Bookshop's Favorite Books for Young Readers

Badger’s Important Rock Work must take a backseat when Skunk knocks on the door of his brownstone. Yet Skunk is much more than an unwelcome distraction, and by morning has served up the first of many antidotes to Badger’s solitary grumpiness. Odd-couple stories! It’s so easy to identify with the traits of one while yearning to be more like the other. Klassen’s earthy illustrations supply the details in this frolicking tale to read aloud or together, with more adventures to come. -Michelle

Aria West had summer plans to hang with her best friends at Martha’s Vineyard. Those plans change suddenly when private images of her are leaked online, and she is forced to spend the summer with her grandmother in California. Aria’s summer plunges her into an identity search she never anticipated. Malinda Lo, the award-wining author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club, delivers another compelling contemporary queer coming-of-age story.

—Andrea

Always delightfully silly, Ruzzier’s early reader combines lovable characters with fun and interesting words. It’s just the book for kids who are learning to read and pronounce larger words through repetition, plus who can resist a story about saying “No!”. Recommended for kids at the beginning of their reading journey that want an exciting and ridiculous, but not too challenging read. —Eli

Anna Hibiscus is a loving, adventurous little girl living in Africa, amazing Africa, whose stories by Nigeria-born Atinuke are brought to life by Lauren Tobia's playful illustrations. Anna's escapades are funny and relatable to any small child (and any older friends reading along). Finally back in print, this fun, heart-warming series about Anna, her big, boisterous family, and her boundless curiosity is great for kids excited for all the experiences offered by this bright big world. —Jocelyn
 

It’s training day for El Toro, and he’s got a lot to cover if he’s going to smash The Wall! But sleeping in sounds so much better than training…. Although I’m no luchador, like El Toro I too cherish my sleep. Lovably silly characters, dynamic graphics, and trippy colors make this a visually rich read. By incorporating Spanish and English, this book will appeal to bilingual readers and language learners alike. — Eli

Moving from a city to a small town is quite the adjustment, but Azmina did not count on having a magical destiny as part of her move. Following a mysterious call in her new backyard, she learns she’s actually the Gold Glitter Dragon and needs to save the Magic Forest. Fun and inventive, this is a terrific start of an adventure for fans of Dragon Master and Kingdom of Wrenly. The first three books in the series debut simultaneously. — Ivy

I absolutely loved reading this book and spending time with Newbery medalist Erin Entrada Kelly’s Marisol Rainey and her world. Each stage of the story stands on its own and is relatable for people of all ages and genders. The book is broken into chapters that are ideal for an early reader to work through on their own or for the family to share at bedtime. I saw myself in Marisol, as I think anyone who has ever needed a reminder that they are smart, creative, and brave will. — Jocelyn

Badger’s Important Rock Work must take a backseat when Skunk knocks on the door of his brownstone. Yet Skunk is much more than an unwelcome distraction, and by morning has served up the first of many antidotes to Badger’s solitary grumpiness. Odd-couple stories! It’s so easy to identify with the traits of one while yearning to be more like the other. Klassen’s earthy illustrations supply the details in this frolicking tale to read aloud or together, with more adventures promised. — Michelle

This delightful, highly illustrated chapter book is perfect for early readers who love animals and dream of adventures where they get to save the day. Auxier introduces readers to a cast of fascinating characters and creatures, chief among them Auggie, the young caretaker of the Fabled Stables. Demidova’s colorful illustrations move you through the story, and are playful when things are light-hearted and exciting during action sequences. A great start to a wonderful new series. — Jocelyn

What in the world could be worse than worms? Worrying about worms! When is the worry worthwhile? Any time it’s wrapped up in a new addition to the Elephant & Piggie canon. Fans of Mo Willems’s original early reader series will get a big kick out of Tiger and his wormy escapades along with the delightful wordplay from Elephant & Piggie themselves in the opening and closing pages.