Staff Picks Audience: Kids

Beautiful Oops! [Book]

view/request

This book demonstrates the many ways that torn, crinkled, and smudged bits of paper can be transformed into various shapes and images.

Sophie’s Masterpiece [Book]

view/request

Sophie is a very artistic spider who is finally able to create her pièce de résistance as she reaches old age.

Chuck Close: Face Book [Book]

view/request

Chuck Close created this beautiful autobiography complete with pages of mix and match self-portraits and a glossary of art terms. Close realized his love of art when he was very young. As a result of severe dyslexia, Close was labeled “dumb” and he also had a neuromuscular condition which prevented him from being physically active. The talented Close admits dedication to art saved his life. In this book Close talks about his process for creating his massive paintings and prints. To young artists Close says, “ease is the enemy of the artist. Go ahead and get yourself into trouble”

Miss Rumphius [Book]

view/request

As a child Great-aunt Alice Rumphius resolved that when she grew up she would go to faraway places, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful–and she does all those things, the last being the most difficult of all.

A Story for Bear by Dennis Haseley [Book]

view/request

A young bear who is fascinated by the mysterious marks he sees on paper finds a friend when a kind woman reads to him.

The Sneetches: and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss [Book]

view/request

The Star-Bellied Sneetches have bellies with Stars, but the Plain-Bellied Sneetches have none upon thars! Rivalries rocket when Sylvester McMonkey McBean steps in to prey on their prejudices, but in the end we realize that prejudice is nothing more than a ridiculous waste of time.

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner [Book]

view/request

The original Boxcar Children tells the story of the four Alden children: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who are orphans. One night, they take shelter in a bakery after buying some bread with the little cash they have. In exchange for allowing them to spend the night, they agree to help around the bakery. However, when they overhear the baker’s plans to keep the older three siblings but to take Benny to an orphanage because he is too young, they flee.

Farm by Elisha Cooper [Book]

view/request

There is so much to look at and learn about on a farm – animals, tractors, crops, and barns. And children feeding animals for morning chores! With lyrical writing and beautiful illustrations that capture the rhythms of the changing seasons, Elisha Cooper brings the farm to life.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume [Audiobook]

view/request

Peter, because he’s the oldest, must deal with Fudgie’s disgusting cuteness, his constant meddling with Peter’s stuff, and other grave offenses, one of which is almost too much to bear. All these incidents are presented with the unfailing ear and big-hearted humor of the masterful Judy Blume.

The Cabinet of Earths by Anne Nesbet [Book]

view/request

Enter Anne Nesbet’s world and follow Maya on her magical journey, a story fantasy fans will love.

Two Crafty Criminals! and How They Were Captured by the Daring Detectives of the New Cut Gang by Philip Pullman [Book]

view/request

Master storyteller Philip Pullman’s rollicking and humorous tale of Benny Kaminsky, Thunderbolt Dobney, and their gang—out to solve crime.

Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban. Pictures by Lillian Hoban. [Book]

view/request

When I heard that the author of Bread and Jam for Frances had died, however, I wanted to share this book from my childhood. Bread and Jam for Frances tells the story of a young child (who happens to be a badger) who loves bread and jam and doesn’t want to eat anything else. With memorable characters, and great illustrations, I the Frances books will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

(Interestingly, the Wikipedia page on Russell Hoban reveals that he wrote books for adults as well. I didn’t know that! Forbes Library has one of them, Riddley Walker, and many more are available through interlibrary loan!)