Most books these days have subtitles. Hicklebee’s was way ahead of that trend. The business was founded 41 years ago, primarily as a children’s bookstore, in San Jose’s Willow Glen district as “Hicklebee’s: The Metamorphosis of the Bookworm.” One move and thousands of bookworms later, Hicklebee’s has expanded its adult offerings, too.
These suggestions — for all ages — come from co-owner Valerie Lewis and staffer Carol Doup Muller, a former Mercury News books editor.
“One Little Bag” by Henry Cole: A wordless picture book shows the amazing journey of a little brown paper bag — from forest, to lunch bag, to lamp shade. In a loving, multi-generation tribute to conservation, Cole’s intricate art encourages the reader to pause and delight in every turn of the page. (Grades K-2)
“The Fabled Life of Aesop” written and retold by Ian Lendler: We remember Aesop as a great storyteller — and tend to gloss over what was an impetus for his storytelling: that he was a slave speaking truth to power. (Preschool to grade 3)
“Bones: An Inside Look at the Animal Kingdom” written by Jules Howard, illustrated by Chervelle Fryer: With their varied skeletons, animals have adapted to do almost anything. The gorgeous illustrations of animals in their natural habitats will fascinate kids who wonder what’s beneath the skinned, finned, feathered and furred surfaces. (Grades 2-5)
“The One and Only Bob” by Katherine Applegate: Bob, the dog with attitude who was introduced in the Newbery-winning bestseller “The One and Only Ivan,” gets a story of his own. With zoo friends Ivan and Ruby, Bob sets out to look for his long-lost sister. As a hurricane looms, he’ll find courage he never knew he had — and the true meaning of family. (Grades 3-6)
“City Spies” by James Ponti: Five international kids, under the tutelage of a mysterious man named Mother, come together for a spy mission in Paris. A bit of an Ocean’s 11 caper for kids — full of humor, hackers and surprisingly relevant high stakes. Grades 5-8)
“Alphamaniacs: Builders of 26 Wonders of the Word” written by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Melissa Sweet: Language lovers will be overjoyed by this collection of brief biographies. Here are 26 word-obsessed people, including Georges Perec, who wrote a novel without using the letter e, and PL8SPK master Daniel Nussbaum, who retold the classics using California vanity license plates. (Middle and high school)
“Sin Eater” by Megan Campisi: In a dystopian and warped Elizabethan era, 14-year-old May must hear deathbed confessions and then publicly eat foods that represent the departed’s sins. Scorned, isolated and forbidden to speak, she nevertheless persists — solving a murder at the Tudor-ish court and finding a community for herself. (High school)
“The Story of More” by Hope Jahren: A world-class geobiologist (and author of the exquisite memoir “Lab Girl”) explains the climate crisis in crystal-clear, entertaining prose. The best professor you’ve never had, she convinces readers that our world can do with less — and still feel full. (Adults nonfiction)
“Weather” by Jenny Offill: A librarian/wife/mother succumbs to existential dread about the climate crisis — and does so in a fragmentary novel that is often laugh-out-loud funny. (Adult fiction)
Need more book recommendations for great summer reads? You’ll find them here: 12 Bay Area bookstores pick the best 50+ books for all ages.
