The Books that Captured Our Hearts This Year
- Emmeline & Mom
- Dec 6, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2020
Like most families around the world, we've been staying safe at home since the spring—but our imaginations have never travelled so far! This past year, books have taken us on more adventures than ever, from the streets of Paris to a secret underground pet lab to a forest teeming with dragons and mythical creatures.
Simply put, in a time when we haven't been able to wander the real world, we've found new fictional lands in which we can roam free. Here are the very best books we've read in 2020, all linked to small, independent booksellers who would no doubt love your purchase.
Happy reading, book-lovers! If you love one of our picks, please let us know!
Picture Books
"Imogene's Antlers" by David Small: One morning, without warning or explanation, little Imogene awakes sporting a set of deer's antlers. Though getting dressed is suddenly difficult, she is delighted by this surprise, and finds myriad ways to make joy out of a potentially embarrassing situation.
Emmeline's two-word take: Silly and hilarious
"The Sweetest Fig" by Chris Van Allsburg: When Monsieur Bibot finds himself the reluctant recipient of two figs, he soon learns they are anything but ordinary fruit. These delectable little treats have a magical ability, and he sets out to harness their power for his own selfish gain. But can this self-centered and cold-hearted character make his dreams come true? You'll have to read this one to find out!
Emmeline's two-word take: Surprising and suspenseful
"Hansel & Gretel" by Bethan Woollvin: This is a funny and memorable take on the fairytale classic. In Woollvin's story, the owner of the infamous gingerbread house is a generous and friendly witch named Willow. When she crosses paths with a pair of greedy siblings, Willow's goodwill is put to the test. We love a book with just a hint of dark humor and this title really delivers!
Emmeline's two-word take: Best ending
"The Barnabus Project" by The Fan Brothers: This writer and illustrator duo are masters at whipping up childhood magic, and this hefty picture book is testament to their skill. Set in a secret underground lab, a pack of genetically modified pets comes to terms with their perceived failures. Ultimately, it's a digestible story about friendship, togetherness, and loving one another in all our imperfect glory.
Emmeline's two-word take: Adventurous and happy
"The Night Gardener" by Jonathan Auxier: Imagine you wake one morning to find your front yard's tree shaped into an enormous leafy animal. This is just what happens in Auxier's whimsical story about a talented artist who applies his skill to a neighborhood's greenery under the cover of night. This book is both gorgeously illustrated and beautifully told. At its heart, it is a story about wonder, awe, and the magic of curiosity.
Emmeline's two-word take: Imaginative and pretty
"The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle" by David Litchfield: A follow up to the unforgettable story, "The Bear and the Piano," this story follows a violin-playing pup as he joins the famous bear's much-beloved and world-touring band. Only, when the dog packs his things for the road and takes to the stage, just who does he leave behind? This book is the definition of heartwarming and shares valuable lessons about friendship, jealousy, and forgiveness.
Emmeline's two-word take: Loving and wonderful
"Julian is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love: When Julian's grandmother discovers her little boy in a whirlwind of vibrant and fanciful play, he braces himself for trouble. What will his grandmother say now that she's found him dressed brilliantly in her things, off in his own world and pretending to be a mermaid? The answer is as beautiful as it is delightful.
Emmeline's two-word take: Fancy and fun
Chapter Books
"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien: A true classic by a literary giant, "The Hobbit" follows an unlikely hero on an epic fantasy adventure. Full of wizards, dwarves, and mysterious creatures, "The Hobbit" is an enchanting story that's at its best when read together.
Emmeline's two-word take: Daring and exciting
"The Enchanted Forest Chronicles" by Patricia C. Wrede: This four-book series begins when a reluctant princess escapes her kingdom for a life of magic and adventure in a dragon's lair. Flipping the script on the classic fairytale, Wrede's heroine is unabashedly brave, bold, and unafraid to follow her own path. The entire series is an unforgettable delight—inventive, endearing, and, true to its name, enchanting.
Emmeline's two-word take: Magical and interesting
"The BFG" by Roald Dahl: When an orphaned little girl spots a shadowy figure in the dead of night, she finds herself swept away to a land of befuddled giants hungry for children's flesh. But what should, by that description, be a terrifying tale, is actually an engaging and hilarious romp of a read—perfect for read alouds and made for bedtime giggle fits.
Emmeline's two-word take: So! Funny!
"Princess in Black" Dean Hale and Shannon Hale: A seven-book (and counting!) series, "Princess in Black" follows the very mild and age-appropriate adventures of a monster-fighting princess in disguise. These are lighthearted, easy chapter books brimming with full-color illustrations. The whole series is funny and engaging and not the least bit scary.
Emmeline's two-word take: Hilarious and fun
"The Enchanted Wood" by Enid Blyton: Make no mistake, this book is quirky and strange in only the way a book revived from the 1950s can be. It follows the wholesome adventures of a trio of siblings and a cast of off-kilter magical characters as they embark up an enchanted tree leading to mysterious and oft-dangerous lands.
Emmeline's two-word take: Weird and wonderful
Comic Books and Graphic Novels
"Amulet: The Stonekeeper" by Kazu Kibuishi: Girl power, anyone? This graphic novel centers on a brave big sister and her little bro as they travel to an alternate dimension to rescue their mom after she disappears from their new home. Mysterious, strange, and teetering on dark, "Amulet" is a page-turner in the truest sense.
Emmeline's two-word take: Foggy and mysterious
"The Tea Dragon Society" by Katie O'Neill: Light and pure fun, "The Tea Dragon Society" creates a world focused on an ancient and dying art of caring for miniature dragons that spring from different flavors of tea. Consider this a sweet palette cleanser after delving into the dark world of the Amulet series.
Emmeline's two-word take: Pretty and relaxing
"Bolivar" by Sean Rubin: The city folk in Rubin's New York City are so self-involved and endlessly busy that they fail to notice the literal dinosaur walking among them. Everyone that is, except a little girl named Sybil. This story is a million things at once: warm and hilarious; captivating and whimsical. It is just the sort of book you watch the clock for, counting down the minutes until you can dive in again.
Emmeline's two-word take: Believable and funny
Your Turn: We'd love to hear from you! Tell us in the comments below about the books that have mattered to you most this year!
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