the sign to forbid tigers. But the tiger won’t leave? Can’t it read?!  This is My Room! (No Tigers Allowed) is a funny tale about the importance of bravery, literacy, and compassion. With its soft illustrations and utterly charming characters, it makes for a perfect bedtime read.

JOAN RECOMMENDS: THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH BY JENNIFER L. HOLM (AGES 9-12)

Well, readers, that’s a wrap! Check back again next month for some more fabulous reading recommendations. Until then, happy reading!

Lisa Wiertel

Lisa Wiertel is a Youth Services Librarian working out of the Westover Hills Branch. She is a native of Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!), but Virginia has been home for a long time. She is a mixed media artist, long distance hiker, and a nature lover. She loves books where she can explore her love of history that also challenge her way of thinking.

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