Katy - Branch Manager

Shorter Than My "To-Read" Pile

I find myself chronically with "tsundoku," an ever-growing list of books I want to read, with never enough time to read all of them. I also enjoy inflicting it on others by tossing books on their own "To Read" pile, so consider yourself warned.

Science fiction, fantasy, graphic novels in various genres, and anything with humor are mostly likely to be on my shelf. I also love hearing about books that make an impact on how we think, feel and grow, and anything with an excellent set of footnotes.

Tools for the Terrible Twos

There are so many things for two-year-olds to process as they get really mobile and opinionated! Fortunately, reading about issues when safely snuggled in a parent's lap gives them a framework they can use when emotions get the better of them. All of the books on this list weren't just fun to read, but have helped my boys recognize the feelings they experience and have given them the…

Learning manners starts very early, and Antony does a wonderful job of showing courtesy in this story.

I needed a Kleenex for this one. Whether your child might lose a pet or someone else in their life, this message is a good one for understanding how life goes on.

A fun story in rhyme for any little one who wants to do everything but sleep. Czajak has more titles with Monster as well.

One of the first of the Llama Llama books, I thought "Mad at Mama" was nicely cathartic for parents feeling like they always have to be a "meanie."

Trust No One

Twisty and unpredictable, all of these titles have a narrator (or a couple of them) that just don't have the firmest grip on the truth. Sometimes it's hard to tell how much is on purpose and how much is the reality they're creating for themselves, but either way it's a roller coaster. You might enjoy the ride, but don't ever trust that you know what's coming next.

Steadily one my top ten YA favorites, "Code Name Verity" has a clever, brave heroine, delightfully twisty plotting, solid friendships and historical depth. Be prepared to have your heart broken in the best possible way.

The unreliability of this narrator is featured right in the title, but the story unfolds in a way that actually made me gasp at the end. And, then I flipped to book back to the beginning to reread it in the same sitting!

I also recommend this title for fans of "The Hate U Give," but Magoon plays with the reader's perceptions as well as emotions.

A thought-provoking book, the three narrators all have their own reasons for framing the story to suit themselves.

Footnoted and Fancy Free

One of the peculiar delights of written English is the ability to use footnotes not just to expand the text but to connect with the reader in a way that can be unusual, personal, and very funny. The first author I found using footnotes this way was Jonathan Stroud, and over the years I've seen several authors using similar techniques to escape the boundaries of a conventional narrative…

The questions in "What If?" are interesting in their own right, but Munroe's snark comes through very clearly between the stick figures and the footnotes. If you're interested in more from him, his well-known website xkcd.com incorporates alt-text on his comics as a sort of digital footnote.

Also a good one for math nerds! The teenagers in John Green's books are often a little too smart for their own good with hefty doses of self-reflection; Colin maybe needs it more than most.

Hardcore literature nerds will especially enjoy this one. Fforde clearly loves the classics and gives well-known characters their own lives outside of their original stories.

Unlike some of the others on this list, nearly everything Roach has written is extensively footnoted so try any of her books for equally amusing histories of the seemingly mundane.

More Grin Than Grimm

I'm a fan of twisted fairy tales, retellings and folklore from other cultures having grown up with favorites like Steven Kellogg, Tomie dePaola, and Jerry Pinkney. There are new versions that come out all the time; I've enjoyed finding the best ones to share with my kids combining excellent art with stories that are fun, fairly short, and just a little unexpected.

Of course I always love a protagonist who's a reader, as well as scientifically-minded! But I also liked the message of being true to yourself despite other people's expectations.

I hadn't heard of this story prior to seeing this version, and so I think I'm not alone in finding the idea pretty funny. I do really like Coombs' updating of the original, since the Grimm brothers live up to their name.

The beautiful two-page spreads are a major factor in my preference for this one. But, my three year old loves the humor, too.

Another twist on a classic tale with very cute art.

Cozy Up With Your Littles

Sometimes the best part of the day--and usually the most relaxing--is when I can finally settle in with a stack of books before bedtime with my two boys especially when it starts to get cold outside and we can be surrounded by the holiday lights! My three-year-old says with authority that this list is a favorite, and I like them even after nine repetitions per day so that's a…

A book full of snuggles! I like the exploration of different species preparing for winter, the art is cheerful, and I think my kids enjoy that the yak moms are so much like human moms.

I admit my husband does a better job with the sound effects, but I like finding voices for each character, too. It's structured like the traditional story but with great attention to detail in the martial arts twist.

This was an unexpected find, a cute story with a hint of winter theme, and perfect for two little boys who are constantly on each other's chairs (so to speak).

I'm a big fan of wordless books because of how much they spur creative storytelling in the reader. Actually, the text in "Red Sled" is entirely sound effects, which is even more fun in a way.

Neurodiversity? What's That?

With a field that's ever-evolving, it's hard to know where to start looking for information about people with special needs. I hope the following books, updated with the most current research and theory, will be informative and insightful for families looking for strategies as well as an interested newcomer. Many are also available in eBook and audiobook.

Grandin details the most recent research and integration practices as only someone with a lifetime of living it can.

A heavily researched history of neurodiversity, discussing the shifting medical descriptions and treatments that have continuously redefined the term for centuries, as well as hope for the future. Excellent food for thought, although I'll warn that much of that history is grim reading.

A practical, day-to-day guide for succeeding in school. Flink includes tips and information about applicable laws and how to advocate with their teachers and administrators.

Geared for teachers but also invaluable for parents looking for practical strategies for their children at home and in a school setting.

One Dimension Over

Vampires and warlocks in modern day, heroes and heroines taking a stroll through time and dimensions. Whatever the focus, these authors all tickled me with witty characters and excellent worldbuilding. Many are part of a series so, if you find a favorite, there's even more to satisfy your craving for slyly funny fantasy.

Old bookstores, witty banter, and eldritch horror all combine for a quick read that might keep you up at night. Howard knows how to update the lore of Cthulu for a more jaded modern audience.

Kadrey's heroes are always delightfully snarky, and the doomsday device hot potato makes for a book that's hard to put down.

The very first in the popular "Dresden Files"! If you saw the short-lived TV series, please give the books a try instead. The combo of mysteries and magic only get better; the pop culture references (maybe a little dated now, 17 years later) keep you smiling but the machinations get deeper, and the consequences of Harry's work in Chicago pinball off each other in interesting ways.

McBride (a Washington author) has more books set in this world, but "Hold Me Closer" is still my favorite. Fast-paced, lovable characters (even the talking head), and awesome worldbuilding pull you in and leave you wanting so much more.

Snarktastic Science Fiction

A lot of science fiction takes itself so very seriously, or ventures too far into "Pigs in Space" territory. This collection has just the right balance of snark, plot, character development and science - fans of Firefly, take note! Ranges from the quintessential "Hitchhiker's Guide" to newcomers to the world of SF, and includes series as well as standalone novels.

Better known for his urban fantasy series "The Dresden Files," Butcher is equally adept at crafting drama and adventure in steam-powered skies. First in a series.

Connie Willis has a number of time-travel books, but this is still my favorite. Set in the same universe as The Doomsday Book, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Douglas Adams is a seminal author in humorous science fiction. A must-read. First in a series.

Two great authors made something great together, here: a dimension-hopping adventure that hits all the feels. Also involves potatoes. First in a series.