Fairy tales are a favorite, and reading them aloud is such a bonus. A Tale Dark and Grimm: Complete Trilogy by Adam Gidwitz is the incredibly creative series that I am currently re-reading with my 11 y/o. We love that these books cleverly weave together myriad fairy tales with little bits of just-right snarky narration, and even better, they …
After years of separation from their parents and relying on one another for support, teens Viola and Wilmur leave home and are swept up in an epic, pirate-y adventure. The world-building is immersive and there are lots of exciting characters to meet in the first book of a planned duology. Just a fun time all-around. …
I love the story of a girl, her bunny, and her family as they adjust to their new life in the Netherlands and remember their immigration journey from Afghanistan. Funny and heartwarming. –Mimi, Wishing Tree Books, Spokane, WA Discover treasures from around the world at Wishing Tree Books and other independent bookstores.
The book that inspired the Studio Ghibli movie, “Spirited Away,” available for the first time in English! This is a classic Japanese novel by the author of Temple Alley Summer and The House on the Lost Cape — two books that I’ve read with my kids and absolutely loved. –Becky, Ridgecrest Books, Shoreline, WA Find a fantastic read-together …
Here is Torben Kuhlmann’s latest Mouse Adventure children’s book. This one is about Earhart, both the aviator and the mouse who dreamed of the world beyond the field she’s grown up in. We’re huge fans of Kuhlmann’s art and storytelling, and we’re so delighted he’s done another book in his absolutely charming series. Highly recommended. …
Christopher Denise’s Knight Owl is the story of a young owl who dreams of being a knight. Armed with a baking tray, a saucepan, and a wooden spoon, Owl is determined to save his family from a terrible fire-breathing dragon. Naturally, it takes more than a wooden spoon to defeat fire, and Christopher’s delightful illustrations …
Here’s something a little light. Nathan Pyle’s Strange Planet is back with The Sneaking, Hiding, Vibrating Creature. That’s right. Pyle’s big-eyed aliens have discovered the domestic cat, and their deadpan observations are both utterly alien and completely on-the-nose. A book both kids and adults can enjoy! And you can read it to your cat, who won’t …
From Oregon Live July 10, 2021 Portland-raised author Renée Watson is the inspiration for a campaign that Portland bookstore Green Bean Books is running on behalf of Vernon Elementary School this summer. The campaign’s goal: To sell 275 copies of Watson’s delightful chapter book Ways to Make Sunshine, which follows a Black girl growing up …
This gorgeous picture book features affirming, uplifting, nurturing text and stunning artwork representing 22 national parks. (Don’t miss the backmatter that gives more details about the parks shown.) When I read this book at storytime and invited the audience to join in the refrain of “you are home,” the inclusion, warmth, and pride brought tears …
…and speaking of building better tomorrows, we’re delighted to see Ibram X. Kendi has cleverly put out a baby board book. Timing is everything, and nothing happens overnight in book publishing, which makes the arrival of Antiracist Baby this week a marvel. Kendi, whose Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America and How to …
