Published on: 2026-10-04
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On weekends, the staff of Moscow reading rooms talk about books that definitely deserve a place on home shelves. Galina Nadtochiy from library No. 91 named after E.L. Voynich recommends books by Raquel Palacio, Michael Ende, and other authors.
You can book the publication of interest using the service “Libraries of Moscow”.
For babies
Maria Chernobrovkina’s “Volunteer”
This is a touching children’s picture book created as a charity project to support wild animals. At the heart of the story is a baby koala who finds himself in the epicenter of a forest fire. Fleeing from the fire, he finds a eucalyptus sprout and tries to protect it. But little readers need not worry: despite the dramatic beginning, it all ends well.
The book is made using an unusual technique of three-dimensional collage, which makes the images lively and textured — the child will find them interesting to look at. And after reading, be sure to talk about the importance of kindness and mutual assistance.
Dan Brown’s “Animal Symphony”
“Animal Symphony” is the first book by the author of the famous “Da Vinci Code” for young children. In it, he invites readers to embark on an exciting adventure with Maestro Mouse: they will meet a huge blue whale, a swift cheetah, a graceful swan, and other characters — each sharing their musical secrets.
The book contains puzzles and encrypted messages from the bees — Brown’s signature style. And by scanning a special QR code, you can listen to the “Beast Symphony” composed by the author himself.
For older children
“Miracle” Raquel Palacio
August Pullman is going to school for the first time and is very worried about it. The thing is, due to a congenital genetic disease, he had to undergo several dozen surgeries, and now his face looks like a frightening mask. School becomes a challenge for August: there are bullies and those who are even afraid to come close. Nevertheless, the kind boy still finds true friends.
The writer shows the story through the eyes not only of the main character but also of his sister, friends, and even his tormentors. This helps to understand that everyone has their own motives and secrets. The book teaches that you should not judge people by first impressions: even if a person looks different from others, they can turn out to be very kind, intelligent, and cheerful.
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“The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende
The “Neverending Story” by German writer Michael Ende has long become a classic of children’s literature. It was published in 1979 and has since been translated into dozens of languages.
The plot unfolds in two worlds: reality and fantasy. Eleven-year-old Bastian Balthazar Bux—a clumsy and unpopular schoolboy—is struggling with the death of his mother and his father’s estrangement. Fleeing from classmates, he steals a book called “The Neverending Story” from an antique shop and hides with it in the school attic. The book captivates him so much that he miraculously finds himself in the land of Fantasia, which is threatened with destruction. The boy’s wishes begin to come true, but for each one, he loses a memory from his real life.
For teenagers
“The Diary of the House Elf” by Evgeny Cheshirko
This cheerful and witty book is written in the form of a diary kept by a house spirit living in an ordinary city apartment. He considers himself the rightful master of the dwelling and describes his daily life in a somewhat coarse but charming manner.
In addition to the narrator, the book constantly features other characters: a cunning but always blundering cat, the owner, a dog named Hulk, and various uninvited guests. The house spirit, together with the cat, raises the owner and wards off unwanted visitors. And after the family moves to a country house, everything turns upside down.
Subtle humor and a light style make the book a true remedy for a bad mood. I recommend reading it with the whole family — then you’ll get even more pleasure.
Natalya Shitskaya’s “Sobachella”
12-year-old Andrey Kolganov accidentally hits a cat with his bicycle and now has to seek help from a neighbor whom the whole yard scornfully calls Sobachella (or Barkalka Petrovna). This lonely elderly woman keeps a whole pack of rescued dogs and cats at home, and the neighbors consider her crazy. Gradually, Andrey realizes that behind her roughness and reclusiveness hides a responsive, sensitive person with a difficult fate, and a true friendship develops between them.
This book is about growing up, compassion, and the strength of a child’s heart, able to see a kind and reliable person behind the mask of an outcast. With this story, Natalya Shitskaya became a laureate of the V.P. Krapivin International Children’s Literary Prize.
More great books, vetted by readers of children’s libraries and their staff, can be found in the section “Librarian’s Tips”.
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Please note; This information is raw content received directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.