Children's Books
Staff Picks
Duck, Death and the Tulip
While strolling along one afternoon, Duck realizes she is being followed- by a very interesting figure. Death himself (in a dressing gown and slippers) is staying close to Duck, "just in case", and their surreal friendship is the basis for this strange and beautiful picture book. With sparse language and exquisite illustrations by renowned German writer and artist Wolf Erlbruch, the subject of death is approached gently but honestly. There is a real sweetness to the quiet moments Duck and Death share, such as Duck offering to keep Death warm after a swim ("Nobody had ever offered to do that for Death"), and the careful way Death strokes her feathers and lays Duck in the water when her time finally comes. The business of dying is given wonderful perspective in the last line of the book- "But that's life," thought Death. A heart-warming way of introducing kids to a difficult subject.
Picked by Lindsay G.
Children’s Department
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
So, if you're still on the fence about reading this series, let me assure you that they're worth your time. I wasn't so sure myself until I reached The Prisoner of Azkaban. The first two books are pretty cut-and-dry: Bad stuff happens, Harry and his pals fix it, everybody gets candy. This book, on the other hand, introduces a whole bunch of moral grey areas and problems with imperfect solutions that will keep adults interested and maybe help kids grow up a little.
Picked by John P.
Children’s Department
Where She Went
Finally an honest and compelling novel for both male and female teenage readers! With New York City as a distinctive backdrop, Where She Went is told from the perspective of Adam, a blunt, short-tempered, young rock star who suffers from anxiety and is in it for the music above all else.
Surrounded constantly by press and public, he is haunted by memories of his first love, Mia Hall, a talented cellist who left his life years ago. Adam has to live with the decisions from the past...or does he? For Adam's and Mia's paths fatefully cross in New York City as they are about to travel to different corners of the world.
Picked by Johanna S.
Children’s Department
We Are in a Book
Do you enjoy reading the works of Thomas Pynchon, David Foster Wallace, or Philip K. Dick? Hoping your children will follow in your post-modernism-loving footsteps? Give them a copy of We Are In A Book! Piggy and Gerald learn that the entirety of their universe is contained between the covers of a book, but they’re not worried. They’re pretty sure you’ll read them again.
Picked by John P.
Children’s Department
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Mrs. Frisby’s circumstances keep getting worse. First, her husband dies leaving her to fend for four children on her own. Then, one of her kids takes deathly ill, and then, a farmer threatens to destroy her home.
Luckily, there are genetically modified rats around to help out.
This is a great allegory for the triumph of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming industrial progression.
Picked by John C.
Children’s Department
