Daphne Gordon

The Essex Serpent reveals that Victorian women were more interesting than we knew

Featuring memorable characters and a plot-driven story that explores themes of friendship, sexuality, and faith, this book is ripe for cottage consumption

Set in the late 1800s, The Essex Serpent tells the surprising story of recently widowed Cora Seaborne. She speaks plainly, prefers men’s clothing, and is obsessed with paleontology.

But Cora is not so distraught as one might expect when her husband dies of a tragic illness. In fact, she seems to be having a right jolly old time with her companion Martha and her son Francis following the funeral. Turns out her husband was abusive. She’s delighted to be free of his influence.

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Catstronauts Mission Moon cover

Daphne Gordon

Catstronauts is purrrrfect summer reading for kids of all ages and genders

This series is the literary equivalent of a PB&J sandwich. It’s two great tastes — cats and astronauts — smooshed together between two slices of bread … I mean covers

In each installment of this five-book series, a fuzzy group of feline CatStronauts, led by Major Meowser and Chief Science Officer Pom Pom, takes on an important space mission to save the world.

Reluctant readers and all genders will love these books by author and illustrator Drew Brockington.

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Olga and the Smelly Thing cover

Daphne Gordon

Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere challenges gender stereotypes

Elise Gravel’s absurd graphic novel about a girl who loves animals and science — but not people — is an ode to friendship that will charm readers of all ages

Olga is a budding scientist who keeps an observation notebook like some kids keep a diary, and this book provides a peek into her quirky point of view. She professes to like animals more than people and is delighted when she finds a mysterious and smelly animal in the shed behind her house. Naming the being Meh, she attempts to learn more about this pink, furry, football-shaped species.

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