Baby/Toddler
Hooray For Hat by Brian Won (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, June 2014)
All the grumpy animals are transformed when each receives a fun hat. We all know toddlers can be grumpy and this charmer will perk the little ones up with a smile.
Indestructibles (Workman Publishing)
The perfect baby gift that should be given in multiples is the brainchild of a mother/daughter designer team. Made out of TYVEK, these colorful, wordless books can be munched, crunched, and put in the dishwasher. Choose from animals, nursery rhymes, or sleepytime themes. Put them in the diaper bag, car, and crib!
Emerging Reader
My Country Tis of Thee (Henry Holt for Young Readers, June 2014)
Trace the many times this patriotic song has come to be the signature anthem for historic American events. From British loyalists to civil rights protesters, the song’s lyrics have been changed to help tell the stories of these times. Collier’s beautiful illustrations enhance this history for the beginning reader.
Lily The Unicorn by Dallas Clayton (Harper Collins, April 2014)
Lily loves making things, especially making friends. One day, she meets Roger, who “doesn’t get out much.” He doesn’t like much, either, and Lily tries to find out why he’s so grumpy. The resulting answer is one that all children will understand, making this a very fun book to share as a family or for a child to pore over, thanks to wonderful illustrations that fill each page.
My Teacher Is A Monster by Peter Brown (Little, Brown For Young Readers, July 2014)
Bobby does not like his teacher. He thinks she’s downright scary. But one day in the park, Bobby sees another side of his teacher. Brown’s illustrations are what make this tale shine. The transformation on the page of this creature to human is subtle and a delight for readers.
Tween Reader
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein (Yearling Books, June 2014)
Seventh grader Kyle Keeley is not a reader, but he is an excellent game player and a fan of world- famous game maker and zillionaire Luigi L. Lemoncello’s games in particular. As part of the grand opening, Mr. Lemoncello is inviting twelve twelve-year-olds to spend the night in the new, state-of-the-art library he has designed and donated to the town of Alexandriaville, and Kyle is lucky enough to be one of them. Head Librarian Dr. Yanina Zinchenko informs the winners that their library cards are the keys to everything they will need, and the evening’s games and puzzles begin. The real challenge comes the next morning when the kids are invited to play “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by being the first to find their way out of the library using only what they find in the library.
Great Greene Heist (Arthur Levine Books, May 2014)
Jackson Greene is known for his antics, but he’s been on his best behavior now for four whole months; after all, he’s one act from being expelled from school, and more importantly, Gaby de la Cruz hasn’t spoken to him since his last stunt. However, when it becomes apparent that the Student Council election is rigged and the budgets for their favorite clubs are at risk, Jackson comes out of retirement to assemble a crack crew and concoct an elaborate plan to expose the culprit… and maybe win the girl.
How I Became A Ghost by Tim Tingle (Roadrunner Press, 2013)
Written by Oklahoma Choctaw author and storyteller Tim Tingle, How I Became a Ghost is the first of a trilogy describing the story of Isaac, his family, and his tribe as they are forced west from their Mississippi home to Oklahoma territory. From page one, we know that Isaac will become a ghost, and as such will help his people as they walk the Trail of Tears. An interesting blend of historical fiction and Choctaw beliefs and culture make for a compelling read.
Teen Reader
The Geography of Me and You by Jennifer Smith (Poppy Books, April 2014)
One summer night in New York City, Lucy and Owen are trapped in an elevator in their building when the lights go out. They spend the evening together and look forward to a growing relationship, but both suddenly move away from the city. They send postcards and then emails, but it’s tough and things don’t quite work each time. But there is something between them and they both struggle to remain in contact. Charming!
The Living by Matt de la Pena (Random House For Young Readers, 2013)
Shy has a great summer job on a cruise ship, handing out towels and bottled water to the passengers. But after he witnesses a passenger’s suicide and a major earthquake rocks the west coast, Shy’s world is turned upside down and he finds himself in a lifeboat with Addie, a spoiled rich girl. Can they survive the shark-infested waters? De la Pena successfully blends several genres into a suspenseful adventure that you will not want to end!
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (Delacorte Press, May 2014)
A wealthy, privileged extended family summers every year at Martha’s Vineyard. The Aunties each have had a home built for them by their father; the Liars and the Littles are the adored grandchildren. All is idyllic until Summer Fifteen. Sharply drawn characters and a tight plot make this book impossible to put down. Rarely do we come to such a consensus on a book, but we all agree that you should read this one now—you will not be disappointed!
