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!

 

2020 Holiday Gift #kidlit Recommendations

          

In this wild year it's wise to place holiday gift orders even earlier than usual. This is the week to help small bookstores make it through the pandemic. You can help ensure which stores make it through to this time next year by placing your holiday book orders from small a small business. I recommend 

Books of Wonder

or 

Chop Suey Books

Bookshop.org  is another excellent choice for supporting local stores. 

For remembering how wonderful the world is in this dark time:

If You Come to Earth  by Sophie Blackall.

This isn't the first time a Blackall title has been my favorite of the year. The spreads in this book are phenomenal. I'd recommend this for 3-7 year olds. It has a feel similar to an old school Richard Scarry book in that you'll spot something new each time it's read. If I could only recommend one title this year this is it. 

You Matter by Christian Robinson

Robinson can do no wrong and this book continues his streak of excellence. His images and messages are filled with joy. This title is best for ages 2-6 or so, but could be enjoyed by older children as well. If you're looking for a fun art activity to do with tiny children Robinson's Making Space video series, created early in the pandemic, offers an opportunity to interact with the material of a children's literature creator your family may not yet be familiar with. 

For your favorite toddler or preschooler:

      

Storytelling Math

This adorable new board book series by author Grace Lin combined simple toddler-friendly stories with basic math concepts. 

  

Seasonal Titles by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek

With the addition of this year's Summer Song, the season books by husband-wife duo of Henkes & Droznek are complete, making this an ideal year to gift the set to a little one in your life. The lilt of the text makes these great bedtime selections, but toddlers and preschoolers will also enjoy poring over the pictures. 

Animalphabet & Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson and Sharon King-Chai

Pair these concept books by British author Julia Donaldson, of The Gruffalo fame, for an exciting romp through earth's wonders. The cut-paper pages do require some grown-up supervision, but the delicacy is worth it. Toddlers and Preschoolers will be entranced. 

Lilly & Friends Treasury by Kevin Henkes

Speaking of Henkes, a Lilly & Friends Treasury was released this fall. With their gentle illustrations and relatable storylines I've yet to meet a 3-6-year old who isn't a fan of the "mouse" books. Owen was the favorite in my home. Find yours!

For the animal fan:

 

Homes in the Wild  and Play in the Wild by Lita Judge

Journey through animal habitats through these engaging titles, which explore the similarities animals and humans share. 

In the Woods by David Elliott and Rob Dunlavey

2020's David Elliott poetry selection has shown up on several Caldecott Medal shortlists. Pair it with his other animal and dinosaur related titles for a gentle introduction to poetry with some animal facts thrown in.

    

 

For the young scientist in your life:

The Kitchen Pantry Scientist : Chemistry for Kids: 

Homemade Science Experiments and Activities 

Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present

by Liz Lee Heinecke

We use Heinecke's books frequently at the library when planning S.T.E.M-based programs, and they are also popular with our homeschool families. How much fun would this book be packaged with the materials needed for a few of the experiments? 

Cityscape by April Pulley Sayre

If you prefer your science a little less hands on, look no further than April Pulley Sayre. This year's newest title, Cityscape, introduces S.T.E.M. concepts through photographs of architecture and other urban elements. All of Sayre's titles offer great nonfiction picture book content. Being Frog is a personal favorite. 

Grow: Secrets of Our DNA by Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton

A nonfiction picture book about DNA? Who doesn't want to read that? Hmmn, maybe I spend too much time around children's books. Hand to the kid ages 6-10 who wants to know all the things. 

Off the beaten path picture book nonfiction:

The Fabled Life of Aesop by Ian Lendler and Pamela Zagarenski

With an admitted bias towards "books about books" this title is probably my favorite nonfiction selection this year. The images are etherial and the content works on several levels. Including short versions of Aesops better known fables, as well as information about the storyteller himself this one is appropriate for ages 4-8 and even some literary big kids!

Among a Thousand Glass Flowers by Evan Turk

Picture books about lesser known artists are my jam. Fortunately children also enjoy them quite a lot. This one features the life of Marietta Barovier, who lived on the island of Murano, in the early Renaissance. Hand to artists ages 6+. 

For graphic novel fans:

El Deafo the Superpowered Edition! By Cece Bell

If your middle grade readers are unfamiliar with El Deafo they are in for a real treat. This title, which made history by being the first graphic novel to win a Newbery Honor in 2015, is the semi-autobiographical story of the author, who is hearing impaired. Here's a 2015 Washington Post piece about the book if you'd like to know more. The Superpowered Edition contains 40 pages of additional content, which weren't published in the original book. 

Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright

This title marks one of the few times I'll recommend something I haven't personally read yet. Like many graphic novels, it flew off our library shelves before I had the chance to peruse it! Like Johnson's The Parker Inheritance this book appears on every "Best of the Year" list I've seen for 2020 so far! 

For Middle Grade (4th-6th) readers:

 

Front Desk and Three Keys by Kelly Yang

I haven't handed Front Desk and this year's sequel to any kid who didn't enjoy them. 

Flooded by Ann E. Burg

This prose novel marks the other "haven't read it yet" recommendation on my list. I haven't gotten my hands on this one yet, but the reviews are solid, and it gets bonus points from this PA native for bringing middle grade readers to the story of the Johnstown Flood. Strong recommendation for historical fiction fans from 4th grade and up!

Everything Comes Next by Naomi Shihab Nye

This title marks the 2nd of this list that brought me to tears. The treasury comes from award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye and is a collection of her best poetry. Give this one to poetry fans and writers from 5th grade up. 

While this strange year of primarily teleworking did not offer me as many chances to peruse the #kidlit world as I may have liked I still spend way more time there than your average bear. If you need additional book title recommendations may I offer you the incomparable Betsy Bird.