Staff Kids Picks

Staff Kid PicksThis is a list of all former and current staff members picks for kids and middle readers!

Staff Kid Picks:


 

Staff Pick Badge
Gooseberry Park By Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard (Illustrator)
$9.99
ISBN: 9780152061593
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Clarion Books - August 1st, 2007

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Gooseberry Park

Comments:

I read this book many times over the course of my childhood and it's stayed with me as a lovely, warm memory my whole life. These characters are my friends and this park is my home!
Unfortunately, I'd forgotten the title of this book and was unable to find it for many years. So imagine my delight when I pulled it out of a box of books I was receiving her at The Bookloft!
I am so happy to have finally found this cherished story again-- and be able to pass it on to a new generation who I'm sure will love it as much as I did.


Staff Pick Badge
Interstellar Cinderella: (Princess Books for Kids, Books about Science) (Future Fairy Tales) By Deborah Underwood, Meg Hunt (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Deborah Underwood, Meg Hunt (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781452125329
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Chronicle Books - May 5th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Interstellar Cinderella

Comments:

This story nixes everything you ever thought was questionable about the Cinderella tale (getting married after 1 date? Seriously?), and inserts everything you ever wanted and didn't even know you wanted (Being a genius mechanic who uses her own wits to save the prince? Yes, please.), and of course, still keeps everything you really loved about the old tale, just with a great new twist (ah, what a beautiful, dazzling ball!)

GREAT JOB, INTERSTELLAR CINDERELLA!


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The Whisper By Pamela Zagarenski Cover Image
$17.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9780544416864
Published: Clarion Books - October 6th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: The Whisper

Comments:

This is one of those books you'll open again and again to spend long minutes over each and every page, your imagination running wild and free as you discover new things in the illustrations and words and new way to think about and interpret them every time. A perfect, long treasure of a book that will entrance and inspire kids (and their adults!) PS- If you like this, also check out Any Questions? by Marie-Louise Gay.


Staff Pick Badge
Big Bot, Small Bot: A Book of Robot Opposites By Marc Rosenthal Cover Image
$17.95
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781576877500
Published: POW! Kids Books - June 9th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Big Bot Small Bot

Comments:
Best book of opposites I've seen in a long time. Creative & fun!

PS- Julia loves this one too!


Staff Pick Badge
Leo: A Ghost Story By Mac Barnett, Christian Robinson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Mac Barnett, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781452131566
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Chronicle Books - August 25th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Leo

Comments:

Not only is Mac Barnett very nice and cool (and often works with one of my favorites- Jon Klassen), but his stories are always fun and imaginative, subtly stating more than the obvious, giving kids that perfect blend of entertainment and education- and always with lovely illustrations to boot!
Meet Leo, the ghost, and I dare you NOT to become best friends with him! I love you Leo!


Staff Pick Badge
George (Scholastic Gold) By Alex Gino Cover Image
$7.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9780545812573
Published: Scholastic Inc. - April 25th, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: George

Comments:
I love you, George! - I mean - MELISSA! Thank you for showing me how hard it is to try to be someone you're just not - and what I can do to help!
And thanks for giving me a fun, sweet, entertaining book to read, too - I didn't want to put it down! I hope everyone reads this book - no matter who you (really) are!


Staff Pick Badge
Space Dumplins: A Graphic Novel By Craig Thompson, Craig Thompson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Craig Thompson, Craig Thompson (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780545565431
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Graphix - August 25th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Space Dumplins

Comments:

As sweet, smart, and funny as Cakes in Space and Zita the Spacegirl, Space Dumplins will have you rooting for these lovable characters throughout their great adventure!
Learn to embrace differentness, in character and situation, and how to overcome obstacles and conflicts ethically, from new schools to fighting parents... to suffering space whales!


Staff Pick Badge
Kristy's Great Idea: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #1): Full-Color Edition (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix) By Ann M. Martin, Raina Telgemeier (Adapted by), Raina Telgemeier (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Ann M. Martin, Raina Telgemeier (Adapted by), Raina Telgemeier (Illustrator)
$10.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9780545813877
Published: Graphix - April 28th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels

Comments:

I love the BSC books with a passion that can never diminish, despite the passing years. These graphic novel adaptations by Raina Telgemieir (woderfully talented author and illustrator of the bestselling Smile) perfectly capture the oh so wonderful essence of BSC.

Great for lovers of AND newcomers to the series that every 9+ year old girl loves for showing real girls, in real (and widely varied) familial situations, with real (and again widely varied!) personalities and talents, doing real work, and having real fun together!


Staff Pick Badge
This Is Sadie By Sara O'Leary, Julie Morstad (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Sara O'Leary, Julie Morstad (Illustrator)
$17.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781770495326
Published: Tundra Books - May 12th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: This is Sadie

Comments:

This is Sadie. I love Sadie. She is my new role model—a precious place occupied mostly by Madeline up until now. 
Beautiful illustrations, words, thoughts. And look at the inside (reverse side) of the dust jacket—a perfect poster for any kid's (or, let's face it—adult's) room.
Love, love, love how sweet, whimsical, and calming it feels though it's full of exciting, imaginative adventures!
Simply a treasure.


Staff Pick Badge
Nimona: A Netflix Film By ND Stevenson, ND Stevenson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By ND Stevenson, ND Stevenson (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780062278227
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Quill Tree Books - May 12th, 2015

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Nimona

Comments:

Nimona has surpassed any vague unfulfilled hopes I ever had for a cool yet relatable female supoerhero. Not that she's really a "superhero"- in fact, she's a "villain's" "sidekick" trying to take down the "hero" of a "benevolent kingdom".

Ahem.

Fall in love with Nimona as Stevenson makes you question everything you ever thought you knew about villains and heroes.

Subversive, funny, mysterious, gripping, beautiful, thought-provoking, and deeply satisfying... this is a MUST READ for EVERYONE!

 


Staff Pick Badge
Cakes in Space (A Not-So-Impossible Tale) By Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre (Illustrator)
$7.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9780385387934
Published: Yearling - July 12th, 2016

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Cakes in Space

Comments:
I picked this book up because the title made me laugh. By the time I had finished looking at the cover and reading the blurb I was in hysterics.
So I knew it'd be funny- likely a fun little romp- but what I didn't anticipate was how awesome the illustrations would be (perfectly and creatively interacting with the text) and how great the characters and their story would be.
Fun and funny, yes, but also sweet, brave, thought-provoking and SMART!
This is a great read-aloud or beginner book for all kids- AND their adults!


Staff Pick Badge
A Walk in the Forest: (ages 3-6, hiking and nature walk children's picture book encouraging exploration, curiosity, and independent play) By Maria Dek Cover Image
$18.95
ISBN: 9781616895693
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Princeton Architectural Press - April 4th, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: A Walk in the Forest

Comments:
This book will make you want to set out into the forest! Burrow your toes in the dirt, breathe deeply the crisp air, see those bright, in-person colors. So simple, yet so evocative, this is a beautiful, beautiful book.


Staff Pick Badge
The Long Island: (Travel Books for Kids, Children's Adventure Books) By Drew Beckmeyer Cover Image
$17.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781452154855
Published: Chronicle Books - April 3rd, 2018

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: The Long Island

Comments:

Coming soon!!


Staff Pick Badge
We Are Brothers By Yves Nadon, Jean Claverie (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Yves Nadon, Jean Claverie (Illustrator)
$18.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781568462929
Published: Creative Editions - March 13th, 2018

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: We Are Brothers

Comments:
Don't make the mistake of writing this one off or passing it by for its brown cover or "brothers" in the title. This is a simple yet delightfully lyrical story- not about plot or even family, but FEELING.

That universal feeling of fear... anticipation... determination... shock... elation!... camaraderie... contentedness... love.

It's absolutely breath-taking! You must read this book- just take a few minutes- and feel something GOOD.


Staff Pick Badge
Llamaphones (A Grammar Zoo Book) By Janik Coat Cover Image
$16.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781419728273
Published: Abrams Appleseed - March 6th, 2018

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Llamaphones

Comments: Coming Soon!


Staff Pick Badge
The Pomegranate Witch: (Halloween Children's Books, Early Elementary Story Books, Scary Stories for Kids) By Denise Doyen, Eliza Wheeler (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Denise Doyen, Eliza Wheeler (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781452145891
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Chronicle Books - August 1st, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: The Pomegranate Witch

Comments:

Want to know about the
   pomegranate
      pomegranate
         pomegranate
                war?

This is a deliciously cozy story to tuck into on a long, dark night! Fabulous illustrations and beautiful, rhythmic language makes you want to linger and sing over each page.

The ending is particularly delightful and rewarding-- maybe there's more to the Pomegranate Witch than meets the eye... in fact, maybe she embodies what is best about childhood!


Staff Pick Badge
Seamus's Short Story By Heather Hartt-Sussman, Milan Pavlovic (Illustrator) Cover Image
$16.95
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781554987931
Published: Groundwood Books - August 1st, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Seamus's Short Story

Comments:
Seamus is short!
But he finds a fun & creative way to get tall!
I love that this story challenges gender norms without making a big deal of it - it's not a heavy-handed "message" story.

Light, sweet, funny - this is a great family romp!


Staff Pick Badge
The Fog By Kyo Maclear, Kenard Pak (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kyo Maclear, Kenard Pak (Illustrator)
$17.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781770494923
Published: Tundra Books - May 16th, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: The Fog

Comments:
The fog crept up on the animals on the Island. It was terrible-they couldn't see anyone or anything! But what could they do? They got used to it and pretty soon, they all forgot there had ever been a time before the fog. Except for one little bird...

This is one of those perfect stories that teaches something valuable without hitting you over the head with the message. A smart, fun, sweet story, whimsically illustrated with hidden details, this is a book to treasure and re-read over the years.


Staff Pick Badge
Real Friends By Shannon Hale, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Shannon Hale, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
$12.99
ISBN: 9781626727854
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: First Second - May 2nd, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Real Friends

Comments:
For fans of Raina Telgemeier!

This is an HONEST portrayal of what makes being a kid so hard--the ups and downs of friendship and "fitting in".

These characters and story will be relatable to everyone--whether you've ever felt like the outcast or the popular kid or anywhere in between.


Staff Pick Badge
Leave Me Alone!: (Caldecott Honor Book) By Vera Brosgol, Vera Brosgol (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Vera Brosgol, Vera Brosgol (Illustrator)
$19.99
ISBN: 9781626724419
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Roaring Brook Press - September 13th, 2016

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Leave Me Alone!

Comments:
Sometimes... we just want to be LEFT ALONE!
This is a hilariously witty and sly tale with great illustrations that will help kids understand that it's okay to want some time to yourself.
Brosgol plays expertly with the interaction between words and illustration to giggle-inducing effect.
Fun (and relatable, I'm sure) for the whole family!


Staff Pick Badge
Grumpy Pants By Claire Messer Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780807530757
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Albert Whitman & Company - May 1st, 2016

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Grumpy Pants

Comments:
You know how sometimes you just can't shake that whiny, pouty, GRUMPY mood? This calming story lets you know it's okay to be grumpy, and suggests that what you may need is just a little something comforting and familiar to make you feel better! Expressive illustrations will have kids giggling and the story itself is likely to soothe the grumpies!

A new favorite for fans of our bestselling The Pout-Pout Fish!

 


Staff Pick Badge
Franklin's Flying Bookshop (Franklin and Luna) By Jen Campbell, Katie Harnett (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jen Campbell, Katie Harnett (Illustrator)
$17.95
ISBN: 9780500651094
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Thames & Hudson - October 17th, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu

Title: Franklin's Flying Bookshop

Comments: I love this book! Open it up and you will find yourself immersed in a beautiful world, filled with gentle rhymes, silly antics, honest musings, and a sweet love of stories!

For anyone who's ever felt misunderstood (like poor Franklin) or anyone who's ever felt brave enough to stand up for their friends (like Luna), this one's for you!

The PERFECT treasure to gift to a little one's growing library.


Staff Pick Badge
The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse By Mac Barnett, Jon Klassen (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Mac Barnett, Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780763677541
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Candlewick - October 10th, 2017

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse 

Comments:
Has anything bad ever happened to you that turned out not to be bad after all?

Veterans of creating hilarious & thought-provoking stories, this illustrator-writer team bring us a great new origin story for the wolf's howl.

Get ready to giggle - and read this one over and over again!


Staff Pick Badge
Julián Is a Mermaid By Jessica Love, Jessica Love (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jessica Love, Jessica Love (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780763690458
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: Candlewick - April 23rd, 2018

Bookseller: Zazu
Title: Julián is a Mermaid

Comments:
An absolutely gorgeous work of playfulness, curiosity, whimsy, and fun!
For all of us who played pretend and dress-up, this sweet story will make you smile.
And to all the grown-ups who encourage imaginations, the down-to-earth and practical grandma will pleasantly surprise!
Don't miss this one! A book that manages to impart so much love and beauty in so simple a presentation is rare!


Staff Pick Badge
Orion and the Dark By Emma Yarlett, Emma Yarlett (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Emma Yarlett, Emma Yarlett (Illustrator)
$18.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9780763675950
Published: Templar - March 24th, 2015

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Orion and the Dark

Comments:

At first I admired this book for its lovely watercolors. then as I read, I found it was funny. Humor is great way to approach fear. I mean the dark, girls, wasps, haircuts and plaid all can be scary!
This is a sweet book about  giving yourself a chance to face your fears and have a positive experience. 
Grab this book, enjoy the illustrations and discover a few ways to overcome a fear of the dark.  


Staff Pick Badge
The Book with No Pictures By B. J. Novak Cover Image
$17.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9780803741713
Published: Rocky Pond Books - September 30th, 2014

Bookseller: Julia
Title: The Book with No Pictures

Comments:

This book is great! Who needs pictures when you have wits and silly sounds. Nobody, that's who. This book will be enjoyed by you the reader and your audience. Yes, an audience (there is some singing and performing involved). Enjjoy this book with no pictures!


Staff Pick Badge
Julia's House for Lost Creatures By Ben Hatke, Ben Hatke (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Ben Hatke, Ben Hatke (Illustrator)
$19.99
ISBN: 9781596438668
Availability: NOT ON HAND, but usually Ships in 2-7 Days
Published: First Second - September 2nd, 2014

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Comments:
Why am I picking this book?

Well isn't it obvious?

The critters are cute, the story is cute, and Julia solves all her problems... until the next one at least.


Staff Pick Badge
Crabby Crab (Thingy Things) By Chris Raschka Cover Image
$6.95
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781419710568
Published: Abrams Appleseed - April 8th, 2014

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Crabby Crab

Comments:
Crabby Crab!!

This book is super cute and fun to read out loud!


Staff Pick Badge
1 to 20, Animals Aplenty By Katie Viggers Cover Image
$18.99
UNAVAILABLE-Possible Reasons: Backordered, Out-of-Stock, or Out-of-Print (But email us to search for a copy.)
ISBN: 9781576876800
Published: POW! Kids Books - March 14th, 2014

Bookseller: Julia
Title: 1 to 20, Animals Aplenty

Comments:
Katie Viggers brings us another book full of fun and fanciful animals. This time a numbers book. I'm not sure which I enjoyed more- "Fox in sox" or Ants in pants". No... I think it was "Chickens and Dickens." But I do know I love the whimsy in the illustrations and all the character drawn into each page.

HAPPY COUNTING!