Children's Books

Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by Alex G.

Children's Department Manager

Alex left the wild world of puppet-fabrication, screen-printing, and art instruction to pursue a Master of Library Science at CUNY Queens College. Her love of children's literature and the winding road of fate led her to the Strand Children’s Department. She now lives in Queens where she continues to make prints, play pinball, and bake a mean squash-pie. Some of her favorite authors include Richard Peck, Nnedi Okorafor, and Virginia Euwer Wolff.

Do you have questions for Alex? You can email her at staff+alex@strandbooks.com. Be sure to check back for more tips and advice.

What are your favorite books to give to a new baby?

If I had to choose three they would be, in no particular order;

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Clement Hurd

I Am a Bunny by Ole Risom, Illustrated by Richard Scarry

A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na

Each of these books has a gentle cadence, lovely illustrations and in board book format will withstand the coming toddler years!

I am building a library for my young child, what are the essential classics?

Here are 10 books that I wouldn’t think of building a children’s library without.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Frances by Russell Hoban, Illustrated by Lillian Hoban

The Frog and Toad Collection by Arnold Lobel

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Story of Babar the Little Elephant by Jean De Brunhoff

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

The Complete Adventures of Curious George by H.A. Rey and Margaret Rey

I need a gift for my eight-year-old nice or nephew, what can you suggest?

Roald Dahl is my favorite author to suggest for this age. His playful use of language paired with Quentin Blake’s expressive illustrations is sure to be a hit.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Looking for something more contemporary?

The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey

Babymouse #14: Mad Scientist by Jennifer L. Holm

You can’t go wrong with comics, kids love comics!