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30th Birthday Kids' Staff Picks

Browse our Kids' Staff Picks celebrating RJ Julia Booksellers' 30 Years in Business!

And find our adult staff picks here!

 

Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Classic Seuss) By Dr. Seuss Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780679805274
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers - January 22nd, 1990

1990
Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!
Now don’t you just love those words!? Whether for your own child or a new-born or a baby celebrating their first birthday or a graduate or someone starting a new job, this is truly the most uplifting and inspiring book you will ever give. Ever! Thank you, Dr. Seuss!
—Susan


Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear? sound book (Brown Bear and Friends) By Bill Martin, Jr., Eric Carle (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Bill Martin, Jr., Eric Carle (Illustrator)
$14.95
ISBN: 9780312513467
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Priddy Books US - November 8th, 2011

1991
Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear?

Martin and Carle are a force to be reckoned with in Children's Literature. Along with its companion, Brown Bear Brown Bear, this classic is a fantastic read for storytime! The lyrical and rhythmic feel of the words paired with the bright and fabulous illustrations, gives young children something to easily recognize and want for years to come.
—Lindsay A


The Rainbow Fish By Marcus Pfister, Marcus Pfister (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Marcus Pfister, Marcus Pfister (Illustrator)
$19.95
ISBN: 9781558580091
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: NorthSouth Books - January 27th, 1999

1992
Rainbow Fish

Who can resist the shiny scales of Rainbow fish? An immediate favorite in my house, and still relevant today as it introduces our youngest to the transformative power of sharing; a timeless message.
—Jamie


The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner (Giver Quartet #1) By Lois Lowry Cover Image
$11.99
ISBN: 9780544336261
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Clarion Books - July 1st, 2014

1993
The Giver

This is a book that takes dystopia landscape and fuels it with important questions that I believe is imperative to look at as a young adult. It examines the human condition down to its absolute core, and critically looks at what a "perfect world" actually is. With the past all but erased in this society, it forces the characters to focus on the present and become the same. I found myself longing for Jonas to introduce color, history, and music to his community. Doing so however, may have unintended consequences.
—Lindsay A


Guess How Much I Love You By Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780763674489
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Candlewick - October 14th, 2014

1994
Guess How Much I Love You

Such musical writing makes this story about Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, who are declaring their love for each other, a joy to read! Perfect to give at baby showers and first birthdays, this one is a keeper. I treasure the copy I was gifted when my son was born!
—Susan


Math Curse By Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780670861941
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Viking Books for Young Readers - October 1st, 1995

1995
Math Curse

I didn't know math could make me laugh so much! See how many of these fun and funny puzzles you can do while learning math concepts. Will you break the curse or become a Math Zombie?
—Jamie


Falling Up By Shel Silverstein, Shel Silverstein (Illustrator) Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9780060248024
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: HarperCollins - January 24th, 2006

1996
Falling Up

Shel Silverstein poems are like tickets to the summer carnival.They invite our inner child out--whether or not they are tall or small, then rollercoaster off our tongues, carousel around our hearts, ferris wheel us to the skies, while blinking lights in our eyes. Spinning us through teacup dreams, dizzying us with laughter, screams. All while filling our bellies wide with clouds of pink cotton candy, till we ride to the end of the long poetic night, tucked in by words that remind us of a world not yet out of our hearts or our sight.
—Tonya


Ella Enchanted: A Newbery Honor Award Winner By Gail Carson Levine Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780064407052
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Quill Tree Books - June 21st, 2022

1997
Ella Enchanted

As one of the first fantasy books I read as a child, Ella Enchanted gave me such joy and propelled me to explore more authors and magical realms. Levine challenges traditional female characters in fairy tales and gives us Ella, a girl cursed to obey any command but is also strong and intelligent and desperate to take control of her own story. She is the hero in this story, and as a young girl who was still trying to figure herself out, she became my hero too.
—Lindsay A


Holes (Holes Series #1) By Louis Sachar Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780440414803
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Yearling - May 9th, 2000

1998
Holes

First of all, this is a great adventure tale, told with an amazing balance of humor and heart, laced with mystery and history, intersecting stories and a touch of the unexplainable. The underlying message, that how we treat each other matters, has new meaning in these strange times, but most importantly, this larger than life, somewhat absurd, wholely captivating story is a great read. It would be a fabulous pick for a family book group.
—Laura


A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator)
$15.99
ISBN: 9780064407663
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: HarperCollins - August 25th, 1999

1999
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

This series is perfect for the reader who is ready for a slightly darker sense of humor. If that reader loves words, so much the better! Like a Perils of Pauline for the modern age, three intrepid orphans are thrust into a world where villains never seem to be vanquished, heroes are scarce and fairly ineffective, and there is truly no place like home. But perseverance, practicality and quick thinking keep this tireless trio one step ahead of the evil Count Olaf. Each book stands alone, but together, the series builds to an unexpected and satisfying climax.
—Laura


Because of Winn-Dixie By Kate DiCamillo Cover Image
$7.99
Email or call for price.
ISBN: 9780763680862
Published: Candlewick - December 8th, 2015

2000
Because of Winn-Dixie

I fell in love with Opal as quickly as Opal falls in love with a scruffy smelly dog she names Winn-Dixie. DiCamillo is a master at creating strong, vulnerable girls who find a way to get what they need. Reassuring and poignant, this has all the hallmarks of a true classic.
—Jamie


Artemis Fowl-Artemis Fowl, Book 1 By Eoin Colfer Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9781368036986
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Disney Hyperion - October 2nd, 2018

2001
Artemis Fowl

Is it okay to find a 12 year old evil genius millionaire charming? He has kept kids turning pages late into the night, following unexpected twists and turns, and even guarantees some laughs. Share this novel with a middle grade child, and start a life long habit of book sharing and communication.
—Jamie


Coraline 10th Anniversary Edition By Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean (Illustrator)
$9.99
ISBN: 9780380807345
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: HarperCollins - April 24th, 2012

2002
Coraline

Neil Gaiman, master storyteller, rather than toning it down with Coraline, chooses to focus on children’s desires, and children’s terror. The book blends whimsy and nightmare, and is Gaiman down to its bones.
—Matt


Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! By Mo Willems Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780786819881
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Hyperion Books for Children - April 1st, 2003

2003
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

One of my favorite picture books ever, this is the first in a series that creates a perfect read-aloud triangle between kids, reader and page, allowing parent and child to be a part of the story. Children will recognize the pigeon’s frustrations even as they get to be the one who says NO!
—Laura


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Kitten's First Full Moon Board Book: A Caldecott Award Winner By Kevin Henkes, Kevin Henkes (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kevin Henkes, Kevin Henkes (Illustrator)
$9.99
ISBN: 9780062417107
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Greenwillow Books - September 15th, 2015

2004
Kitten's First Full Moon

Poor little kitten can see a huge bowl of milk in the sky, but can’t reach it no matter how hard she tries! A fun, cute story for all ages!
—Kathy


Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1) By Rick Riordan Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780786838653
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Disney Hyperion - April 1st, 2006

2005
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

There are not enough words I can use to demonstrate how much this book has changed my life. It introduced history, friendship, and reading to me at age 12. Riordan has masterfully crafted a world in which he melds the genres of realistic fiction and fantasy into a true work of art. I would not be in this bookstore had it not been for Percy, Annabeth and Grover. If you have a kid, or know of a kid, who is struggling with just feeling different, this is the book for them. It celebrates the outcasts and shows them that there is truly something great in all of us.
—Lindsay A


Library Lion By Michelle Knudsen, Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Michelle Knudsen, Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator)
$7.99
ISBN: 9780763637842
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Candlewick - June 25th, 2009

2006
Library Lion

This sweet, endearing story will make you cry—but in a good way—and make you feel oh-so-good inside each and every time you read it! I have such fond memories of sharing it with my son when it was brand new. And I know you’ll develop the same sentiment once you pick it up—it’s just that lovely. Add to that, Kevin Hawkes' soft, water-color illustrations are the perfect complement.
—Susan


Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #1) By Jeff Kinney Cover Image
$14.99
ISBN: 9781419741852
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Harry N. Abrams - April 1st, 2007

2007
Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Greg Heffley's life is relatable to kids all over the world, and I found myself chuckling at his logic and antics. Heavily illustrated, Kinney's book is less cartoon and more of a personal journal with best friends, family members, and 1 piece of very stinky cheese creating a hilarious comment on 6th grade.
—Jamie


Staff Pick Badge
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes Padded Board Book By Mem Fox, Helen Oxenbury (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Mem Fox, Helen Oxenbury (Illustrator)
$11.99
ISBN: 9780547366203
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Clarion Books - August 23rd, 2010

2008
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

I love just about anything by Mem Fox, and this book for the youngest children reads aloud beautifully as she celebrates all children and every child. A lovely first book, and a perfect addition to a baby gift basket.
—Laura


Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (Newbery Honor Book) By Grace Lin Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9780316038638
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - April 12th, 2011

2009
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

I always turn to Grace Lin for stories rich in detail, and relatable characters going on timeless quests. These are novels to savor from a master storyteller.
—Jamie


Smile By Raina Telgemeier, Raina Telgemeier (Illustrator) Cover Image
$10.99
Email or call for price.
ISBN: 9780545132060
Published: Graphix - February 1st, 2010

2010
Smile

I was actually smiling at the end of this book! Telgemeier has perfectly written every nuance of being a sixth grader, while effortlessly reassuring us that it will get better. Warm, relatable, and empowering.
—Jamie


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Akata Witch (The Nsibidi Scripts #1) By Nnedi Okorafor Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9780142420911
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Speak - July 11th, 2017

2011
Akata Witch

From award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor comes a new fantasy novel set in modern day Nigeria. Sunny was born and raised in the U.S. for nine years, but now her family has moved back to Nigeria. She is an albino, but there is so much more that makes her special. When a serial killer strikes close to home, she must master her powers and herself, earning her place in the coven with 3 new friends. Brilliantly written and perfect for Harry Potter fans.
—Jamie


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This Is Not My Hat (The Hat Trilogy) By Jon Klassen, Jon Klassen (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jon Klassen, Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780763655990
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Candlewick - October 9th, 2012

2012
This Is Not My Hat

This is a newer classic where a modern sense of humor is at play. A small fish has stolen a hat and brags to the reader as it swims away, but Klassen’s pictures tell a different story. This is one of a trilogy of stand-alone Hat titles. While the books share some ideas, they are not identical, but work beautifully together so a child can predict, infer and enjoy them alone or together.
—Laura


A is for Activist By Innosanto Nagara Cover Image
$11.95
ISBN: 9781609805395
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Triangle Square - November 19th, 2013

2013
A is for Activist

A treasure trove of important words nestled in rhythmic colorful poems. What a feeling when my granddaughter finished the "d" poem with that profound word "equality"! The perfect start to a newborn's library.
—Jamie


Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9780147515827
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - October 11th, 2016

2014
Brown Girl Dreaming

Jacqueline Woodson's lyricism shines in this award-winning book- a memoir of her childhood written in verse. Revisiting her upbringing in multiple states and the shifting civil rights landscape, Woodson captures both personal and universal insights with grace and poignancy. An absolute must-read for adults and kids alike.
—Kelly


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The War That Saved My Life By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780147510488
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Dial Books - May 31st, 2016

2015
The War that Saved My Life

In this Newbery Honor book, one girl’s individual struggles are set against the struggles of a country at war. An unexpected evacuation to a country village introduces Ada, lame from birth and confined to a city apartment by an angry mother, to a new way of life and the possibility that she may have something to offer to those around her. There is hope in the midst of hardship, and that is worth fighting for.
—Laura


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Salt to the Sea By Ruta Sepetys Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9780142423622
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Philomel Books - August 1st, 2017

2016
Salt to the Sea

I love when I read a historical fiction book and can learn something new yet again! This WWII novel is told from 4 distinct voices whose paths will cross. It’s extremely well written---touching, horrific, enticing! I would read anything by Ruta…loved her 3 books so far!
—Lori


Long Way Down By Jason Reynolds Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9781481438261
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - April 2nd, 2019

2017
Long Way Down

This is the kind of story that is so genuine, written so precisely, that all I could do was keep turning pages when I really wanted to slow it down! So, I read it twice. Whether you love literature, or only read graphic novels, this one will captivate you. One of the finest writers for young people today.
— Jamie


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The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle By Leslie Connor Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780062491459
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Katherine Tegen Books - January 7th, 2020

2018
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Truly, you will appreciate and be inspired by Mason's sense of humor and outlook on life. Leslie Connor tells a moving, and at times--heartbreaking--story with unique characters that are so alive, they spring right off the page. A definite read for everyone and a book I hope that will end up in every classroom and school library.
—Susan


Staff Pick Badge
New Kid: A Newbery Award Winner By Jerry Craft, Jerry Craft (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jerry Craft, Jerry Craft (Illustrator)
$12.99
ISBN: 9780062691194
Availability: On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days
Published: Quill Tree Books - February 5th, 2019

2019
New Kid

Never have I liked a main character more than I do Jordan. Never! And what a thoughtfully written middle grade (graphic) novel that opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart. Jerry Craft skillfully put me in the heads of all these very different kids. This is a book for every guy and girl to read no matter what your reading style is. Teachers of 5th grade and up, here’s a story you’ll want to have in your library. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Well done, Jerry Craft!
—Susan