Books Inc. Kids's blog

We LOVE Seraphina!

It's so RARE that we all agree on a book here at Books Inc. that we HAD to share this one with you! Behold, the Books Inc. Kids popularity contest winner (we didn't even know we HAD a popularity contest), SERAPHINA! Good for ages 10+

Dragons are people too... or at least, they have the option to be in Seraphina's world. Humans and dragons have worked out a fragile truce, which is constantly under threat from the violent members of both races-- and it falls to Seraphina, to combat a conspiracy that would bring ruinous war. Brilliant storytelling, a fresh and winning voice, and a wholly original approach to the dragon myth make this an exciting, unforgettable read. --Tom Gartner, buyer from Books Inc. Chestnut Street

I haven’t responded like this to a book since I first read Eon: The Last Dragoneye by Alison Goodman. Seraphina is about bigotry, and the church that feeds it. It is a warning, and illuminates the path away from that sin. Tough going, I wouldn’t give it to anyone younger than 4th grade.
Deeply great stuff. –Elizabeth, children’s specialist from Books Inc. Alameda

I’ll be the first to admit that typically, when confronted with a book about dragons, I shy away. It’s an old prejudice, one that was proved gloriously wrong by Rachel Hartman’s breath-taking debut, Seraphina. Though Hartman’s writing style pays homage to fantasy great J.R.R. Tolkien, and has faint echoes of Megan Whalen Turner’s prose, her world and her characters are completely of her own devising. Masterful pacing and superb character development keep the pages turning, but it was the expert world-building that stirred my imagination. The world of Seraphina is one that I have never seen before, and is also one to which I am eager to return. For once, I found myself thinking, thank goodness it’s a series! --Maggie, Children’s Department Director

If you crave an exquisite fantasy of substance, you have found your prize. Seraphina is a singularly beautiful story of identity, passion, and, yes, dragons! Hartman has designed a world and characters that are complex and engaging, and her prose is absolutely brilliant, not a word wasted in creating each perfectly crafted scene and conversation. This book will question your preconceptions, enliven your imagination, and expand your vocabulary, all in due measure. --Tanya, manager at Books Inc. Palo Alto

I don’t usually read YA but I found this book quickly caught my interest. It’s an amazing story about a girl who is a brilliant musician, an intrepid investigator, who also possesses boundless charm and spirit. She’s haunted by a dark and terrible secret; her mother is a DRAGON! (Ages 12+) --Josh Books Inc. Berkeley

Arlo Needs Glasses by B

This is a fun and engaging read about a dog (Arlo) that is having a problem with his sight. Arlo’s owner takes him to get glasses and he has to search for just the right pair! Children and adults will get a kick out of the pop ups, and it sends a positive message to kids about wearing glasses. (Ages 3+) --Reviewed by Melanie of Books Inc. Berkeley

More by I. C. Springman

This is one gorgeous picture book. From the endpapers, which look like natural fibers and leaves have been pressed into them (a motif which is echoed in the backgrounds of the illustrations), to the fully saturated coloring of the protagonist bird hoarder, More delivers everything a picture book should. It tells the tale of a bird who lets his collection of salvaged treasures (some might call it “junk”) get out of control and then pares it back down with the help of a concerned mouse friend.

--Reviewed by Georgianna from Books Inc. Opera Plaza

A Love Letter to Julia Donaldson

Little Bear's Little Boat by Eve Bunting

A story so sweet I was tearing up at the end of it. A loving tale about a little bear who builds a boat, but as he gets bigger can no longer fit in it. He passes it along to another little bear and tells him to do the asme as he grows. This board book is perfect for the customer looking for stories with siblings in them. The illustrations being so simple also don't take away from the moral of the story. This book is one of my favorites to show customers!

--Reviewed by Courtney of Books Inc. Burlingame

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber

Ok, you're going on a road trip and you need books for your 3-5 year old and don't have much space. Here, in one volume, are all of the Lyle Crocodile books. From his beginnings on the vaudeville stage to his final home on E 88th St., Lyle reminds us why he is everyone's favorite crocodile.The small ones will be enchanted and you will be reacquainted with and old and dear friend.