These are links to or examples of books that we recommend either for purely fun reading or as an example of the types of books we enjoy. The list will rotate because there are far too many wonderful books out there to list all at once.

Welcome to Lizard Motel: Children, Stories, and the Mystery of Making Things Up by Barbara Feinberg. A memoir that captures what we feel needs to be considered when publishing books for young readers.

The Anybodies and The Nobodies (forthcoming) by N.E. Bode. While we cannot speak for the second book, the first was an imaginative and quirky book with interesting characters and situations. Lots of fun, and with humor that is appealing to both children and adults.

The Various by Steve Augarde. This book deals with some important issues, but is not anything like an “Issue Book.” Augarde mixes believable fantasy into his characters’ lives. Probably best for children ten and over, due to its hefty size and some rather scary moments.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. A wonderful book, originally published in 1961, about a boy who is bored by almost everything. It reminds us a bit of A Chocolate Moose for Dinner (Fred Gwynne), but for older readers.

Many titles by Roald Dahl, but particularly Matilda, The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The BFG. The Vicar of Nibbleswicke is a very amusing look at dyslexia. The link leads to The Official Roald Dahl Website, which is heavy on flash animation and may be more graphics-intensive than you want. You could just try your library for the books instead.

Lloyd Alexander, probably best known for his Chronicles of Prydain (including The Black Cauldron) has written a number of other books. Some of our favorites are Time Cat, The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen, The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, The Gowgon and the Boy, and The Iron Ring.