Cozy December Reads

Book Buzz is a blog produced in collaboration with neighborhood librarians from Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library and the Bellaire Library.

December - the month when we are anxiously awaiting the glistening glow of the holidays. We are (depending on your family) either dreading or excited to join them for the festivities. Let this be a month of fun reads - brighten your minds and try to read purely for enjoyment!

For the youngest readers I first suggest the picture book Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler. A young boy named Ernest and his dog discover a wondrous world after diving deep into a pond. The illustrations reminded me of the film Moonrise Kingdom by Houston favorite Wes Anderson. The next picture book is The Tea Party in the Woods by Japanese author Akiko Miyakoshi. The stark grey illustrations feature minimalist pops of vibrant color. The story is reminiscent of classic fairytales, a little girl ventures into the woods with a pie her father forgot for her grandmother, she then stumbles across a tea party of woodland creatures. A perfect new addition for any fairy tale lover! Next, is the fun series of Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant, which follows the everyday adventures of the lovable Poppleton, a pig residing in a small town. The stories are simple and great for beginning readers. Lastly, is Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima, an adorable and touching picture book about a little unicorn who is raised by narwhals but then realizes he is a unicorn after seeing the mystical creature on land. The whimsical and bright illustrations are perfect to brighten any wintery day.

My first chapter book recommendation is The Moorchild by Eloise Jarvis McGraw, the sweet and endearing story of a young changeling (a fairy child that replaced a human child) who begins to learn her true identity. Next is a comprehensive series called So You Want to Be a Wizard (Young Wizards #1) by Diane Duane. The story follows young Nita, who discovers a library book that provides the means to become a wizard. A fun and imaginative series that Harry Potter fans will love! Last chapter book is The Royal Diaries series from various authors. Each book is a fictional “diary” of a famous historical female. Growing up, I loved learning about the girls and the important women they became. The diaries raise the women from the history books and present them in a relatable way.

Lastly, for any adult readers I am recommending the page turning thriller The Dry by Jane Harper. The first, in what I hope to be an extensive series, is set in Australia, as a federal detective returns to his small town after his childhood friend allegedly shot his family then himself. The plot twist and turns with suspense! My other adult recommendation is a collection of fairytale retellings by Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham, A Wild Swan: And Other Tales. The morose stories are dark and eerie spins on classic tales.

Enjoy your books and time spent reading! Find that cozy nook and get cuddled up with a book, the best companion of all!