Bookshop Staff's Favorite Kids & YA Books

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 adventure in search of the book. Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels with spooky elements and the power of friendship.-Andrea

Floyd’s kite is stuck in a tree, what can he do to get it back down? Let’s just say he tries just about anything. In this comical tale, Oliver Jeffers humor shines through in a laugh-out-loud book perfect for little ones (and the big one’s reading out loud!) One of my favorites to sell to parents trying to find a book they won’t tire of and for any family member shopping for a new “classic.” -Andrea

I love all of Britta Teckentrup’s peek-through picture books, but this one is my favorite. Her art has almost a collage quality to it that is very unique and the peek-through parts make the book more engaging for little ones. Great for teaching about the phases of the moon or simply for kids who love the night sky. If you enjoy this book, make sure to check out her other ones! -Alana

The sweetest step-by-step guide for befriending ghosts that ever was! This book has all the information you will need for identifying, finding, befriending, and caring for your new ghost friend. This book is so sweet and funny and I absolutely love Rebecca Green’s art style. After reading this, I wanted to go out and find my very own ghost friend—and you will, too! - Alana

I was transfixed by both the art and story in this beautifully unique graphic novel. Sandy spends every night turning the nightlights in her room into drawings, but things take a turn when a strange new girl shows up at school with an intense and sinister interest in them… With gorgeous art and a spine-chilling story, this graphic novel has stuck with me long after I finished it. - Alana

We Are Okay tells the story of 18 year-old Marin who, months after enduring a tragic loss, must confront the life she ran away from when her best friend comes to visit her. Nina LaCour’s sincere and beautiful prose captures the grief, heartbreak, and hope of the story, reminding us all to fight hard for the people we care most about. One of the most cathartic cries I’ve had from reading, I adore this book. - Alana

The Raven Cycle vibes meets Derry Girls humor, with its own unique twist. After Maeve Chambers finds a tarot deck and starts giving readings, weird things start happening all over town, including her ex-best friend going missing, an extremist group showing up, and awful nightmares she can’t shake… With a great cast of characters, funny and witty dialogue, bisexual representation, and an engaging storyline, this book became one of my top favorites very quickly.

One of my absolute favorite picture books! I adore Phoebe Wahl’s illustrations and the loving amount of detail that she puts into each page. The story is told in four short chapters- one for each season- and follows Little Witch Hazel as she goes about her daily life in the forest. This is a book you can reread over and over again and every time it feels like revisiting old friends in the forest. -Alana

The community kitchen pulls together their latest meal with organized chaos and such good onomatopoeias!  This board book adaptation moves admirably to a small format and loses none of its charm. My kids love looking at all the little details on every page and the words trip off the tongue pleasingly. A perfect cozy read sandwiched between All the World and Everywhere Babies. -Ivy

My daughter thinks Crunch is just the funniest, shy dinosaur ever, but don’t talk too loud or he might hide! Can you help him say hello, paint names, and eventually fall asleep? A coaxing, interactive text paired with Pizzoli’s gentle illustrations are sure to engage any little one. This follows admirably in the footsteps of Press Here and Peck Peck Peck, both classics in our household. -Ivy