Good Night, Gorilla
A lot can happen in twenty years – including the publication of hundreds of children’s books. Need help deciding which ones to revisit? The children’s librarians at the Brighton Memorial Library recommend these titles and authors with staying power!
1994
Good Night, Gorilla
By Peggy Rathman, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, hardcover, $15.99, Ages birth-3
When it’s time for lights out at the zoo, a sneaky gorilla takes the zookeeper’s keys and lets the other animals out of their cages! This classic bedtime book cannot be missed.
1995
Math Curse
Written by John Scieszka & Illustrated by Lane Smith, Viking, hardcover, $16.99,
Ages 6-8
Our narrator has been cursed by his math teacher and now sees everything in life as a math problem! Scieszka was the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and while he is well known for his newer Truck Town books, his talent spans decades.
1996
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
By Kevin Henkes, Greenwillow, hardcover, $17.99, Ages 3-6
It can be hard to sit quietly in school, especially when you have a special favorite show and tell that you want to share with everyone – even if it gets you in trouble. A real gem that’s great for kids starting school. Caldecott Award Winner Kevin Henkes could not be left off this list.
1997
Rapunzel
Retold & Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinksy
Dutton, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 5-8
Fans of Disney’s Tangled may enjoy this version of the original German folk tale. Known for his fairy tale retellings, Zelinsky’s beautifully detailed illustrations are highly recommended for your viewing pleasure.
1998
No, David!
By David Shannon, Blue Sky Press, hardcover, $15.95, Ages 2-5
David’s mom always says no…except when it really matters. Time and time again David Shannon proves that he totally gets kids.
1999
The Gruffalo
Written by Julia Donaldson & Illustrated by Axel Scheffler, Dial, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-5
Mouse outsmarts predators in the woods with threats of the Gruffalo who of course isn’t real…. Fun, sing-songy rhymes makes this tale a great read aloud that will get stuck in your head for hours.
2000
Hope Was Here
By Joan Bauer , G. P. Putnam’s Sons, paperback, $7.99, Ages 10-16
Sixteen-year-old Hope helps her aunt run a local diner that becomes a hotbed of political activity as its previous owner runs for mayor. Award winning Joan Bauer always offers tweens and teens good old fashioned storytelling at its best.
2001
A Single Shard
By Linda Sue Park, Clarion, hardcover, $15, Ages 10-16
Tree-ear, a thirteen-year-old boy in medieval Korea, has a chance to prove himself to a skilled potter despite his orphan status. This local author writes thoughtful books across the spectrum of children’s literature, winning awards along the way.
2002
I Stink!
Written by Kate McMullan & Illustrated by Jim McMullan, Joanna Cotler Books, paperback, $6.99, Ages 3-6
What is it like to be a garbage truck? Travel along with one tonight and find out! The McMullans team up again and again to bring vehicles to life.
2003
The City of Ember
By Jeanne DuPrau, Random House, 2003, paperback, $6.99, Ages 8-13
Lina searches for answers in her underground city where the lights are threatening to go out for good. Don’t judge this book based on the film version – this stunning debut is worthy of all its praise.
Deena Viviani is a Rochester-based Young Adult Services Librarian who writes reviews for VOYA and the RACWI Newsletter. Read more reviews on her blog www.deenaml.livejournal.com or send her a note at [email protected] – she loves to hear from readers!
more reads
Some beloved household names got their starts in the last twenty years. How many has your family read?
Picture Books
Olivia tales By Ian Falconer 2000- present
How Do Dinosaurs… Written by Jane Yolen & Illustrated by Mark Teague 2000-present
Bear Snores On and more Written by Karma Wilson & Illustrated by Jane Chapman 2002-2012
Skippyjon Jones By Judith Schachner 2003-present
The Pigeon books By Mo Willems 2003-present
Early Reader
Mr. Putter & Tabby Written by Cynthia Rylant & Illustrated by Arthur Howard 2002-present
Middle Grade
Captain Underpants By Dav Pilkey 1997-present
Harry Potter By J. K. Rowling 1998-2007
Judy Moody Written by Megan McDonald & Illustrated by Peter Reynolds 2000-2012
The Warriors By Erin Hunter 2003-present
Young Adult
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants By Ann Brashares 2001-2007
Alex Rider By Anthony Horowitz 2001-present
Naruto Masashi Kishimoto 2003-present
