2023 Staff Picks for Kids

Whether they’re just learning to read or diving into to chapter books and novels, this year’s Staff Picks list includes titles for all of your little ones, from infants to tweens!

Be sure to also check out our Staff Picks lists for Adults and Teens to find new reads for the whole family. And if you’re looking for more recommended reads for 2024, try our My Next Read service to receive a custom list of recommendations from one of our librarians!

PICTURE BOOKS

• A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein – recommended by Bridget O. at Gayton

• An American Story by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter – recommended by Courtney M. at North Park

• Bábo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day by Astrid Kamalyan – recommended by Kareemah H. at Varina

• Big by Vashti Harrison – recommended by Rachel S. at Fairfield

• Bioblitz: Counting Critters by Susan Edwards Richmond, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman – recommended by Lisa K. at Glen Allen

• Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jane Dyer – recommended by Inger H. at Twin Hickory
  • I chose this book because it teaches vocabulary in context while discussing the joys of making, eating, and sharing cookies.  I also like the cultural diversity in the illustrations.

• Dear Treefrog by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Diane Sudyka – recommended by Barbra S. at North Park
  • I love the beautiful message, poetry and illustrations in this book. I love even more that it has special informative sections for kids to learn more about treefrogs and nature. 

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems – recommended by Annabelle N. at Gayton

• Enough Is… by Jessica Whipple, illustrated by Nicole Wong – recommended by Alisha H. at Libbie Mill

• Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall – recommended by Amanda S. at Library Administration
  • I fell in love with Sophie Blackall's books after reading this one! The gorgeous illustrations and Blackall's eye for detail, along with the lovely story of the farmhouse and its inhabitants over the years, made Farmhousemy (picture) book pick of the year. A great read for any age!

• How to Give Your Cat a Bath in Five Easy Steps by Nicola Winstanley, illustrated by John Martz– recommended by Cammy K. at Varina

• Like Lava In My Veins by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough – recommended by Alicia A. at Library Administration

• The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice, illustrated by Erika Lynne Jones - recommended by Beth C. at Fairfield
  • A book that hits home for me as I’ve made the journey of becoming a Children's Librarian. How could such a loud person work in a place that is known for shushing others? 

• Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, illustrated by Lian Cho – recommended by Barbie B. at Tuckahoe

• Petite Rogue: A Cajun Red Riding Hood by Mike Artell – recommended by Elizabeth P. at Libbie Mill

• Q is for Duck: An Alphabet Guessing Game by Mary Elting and Michael Folsom, illustrated by Jack Kent – recommended by Tori N. at Tuckahoe
  • Not a new book but new to this librarian this year!  What a fun read aloud especially for elementary aged kids who are ALMOST past wanting to have picture books read to them. It’s hilarious and makes you use your head.

• Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade – recommended by Fritz D. at Varina

• There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey – recommended by Kelsey C. at Varina

• The Twelve Hours of Christmas by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Brittany Jackson – recommended by Naila P. at Tuckahoe
  • A heartwarming snapshot of a beautiful family celebrating the Christmas season together!

• Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson – recommended by Aimee H. at Glen Allen

• Unflappable by Matthew Ward, illustrated by Scott Magoon – recommended by Logan F. at Gayton

• When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit by Przemyslaw Wechterowicz, illustrated Emilia Dziubak – recommended by Drew C. at Gayton
  • This book tells the story of a rabbit and an owl who live near the same tree but have never met because they are never awake at the same time! The forest and nighttime illustrations in this book are outstanding and make for a perfect cozy read. 

CHILDREN’S

• The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes by Wade Albert White – recommended by Annabelle N. at Gayton

• Agents of S.U.I.T  by John Patrick Green – recommended by Tori N. at Tuckahoe
  • The first spinoff from the popular Investigators series packed with action, hijinks, and humor!

• Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume – recommended by Tiffany A. at Libbie Mill
  • I had not read this book since I was a child but have fond memories of it, and it did not disappoint. I love Margaret's search for where she fits into the universe and her conversations with God.

• A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga – recommended by Barbra S. at North Park
  • Somehow Jasmine Warga has crafted a tear jerker with heart, science, depth and whimsy that appeals to kids and adults alike.

• Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack – recommended by Kelsey C. at Varina

• Curlfriends: New in Town by Sharee Miller – recommended by Amanda S. at Library Administration
  • This JUV graphic novel captures how daunting moving to a new school is, especially when you are starting middle school. Charlie thinks she has the perfect plan to win over new friends, but eventually realizes the best way to make new friends and survive middle school is to just be yourself! 

• Descendants: Rotten to the Core Trilogy, Volume 1 by Jason Muell – recommended by Bridget O. at Gayton

• Eat Your Superpowers! How Colorful Foods Keep You Healthy and Strong by Toni Buzzeo – recommended by Courtney M. at North Park

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein - recommended by Beth C. at Fairfield
  • Reminds me of a mix between 39 Clues and National Treasure. An exciting graphic novel adaptation that allows you to immerse yourself in the game!  

• Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm – recommended by Drew C. at Gayton
  • This historical fiction tale packs so many neat historical tidbits into such a quick and economical story. The book, set in Key West during the Great Depression, paints a vivid picture of the era and will definitely teach you something you did not know before reading it.

• Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen – recommended by Kendall H. at Library Administration

• Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd – recommended by Logan F. at Gayton

• Jessi’s Secret Language by Chan Chau (Babysitters Club graphic novel series) – recommended by Gina F. at Gayton

• Moth Keeper by Kay O'Neill – recommended by Rachel S. at Fairfield

• Osmo Unknown and the Eightpenny Woods by Catherynne M. Valente - recommended by Barbie B. at Tuckahoe

• Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang – recommended by Alicia A. at Library Administration

• Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo – recommended by Marie R. at Gayton and Julie S. from Glen Allen
  • The newest book by Kate DiCamillo is a journey of epic, sweet proportions! – Marie R.
  • Another wonderful tale by the author about five puppets and stories without end. – Julie S.

• Sheepology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia by Ilaria Demonti – recommended by Naila P. at Tuckahoe
  • Just a factual, endearing book about all types of sheep, with cute illustrations!

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden – recommended by Lisa K. at Glen Allen
  • A nail-biting creepy story about a fall field trip to a farm.

• Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler – recommended by Savannah C. at Library Administration

• Tessa Miyata Is No Hero by Julie Abe – recommended by Kareemah H. at Varina

• Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu – recommended by Alisha H. at Libbie Mill

• Wonderfully Wired Brains by Louise Gooding – recommended by Fritz D. and Cammy K. at Varina