Local booksellers serve up holiday picks
Even with a giant like Amazon, where you order a book and have it on your doorstep in a day, independent bookstores are having a quiet revival.
According to the American Booksellers Association, a nonprofit trade organization for indie book shops, its membership grew for the ninth year in a row in 2018, with stores operating in more than 2,400 locations. Also, sales at independent bookstores are up approximately 5 percent over 2017.
Local indie bookstores are also ripe with offerings for young readers. Here are some top picks from Houston independent booksellers that were published in 2018. “Carmela Full of Wishes” Written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson Penguin, 40 pp., $17.99 Ages 4-8
It’s Carmela’s birthday, and she gets to spend it with her big brother, running errands in the neighborhood. Throughout the trip, she searches for the perfect wish. Author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Christian Robinson, who collaborated on the Newbery Medal- and Caldecott Honor-winning “Last Stop on Market Street,” explore a loving sibling relationship in a migrant Mexican community. It’s a beautiful story about the power of community and family. “Crash, Splash, or Moo!” Written and illustrated by Bob Shea Little, Brown, 48 pgs., $17.99 Ages 4-8 This is zany picture book with the excitement of a game show. It’s hosted by Mr. McMonkey with contestants, Action Clam and a cow. The winner gets a golden banana. It’s silly, yes, but a fun read at bedtime. Shea is also the creator of many funny picture books, including “Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great.”
“What Do You Do With a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan”
Written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Simon & Schuster, 32 pgs, $17.95 Ages 4-8 The late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan is one the most powerful voices in Texas history. A native of Fifth Ward, Jordan was known for her booming voice that made people take notice. New York Times bestselling author Chris Barton with illustrator Ekua Holmes, a Caldecott honoree, tell the story of Jordan, from her childhood in Houston through her time in politics to her teaching career at the University of Texas. The picture book is a beautiful reminder of the impact Jordan had on the nation. It’s a must have for every Texas young reader. “My Heart Is a Compass” Written and illustrated by Deborah Macero
Little, Brown, 40 pgs., $17.99 Ages 4-7 Rose is a creative girl with a big imagination, so she sets off on a journey of discovery in different worlds. Her guides are a collection of maps drawn from her imagination. Deborah Macero’s story and drawings capture the free-spirit of youth and may just inspire adventure and creativity in your little one. “I Am Famous” Written by Tara Loubbe and Becky Cattie
Albett Whitman & Company, 32 pp., $16.99 Ages 4-8 This is for every little girl who has snapped a selfie over and over again. Kiely knows in her heart she’s famous. Her paparazzi are her parents, who snap her every move. She soon learns that fame is nothing without real love.
“Is That You, Eleanor Sue?”
Written and illustrated by Tricia Tusa
Roaring Brook/Porter, 32 pp., $17.99 Ages 4-8 Young Eleanor Sue loves to play dress up. This time she dons a bouffant wig and a green dress, climbs out her bedroom window and knocks on her own front door. She introduces herself to her mother as Mrs. McMuffins, a new neighbor. Well, we won’t spoil the story, but anything can happen in this fun tale.