Abbot Public Library Children’s Librarian Marcia Cannon shares the most popular books among Marblehead’s young readers in 2023.
Picture books/early readers
“I Did It!” by Michael Emberley
Award-winning and easy to understand early reader that celebrates learning to ride a bike with the help of friends. Positive, cheerful, and great for practicing reading.
“Winter, a Solstice Story” by Kelsey Ebben Gross
Sweet, soft illustrations add perspective on this longest night of the year in a woodland setting. A celebration is held among the animals under the stars. A great bedtime read.
“The Together Tree” by Aisha Saeed, with illustrations by LeUyen Pham
In a time of vitriol, a gentle story about a boy named Rumi finding safety under a willow tree at school from bullying. But slowly, more and more classmates, all of whom have different struggles, find their way under the sheltering tree. A story that reminds us all to include others and be kind in a difficult world.
“Evergreen” by Matthew Cordell
Evergreen is a young squirrel tasked with making a journey to bring soup to a sick family member in the forest. Adorable illustrations depict funny and expressive feelings as he avoids danger, meets friends, and completes his journey.
“Under the Blanket Sky” by Tim Fischer
Surreal and soft illustrations of a magical and incredibly fluffy owl and his gentle friendship with a young boy. Sweet, dreamlike, and slightly melancholy nod to the passage of time and seasons.
Chapter books
“Elf Dog Owl Head” by M.T. Anderson with illustrations by Junyi Wu
Humorous fantasy with some eerie and surprising story elements of a struggling boy and a secret entry to a dangerous and magical world via a very special dog and the bond they form.
“Hands: How Will You Use Them?” by Torrey Maldonado
Gripping short chapter book about a 12-year-old boy trying to find his way against the odds in his environment and with an abusive stepfather. Compassionate and page-turning story of choices, obstacles, and how a child can grow despite the odds and his own impulses.
“The Skull: a Tyrolean Folktale” by Jon Klassen
A spooky and suspenseful adapted folk story featuring a little girl of both pluck and kindness. Young Otilla has escaped an unnamed danger and retreated through the forest to a spooky house inhabited by a ghostly skull. Otilla and the skull need to face greater danger and learn about each other in this creepy and witty story.
“When Sea Becomes Sky” by Gillian McDunn
A rich story about siblings Bex and Davey, and their special place, a salt marsh near their home. The story involves the siblings in a mystery of a puzzling underwater statue, and the larger threat of a development plan for the marsh.
“The Wild Robot Protects” by Peter Brown
Book 3 in a compelling and thoughtful series about a machine finding family and her own humanity. Robot Roz has to find the courage to seek a solution to a profound threat to her community. Roz her animal friends are both humorous and emotionally moving characters.
Nonfiction
“Great Carrier Reef” by Jessica Stremer with illustrations by Gordy Wright
Including information about our failing coral reefs, this is an account of the “reefing” of an aircraft carrier. Using directed explosions, the carrier sinks to the ocean floor and becomes the framework for an underwater city of new life. Clear explanations and vivid illustrations of a scientific idea brought to life to help cope with climate
“The Hospital Book” by Lisa Brown
Straightforward, honest and reassuring story of a visit to the hospital by a child. “A little scary, and a little fun” at various moments, it is an emotionally relatable exploration in both the text and colorful illustrations of all the moments and experiences of a child’s hospital stay.
“We Go Way Back: A Story About Life on Earth and How it All Began” by Idan Ben-Barak with illustrations by Philip Bunting
Witty, vibrant illustrations and easy, informative speculation about the early molecular evolution of life.
“The Book of Turtles” by Sy Montgomery with illustrations by Matt Paterson
Beautiful photographs of a variety of fascinating turtles and moving and accessible text describing these reptiles.
“101 Things To Do on A Walk” by Kalt Eaton with illustrations by Vivian Mineker.
All kinds of suggestions for kids rambling outside are presented in exciting illustrations and text. Suggestions include creating shadow monsters, designing obstacle courses, painting, animal watching and making flower bracelets.
