The Marvels by Brian Selznick. An unforgettable masterpiece! In the tradition of "Hugo," Selznick uses illustrations and test to reveal how two stories-one about a runaway boy, another about a legendary family of actors -work together to solve a 200-year-old puzzle: who were the Marvels, and what happened to them? Ages 9 & up. ~
Aubrey Restifo
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. Set in NYC, this story follows a group of seventh and ninth graders as they struggle to define all kinds of love, choose the right friends, and find their voices. Contemporary and full of humor, real drama, and courage, this is a must-have middle school read! Ages 11 & up. ~
Aubrey Restifo
The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin. Suzy becomes obsessed with the study of rare jellyfish after an accident one summer. As she investigates, her scientific mind overpowers her good sense. Deeply perceptive and touching, this will be a new favorite of fans of Counting by 7s and Out of my Mind. Ages 9-13. ~
Aubrey Restifo
The Toymaker's Apprentice by Sherri L. Smith. The mysterious, eyepatched toymaker from The Nutcracker has a nephew! This action-packed retelling is perfect for the holiday season. The Mouse Queen and her monstrous Mouse Prince are plotting to overrun the human race. Stefan and the nutcracker must stop time itself on Christmas Eve to win the battle. ~
Jennifer Armstrong
Just Right for Two by Tracey Corderoy, illus. by Rosalind Beardshaw. Dog has all that he needs - or does he? Charming art features cheerful round forms, bright colors and gold foil highlights on the cover, making it a special treat for the under-five crowd. A sweet story about friendship and sharing ~
Jennifer Armstrong
The Peddler's Road by Matthew Cody. Max and her brother move to Hamelin, Germany with their folklorist father. But right away, things go wrong. After hearing the Pied Piper's song, they are led away to a world of danger and war-and must join an age-old fight to find a way home. ~
Leah Moore
Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin & Daniel Salmieri. Can you make a sauce that can turn you into a robot? The hero in this book can. Loony fun for every kid: not only does the book turn into a robot/"robo-book", but it also contains a lot of nonsense words that will delight readers and listeners alike. Ages 4-7. ~
Aubrey Restifo
Waiting by Kevin Henkes. The perfect book: this quiet gem shows us five toys waiting on a windowsill. Children's lives include a lot of waiting, often for things they don't expect, usually without explanation. Nobody explains anything to the toys, but they are content to wait-sooner or later, something will happen. Something always does. ~
Jennifer Armstrong
Grandma's House by Alice Melvin. Grandma's house is a magical place for a little girl. Meander through the old-fashioned home and look behind flaps to find more surprises! Lavish illustrations give warmth and character to every page. Ages 3-6. ~
Whitney Kaaz
Sad, the Dog by Sandy Fussell. Despite the title & lonely beginning, Sad, the Dog is a heartwarming story of a pup who finds his place in the world with a boy named Jack who becomes his master & best friend. Ages 4-7. ~
Jessica Wood
The Sea Tiger by Victoria Turnbull. Under the sea you can have many adventures, but making friends is the greatest adventure of all! Follow Oscar and Sea Tiger in this gorgeously illustrated picture book with a strong and loving message. Ages 3 & up. ~
Leah Moore
Ladybug Girl and the Best Ever Playdate by Jacky Davis & David Soman. Ladybug Girl can't wait to play with her best friend's new Rolly-Roo toy, but is that what really matters most about a playdate? Tensions mount between the girls until the broken toy inspires them to work together and discover the true value of friendship. Ages 4-7. ~
Jennifer Armstrong