Check out this month’s staff picks from the Betty’s Books crew!
Alain’s Pick
Rituals by Nicole Goux (she/her)
In this mini art-book full of lush illustrations, artist Nicole Goux captures the sacred rites of getting ready to go out: the quiet before the party, the anticipation before the date, and the spiritual creation of self in the safe space of your inner sanctuary.
I’m always a fan of Nicole Goux’s work. The illustrations in Rituals have such great color usage, character diversity, and mood, making this the perfect coffee table zine or art desk companion. Messes are made beautiful as the act of getting ready is enshrined in this loving and intentional light. This would make a great gift for a fashionable friend in your life!
Alex’s Pick
Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang
I loved this picture book! The art feels so nostalgic and reminds me of the kinds of picture books I’d read as a kid.
The prose is poetic and evocative. I can easily imagine reading this to a little one before bed and letting the calming descriptions of noodles and the bustling day of a Japanese soba deliveryman lull them to sleep.
Betty’s Pick
Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang
Ash is a nonbinary teen who is fed up with humankind and feels like they don’t fit anywhere. So, one day they make a plan to find their grandfather’s secret cabin in the California wilderness. Do they have what it takes to survive? Do they want to?
This book is a little Catcher in the Rye, a little Hatchet/Yellowjackets/Into the Wild, and a lot of heart and soul searching. Jen Wang’s art, pacing, and storytelling are top tier!
Emma’s Pick
The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag
I’m a Molly Knox Ostertag superfan, so when I saw that this was released I had to get my hands on it. This quickly became my favorite novel of hers, which is a hard title to win up against The Witch Boy and The Girl from the Sea! This story follows Mags, a teen wearing many hats. She’s the sole caregiver of her grandmother, a student, and a part-time cook. When her childhood best friend, Nessa, comes back into town, Mags’ secrets are unearthed as she is forced to face her demons. She has to choose whether to run from them or face them head on. If you love thrillers, twists and turns, LGBTQ+ characters, and the supernatural, you will love The Deep Dark!