Gretchen recommends "A Ball for Daisy"

This award-winning picture book by Chris Raschka is a simple story about a dog and her bright rubber ball.  It captures, however, the universal experience of what it’s like to lose something you love and the special kindnesses that friendship can bring.  The illustrations intuitively capture the hangdog feeling of dejection when Daisy loses her ball.  When she unexpectedly receives a new one, the movement of thumping tail and a wide-mouthed grin are brilliantly depicted.  The reader can’t help but smile too!  Suitable for all ages and especially good for dog lovers.

Juliane recommends "Paris in Love"

If you love memoirs and if you love audiobooks – especially those read by the author -- this is a great “read” for you!  There are times when I pick up a book because I want to be enchanted by the setting, and the idea of reading about Paris delighted me.  But this book is so much more than a travelogue of an American transplant in the City of Lights.  It is narrated by the author, Eloisa James, who we learn is on sabbatical in France (with her family) from her rather juxtaposed life– she is a respected professor on Shakespeare by day but also writes “bodice ripper” romances on the side.   Her writing style belies her romance writer reputation.  I found her narrative to be almost poetic at times when she describes things like “an airplane that patterns the Parisian skyline like a swatch of fine lace” or “a silver pitcher that held milk chocolate as dark and thick as lava.”  At times it felt like I was reading her diary of daily life with her teen/tween children, and cosmopolitan husband (who is Italian).  While not a romance read itself, its sumptuous descriptions and poignant observations certainly whisked me away from my hum-drum life here in the States.  A recommended read for adults.

Kathy recommends "Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking"

Ever wonder why you’re not at ease with those around you?  Can’t seem to figure your why you don’t always fit in? Susan Cain’s book Quiet : the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking may provide the answers.  In a world that glorifies the Culture of Personality, Cain suggests that those who prize quiet reflection over unreserved camaraderie are not pathologically shy but instead are part of the large number of individuals who are introverts.  With refreshing candor and heartening insight, she assures us that introverts have much to offer, enumerating a wide range of positive traits that their extrovert counterparts might do well to imitate. 

Recommended for adults and teens.

Lisa recommends "Yummy Yellow"

One of my current favorite children’s authors also writes awesome kids’ music.  If you have ever read the Pete the Cat books by Eric Litwin (aka Mr. Eric), then you will want to check out his musical side in cds by The Learning Groove, including Yummy Yellow.  Many of their songs are based on classical music themes with fun words and actions.  Kids, especially the PreK set, will have a lot of fun stomping like monsters, tickling their parents, and learning the (super silly) tango.  Parents will be able to enjoy this music too.

If you like Yummy Yellow, you will also want to check out Groovy Green, Bouncy Blue, Outrageous Orange, and Rockin’ Red!

Sarah Recommends "An Invisible Thread"

An Invisible Thread
I picked up this book after hearing the author speak at the Michigan Library Association conference last month.  It is the true story of a woman who befriended a nearly homeless boy in Manhattan in the 1980s and their life-long relationship.  The book is poignant and heartwarming without crossing the line into cheesy (much). 

Recommended for Adults and Teens.

Anne recommends "The Language of Flowers"

The Language of Flowers

After a tragic childhood in foster care, 18 year-old Victoria finds herself trying to survive on her own on the San Francisco streets.  Her extensive knowledge of flowers pulls her to a florist’s shop where she can begin a new life but eventually must confront her past.  Readers will get wrapped into Victoria’s highs and lows as well as learn about the subtle meanings behind the flowers that Victoria uses to communicate with others.

Recommended for Adult and Young Adult Readers

Marilena recommends "The fiddler on Pantico Run : an African Warrior, his White descendants, a search for family"

This book reads like a historical novel including poetic descriptions, mystery and colonial intrigue.  Half way through, the reader might think the protagonist/author has gone as far as he can in his search, but turn the page and a new adventure begins.  For adults, especially those who enjoy genealogical research and early American history.