Golden Polar Bear Award

Every Monday Mabel Jashar Awan (Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Awa)

The Golden Polar Bear represents a special picture book that's a favorite among the MCPL Children’s Department staff members.

For most people, Monday morning is the worst part of the week—but not for Mabel! That’s the time she wakes up early, dresses, grabs a bowl of cereal, and drags a chair to the driveway to watch the garbage truck come by. The sweet celebration of simple pleasures will relate to children and grownups alike. Children’s staff describe the book as “playfully illustrated,” one that “shares simple joys,” and “celebrates unique passions and community helpers.” Recommended for ages 4–8.

Picture Books and Younger Elementary

Don't Trust Fish Neil Sharpson (Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sha)

Don't Trust Fish is a delightfully funny picture book with a simple (yet hilarious) premise: You can't trust fish—because they're plotting world domination! Staff member Kathleen says, “It's a nature guide gone wrong, an exploration of animals that live in the water.....but are they innocent? Read Don't Trust Fish and find out!” Recommended for ages 3–7.

A Little Like Magic Sarah Kurpiel (Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Kur)

A child reluctantly accompanies their mother to a freezing, crowded, and loud ice festival, where they question if the sculptors' hard work is worth it to create results that will just melt away. Returning the next night, the beauty of the ice, lights, and stars make the answer clear. Staff member Kathy says, “I am reminded that it is almost always 'worth it' to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and to make magic memories that will stay with us forever. Children and adults will relate to the inconveniences of itchy hats, stiff boots, cold wind, and crowds of people that sometimes seem like road blocks, but are really just speed bumps.” Recommended for ages 4–8.

The Lonely Mailman Susanna Isern (Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ise)

Every day, the old mailman rides his bicycle through the forest delivering letters to all the creatures there, from butterflies to deer, skunks to fish. Everyone receives a different letter, except the mailman, who gets none. Until...! Staff member Kathy describes the book as “a lovely story of community and caring for each other. Readers will discover something new each time they view these pages of colorful, sometimes humorous illustrations of forest animals, and will be inspired to create some good deeds of their own.” Recommended for ages 5–9.

Why Do Things Die? Katie Daynes (Juvenile Board Books - Board Book)

Is it okay to talk about dying? Katie Daynes explores the emotions and facts around death in this gentle book. Staff member Lily says, “Despite being a lift-the-flap board book, this is one of the best books I've read for talking to young children about death and dying. It discusses the loss of relatives and pets, and touches on hard questions kids might ask. A really great resource for both kids and parents.” Recommended for ages 4–8.

Older Elementary

Dog Star Megan Shepherd (Juvenile Fiction - J Shepherd)

Dog Star is a fictionalized retelling of the story of the first Russian cosmonaut dog, Laika. Staff member Paul says, “It's deeply moving and a good foundation for further thought and discussion regarding the ethics of human-animal relationships on both the micro and macro levels.” Recommended for ages 8–12.

Fresh Start Gale Galligan (Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Galliga Fresh Start)

Ollie's family is used to moving every year, so she never worried about her classmates thought of her quirky behavior and love of anime. But when her parents decide to settle down for good, Ollie can't start over at a new school this year. Can she learn to be herself, embrace her Thai heritage, and make friends with people who love her as she is? Staff member Grayson says, “With characters as relatable and lovable as Ollie and friends, I can't recommend this hilarious and touching story enough, especially for fans of The Baby-Sitters Club!” Recommended for ages 8–12.

How to Talk to Your Succulent Zoe Persico (Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Persico How To Talk To Your Succulent)

After the death of her mother and a cross-country move with her father, Adara is struggling to express her grief with those around her—until a listening ear pops up out of the soil and becomes her plant friend and confidant. Staff member Jo says, "The beautiful illustrations in this book capture the magic behind Adara's ability to speak with plants perfectly. This is such a sweet story!" Recommended for ages 8–12.

One Big Open Sky Lesa Cline-Ransome (Juvenile Fiction - J Clinera)

In 1879, seeking true freedom, 11-year-old Lettie and her family leave Mississippi for Nebraska to create a new life. The wagon train caravan of several other Black families faces many hardships along the way, but hope and friendship help them through. Staff member Emmy says, “Written in verse and from the perspective of three strong female voices, this historical fiction book does a fantastic job of bringing to light a bit of American history that has long been overlooked. This type of story would appeal to anyone interested in westward expansion.” Recommended for ages 9–12.

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest Aubrey Hartman (Juvenile Fiction - J Hartman)

An undead fox named Clare serves as the Usher of souls in Deadwood Forest. His peaceful life is turned upside down when a badger named Gingersnipes arrives and is unable to move into the afterlife. Staff member Darcy calls it “a cozy, slightly spooky, but ultimately heartwarming tale.” Recommended for ages 8–12.

A World Without Summer Nicholas Day (Juvenile Nonfiction - J 303.485 Day)

In 1815, Mount Tambora exploded, bringing the entire world to the brink of destruction. The cataclysmic volcano eruption changed Earth's climate—and human history—in ways that we're still just beginning to understand. This fascinating nonfiction book unearths one of history's forgotten disasters, connecting it to modern-day climate science and the birth of literature's most famous monster. Staff member Jon calls the book “a must-read for fans of history and readers curious about our future.” Recommended for ages 9-12.

The Wrong Way Home Kate O'Shaughnessy (Juvenile Fiction - J Oshaugh)

Fern's home is an off-the-grid sustainable community in upstate New York. When her mother sneaks them away in the middle of the night, all Fern wants to do is go back home. Staff member Claire says, “This nuanced, well-written story explores the meaning of truth, home, and family.” Recommended for ages 9–12.

2025 MCPL Children's Staff Favorites