A Parade of Elephants by Kevin Henkes

I love love love Kevin Henkes.  His books always make me happy when I see them.
 So when I saw his new book A Parade of Elephants  I could feel the smile creep onto my face.  I have become quite attuned to seeing elephants ever since my great-nephew Ben was born.  His Mom, my niece, chose elephants as her theme and that still continues even though he is almost 4 years old and mostly into skeletons, ninjas and cars.

This new Kevin Henkes book is the perfect bedtime book but also great for story time.  It has counting and colors and action (I'm thinking of the "marching") which is a little bit of what children need to learn while growing.  This is a great new baby book or just a great gift in general.  I can't wait to read it to Ben sometime soon.  

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce

It has been a long time since I have been enthralled with a book.  I have always loved William Joyce, he is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  His range is amazing.  When I stumbled across today's book I was ---as I said above---enthralled.  This is the type of book that would have excited me as a child.  It has familiarity, adventure and excitement all wrapped up with great illustrations.  I loved the idea of this book.  I am sure others have seen the similarities to another childhood classic--The Velveteen Rabbit....but this book goes beyond making a "toy real" type story...it takes that sentiment to a whole new level.  In this day and age children like more of an adventure.  So Mr Joyce gives them that......at the same time giving validity to a child's love of a favorite toy.

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce is the charming and exciting tale of a child's connection to a beloved toy.  The magic of that one toy to foster a child's imagination.  This is a beginning chapter book for young readers.  It would also make a wonderful read aloud.  I can see it being read in school one chapter at a time.  I loved Ollie and I loved Billy....I also loved the villains...scary but not too scary. William Joyce has done it again.  He has brought us wonderful new characters to spend time with again and again....

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman is one of those books that stays with you for a long time.  It is a middle grade reader that I feel any grown up would love.  I read it in one day and loved it.  Usually I recommend a book knowing that it will appeal to a certain audience.  I generally need to like the book but even if I don't I usually know it will fill a need for a certain reader.  This is not the case here.  This is a book I wish had never ended...a story that is timeless.

I have always read Alice Hoffman books.  Her last few grown up novels I have loved....I am actually reading her most recent novel The Marriage of Opposites as I write this.  Beyond that I have loved her YA titles too....the best being Green Angel a book that I still see vividly in my mind.

I now have a new favorite....today's book Nightbird.  Like I said I read it one afternoon. It is more a middle grade novel than YA but that doesn't matter to me.  I always feel like books don't really have an age range.  Middle grade, YA or adult as long as I am reading a good story it doesn't matter.  That is how I felt when I read Nightbird.  From the first moment I started reading I  was drawn into the world of the main character "Twig"....she sort of reminded me of myself at her age.  I loved to read and kept mostly to myself.  This was a book I would have devoured when I  was young.  Alice Hoffman has written a book that feels like it could have taken place at any time. It doesn't pinpoint an era so the reader has the freedom to see just the characters and the moment of the story not the when of the story.  It really took be back to being a twelve year old reading in the backyard on a summers day.

I love how Alice Hoffman injects magic in her stories.  It is such a subtle magic that we can almost feel like it is real.  The world she has created here is warm and inviting a world I didn't want to leave. I realize I haven't given a description of what it is about and there is a reason for that.  This book is all about emotion and feelings.  The joy I felt when reading it....but as I have said before I am not a reviewer....I recommend books that should be read.  I don't want to give a review that tells you the story because the reader should find that out for themselves.  I am just here to say that it should be read....especially if you love a good mystery with a bit of fantasy thrown in....a story with great characters that will stay with you forever.  I literally cried when it was over because it so reminded me of how books made me feel when I was young....to go back to that time even for a moment was a joy.

Monsters Eat Whiny Children by Bruce Eric Kaplan

My new job keeps me very busy that I hadn't realized it is over a month since I posted last.  We are getting ready for our big season which is Halloween.  The next month and a half will be lots of late nights and busy days. Lot of Halloween and scary products are in our shops which includes lots of books.  My favorite book that came into the shop, although not a new book,  is today's pick.

Monsters Eat Whiny Children written and illustrated by Bruce Eric Kaplan is the story of some monsters who capture some children but then can't decide how best to "prepare" them for a monster meal.  This is supposed to be a cautionary tale for children but I have sold quite a few to grown ups giving who were going to give it  to other grown ups. I love how the monster's are even whinier than the children. I also love the illustrations which are quirky and fun.  I wouldn't give this to really young children as they might take the monster part to heart but I know a few teenagers I could give this too....

Ollies Halloween by Olivier Dunrea

The joy of working in a bookstore is seeing new books as they come out of the box.  Yesterday we received a bunch of Halloween titles.   Here is my favorite:

Ollies Halloween by Olivier Dunrea  is a sweet Halloween title for toddlers.   I love Mr Dunrea's Gossie & Friends series.  I remember this book when it first came out in hardcover and thought it would make a wonderful board book. I am thrilled I was right.  These characters and stories are perfect for  the youngest among us.  I am so in love the with the characters and illustrations that I squealed when I saw this book.  I wished I had a little one to buy it for.  This is the perfect introduction to Halloween for the littlest trick or treater. Have I said I LOVE the illustrations? They are so precious and sweet.  A must have new book...

Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen illustrations by Jane Dyer

For poetry month I was looking for something new to talk about.  I was so happy to find a new poetry book for children that makes a perfect new baby gift.  I have been thinking of newborns lately.  My  cousin just had a  baby shower for their daughter and my sister-in-law has a new born nephew.  Which means today's book will come in handy.  

Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Jane Dyer is the perfect gift for a new baby.  I have always been a fan of both Jane's especially when they work together.  I love the rhymes in this book because they are ideal to read while you cuddle with a little one. I also cannot never get enough of Jane Dyer's illustrations.  The pictures are warm and inviting as always and they truly warm the heart.  This is a must have new book for new families to treasure and enjoy!

Note: I am now linking my book suggestions to Well Read New & Used Books ~

The Insomniacs by Karina Wolf illustrated by Brothers Hilts

While doing some work in the library I stumbled across the most enchanting new book.

The Insomniacs by Karina Wolf and illustrated by the Brothers Hilts (two actual brothers) caught my eye across the library floor.   First off I usually have trouble sleeping myself so the title drew me in, then it was the sweet Goreyesque illustrations that made me look more closely.   It was the most charming read.   Such a wonderful book that truly captivated me.     It has a nostalgic feel but with a modern sensibility.   I don't know what I love more the lyrical story or the mesmerizing illustrations.   I think this is a wonderful story time book that is also the perfect bedtime book.   I can see it being read during a pajama story time in the library or at bedtime with your little one.   This is a must have new book that has classic written all over it.  A must have book for any child's bookshelf and a perfect gift for families.