Bookshop Staff's Favorite Kids & YA Books

April and Esme are two little tooth fairy sisters ready for their first solo assignment without Mom and Dad. Daniel's lost a tooth and his grandma calls April and Esme on their cell phone. Can they do the job? Whimsically told. — Noreen

Allen Say tells his grandfather's story of leaving Japan to explore North America. The author uses expressive watercolor illustrations to connect his grandfather's personal story to his own. (Caldecott Medal 1993) — Noreen

Thirteen different voices tell the story about a garden that creates a neighborhood. It's a perfectly told tale of how to make a community. Sometimes the shortest stories reveal the deepest truths about human nature. — Noreen

This first of three volumes introduces us to the Raymie, Beverly and Louisiana who have each suffered deep losses early in their lives. Middle school readers accustomed to real-life novels will appreciate the way each girl finds a way to develop trust again as well as the courage to move on in life. Sensitive readers will appreciate how these stories mirror their own. — Noreen

An unforgettable true story of two Somali brothers living in a refugee camp in Kenya. Separated from their mother, Omar tries to find hope through education. He also cares for his younger brother who has a seizure disorder and can't speak. Through hope, love and resilience, the author paints a powerful picture of refugee life. — Noreen

A beautiful mash-up of science and fantasy! Zoey is a young girl who discovers she can see magical creatures (just like her mom), which turns out to be a useful skill because they are secretly running an urgent care in their backyard. Each book in this series features a different magical creature with a malady that needs attention (and some of these healed creatures make an appearance in later books so it's worth reading in sequence). Written by a science teacher, this series is a great introduction to the scientific method, with lots of magic thrown in for good measure. Really fun. — Michelle

Now in paperback, this Caldecott Honor picture book transports you to another world. Wildly imaginative bugs embrace the growth of seedling as it pushes through the soil, all while speaking a language that we know but don't know. It's a lesson in observation, resilience, and keeping your mind open to all the possibilities. Worldbuilding at its finest. — Michelle

Philip Stead takes us through the thoughtful routines of Amos McGee's usual workday at the zoo, where "he always made time to visit good friends" the elephant (who needs a chess partner), the owl (who is afraid of the dark), and the rhinoceros, the tortoise & penguin. One morning Amos wake sup with a bad head cold and calls in sick. After waiting and worrying and missing their friend, the animals hop on the busy and pay Amos a visit, giving him the care he has so kindly provided them every other day of the week. Erin Steady's lovely pencil-and-color illustrations hold the attentions of read and child alike, with new things to discover with every reading (look for the tiny mouse!). So cozy. — Michelle

"When the sky grows dark and the moon glows bright, everyone goes to sleep except for the watchful owl." And so begins a fanciful animal tour of different sleep habits, all under the owl's big-eyed gaze. The watercolor and pencil illustrations in this board book pull you into the animal parade, but it's the vibrant colors against the dark blue sky that beg for a closer look. — Michelle

Beautiful and detailed renditions of 9 different whale species accompany this simple rhyming celebration of these magnificent creatures. With just a smidgeon of technical detail (a distinguishing feature for each species), this little board book calls to us to delve deeper and keep our eyes open. — Michelle