Laura G's Kids Book Recommendations
This is the rag-tag, cross-country adventure you've been waiting for! Featuring a menagerie of animals, a dastardly thief, and a girl who just can't be stopped - The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle is sure to be a favorite!
Maximillin Fly is the middle-grade Metamorphosis mash up that you didn't know you needed! The Lemony-Snicket-esque prose work perfectly to tell the strange and fascinating tale of Maximillian, a human with the features of a cockroach, whose story becomes entangled with two fugitives of an oppressive government. Wacky, fun, and so satisfying, Maximillian will steal your heart!
Annalise Meriwether has been cursed from the moment she was born with a too-large hand and mysterious black mark. Shunned by the superstitious townsfolk, even Annalise's loving parents can't shelter her forever. When her hand starts acting up, there's only one thing to do: journey through the Labyrinth of Fate and Dreams and face off against the cunning, devious Fate Spinner. Reynolds' latest book is a love letter to isolated young girls everywhere. With her trademark spark of magic, mystery, and lyrical prose, Reynolds proves that young girls can face their demons - and they can win!
Erin Entrada Kelly's fantasy debut is a lyrical and lush tale of one girl's quest to save her island. Drawing from Filipino folklore, this book weaves an unforgettable, magical tale.
Bernard Pepperlin is the quirky, adorable story you've been waiting for! Join the Doormouse from Alice In Wonderland as he journeys to Manhattan - and tries to stay awake long enough to have an adventure!
Rat Rule 79 is a labyrinth of beauty, curiosity, and all things strange. When Fred follows her mom through a paper lantern she winds up in the Land of Impossibility, where time is outlawed and her only allies are a depressed elephant and fiercely maternal mongoose. Fred and her cohorts must journey through this strange and twisting land if they're ever to find Fred's mom and bring her home! Galchen effortlessly captures the chaos of being a thirteen-year-old girl; Fred is wild, half feral, both lost and found. I needed this book at thirteen. I need this book now. I will need this book when I am one hundred and thirteen.
It's time to save the library - with the help of literate raccoons, of course! This story is a charming, heist-filled romp perfect for fans of Matilda or From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Get lost in this modern take on a Korean legend, complete with magical tigers, impossible wishes, and unlikely friendships. Lily is one of my new favorite characters - clever, loving, and brave.
This is an exceptional debut about a girl working to save the only family she knows: a flock of pigeons! Coo is heartwarming, zany, and completely unique. This is an unforgettable story with power and heart - an absolute must-read!
Sophie Anderson is back with another highly original masterpiece for middle grade readers. Join 12 year old Yanka and her pet weasel, Mousetrap, as they search for answers. Why was she found in a bear cave? Why is she now turning into a bear? Anderson's latest story has the ring of a modern folk or fairy tale, completely engrossing.
Coco meets Stranger Things with a hint of Ghostbusters in this action-packed supernatural fantasy! When Lucely and her best friend, Syd, cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits they must join forces with Syd's witch grandmother, Babette, and her tubby tabby, Chunk, to reverse the curse to save the town! Ghost Squad is a delightfully sweet and wonderfully spooky debut!
A quirky tale of one boy's recovery from a bear attack and struggles with family and identity. The Water Bears is enchanting, filled with maybe-magical bears and warm, loving families. Baker's latest is a joy to read.
Girl power soars in this fun, adventure-filled mystery! Millie and her friends must race against the clock to recover Amelia Earhart's famous aviator goggles, aided only by vague clues about Earhart's life. This is the adventure you've been waiting for: clever, exciting, and utterly phenomenal!
Lyrical, lovely, and luminous, Aida Salazar returns with another novel in verse about the power of family and finding your home. Reminiscent of Esperanza Rising and Efrén Divided, nine-year-old Betita's story is one of hope and love. When her family is separated and detained by ICE, Betita must find a way to hold on to hope. Salazar calls on the rich culture and ancestry of Latinx peoples to anchor this timely and heart-wrenching middle grade novel.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave returns with a Nordic inspired tale of eternal winter! The Way Past Winter balances thrilling adventure with glittering fairy tale, all centered around one girl and her unstoppable love for her family and home. This atmospheric tale is one of my favorites in Middle Grade fantasy to date!
Getten's joyous voice brings Clara's story to life as she searches to uncover her lost memories after last summer's hurricane. Filled with hope, heart, and mystery, this is a tale of finding yourself perfect for fans of Song for a Whale or Merci Suarez Changes Gears.
Perfect for fans of A Wolf Called Wander or The Girl Who Drank the Moon, A Wolf for a Spell is atmospheric and filled with magic. It is the tale of three characters who love their forest dearly but fear each other. Can they learn to trust each other work together to save their home from a wicked tsar? Sutton's tale is brought to life by Paulina Hannuniemi's richly detailed chiaroscuro illustrations, a beautiful addition that adds vibrancy and wonder to this magical story.
One boy a political prisoner in Renaissance Italy, one girl a misfit in modern day New Jersey, and one mysterious cat that will bring them together across time and space! Follow Federico and Bee as they work to solve a mystery that spans centuries with the aid of a mysterious cat and a magical wardrobe created by Leonardo Da Vinci. If you're a fan of history, time travel, or felines, this is the book for you!
Middle Grade favorite Kathi Appelt returns with the triumphant tale of one determined camel, two pint-sized kestrel birds, and their Texas-sized adventure! Perfect for fans of A Wolf Called Wander, Zada's tale is one of perseverance as she navigates the deserts of Texas in search of her charges' parents. This classic-in-the-making also includes illustrations from Caldecott winner Eric Rohmann, making it a must-have in anyone's library!
Jimmy Cajoleas is back with another gorgeous, atmospheric tale! Young Gussy (and her trusty dog, Cricket), are in charge of the village while Grandpa Widow is away. It's a joy to watch Gussy come into her own as she takes on leadership, life, and the Great Doom!
These geeks are about to solve a mystery and save their town - if they can save their friendship first! Filled with plot twists and puzzles, Jagger's debut is perfect for fans of Enola Holmes or The Goonies! You will fall in love with these kids, their hometown, and - of course - Sauce the basset terrier!
Rory is simply the best - whether he's struggling to pronounce his own name through a speech impediment, learning to stand up to bullies, or just rocking out on his guitar. Tandon's debut is a celebration of all the things we love--and hate--about ourselves! This book is a total triumph and filled with so much love!
Crick. Crack. This is a story. Filled with rich, Caribbean folklore, A Comb of Wishes is a lyrical song of a novel exploring family, culture, and the perseverance and power all young girls hold within themselves. Absolutely magical!
Freddie is my new favorite hero--a plucky kid with odds continuously stacked against him. Join him on this thrilling adventure as Freddie uncovers family history, Filipino folklore, and maybe some new friends. This is the laugh-out-loud, heartwarming tale you'll love to read again and again.
Set in the richly atmospheric Himalayan Mountains, Bilan's latest middle grade novel is a tale of grief, identity, and fascinating mythology. This is the book for readers who love to escape--and love to find their way back home even more!
GRAPHIC NOVELS
The first book in a rib-tickling and heartfelt young graphic novel series about the unlikely friendship between an Elizabethan-era skeleton and the dog who digs him up. Yorick is a hilarious and thoughtful protagonist. Tankard’s newspaper cartoon-style drawings are a delightful addition to such a fun and funny story!
Immerse yourself in the rich, enchanting world of Irba as we follow Bea and Cad on a quest to find the Pig Wizard! Each page is filled with wonder and beauty, turning a simple graphic novel into a work of art in its own right. The worldbuilding will speak to fans of the Amulet series and the characters and friendships will remain with the reader long after the last page. Lightfall was an absolute joy to read, filled with quirky humor and quiet lessons about the power of facing our fears and finding our path.
Told through gorgeous, immersive illustrations (perfect for fans of Joe Todd Stanton or Tim Probert), Jason Pamment's debut middle grade graphic novel is completely charming! When Iris and Sam accidentally discover a hidden city, will it bring the two friends together or tear them apart? Reminiscent of Miyazaki's films, Treasure in the Lake is an adventure, coming of age tale, and friendship story all rolled into one!
You've got to love an unassuming heroine - and Garlic is the most unassuming of them all! When a vampire threatens her vegetable village, Garlic is the logical choice to save them (after all, garlic is famously repellent to vampires). But will she be brave enough? This is a cozy graphic novel adventure perfect for fans of Yorick and Bones and Be Prepared!
EARLY READER
Bjorn the bear lives in the forest with all his animal friends. Some days they just sit, watching the leaves, and some nights they borrow clothes hanging on the camping ground line—and return everything carefully in the morning, only a little bit used. Bjorn’s thoughtful bear logic and small eccentricities are the heart of these mischievous chapters that are by turns contemplative and comical, odes to both nature and “human” nature.
Get ready for an adventuring penguin! He has a dashing hat! He has a battered satchel! He has a packed lunch of fish finger sandwiches! Now he just needs an adventure! The two-tone, comical illustrations throughout are perfect for fans of Dogman. Mr. Penguin is sure to delight young readers with his wacky hijinks and love of fish!
Enjoy these spaarkly re-editions of my childhood favorite (complete with stickers!). Join the Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Diaamond Princesses as they learn to rule their magical kingdoms!
PICTURE BOOKS
This is a beautiful, heartwarming story for your own little adventurer. With whimsical maps and illustrations, this book is a source of inspiration for anyone with an imagination!
Anne Lambelet is one of my favorite illustrators in the game right now! Maria is an adorable little girl obsessed with churros, but how can she win a matador competition for a lifetime supply of the sugary snacks when she's not big, or fast, or brave? Maria the Matador is a celebration of out-of-the-box thinking, unlikely friendships, and tasty treats!
This delightful story is filled with cheeky characters, onomatopoeia, and a love of adventure! You won't want to miss it!
We’ve all eaten just a little too much cake at some point in our lives - but none of us have gone on to accidentally tear a hole in the space-time continuum! This fun and silly picture book is full of laughs and lessons on the potential problems of too much cake!
When Ollie's stuffed rabbit is touched on the nose by a magical petal he turns into a real rabbit! Off he goes, taking Ollie on a sweet adventure! The tri-chromatic illustrations are beautifully rendered, and the di-cut pages elevate it to the perfect gift book!
What is Alma to do when she encounters a hairless, button-nosed beast who is not like her at all? This visually stunning book (reminiscent of Katie Harnett's work) is a must-have story of an unlikely friendship.
Esmé Shapiro returns with a clever tale of a girl and the loud mouthed toad that lives on her head. Carol is an inspiration as she overcomes her bossy toad hat, much like we all must overcome opinionated family and friends to find our own voice. Filled with Shapiro's signature gouache and watercolor illustrations, Carol and the Pickle Toad is a whimsical parable and an absolute delight!
There's a town beside the sea, not so very far from here, with golden sands and rock pools and a tattered, battered pier. Here is where we meet our charming red-headed heroine, Marianne, who is digging for dinosaur bones. Marianne is full of heart and imagination, two very important things to have if she's going to bring a dinosaur to life! Hughes' gorgeous, rhyming prose make this book perfect for story time and Massini's illustrations add touches of whimsy and fun.
Once Upon a Unicorn's Horn is filled with the possibility of magic! Blue's brightly colored illustrations (reminiscent of Joe Todd-Stanton) add a touch of whimsy to a wonderful story about kindness and friendship. June is an unstoppable heroine - empowered, adventurous, and full of imagination!
In a world saturated with unicorn books, The Unicorn Came to Dinner is a breath of fresh air. With clever prose and hilarious antics, DeStefano helps readers explore worry and anxiety through a silly story about a poorly-mannered (but very well-meaning) unicorn. Gaia Cornwall's gorgeous pastel illustrations add a touch of whimsy that will delight young readers and parents alike. This is a truly unique tale about having the courage (and patience!) to face your fears.
Willa Cathcart Wilmerding is the bravest girl in the world, but even the bravest girl in the world needs a friend. Told with playful prose and illustrated in charming, bright hues, Buttercup the Bigfoot makes for the perfect story time book! Readers will love Willa's outrageous antics and Buttercup's gentle support of her new best friend, and of course everyone will want to join them and howl at the moon! Aaa-oo-eee-oo-yaaah!
Follow one little girl through the city of Istanbul as she encounters strangers and friends alike. Anna Pelliocioli's words are lyrical and filled with whimsy while Merve Atilgan's illustrations delight at every turn. This gentle tale brings us to the crossroads of the world where kindness and generosity abound!
The hens and chicks are safe in their coops - until the Capybaras come! The Capybaras are too wet, too hairy, and they don’t follow the hens’ rules. Will they be allowed to stay? Soderguilt’s sparse text works beautifully with his Edward Gorey-esque illustrations to create a charming tale of community - with a twist ending that’s sure to delight!
Wishes turns a heart-wrenching tale into a beautiful story of hope and perseverance. Muon Thi Van uses his signature lyrical style to narrate one Vietnamese family's immigration story as they search for a new home. When accompanied by Victo Ngai's gorgeous artwork, this tale becomes a treasure for the home and library.
Pablo is a little bit scared and a little bit curious - after all, it is his last night in his shell! With stark black and white images, Belgian illustrator Rascal immerses readers in a world of shapes, noises, and smells! Pablo is sweet, charming, and perfect for younger readers!
In Chickentown, hens are beloved members of every family. But when it comes time to crown the Chicken of the Year - they vanish! Can you spot the clues scattered about the pages? Can you solve this whodunit? Arrayás has created a mystery you’ll want to read again and again!
Beatrice Alemagna's gorgeous illustrations paired with sweet story telling have always created the perfect picture books! Her latest, Never Not Ever, does not disappoint! Pascaline is a charming young bat who, in an effort not to go to school, accidentally shrinks her parents! This tale is silly and charming in turns, sure to help any child with anxiety over new experiences like their first day of school.
A vampire-penguin switcheroo -- what's not to love? Lucy Ruth Cummin's sweet illustrations paired with her sly prose make for a charming tale filled with delightful shenanigans. Will the Draculas realize they've picked up a penguin? Will the zookeepers notice the extra in their enclosure? Readers will be on the edge of their seats to find out!
A bull in a china shop--what could go wrong? In the vein of Ferdinand the bull, Clovis' gentle heart leads him to inner peace and friendship. When combined with Farb's beautiful watercolor illustrations, this story will charm readers as they navigate their own personal china shops of life!
Comedic genius Bob Shea brings us an all new and wholly satisfying tale of one alligator's devious plot for a free dinner. Hilarious on every page and perfect for story time, young readers will be thrilled as the dastardly Bob tries to trick his prey -- and gets tricked into friendship instead! Illustrated in bright and exciting colors, Shea's latest is sure to be loved by all!
Trying to fit in with your neighbors when you're a family of Mongolian Death Worms? Results may vary. Laugh out loud with this excellent tale of staying true to yourself and giving others the benefit of the doubt!
Júlia Sardà's debut as an author-illustrator proves that her writing is just as detailed and gorgeous as her signature illustrations! Carmela, Tomasina, and Franca embark on their very own quest, rich with shocking creatures, daring adventures, and important lessons on bravery. The Queen In the Cave is a delight for the eyes and heart, and a must-read for any lover of fairy tales.
Meet Chickadee: Criminal, Rapscallion, All-Around Bad Seed. This hilariously clever story will delight readers of all ages as we watch Chickadee's underhanded antics! Ellis' illustration of Chickadee, like the book itself, is simultaneously adorable and funny. Overall a winning combination!
It's time for Fiona the fruit bat to fly...but how will she see in the dark? Learn about echolocation, bats, and self-confidence in this gorgeously illustrated book (written by a real life chiropterologist!).
Khoa Le's stunning illustrations add depth and mood to this wonderful tale of sisterhood. Beatrice and Roo couldn't be more different...like night and day! But that doesn't mean they can't still be friends. This is a celebration of what makes us different and what holds us together.
Little anteater loves to ride on his mama's back--but sometimes he feels a bit lonely. Things start to get wobbly when he invites all his animal friends to hop on! This playful story is filled with silly thrills and wonderful artwork, perfect for any story time!