Spooky Books for the Halloween Season - Ottawa Public Library Recommendations

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books. This month’s post was submitted by Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, Children’s Programming and Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch.

Don’t read these titles in the dark!

With spooky season upon us, why not take some time to indulge in some fun and creepy new titles from the Ottawa Public Library?

Monsters in the Fog by Ali Bahrampour

As Hakim the donkey travels up the mountain, he encounters a goat who warns him of monsters on the misty and twisty trail. In this cleverly illustrated picture book, we find that things are not always as they appear. Children and adults alike will have fun trying to guess the shapes.

Creepy Tales! series by Aaron Reynolds

Things always start out great for this school-aged rabbit, but then things always seem to go from bad to worse. Follow Jasper in these fun read-aloud books, as he tries to outsmart some spooky carrots, a persistent pair of underwear and a relentless crayon. Titles are also available in French.

You're Invited to a Creepover series By P.J. Knight

In this new graphic novel series, adapted from the chapter book series of the same name, readers are sure to be spooked! Perfect for fans of the Goosebumps series.

Area 51 Files series by Julie Buxbaum

When Sky is sent to live with her uncle, she never imagined that she’d end up solving mysteries in Area 51! Follow Sky, her pet hedgehog and her new friend Elvis (who also happens to be an alien), as they try to keep themselves and the residents of Area 51 safe, in this funny new illustrated chapter book series.

Shakti by SJ Sindu

Shakti and her best friend Xi have discovered that the three mean girls in school have put a curse on the town. When Shakti tries to draw on her own magical powers, she accidentally summons Kali Ma, who represents destruction. Can she learn to find peace and tame Kali Ma before she destroys the town and everyone in it? This graphic novel is a great choice for those who love mythology and stories about magic.

 The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy

When something mysterious is unearthed by a construction company in a quiet seaside town, and all of the adults begin acting strange, it’s up to the kids to figure out what’s gone wrong before it’s too late. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things or author Neil Gaiman. Grades 4 and up.

Great Graphic Novels - Recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great graphic novels books with us. This month’s post is by Lise Dumas, Supervising Librarian, Children's and Teen Services at the Greely, Metcalfe, Osgoode and Vernon Branches of Ottawa Public Library.

The graphic novels for kids I have read have been surprising, informative, entertaining, and beautiful. Many have been based on the author’s own experiences, which open a window into other kids’ lives. This may also allow a child to recognize similar experiences they have encountered in their own life. Other favourites have been pure fantasy, which is a wonderful way to escape into another world altogether.  

For those of you who love graphic novels, Ottawa Public Library has a wonderful collection for all ages.  Here are some of my favourite children’s selections this year:  

Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

Ages 9—12

Ten-year-old Taiwanese Feng-Li, with her two older siblings, is left by their parents in America when their visas expire. The children are undocumented and must live without drawing undo attention to themselves, all while trying to learn a new language and culture. They must deal with frightening obstacles, racist bullying, finding one’s own identity and making friends. The author uses beautiful vibrant colours for the images. The texts are either in white balloons when they are speaking English or Yellow balloons when speaking in Chinese.

Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter

Ages 8-12

Avery, an eleven-year-old who is feeling sleep deprived and squished in a house with six other siblings. She is vying for her own room and concocts a scheme to make money to convert the basement into another bedroom. It is a heartwarming tale about the importance and the love of family. The images on the page are large, easy to follow and beautiful.

Picture Day by Sarah Sax

Ages 8-12

Seventh-grader, Viv is tired of the same look and routine. On picture day, she cuts her own hair and becomes a school style influencer. In doing so, however, she starts to lose sight of the most important people in her life: her mom and her best friends. The drawings are simple, fun and expressive.

Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza

Ages 8-12

Sixth-grader Rex must not only contend with being one of the only boys at school who has not undergone a growth spurt, but also weak eyes that require dreaded glasses and a best friend who decides to hang out with the class bully. Rex must find a new way to fit in at school and learn to ask and accept help. Fans of Jerry Craft and Raina Telgemeier will appreciate this book.

Pearl of the Sea by Anthony Silverston, Raffaella Delle Donne and Willem Samuel

Ages 10-13

This beautifully rendered graphic novel is about making unlikely friends, such as sea monsters, and recovery after experiencing loss and grief. This story is about how teenage diver Pearl and sea creature Otto heal each other, while battling outside forces. This graphic novel is located in our teen collection.

Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure by Leigh Luna

Ages 9-15

Fantasy graphic novel for young readers, Clementine Fox has some exciting adventures with her friends and family. Vivid colours and fun extras at the end of the book will delight younger readers.

Cat’s Cradle: The Mole King’s Lair by Jo Rioux

Ages 8-12

This sequel to Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine (2022) is full of action and adventure as Suri, imp Caglio and monstrously large dog Byron, continue their quest to locate Monster’s Cradle. The trio end up in a cave with a troll king, and with the assistance of a thief named Kolya, will attempt a daring escape with a treasure of gold.

Scurry by Mac Smith

10+

Stunning webcomic that is now in print, animal lovers will be mesmerized by the movie-like images. In this story, humans have disappeared from the earth, leaving the animals that depended on them to fend for themselves. House mice Wix and friends are desperately looking for food and ways to survive, while being hunted by feral cats and other predators. They are helped in their struggles by animals of all kinds. Fans of the Redwall books by Brian Jacques will love this tale.

Interactive Picture Books for Kids - Ottawa Public Library

Want some new and interactive picture book ideas for your kids - here is a list of favourites from the Ottawa Public Library. Let us know if you’ve read any before and which are YOUR favourites.

When I was child, I used to love interactive picture books. Where’s Waldo, The Jolly Postman, The Hungry Caterpillar and Ted and Dolly’s Submarine Surprise. I enjoyed those books so much because I was able to participate in Storytime, I could flip flaps, find Waldo or move the submarine from page to page. As I got older my love for being a part of the story did not waver, I moved onto choose your own adventure books and would read them and re-read them till I got the ending I wanted.

I am all grown up and now get to introduce children to these books each week during Family Storytime. These books will engage the audience, make them laugh and hopefully inspire an excitement for literacy. I have put together a list of my favorite interactive picture books, which are available to borrow at the Ottawa Public Library.

This Book Can Read Your Mind

This hilarious interactive book plays on the idea that when you're told NOT to think of something, somehow it is all you can think about. The book begins with a scientist switching on an incredible new invention: a mind-reading machine!

Press Here

This book instructs the reader on how to interact with the illustrations to create imaginative images.

Tap the Magic Tree

Invites the reader to tap, rub, touch, and wiggle illustrations to make an apple tree bloom, produce fruit, and lose its leaves.

Bunny Slopes
In this interactive picture book, the reader must help Bunny stay on course as he skies down the slope.

Mix It Up!

Using no special effects other than the reader's imagination, simple directions lead the reader to experiment with mixing and changing colors on the printed page.

Don't Push The Button!

The only rule in Larry's book is that the reader not push the button, but when no one is looking, it may be irresistible.

Count The Monkeys

The reader is invited to count the animals that have frightened the monkeys off the pages.

Crunch, The Shy Dinosaur

Crunch The Shy Dinosaur advises the reader on how to interact with a very shy dinosaur.

Touch The Brightest Star

An interactive picture book showcasing the beauty of nighttime.

Middle Grade Fantasy Favourites: Mystery, Magic and More

The power of a novel to transport one to another world, filled with excitement and thrills, is incredible.  The magic in new middle grade fantasy stories is no exception! As Popp (2021) points out:

“Middle grade books with magical themes are literal magic, in a way. They transport readers to places real or imagined. Their lore is wholly concocted by the author or inspired by mythologies from around the world.”

Further, as Popp (2021) references, these types of novels can help readers feel empowered; magic can help one to achieve their goals—and find courage, and strength and to remember than they have these abilities within them.

This blog will focus on some of my newer fantasy favorites—with strong characters, new adventures and a focus on doing what is right....

CeCe Rios and the  Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera

When CeCe was 7, she was wandering in the desert and met Tzizimitl, the criatura of stars and devouring.   Five years later she encounters a dark criatura  called El Sombrerón when he captures her sister Juana and takes her back to Devil's Alley to make her his bride. Cece is determined to get her sister back and is willing to do whatever it takes to get to Devil’s Alley to save her... even if it means training to be a bruja and practicing dark magic...

 Kirkus describes CeCe as a “...culturally rich adventure weaves Spanish and Nahuatl throughout the text. With strong ties to Mesoamerican lore and culture, the story hits the sweet spot between dark and light.”

This is a story of inner strength, magic, spirits, and adventure and is to keep readers of all ages captivated until the very end! 

Amari and the Night Brothers- B.B. Alston

Quinton Peters, Amari's brother, is missing. She misses him greatly and is determined to find him. One day a mysterious package appears in Quinton's closet containing a magic suit, and a nomination to join a summer camp with the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. It also contains magic glasses that allow her to see a whole other world...

As Amari discovers her inner power, and strength, she also discovers that she is a magician, and unfortunately, magicians are not looked upon with favor in this new world.

This novel has some great lessons about privilege and prejudice, as well as magic, mythical creatures, humor, and adventure (and the best part—it's part of a trilogy!).

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas

For Nic’s 12th birthday her father gets her a pet hellhound (Cocoa)...but refuses to share with her how to use her ‘gift’ and what makes her a ‘remarkable.’ When Nic gets grounded the same night that her favorite author TJ Retro is in town for a signing, she sneaks out... and that night her world changes forever. She learns that her favorite book series is actually a fictionalized version of her father (and friends) childhoods fighting evil AND that TJ is actually a manifestor!  She learns her dad has been accused of stealing something very powerful and they are in danger.

It is up to Nic to navigate this new world to try to save him, with the help of her Cocoa, her long lost twin, and ‘unremarkable’ best friend as they embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

Kirkus describes as “A story of African American folklore and mythology, and an examination of Black American’s history and trauma in a fantastical world.”  

An excellent novel sure to be devoured!

Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows- Ryan Calejo

Charlie grew up listening to his abuela’s stories about the supernatural, but he soon discovers that they may not be just stories...

When Charlie’s parents mysteriously go missing he is determined to find out what happened to them, and why he has started growing feathers (and horns).  When he discovers a map in his mother’s old locket he embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime, where La Llorona, La Cuca and El Sombrerón are awaiting (and are no longer just names from his abuela’s stories).

Chupacarter – George Lopez and Ryan Calejo

A humourous story involving 12 –year-old Jorge, and his new best friend, a 7 foot tall chupacabra! 

When Jorge is sent away to live with his grandparents  he is not pleased.  They live in a remote area of New Mexico, and he doesn’t know anyone there.  When he meets a monster in the woods, he is initially terrified, but he soon learns that the monster Carter is not dangerous, and is just a lonely chupacabra that has been separated from his family.  He soon discovers that they share a love of video games, junk food and shoes, and they become fast friends.

When livestock start showing up dead Jorge becomes worried for Carter’s safety, as the townspeople want to know who (or what) is responsible are looking for creatures in the woods. Jorge knows Carter is innocent, and with the help of his new friends he embarks upon a quest to save him...  

All these great books are available to borrow from the Ottawa Public Library! Really enjoyed one of the titles and want to find something similar? Check out NoveList K-8 for read-alikes, recommendations, and more!

Don’t have a library card yet? No problem, you can register for free online!

This month’s blog is written by Charmaine Atrooshi, Children and Teen Librarian at the Hazeldean Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

Middle Grade Fiction: Expand Your Horizons - Recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share fabulous folktale books with us. This month’s post is by Raven Winn-Desroches, Librarian, Children's and Teen Services at the St Laurent Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

When kids first start reading novels on their own, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many books out there. It can seem quite overwhelming. Often, they will turn to the most popular books. The ones their friends are reading and talking about. While there is nothing wrong with this (I strongly believe that it does not matter what is being read, as long as kids are reading), it can lead to frustration. They do not like the popular books, or do not see themselves represented in its pages. Or they have simply read all the popular books and are now looking for more. 

The list below is meant to help with this issue. These books feature a variety of marginalized voices all the while telling stories that can appeal to everyone. Reading outside of their immediate experiences can help kids learn empathy, and these books teach them about the world around them and the people in it. It is also a great jumping off point for anyone looking to read more diversely, or who simply want to see themselves reflected in the books they read. 

I have also put together a list featuring the books below, and others like it here: Middle Grade: Expand your horizons | Bibliothèque publique d'Ottawa | BiblioCommons 

All books mentioned are aimed at readers aged 8-12, but everyone’s preferences and comfort levels when it comes to reading may vary. 

Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy 

Dear Sweet Pea follows thirteen-year-old Patricia as she grapples with the effects of her parents’ divorce on her life. She is recruited by her neighbour, the town’s eccentric local advice columnist, Flora Mae, to manage her mail while she is away. Patricia cannot help herself: she notices the handwriting on one of the letters and responds to it as Flora Mae. This sets off a chain of events that throws Patricia’s friendships into disarray as she toes the line between right and wrong. 

The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker & Stacy Davidowitz 

The Chance to Fly is the story of musicals-obsessed Nat Beacon. She is never seen an actor on stage who uses a wheelchair for mobility like she does, but she gets the chance to change that when she moves to a new town and gets cast in the ensemble of an all-kids production of Wicked. 

No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen 

In No Vacancy, Miriam Brockman and her family move to a small rural town in New York State, where they have purchased a dilapidated motel in the hopes of turning it into a successful business. Seeing her family struggle with this, Miriam and her new friend Kate orchestrate the appearance of a religious image in the town, in hopes of driving up much-needed tourism in the town. This book expertly interweaves Miriam’s Jewish faith, and the reality of antisemitism in today’s world, with themes of family and friendships that everyone will relate to. 

Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff  

Different Kinds of Fruit tells the story of Annabelle Blake as she navigates her budding friendship with a new student at her school. With Bailey, Annabelle’s world opens up, and she learns about things she had never thought of before – including gender, intercommunity conflict, and LGBTQ history. This is a coming-of-age story that shows readers how things like gender and sexuality and acceptance may not be quite so black and white. 

Fifty-Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn Rogers by Caela Carter 

Gwendolyn Rogers is a fifth grader who, ever since she discovered a list of fifty-four things that are wrong with her (Number 16: she is sneaky. Number 13: She is impulsive), has become determined to fix everything that is wrong with her. Otherwise, she believes, she will only continue to be a bad daughter, student, friend, or person in general. Author Caela Carter pulls from her own experiences as someone with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia to create a moving and richly told story about self-acceptance. 

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston 

Amari and the Night Brothers is the first book in a fantasy series. Amari Peters’s brother, Quinton, went missing some time ago, but Amari has never given up hope that he is still alive. When she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet containing information about something called the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, Amari cannot help but want to investigate. This plunges her into a world where magicians, fairies, aliens, and all manner of supernatural creatures are real. Now, she must now compete for a spot in the BSA in hopes of discovering what truly happened to Quinton. 

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat 

The Last Mapmaker is a story of identity and integrity, perfect for fans of tales of adventure. It follows twelve-year-old Sai, assistant to Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker. The daughter of a notorious conman, Sai hides her identity to maintain a respectable position in society. However, as her ship approaches the Sunderlands – a land of dragons, riches, and dangers untold, Sai must grapple with her lies, and decide what her future is worth to her. The Last Mapmaker deftly approaches themes of colonization and discovery that make it must-read.