Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, 2012

Extra Yarn is about a little girl who finds a magical box of yarn that seems like it will never run out. I love the illustrations and the really nice, lightly magical story with kooky characters. Leaves me warm and fuzzy like a newly knitted sweater!

Genre: Picture Book

Recommended by Camille from Library Headquarters

Little Bird by Germano Zullo, 2012

This small storybook with very sparse text was a wonderful read. It tells the story of a Chaplinesque truck driver, driving his truck filled with a flock of birds to the edge of a cliff. He releases the birds but finds one small bird still inside.

Genre: Picture Book

Recommended by Jeffrey from Bell Gardens Library

You Will Be My Friend! by Peter Brown, 2011

A determined (if not slightly overzealous) bear named Lucy wants to make a new friend, and nothing will stand in her way.

Genre: Picture Book

Recommended by Susan B from Central Regional Office

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery, 2012

A short, illustrated biography of the extraordinary activist covers a lot in just 150 pages: standing up for what's right, looking at problems from all points of view, and helping us understand the challenges and gifts of one person's autism.

Genre: Nonfiction - Biography

Recommended by Darcy from North Regional Office

Wonder by R.J. Palacio, 2012

Two staff members enjoyed this title. Elizabeth from Library Headquarters says, "Told in alternating voices, Wonder is the beautiful story of a boy named August, who has severe facial deformities, going to school and making friends for the first time in the fifth grade." Jose from El Camino Real Library adds that this is a "must-read book" that examines bullying, friendship, courage, love, and the challenges of trying to fit when you are different.

Genre: Fiction

Recommended by Jose & Elizabeth T from El Camino Real Library & Library Headquarters

The Council of Mirrors (The Sisters Grimm #9) by Michael Buckley, 2012

This final book in the Sisters Grimm series is the darkest. There is lots of loss. For most of the story the main characters are hopeful, but they are surrounded by sadness and defeat. But there is a happy and fulfilling ending. Well done, Buckley!

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy

Recommended by Camille from Library Headquarters

Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, 2011

Imagine a founding father and a former president being both your master and your father. This impeccably researched work of historical fiction looks at the last years of Thomas Jefferson's life through the eyes of three of his slaves.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommended by Susan B from Central Regional Office

The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, 2010

If you like the Series of Unfortunate Events, you will love the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place who were literally raised by wolves. It is up to Governess Lumley to protect, educate and perhaps solve the mystery of the children's upbringing.

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Audiobook

Recommended by Marta W from La Crescenta Library

Let's Go for a Drive! by Mo Willems, 2012

Elephant & Piggie books are perfect to share with a little one you want to laugh with. In this book Elephant decides he & Piggie should go for a drive - but first they need to prepare. Do they have everything they need & what happens if they don't?

Genre: Picture Book

Recommended by Sarah C from Angelo M. Iacoboni Library

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin, 2011

This book is a true depiction of how every day Russian Citizens lived during the time of the Great Terror in Soviet Russia. Find out how Sasha Zaichik’s world is turned upside down in a single day

Genre: Fiction

Recommended by Victoria from Quartz Hill Library

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel, 2004

Fast-moving adventure set in an alternate past when zeppelins rule the sky and voyage to lands as yet undiscovered. The full cast audio version is so immersive and compelling, I wanted to keep driving so I could hear more! (first in a series)

Genre: Fantasy, Audiobook

Recommended by Darcy from North Regional Office