Robin is our children's book specialist.
Robin Gross has been working at Books on the Square for 16 years. She started as an adult bookseller, moved up to buying for the YA section, and when Karen retired, gleefully took over the children's buying in 2009. I am from Providence, graduated from Mary C. Wheeler and URI. I love to hike, and ski, and was a competitive rower.
5 Most Recent Books:
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5 Favorite Children's Books:
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"A clever lack of pronouns make this easily accessible book a winner. Riley has just the right idea of what to wear for each occasion, such as a cape for going to the dentist, because we all know you must be brave. This book is good for independent thinkers ages 3-6 who love to express themselves. Don’t we all know someone like that!"--Reviewed by Robin
"With stylized illustrations, this funny book joins a fox as he sneaks into a town house. He says hello to all the objects as he rampages through the house and enjoys a snack, the art, the clothes, and jewels. On his way out, who does he encounter but the homeowner, THE BEARS?!? This is truly a fun read aloud, good for language ages 3-5."--Reviewed by Robin
"Digger is one of the many trucks that help to build a small city. One day he comes upon a small blue flower, and feels protective of its simple beauty. During the business of building, the flower gets destroyed leaving Digger very sad, only to discover its seeds. Can you guess what happens? This dear book, with its textural blocky illustrations, is an ode to the natural world for the young set!"--Reviewed by Robin
"Local author Gaia Cornwall has written a fabulous book on conquering your fears. I immediately fell in love with her beautiful art! Jabari is unsure of the diving platform and you can see how he works through this with a little help from his Papa. True story: a customer came in and told us her daughter was taking swimming lessons with PODS, and she conquered her fear of jumping in the water through reading Jabari night after night! A great read and signed copies available!"--Reviewed by Robin
"A more perfect book does not exist! A favorite of mine for spring 2017, this book is ideal for ages 3-6 years old. All the animals try their hand (paw) at getting the Giant Jumperee to come out of the burrow, with no results until Mama Frog comes along. Scary (but not too scary), pitch perfect and oh so fun, this is sure to be a well loved classic."--Reviewed by Robin
One of Robin's 5 Favorite Children's Books
This is an atmospheric, haunting novel of Linda, who is raised in the last vestiges of a hippy commune in northern Minnesota. From her cold barren home Linda trains her binoculars on a home in the distance, and becomes obsessed with a family that lives on the lake. What follows is a story of choices and consequences. Written beautifully with so much tension, I couldn’t put it down.
Robin recommends
Robin recommends
Robin recommends
Robin recommends
Robin recommends
Everyone Brave is Forgiven is a historical fiction drama, set during the first years of World War 2, that follows Mary North and Alistair Heath from 1939 to 1942. Alistair enlists, while Mary wants to become a spy, but is instead appointed as a teacher by the government, much to her dismay. They attempt to maintain a long-distance relationship through Alistair’s deployment and Mary’s job. The story alternates between the well-known Battle of Britain and the heroic defense of Malta, a lesser-known stand against the Nazis that earned the island’s whole population the George Cross. The transitions between the subplots were smooth and I never had trouble keeping on top of the action. The novel presents fleshed-out and engaging characters, even if it sticks to the tried-and-true side of historical fiction. Even the most ardent World War II buff can find plenty to enjoy here, especially with the focus on one of the less publicized battles of the war.
An historical coming-of-age story of Annabell, a precocious twelve year old who may remind you a bit of Scout. With her quiet sense of decency, Annabell is at the center of this compelling book that examines bullies and bigotry. A “hauntingly” original story good for middle grade boys and girls-I would definitely consider this a keeper! This is Lauren Wolk’s first book for young adults and hopefully the first of many.
Now out in paperback:
"Erik Larson tells a story like no other, and this book is no exception! We all know the story of the Lusitania, the luxury ocean liner that was torpedoed by a German U-Boat, and of the 1,198 passengers only 764 survived. Erik Larson confesses, “As I began reading into the subject, and digging into archives, both American and British, I found myself intrigued, charmed, and moved.” And so begins the non-fiction story of this compelling subject that is brought full circle by this talented and comprehensive author."
One of Robin's 5 Favorite Children's Books
"Bloom is a fairy, who lives in the castle and keeps it up and running with her magic. Because she is a rather unorthodox fairy, she clomps about with mud on her feet and vines trailing. The castle people are tired of her mess and she is tired of their complaints. So, she leaves without a glance. Without her magic, soon the castle is in disrepair. With
whimsical water color illustrations, Bloom shows that the power of being humble and kind with a bit of mud and joy thrown in can show what a perfectly ordinary girl can do!"
One of Robin's 5 Favorite Children's Books
Now out in paperback:
"Although a somewhat predictable love story, girl meets boy, girl saves boy’s life, boy falls in love with girl, the beauty of this book is in its writing. Told in alternating voices, the characters Wren and Grayson are so well drawn you find yourself rooting them on in their complicated teenage life. It is not often an author can write both male and female voices well. This is a love story at its best."
One of Robin's 5 Favorite Children's Books
Mardi Jo is as fierce and stubborn as they come! This is a story of a mother who is determined to take care of her home and sons on her own terms, after a divorce from “Mr. Wonderful”. By turns brave, funny and inspiring, she pulls herself up and delivers a memoir impressively readable.
This curious collection of verses to friendship and love is charming and playful with its playful rhyme and sweet illustrations. Calef has a way of seeing affection in all its moments. He is the award-winning author and illustrator of Polkabats and Octopus Slacks:14 Stories, among other books. Using engaging and nonsensical characters, Brown crafts narrative story-poems with a jazzy beat. Give this book to a cherished friend!
One of Robin's 5 Favorite Children's Books