Crafty Little World

Hello friends! Here are my thoughts on holiday gift options for 2021. This is your official reminder to order soon, because between the supply chain issues and some general slow downs in publishing speed there may be some hiccups in getting specific books later in the year.

Picture Books are for Everyone!

 

 Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl

 Little Witch Hazel Book Trailer

Admittedly I'm a bit of a Phoebe Wahl fan girl, but in my opinion this is the best picture book of the year, particularly for gift-giving purposes. This sweet story meanders through the seasons with intricately detailed illustrations, and includes 4 stories, which could be read separately if as shorter bedtime is desired. This title feels timeless. The book weighs in at a hefty 96 pages, making it and ideal stand alone for gift giving. If you're feeling fancy, Wahl has matching coloring books, stickers, paper dolls and prints available, as well as signed copies at Phoebe Wahl This one will be coming to my favorite 4-year old, and may even wind up on my own shelf.

 

 

Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

Mel Fell is on a lot of Caldecott shortlists for good reason. It's hard to create a title with this much movement that also includes a solid story, but Tabor has done it. Hand this one to kiddos who love animals, or pretty much any 3-5 year old. View author Tabor reading the book here.

 

The Ramble Shamble Children by Christina Soontornvat

Christina Soontornvat's work has been gathering accolades and awards left and right for good reason. This is a gentle story with a classic feel perfect for lap sitting. 3-starred reviews.   

 

Dream Street

 

Dream Street is on pre-order, so I haven't gotten my hands on a physical copy yet, but between the gorgeous cover, sample pages floating around and the 5 stars it's earned I feel comfortable throwing it on the list as well as purchasing it for one of the littles in my own world. If you're looking for a positive, life affirming title this year look no further. This would be lovely paired with Amanda Gorman and Loren Long's Change Sings, pictured below.

 

 

Change Sings
 
 

 

The Worm Family Has Its Picture Taken by Jennifer Frank & David Ezra Stein

This title is just plain fun. Hand to any child 2-5 years if you're stumped on a book purchase, and want something a bit silly. 

 

Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham
 

This is such a sweet title about being yourself by powerhouse team Hale and Pham. Snippets about the friendship between author Shannon Hale and illustrator Leuyen Pham might be a huge part of  why I stay on social media, but this book has a great message and will be a hit with any lover of all things pink. 

 

Something's Wrong by Jory John and Erin Kraan

While none of us entirely understands why kids find underwear in picture books so hilarious we all know it's true. This book is a storytime treasure sure to elicit giggles from all comers.  

 

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone  by Traci N. Todd. Illustrated by Christian Robinson 

For those who enjoy gifting picture book biographies, this story of the life of singer Nina Simone is a solid choice that I expect to receive some well-deserved love at the 2022 ALA Youth Media Awards. Check out other books written or illustrated by Robinson for some more delicious illustrations, or look to Target for Robinson's colorful collaboration line there. View the book trailer for Nina here.

Clovis Keeps His Cool   by Katelyn Aronson with illustrations by Eve Farb

Shout out to the staff at PCPL library who pointed this title out to me. Clovis works on mindfulness and manners in this one. Parents will get a kick out of the play on a "bull in a china shop" while kids learn a bit about taking a deep breath and re-framing tough situations. 

Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast 

You can't go wrong with a David Ezra Stein title especially if you're trying to match up a kiddo who enjoy a little silliness and a parent who wants a classic. This is the 3rd in a series, and would be great on its own, or paired with the others. 

 

Dear Treefrog by Joyce Sidman illusstrated by Diana Sudyka

This unique little gem combines poetry, science facts and lush illustrations. One of my favorites. 

 

Books for 6-8 year olds

 

 

         Maybe Marisol Rainey           Aven Green Sleuthing Machine      Aven Green Baking Machine

 

Erin Entrada Kelly and Dusti Bowling are authors beloved by librarians and kids, but who many people I encounter outside "library land" are unaware of. Don't miss these. 

 

                  Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite        Too Small Tola                 Wildflowers

 

The titles above by Ashley Spires, Atinuke and Liniers are admittedly three I have not seen in  person yet, but all three are by authors whose work has been popular in my experience, and they appear on recommendations lists from School Library Journal, or the large Evanston Public Library 101 Books for Kids 2021 list. 

 

Fiction for 8 and up:

 

The Beatryce Prophecy 

 

What do I need to tell you about this one beyond the cachet of DiCamillo AND Sophie Blackall? Well, it has a goat with a whole lot of personality named Answelica. Buy this for every child you know. It's that good. 

 

Book Trailer for The Beatryce Prophecy

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

 

Anne Ursu's 2019 title The Lost Girl mad the Publisher's Weekly Best Books of the Year list, and this one looks to be just as great an adventure. I've only made it through the first few chapters, but am intrigued by the world building already. 

 

 

 Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue

This graphic novel series is new to 2021, and book 2 releases in January. Hand this to fans of Dog Man or The Babysitter's Club.

 

                                    

Scary Stories for Young Foxes                Scary Stories for Young Foxes The City

 

Important disclaimer: the fox books by Heidicker are actually, legitimately scary, so if you have a timid kid you might want to give them a read before gifting (the first one should be available at your public library), but these are so well done, and for the right child the scarier the better.  

 

 Yusuf Azeem is not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi

 

 Pony by R.J. Palacio

 

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

 It never takes much to convince me to recommend a book in verse, but this one pulled me in from page one. Verse novels are an excellent fit for reluctant readers and strong readers alike. 

 

Amber and Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

 

 

 

Schlitz's work is quite special, but definitely needs the right reader. This book was covered in stars by professional reviewers, and might be my favorite thing I've read all year, but is quite hard to explain. Check out the sample pages and description on at your favorite reading site for more details, but I would hand this to any child with a strong interest in ancient history, or mythology, or any kiddo who is "bookish." This book is marketed for ages 10-14, and I'd agree with that assessment. Schlitz's work is a bit dense for your typical younger child no matter how strong a reader they are, but for the right child they are magic.

 

Non-fiction

 

For a variety of reasons 2021 is a year that saw me viewing fewer non-fiction titles, but here are some standouts. 

 

The Beak Book by Robin Page

 

Page and frequent collaborator Steve Jenkins end up on my list most years for good reason. Their animal and nature books fly off library shelves, enthrall kids, and often work on several levels.
 

African Icons by Tracey Baptiste

Kirkus calls this one "Near miraculous. . .empowering, necessary, and required reading for all. A game changer." Grades 3-7.

 

         

Plagues and Pandemics                                  The Titanic
 

Kate Messner publishes so many titles sometimes it can be difficult to keep up! Hand these two, and any other titles in the series, to any lovers of history ages 8-12 or so. 

 

Thanks for reading!  If you're looking for additional recommendations, and don't mind waiting a few weeks don't forget to check out the lists  released by School Library Journal, and NPR!