Never Too Old:
Celebrating Youth Books
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, January 7th, 2025
 
New start time: 4:30pm!
Never Too Old meets the 1st WEDNESDAY of the month to share the diversity, depth, and relevance of Young Adult & Juvenile books.
All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Beth@LopezLibrary.org or Ingrid@LopezLibrary.org

January 7th, 2026 - Latine Authors
Our collection features a varied selection of Latine authors, from biographies and graphic novels to nonfiction and novels. Choose one of ours or your own selection to share and discuss. Below is just a small sample of titles.

My Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope by Diane Guerrero
My Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope
by Diane Guerrero

Diane Guerrero, the star of Orange is the New Black and Jane the Virgin, presents her personal story in this middle-grade memoir about her parents' deportation and the nightmarish struggles of undocumented immigrants and their American children.
Just another story : a graphic migration account
by Ernesto Saade

"When Carlos was nineteen, his mother decided to leave her life in El Salvador. Refusing to let her go without him, Carlos joined the journey north. Together they experienced the risks countless people faces as they migrate"
Just another story : a graphic migration account by Ernesto Saade
Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu
Julieta and the Romeos
by Maria E. Andreu

When seventeen-year-old Julieta starts writing a rom-com mystery and posting it online, she unexpectedly receives comments from a mysterious user, so with three suspects in mind, Julieta sets out to find her secret admirer.
Rima's rebellion : courage in a time of tyranny
by Margarita Engle

In this inspiring coming-of-age story set in 1920s Cuba, Rima finds the courage to protest for women's right to vote while falling in love for the first time. A novel in verse.
Rima's rebellion : courage in a time of tyranny by Margarita Engle
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
Breathe and Count Back from Ten
by Natalia Sylvester

Verâonica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, auditions to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park in the summer before her senior year, all while figuring out her first real boyfriend and how to feel safe in her own body...--
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe
by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

When seventeen-year-old Star Fuentez reaches social media stardom, her polar-opposite twin, Moon, becomes merch girl on a tour bus full of beautiful influencers and the grumpy but attractive Santiago Philips.
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

February 4, 2026 - The Last Unicorn
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
The Last Unicorn
by Peter S. Beagle

Experience one of the most enduring classics of the twentieth century and the book that The Atlantic has called one of the best fantasy novels ever. The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone... ...so she ventured out from the safety of the enchanted forest on a quest for others of her kind. Joined along the way by the bumbling magician Schmendrick and the indomitable Molly Grue, the unicorn learns all about the joys and sorrows of life and love before meeting her destiny in the castle of a despondent monarch--and confronting the creature that would drive her kind to extinction.... In The Last Unicorn, renowned and beloved novelist Peter S. Beagle spins a poignant tale of love, loss, and wonder that has resonated with millions of readers around the world. Peter S. Beagle illuminates with his own particular magic.--Ursula K. Le Guin

December Summary
Four members met on the 3rd to share picture books, our December tradition; some remembered from childhood, others new, many very suitable for all ages. We enjoyed reading sections aloud and comparing notes on books we'd all read. Beth also shared a book that a former member of a similar book club in East Wenatchee read to her children and grandchildren: Good Night, Gorilla, which we all remember fondly. We hope Brenda will join us via Zoom at our next meeting. Please note the new start time of 4:30pm. 

Good Night, Gorilla (Oversized Lap Board Book) by Peggy Rathmann
Good Night, Gorilla
by Peggy Rathmann

From Caldecott Medal-winning author Peggy Rathmann, this beloved classic tells the story of a mischievous gorilla and his bedtime pals--perfect for fans young and old! A clever, comforting bedtime story.--School Library Journal (starred review) An ALA Notable Children's Book - A Parenting Magazine Best Children's Books of the Year - An E.B. White Read Aloud Award Finalist Good night, Gorilla . . .Good night, Elephant . . . It's bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep. Or are they? Who's that short, furry guy with the keys in his hand and the playful grin? Little night owls will love sneaking along with Gorilla and all his nighttime animal friends in this delightful, hilarious board book that's sure to become a cherished part of children's bedtime routines.
I Eat Poop.: A Dung Beetle Story
by Mark Pett

A heartwarming and hilarious picture book about friendship, fitting in, and how different tastes make the world a more interesting place. The delightful endpapers feature "busts" of each insect character.
I Eat Poop.: A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett
Raggedy Ann Stories: : Timeless 12-Story Classic Book by Johnny Gruelle - Adventure-Filled Tales for Kids, Family, and Collectors by Jolitee Group
Raggedy Ann Stories: : Timeless 12-Story Classic Book by Johnny Gruelle - Adventure-Filled Tales for Kids, Family, and Collectors
by Jolitee Group

Rediscover the magic of childhood with the Raggedy Ann Stories, a timeless collection by Johnny Gruelle that enchants generations. Written in 1920, this anthology features 12 endearing short stories about Raggedy Ann, the beloved rag doll, and her charming friends. You'll love how these tales celebrate the values of kindness, friendship, and imagination, inspiring both children and adults alike with every delightful page. Immerse yourself in Raggedy Ann's captivating world where her loyalty, generosity, and playfulness come to life. The book's vintage charm, coupled with Johnny Gruelle's masterful storytelling, ensures you cherish the heartwarming adventures and gentle lessons these stories offer. Whether you're reading to your kids or reliving your childhood memories, you'll find each story as enchanting as the first time you heard it. Perfect for bedtime or storytime, Raggedy Ann Stories is a must-have addition to any family library. You'll love revisiting these classic adventures because they transport readers of all ages to a simpler time, where magic and wonder await. Embrace the nostalgia and share this cherished collection with future generations. Why You Will Love This BookYou will love Raggedy Ann Stories because of the timeless lessons about kindness, generosity, and friendship that resonate with readers of all ages. Raggedy Ann herself is an endearing character, embodying positivity as she embarks on delightful adventures that will warm your heart. With its vintage charm from 1920, the book offers a nostalgic feel that evokes fond memories, creating opportunities for parents, grandparents, and children to bond over these timeless tales. The stories also inspire creativity and exploration, encouraging readers to dream big and believe in the magic of everyday life.
Raggedy Andy Stories
by Johnny Gruelle

First published in 1920, Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle is the second book in the beloved and classic children's series starring Raggedy Ann, her brother Raggedy Andy, and their family and friends. Gruelle was an American artist, children's author, political cartoonist, and illustrator. He was inspired by his daughter Marcella and her fun playing with dolls to create his most famous character, Raggedy Ann. He combined the names from The Raggedy Man and the Little Orphan Annie and patented the iconic rag doll with her red yard hair and triangle nose in 1915. Raggedy Ann Stories introduced Raggedy Ann and her friends to the world. It was published in 1918 and both the book and doll were a great commercial success. Two years later, Raggedy Andy Stories expanded this playful world to include Raggedy Ann's brother Raggedy Andy. The book finds Raggedy Andy having arrived in the mail at Marcella's father's office and excited to reunite with his sister. The siblings and the other dolls have fun dancing, meeting Santa, and having a pillow fight. This enduring classic continues to charm and delight children and parents over one hundred years later.
Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle
The pink refrigerator by Tim Egan
The pink refrigerator
by Tim Egan

Dodsworth does as little work as he can, collecting items from a junkyard and placing them in his thrift store for sale, until he happens upon a pink refrigerator that spurs him to do much more with his life.

This is the prequel to the Dodsworth series, in which the eponymous character runs a junk shop and discovers a quite unusual refrigerator!
Dodsworth in Paris by Tim Egan
Dodsworth in Paris
by Tim Egan

When Dodsworth and the duck vacation in Paris, they have a grand time despite running out of money and accidentally riding their bicycles in the Tour de France.

A fun, international series including New York, Tokyo, Rome and London.
The First Christmas Tree: An Innu Tale
by Ovila Fontaine

In this illustrated picture book, the Great Manitou searches for the right tree to give the Innu for their first Christmas tree in the cold northern winter.

Written by an Innu Elder, readers can hear his voice as a storyteller. The decision by the artist to paint each Manitou animal in bright pink is brilliant. 
The First Christmas Tree: An Innu Tale by Ovila Fontaine
I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth
I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive
by Leslie Barnard Booth

What is the secret to crows' survival? This riveting informational picture book explores the beguiling mysteries of crow behavior. Gorgeous illustrations take readers into a crow's environment and community, making this an incredible-and unforgettable-reading experience--

The "perfect" picture book in bird nerd Beth's opinion, for it's blending of art and lyrical prose to tell the story and brilliance of crows.
Bedtime for Bo
by Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold

Stretch like a giraffe and snuggle like a meerkat with Bo and Mommy as they get ready for bed!

Translated from the Norwegian.
Bedtime for Bo by Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold
Miss Leoparda by Natalia Shaloshvili
Miss Leoparda
by Natalia Shaloshvili

When the animals on Miss Leoparda's bus route abandon the bus for cars, traffic jams and deforestation ensue, prompting Miss Leoparda to help her community rediscover the importance of nature and togetherness--

Translated from the Russian.
Seuss-Isms!: A Guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out...and Those Already on Their Way
by Dr Seuss

The one and only Dr. Seuss dispenses invaluable advice about life in this collection of his most memorable quotes. Featuring over sixty pages of cherished Seuss art and quotes from such classics as The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hatches the Egg, Green Eggs and Ham, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Oh, the Places You'll Go!, and many more, this humorous and inspiring collection is, indeed, a perfect gift for those just starting out. or those who are already on their way!--
Seuss-Isms!: A Guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out...and Those Already on Their Way by Dr Seuss
Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing by James Rumford
Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing
by James Rumford

A 2005 Sibert Honor Book The story of Sequoyah is the tale of an ordinary man with an extraordinary idea--to create a writing system for the Cherokee Indians and turn his people into a nation of readers and writers. The task he set for himself was daunting. Sequoyah knew no English and had no idea how to capture speech on paper. But slowly and painstakingly, ignoring the hoots and jibes of his neighbors and friends, he worked out a system that surprised the Cherokee Nation--and the world of the 1820s--with its beauty and simplicity. James Rumford's Sequoyah is a poem to celebrate literacy, a song of a people's struggle to stand tall and proud.
Drawn Onward
by Daniel Nayeri

In this ... palindrome picture book by Daniel Nayeri and Matt Rockefeller, a young boy grieving the loss of his mother embarks on a lushly fantastical adventure that illuminates what remains when our loved ones are gone--
Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri
The Wanting Monster by Martine Murray
The Wanting Monster
by Martine Murray

A little monster arrives in a village and whispers in people's ears, sowing discontent until the villagers recognize the monster's influence and come together to rebuild their community--
The Lost Words
by Robert MacFarlane

A beautiful collection of poems and illustrations to help readers rediscover the magic of the natural world.

SPECTACULAR! These nature words were removed from the Oxford Children's Dictionary and replaced with tech words.
The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane

Lopez Island Library
2225 Fisherman Bay Rd
Lopez Island, Washington 98261
360-468-2265

www.lopezlibrary.org