Best of 2022: Kids Books

From Abbe: "One can get lost in this exquisite picture book about family life."

Abbe says, "Charming illustrations, clever wordplay and a "brains over brawn" message make this adorable book a keeper."

Abbe says, "What do firefighters do all day? (They're busy.) Great rhyming read aloud."

From Kaley: "This book is breathtakingly beautiful, both in its gorgeous illustrations and in the gentle guidance it offers. It introduces and explores concepts of death and grief in a sensitive and accessible way. Though the subject is sad, the story ends on a hopeful note."

From Abbe: "This beguiling picture book combines a delicate ominous vibe with a surprising sweetness. An enchanting bedtime story (snacks required)."

Abbe says, "Mina is an adorable, introverted mouseling who manages to mostly overlook her eccentric dad's unusual activities until he brings home a "squirrel" who looks an awfully lot like a cat. Darling!"

From Lizzy: "Very funny book about a girl who sees a prophecy that a boy in her class is going to die so she goes on a mission to save him. But unfortunately fate doesn't like to be messed with so she then has to KEEP saving him over and over. Wacky and charming."

Abbe says, "Change is hard. It is agonizingly difficult for our 7th grade hero and word-nerd, 'Worser' - he is a verbally precise, slightly cynical, introvert who is looking for a place to retreat from....everything. I loved this emotional, funny story of growth and connection.

From tee: "Amari’s second summer at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs brings just as much mystery, raises the stakes even higher, and leaves the reader wanting more. Book two in many series often struggles to be as good as book one, but this sequel may very well be better than the first one. This book knocks it out of the park."

Lizzy says, "Educational book about water disparity as told through the life of a 12 year old girl whose family is severely affected by a variety of issues stemming from bad water access. The community in this book is colorful and heartwarming."

From Abbe: "An enchanting tale of a young rabbit, her family and friends. Wonderful book - 'Make a Note of It!'"

A girl who wants to be a surgeon partners with a boy who steals dead bodies. Slow burn, twists and turns, Gothic feels in Scotland."

From Lizzy: "Fun rom-com for nerds. Astrid's boyfriend is a superhero so now Astrid has to find time in her busy schedule to go through a program on how to not die or get kidnapped by a villain. Charming and strong female character."

tee says, "It's painful, it's beautiful, it's haunting. I cannot remember ever reading a book so impactful, so relevant, and so emotionally gripping. If I had my way, everyone would read this book."

From Amber: "A mute girl who can see ghouls is called to her family home and must uncover the secrets within. Read if you love: Creepy houses; ghosts and ghouls; strong protagonists."

Lizzy says, "Dragons and flamenco dancers! This is a really fun alternate history of Spain fantasy."

From Abbe: "Willow and Mason meet during a summer spent in Salem, MA. They help each other find their place in the world. Funny and sweet."

From Lizzy: "Ruta Sepetys is the best in educational historical fiction for YA. All of her books are easy sells. This one is about a Romanian dictator and it has a romance angle and a really interesting family angle."