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Is anyone on your gift list hinting that they’d most like to open a wriggling box and be festooned with adoring puppy kisses? Perhaps you can temper their demands with this title? Whether it’s puppies, pancakes, or physics that light up their eyes with wonder and joy, the Children's & YA Librarians have a plethora of books to recommend for all the babies, kids, and teens in your life.
As the Library celebrates its 270th anniversary, we experience extra joy in gathering this annual list to inspire excitement in your gift recipients. Of course, we must also recommend the best present for locals, a membership to the Library, which will permit your friends and family to check out each and every title from this year and those previous.
Fiction and Graphic Novel Recommendations
Winter Light | Becker, Aaron Recommended for ALL AGES!
With die-cuts revealing the colors of the season against soft painterly backgrounds, this board book captures the light of winter skies and lengthening days and the glow of candle and hearth.
Global Baby Grandparents | Ajmera, Maya Recommended for ages 0-3
This photographic board book celebrates the special bond shared by babies and their grandparents all over the world.
Look | Bishop, Gavin Recommended for ages 0-4
A perfect gift to place around the baby on the floor at tummy time, with compelling illustrations of the things babies love: family faces on one side and toys on the other.
Let's Count NYC and N is for NYC | Oberman, Adina Recommended for ages 1-5
Two fun NYC-centric board books featuring familiar places, food, and people of NYC to count and represent each letter of the alphabet. Perfect for locals and tourists alike.
Tired Town | Marx, Patricia Recommended for ages 3-6
Nellie Bee Nightly is not tired at all. She went to sleep last night, and shouldn't that be enough sleep to last a lifetime? Find out what it takes to get her eyelids to finally droop.
100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli | LaRochelle, David Recommended for ages 3-7
High on a mountain live 100 mighty dragons all named Broccoli. This is a fun counting adventure that will delight until there is but one dragon remaining, before it begins again!
I Want 100 Dogs | McAnulty, Stacy Recommended for ages 3-7
An aspiring dog owner and her parents ponder--in wildly imaginative and hilarious detail--all the best and worst outcomes of bringing home more dogs than you can (literally) shake a stick at.
The Man Who Didn't Like Animals | Underwood, Deborah Recommended for ages 3-8
In this freshly imagined origin story about the storied farmer and his animal friends, we learn about just who Old MacDonald was before he had his farm populated by so many beasts.
Something, Someday | Gorman, Amanda Recommended for ages 3-8
Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference and even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact.
Fox (series) | Tabor, Corey R. Recommended for ages 4-6
It’s rare to find early readers with captivating plots, humor, and illustrations that also maintain an easy reading level, but this series centered on a playful fox does all of that and more!
Reina Ramos (series) | Otheguy, Emma Recommended for ages 4-7
This early reader series features Reina, a loyal friend whose high-spirited antics sometimes cause chaos, but who always finds a way to make things right. Check back early next year for details about the author's visit to the Library!
Mouse's Wood | Melvin, Alice Recommended for ages 4-8
An exquisitely illustrated picture book with special die-cut flaps that follows the woodland ramblings of Mouse and highlights the change in seasons. Also, look for the sequel Mouse on the River.
The Dictionary Story | Jeffers, Oliver & Winston, Sam Recommended for ages 4-10
Dictionary wishes she could tell a story like other books. One day, she decides to bring her words to life. But what will she do when her characters collide on the pages?
Little Shrew | Miyakoshi, Akiko Recommended for ages 5-8
Illustrated in a soft monochrome palette, these charming tales celebrate enduring friendships, dreams for the future, and the little pleasures that make everyday life more meaningful.
Stella & Marigold | Barrows, Annie Recommended for ages 6-8
Sure to delight fans of Ivy and Bean, these adventure tales of two sisters' encounters are filled with vibrant characters, creative storytelling, and a whole lot of laughs.
Five Stories | Ellen Weinstein Recommended for ages 6-9
Five children, from five different cultures and in five different decades, grow up in the same building on the Lower East Side in this a wonderful look at how immigrants have changed a community for the better.
Detective Sweet Pea: The Case of the Golden Bone | Varon, Sara Recommended for ages 7-10
Parkville's most famous attraction, the Golden Chew Bone, has vanished! Sweet Pea's spectacular sense of smell makes her the perfect pup to crack the case in this graphic novel.
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All | Miller, Chanel Recommended for ages 7-11
Self-proclaimed sock detective Magnolia sets off across NYC with her new friend to solve the mystery of missing socks, meeting people and uncovering the unimaginable along the way.
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science | McKinnon, Kate Recommended for ages 8-10
The beloved Saturday Night Live alum began writing this wildly amusing adventure about three sisters, a ravenous worm, and a mysterious mad scientist, before her comedy career was launched. She also reads the audiobook along with her comedian sister.
The Night Librarian | Lincoln, Christopher Recommended for ages 8-12
Two siblings uncover a new world, featuring Night Librarians and characters literally bursting from their favorite books, in this thrilling graphic novel about the magic that libraries hold.
The Fairy Tale Fan Club | Ayoade, Richard Recommended for ages 8-13
“Happily ever after” takes on a new meaning in this book where a secretary delivers fan mail letters to fairy tale characters, and they respond revealing just how they feel about their stories.
Curlfriends: New in Town | Miller, Sharee Recommended for ages 8-13
This graphic novel debut starts off an exciting contemporary series featuring four girls who each have a unique story, and each learn lessons about friendship, family, and being their true selves. Come make your own comics with the author-illustrator on Tuesday, December 10.
Impossible Creatures | Rundell, Katherine Recommended for ages 8-12
A boy discovers the Archipelago, a world where mythological creatures were secreted away, but those beings are now dying, and it is up to him and a native girl to save this magical realm.
The Secret Library | Magoon, Kekla Recommended for ages 9-13
Finding a mysterious letter, Dally is led to a library of secrets, and she must find the courage to write her own life story as she "checks out" adventure after adventure.
Cross My Heart and Never Lie | Dåsnes, Nora Recommended for ages 11-15
In this delightful coming-of-age graphic diary, a translated title from Norway, 7th grader Tuva gets caught between feeling like a kid and wanting to know how to become a teenager.
The Bletchley Riddle | Sepetys, Ruta and Sheinkin, Steve Recommended for ages 11-15
In 1940 Britain, siblings Jakob and Lizzie must work together as they race to decipher clues emerging from the super secret code-breaking factory at Bletchley Park.
Diary of a Confused Feminist | Weston, Kate Recommended for ages 14+
British teen Kat Evens, determined to be a good feminist, stumbles through high school with the help of her best friends, her parents, and her diary as she figures out how to reach her goal.
Non-fiction, Poetry, and Biography Recommendations
Mix A Pancake | Rosetti, Christina Recommended for ages 1-6
An illustrated board book version of the Victorian poet's simple classic rhyme encourages young learners to actively follow along as a pancake is made by kitty-cats.
In Praise of Mystery | Limón, Ada Recommended for ages 3-7 
NASA invited poet laureate Ada Limón to write a poem to celebrate the Europa Clipper’s launch towards Jupiter. The poem is gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott winner Peter Sís.
A Kid’s Guide to the Chinese Zodiac: Animal Horoscopes, Legendary Myths, and Practical Uses for Ancient Wisdom | Hwang, Aaron Recommended for ages 4-9
Beautifully illustrated, with sidebars on Chinese culture and myth, this is an informative and mystical guide for all who are curious about the universe and how they fit into it.
Luminous: Living Things That Light Up the Night | Kuo, Julia Recommended for ages 4-7
A remarkable picture book about bioluminescence, the light made from living things, and its many forms: fireflies and foxfire, fungi and glow-worms, deep-sea fish and vampire squids.
Alfie Explores A to Z | Drew, Jeff Recommended for ages 4-8
Meet Alfie the friendly bookworm and his pet dust bunny, Betty! When Betty runs off, Alfie travels through each letter in the alphabet searching for her and finds much more along the way.
As Night Falls: Creatures That Go Wild After Dark | Napoli, Donna Jo Recommended for ages 4-8
For children whose curiosity abounds, and restless sleepers greedy for one more story, this distinctive book with a science focus gives a peek at the animals that come alive at night.
I Ship: A Container Ship's Colossal Journey | Schmitt, Kelly Rice Recommended for ages 5-8
Engines ahead! Come aboard a container ship and voyage across oceans to deliver goods to people who need them. This book is bliss for any child who loves boats.
Fungi Grow | Gianferrari, Maria Recommended for ages 5-9
Step into this book and discover how mushrooms multiply. Learn how fungi heal and help humans. Explore the underground fungal network that helps forests thrive. And so much more!
A Grand Idea: How William J. Wilgus Created Grand Central Terminal | Hoyt, Megan Recommended for ages 5-9
In addition to tons of trains, Grand Central once housed a tennis club, movie theater, and art gallery. Learn about these secrets and more in this picture book biography of the architect.
National Monuments of the U.S.A. | Walker, Cameron Recommended for ages 6-9
Travel through America's incredible history and amazing wild places, visiting the National Monuments that celebrate the most iconic and majestic landscapes and locations in the USA.
Only in New York | Alexander, Heather Recommended for ages 6-11 
From the roar of Niagara Falls to the tip of Lady Liberty's torch, explore the length and breadth of New York with the help of little-known facts and colorful art.
A Kid's Guide to the Night Sky: Simple Ways to Explore the Universe | Read, John Recommended for ages 7-10
Learn how to stargaze and discover the most amazing sights in the night sky in this easy-to-use guide for kids that explores constellations, stars, and our solar system.
The Awesome Physics in Your Home | The Amazing Theatre of Physics Recommended for ages 7-11
Looking to inspire a love for learning and the sciences? This is the perfect tool to spark curiosity and exploration in our everyday lives and our homes, from the kitchen to the bathroom!
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series | Sorell, Traci Recommended for ages 7-11
The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native American pro baseball players to face off in a World Series.
Yummy: A History of Desserts | Elliott, Victoria Grace Recommended for ages 8-13
Learn about and taste the true stories behind everyone's favorite treats, paired with fun and easy recipes to try at home. After all, sweets and their stories are always better when they're shared!
A Place Called America | Thermes, Jennifer Recommended for ages 8-13
Illustrated with dazzling maps, this is an info-packed read, with sidebars, that will challenge its readers to think critically about the stories we tend to take for granted about our own history.
Kid-Ventors: 35 Real Kids and Their Amazing Inventions | Pew, Kailei. Recommended for ages 8-13
From Popsicles and swim fins to robots and glitter-shooting prosthetics, this volume is full of fun and inspiring stories about real kid inventors and some of their most amazing inventions.
She Speaks: The Girls of Greek Myths in Their Own Words | Cargill-Martin, Honor Recommended for ages 9-13
A visually stunning and narratively powerful book that gives a voice to the often-silenced women of Greek mythology. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in mythology or feminism.
Uprooted | Chan, Ruth Recommended for ages 9-13
A bittersweet graphic memoir about one girl who moves halfway round the world to Hong Kong, a place where her family fits in but, for her, it's nothing like home. Ruth Chan is one of our judges in the Young Cartoonists Awards: enter by January 7!
Amazing Immortals: A Guide to Gods and Goddesses Around the World | Williams, Dinah Recommended for ages 9-13
This engrossing volume, filled with stories that have been used to address life's biggest answers for centuries, features profiles for over eighty gods and goddesses from all over the world
The Asgardians: Odin | O'Connor, George Recommended for ages 10+
In this new graphic novel series focused upon Norse mythology, highly kinetic illustrations bring tales of war, betrayal, and the quest for enlightenment at any cost to vivid and startling life. George O’Connor is one of our judges in the Young Cartoonists Awards: enter by January 7!
Shipwrecked: Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor | Sandler, Martin W. Recommended for ages 10+
Combining new research, stunning archival material, and vivid storytelling, this book dives deep into the world of marine archaeology uncovering the most captivating shipwrecks from history.
Houses with a Story: A Dragon's Den, A Ghostly Mansion, A Library of Lost Books, and 30 More Amazing Places to Explore | Yoshida, Seiji Recommended for ages 11+
A dreamer's tree house. A mechanic's cottage. A submerged city. Over thirty imaginative houses and the people who make them home offer unexpected worlds to wander through and explore.
Here I Am, I Am Me | Bean, Cara Recommended for ages 13+
This colorful graphic adventure through the brain demystifies and destigmatizes emotional and mental health for teens through accessible language and lessons.
