A Hound's Holiday by Kim Spensley & Heather Bellanca. A lovely snow covered New England landscape is the setting for the charming Hound's Holiday with verse by Kim Smith Spensley, illustrated by Northshire Bookstore's own Heather Murray Bellanca, for all ages. This nostalgic look at a Victorian era family and its holiday traditions is the perfect story to gather your own family together to enjoy as a lively read-aloud. But most importantly..the hound ends up with his own warm and glorious holiday tradition. ~
Jessica Wood
Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer. Follow the life cycle of an acorn through this beautifully illustrated book. Children will learn just how important a single tree can be! A portion of the proceeds goes to support the NRDC. A simple introduction to teaching kids about ecosystems. ~
Whitney Kaaz
Lucy by Randy Cecil. This chapter book for early primary readers is a perfect family read-aloud to stretch over several nights. A story in four acts, Lucy features a homeless dog, a kind-hearted girl, a dad with stage fright and a satisfying conclusion - with charming black and white illustrations by the author.~
Jennifer Armstrong
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas & Erin E. Stead. Using a watery palette that matches her story, Cuevas gives us a solitary man whose job it is to retrieve bottles from the ocean and deliver the messages inside. Will there ever be a message addressed to him? A quiet, dreamlike story about finding friendship. ~
Jennifer Armstrong
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter by Eugenie Doyle & Becca Stadtlander. Join this Vermont family as they slowly close up the farm for winter. Harvesting, pruning, stacking wood and making sure the animals are warm for the long winter are just a few of the many tasks it takes to maintain the farm. Gorgeous illustrations make this a perfect gift! ~
Whitney Kaaz
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty & David Roberts. Ada is a GIRL scientist in a family of color, always observing the world around her. When she starts to talk, she’s full of questions, determined to explore and build her inventions - sometimes wreaking havoc at home and school. Rhyming text, vivid illustrations and lots of fun! ~
Gail Cosgriff
Brave Little Finn by Jennifer & John Churchman. Little Finn is born too early and weak to stay in the cold winter barn, so Farmer John brings him home until he’s stronger. But it’s a big, scary world out there! With encouragement from the other animals, Finn begins to feel brave, empowered and loved. Photographs feature real Vermont farm animals. ~
Gail Cosgriff
We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen. Two turtles discover a stray hat: it looks great on both of them, but there is only one hat to go around. How will the turtles cope? This brilliantly illustrated book about compromise, fairness, and friendship completes Jon Klassen's Caldecott-winning series with simple humor and honesty. ~
Aubrey Restifo
Penguin Problems by Jory John & Lane Smith. Penguin's existential crisis takes the form of endless complaints about everyday life in this hilarious book from Lane Smith and Jory John. Young children will recognize Penguin's incessant whining as familiar territory and will appreciate a wise walrus's perspective-lending monologue when delivered aloud by an engaging reader. Ages 4-8. ~
Aubrey Restifo
Oskar Loves... by Britta Teckentrup. A charming book about the vast amount of things Oskar loves. The simple, boldly colored illustrations are beautiful and full of expression and emotion. The story is an opportune moment to engage young ones by asking, “What do you love?” ~
Jessica Wood
Chirri & Chirra by Kaya Doi. Translated from the Japanese, Doi’s lovely book captures the justrightness of a child’s day out. When Chirri and Chirra go for a bike ride, they find all kinds of magic in the forest: a woodland creature hotel, tiny shops and even a little cafe! Sweet simplicity. ~
Aubrey Restifo
Leaping Lemmings! by John Briggs & Nicola Slater. Larry is very independent - you won’t find him jumping off of a cliff behind his fellow lemmings. As he endeavors to teach this brood to think for themselves and avoid making terrible group decisions, he remains true to himself, the real charm of this wonderfully inventive tale. ~
Jessica Wood