The Staff Picks 2016 Holiday Catalog can also be viewed or printed as a PDF
Staff Picks 2016 Holiday Catalog (6.7MB)
Staff Picks 2016 Holiday Catalog (6.7MB)
First Snow by Bomi Park. This book perfectly captures the beauty and possibilities of the first snowfall. The beautiful black and white nighttime illustrations are magical and full of imagination. ~ Martha Cornwell
Yitzi and the Giant Menorah by Richard Ungar. A beautiful telling of how the people of Chelm received a special gift from the mayor on the eve of Hanukkah. But how to thank him? Some misadventures create a sweet story of the true meaning of the season and of community that will become a holiday classic. ~ Jeanette
A Dot in the Snow by Corrinne Averiss & Fiona Woodcock. A cozy story of a wintertime friendship between an Inuit girl and a polar bear. Filled with gorgeous illustrations. You’ll want to curl up with this winter book. ~ Martha Cornwell
Santa's Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas by Hisako Aoki & Ivan Gantschev. A classic holiday story of Santa Claus telling woodland animals the true story of Christmas. With beautiful watercolors. One for your family bookshelf. ~ Martha Cornwell
Baby Bear's Not Hibernating by Lynn Plourde & Teri Weidner. A cute bedtime story in the spirit of Jan Brett, filled with interesting facts about black bears and fantastic illustrations. Perfect for rambunctious kids in the evening. ~ Martha Cornwell
Walking in a Winter Wonderland by Tim Hopgood. Enjoy this holiday classic with beautiful new illustrations. Young and old alike will enjoy walking through the winter woods and viewing wildlife as they sing this winter favorite! ~ Whitney Kaaz
The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear & Chris Turnham. Charming winter adventure for ages 3-7. The boy and his toboggan explore woods, helping animals along the way! Beautiful illustration in a limited palette pull you into their world of crunching snow and chattering squirrels. Lovely! ~ Leah Moore
The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day by Jessica Courtney-Tickle. Isabelle travels through the changing seasons accompanied by the sounds of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. A perfect introduction to classical music for kids! ~ Martha Cornwell
A Celebration of Beatrix Potter: Art and Letters by More Than 30 of Today's Favorite Children's Book Illustrators by Beatrix Potter. A lovely tribute by 32 contemporary illustrators celebrating the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth. Inspired by their favorite tales and characters, these notable and award-winning artists relate to us how her work inspired them as they reinterpret her world. ~ Jessica Wood
Peter Rabbit Wooden Dominoes Set 28 Pieces . Playing Dominoes has never been so much fun with these wonderfully whimsical wooden dominoes featuring the beloved Beatrix Potter characters. ~ Jessica Wood
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
No Fair! No Fair! and Other Jolly Poems of Childhood by Calvin Trillin & Roz Chast. In the spirit of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, here is a collection of delightful poems and charming drawings depicting childhood struggles. ~ Martha Cornwell
Magnetic Poetry Kids' Kit. Has more than 360 magnetized word tiles to encourage imagination, creativity and language building in children. ~ Jessica Wood
Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann M. Martin. Continuing in the tradition of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Missy has taken over running the Upside-Down House and works her magic on children's worst behaviors with clever potions and inventive gadgets. A sweet take on a classic story that will delight children and parents alike. ~ Martha Cornwell
Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz. Ever since Molly's mom left to take a job in Canada her life has been turned upside down. She knows there is something wrong with her when she can't stop the counting in her head. It all comes to a halt when she falls apart during the finals of the poetry slam. Molly's authentic voice and strength of character will have readers rooting for her! ~ Whitney Kaaz
The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd. In Briar Hill, an English estate for young TB patients evacuated from the Blitz, Emmaline sees winged horses through the hallway mirrors. When one escapes into her world to recover from an injury, she must protect it from the pursuing darkness. Part Secret Garden, part Book Thief. ~ Jennifer Armstrong
The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart. Fans of Stewart’s Mysterious Benedict Society will not be disappointed! When Reuben finds an enigmatic watch, he lands himself in a decades-long mystery that has imposed a creepy Orwellian gloom over the city. With intriguing twists and turns, and full of characters both sinister and stalwart. ~ Jennifer Armstrong
Teddy & Co. by Cynthia Voigt & Paola Zakimi. This delightful early chapter book/ family read-aloud may remind you of Winnie the Pooh. It shares the same benevolent spirit with that beloved classic, as well as a handful of toys and a gentle teddy bear in the lead. Perfect for the very young but advanced reader. ~ Jennifer Armstrong
The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan. A novel right up there with the author’s other gems! Two children, a poet and a dog come together in a unique manner, and each impacts the other characters’ lives. Mystical and spiritual elements mixed in with realism create a magical tale of loss, love and finding yourself again. ~ Jeanette
The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay. A stunning update and expansion of the classic The Way Things Work. A charming woolly mammoth leads us on a wonderfully illustrated path of discovery, unraveling the histories and mysteries of our mechanical world, masterfully laying bare the formerly “invisible” workings of our digital age. Sure to delight and illuminate. ~ Patti Vunk
101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up: The Must-Read Book List for Kids by Bianca Schulze. The perfect gift for the young bookworm. A brightly illustrated compendium of great books, full of recommendations, facts and space for readers to make their own comments. ~ Martha Cornwell
Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World by Rachel Swaby. Did you know that women scientists developed Kevlar, GPS and windshield wipers? These awe-inspiring stories will spark budding scientists to recognize the accomplishments of smart, fiery and unconventional women in all scientific fields. ~ Martha Cornwell
The Diabolic by S. J. Kincaid. Although Nemesis has been told that she doesn't "have humanity," she knows enough about being human to serve and protect. When her charge is arraigned, Nemesis goes in her place in order to keep her safe. Suspenseful, edgy, and original, this is the must-have YA fantasy of the year. ~ Aubrey Restifo
Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff. This much-anticipated sequel to Illuminae is sure to be one of the hottest YA titles this season. Again told via emails, chats and stunning graphics, Gemina introduces two characters who form an unlikely relationship as they, too, get caught up in the elaborate conspiracy that seeks to destroy humanity. ~ Aubrey Restifo
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven. Jack and Libby’s lives become entangled when a cruel high school prank lands them both in group counseling. Told from alternating points of view, this teen story about an unlikely pair forging a friendship is proof that one can find a sense of kinship in the most unexpected circumstances. ~ Jessica Wood
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy & Elizabeth Baddeley. Spunky Ruth grew up when girls did not do “man things” (become educated, get jobs outside the home, fight injustices). But Ruth and her mother felt differently and this attitude (and gumption) carried her right up to becoming a Supreme Court Justice. ~ Jeanette
Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet. An utterly charming account of E.B. White and his life. Punctuated by Sweet’s charming illustrations along with photographs, letters and quotes, this volume illuminates the formative years of one of the most beloved writers of our time. ~ Jessica Wood
Fanny in France: Travel Adventures of a Chef's Daughter, with Recipes by Alice Waters & Ann Arnold. Waters, founder of Chez Panisse, recounts with cheerful vignettes the memories and adventures of her nine-year old daughter as they made their way through France, eating and exploring. With 41 beginner recipes to encourage young chefs and adults alike to try their hand at French cooking. ~ Jessica Wood
Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan. This beautiful graphic novel re-telling of the Snow White story is set New York City of the roaring twenties and the great depression. Through gorgeous atmospheric art, perfectly chosen sparse text, and a well presented historical setting, the classic fairy tale is updated for a new generation. ~ Rachel Person
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier. Hit author of Smile brings another story of family! When Catrina’s family moves to northern California, she should be happy; the air will help her sister breathe more easily and make her strong. But their neighbor is obsessed with ghosts and Catrina fears the supernatural - can she overcome that for her sister? ~ Leah Moore