Oblong Books is an independent bookstore with locations in Millerton and Rhinebeck, N.Y. The store in Millerton was established in 1975 and has continued to be the go-to small town book seller in Dutchess County. The shop remains a local hub for book lovers and a cultural center in the community. Oblong Books, as well as its children’s section around the corner, Oblong Jr., is known for its commitment to promoting literacy, supporting local authors, and hosting author events and book signings. This season, Oblong bookseller Therese Stanford has selected five books for young readers across all age groups. Reading offers a lifelong escape to different places and times. It instills empathy and teaches life lessons, making it a significant and enduring gift.
“If I Was A Horse” written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall $18.99
“Sophie Blackall is one of my all-time favorite authors and illustrators,” said Stanford. “This begins with a child imagining if she was a horse and all the things she would do, and the illustrations are stunning. It’s full of such joy and is a beautiful book. This would be excellent for children three to eight years old.”
“How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen $18.99
“Just the most wonderful simple humor for children and adults. Here we are wondering if Santa will slip down the chimney like taffy, or if he’ll turn himself into fire, or if he ever gets stuck. I know this is going to do very well this season. This book is excellent because it discusses many children’s questions, like what if you don’t like somewhere with a chimney? The answer here is that he’ll become a stamp on a piece of mail, and the reindeer will push the letter under the door.”
“The Puppets of Spellhorst” written Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Julie Morstad $17.99
“This is about a man who buys these puppets, and the puppets talk to each other. It’s an original fairytale that’s pure enchantment. I was under a spell and captivated by the first words of this luminous and dazzling storyteller. It’s for ages seven to 10.”
“The Lost Library” by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass $17.99
“This is for more independent readers eight to twelve. This is perfect for a child ready to get into chapter books or even a parent who wants to read a longer book aloud and get them hooked. I love this book because its equally good for boys or girls. The mystery is what caused a fire at the small town library years ago. Evan, a serious boy, becomes obsessed with the mystery when a small free library appears guarded by an old ginger cat. Throw in some charming ghosts and talking mice, and you’ll be swept up!”
“The Legacies” by Jessica Goodman $18.99
“This is a glitzy young adult thriller for ages 14 and older set in New York City, with elite social circles filled with backstabbing, blackmail, twisty turns, and a dead boy — old money, new secrets, and one killer party. An author I would compare her to is Holly Jackson, author of ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder.’”
Address: 26 Main St, Millerton, NY
Social: @oblongbooks
Web: www.oblongbooks.com
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
