Published on: 2026-08-23
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On weekends, employees of Moscow reading rooms recommend works to parents that are pleasant to discuss with the whole family. Anna Shavyrina, chief librarian at Library No. 55, has chosen six books — ranging from picture-based history to a serious novella.
You can book the publication you are interested in using the service “Libraries of Moscow”.
For toddlers
“Gaspar the Fox Cub” by Zeba Sounds
Gaspar is a nimble but timid fox cub living in a den next to humans. One day, he has to leave his cozy shelter to find himself dinner. The unplanned adventure turns out to be that the hero unexpectedly meets new friends, and a stranger, a Fearless man with kind eyes and hair the color of the fox cub’s red fur, decides to share his food with him.
When you read this book with your little one, talk to them about the fact that it’s possible to find common ground with absolutely anyone, the main thing is to truly want it.
“The Cat Is to Blame” by David Cali
For reading with the very little ones, I also want to recommend a detective story in pictures. It all starts with the mouse Jojo being found lifeless. Who could have committed the crime and dealt with the little creature? The other mice suspect the local cat, but detective Mickey refuses to believe the most obvious explanation (spoiler: and he turns out to be right).
A sad and sorrowful story at first glance will turn out to be quite different in the end, so feel free to choose it. Moreover, the book will teach children an important lesson: before accusing someone, you need to thoroughly understand the situation.
For older children
“Squire Kashka” by Vladislav Krapivin
The sixth-grader Volodya didn’t really expect the camp holidays to be fun. But the suddenly looming “knight tournament” among the local kids changed the situation, since almost every boy was eager to play a warrior — with his own bow, sword, and squire.
Volodya’s squire became an eight-year-old Arkashka nicknamed Kashka — and it seems that he is not suitable for this role at all. However, the small, dreamy, clumsy, but loyal and diligent boy overcomes all difficulties, looking at his “knight” with eyes glowing with admiration.
The book by Soviet writer Vladislav Krapivin has been cherished by more than one generation. This story was written back in 1965, but it still resonates in the hearts of young readers.
How to engage a child in reading: librarians’ life hacks
“The City of Zilants” by Olesya Feoktistova
We all know such folkloric characters as Baba Yaga, Koschei the Immortal, or Zmey Gorynych. But our country is large and multinational. For example, Tatar fairy tales are inhabited by completely different heroes.
The action of Olesya Feoktistova’s fantasy tale takes place in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. Young Dilia will have to face almost all the characters of the local mythology before she can save her mysteriously kidnapped little brother.
For teenagers
“In Search of a Boyish God” by Dmitry Ishchenko
Teenager Vanya, together with his father, goes for the whole summer to the remote village of Tsypnavolok, where there are no familiar conveniences: no Wi-Fi, no mobile connection, no asphalt for skateboarding, and not even any stores within walking distance.
However, the protagonist had no idea what this trip would turn into for him (in particular, a transition to an adult, independent life). On the way to becoming a new self, Vanya will be helped by a few new acquaintances. The boy will learn how to stoke a boiler, wash socks in the Barents Sea, and most importantly — seek answers to serious questions. Radio operator Boris, a fan of poetry and music, will hint to the hero who or what the boyish god is: “As long as you have the drive to make discoveries, move forward, and explore the unknown — it means the boyish god is with you.”
An important feature is the landscapes that Dmitry Ishchenko transferred onto the pages of the story with almost photographic accuracy. When reading about how Vanya and his father fish from a boat or walk past cliffs, you get the impression that you are not just observing, but living within the story.
Gordon Korman’s “Restart”
One day, 13-year-old Chase wakes up in a hospital room, surrounded by complete strangers who say they are his family. The boy himself doesn’t remember anything from his life and is forced to take their word for it.
Throughout the story, the hero will try to figure out who he really is, what interests him, and who his friends are. The big question is whether Chase will like what he discovers when he sees himself as a stranger.
The book will provide many topics for discussion; I recommend reading it with the whole family: everyone will find something for themselves in it.
More excellent books, tested by children’s library readers and their staff, are in the section “Librarian’s Tips”.
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