What’s easy to wrap and never goes out of style?
BOOKS!
The perfect holiday (or birthday or just-because) gift. The only tricky part is figuring out which ones to buy. Fear not! The staff of the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library Children's Dept. is here to help.
Below, you’ll see a list of our favorite books published in 2017. We’ve got great suggestions for every age, birth to 12 years, in a wide variety of formats: fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, etc. You’re sure to find something for every kid on your list.
Happy holidays!
Miss Audrey's Favorites:
Ages: 6 months – 3 years
Board Book
An adorable multiracial crew of babies introduces basic facial expressions in this super cute selection. The emotions covered are happy, sad, angry, surprised, and silly, and young readers are encouraged to both practice the expression themselves and also pick it out of a lineup. It has the perfect amount of interaction, and the mirror at the end is a bonus. An excellent choice for snuggles and giggles!
Charlie & Mouse series by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Beginning Reader
Charlie and Mouse are a winsome pair of brothers, and these books (2 so far) trace their imaginative daily adventures with simple yet funny word play and visual details. Each book has just a few easy chapters. Each chapter is its own semi-separate story, so it’s easy to put down and pick back up for your beginning-reader-on-the-go. A great choice for families looking for something with a similar flavor to the “Frog and Toad” series, except maybe a bit easier. Truly charming.
Forever, or a Long, Long Time by Caela Carter
Ages: 8 – 12 years
If you can’t remember something, how can you know for a fact that it’s happened? Flora and her brother, Julian, spent their early childhood bouncing around in the foster care system. They’ve been adopted for about a year, now, but they can’t quite trust that it’s permanent. They also can’t believe they were ever babies, or were born like other children. After all, other kids have proof – just another thing that makes the siblings different. With family changes looming on the horizon, they agree to revisit their childhood homes. Can learning about their past help them move on to face the future? Flora narrates this emotional story about what it takes to make a family. A moving, mind-opening read.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Ages: 8 – 12 years
Graphic Novel
Friendship can be tough, as middle-child-of-five Shannon Hale relates in this semi-autobiographical graphic novel memoir. Readers follow Shannon through several years of elementary school as she drifts in and out of The Group – a handful of “popular” girls who rule the school. At the same time, Shannon deals with a hostile sibling, a burgeoning interest in writing, and a slight anxiety disorder, all while trying to figure out how to be true to her own best self. This captures every emotion of a young kid’s life, without losing its innate humor and heart. A must read for any school-going child.
York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
Ages: 8 – 12 years
Novel
In the early 1800s, the Morningstarr twins Theodore and Teresa turned New York into the finest city in the world with their fabulous inventions: machines that handle street cleaning, transportation, and more, all powered by the sun, and that never break down. Decades later, the twins disappeared, leaving a series of clues – a cipher – to a great treasure. Fast-forward to modern times: a sleazy developer is slowly acquiring all of the original Morningstarr buildings, including the building where Jaime and the twins, Tess and Theo, have lived all their lives. The only way to save their home is to solve the cipher – a task far more dangerous than it sounds. A perfect read for kids who love adventures, puzzles, and mystery.
Ms. Amanda A.'s Favorites:
Ages: 4 – 7 years
Picture Book
A thoughtful fox, full of questions about the world around him, sets sail when an antlered ship shows up on the beach near his home. Crewed by deer, the ship is headed across the sea to an island with low trees and tall bushes. The fox joins the crew, along with some pigeons. Sailing is tough, but the crew pulls it together to navigate between rocks and to fend off a pirate ship. It is difficult to tell an adventure story in the short space one has in picture books written for the preschool and early elementary set, and Slater absolutely knocks it out of the ballpark with this one. And the pictures! The pictures are AMAZING. The Fan Brothers had better win some awards for this soft and realistically illustrated masterpiece. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore (or computer for online ordering) and get this book for everyone you know.
The Football Fanbook: Everything You Need to Become a Gridiron Know-It-All by Gary Gramling
Ages: 8 years and up
Nonfiction
If you have a football lover on your shopping list, all I can say is, you are welcome. I cannot think of a more perfect gift book for a fan. Filled with facts, lingo, and stats, The Football Fanbook will take your fanatic’s expertise to the next level. One section teaches readers to think like a coach. Another gives some tips on skills to master (both as a player and as a fan). Rounding it all out is some info on teams and select players. Perfect for browsing (a plus for those who are fans of football, but maybe not reading) this book is a homerun…wait, wrong sport…
Gods and Thunder: A Graphic Novel of Old Norse Myths by Carl Bowen (Author), Michael Dahl (Author), Louise Simonson (Author), Eduardo Garcia (Illustrator), Tod Smith (Illustrator), Rex Lokus (Illustrator)
Ages: 9 years and up
Nonfiction Graphic Novel
For all the mythology lovers out there, this graphic novel tells the stories of battle and intrigue based on the old Norse (think Vikings) myths. All the players are here, including Thor, Loki, Oden, and lots more. The authors manage to stay age appropriate while covering these old tales filled with treachery, prophecies, and swords (and don’t forget Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer!). For fans of the Marvel movies and Rick Riordan’s work (Percy Jackson and (specifically) Magnus Chase), this graphic novel (and its excellent artwork) keeps the old tales fresh and alive for new fans.
Miss Amanda M.'s Favorites:
Ages: 1 – 4 years
Board Book
Young dancer Flora returns with a new flock of feathered friends in this adorable board book. Your young one can count the chicks on each page – from one to ten – as they hatch. Full-page flaps lift to reveal additional chicks, adding another interactive element to the wordless text. With softly sweet illustrations, readers are invited to tell the nearly wordless story in their own words.
Egg by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 3 – 7 years
Picture Book
Using minimal text, this picture book illustrates a tale of unlikely friendship. Four eggs wait to hatch. After three of them do, revealing color coordinated chicks, the fourth one remains unopened. With the help of the three birds, the fourth egg hatches to an unexpected and, for the three little ones, scary surprise. Seeing the newly hatched creature looking miserable and alone, the three baby birds return to comfort the new little critter and to offer friendship.
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Picture Book
When an unexpected snowstorm comes upon them, both a little girl and a young wolf cub become lost. Though afraid, they work together to help one another find their searching families. This nearly wordless picture book beautifully illustrates the story of the unlikely assistance between the wolves and the girl, and provides a happy ending sure to warm the readers’ hearts.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #1) by Ben Clanton
Ages: 6 – 9 years
Graphic Novel
In this hilarious graphic novel about Narwhal and his new (possibly imaginary) pal, Jellyfish, the duo become friends and have adventures under the sea. They bond over their love of waffles, start their own “pod of awesomeness”, and discover the wonders of the “best book ever”. With short chapters, this is a great book for young readers to read in small bursts. The three stories and two brief informational shorts between are sure to delight readers with their humor and fun.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
Ages: 7 – 10 years
Novel
In this heartwarming holiday tale, the five Vanderbeeker children and their family live in an old brownstone in a Harlem neighborhood. Days before Christmas, the children are told that they must move at the end of the year – only eleven days away – as their antisocial and temperamental landlord decided not to renew their lease. The children decide to use their special talents to change the landlord’s mind, all while preparing for the holiday and dealing with the usual stresses of childhood.
Miss Taylor's Favorites:
Ages: 3 – 5 years
Picture Book
One cat likes to sleep. Two cats like to play. What do three cats like to do? Stack, of course! As more and more cats appear, the stacking gets more complex and, occasionally, results in some relatively harmless tumbling! This unique counting book features various adorable cats and a fun, vintage color palette. Perfect for any cat-loving preschooler!
Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Adam Rex
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Picture Book
How did the famous game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” come to be? It all started long ago in three far away lands, each with a noble warrior looking for a worthy opponent: Rock, the strongest fighter in Kingdom of Backyard, Paper, the smartest contender in the Empire of Mom’s Home Office, and Scissors, the quickest blade in the Kitchen Realm. When their paths collide, will each of these warriors finally meet their match? This fictional history of the classic game is full of sidesplitting humor and impressive vocabulary. It is sure to be a hit with elementary aged readers!
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Picture Book
Kelp the narwhal lives a reasonably happy life in the sea with his narwhal family. Narwhals have been referred to as the “unicorn of the sea,” but protagonist Kelp takes this a bit...well...literally! See, Kelp has always noticed that he’s a bit different from the other narwhals. He doesn’t swim quite as well and his horn is a bit on the short side. Kelp’s suspicions are confirmed one day when he is swept away and discovers a group of creatures that are just like him---unicorns! This discovery leads to confusion---is he a narwhal or a unicorn? The heartwarming answer to that question is accompanied by bright, gorgeous illustrations.
Mrs. R's Favorites:
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Picture Book
A sweet tale by the author of Good Night Moon. A young bunny greets the beautiful day with joy, saying hello to all of his friends along the way. As night approaches, he bids each of his friends goodnight, until he finally reaches his own bed and snuggles in for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Survivors: Extraordinary Tales of the Wild and Beyond By David Long & Kerry Hyndman
Ages: 9 – 12 years
Nonfiction
Are you up for an adventure? This handsome, oversized volume is packed full of true survival stories that will both thrill and inspire young readers. Read how these survivors took great risks and overcame unbelievable challenges.
Miss Jill's Favorites:
Ages: 5 – 8 years
Picture Book
Every child has fears and tries to find ways to cope with those fears. In this heartwarming father-son story about facing fears and becoming brave, a boy keeps his fears at bay with his trusty dinosaur. Will he always need his dinosaur or will he realize there is nothing wrong with always having something that makes him feel brave?
Curious Jane: Science + Design + Engineering for Inquisitive Girls by Curious Jane
Ages: 6 – 11 years
Nonfiction
Calling all curious and creative girls! If you are a girl who loves hands-on activities this book is packed full of cool projects and DIY fun. This is not your typical crafting book. The projects introduced in this book use many of the materials you have on hand. Your imagination is the limit! “Get out of your head and let your hands do the thinking!”
One Hundred Spaghetti Strings by Jen Nails
Ages: 8 – 12 years
Novel
Ever since Steffy was little, she and her older sister, Nina, have lived with beloved Auntie Gina. Their life was secure and comforting, but everything changes when Steffy and Nina's dad comes home to live with them. In order to cope with this huge life changing event, Steffy cooks her way through the toughest year of her life. Will her recipes help bring her family back together? Read to find out and enjoy the collection of recipes.
Miss Nicole's Favorites:
Ages: 3 – 7 years
Picture Book
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a greyhound met a groundhog? Let me tell you. Fun ensues. Beautifully illustrated, delightful, tongue-twisting fun. This is one picture book that just begs to be read aloud. The watercolor and pencil illustrations are lovely and enhance the rambunctious play between the two new friends. As they race around and around, readers are sure to request the book again and again!
Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh
Ages: 8 years and up
Short Stories
Flying Lessons is a collection of short stories by a who’s who of award winning and bestselling middle grade authors. Kwame Alexander, Matt de la Pena, Grace Lin, and Jaqueline Woodson are just a few of these stellar contributors. Each story centers on a universal theme such as basketball, best friends, and first crushes and runs the gambit of emotions. The characters have different backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, and sexualities. It feels as though there’s something for everyone in this collection, edited by Ellen Oh, the cofounder and president of We Need Diverse Books. A relevant and well-written collection of stories for all kinds of readers.
Nightlights by Lorena Alverez
Ages: 8 – 12 years
Graphic Novel
Sandy is a little girl who loves to draw whimsical creatures. What no one knows is that she draws the magical creatures that appear to her each night through lights in her room. When Morphie, the new girl in school, becomes a little too interested in her drawings things take a weird turn for Sandy. Who exactly is Morphie and what does she want with Sandy and her drawings? This short, creepy graphic novel is beautifully illustrated. The bright colors and imaginative creatures are a marvel. A sure-fire winner for anyone who likes eerie stories and stunning artwork.
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