Children's Staff Picks

Fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge lives at the Resthaven Home for Dreamslingers, a safe haven for children born with a genetic mutation that transports them to a powerfully magical realm while they sleep. But this magic can be unpredictable, even deadly.

What if you could understand what your dog was thinking? One day, Will and his dog, Whisker, are wondrously summoned to an enchanted world . . . where Whisker becomes a WOLF. And, he and Will can speak to each other! Incredible adventures abound, in this mystical, moonlit land where excitement is everywhere and danger could be just around the corner.

Hey, you - yes, you! Remember when we found that really deep hole and you jumped in and I had to jump in to rescue you and at the bottom of the hole we found the cave of the legendary Peanut Butter Beast? That was one of our deepest - and most dangerous - adventures ever! What? You don't remember? Well, have I got a story for you! Let me remind you how it all went down ... and down ... and down ... and down.

A mother reassures her child that, no matter what the child may change into--be it rhinoceros, camel, ringtail raccoon, or giraffe--the mother will recognize the child anywhere.

Shows how each of us fits into life's big picture, and how the world would be incomplete without each person in it.

Sailor, dancer, teacher, vet - explore all the many things you can be when you're older in this heartfelt text from author Rob Biddulph. Full of hope and childhood ambition, and with glorious illustrations throughout, be introduced to the world of work in this inspiring picture book, perfect for little dreamers.

Janey's family is about to set sail for the adventure of a lifetime! The only problem? Janey must leave her school, her life, her best friend, the entire country behind for new adventures -- coral reefs, colourful markets, and new cultures. Life at sea is exhilarating, but there's a major downside: when you're raising anchor every few days with sights on a new harbour, it's almost impossible to make new friends. This stunning graphic novel charts both the turbulence and joys of growing up.

BFFs Grace and Lola talk about everything related to romance--and have lots of questions: What about the mysterious allure of the popular girl at school? And the rebellious goth with the reputation? And boys. Lola has an idea--they'll observe, study, and analyze all the couples at their Junior High--and compile their findings as The Love Report. Surprises await them, and force them to learn to see beyond appearances in this fast-paced series opener.

Ollie Herisson's dad is a diplomat, which means her family moves around a lot. She has already lived in Singapore, Korea and France. When Ollie starts at a new school, she doesn't worry about making a good impression because she knows she'll get a fresh start when they move again. A complete reset. But after a mortifying first day at her new school, Ollie learns that her parents are going to buy a house so that she and her sister can finish school in one place. Can Ollie learn to be herself and make real friends when she can't just run away?

All big sister Abby wants is to spend more time with her friends, far away from the sticky fingers and snooping eyes of her annoying brothers and sisters. But when a case of the chickenpox leaves the Lai kids covered in scratchy red spots and stuck at home together for two weeks of nonstop mayhem, Abby thinks this might be the end - of her sanity. Will the itch to escape her siblings overwhelm Abby or will she realize being a big sister isn't all bad?