Books Inc. Kids Blog

Congratulations Erin Stead!

Erin Stead now joins the ranks of illustrators such as Robert McClosky and Maurice Sendak as the 2011 Caldecott Medal Winner*! (Pause for Applause) Written by Philip Stead, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a tender story of reciprosity and friendship. When kindly zookeeper Amos has to call out sick from work, his animal friends come to him! Erin's gorgeous illustrations make this already charming story pop. Through use of limited palette and meticulously rendered pencil drawings, the visual world of Amos McGee is at once gentle and arresting.

January Spotlight

Anna & The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Pre-holiday madness is in full swing at the bookstore, so there isn't much time for blogging book recs - but we HAD to tell you about one of our new faves. ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS is brand new and it rocks. For those who like funny and romantic contemporary novels, this is a perfect choice. When Anna is shipped off to boarding school in Paris, she doesn't know a parlez-vous from a coochie-coo, and she doesn't much care - all she knows is, she is missing the guy that she likes and all her friends at home. But then she meets the Etienne St. Clair... who is very hot, but also very taken. Let the giddiness begin! This is a frothy, addictive and fun novel chock full of amazing voice - we adore it and hope you do too! :D

Countdown by Deborah Wiles

People are talking so much about the innovative (illustration-heavy)  format of COUNTDOWN, as well as the historical setting ( the Cuban Missile Crisis) they're neglecting to mention that it's simply a wonderfully written book. Franny's voice is fresh and convincing, offering insights to both the tumult of the era, but also the usual emotional swings of a kid turning into a teenager.  In turns breathless and immediate, but also mindful and poetic (Franny is herself a reflective kid) Wiles earns the buzz she's getting.

Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter

The only thing KNEEBONE BOY has in common with Ellen Potter's other books is that it is excellent.  Told by one (you don't know which) of three odd semi-orphans, the book follows the trio on a search for their missing mother, in a house strange enough to be magical. Only it isn't. The characters are at once bizarre, and human, and the end is an absolute surprise. Amazing!

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Our picks for all the kids and teens on your holiday list continues with FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan. Jacinda is the new heroine to look out for. She is both daring and defiant - a girl who is descended from dragons, and who falls in love with a very dangerous, but totally irresistable, guy... who just happens to be a Hunter. The plot is full of suspense and surprises and you will not want to stop reading.

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

THE QUIET BOOK is perfect for adults who want to encourage the little ones they know to use their "library voice" more often, or for lulling baby to sleep. With kid-centric descriptions and irresistible artwork, this gentle picture book explores all the different quiets that can fill a child’s days from morning to night.

Mermaid's Mirror by LK Madigan

In THE MERMAID'S MIRROR by LK Madigan, Lena is a Northern California girl who is obsessed with the ocean. All her friends surf, and her dad was a surfer too - but after a bad accident a long time ago, he refuses to let Lena take lessons. She sneaks behind his back and does it anyway, and finds a secret beneath the waves... a secret that will change her life forever. This book is magical and wonderful, you can practically smell the salty air between the words. A treat for 12+ girls - should appeal to both those who are into fantasy, and those who prefer realistic stories.
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