Book picks for kids: "Beowulf" as a funny graphic novel| Seattle's Child

Book picks for kids (and adults):

Looking for some reading inspiration? Here’s a peek at what KCLS staff and the young readers in their lives are digging into this month!

All KCLS libraries are open. Plan your next visit at kcls.org/visit.

For adults:

“The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer

Ever since she witnessed the death of her kindergarten teacher during a dramatic reading of “Peter Rabbit,” Clover has been drawn to life’s end. Given her inclination, it’s no surprise that she becomes a death doula as an adult. When Clover goes on a quest for one of her dying clients, she realizes that she may have missed out on her own life, while focusing on other folks’ deaths. Clover’s journey inspires her to take chances and make herself vulnerable, but it will take true courage to determine what she really wants out of life. While this story contains regrets and missed connections, it reminds readers that death and grief are part of what gives living its joy and vibrancy. Mikki Brammer’s debut novel is good for book clubs, reflection and all the feels.

For kids:

“Bea Wolf” by Zach Weinersmith

Behold the wondrous tale of Bea Wolf, treehouse dweller and tamer of terrible tyrants! In graphic novel form, author Zach Weinersmith reimagines the epic poem “Beowulf.” Instead of hoards of gold, he features piles of sticky, sugary treats consumed by generations of rampaging preschoolers. Determined to ruin the tykes’ rowdy fun, spiderlike Grindle invades their lair by night to sanitize the space into a sterile, fun-barren fortress and transform the kids into hormonal teens and curmudgeonly adults. Familiar yet unique, “Bea Wolf” is written as much for adults as children, embodying the wild abandon seen in Kay Thompson’s “Eloise,” while updating the original warrior tale with children determined to avoid adulthood through mirth and mayhem. Since Weinersmith embraces iambic alliteration, this would make a great family read aloud, preserving the regal language of the original poem, while adding a smattering of pig Latin. Prepare to laugh!

Jenna Zarzycki is an adult services librarian at KCLS who works in south King County. She adores talking about books to anyone who will listen and regularly contributes to KCLS’ BookMatch and booklist services. Jenna likes fantasy, romance and narrative nonfiction best, although any book has the possibility to become a new favorite. KCLS Children’s Librarian Robin Howe serves her Kent Library community with tuneful Story Times and creative programs. She enjoys connecting young patrons to KCLS’ rich resources, and when she’s not reading aloud or jumping up and down to Sleeping Bunnies, she’s probably knitting, traveling or making soup