Here are some of our staff's favorite recent reads for kids!
This is a perfect read-aloud for the whole family. I read it with my son and we both loved it and have since given it as gifts to almost every family we know! It's a bit reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh. Each chapter is its own adventure, each character uniquely quirky. This is bound to become a classic! The sequel - Just Beyond the Very Far North - is JUST as wonderful.
Recommended by Becky for kids ages 7-12
An odyssey-like adventure full of magic and wonder. A journey that brings Osmo empathy and understanding. All the characters are so funny and wonderful. A great family read-aloud!
When I pick up a book by Levithan, I know I'm going to get a story that is written with quiet tenderness and genuine heart. Answers in the Pages is an extremely timely novel centered around a book being challenged in a fifth grade class for portraying two boys that may or may not be in love-- and if they were, would that really be so bad? I implore readers young and old to read this one-- I was moved to tears by the intertwining points of view that weave this tale together.
Recommended by Andrew for readers ages 8 - 12
Jack and Birdie have lost their mother and are bounced between two uncles who couldn't be more different - especially their approach to brother Birdie's preference for glitter and boas. Exquisite portrayal of family!
Recommended by Christy for kids ages 10 and up.
A baby sea otter and a dachshund puppy are accidental runaways-- Oliver from his momma, and Franklin from his human, Lucy. After an oil spill in Puget Sound brings them together, this unlikely duo puts their paws together, determined to help each other find their way home. A quick-paced, otter-ly adorable adventure of friendship, filled with heart and charm worthy of a Disney film.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
There is a long history of war and anger between elves and goblins, and it's up to two well-mannered scholars to figure it all out. Anderson's writing is hilarious and Yelchin's art is beautiful. This book just keeps rolling and keeps you guessing.
Recommended by Kevin for kids ages 10-13
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This is a great scream of a picture book! Any book for kids that has the line "Mommy must be stopped!" is genius story-telling in my humble opinion.
Recommended by Suzanne for kids ages 3-7
There's more than just birds up in the air this summer for twelve-year-old Jeremy-- like whether he'll live with mom or dad now that they're divorced, or if he'll ever feel comfortable telling anyone he likes boys. Fortunately during his visit on the Oregon coast, he meets Evan, and they form a close friendship-- and perhaps it might be more than that. The Language of Seabirds is a soft and sweet story that takes place at such a pivotal time in life, right on the cusp of adolescence, and Taylor captures that uncertainty and growth in a wonderfully realistic fashion. Jeremy and Evan come up with a secret bird language in this novel-- "cormorant" means "beautiful". I would definitely say that The Language of Birds is a cormorant book, one that has made a nest in my heart.
Recommended by Andrew for readers ages 10 - 13
Who is Riley Mayes, really? She's an artist, a jokester, and a self-proclaimed "dude-ish girl", just to name a few things. She's also totally obsessed with her favorite comedian, Joy Powers. Humor is embedded into Riley's fifth-grade growing pains that include (but aren't limited to) discovering identity, forging new friendships, and finding your passion-- which all combines into a meaningful and memorable graphic novel perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller.
Recommended by Andrew for readers ages 8 - 12
If this book does not draw you in on the gorgeous art alone, just open it and randomly read any page. Read the author's notes for bonus cry!
Recommended by Mary for kids ages 5-8
What an incredible era we're in for children's literature, to have an uplifting and informational anthology for LGBT kids of all kinds. This Is Our Rainbow brings so many influential and bestselling authors into one book, one of hope, camaraderie, and spirit. Friendships, family, identity, and first crushes are all focal points in this collection, just as they are in real life. A must-have for personal and professional libraries.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 10 and up
Not only are the illustrations in this book vivid - the story will also draw you in. Evelyn and Llewellyn are collectors of the right kind of "things" - including friends.
Recommended by Mary for kids ages 3 to 7
I loved this little slice-of-life taste of summer in Japan. It's a ghost story with a fantasy story within the story. A book with a ton of heart and humor and a cast of delightful characters.
Recommended by Becky for kids ages 8-12
When Mina's father says he has a surprise, it's usually not a good one. Her dad's new pet squirrel seems peculiarly... feline. Surely nothing could go wrong for these mice, right? This might very well be one of my favorite picture books of the year already-- the art is gorgeous, the characters are charming, and the humor is delightful. Readers of all ages will adore Mina!
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 4 - 8
I think Stretchy McHandsome just stole my heart and won the honor of being my favorite picture book of the year. Stretchy the butterscotch boy is one of nine cats in the McHandsome clan-- the youngest, in fact! He sets off on a vacation from his loving but crowded home, and that's only the beginning. My favorite thing of all is how the illustrations truly capture the physics-defying reality of how cats seem to occupy their bodies. He stretches, melts, curls, and makes all the shapes a cat can make. Stretchy McHandsome (and his whole family) will charm your socks off!
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 3 - 7
Andi and Zora are the only two Black girls at Harmony Music Camp, a prestigious summer program for young musicians. Andi is still mourning her artistic mom, and Zora is drowning under the weight of her family's expectations for her. Despite their initial personality clashes, Andi and Zora begin to gravitate together and find comfort in each other as they navigate the difficulties of growing up and moving forward in this middle grade novel of grief, competition, and sweet first love.
Recommended by Andrew for readers ages 10 - 13
Books like this one are so important when schools and society often tell kids that there is only one, standardized way to be smart. This book celebrates diverse gifts and remains funny, exuberant, and charming.
Recommended by Suzi for kids ages 3-6
Edie is a bright, creative twelve year old girl that harbors a secret question she's ready to find answers for... "Where am I from?" She knows she's Native American, but her mother was adopted by a white family-- and she's always shied away from telling Edie about their cultural heritage. When Edie discovers a memory box of photos and letters from her namesake, Edith Graham, she's determined to learn her truth. A glorious novel of emerging identity, friendships, and many kinds of family. I was glued to this book, filled with so much emotion I actually cried. Award worthy.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
Eva is a semi-magical witch who uses creativity and imagination in tandem with what magic she does have to help the people of her town. Another great read-aloud for the family. My son and I are anxiously awaiting the sequel!
Recommended by Becky for kids ages 8-12
First kid's book by Lev Grossman, author of the Magicians trilogy. This was such a fun read aloud adventure. My six-year-old absolutely loved it and we both laughed our way through most of it. Two kids are gifted a magical train by their uncle and embark on an adventure that teaches them responsibility - both for their own choices and for the environment. It's delightful, and not a bit heavy-handed.
Recommended by Becky for kids ages 8-12
The sequel to "The Silver Arrow" is here and it is as delightful and funny as the first book. Kate and Tom go off the rails as they search for missing Uncle Herbert and meet some new friends along the way. These books are fantastic family read-alouds and I'm sure will become classics in their own right.
For readers of all ages, recommended by Becky
Mouse doesn't want much-- she loves gingersnaps, naps in the sun, and dreams of adventure in a ship in a bottle. It's too bad that she shares a house with a cat, who only wants to eat her. With a little unintentional help from Cat, Mouse sets sail downstream with a ship bottle full of snacks on a journey to find a new home. To call this book precious would be a massive understatement! Mouse is such a sweet, kind, and brave critter on her travels, and luckily, after a few stops along the way, Mouse finds a friendly forested shore to call home. Ship in a Bottle tugged at my heartstrings in the best possible way!
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 4 - 8
Lukoff captures grief and pre-teen growing pains in such a realistic but ultimately healing way. I needed this book as a kid, and even reading it now as an adult has moved and mended me during my time with it.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
Granny is supposed to be catsitting Satsuki the tabby, but when the ink on her instructions get smudged, she mistakes a local raccoon for the family kitty. This new kitty turns out to be quite the handful! Don't worry, everything will work out for Granny, Satsuki, and Kitty... even if they leave behind a mess. A humorous and whimsical story!
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 4 - 8
On Murphy Island, everything is eccentric. But Newt Gomez just wants to be normal...shake the bad dreams that persist about the bear attack he survived, to not be the only Latinx in his town. And then there's the bear statue that might grant wishes...
A new novel by our long-time friend and Ballard author, Kim Baker!
Recommended by Christy for kids ages 9-12
Set in the South in the 1960's - this middle grade book hits all the high notes. It's educational, full of magic, and delightfully spooky. Jez is one of the best kid characters that I've encountered in a long time. This book celebrates family, empathy, and kindness.
Recommended by Becky for kids ages 8-12
Buster the housecat is expecting a typical quiet day when his human goes out, but the strange, blob-like spirits invading his home ensure there's a lot more in store. With the help of street cats Chauncey and Nova, it's up to these fierce felines to defeat the spirits before Buster's human comes back! The art style in Housecat Trouble is so bright, round, and adorable, and there's a purr-fect mix of adventure and humor! I'm looking forward to more adventures featuring these fur-ociously brave kitties!
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
Cline will do anything to attend the singer/songwriter workshop in Lexington, even if that means sneaking behind her mom's back and paying it off on layaway. Like her namesake and so many other women of country, Cline and her Gram know that she's destined to make it big. Of course, with every big dream comes some roadblocks on the way-- fading friendships and tight money can be enough to break a girl's heart. Candidly Cline is a story of filled with joy, bravery, and shimmering determination. Cline's journey of self-discovery plucked at my heartstrings like her trusty guitar: an uplifting and inspiring novel!
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 13
Sweet Pea's parents have completed their divorce, and live on the same street. She wishes they wouldn't try to make their houses totally identical-- it doesn't change that they aren't together anymore. Dear Sweet Pea is full of wit, snark, honesty, emotion, and love. It's everything I've ever wanted of a book that handles so many hard-hitting topics happening at once, as they often do in real life; friendships coming and going, how different people can thrive in a small town, the general growing pains of being thirteen, and how sometimes the only soul you can trust is a cat named Cheese. It'd be a shame to miss out on a novel like this.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
A middle-grade read (ages 8-12) and one that definitely does not condescend to it's readers. The writing was stunning, poetic, and a delight to read aloud to my son. It's a book that creates a whole new mythology about the creation and maintenance of the world. Full of puzzles and mystery.
Recommended by Becky for kids ages 8-12
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This book is an absolute riot! Roald Dahl meets Lemony Snicket. It's a battle of wills and wits. A fantastic read-aloud for the whole family. Recommended by Becky for readers 8-12
This book cracked my heart wide open and brought the pieces together again-- just like Hazel's family, still full of love, but different than things once were. Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea is a novel that will resonate with readers of all ages with tenderness, strength, and even a little bit of mermaid magic.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
The narrator of this book really doesn't want these dinosaurs to venture off to Kitty Island... they might look cute, but they're quite dangerous and ferocious felines over there. That's not going to sway these prehistoric pals! An adorable and silly journey that dinosaur and cat fans alike will enjoy.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 4 - 8
Reenie has never met her great-aunt Bea before, but after her mom is admitted to the hospital again, she's moving in with this familial stranger. This new territory takes flight when Bea demonstrates her falconry skills, inviting Reenie into a beautiful and lofty new world. Neither of them expected to ensnare a juvenile great-horned owl, especially one in dire need of rehabilitation! Frazzled young fowl Rufus has also been separated from his mother, and feels out of place in the forest-- certainly not like the king of the night that he wants to be. Reenie and Rufus have more in common than they know, and these kindred spirits form a sweet friendship that doesn't need words... but what will happen when Rufus is ready to return to the wild? Of a Feather swept into my heart as softly and quietly as an owl's primary feathers; a feel-good contemporary novel that manages to feel magical in its warmth and bravery.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
If you love "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" then check out this new stand-alone fantasy epic by Abi Elphinstone. This book was so much fun from start to finish. It had us on the edge of our seats.
Recommended by Becky for kids ages 8-12
A gift to read! Fun magic, queer elders, and a wonderful friendship, this graphic novel is for animal lovers, witches, and adventurous kids. Great for ages 9-13. Recommended by Iris.
Who is that mysterious spaniel that trots down the streets every Saturday with grocery lists and book requests in his basket? When Jo tries to follow him, she's assumed to be his human, and dubs him "Pawcasso" when approached at an art class. As Pawcasso's popularity with the community grows, the harder it is for Jo to keep up with the charade that he's her dog. It's harder now with a grumpy neighbor calling animal control on Pawcasso for not wearing a leash. How can Jo keep him safe if she can't find his family? Pawcasso is sweet, silly, and all too relatable to anyone who lives with (or even just knows!) a friendly, outgoing hound.
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
A sweet, moving story about a hesitant boy and a confident girl who are brought together by some strange coincidences. With a little strangeness and magic in the mix, there's so much to love about this book!
For ages 8-12. Recommended by Becky
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This book is EVERYTHING I've ever wanted from a novel about extraterrestrials coming to earth, whether it be for kids or adults. It takes place in July of 1947, the time of the Roswell crash, through the eyes of Mylo, a preteen still coping with the loss of his older brother. The Truth About Martians makes you wonder-- why do we see the potential of ET contact as hostile? It's silly, emotional, and bittersweet. A couple of chapters were so beautiful and moving that I got teary. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Recommended by Andrew for kids ages 8 - 12
