Bookshop Staff's Favorite Kids & YA Books

I cannot tell you how many hours my son has sat with this book opening and closing the flaps. He delights every time he finds the owl (his favorite) or "bobo!" (his word for monkey). This illustrations are absolutely unique and delightful. What an excellent interactive start to learning animal names and sounds. It's a trim size and shape also make it stand out on the shelf so kids will reach for it again and again. 

— Ivy

What if you were a kid, but also secretly a spy for the Queen of England? Well, then you'd be our intrepid author! When the royal Coronation Spoon is stolen, Mac is called in to take on the case. What follows is a madcap adventure with KGB agents, corgis, and hilarious illustrations by Mike Lowry. If you've run out of Dog Man, I promise this will scratch that itch. 

— Ivy

Lucy and her siblings find a whole new world hidden in a wardrobe of the manor they've been sent to live in to avoid the worst of WWII. Witches, heroes, and helpful creatures abound. I recently reread this with my daughter and was instantly transported back to Narnia. So much of my childhood was spent exploring its hills and castle and it's just as magical now as it was back then. Do yourselves a favor and pick up this gem. It's a classic for a reason.

— Ivy

Sabriel's father has gone missing and she must take up his mantle of ushering the dead into the underworld. to combat a powerful enemy of the Old World. With the help of an amnesiac and something cat-like, the entire world is at stake. This has been a constant favorite of mine since I was young. You'll want to return to Sabriel's world again and again—thankfully it's an ongoing series! 

— Ivy

Explore the world through colors in this breathtaking and beautifully illustrated board book. A peaceful read-out-loud to talk about the world, slow down and observe as colors change throughout seasons and through various objects in nature. Caldecott Honoree Jillian Tamaki delivers a wonderful book I often find myself re-reading in the corner of our Infant section. 

— Andrea C.

Mama & Mommy & Me is a gentle exploration of emotions, one where a  young girl is safely allowed to dwell on her sadness as she misses one of her mothers. Nina Lacour, better known for her emotional and impactful young adult novels, demonstrates her ability to tell a story to all ages, even young ones. I adore the LGBTQIA representation and the pure love this book radiates. 

— Andrea C.

Drago, a kid vampire, has been living a life of bliss alongside their two friends—until their old master returns and asks them to find her spellbook or they'll be turned into worms! Throughout the graphic novel we get glimpses of each of the character's origin stories intertwined with their thrilling adventures in search of the book. Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels with spooky elements and the power of friendship.

—Andrea C.

Rose and her parents take a yearly summer vacation to Awago Beach, where she spends her time with her friend, Windy. However, this summer everything feels painfully different with her parents fighting and she searches for an escape. A story about the bonds of family and friendship, the ache of growing up, and summer vacations. The combination of Mariko Tamaki's melancholy and Jilian Tamaki's swooping and organic illustrations prove why This One Summer is a timeless Caldecott honoree. 

—Andrea C.

Everyone in her life knows Ophelia is boy crazy. However, lately she feels like the world doesn't quite know her as well as they think when she develops a crush on a classmate, one who she knows is a bisexual. Ophelia starts to question just how boy crazy she really is. With a twist that caught me by surprise, Ophelia After All is a joyous search for identity sexuality at the cusp of adulthood. 

— Andrea C.

I have so much love for this series. Maggie Stiefvater creates a truly unforgettable cast of characters and world. Reading The Raven Cycle is an experience. We've got complex characters, magical realism, and codependent friendships. There are twists and turns, romance, and a house of psychics. Not to mention hunts for mythical kings who have been dead for centuries, bee allergies, dreams, storylines that keep guessing, and a whole lot more. 

—Alana