Patch Picks: Top Books From the Phoenixville Library Staff

When you want a good book recommendation, ask a librarian.

The folks at Phoenixville Public Library shared some of their faves as part of this week’s Patch Picks. We focused in on books because of Read Across America Day, which was this week.

However, we couldn’t narrow it down to the usual five … but when it comes to book recommendations, we think that’s just fine.

Best Bets for Children’s Books

From Sandra Giannella, children’s librarian:

Whose Garden Is It? By Mary Ann Hoberman, Illustrated by Jane Dyer

“It’s great because for every character, you can do all these different voices,” Giannella said. “It’s a great story to tell for the spring.”

The Pout-Pout Fish By Deborah Diesen, Illustrated by Dan Hanna

Giannella usually prefers older books, but this 2008 picture book is one of her favorites.

“It’s a really cute book,” she said.

Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters By Maurice Sendak

Know a child whose favorite line is “I don’t care”? This tale will hit home. It’s another one where you can use many voices while reading aloud, too—and it teaches a lesson at the end.

Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm By Jerdine Nolen

This colorfully illustrated book is another great one to read aloud to children, Giannella said.

From Brandon Szerenyi, circulation coordinator:

Skippyjon Jones By Judith Schachner

Even the Web site for this series will make you smile.

Best Bets for Adults

From Kay Price, circulation manager:

• Remarkable Creatures By Tracy Chevalier
• The Pillars of the Earth By Ken Follett
• Blessings By Anna Quindlan (“It has everything,” Price said.)
• Snow Falling on Cedars By David Guterson
• Noah’s Compass By Anne Tyler
• The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey By Walter Mosley
• The Help By Kathryn Stockett
• Every Last One By Anna Quindlan
• Still Alice By Lisa Genova
• In the Beauty of the Lilies By John Updike
  

From Brandon Szerenyi, circulation coordinator, who offered up favorite authors:

• Stuart Woods (particularly the Stone Barrington series)
• Robert Dugoni
• Ben Coes
• Mitch Albom

From John Kelley, executive director, who shared his latest read (written by his brother):

• St. Augustine of Hippo: Selections from Confessions and Other Essential Writings By Dr. Joseph T. Kelley

Kelley said the book is a modern-day translation of selected writings of Augustine’s confessions.

“It provides you with one man’s journey of faith. Joe shows how grace, as God’s gift to us, leads Augustine to discover God. From the selected writings, you find that once God is discovered by Augustine he views the world from a whole different perspective. You may disagree with some of the interpretations from the translations but it does get you to think much deeper about yourself and your own life’s journey,” Kelley said.

From Mark Pinto, adult services director, who shared what he’s reading now:

• The Lives and Times of the Great Composers By Michael Steen

Pinto said the book contains “fascinating details about the social, political and cultural environment in which the greatest composers lived and worked.”

Thanks to everyone at the Phoenixville Public Library for their help with this week’s Patch Picks! Want more? Check out the library’s Web site for 100 picture book picks, patron picks and more.