Staff Picks: Past Children's

George's pick
Long before we knew what the fox says George the dog was going meow, quack, and oink. Is this a whimsical story about a silly dog? Or a cautionary tale about a twisted canine with an insatiable appetite for flesh? Preschoolers love its engaging simplicity; adults worry about the grammar and message – what will the kid inside you say?

Michael's pick
AKA the story of one of my sisters.

Jessica's pick
Need a moral boost for midterms? This picture book, with macabre fairytale elements that only a pre-WWII published book can naturally pull off, is literally a Battle Royale of cats. The premise of the story is of a lonely elderly couple’s search for a cat companion, but how they achieve this end is (unexpectedly) equally horrific and hilarious.
Despite its appearance, Millions of Cats has acquired a legacy to its name, not only being the oldest American picture book still in print, but as a 1929 John Newberry Award winner as well. Those accolades aside, Millions of Cats is unquestionably worth the read. :)

Connie's pick
Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean resonates with me of course because I practise yoga and enjoy the moments of meditation that it encourages. My grandsons were very attentive when I read them the story of Moody Cow’s terrible day and how he let his temper get the best of him. His mother wisely suggested a visit to his grandfather, where he watched all his angry thoughts “swirl around like crazy in the jar.”

Dalene's pick
Fun Fact: In your lifetime you will drink the equivalent of a swimming pool of water.

Dalene's pick
Want to learn a new language? Why not try Michif, the language of the Métis people. The vowel and consonant pronunciation guide at the back of the book will have you saying “hello,” “blueberry crêpes,” and “syrup” in no time. Author and illustrator Julie Flett's use of silhouettes and the colour red have a stunning visual impact. The best part of all? Julie lives right here in Vancouver and her career is taking off. You might also like her other book, Wild Berries, which can be found here.

Dalene's pick
Looking for a quick brain refresh after studying? Try William Carlos Williams’s The Red Wheelbarrow! A lot could depend upon it...

Jessica's pick
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a book in possession of a bad cover must not want to be read. Unless it has a cat on it.
I picked this book up based solely for that reason, and was unexpectedly brought to tears almost at the first page. In a child’s voice the story narrates the loss of a beloved cat, Barney, and the transition of grief the boy experiences. After his pet’s burial, the boy realizes something beautiful. That in the ground everything changes and grows, and now Barney’s there too helping grow flowers and trees, and “that’s a pretty nice job for a cat.” Everyone who has lost a creature will be able to identify with this book, and find solace from it.

Michael's pick
Delightfully demented.

George's pick
Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

Jessica's pick
This is a unique (and bizarre) story of what happens on a bimulous night, and what one must do on such occasions. Many particular things have to happen to make a bimulous night, and if you decide to go outdoors there are specific rules that need to be followed. Bimulous nights only happen in summer and there absolutely MUST be a purple sky. Also, otters will sing (FYI they only know one derogatory song about snails), and after the singing you and the otters (and the snails) eat spaghetti with pineapple sauce (no other meal is optional). It’s a really fun occasion, you should definitely read more about what happens. :)