Staff Picks - 2017 Kids Holiday

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman. Welcome, once again, to Pullman’s extraordinary imagination. The master storyteller has brought us back to the world of His Dark Materials, but earlier on, with some familiar characters and a new hero in a sturdy canoe: Malcolm Polstead. Part Arthurian quest, part Noah’s flood, part Odyssey, and part flight into Egypt, La Belle Sauvage will take you for a wild ride that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. ~ Jennifer Armstrong

The Elephant Whisperer (Young Readers Adaptation): My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony. A YA adaptation of an amazing true story. Conservationist L. Anthony was asked to accept an unpredictable and troubled herd of elephants onto his reserve in South Africa; without his help, they would be destroyed. Although he had little experience with these majestic beasts, he becomes part of the elephant family through grit and determination— with both triumphant and tragic results. ~ Gail Cosgriff

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe. The powerful real-life story of Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus is an incredible story of a girl who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive amidst utter despair. A moving account of the power of words to inspire hope. ~ Martha Cornwell

The Memory Trees by Kali Wallace. An enchanting tale of two Vermont clans, a graveyard where bodies are marked by gnarled apple trees, and a long history of magical women who secrets will make you bones shake. A perfectly creepy mystery you won't want to put down. ~ Martha Cornwell

Because I Was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages by Melissa de la Cruz. Girl Power in concise stories about women throughout the 21st Century and their tenacity in breaking down sexist barriers. This is a must-have gift for young women everywhere! ~ Martha Cornwell

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome. A story to inspire us, and remind us - never stop trying to change our world! Harriet had many names - Conductor, Spy, Daughter, Moses - and this book tells them all, and shows us, with beautiful illustration and text, the life of a great women and hero! ~ Leah Moore

Dangerous Jane by Suzanne Slade and Alice Ratterree. An inspiring biography of Jane Addams told with gorgeous illustrations, original photographs, and newspaper snippets and her pacifist work that lead her to be the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. ~ Martha Cornwell

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison. Irresistible illustrations bring to life trailblazing black women's stories of breaking boundaries and struggling against adversity. making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Inspiring generations to come. ~ Martha Cornwell

Little Feminist 500 Piece Family Puzzle. Spanning centuries 16 notable women are highlighted in this charming 500 piece puzzle. For more fun, pair this set of Little Feminist Playing Cards featuring 14 notable women with the puzzle. ~ Jessica Wood

Bear and Wolf by Dan Salmieri. Bear and Wolf are strangers when they meet during a walk in the woods. As they travel along, they share special moments of curiosity and discovery, delighting in each other’s company until it’s time to say goodbye and go their separate ways. Charming illustrations accompany this beautifully-rendered story, capturing the warmth and openness of friendship. ~ Patti Vunk

Sarabella's Thinking Cap by Judy Schachner. For Sarabella, thinking is the hardest work of all! With her huge imagination, Sarabella has a hard time focusing and an equally hard time sharing her thoughts—that is, until a school project helps her discover a way to showcase her big ideas. With gorgeous illustrations, this book celebrates the creativity of daydreaming and gives a shout-out to the special role of adult guidance through nurturing. ~ Linda Then

Pup and Bear by Kate Banks and Naoko Stoop. High in the Arctic, a wolf pup gets lost, but a mama polar bear takes him in. The refrain, “I’m not your mother, but ...” lets us know that the lost pup will be okay. When the wolf grows up, he has a chance to return the kindness. ~ Jennifer Armstrong

Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt, Selina Alko and Sean Qualls. Philosophical & poetic at once, this picture book shows two children seemingly different, who ask the same kind of questions about themselves & others. It shows us that maybe we are not as different as we seem to be... Wonderful message with great illustrations. ~ Adriana Gómez Piccolo

The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein. Mordicai Gerstein’s stunningly beautiful illustrations help tell this tender and harrowing tale of a boy who risks much to try to save the life of a whale which had become trapped in his family’s fishing net. A poignant and heartfelt reminder of the deep and abiding connection human beings share with the natural world. ~ Patti Vunk

Sam & Eva by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Amidst all the hijinks perpetrated by two guys who have been attached at the hip since grade school, there's a very powerful tale of staying true to yourself. This heartwarming story is a cross between a coffee table book, a media companion, an activity book, and a memoir. That is to say, there's something for everyone in here. ~ Patti Vunk

City Mouse, Country Mouse by Maggie Rudy. This enduring classic has a new twist and a fresh feel from the miniature tableaux of found materials and felted characters. The layers of this lovingly constructed world will easily draw readers in to explore with delight at every little found treasure. ~ Jessica Wood

Fort-Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Abigail Halpin. Fort Building Time is a lovely exploration of fort building in every season and setting. Rhythmic text with a sing-song feel will delight fort-builders of all ages. ~ Jessica Wood

Robinson by Peter Sis. Inspired by a childhood event and his favorite book, Robinson Caruso, Peter Sis has created a beautifully imagined dreamlike journey in Robinson. Text and illustration work in tandem to convey this story filled with heart and imagination. ~ Jessica Wood

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna. The outdoor adventure of a kid who would rather be home with a video game, who discovers the wonders hiding under every stone! Italian writer/illustrator creates gorgeous art with unexpected textures and details, more beautiful every time you look! ~ Leah Moore

Nick the Knight, Dragon Slayer by Aron Dijkstra. Brave Nick is determined to fight Breakhorn the Dragon - feared by all the villagers. Trouble is, the dragon doesn't want to fight and he keeps sending Nick away. Nick's clever determination and wit helps him find a solution for both Nick and the dragon. Beautiful illustrations. ~ Gail Cosgriff

My Fridge: My First Book of Food by Margie and Jimbo. Chockfull of vibrant illustrations, this fridge-shaped board book will keep kids engaged through a wonderful array of food terms. The refrigerator shelves are bursting with foods that seem to come to life. A great combination of funny & educational elements. ~ Adriana Gómez Piccolo

Someday, Narwhal by Lisa Mantchev and Hyewon Yum. This charming companion book to Strictly No Elephants easily stands alone. A tiny pet narwhal dreams of exploring the world outside, but is full of doubts and fears until a gang of friends comes to help allay all those worries. Very sweet! ~ Jennifer Armstrong

Still Stuck by Shinsuke Yoshitake. Imagine a world where your head has gotten stuck in your shirt for an entire day... sounds terrible, right? Well, at least you won't have to experience it firsthand like this silly main character did. This little book is hilarious! ~ Laura Knapp

Small Walt by Elizabeth Verdick and Marc Rosenthal. Reminiscent of The Little Engine That Could and The Little Blue Truck, Small Walt will warm your heart! Mark Rosenthal's nostalgic illustrations, bring Virginia Lee Burton to mind and are the perfect complement to this charming, "sure-to-be-a-classic" story of the "gentle might of the little guy". ~ Patti Vunk

Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar. Fantasy and adventure surround our hero, Diego, as different timelines have clashed to cause a brand-new world in which different factions fight to create their own order. First in a new series perfect for fans of Hugo Cabret and steampunk! ~ Jeanette Sessions

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez. A fun, inspirational read for those who want to understand the importance of being true to themselves. This book is a great introduction to music appreciation, creating zines, and finding the unique and positive qualities in yourself and your heritage. ~ Laura Knapp

The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City by Jodi Kendall and Pascal Campion. This modern retelling of Charlotte’s Web explores the peculiar nature of owning a quickly-growing piglet in the city. You’ll fall in love with every character—especially Hamlet, the pig. An excellent read for discovering the importance of asking for help and for learning to take responsibility for the things that are important to you. ~ Laura Knapp

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. Red is a very old oak tree with a unique perspective on the neighborhood. She’s seen it all over the many years that she has stood and upheld the tradition of Wish Day, a day when area folks adorn the tree with wishes. This manylayered tale is a lovely and gentle reminder of how to graciously move about our ever-changing world. ~ Jessica Wood

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend. It’s Harry Potter with a dash of Roald Dahl! Morrigan is cursed: she’s doomed to die on her next birthday unless she can win a place in the mysterious Wundrous Society. She must pass four Trials, face dangers, and overcome her curse. A suspenseful, fun read! ~ Leah Moore

The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain, Philip C. Stead and Erin Stead. Mark Twain’s daughters chose a picture from a magazine and begged their father for a story. When pages of scribbled notes were discovered, a beautiful fairy tale came to be written. With whimsical artwork and eccentric characters that stay with you forever, this book will capture the imagination of readers of all ages. ~ Debbi Wraga

My Miniature Library: 30 Tiny Books to Make, Read and Treasure by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini. There are 30 doll-size books to be made in this kit, the box turns into a playset & a place to store a delightful library of your own making. ~ Jessica Wood