It takes some serious "swishy swashing" to keep going after 30 years, and this month marks the 30th anniversary of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury's sonic adventure and modern classic, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, replete and repeat with new lushly rendered, 30th anniversary paper and board book editions. And in step, we're going on a book hunt on Sunday, September 15 at the 32nd annual Children's Book Fair from 11am-5pm right here on 57th Street between Woodlawn and Dorchester. Come along for countless books, arts and crafts, music and live storytelling featuring 57th Street Books' Franny and Colin. Free to enter, and what's more, no swirling or whirling, squelching or squirching required. Find it and more upcoming events for young readers below, including Kate Hannigan's "one-two punch of heroism and fun," Cape; James Brandon's Ziggy, Stardust and Me, named one of Entertainment Weekly's "15 biggest (and best) YA books of the summer"; and Rena Barron's highly anticipated West African fantasy, Kingdom of Souls. As summer comes to an end, let the book hunt begin! We're Going on a Bear Hunt: 30th Anniversary Edition(Margaret K. McElderry Books) Michael Rosen, illus. by Helen Oxenbury
57th Street Books' Young Readers Advisory Board is comprised of bright, bold, and adventurous young readers on Chicago's South Side, proudly presenting recommendations and reviews of new books each month in Middle Grade and YA literature.
Thismonth, Karis (age 12) recommends All the Impossible Things(Roaring Brook Press) by Lindsay Lackey; an extraordinary middle-grade novel — full of magic, adventure, and heart — about a young girl navigating the foster care system in search of where she belongs that "captures your attention on the very first page."
For "magic at every corner of the story," Allison (age 12) invites you to travel through time in Two Girls, a Clock, and a Crooked House(Random House Books for Young Readers) by Michael Poore, which combines the mesmerizing storytelling of Rebecca Stead's 2009 Newbery Medal winner When You Reach Me with the humor of Lemony Snicket on a wholly original journey through time, space, and the depths of the human heart.
Meanwhile, Meredith (age 12) loves "and will read again and again" Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen; a charming and fast-paced adventure reminiscent of Chris Colfer's bestselling series, The Land of Stories, set in the halls and sidetracks of Protagonist Preparatory school, whose literary faculty includes Alice from Wonderland and Professor Darcy.
Speaking of Alice, if you really want to go down a rabbit hole, Evelyn (age 11) and Efuru (age 10) unlock a book after our own hearts. Pages and Co: The Book Wanderers (Philomel Books) by Anna James is an enchanting story about the magic of books and the power of imagination, set in a bookshop abuzz with classic female heroines. Perfect for fans of Inkheart and Story Thieves and "as good as hot chocolate on a cold afternoon" (Efuru). Now that's our kind of fall reading! 8 and up and interested in becoming a member of the Young Readers Advisory Board? Email kidsbooks@semcoop.com for more details.
A unicorn's bad day turns into a laugh-out-loud look at the pressure to be perfect and the importance of expressing your feelings.
Everyone knows that unicorns are perfect. They are glamorous and glittery, and their smiles make rainbows appear! But Kevin is having a less-than-perfect day. First, he wakes up on the wrong side of the bed... on the floor. Then he discovers that his mane is so wild that even his Super-Perfect-Hair-Day-Spray can't tame it. And the day just gets worse from there. Kevin does his best to keep his outlook sunny, but it's hard to keep smiling when everything goes horribly wrong! PreorderKevin the Unicornand receive a gift button pack, while supplies last!
There is perhaps no other children's novel better known than Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, which has been reinterpreted broadly, from Disney's beloved film to Robert Sabuda's clever pop-up to Frank Beddor's new fantasy novel. With the complete, unabridged text and glowing full-color illustrations on nearly every page, this lavish edition is the perfect introduction to the novel—and an elegant gift for those who are already Lewis Carroll fans.
Based on the global phenomenon, this official Pinkfong Baby Shark shaped board book is perfect for sharing with the youngest Baby Shark fans in your life! Experience the magic all over again with this adorable Baby Shark story told through the lyrics of the hit song—Baby Shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo!
Equality starts early, and it begins at home. As soon as girls are big enough to flip through a board book, they can understand the concept that girls are equal to boys. This book underscores that important idea with clear, simple illustrations and clever rhyming text. There are big lessons here, in a small and appealing package.
M Is for Melanin is an empowering alphabet book that teaches kids their ABCs and celebrates Black children! Each letter of the alphabet contains affirming, Black-positive messages, from A is for Afro, to F is for Fresh, to W is for Worthy. This book teaches children their ABCs while encouraging them to love the skin that they're in.
Ruth Krauss is the celebrated author of the award-winning books The Carrot Seed, Open House for Butterflies, and many others. This never-before-published story from is a remarkable collaboration that captures the timeless spirit of Krauss's signature wit and humor. Paired with Ruzzier's playful and irresistible drawings, this story will delight readers of all ages and inspire them to roar like dandelions.
A handsome and totally fetching street cat with a penchant for trouble stars in the new picture book by Judy Schachner, creator of the inimitable, irrepressible Skippyjon Jones.
From beloved New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers comes an exquisite collection of his much-loved picture books How to Catch a Star, Lost and Found, and The Way Back Home, along with a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the making of each!
Welcome to the Herring Hotel! Meet Gabriel and his parents, whose job it is to look after the unusual guests who make their homes in this crumbling old place. This is an enchanting story about a boy living in a hotel who befriends an eccentric old lady claiming to be a queen in exile — a delightfully quirky storybook about keeping it together when things are falling apart.
From Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within. In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong'o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
Favorite storytime author and illustrator, Jane Cabrera's vivid and textured acrylic paintings are filled with joyful cuteness and warmth. Patterns from the inside of envelopes smartly add to the epistolary theme. This delightful celebration of mindful thankfulness and community togetherness is perfect for curling up in a cozy spot and sharing one-on-one.
Meet the funny, fierce, and fearless Amy Wu, who is determined to make a perfect bao bun today. Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keeps coming out all wrong. Then she has an idea that may give her a second chance...Will Amy ever make the perfect bao?
Five robots. One unforgettable journey. Their programming will never be the same. Wall-E meets The Wild Robot in this middle grade instant classic about five robots on a mission to rescue their inventor from the corporation that controls them all. In this charming stand-alone adventure, Greg van Eekhout breathes life and wisdom into an unforgettable character.
The first middle grade novel from Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin' (now a popular Netflix film), is a funny, heartwarming story perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead, Ali Benjamin, and Holly Goldberg Sloan.
From E.B. White Read Aloud honor artist Matthew Forsythe comes a picture book about a magical drum, an emerald forest, and the little frog who dares to make her own music. Pokko and the Drum is a story about art, persistence, and a family of frogs living in a mushroom.
From National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds comes a novel told in ten blocks, showing all they different directions a walk home can take. In his latest, the novelist of When I Was the Greatest, Boy in the Black Suit, and All American Boys conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.
Liesl Shurtliff returns to 57th Street Books, Sat. 10/26!
Liesl Shurtliff, New York Times bestselling author of Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin, continues the action-packed Time Castaways trilogy with book two, in which the Hudsons sail across time and history as they embark on a daring rescue mission.
On a winter's day in a British town, twelve-year old Alex receives a package in the mail: an old tin robot from his grandfather. "This one is special," says the enclosed note, and when strange events start occurring around him, Alex suspects this small toy is more than special; it might be deadly. With an ever-present admiration for the hidden mysteries of our world, Monstrous Devices plunges readers into a gripping adventure that's sure to surprise.
Delving into current cultural conversations including sexual assault, mental health, feminism, and immigration, this narrative of resilience, healing, empowerment, and love will galvanize readers to fight for what is right in their world. Perfect for fans of Rupi Kaur and Elizabeth Acevedo, Jasmin Kaur's stunning debut novel is a collection of poetry, illustrations, and prose.
Look out for the original series starring Katherine Langford coming soon to Netflix!
The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full-color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller.
Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Now in paperback!
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series comes a powerful, heartrending contemporary novel about fear, first love, and the devastating impact of prejudice.
"A poignant tale about a young woman with a book-shaped-heart who finds the courage to write her own story." —Nancy Richardson Fischer, author ofThe Speed of Falling Objects
From the moment she first learned to read, literary genius Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. There, she can avoid the crushing reality of her mother's hoarding and pretend her life is simply ordinary. But when a new property manager becomes more active in the upkeep of their apartment complex, the only home Darcy has ever known outside of her books suddenly hangs in the balance.
A teen outcast is simultaneously swept up in a whirlwind romance and down a rabbit hole of dark family secrets when another Taiwanese family moves to her small, predominantly white midwestern town in this remarkable new novel from the critically acclaimed author of American Panda, which The Wall Street Journal called "weepingly funny."
An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown. A River of Royal Blood subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, extraordinary portrait of life under a Spanish dictatorship. Weaving together vintage media reports, oral history commentary, photos, and more, master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history's darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel about identity, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence—inspired by the true postwar struggles of Spain.
"This powerful story, told with the music of poetry and the blade of truth, will help your heart grow." —Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak and Shout
In her own voice, acclaimed author and poet Nikki Grimes explores the truth of a harrowing childhood in a compelling and moving memoir in verse. In this accessible and inspiring memoir that will resonate with young readers and adults alike, Nikki shows how the power of those words helped her conquer the hazards — ordinary and extraordinary — of her life.
From beloved team Kyo Maclear and Julie Morstad (creators of Julia, Child andBloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli) comes an elegant picture book biography that portrays the most moving moments in the life of Gyo Fujikawa, a groundbreaking Japanese American hero in the fight for racial diversity in picture books.
Equal parts picture book biography, inspiring story, and a look at racial diversity in America, It Began with a Page is a gem for any book lover, librarian, or child who dares to dream big.
From New York Times Best Illustrated Book artist Stacy Innerst and author Sue Macy comes a story of one man's heroic effort to save the world's Yiddish books. Told in a folkloric voice reminiscent of Patricia Polacco, this story celebrates the power of an individual to preserve history and culture, while exploring timely themes of identity and immigration.
Amazing true stories about Shakespeare, Hiawatha, Homer, George Washington, and more!
If you like to think of Shakespeare only as a brilliant bard, or prefer only to know Pythagoras by his math skills, then you might want to put this book down. Seriously. Because this book is about to change your idea of history. But if you like a little controversy, or want to impress your parents and friends with some little-known tidbits of historical drama, then Famous Phonies: Legends, Fakes, and Frauds Who Changed History is for you.
Events for Young Readers at 57th Street BooksAlice McGinty served Pancakes to Parathas at Saturday Storytime in March. The award-winning author of more than 40 books for children returns September 28 for a panel discussion on books celebrating women in STEM. Powerful women reign all month in Kate Hannigan's Cape, Rena Barron's Kingdom of Souls, and more heroic, poetic, and heartfelt events for young readers.
Simon Lockwood-Bean presents Anansi and the Apple TreeSaturday, September 7 10:30am at 57th Street BooksWhen a hungry spider named Anansi teams up with his friend Turtle to pull off a daring apple heist, he realizes that friendship can be a rocky road, learning a valuable lesson about peer pressure along the way. Written by, Simon Lockwood-Bean, an elementary school teacher inspired by a class writing project, Anansi and the Apple Tree aims to pass on a lesson from his classroom to future generations of young people. RSVP here.
Storytime with Emmy Kastner, author of Nerdy BabiesSaturday, September 14 10:30am at 57th Street Books
Nerdy Babies is a new series that encourages curious kids to ask questions about things that intrigue, fascinate, or perplex them—the very definition of a nerd! Emmy Kastner is a former classroom teacher and the co-founder of Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK), a nonprofit devoted to cultivating reading and writing for youth pre-K through high school. RSVP here.
James Brandon discusses Ziggy, Stardust and Me with Amanda JoySaturday, September 14 3pm at 57th Street BooksThe year is 1973. The Watergate hearings are in full swing. The Vietnam War is still raging. And homosexuality is still officially considered a mental illness. In the midst of these trying times is sixteen-year-old Jonathan Collins, a bullied, anxious, asthmatic kid. To cope, Jonathan escapes to the safe haven of his imagination, where his hero Ziggy Stardust can guide him through the rough terrain of his life. When he completes his treatments, he will be normal—at least he hopes. But before that can happen, Web stumbles into his life. Web is the first person in the real world to see Jonathan completely and think he's perfect. For the first time in his life, Jonathan may finally feel free enough to love and accept himself as he is. RSVP here.
Kate Hannigan presents Cape: The League of Secret Heroes Book OneThursday, September 19 4pm at 57th Street BooksHyde Park's own Golden Kite Award-winner Kate Hannigan returns to 57th Street with her new illustrated novel, Cape. Hidden Figures meets Wonder Woman in this action-packed, comic-inspired adventure about a brilliant girl puzzler who discovers she’s part of a superhero team. Inspired by their favorite caped heroes, Josie, Mae, and Akiko join together for pulse-pounding battles that feature bold action, brave thinking, and an empowering belief that each one of us has the stuff it takes to be a superhero.RSVP here.
Finding Treasure with Michelle Schaub Saturday, September 21 10:30am at 57th Street BooksFamily members, friends, and neighbors all have collections of their own. Is there time to start a collection? Or find an abandoned one in the attic? Sometimes the treasure you’re seeking is right in front of you. Join the hunt for a collection in Michelle Schaub's Finding Treasure, a story told through poems! Veteran teacher Schaub will also be sharing Fresh-Picked Poetry, a poetry collection following two friends as they explore the farmer's market. RSVP here.
Rena Barron presents Kingdom of SoulsSaturday, September 21 3pm at 57th Street BooksMagic has a price—if you’re willing to pay. Born into a family of powerful witchdoctors, Arrah yearns for magic of her own. There’s only one thing Arrah hasn’t tried, a deadly last resort: trading years of her own life for scraps of magic. Inspired by tales of folk magic in her own community, Rena Barron spins a darkly magical tale perfect for fans of Three Dark Crowns or Shadow and Bone, about a girl caught between gods, monsters, and her own mother’s schemes. RSVP here.
Women in STEM Panel DiscussionSaturday, September 28 2pm at 57th Street BooksJoin Ruth Spiro, Teresa Robeson, Alice McGinty, Katey Howes, and Miranda Paul for a panel discussion about their books celebrating women in STEM, followed by activity stations led by the authors. RSVP here.
Hand any four-year-old a fist full of crayons, and it is a very, very few who don't get busy with them, drawing, coloring, scribbling. I have not stopped scribbling. Chris Raschka
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/chris_raschka_744449
Hand any four-year-old a fist full of crayons, and it is a very, very few who don't get busy with them, drawing, coloring, scribbling. I have not stopped scribbling. Chris Raschka
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/chris_raschka_744449
Hand any four-year-old a fist full of crayons, and it is a very, very few who don't get busy with them, drawing, coloring, scribbling. I have not stopped scribbling. Chris Raschka
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/chris_raschka_744449
Hand any four-year-old a fist full of crayons, and it is a very, very few who don't get busy with them, drawing, coloring, scribbling. I have not stopped scribb
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/chris_raschka_744449
"Anyone who was once a child should have at least one children's book in them." —Michael RosenIllustration by Quentin Blake
