November Bookshelf
Notes from a Children's Librarian
Hello! It’s been a while since I provided any sort of introduction here, so I thought I might do that today.
I am a librarian at an elementary school in Massachusetts where I see 400-ish students once a week for 50 minutes (if you’re also a school librarian, you know how much the schedule impacts what you can do with your students!). My two children are, astonishingly, now 9 and 11 years old. And my husband is also a teacher, of high school history.
I’ve been writing this newsletter for almost five years now, using it as a space to share a bit about what I’m reading with students and my kids at home, and there are usually a few odds and ends at the end that fall outside of children’s literature. It is a joy for me to write this — thank you for allowing me to pop into your inbox every few weeks :)
On to the books!
Picture Books
Cat Nap by Brian Lies is such an extraordinary accomplishment. On a sunny afternoon, the cat awakens to find a mouse, and chases it through various artworks — all masterfully recreated by Lies to include Kitten. We were lucky enough to see Lies (and many of his original pieces from the book) last weekend at our local bookstore, and he and his wife were charming and so much fun. I’m looking forward to reading this one as part of our Mock Caldecott this year.
I think every preschool and kindergarten classroom needs a copy of Zip Zap Wickety Wack?! Diffee is a long-time cartoonist for the New Yorker, and this is his first book for children. It feels like a classic anthropomorphic animal story, illustrated in sort of an old-timey Randolph Caldecott style, but things get weird when an alien shows up and everyone in the barnyard learns a lesson about sharing wiffling.
Poetry
Encouraging you to check out a Joyce Sidman / Melissa Sweet book is like recommending a s’more — you just know it will be delightful. Dear Acorn (Love, Oak) is a charming collection of paired letter poems, written between such things as a coat and a button, droplets and a cloud, and (my favorite!) a brick and a school. Excellent mentor text for letter poems, with detailed instructions for creating your own in the back matter.
Graphic Novels
I adore TOON books, and especially love the Little Mouse series by Jeff Smith (who also wrote the beloved Bone books). This one involves a falling-to-sleep adventure in very large graphic panels with minimal text — perfect for brand new readers.
Set in the 1950s, North for the Winter follows Virginia and her father as they relocate to Colorado following her mother’s death. On the drive, she encounters a flying reindeer, and goes on a quest to get him reunited with Santa, despite obstacles from her father, an evil hunter, and an unusual branch of the military. Safe title for believers!
This graphic novel, fantastically illustrated by Stan Yan (from Sunday Ha Ha, RIP!), features aspiring comic Eugenia who is on the cusp of her 13th birthday. Unfortunately, she was born on April 4 — and her Chinese mother thinks four is such bad luck, she refuses to let her celebrate on the actual day. This book deftly weaves very light romance, demanding parents, changing sibling relationships, and paranormal activity. Great for 10+.
Middle Grade Novels
I always tell students that fantasy is my weak spot — it’s not what I’m naturally drawn to, even though I tend to enjoy it when I pick it up! Legends of Lotus Island is the first in a series by Christina Soontornvat, and I can’t stop recommending it now that I’ve finally read it. This slim novel does an extraordinary job with world- and character-building with illustrations sprinkled throughout, making a great pick for the younger end of middle grade (ages 8-10-ish).
In No Purchase Necessary, Ajay is having a hard time. Money is tight, his parents are extremely demanding of him academically, and he’s being bullied at school. When he unintentionally gets the $1 million prize ticket in a stolen candy bar, he imagines all the ways his life could change for the better. But can he keep it? This one has been popular among my 5th graders!
Bits and Bobs
Grown up books: I’m finally reading A Man Called Ove (and am really enjoying it!). I also adored Life, and Death, and Giants. Next up is this for book club!
Movies: For most of my adult life, I fell asleep about 45 minutes into a movie, no matter how exciting it was. Now, I just watch them over 2 (sometimes 3!) days. We’ve been very slowly working through this list and have finally seen things everyone was talking about for the last 25 years ;)
I’m trying very hard to get shopping done as early as possible. A few things I’ve picked up for difficult people: the best meat thermometer (on a big sale right now), LED light up beanie, and house balls.
Sending you all my best wishes for the rest of November! See you next time.