Peculiar Picks are a selection of odd, funny, interesting, curious, moving, irreverent, and otherwise wonderfully awesome, but perhaps not well known, reads. Peculiar Picks are books for younger readers and their grown-ups, handpicked by the Library's Youth Services Manager, Joshua Carlson.

Annually, in order to raise cancer awareness, No-Shave November takes place.

“The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.”

To help amplify this great cause, this edition of Peculiar Picks features fantastic facial hair. If it was only books with beards, I’d call it Peculiar Pogonophile Picks!

Want to support cancer awareness and my participation in No-Shave November? Do so here! Here I am freshly groomed on October 28, 2020. I’ll update this post with another picture at the end of the month. Are you going to take part in No-Shave November? If so, email me some of your before and after pictures or tweet them to me: @Carlson_JoshuaJ! If I get some, we will share a gallery below!

Go Big or Go Gnome by Kirsten Mayer, illustrated by Laura K. Horton
OverDrive / Library Catalog
I’ve had a fondness for red-hatted, long-bearded gnomes since watching The World of David the Gnome cartoon on Nickelodeon as a child. With this book, I was pulled in by the titular play on words and stuck around for the cute illustrations as smooth-faced gnome Al finds his place in a gnomish society focused on big, beautiful beards. All in all, it’s a funny story, but also one about accepting yourself for who you are and not trying to be just like everyone else. Be sure to read the follow up, Game of Gnomes, as well, for another fun read with a positive message.

The Lumberjack’s Beard by Duncan Beedie
Library Catalog
Hidden in this book’s bushy beard, along with a variety of forest creatures, is a tale of environmentalism and taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Mo’s Mustache by Ben Clanton
Library Catalog
Mo is a trend-setting monster that sparks a mustache mania, but he’s upset when other monsters start copying his ‘stache style. Mo’s Mustache is a wonderfully silly book about style and individuality, as well as misunderstandings and emotions.

 

Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos
OverDrive / Library Catalog
Mustache Baby is one of those ideas that I wish I had come up with – babies with facial hair, that depending on the style and length changes their persona. So cute and clever; so much fun and silliness: all in one small, mustachioed package. There are several books in the Mustache Baby series and they are all adorable.