Saturday, May 15, 2010

Monthly Staff Picks at The Blue Bunny



A new monthly feature in our store, and on our website, are our monthly staff book picks. I know other stores have great fun and success with this exercise, and The Blue Bunny staff has been happy to join in. The monthly picks will stay posted on our website for those who want to follow what we've been reading. Best of all, there are no rules for staff picks! We have all been told to pick a favorite book--old or new, any genre, any age group.

This month's choices:


Peter Reynolds: The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (young adult, ages 12-up) Originally published in 1974, it's been called one of the best young-adult novels ever written, and one of the first young-adult psychological thrillers. The plot centers on a boy who refuses to sell chocolates for a high school fundraiser and the consequences this decision brings from from his peers.

Janet Reynolds:
Nancy Drew, The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (ages 8-12).
Classic mystery for kids, this is the first in the Nancy Drew series, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. A staple on every girl's bookshelf for decades. Back to River Heights--bring on the dark-colored sedans and late-model convertibles!


Cheryl Doucette:
The Ravenmaster's Secret by Elvira Woodruff (ages 9-12)
Historical fction based in 1735 London. This well-reviewed middle-grade novel tells the story of a young boy who gets caught up in aiding an escape from the Tower of London prison.



Margie Leonard:
Someday by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (all ages)
This bestselling picturebook recounts the poignancy of motherhood. A mother tells her daughter of all the milestones she will remember in her life as a mother, and confirms her enduring love. Great gift for Mother's Day, graduations, new babies, and other special events~!

Sue Hoffman:
Pete and Pickles by Berkeley Breathed (picture book for ages 4-8)
Written and illustrated by the well-known creator of the Bloom County comic strips. School Library Journal calls it "a heartwarming tale packed with adventure, imagination, and the all-important message of accepting differences." Sue has been a champion of this book since it was published two years ago.


Emma Hodges:
The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau (picture book for ages 4-8).
The book tells the tale of a greedy king who finds his happiness increase as he gives away his material possessions. The story's message is beautifully illustrated by Gail De Marcken.