April 2025
Laura’s Pick:
Sorcery and small magics by Maiga Doocy (2025)
The aptly named Sebastian Grimm and Leovander Lovage (grumpy/sunshine duo) have a magical problem, and while they can’t agree on who is to blame (it’s the other person, right?), they both know that there’s only one solution: to go into the forbidden woods and seek out a powerful sorcerer with a counterspell. If you’re looking for a slow-burn romance with low-stakes, cozy fantasy and lots of witty banter, check this out.
Jenna’s Children's Poetry Picks:
Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman
The youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, Amanda Gorman, is back with an inspirational poem for girls everywhere. Paired with bright, colorful illustrations and diverse characters, Gorman's words celebrate girlhood in its many forms and the power of lifting each other up. A powerful, must read for girls everywhere. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years old.
If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility selected by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
This beautifully illustrated collection contains poems by 31 diverse authors such as Nikki Grimes, Bob Raczka, Joseph Bruchac, and Emily Dickinson. It is organized into four sections: "Everyday Magic", "The Power of You", "Kinfolk and Companions", and "Anything is Possible". There is truly something for every reader as the poems cover appreciation of nature, identity and support systems, emotions and feelings, and the importance of imagination for every child to see all of the possibility and potential in their world. Recommended for ages 7 to 10 years old.
John’s Picks:
American Standard by James Taylor (2020)
The twentieth studio album by Taylor and one that sees him interpreting classic songs from the American Songbook. With covers of standards such as, “My Blue Heaven,” “Teach Me Tonight,” and “Moon River,” Taylor won for Best Traditional Pop Vocal album at the 63rd Grammy Awards.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
An adventure comedy film based on the long-running videogame franchise of the same name. The first film of the series, it stars Ben Schwarz as the voice of Sonic opposite Jim Carrey, who portrays his nemesis, Dr. Robotnik. Also starring James Marsden, the film is action-packed and fun for the whole family.
Reacher (2024)
The second season of the popular Amazon series based on the books by Lee Child. Alan Ritchson returns, reprising his role as the titular military policeman. In this season, Reacher investigates the murder of one his former Special Investigative Unit officers, uncovering an illegal arms enterprise in the process. With a commanding performance from Ritchson, the show’s second season is just as impressive as the first.
Lauren’s Picks:
Wicked (2024)
Based on the smash-hit Broadway musical, this film tells of an Oz before Dorothy arrived, when the Wicked Witch of the West was still called Elphaba. Born with green skin, Elphaba has always been different, but while escorting her sister to study at Shiz University she displays extraordinary powers and becomes enrolled herself. Forced to room with the self-absorbed Galinda, she studies sorcery in the hopes of meeting the Wizard. She and Galinda forge an unlikely friendship, but everything is torn asunder when Elphaba discovers truths about their world that send the two friends on diverging paths. Though this is only the first half of the story, it concludes in a way that both satisfies and leaves you wanting more. Part two will be released later this year, and I can’t wait!
Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse (2022)
In the follow-up to Black Sun, Tova is still locked in the embrace of the eclipse, falling into eternal night as the battle between the sun god and the crow god continues. With the old ways destroyed, tentative new alliances are formed, but will they hold in the face of a new and uncertain future?
Ashlee’s Children’s Pick:
If you find a fawn: a what-to-do for wild wanderers by Kellie Dubay Gillis; illustrated by Wazza Pink (2025)
(Recommended for ages 3-5 years)
What do you do when you find a baby animal in nature? This gentle picture book written by environmental scientist, Kellie Dubay Gillis, takes readers through various scenarios when encountering adorable, but wild, baby animals. While intended for young readers, this is a great reminder for animal-lovers of all ages. This book is part of the Disney Planet Possible Books series.
Linda’s Pick:
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
Fiona Davis has written a series of mysteries set in the famous landmarks of NYC. Her latest, The Stolen Queen, centers around the Metropolitan Museum of Art, specifically the Egyptian Art collection. The story goes between 1936 Egypt and 1978 New York City. Former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland also makes an appearance. Once again Davis educates us with historical facts while entertaining us with a fast-paced story. The mystery is very intriguing and the ending is satisfying.