Stuff Your Stockings with These Best Kids Books of 2023
Your favorite children’s librarians weigh in on what made them laugh, cry and take heart this year.
This is my favorite TulsaKids “Books” column of the year because I get a preview of what children’s books the Youth Librarians and children’s books experts of the Tulsa City-County Library loved the most in the past year. Take a tip from other readers and use this annual list to select holiday gifts for the children in your life! Books are librarian-approved, and – bonus – you can check them out from the library first to see if they will work for your readers.
Julia Cantrell, Peggy Helmerich Library Youth Librarian
Julia Cantrell, Peggy Helmerich Library’s youth librarian’s picks include:
I Am a Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer
An informative picture book that is, on the surface, about how tornados are formed – which is an excellent learning opportunity for any kid near tornado alley and a great choice to pick up in the spring/early summer. Beyond the whirling winds of the tornado, there are lessons in empathy, managing and controlling emotions, and even acceptance after grief.
Gustav is Missing! by Andrea Zuill
Little Cap is brave as he faces the scary world out beyond the gate to find his best friend Gustav, who went missing! Andrea Zuill is one of my favorite picture book author/illustrators, and this latest book is about how far we will go to help the ones we love.
Fox Has a Problem by Corey R. Tabor
Fox has a problem or three and the “fixes” to the problems cause all kinds of mischief for Fox’s friends. This is a great addition to Tabor’s beginning reader series featuring a rascally but loveable fox and friends. This story has a heart as big as the sentences are short.
Rita Fofah, Rudisill Regional Library Youth Librarian
The Rudisill Regional Library’s Youth Librarian Rita Fofah recommends these titles:
The Coolest Beard by Betty Tekle
This is a cute story about a young boy that goes to the barber shop with his dad and cannot wait to grow his own beard. To help, the barber comes up with a creative way for him to feel like “one of the guys.” A wonderful book about male bonding for fathers/sons, uncles/nephews or big brothers/little brothers!
The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice
Okay, I’ll admit I am partial to this book because I see myself in the main character, Penelope—because she gets the chance to help out in her school library. Penelope is very LOUD while helping out in the library and causes a lot of disruptions, but she ultimately finds her place, without changing who she is—a great message about staying true to yourself.
Melanie Palmer, South Broken Arrow Library Youth Librarian
What does Melody Palmer, youth librarian for the South Broken Arrow Library, say? These are her top picks for 2023:
The Scariest Kitten in the World by Terrifying Kitten (with help from Kate Messner)
Want a scary-not-scary book for the 5 and under crowd? Look no further than this delightful tale!
The Children’s Book of Birdwatching by Dan Rouse
This is a fun one for families who enjoy exploring the outdoors together. It has great photos to help children identify common birds and safe methods of attracting birds by offering appropriate foods and plants.
Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals by Linda Ashman
For children who enjoy talking and learning about all kinds of extraordinary animals and who also enjoy a good turn of phrase in poetry, this is a fun one to grab.
Cooking with My Dad, the Chef by Verveine Oringer
For budding young cooks (and parents who want to explore simple dishes to make with their children), check out this fun family cookbook!
Sally Kotarsky, youth nonfiction selector, includes these as her top 2023 titles that give nonfiction facts in fascinating fiction ways:
The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nick Day
A fun and entertaining book with lots of facts and history.
Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story by Dave Eggers
Eggers’ children’s picture book tells the tale of a quirky, and little-known historical event – with fun tongue twisters.
Leah Weyand, Youth Fiction Selector
And Youth Fiction Selector Leah Weyand says this is the not-to-miss book of the year for her:
Treasure Island: Runaway Gold by Jewell Parker Rhodes
The best retellings keep the emotional heart of a story while updating the setting and characters for modern readers. Jewell Parker Rhodes does this most excellently with her Treasure Island: Runaway Gold, which is a fast-paced, action-packed romp of a book!
Laura Raphael is the Children’s Services Coordinator for the Tulsa City-County Library system.
