In this Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the ten kidlit books releasing during September 2024 that she is most looking forward to.

FEATURED TITLES:

Picture Books:

• Attack of the Scones by Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney (9/3)
• Barnaby Unboxed by the Fan Brothers (9/3)
• Mr. Fox's Game of No! by David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka  (9/10)

Middle Grade:

• Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Tim Miller (9/3)
• The Sherlock Society by James Ponti (9/3)
• A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Halli by Jasmine Warga (9/10)
• Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (9/10)

Graphics:

• Taxi Ghost by Sophe Escabasse (9/3)
• Twig Friends by Andrew McDonald (9/3)
• Uprooted by Ruth Chan (9/10)

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In today's reading raves episode, Chrissie is sharing the kidlit books she read and loved during August 2024.

FEATURED BOOKS

Short Chapter Books

• The Verts by Delphine Durand
• Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin

Middle Grade

• The Swifts by Beth Lincoln

Graphic Novels

• Bunny vs. Monkey: The Impossible Pig by Jamie Smart
• Let's Go, Coco! by Coco Fox
• Nina Peanut by Sarah Bowie
• Save Our Forest! by Nora Dasnes

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In today's episode, Chrissie share 10 things that saved her life in the library this year. Listen for reflections on:

• Mindful minute using the Headspace app
• Read aloud ruthlessness
• Plus plus blocks
• Deciding once about what to color
• Book tastings
• Weeding
• Library Leaders
• Book repair
• 10 minute teacher walks

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this bite-size deep dive episode, Chrissie shares some quick reflections on what really matters in summer reading this year.

Want more tactics and research to support your reflections on summer reading? Check out Episode 2 of the show, Chrissie's Summer Reading Manifesto.

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Forecast episode, Chrissie is sharing the 10 kidlit books releasing in June 2024 that she is most excited for.

FEATURED BOOKS

Picture Books

• Are You Small? by Mo Willems (6/10)
• The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer (6/25)

Early Reader

• Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi (6/4)

Short Chapter

• Ava Lin, Best Friend! by Vicky Fang (6/4)
• Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho (6/11)

Middle Grade

• They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Mike Lowery (6/4)
• Perry Homer Ruins Everything by Beth Vrabel (6/18)
• Ratty by Suzanne Selfors, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu (6/18)

Graphics

• Reggie: Penguin in Charge by Jen de Oliveira (6/4)
• The New Girl by Cassandra Calin (6/4)

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares the best kidlit she read during the month of May.

FEATURED BOOKS

Short Chapter Books

• Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones by Sophie Dahl, illustrated by Lauren O'Hara
• Monday: Into the Cave of Thieves by Ralph Lazar, illustrated by Lisa Swerling

Graphic Novels

• The Egg Incident by Ziggy Hanaor
• Lost and Found: Based on a True Story by Mei Yu
• Wires Crossed by Beth Fantaskey, illustrated by Oneill Jones

Middle Grade

• Mission Manhattan by James Ponti
• Finding Bear by Hannah Gold
• The Underdogs of Upson Downs by Craig Silvey

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In today's deep dive episode, Chrissie airs concerns about kidlit's grown-up problem. Then, she shares 4 questions we can ask to help solve the problem.

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

This week, Chrissie is sharing the May Forecast: the ten kidlit books releasing in  May 2024 that she is most looking forward to.

FEATURED BOOKS
Picture Books

• Dalmartian: A Mars Rover's Story by Lucy Ruth Cummins (5/7)
• More Dung! by Frank Weber (5/14)
• Ursula Upside Down by Corey Tabor (5/14)

Chapter Books

• Welcome to the Woofmore by Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by Josh Cleland (5/21)

Graphics

• Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol (5/7)
• The Case of the Golden Bone by Sara Varon (5/28)

Middle Grade

• Jerry, Let Me See the Moon by Jeffrey Ebbeler (5/7)
• National Archive Hunters by Matthew Landis (5/14)
• The Perilous Performance of Milkweed Meadow by Elaine Dimopoulos, illustrated by Doug Salati (5/21)

Nonfiction

• Your Pet's Secret Lives: The Truth Behind Your Pets' Wildest Behaviors by Eleanor Spicer Rice, illustrated by Rob Wilson (5/28)

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares her favorite kidlit that she read during April 2024.

FEATURED BOOKS

• Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Scott Nash
• `Banana Fox and the Gummy Monster Mess by James Kochalka
• Duck and Moose: Moose Blasts Off! by Kirk Reedstrom
• Kitten Ninja by Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Ellen Stubbings
• Pup and Dragon: How to Catch a Dragon by Alice Walstead and Paul Gill
• Sky and Ty: Howdy Partner by Steve Breen
• Poetry Comics by Grant Snider

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In today's booklist episode, Chrissie is pairing ten songs from The Tortured Poets Department with kidlit books.

SONG + BOOK PAIRINGS:

• "Fortnight" and Fluffy McWhiskers, Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin
• "The Tortured Poets Department" and Olivetti by Allie Millington
• "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys" and Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct by Mo Willems
• "Down Bad" and Ode to a Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallace
• "So Long, London" and The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
• "But Daddy I Love Him" and Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy
• "Florida!!!" and Chez Bob by Bob Shea
• "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" and Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris
• "loml" and Pepper and Me by Beatrice Alemagna
• "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" and The Skull by Jon Klassen

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In today's Booklist episode, Chrissie is ranking her top 7 favorite Mac Barnett books to read aloud. 

*NOTE: Thank you for your patience with the compromised audio quality of today's episode. We're working on it! :)

FEATURED TITLES:

• THE WOLF, THE DUCK, AND THE MOUSE by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
• THE GREAT ZAPFINO by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Marla Frazee
• CIRCLE by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
• THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
• THE RULES OF THE HOUSE by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Matt Myers
• SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
• THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE ATE PIZZA by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris

Resources mentioned in the show:

• Mac's website
• THE FIRST CAN IN SPACE website
• SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE book trailer

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this month's Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the 10 kidlit books releasing in April 2024 that she is most looking forward to.

FEATURED TITLES
Picture Books

• Oh, Are You Awake!? by Bob Shea and Jarvis
• Proper Badger Would Never!  by Lauren Glattly and Rob Sayegh, Jr.

Graphic Novels

• Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze by Maple Lam
• Unhappy Camper by Lily LaMotte and Anne Xu
• Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong

Middle Grade

• Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn
• The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
• Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller
• Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry
• Meet Me on Mercer Street by Booki Vivat

SPEED ROUND
Picture Books

• Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall
• The Truth About the Couch by Adam Rubin and Liniers
• A Sundae with Everything On It by Kyle Scheele and Andy J. Pizza
• Dog vs. Strawberry by Nelly Buchet and Andrea Zuill

Short Chapter Books

• Cornbread and Poppy for the Win by Matthew Cordell
• Pets Rule! Invasion of the Pugs by Susan Tan

Graphics

• I Survived the Battle of D-Day by Lauren Tarshis
• Lightfall: the Dark Times by Tim Probert
• Puzzled by Pan Cooke
• Blood City Rollers by V.P. Anderson and Tatiana Hill

Middle Grade

• Keeping Pace by Laurie Morrison
• Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby
• The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy

Nonfiction

• Who Is Taylor Swift from Who HQ
• Butt or Face: Revenge of the Butts by Kari LaVelle
• Club Microbe by Elise Gravel

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Library Life episode, Chrissie is sharing 5 small things she's looking forward to trying in her elementary school library this year:

Chrissie's Five Small Things:

1. Weekly routine with the AAC board
2. Weekly routine with the mood meter
3. Hugimals as a universal intervention
4. Markers that don't dry out
5. The 100 Checkout Club

Resources and products mentioned in the episode:

• RULER social-emotional curriculum
• Book: Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
• Hugimals weighted stuffed animals
• Bic Magic Markers

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares her favorite kidlit that she read during March 2024.

FEATURED TITLES
Short Chapter Books

• DETECTIVE GORDON: THE FIRST CASE by Ulff Nilsson
• TEENY HOUDINI: THE DISAPPEARING ACT by Katrina Moore

Graphics

• THE GREAT PUPTECTIVE by Alina Tysoe
• BANANA FOX AND THE SECRET SOUR SOCIETY by James Kochalka
• ART CLUB by Rashad Doucet
• SCHNOZZER & TATERTOES: TAKE A HIKE! by Rick Stromoski
• YOTSUBA &!, Vol. 1 by Kiyohiko Azuma
• DOG MAN: THE SCARLET SHEDDER by Dav Pilkey
• OFFICER CLAWSOME: LOBSTER COP by Brian "Smitty" Smith
• PECULIAR WOODS: THE ANCIENT UNDERWATER CITY by Andres J. Colmenares
• WELCOME TO FERAL by James Fearing

Middle Grade

• KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this "Help! My kid needs a book!" episode, Chrissie responds to listener requests for middle-grade book recommendations.

FEATURED BOOKS
Spooky Graphic Novels

• WELCOME TO FERAL and LAST EXIT TO FERAL by Mark Fearing
• ALL THE LOVELY BAD ONES by Mary Downing Hahn
• THE OJJA-WOJJA by Magdalene Visaggio
• SCURRY by Mac Smith

Realistic Graphic Novels

• DUEL by Jessixa Bagley
• THE CUPCAKE DIARIES by Coco Simon
• PAWS by Nathan Fairbairn
• ART CLUB by Rashad Doucet

Backlist Middle Grade to Read Aloud

• THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141ST STREET by Karina Yan Glaser
• A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON by Kate Albus
• A ROVER'S STORY by Jasmine Warga
• THE GIRL WHO SAILED THE STARS by Matilda Woods

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Booklist episode, Chrissie recommends 8 short middle grade books. Each book clocks in at ~200 pages or less, but appeals to kids ages 8-12.

FEATURED BOOKS

• The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow by Elaine Dimopoulos
• Wedgie and Gizmo  by Suzanne Selfors
• The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors
• The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat
• Whatever After, Best Wishes, and Upside Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski
• Marina and the Kraken by Lauren Magaziner
• The Chaos Monster by Sayantani DasGupta
• Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs
• Popcorn Bob by Maranke Rinck

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Publisher's Weekly article by Melissa Taylor: "It's Not Me, It's You: An Argument for Shorter Middle Grade Books"
• Imagination Soup Blog by Melissa Taylor: "60 Short Middle Grade Books That Kids Will Love"

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the ten kidlit releases she is most looking forward to in March 2024. She also shares a speed round of ten more next-in-series that the kids in her library can't wait to read.

FEATURED TITLES:

Picture Books 

• The Good Little Mermaid's Guide to Bedtime by Eija Sumner, out 3/5
• The Book That Can Read Your Mind by Marianna Coppo, out 3/12
• Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan, out 3/19

Graphics

• Duck and Moose: Duck Moves In by Kirk Reedstrom, out 3/5
• The Great Puptective by Alina Tysoe, out 3/19
• Poetry Comics by Grant Snider, out 3/26

Middle Grade

• The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly, out 3/5
• The Lumbering Giants of Misty Pines by Mo Netz, out 3/12
• Olivetti by Allie Millington, out 3/26

Nonfiction

• My Antarctica by G. Neri, out 3/5

SPEED ROUND:
Picture Book & Early Reader

• FOX VS FOX by Corey Tabor, out 3/5
• ANIMAL ALBUMS FROM A TO Z by Cece Bell, out 3/26
• BUBBLY BEAUTIFUL KITTY-CORN by Shannon Hale and LeYuen Pham, out 3/26
• PENELOPE REX AND THE PROBLEM WITH PETS (#4) by Ryan T. Higgins, out 3/26

Short Chapter

• BUNNY AND CLYDE by Megan McDonald, out 3/12
• HENRY AND THE SOMETHING NEW by Jenn Bailey (#2), out 3/19

Graphics

• ALL IS NAT LOST (#5) by Maria Scrivan, out 3/5
• BUNNY VS. MONKEY AND THE HUMAN INVASION by Jamie Smart, out 3/5 (#2 available in US – 6 books so far in the UK)
• EVIL SPY SCHOOL (#3) by Stuart Gibbs, out 3/5
• MAKING FRIENDS: TOGETHER FOREVER (#4) by Kristen Gudsnuk, out 3/5
• GNOME AND RAT: TIME TO PARTY (#2) by Lauren Stohler, 3/12
• UNICORN BOY by Dave Roman, 3/12
• WARRIORS: THE RISE OF SCOURGE by Erin Hunter, 3/12 (full color rerelease of Manga editions of Warriors books)
• DOGMAN: THE SCARLET SHREDDER (#12) by Dav Pilkey, 3/19
• GO, GHOUL, GO (Spirited, Book 2) by Liv Livingston, out 3/26 

Middle Grade

• COYOTE LOST AND FOUND by Dan Gemeinhart (#2), out 3/5
• FERRIS by Kate DiCamillo, out 3/5
• LEGENDS OF LOTUS ISLAND: CITY OF WISHES (#3) by Christina Soontornvat, out 3/5
• CECE RIOS AND THE QUEEN OF BRUJAS by Kaela Rivera (#3), out 3/12

Nonfiction

• STAY CURIOUS AND KEEP EXPLORING: NEXT LEVEL (#2) by Emily Calandrelli, out 3/5
• THIS DAY IN HISTORY FOR KIDS by Dan Bova, out 3/5 

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares her favorite kidlit she read during February 2024.

FEATURED BOOKS
Graphic Novels

• Break by Kayla Miller
• Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery by Cathon
• Ellie in First Position by Brian Freschi and Elena Triolo
• The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner
• Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp
• Bunny vs. Monkey by Jamie Smart
• Spirited: Day of the Living Liv by Liv Livingston

Middle Grade

• The Misfits by Lisa Yee and Dan Santat
• The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's free monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider upgrading to become a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

On this week's "Help! My kid needs a book!" episode, Chrissie responds to listener requests for funny books for kids.

FEATURED TITLES

Funny Picture Books to Read Aloud in Storytime

• CHEZ BOB by Bob Shea
• LLAMA DESTROYS THE WORLD by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox
• FLUFFY MCWHISKERS, CUTENESS EXPLOSION by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Dan Tavis
• ARE YOU A CHEESEBURGER? by Monica Arnaldo
• KITTIES ON DINOSAURS by Michael Slack
• GREAT, NOW WE'VE GOT BARBARIANS by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by Mark Fearing

Funny Books About Butts

• BUTTS ARE EVERYWHERE by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox
• DOES A BULLDOZER HAVE A BUTT? by Derick Wilder, illustrated by K. Fai Steele
• BUTT OR FACE by Kari LaVelle
• DOES IT FART? by Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti, illustrated by Alex Griffiths

Funny Short Graphics for Ages 5-8

• SMELL MY FOOT by Cece Bell
• PIZZA AND TACO series by Stephen Shaskan
• TATER TALES series by Ben Clanton
• GNOME AND RAT by Lauren Stohler
• REGGIE: KID PENGUIN by Jen de Oliveiro
• THE HUNGER HEROES by Jarrett Lerner
• ROVER AND SPECK by Jonathan Roth
• WAFFLES AND PANCAKE by Drew Brockington

Funny Books for a Gifted 7yo  who wants complex humor but still a good time

• OTTO by Jon Agee
• K IS IN TROUBLE by Gary Clement
• LAST LAUGHS: ANIMAL EPITAPHS by J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen, illustrated by Jeffrey Steward Timmins
• THE BOOK THAT NO ONE WANTED TO READ by Richard Ayoade
• THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE ATE PIZZA and THE FIRST FAT IN SPACE AND THE SOUP OF DOOM by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's free monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider upgrading to become a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the ten kidlit releases she is most looking forward to in Feburary 2024. She also shares a speed round of ten more next-in-series that the kids in her library can't wait to read.

FEATURED TITLES:

Picture Books

• The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod, out 2/6
• Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli, out 2/6
• The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris, out 2/6
• I Do Not Eat Children by Marcus Cutler, out 2/20
• Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris, out 2/27

Middle Grade

• Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, out 2/6
• Heroes by Alan Gratz, out 2/6
• The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber, out 2/6
• Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz, out 2/27

Graphics

• Wildfuli by Kengo Kurimoto, out 2/6

SPEED ROUND (Next in Series)
Middle Grade

• City Spies: Mission Manhattan by James Ponti, out 2/6
• Finally Heard by Kelly Yang, out 2/27
• Finding Bear by Hannah Gold, out 2/27
• The Last Bookwanderer by Anna James, out 2/27

Graphics

• Waverider (Amulet 9) by Kazu Kibuishi, out 2/6
• Eowulf: Of Monsters and Middle School by Mike Cavallaro, out 2/13
• The Love Report, Volume 2 by Beka and Maya, out 2/13
• Agents of SUIT: From Badger to Worse by John Patrick Green, out 2/20
• Wombats! Go to Wizard's Wharf by Maddie Frost, out 2/20
• Hilo: Rise of the Cat by Judd Winick, out 2/27

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares the standout books she read during January 2024.

This episode features 10 titles: 7 graphic novels, and 3 middle grade.

FEATURED TITLES
Graphics

• A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
• Poppy and Sam and the Leaf Thief by Cathon
• Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa
• The Untimely Passing of Nicholas Fart by Josh Crute
• K Is in Trouble by Gary Clement
• Alterations by Ray Xu
• Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham

Middle Grade

• The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber
• Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango
• 15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this "My kid needs a book!" episode, Chrissie responds to 5 listener requests for kidlit they want more of in 2024.

Middle Grade Novels in Verse:

• Alone by Megan E. Freeman
• Moo  by Sharon Creech
• A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner
• The Deepest Breath by Megan Grehan
• Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Nonfiction for an 8 Year Old who likes learning about topics:

• Packing for Mars for Kids by Mary Roach
• Yummy: A History of Desserts by Victoria Grace Elliott
• Melissa LaSalle's 2023 list of browseable nonfiction
• Return of the Wild by Dr. Helen Scales
• Tales of World War II by Dr. Hattie Hearn
• Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie by David Rickett

Chapter Books About History

• I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis
• Ranger in Time series by Kate Messner
• Unsolved Case Files series by Tom Sullivan

Graphic Novels for Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Invisible Emmie

• Duel  by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley
• Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dasnes
• Click series by Kayla Miller
• Berrybrook Middle School series by Svetlana Chmakova
• Cupcake Diaries graphic novel adaptations
• PAWS series by Nathan Fairbairn and Michelle Assarasakorn
• Animal Rescue Friends series by Gina Loveless, Meika Hashimoto, and Genevieve Kote
• Sweet Valley Twins graphic novel series by Nicole Andelfinger and Francine Pascal

For a reader who just finished the Harry Potter series

• The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac
• Winterhouse trilogy by Ben Guterson
• Greenwild by Pari Thomson
• Pages & Co series by Anna James
• Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Stedman

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In today's booklist episode, Chrissie shares 8 favorite backlist picture books that can be described as dark, weird, and funny.

FEATURED TITLES: DARK // WEIRD // FUNNY

• The Barnabus Project by the Fan Brothers
• Fortunately by Remy Charlip
• The Great Zapfino  by Mac Barnett and Marla Frazee
• How Dinosaurs Went Extinct by Ame Dyckman and Jennifer Harney
• The Incredible Book-Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers
• The Pineapple Princess by Sabina Hahn
• Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe
• The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen

BONUS RECS

• It's a Secret by John Burningham
• Duckworth the Difficult Child by Michael Sussman
• The Three Billy Goats Gruff  and The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
• How to Eat a Book by Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod
• What If One Day by Bruce Handy and Ashleigh Corrin
• Dinosaurs Don't Exist by Mark Janssen
• Ten Word Tiny Tales by Joseph Coelho

ABSURD // PLAYFUL // WEIRD RECS

• TOASTY by Sarah Hwang
• CAROL AND THE PICLE-TOAD by Esme Shapiro
• DIM SUM PALACE by X. Fang
• THE WELCOME HOME by Amy June Bates
• INVISIBLE THINGS by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller

2024 RELEASES

• PEPPER AND ME by Beatrice Alemagna (1/16)
• THE TEENY-WEENY UNICORN by Shawn Harris (2/6)
• I DO NOT EAT CHILDREN by Marcus Cutler (2/20)
• PRETTY UGLY by David Sedaris and Ian Falconer (2/27)
• SPIDER IN THE WELL by Jess Hannigan (3/19)
• MILLIE FLEUR'S POISON GARDEN by Christy Mandin (7/2)

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the 10 kidlit books releasing during August 2024 that she is most looking forward to.

FEATURED TITLES

Picture Books

• Mas. Menos! by Rhode Montijo (8/6)
• The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston (8/6)
• Pizza for Birds by Bob Shea (8/13)
• The Great Expedition by Peter Carnavas (8/20)
  • Review by Mac Barnett in the NYT
• The Ship in the Window by Travis Jonker and Matthew Cordell (8/20)
• Makers by Young Vo (8/27)

Graphics

• An Unlikely Pair by Bob Scott and Vicki Scott (8/6)
• Let's Go Coco: A (Sorta) True Story by Coco Fox (8/13)
• The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower by Lee Gee Eun, translated by Aerin Park (8/13)

Middle Grade

• Read At Your Own Risk by Remy Lai (8/13)

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this deep dive episode, Chrissie shares what she wants more of in kidlit in 2024.

Resources mentioned on the show:

• ALA Newbery Terms & Criteria
• Moonbow: A Conversation with Jon Klassen

Books mentioned on the show:

• The Skull by Jon Klassen
• Maurice  by Jessixa Bagley
• Dinosaurs Don't Exist by Mark Janssen
• What If One Day by Bruce Handy
• The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
• Carol and the Pickle-Toad by Esme Shapiro
• Pineapple Princess by Sabina Hahn
• Tumble by Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom
• Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

It's here! It's time to share my favorite reads of 2023.

In this episode, Chrissie shares her 10 favorite kids nonfiction books and 10 favorite grown-up reads of 2023.

FEATURED BOOKS:

Kids Nonfiction

• ANIMALS IN PANTS by Suzy Levinson, illustrated by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell
• BUTT OR FACE? A HILARIOUS GUESSING GAME BOOK FOR KIDS by Kari LaVelle
• FUNGI GROW by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
• GOOD BOOKS FOR BAD CHILDREN by Beth Kephart, illustrated by Chloe Bristol 
• READY, SET, RUN!: THE AMAZING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Jessie Hartland
• SEARCH FOR A GIANT SQUID by Amy Seto Forrester, illustrated by Andy Chou Musser
• STRANDED!: A MOSTLY TRUE STORY FROM ICELAND by Aevar Por Benediktsson, illustrated by Anne Wilson
• THEY HOLD THE LINE: WILDFIRES, WILDLANDS,  AND THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO BRAVE THEM by Dan Paley, illustrated by Molly Mendoza
• TUMBLE by Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom
• UNSEEN JUNGLE: THE MICROBES THAT SECRETLY CONTROL OUR WORLD by Eleanor Spicer Rice, illustrated by Rob Wilson

Grown-Up Reads

• ANOTHER MARVELOUS THING by Laurie Colwin
• COUPLETS by Maggie Milner
• EMERGENCY by Kathleen Alcott
• THE GIRLS by John Bowen
• HIJAB BUTCH BLUES by Lamya H. (audiobook)
• IN MEMORIAM by Alice Winn
• ONE WOMAN SHOW by Christine Coulson
• ROMANTIC COMEDY by Curtis Sittenfeld
• TERRACE STORY by Hilary Leichter
• TOM LAKE by Ann Patchett

Possible Usurpers (aka even more grown-up reads)

• BIRNAM WOOD by Eleanor Catton
• THE VASTER WILDS by Lauren Groff
• THE UPSTAIRS DELICATESSEN: ON EATING, READING, READING ABOUT EATING, AND EATING WHILE READING by Dwight Garner

Article mentioned in the show:

NYT - Critics Picks of 2023

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

It's here! It's time to share my favorite reads of 2023.

In this episode, Chrissie shares her 8 favorite middle grade books and 10 favorite graphic novels of the year.

FEATURED BOOKS:

Middle Grade

• THE BOOK THAT NO ONE WANTED TO READ by Richard Ayoade and art by Tor Freeman
• FIREFLY SUMMER by Morgan Matson
• FOREVER TWELVE by Stacy McAnulty
• THE REMARKABLE RESCUE AT MILKWEED MEADOW by Elaine Dimopoulos and art by Doug Salati
• REMEMBER US by Jacqueline Woodson
• SIMON SORT OF SAYS by Erin Bow
• THE WIDELY UNKNOWN MYTH OF APPLE AND DOROTHY by Corey Ann Haydu
• A WORK IN PROGRESS by Jarrett Lerner

Graphic Novels

• CAT KID COMIC CLUB: INFLUENCERS by Dav Pilkey
• CROSS MY HEART AND NEVER LIE by Nora Dasnes
• DUEL by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley
• THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE AND THE SOUP OF DOOM by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris
• FOX POINT'S OWN GEMMA HOPPER by Brie Spangler
• LO & BEHOLD by Wendy Mass and Gabi Mendez
• THE MAGICIANS by Blexbolex
• SUPER MAGIC BOY: I AM A DINOSAUR by Jarrod Rosello
• THINGS IN THE BASEMENT by Ben Hatke
• WIZKIT: AN ADVENTURE OVERDUE by Tanya J. Scott

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

It's here! It's time to share my favorite reads of 2023.

In this episode, Chrissie shares her 10 favorite picture books and 4 favorite short chapter books of the year.

FEATURED BOOKS:

Picture Books

• 100 MIGHTY DRAGONS ALL NAMED BROCCOLI by David LaRochelle and Lian Cho
• DIM SUM PALACE by X. Fang
• DINOSAURS DON'T EXIST by Mark Janssen
• EVERGREEN by Matthew Cordell
• HOW DOES SANTA GO DOWN THE CHIMNEY? by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
• INVISIBLE THINGS by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller
• STICKLER LOVES THE WORLD by Lane Smith
• TEN-WORD TINY TALES TO INSPIRE AND UNSETTLE by Joseph Coelho
• THE WELCOME HOME by Amy June Bates
• WHAT IF ONE DAY by Bruce handy and Ashleigh Corrin

Short Chapter Books

• DORY FANTASMAGORY: CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU by Abby Hanlon
• THE APARTMENT HOUSE ON POPPY HILL by Nina LaCour
• THE STORY OF GUMLUCK THE WIZARD by Adam Rex
• THE SKULL by Jon Klassen

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

Note: audio quality in this episode is mixed. Thank you for your understanding. Maybe Santa will bring Chrissie a new microphone…

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares her favorite kidlit that she read during the month of November.

FEATURED BOOKS
Short Chapter Book

• DORY FANTASMAGORY: CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU by Abby Hanlon

Middle Grade

• THE ISLANDS OF ELSEWHERE by Heather Fawcett

Graphic Novels

• TIG AND LILY: PARTY ANIMALS by Dan Thompson
• BATCAT by Meggie Ramm
• SAVING H'NON: CHANG AND THE ELEPHANT by Jeet Zdung and Trang Nguyen
• CURLFRIENDS: NEW IN TOWN by Sharee Miller
• LOST TIME by Tas Mukanik
• DUEL by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

This week on Book Delight we are welcoming guest Melissa LaSalle aka @thebookmommy to discuss giftable nonfiction.

Today, Melissa is book-talking high-interest, new-release browseable nonfiction. Melissa is a book blogger at www.whattoreadtoyourkids.com, and kids book buyer at Old Town Books in Alexandria, VA.

Every year, Melissa puts together a holiday gift guide of great books to give to kids. Today, she's sharing some favorites from her roundup of Browseable Nonfiction & Novelty Books for ages 2-15.

FEATURED BOOKS:

• STOMP AND CHOMP: MY FIRST BOOK OF DINOSAURS by Simon Mole
• PIZZA, PICLES & APPLE PIE: THE STORIES BEHIND THE FOOD WE LOVE by David Rickett
• RETURN OF THE WILD: 20 OF NATURE'S GREATEST SUCCESS STORIES by Dr. Helen Scales
• TALES OF WORLD WAR II: AMAZING TRUE STORIES FROM THE WAR THAT SHOOK THE WORLD by Dr. Hattie Hearn
• BRITANNICA'S ENCYCLOPEDIA INFOGRAPHICA by Andrew Pettie, Conrad Quilty-Harper, and Valentina D'Efilippo
• DAVID ATHERTON'S BAKING BOOK FOR KIDS by David Atherton
• GROWING UP POWERFUL by Nona Willis Aronowitz

Read Melissa's other guides including illustrated chapter books, picture books, graphic novels, middle grade, and YA at whattoreadtoyourkids.com.

UPDATES FROM CHRISSIE:

• Want to support the show and receive bonus content from Chrissie? Become a paid subscriber at librarychrissie.substack.com.  Paid subscribers receive a weekly Friday treat in their inbox including features like:
  • Ursula Nordstrom Would Never 
  • Starred Review Rundown
  • Bonus Reading Raves
  • and more!
• Merch! Merch! Merch! Calling all Ursula Nordstrom stans. Buy your "Good Books for Bad Children" tee or sweatshirt here. Place orders by 11/30 with arrival by 12/20.

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In today's booklist episode, Chrissie shares recommendations for each of the 5 kinds of nonfiction as categorized by author Melissa Stewart:

• 1 - Active
• 2 - Browseable
• 3 - Traditional
• 4 - Expository
• 5 - Narrative

FEATURED BOOKS:

Active Nonfiction

• THE COMPLETE COOKBOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS by America's Test Kitchen Kids
• THE COMPLETE BAKING BOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS by America's Test Kitchen Kids
• MY FIRST COOKBOOK by America's Test Kitchen Kids

Browseable Nonfiction

• THE REPLAY: 25 GREATEST MOMENTS IN SPORTS by Adam Skinner
• WONDERFULLY WIRED BRAINS by Louise Gooding

Traditional Nonfiction

• Lightning Bolt Books from Lerner Books
• Internet Animal Stars Series from Lerner Books
  • SLOTH POWER
  • LLAMA DRAMA
  • OTTERLY ADORABLE OTTERS

Expository Nonfiction

• SKULLS! by Blair Thornburgh and Scott Campbell
• TUMBLE by Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom

Narrative Nonfiction

• STRANDED! A MOSTLY TRUE STORY FROM ICELAND by AEvar Por Benediktsson
• BESSIE THE MOTORCYCLE QUEEN by Charles R. Smith Jr. and Charlot Kristensen
• ALL THIRTEEN by Christina Soontornvat
• THE MONA LISA VANISHES by Nicholas Day
• UNSEEN JUNGLE by Eleanor Spicer Rice

SHOUTOUTS:

• Melissa LaSalle: @thebookmommy on IG, whattoreadtoyourkids.com
• Kit Ballinger: @kitonlit on IG
• Lillian, kids book buyer at Island Books, @island.books on IG

OTHER RESOURCES:

• Melissa Stewart 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: https://www.melissa-stewart.com/img2018/pdfs/5_Kinds_of_Nonfiction/2_5KNF_an_Update.pdf 
• America’s Test Kitchen Kids: https://shop.americastestkitchen.com/shop-all-products/cookbooks/kids-books.html 
• Evanston Public Library’s 2023 101 Great Books for Kids: https://www.epl.org/announcing-evanston-public-librarys-101-great-books-for-kids-2023/ 

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this deep dive episode, Chrissie answers the question: why does reading nonfiction matter for kids?

We explore 2 big reasons:

• # 1: Reading depends heavily on prior knowledge, and one of the best ways to build prior knowledge is by reading nonfiction.
• #2: Kids love it, and encouraging kids to read what they love makes them lifelong readers.

Articles and resources referenced in this episode:

• Daniel Willingham's blog: "School time, knowledge, and reading comprehension"
• "How Knowledge Helps" by Daniel Willingham
• Raising Kids Who Read by Daniel Willingham
• The Reading Mind by Daniel Willingham
• "Background Knowledge: A Key to Reading Comprehension" by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates
• "Hey, Grownups! Kids Really Do Like Nonfiction" by Cynthia Levinson, Melissa Stewart, and Jennifer Swanson
• Melissa Stewart's website: "Nonfiction Reading Resources"

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares her 10 favorite kidlit books she read during the month of October.

FEATURED BOOKS

Short Chapter Books

• THE APARTMENT HOUSE ON POPPY HILL by Nina LaCour
• PETS RULE!: MY KINGDOM OF DARKNESS by Susan Tan
• THE STORY OF GUMLUCK THE WIZARD by Adam Rex
• THE SKULL by Jon Klassen

Graphic Novels

• THE MAGICIANS by Blexbolex
• THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE AND THE SOUP OF DOOM by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris
• I AM A DINOSAUR by Jarod Rosello

Middle Grade

• THE WIDELY UNKNOWN MYTH OF APPLE AND DOROTHY by Corey Ann Haydu

Audiobooks

• THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST by Kate DiCamillo
• THE LAST BEAR by Hannah Gold

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this episode, Chrissie responds to listener requests for short chapter book recommendations.

FEATURED BOOKS
Chapter Books to Read Aloud to a First Grade Class:

• OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG by Lauren Castillo
• CORNBREAD AND POPPY by Matthew Cordell
• FABLED STABLES by Jonathan Auxier
• THE STORY OF GUMLUCK THE WIZARD
• HENRY LIKE ALWAYS by Jenn Bailey
• SEARCH FOR A GIANT SQUID by Amy Seto Forrester
• GEEGER THE ROBOT GOES TO SCHOOL by Jarrett Lerner

Funny Short Chapter Books

• PETS RULE! series by Susan Tan
• RABBIT AND BEAR series by Julian Gough
• DORY FANTASMAGORY series by Abby Hanlon
• LULU AND THE BRONTOSAURUS by Judith Viorst
• THE GIGGLER TREATMENT by Roddy Doyle

Short Chapter Books with Speech Bubbles

• THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD by Ben Clanton
• DEAR BEAST by Dori Hillestad Butler
• Branches imprint from Scholastic
  • THE PARTY DIARIES by Mitali Banerjee Ruths
  • KUNG POW CHICKEN by Cyndi Marko

Chapter Books for 5th Graders Decoding at a 2nd Grade Level

• INFAMOUS RATSOS by Kara LaReau
• WIND RIDERS: RESCUE ON TURTLE BEACH by Jen Marlin
• GRIMWOOD by Nadia Shireen

Related Podcast episodes mentioned on the show:

• Ep 13 - Deep Dive - Chapter Books
• Ep 14 - Booklist - Short Chapter Books to Read Aloud

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares her favorite kidlit she read during July 2024.

FEATURED TITLES
Short Chapter Books

• Welcome to Scare School by Jarrett Lerner

Middle Grade

• A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga
• The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko
• They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt and Mike Lowery
• Vanished! and Trapped! by James Ponti

Adult Nonfiction (that kids might like too if they've watched the PBS adaptation of ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL)

• The Wonderful World of James Heriot by James Heriot et. al (audio)

Graphic Novels

• Slice of Mallow, Vol. 1 by Adam Foreman
• Jurassic Jeff: Space Invader by Royden Lepp
• Bunny vs. Monkey: Supersonic Aye-Aye and Bunny vs. Monkey: Rise of the Maniacal Badger by Jamie Smart

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this booklist episode, Chrissie shares 9 silly spooky books to read aloud.

FEATURED TITLES

New Release Not-Scary Picture Books for Spooky Season:

• SEE THE GHOST by David LaRochelle and Mike Winouhtka
• SI. NO! by Rhode Montijo
• I WILL READ TO YOU by Gideon Sterer and Charles Santoso

Backlist Spooky Season Picture Books

• ZOMBIES DON'T EAT VEGGIES by Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera
• THERE'S A GHOST IN THIS HOUSE by Oliver Jeffers
• POULTRYGEIST by Eric Geron and Pete Oswald

Spooky Short Chapter Books

• THE SKULL by Jon Klassen
• EVIE AND THE TRUTH ABOUT WITCHES by John Martz
• RISE OF ZOMBERT by Kara LaReau and Ryan Andrews

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this booklist episode, Chrissie shares 13 chapter books that are especially fabulous as read alouds.

FEATURED TITLES

Sweet & Cozy

• OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG: THE STORY OF US by Lauren Castillo
• CORNBREAD AND POPPY by Matthew Cordell
• THE APARTMENT HOUSE ON POPPY HILL by Nina LaCour

Silly Animal Stories

• RABBIT AND BEAR: RABBIT'S BAD HABITS by Julian Gough
• MEGABAT by Anna Humphrey
• FRANK AND THE BAD SURPRISE by Martha Brockenbrough

Magical Adventures

• FABLED STABLES: WILLA THE WISP by Jonathan Auxier
• THE STORY OF GUMLUCK THE WIZARD by Adam Rex
• FORTUNATELY, THE MILK by Neil Gaiman

Bigtime Belly Laughs

• DORY FANTASMAGORY by Abby Hanlon
• JO JO MAKOONS: THE USED-TO-BE BEST FRIEND by Dawn Quigley
• PETS RULE! MY KINGDOM OF DARKNESS by Susan Tan

Hopeful Horror

• THE SKULL by Jon Klassen

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this bite-size Deep Dive episode, Chrissie answers the question: what is a chapter book?

In this episode, she defines chapter books as books that are:

• highly illustrated 
• one big story told across several chapters 
• ranging in word count from 2,000 to 10,000 words 
• 150 pages or fewer
• written with readers ages 4-9 in mind

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Word Count Dracula blog post by Jennifer Laughran
• Literaticast podcast with Jennifer Laughran
• AR Book Finder for looking up word count of published kidlit

Books mentioned in this episode:

• MERCY WATSON TO THE RESCUE by Kate DiCamillo
• THE PRINCESS IN BLACK by Shannon Hale
• THE FABLED STABLES: WILLA THE WISP by Jonathan Auxier
• STARLA JEAN by Elana K. Arnold
• THE SKULL by Jon Klassen

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this episode, Chrissie shares her favorite reads from the month of September.

Articles mentioned in the episode:

• "Let the Kids Get Weird" on LitHub
• The Undies Case Cover Awards 2022 by Travis Jonker

FEATURED BOOKS
Picture Books

• BITSY BAT, SCHOOL STAR by Kaz Windness
• STICKLER LOVES THE WORLD by Lane Smith
• MY DOG JUST SPEAKS SPANISH by Andrea Caceres
• DUCKWORTH THE DIFFICULT CHILD by Michael Sussman
• 100 MIGHTY DRAGONS ALL NAMED BROCCOLI by David LaRochelle
• JUST ONE FLAKE by Travis Jonker

Graphic Novels

• THINGS IN THE BASEMENT by Ben Hatke
• CROSS MY HEART AND NEVER LIE by Nora Dasnes
• WASHINGTON'S GAY GENERAL by Josh Trujillo (adult nonfiction)

Audiobooks

• LUNCH LADY series by Jarrett Krosozka
• BEN YOKOYAMA AND THE COOKIE OF DOOM by Matthew Swanson

Middle Grade

• THE LOST LIBRARY by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

Current Reads

• SOMETHING LIKE HOME by Andrea Beatriz Arango
• CONGRATULATIONS, THE BEST IS OVER by R. Eric Thomas
• DOPPELGANGER by Naomi Klein
• ACCOUNTABLE by Dashka Slater
• THE ENSEMBLE by Aja Gable
• HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN LIVES NEXT DOOR by Cary Fagan

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this episode, Chrissie responds to 5 listener request for audiobook recommendations.

Books discussed in the episode:

Dragon Stories for a WINGS OF FIRE fan:

• THE LOST RYU by Emi Watanabe Cohen
• WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin
• WARRIORS series by Erin Hunter

Fantasy Adventures for a HARRY POTTER fan:

• WINTERHOUSE trilogy by Ben Guterson
• EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH by Julie Abe
• ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS by Julie Abe
• TESSA MIYATA IS NO HERO by Julie Abe

LOL stories for an early chapter book reader:

• LUNCH LADY series by Jarrett Krosoczka
• STUNTBOY, IN THE MEANTIME by Jason Reynolds
• STUNTBOY, IN BETWEEN TIME by Jason Reynolds

Survival Adventures for an I SURVIVED fan:

• ALL THIRTEEN by Christina Soontornvat
• TWO DEGREES by Alan Gratz
• REFUGEE by Alan Gratz
• GROUND ZERO by Alan Gratz

Stories for 6th grade lunchtime listening:

• ALONE by Megan E. Freeman
• SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF by A.F. Stedman
• THE LAST BEEKEEPER by Pablo Cartaya
• SAL AND GABI BREAK THE UNIVERSE by Carlos Hernandez

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this deep dive episode, Chrissie shares 7 reasons why audiobooks are awesome, especially for kids!

7 reasons why audiobooks are awesome:

1. Audiobooks are inclusive.
2. Audiobooks are the same for your brain as reading on the page.
3. Audiobooks provide a model of fluency, expression, and prosody.
4. Audiobooks build background knowledge.
5. Audiobooks build vocabulary.
6. Audiobooks are fun.
7. All reading matters.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Shifting the Balance
• Learning Ally infographic - "Here's why audiobooks work"
• Daniel Willingham blog post - "Is listening to an audiobook cheating?"
• Daniel Willingham NYT article - "Is listening to a book the same thing  as reading it?"
• Sora
• Learning Ally
• Playaway audiobooks
• VOX books audiobooks

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

This month, we're exploring all things audiobooks.

In this booklist episode, Chrissie shares recommendations of 6 middle grade adventure stories that are especially awesome on audio.

Featured titles:

• MY READING ADVENTURES by Anne Bogel
• THE LAST BEEKEEPER by Pablo Cartaya
• COG by Greg Van Eekhout
• FENRIS AND MOTT by Greg Van Eekhout
• THE ADVENTURES OF A GIRL CALLED BICYCLE by Christina Uss
• A FEW BICYCLES MORE by Christina Uss
• SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF by A. F. Steadman
• SKANDAR AND THE PHANTOM RIDER by A. F. Steadman
• ALONE by Megan E. Freeman
• THE SILVER ARROW by Lev Grossman

Come back next week for a deep dive episode exploring facts and research that help us know that audiobooks are awesome.

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this episode, Chrissie shares 9 books she read and loved in the month of August.

Books discussed in the episode:

Middle Grade

• WHEN SEA BECOMES SKY by Gillian McDunn
• REMEMBER US by Jacqueline Woodson (out 10/10)
• THE CLACKITY and THE NIGHTHOUSE KEEPER (out 10/17) by Lora Senf

Graphic Novels

• SAVING CHUPIE by Amparo Ortiz
• EERIE TALES FROM THE SCHOOL OF SCREAMS by Graham Annable
• MISFIT MANSION by Kay Davault

Audiobooks

• ELF DOG AND OWL HEAD by M. T. Anderson
• MONSTER AND BOY series Hannah Barnaby
• CECE RIOS AND THE DESERT OF SOULS by Kaela Rivera

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this episode, Chrissie responds to 5 listener request for graphic novel recommendations.

Books discussed in the episode:

Comics for a First Grader

• REGGIE: KID PENGUIN by Jen de Oliveira
• SIR LADYBUG series by Corey Tabor
• THE WOLF SUIT by Sid Sharp

Comics for a Second Grade Class

• MR. WOLF's CLASS by Aron Nels Steinke
• GNOME AND RAT by Lauren Stohler
• DONUT FEED THE SQUIRRELS series by Mika Song

Graphic Novels for a 9-year old ready for a challenge

• JUNIOR HIGH by Tegan and Sara Quin and Tillie Walden
• MEASURING UP by Lily LaMotte
• THE LEAK by Kate Reed Petty

Middle Grade Sports Comics

• HOOPS by Matt Tavares
• SWIM TEAM by Johnnie Christmas
• DUEL by Jessixa and Aaron Bagley

Queer YA Graphic Novels

• THE PRINCESS AND THE GRILLED CHEESE by Deya Muniz
• STARS IN THEIR EYES by Jessica Walton and Aska

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this deep dive episode, Chrissie shares her journey to falling in love with middle grade graphic novels and gives six reasons why graphics are great.

Graphic novels build…

1. Robust vocabulary.
2. Empathy.
3. Reading stamina.
4. Comprehension.
5. A sense of accomplishment.
6. FUN!

Resources  mentioned in the show:

• Jarrett Lerner poster about vocabulary in graphic novels
• “Let Your Child Read Graphic Novels” by Nidhi Chanani in Parents
• "How does just ten minutes of free choice reading help readers?" by Pernille Rip on Instagram

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

On today's Deep Dive, Chrissie is answering one of the questions she is most frequently asked: what makes a picture book "work?"

In the episode, she describes a picture book matrix measuring axes of how didactic a book is and how much agency it gives the kid reader.

To view a graphic of the matrix, visit Chrissie's Instagram page @librarychrissie.

To get a deeper look at the matrix with lots of examples, sign up to become a paid subscriber on Chrissie's Substack and look for this Friday's post.

Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

In this booklist episode, hear about middle grade graphic novels that are big on humor and bring a chaotic plot that keeps kids coming back for more.

FEATURED TITLES:

• GERONIMO STILTON graphic novels by Tom Angleberger (4 books)
• TWO-HEADED CHICKEN by Tom Angleberger (2 books)
• THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE ATE PIZZA by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris (2 books)
• OTTO: A PALINDRAMA by Jon Agee
• THE HUNGER HEROES by Jarrett Lerner (2 books)
• HAM HELSING by Rich Moyer (3 books)
• TRUBBLE TOWN by Stephan Pastis (2 books)
• WHAT HAPPENS NEXT choose your own adventure graphics by Jess Smart Smiley (2 books)
• YOUR PAL FRED by Michael Rex (2 books)
• SNOT GOBLINS AND OTHER TASTELESS TALES by Rob Kutner 
• EERIE TALES FROM THE SCHOOL OF SCREAMS by Graham Annable

Be sure to follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's montly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this reading raves episode, Chrissie shares her 10 favorite kidlit books she read in July.

Books and resources mentioned on the show:

• THE SKULL by Jon Klassen
• HALF MOON SUMMER by Elaine Vickers
• THE REMARKABLE RESCUE AT MILKWEED MEADOW by Elaine Dimopolous
• FOREVER TWELVE by Stacy McAnulty
• LO AND BEHOLD by Wendy Mass
• DOGMAN and CAT KID COMIC CLUB by Dav Pilkey
• Dav Pilkey at the National Book Festival, 2019
• SPIDERMAN:ANIMALS ASSEMBLE by Mike Maihack
• ONCE UPON A TIM series by Stuart Gibbs
• CITY SPIES series by James Ponti
• GREENWILD by Pari Thomson

Be sure to follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this "Help! My kid needs a book!" episode, Chrissie responds to 3 listener requests: 

• Funny early readers 
• Gentle mysteries
• Tween summerween (middle grade horror)

See below for all books mentioned in the episode.

EARLY READERS:

• SEE THE CAT series by David LaRochelle (3 books)
• HI, JACK! series by Mac Barnett (8 books)
• Ready to Read Graphics from Simon Kids
  • FIGGY AND BOONE by Janee Trasler
  • NUGGET AND DOG by Jason Tharp
  • GERALDINE PU by Maggie Chang
  • THUNDER AND CLUCK by Jill Esbaum
  • WORM AND CATERPILLAR ARE FRIENDS by Kaz Windness
• I Can Read Comics from HarperKids
• NARWHAL AND JELLY by Ben Clanton (7 books)
• TATER TALES by Ben Clanton 
• OWLY by Andy Runton (4 books)
• SIR LADYBUG series by Corey Tabor (3 books)
• FOX AND CHICK by Sergio Ruzzier (4 books)
• PIZZA AND TACO by Stephen Shaskan (7 books)
• CHICK AND BRAIN by Cece Bell (2 books)
• FITZ AND CLEO by Jonathan Stutzman (3 books)
• CRANKY CHICKEN by Katherine Battersby (3 books)
• Theodor Seuss Geisel Award from the ALA

GENTLE MYSTERIES

• AVEN GREEN series by Dusti Bowling (4 books)
• FABLED STABLES series by Jonathan Auxier (3 books)
• TIDE POOL TROUBLES by Ashlyn Anstee 
• A MOUNTAIN OF A PROBLEM by Ashlyn Anstee
• MYSTERY CLUB by Davide Cali
• JUST HARRIET by Elana K. Arnold
• HARRIET SPIES by Elana K. Arnold
• WHEN SEA BECOMES SKY by Gillian McDunn
• TO CATCH A THIEF by Martha Brockenbrough

MIDDLE GRADE HORROR

• SMALL SPACES series by Katherine Arden
  • DEAD VOICES by Katherine Arden
  • DARK WATERS by Katherine Arden
  • EMPTY SMILES by Katherine Arden
• SCRITCH SCRATCH by Lindsay Currie
• SPIRIT HUNTERS by Ellen Oh
• HARU, DOG ZOMBIE HERO by Ellen Oh
• SINISTER SUMMER series by Kiersten White
  • WRETCHED WATERPARK by Kiersten White
  • VAMPIRIC VACATION by Kiersten White
  • CAMP CREEPY by Kiersten White
  • MENACING MANOR by Kiersten White
• THE ZOMBERT CHRONICLES by Kara LaReau
  • THE RISE OF ZOMBERT by Kara LaReau
  • THE RETURN OF ZOMBERT by Kara LaReau
  • THE REVENGE OF ZOMBERT by Kara LaReau
• SCARY STORIES FOR YOUNG FOXES by Christian McKay Heidicker
• SCARY STORIES FOR YOUNG FOXES: THE CITY by Christian McKay Heidicker
• THE CLACKITY by Lora Senf
• THE OJJA WOJJA by Magdalene Visaggio
• THE NIGHT GARDENER by Jonathan Auxier
• THE JUMBIES by Tracy Baptiste
• THE BELLWOODS GAME by Celia Krampien
• THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF DERELICTION by Jacqueline Davies

Be sure to follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's monthly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com. 

In this deep dive episode, hear Chrissie's summer reading manifesto: the things she wishes all grown-ups knew about summer reading.

CHRISSIE'S SUMMER READING MANIFESTO:

1. All reading is good reading.
2. Say yes to graphics.
3. Audiobooks are awesome.
4. Positive reading experiences are king.
5. Go for volume.

FEATURED RESOURCES

• Printable poster about complex vocabulary in graphics from Jarrett Lerner
• More free printable graphics from Jarrett on his website
• NYT article about audiobooks and your brain
• Daniel Willingham's book Raising Kids Who Read
• ALA Odyssey Award for audiobooks for young people

Be sure to follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's montly kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.