LibGuides: Children's Virtual New Book Shelf: New Fiction February 2024

The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree by Lucille Abendanon Batavia, Dutch East Indies, 1942.Emmy has the voice of an angel but hasn't sung a note since a family tragedy. With war looming, her father plans to ship her off to a singing school in England for safety. But all Emmy wants to do is stay in Batavia with her best friend, Bakti, even if it means putting up with her snooty classmate, Violet. Then the Japanese army invades--and as war erupts in the Dutch East Indies, Emmy's world falls apart.When her own actions sabotage her chance to evacuate the island, Emmy is captured and confined in the Tjideng prisoner-of-war camp with other women and children. Separated from her family and friends, and silenced by her grief, Emmy will need all her strength to survive the war, find her voice, and reclaim her freedom.

Only by Airlie Anderson In the tradition of The Quiet Book, this book tells the story of a bird who likes being alone, but doesn't want to be lonely.  Only likes quiet time, and they definitely like being alone. All the other birds are too loud and too rough! Only decides to create a peaceful space that's just for them, but when a friend shows up wanting to try some quiet time too, the two birds must figure out a way to be sure no one feels left out. In this companion title to Neither, Airlie Anderson shows readers that it's okay to sometimes be noisy, to sometimes be quiet, to sometimes be together, and to sometimes be alone--as long as no one is made to feel lonely.

Mehndi Boy by Zain Bandali; Jani Balakumar (Illustrator) "Delightful . . . the world needs more 'mehndi boys!'" --Vivek Shraya, author of The Boy & the Bindi and God Loves Hair "I was totally charmed by it." --Ali Sethi, musician and author An artistic, fashion-loving boy unlocks a new talent--and learns to stand up for it--in this chapter book perfect for fans of the Sadiq series and Meet Yasmin! The first time Tehzeeb tries mehndi, his passion for the art form blossoms. Soon, he's creating designs for all his friends and family, and dreams of becoming the most in-demand mehndi artist in town. So Tez is hurt and confused when his favorite uncle tells him mehndi isn't for boys. His art brings people joy. How could it be wrong? Tehzeeb doesn't want to disappoint his uncle. But when a crisis before his cousin's wedding puts his talents to the test, Tehzeeb must find the courage to be his true creative self. Jani Balakumar's expressive, vibrant illustrations bring Tehzeeb's designs--and his community--to life. This charming, affirming story by debut author Zain Bandali will have you celebrating creativity, artistic expression, and being unapologetically yourself. Readers can learn more about mehndi at home with activities at the end of the book. "A triumph." --Danny Ramadan, author of Salma the Syrian Chef and the Salma series

The Berenstain Bears' Extra Special Valentine by Mike Berenstain (Illustrator) It's Valentine's Day in Bear Country! Brother and Sister Bear have made valentines for all their friends. Brother Bear has even made a big card for someone special--and Sister Bear wants to guess who! But when Brother Bear doesn't share the card with anyone at school, who could it be for? This story reminds us that love comes in many forms, and to appreciate all the special people in our lives! The Berenstain Bears' Extra Special Valentine is a My First I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

Sabrina Sue Loves the Moon by Priscilla Burris (Illustrator) In this fifth Level 1 Ready-to-Read story about a spunky chicken from the illustrator of the Heidi Heckelbeck series, Sabrina Sue walks on the moon! Sabrina Sue wants to travel to outer space. Her barnyard friends worry it's too far and dangerous, but Sabrina Sue may just prove them wrong with her out-of-this-world adventure!

Ayudo by Joe Cepeda When a boy finds a canteen, he finds his superpower-helping everyone he meets! From Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Winner Joe Cepeda, this Spanish language Me gusta leer! book is perfect for new readers. Very simple text and fun pictures support comprehension in this delightful story, ideal for emergent Spanish readers and Spanish language learners. Easy to read and brightly illustrated, this is a perfect book for building basic Spanish vocabulary! Other books in this series- I Hop (a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book), Up, I See, and I Dig, featuring the same curious, excited brothers exploring the world around them and celebrating the diversity of everyday life. Los libros Me gusta leer!(tm) han sido creados tanto por reconocidos ilustradores de libros para ninos, como por nuevos talentos, con el prop sito de infundir la confianza y el disfrute de la lectura en los pequenos lectores. Queremos que cada nuevo lector diga- " Me gusta leer!"

When You Have to Wait by Melanie Conklin; Leah Hong (Illustrator) A mindful, gentle picture book about patience and learning to find beauty in the act of waiting. Sometimes, you have to wait. For the line at the public pool on a hot summer day.For mom to come home after being away. For your legs to grow just a bit longer to ride a new big kid bike. The seconds drag on... each one feels like forever. Why can't you have it now? But while you wait, you might notice things: a possible new friend who is also in line, why homecoming hugs are extra special, and how beautiful the world is when you're not racing by. Sometimes, when you have to wait, you find the good in the moments between now and later.

The Case of the Poached Painting by Christee Curran-Bauer The Museum of Food Art is in a state of panic! A priceless painting was pilfered in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the Pigeon Private Detectives--PPD for short--are on the scene. These three detectives crave cracking a good case almost as much as they like snacks. But can they catch a thief who appears to be a master of disguise? Once again, author-illustrator Christee Curran-Bauer pokes fun at detective procedurals with kid-friendly humor, as she did in book one of the series, The Case of the Missing Tarts

Our World: China by Songju Ma Daemicke; Jam Dong (Illustrator) Nǐ hǎo! Let's spend a day in China! Fly kites in the square, buy sweet lychee at the market and go paddle boating at the lake. Author Songju Ma Daemicke and illustrator Jam Dong draw on their personal experiences growing up in China to create this appealing board book as part of the Our World Series for very young readers.

The Twist-A-Roo by Kathleen Doherty; Kristyna Litten (Illustrator) A modern spin on "The Ant and the Grasshopper," this warm-spirited, woodland tale celebrates the power of community and coming together to share in times of need. Winter is fast approaching the forest and everyone is storing food for a long hibernation, except Badger who is determined to find something fun to play with during the cold months ahead. After poking around in people town, Badger finds a Twist-a-Roo. It makes flashy shapes, splashy shapes, and shapes that slide and slip! It's perfect for brightening Badger's den with lots of color. But when the snow starts piling on deeper and deeper, Badger's cupboards go bare! All that razzle dazzle can't fill her belly. Then...knockity-knock. Someone's at the door! From the creators of The Thingity-Jig, this cozy, cuddle-up tale from Kathy Doherty is lovingly illustrated by Kristyna Litten with enchanting details for little ones to discover.

You're My Galentine by Hannah Eliot; Grace Habib (Illustrator) Happy Galentine's Day! Celebrate the gals in your life with this heart-shaped book with foil on the cover! You're my gal, yes it's true. You brighten my day. There's no one like you. From mothers to aunts, grandmothers to sisters, gals share a special bond--and this heart-shaped book is a perfect way to celebrate that!

You Make Me Sneeze! by Sharon G. Flake; Anna Raff (Illustrator) Perfect for fans of Mo Willems and Jon Klassen, award-winning author Sharon G. Flake's story about a very serious cat and a very silly duck will inspire giggles with every reading. Best friends Duck and Cat have a problem-Cat makes Duck sneeze! "I think-achoo!-I'm allergic to you," Duck declares. Hilarity ensues as Cat keeps trying to solve the problem-but Duck keeps sneezing! Is Duck really allergic to Cat or is something else going on? Written completely in dialogue, this text is fun to read aloud and easy enough for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Humorous illustrations highlight the characters' personalities, emphasizing Duck's quirky humor and Cat's earnestness. This dynamic duo will charm readers as the sly friendship tale keeps them laughing.

Black Girls by Dominique Furukawa; Erika Lynne Jones (Illustrator) A joyful love letter to every Black girl everywhere. In an upbeat and rhythmic ode, Dominique Furukawa and Erika Lynne Jones celebrate Black girls in all their beauty and joy. Black Girls uplifts girls of every shade, size, and walk of life, reminding them that they are perfectly designed. Whimsical, earnest, charming, full, bright, and beautiful, this picture book anthem deftly explores the diversity of Black girlhood. Black girls, Black girls, rising still. Shouting loud and proud and free, that being a Black girl, Black girl is a wondrous thing to be.

How This Book Got Red by Margaret Chiu Greanias; Melissa Iwai (Illustrator) None of the panda books are ever about red pandas! Red is going to do something about that. When Red discovers a new book about pandas, she can't wait to read it! Except it's about only one kind of panda, and red pandas are completely left out. Red never gets to read stories about pandas like herself! So she decides to take matters into her own paws and write her own book. But sometimes Red wonders if the only kind of pandas the world sees are the black and white kind. What if nobody wants to read her book? Red must find the courage to finish her story.

Plus One by John Hare When Agnes decides to host a tea party, she finds it hard to shake a most unlikely guest . . . and his even more unlikely friends. Agnes is new to town and wants to make friends, so she invites some girls in her class to a fancy tea party. When there is a knock at the door, she expects to see them-not Dave from next door. This isn't what she had in mind at all. . . "The invitation says plus one. This means you need to bring a friend. And since you don't have a friend with you-goodbye." Agnes is sure that will be the end of that, but Dave is persistent, and before long he's bringing one friend after another as his plus one. Pierre of the North, Esquire, a goose who Agnes deems too loud; Fred, a cactus that's too prickly; Dr. Scalywiggles, a legless lizard she mistakes for a snake; even his mom, who makes great French toast and lets him win at tag. Alas, no grownups are allowed at this tea party. But as the minutes pass and the other guests don't show up, Agnes is left with nothing but her tea set, watching Dave and his friends play tag. She works up the nerve to ask if she can join in and receives a resounding yes- and when the original guests arrive (late because of soccer practice) everyone heads inside for tea, no species excluded. In this fun and funny tale, John Hare, author and illustrator of Field Trip to the Moon, Field Trip to the Ocean Deep, and Field Trip to Volcano Island, uses his signature wit and buoyant illustrations to share the timeless message that sometimes new friends turn out to be someone unexpected.

Friends Are Fun by Steve Henry Pete is very happy living alone on his island. Then a friendly turtle, dog, and elephant come along! Perfect for kindergarteners and first-grades to read on their own. Pete the bird likes living alone on his island . . . . One day, Turtle comes. "May I stay?" says Turtle. Pete says okay. Then a dog and an elephant come too. When a storm rolls in, everyone works together to keep safe. Friends help each other. And friends are fun too! With very simple text and bright, cheerful illustrations, Friends Are Fun is perfect for beginners to read themselves, or to share. Your new reader will build skills, gain confidence, and have fun too! This book has been officially leveled by using the F&P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System. The award-winning I Like to Read series features guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original high-quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers, or on their own!

Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Joanna Ho; Dung Ho (Illustrator); Liz Kleinrock From New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, and award-winning educator Liz Kleinrock, comes a powerful companion picture book about adoption and family. A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents'. Her family bond is deep and their connection is filled with love. She wonders about her birth mom, and comes to appreciate both her birth culture and her adopted family's culture, for even though they may seem very different, they are both a part of her, and that is what makes her beautiful. She learns to appreciate the differences in her family and celebrate them.

Small Places, Close to Home by Deborah Hopkinson; Kate Gardiner (Illustrator) The rights of children--and of all living things--begin in small places, close to home. This is a poetic and moving adaptation of U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights in honor of its seventy-fifth anniversary. In backyards and city parks, in school and at home--wherever and however we move through this world, we have certain inalienable rights--and it's up to each one of us to ensure those rights for others, too. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, drafted by Eleanor Roosevelt and signed on December 10, 1948, marked the first time that countries agreed on a comprehensive statement of inalienable human rights. This gorgeous adaptation for children reminds us that universal rights begin in small places, close to home. We all deserve to live free, to feel safe, to belong, to learn, to dream.

The School for Invisible Boys by Shaun David Hutchinson What would you do if no one could see you? In this surreal adventure, a boy who is used to being overlooked literally becomes invisible, only to realize there may be far more dangerous threats in his school than bullies. Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when Hector Griggs discovers he has the ability to turn invisible. Sure, ever since Hector's former best friend Blake started bullying him, he's been feeling like he just wants to disappear...but he never thought he actually would. And then, Hector meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington, who has an ominous warning- "I'm stuck here. Stuck like this. It's been years. The gelim's hunting me and it'll get you, too." It turns out, there is more than meets the eye at St. Lawrence's Catholic School for Boys, and if Hector is going to save Orson--and himself-from the terrifying creature preying on students' loneliness and fear, he'll need to look deeper. With the help of a mysterious new classmate, Sam, can Hector unravel the mysteries haunting his school, and discover that sometimes it takes disappearing to really be seen?

The Kitten Story by Emily Jenkins; Brittany Cicchese (Illustrator) When a cat-loving family decides to bring home a pet, their quest reveals the highs and lows of everyday family life in this heartwarming story-perfect for kitten lovers and everyone who's ever longed for a pet. Finally, it's time for this family to adopt a pet of their own! But big decisions remain to be made. The two children, Tulip and Rosie, definitely want a kitten. But Daddy insists an older cat is best. No one can agree about what name to give the new family member, either. When Mommy and Rosie visit a shelter to choose their pet, yet another problem arises and they must go home empty-handed. This deftly paced story from best-selling author Emily Jenkins-winsomely narrated by Mommy, who just wants to find peaceful solutions-highlights themes of finding family unity among realistic conflict and overcoming disappointment. Readers will rejoice along with the family as, finally, they welcome home their very own, absolutely wonderful kitten.

The Missing Sound (Disney Encanto) by Susana Illera Martínez; Nicole Johnson (Adapted by); Disney Storybook Disney Storybook Art Team (Illustrator) A Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader featuring Mirabel's cousin Dolores from Disney Encanto-now steaming on Disney+! Perfect for children ages 4 to 6! Dolores Madrigal has the amazing ability to hear things that are very far away, from across the whole Encanto she calls home. But one morning when she wakes up, she doesn't hear something she usually does. But what? To find out, join Dolores and her magical Madrigal family as they team up to solve a mystery in this sweet and silly story set in the world of Disney Encanto! Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Mihi Ever after: a Giant Problem by Tae Keller; Geraldine Rodríguez (Illustrator) Newbery Medalist Tae Keller continues the fantasy adventures of Mihi Whan Park and her friends as they revisit the fairy tale realm to solve a giant problem. After just barely surviving their last trip to the Rainbow Realm, Mihi Whan Park and her friends Reese and Savannah know that stepping back through the library refrigerator and into the magical fairy-tale world would be a dangerous choice. But when they discover that Mihi's nemesis, Genevieve, has crossed through the fridge and into the Rainbow Realm herself, Mihi, Reese, and Savannah decide they must bring her home. Through the refrigerator they go, and when they arrive, they find the world has changed. Atop an enormous beanstalk, a greedy giant wreaks havoc on the realm, and Genevieve isn't the only one who needs saving. Now Mihi and her friends must team up with villains, concoct a magical disguise, and infiltrate a party full of the most fearsome creatures in all the land. What could possibly go wrong?

Like You, Like Me by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw ★ "A wonderful celebration of global friendship." --Bookpage, starred review "This story encourages young people to focus on the similarities that connect us in one human family. Highly recommended for all collections." --School Library Journal "Two pen pals delight in their differences and commonalities.... Bright, mixed-media illustrations visually emphasize difference as a means of connection." --Kirkus Reviews A pen pal picture book companion to the award-winning and bestselling Same, Same but Different--set in the United States and Tanzania--that celebrates the value of compassion, curiosity, and a global community.  Tulsi and Vanessa live on separate continents--one in the mountains in North America, and the other beside the sea in Africa. By exchanging letters, they learn that they both have prankster brothers, love music, and collect treasures from nature. Their daily sights and sounds may be different, but their feelings about their experiences hold many similarities. This thoughtful story celebrates the connections between two kids who live worlds apart. Together they rejoice in their shared love of family, friends, and community.

Love Is My Favorite Color by Nina Laden; Melissa Castrillon (Illustrator) A sparkling and tender picture book about all the things that are bright and loving in the world and fill our lives with joy. From caring to hoping to peace to sharing, there are many ways to find joy in the everyday. Celebrate the things that make life wonderful and each day special. With stunning artwork, readers of all ages will find moments to treasure.

There's No Place Like Hope by Janet Lawler; Tamisha Anthony (Illustrator) There's no place like hope, where possible lives, where people are helpful and everyone gives. If you're feeling scared or sad, happy or helpful--hope will guide you. It's not always easy. And sometimes having hope means being brave, or determined, or kind. At the end of the day, hope is where better will be. This sweet, rhythmic picture book is a gentle yet powerful exploration of how hope makes us loving, courageous, and connected to one another.

Daughters of the Lamp by Nedda Lewers Percy Jackson meets Arabian fairy tales in this stunning middle grade fantasy debut about a girl who becomes the guardian of Ali Baba's legendary treasure. Believe in fairy tales. Sahara Rashad lives by logic. Loves science. And always has a plan. Except her dad just whisked her away to her uncle's wedding in Egypt, upending every single plan she had for the summer. In Cairo, Sahara's days are filled with family--and mystery. First, Sahara's cousins claim the pretentious bride-to-be is actually a witch. Then her late mother's necklace starts glowing--and disappears. Sahara's attempts to recover the necklace lead her to the greatest mystery yet. Deep in an underground chamber lies Ali Baba's magical treasure. Hidden from a line of sorcerers who threatened to use its powers for evil, the treasure was given to Sahara's ancestor Morgana for safekeeping and passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Now only Sahara stands in the sorcerers' way. Can the girl who's never believed in magic trust the unknown and claim her legacy as the treasure's keeper?

Hoggy at Bat by Ethan Long When baseball-newbie Hoggy can't get his head in the game, he learns that having fun is the way to win in this early reader comic. Now that this former ball hog has learned to be a team player, Hoggy's friends think he's a real catch. But Hoggy feels more at home on the basketball court than he does on the baseball diamond. He wants to hit the ball so flawlessly that it soars over the fence. Instead, it's a swing and a miss. When Hoggy strikes out, the pressure is on. Can he learn to relax and enjoy a fun game with his friends? Or will the pressure to win keep him from stepping up to the plate? Geisel medalist Ethan Long hits a home run with his expressive art and encouraging messages about teamwork, perseverance, and the value of just having fun-perfect for early comics and social emotional learning collections. Comics-lovers can now share the fun with their kids, students, siblings, and younger friends who are learning to read! I Like to Read Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. I Like to Read Comics, like their award-winning I Like to Read counterpart, are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers. We hope that all new readers will say, "I like to read comics!" A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

There's No Such Thing As Vegetables by Kyle Lukoff; Andrea Tsurumi (Illustrator) A hilarious new picture book that exposes vegetables for what they truly are--leaves, roots, flowers, and stalks--by National Book Award Finalist and Newbery Honor winner Kyle Lukoff, perfect for fans of the Our Universe series. Chester plans to have a salad for lunch, but in order to do that, he'll need vegetables. So, off he goes to the community garden, except he quickly learns that he won't be dressing a salad anytime soon. Instead, the vegetables start dressing him down. According to them, "vegetables" don't exist! I know what you are thinking: What the bell pepper? Vegetables are totally real! But here's the thing: Kale is just a leaf, broccoli is a flower, potatoes are roots, and celery...well, stalks. Thanks to a lively, sassy cast of talking "veggies," Chester learns a valuable lesson about categories and how they shape our understanding of the world. With a slyly informative text and illustrations that will crack readers up, the schooling in There's No Such Thing As Vegetables will be easy to digest and is a total treat.

We Light up the Sky with Music! by Nick Maland This tender tale of showing care to a loved one will resonate with anyone who has ever found joy and purpose in music. Old Bear sits inside, staring at gray skies. He hasn't gone outside in quite a while. So Little Bear decides it's time for a walk! The weather is windy and Old Bear isn't thrilled to be outdoors, but Little Bear coaxes him, "Let's walk a little further." Then, suddenly, a curious noise catches both of their ears-an old saxophone lying in the alleyway! Can it be restored? Perhaps a bit of good company and teamwork is just what Old Bear could use to find his groove again.

Alma and Her Family/Alma y Su Familia by Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator) Meet Alma's family . . . in two languages! The beloved star of the Caldecott Honor Book Alma and How She Got Her Name appears in a series of joy-filled bilingual board books featuring words and simple phrases in English and Spanish. I play with my cousins. / Juego con mis primas. I sing to Pajarito. / Le canto a Pajarito. How much does little Alma love her family? She kisses her daddy, squeezes her mommy, laughs with her grandma, and . . . paints on her artist grandpa (such a good sport!). Juana Martinez-Neal's bilingual board book brings back familiar characters and introduces new ones in a conversational narration (shown in both languages on every spread) as well as gentle illustrations exuding whimsy and warmth.

Stitch's Valentine! (Disney Stitch) by Tim McCanna; Disney Storybook Disney Storybook Art Team (Illustrator) A Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader starring Stitch from Disney's Lilo & Stitch as he celebrates Valentine's Day! It's Valentine's Day, and everyone has a Valentine except Stitch! He heads out to find his alien friend Angel to celebrate with, but can he find her before the day ends? Kids ages 4 to 6 will love this sweet and silly step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader based on Disney's Lilo & Stitch, perfect for Valentine's Day! Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Waffles (the Puppy Place #68) by Ellen Miles Welcome to the Puppy Place! Where every puppy finds a home. Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters these young dogs, giving them love and proper care, until they can find the perfect forever home.Waffles is exuberant, playful, and smart - maybe too smart! She's quite the escape artist and Lizzie has her hands full trying to keep tabs on her.

Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris (Illustrator) A friendship blossoms between two children as they pass drawings across the clothesline between their apartment windows in this imaginative picture book about creativity, the power of art, adventure, innovation, and friendship. Between two windows, Kayla and Mateo pass drawings of dinosaurs back and forth, back and forth, back and forth...until a story comes to life and the worlds of two friends come together. But when the clothesline is taken down, the friends must use their creativity to find a new way to keep their story going. This fun-filled author-illustrator debut from Keisha Morris is perfect for fans of classics like The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, Swatch by Julia Denos, and Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg.

Underdog City by Chris Negron From the acclaimed author of The Last Super Chef and Dan Unmasked comes a heartfelt standalone novel about community, justice, and redemption, perfect for fans of Take Back the Block and Brave Like That. Mortimer Bray is not okay. It seems like everything in his life is changing for the worse. After his own much-loved dog dies, he can't bring himself to carry on with his dog-walking business; there's a strange new girl who's moved into the house next door; and suddenly there's a buzzing feeling of anxiety in his head and heart when he's faced with something new. His neighborhood, Townsend Heights, used to feel like the most comfortable place in the world. But lately, it seems like everyone is arguing, and there's uncertainty around every corner. The neighborhood's only vacant lot is somehow behind it all, Mortimer is sure of that much. If he can unearth the lot's secret history, he just might stop the Heights from unraveling completely. Mortimer can't save Townsend Heights on his own. But when it comes to community, you're never truly on your own--not as long as you're willing to learn from the past, in order to do better in the future.

This Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhanych Spring is blooming, and what better way for rascally kittens to celebrate than by causing mischief in the garden in this charming picture book! Spring has sprung on Sakura Way. The five little kittles will garden today! Read along as these frisky felines plant seeds, pounce and play, claw and climb, and splish, splash and swirl-until they end their day asleep in the garden bed. Filled with bright and playful illustrations, here is an adorable picture book that introduces kids to the wonders of spring as they spend time in the garden with these delightful cats-all brimming with cattitude. Here is a picture book sure to charm cat lovers and kids alike.

Monkey-Cam by Margie Palatini; Dan Yaccarino (Illustrator) Experience the world from a monkey's perspective via the video camera on its head in this fun and exciting Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read book in the Critter-Cam series! Through a video camera positioned on the monkey's head, readers can follow along from the monkey's point of view as it slides down a giraffe's neck, meets a lion by mistake, and shares a coconut with a friend! Go, Monkey, go! Dan Yaccarino's bright art and Margie Palatini's simple text create a dynamic world that beginning readers will want to visit over and over again!

The Spark in You by Andrea Pippins This jubilant picture book filled with powerful affirmations celebrates the beautiful magic that makes each of us special. This is the perfect heartfelt gift for a birthday, graduation or other new beginnings. There is a spark in you! The spark in you shines when you smile. It sparkles when you dance. It glimmers and shimmers, zings, and pops! Your spark is festive and joyous and burns brightest when you are authentically being you. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Carnival, a little girl uses all her creative energy to get ready for the big parade. Through the eyes of this vibrant character, the story celebrates individual expression and creativity as well as the explosion of light, color, and flavor of the festival. Leaning into her Brazilian heritage, creator Andrea Pippins shares a window into the world of a young girl as she joins in the excitement of the parade. The spare text leaves room for the striking artwork to shine in a powerful display of community, individuality, and spirit.

A World of Love by Aimee Elizabeth Reid; Christopher Lyles (Illustrator) There are a world of ways to show love for our young! Animal parents shower their little ones with love in so many unique ways. Doves coo and dolphins whistle, while penguins huddle with their chicks for warmth and mountain goats shield their kids' falls. Eye-catching collage illustrations and a lyrical text invite readers to explore animal behavior around the globe and celebrate the universal nature of a caregiver's love.

Bear's Big Dreaming by Michael Rosen; Daniel Egneus (Illustrator) From beloved author Michael Rosen (We're Going on a Bear Hunt) and award-winning illustrator Daniel Egnéus comes a modern classic picture book about love, hope and the dreams that sustain us. * "A soothing tale that will be welcomed in autumn or at bedtime in any season of the year." --Booklist, starred review The Cold is coming, and it's time for Big Bear and Little Bear to get ready for the Big Sleep: for bears sleep all winter long, and wake up in the spring. But Little Bear is worried. What if they run out of dreams during the Big Sleep? Little Bear sets out bravely to find enough dreams to see them through the long winter. On his journey, he discovers dreams of happiness, dreams of homecoming, and dreams of hope. But with the Cold approaching fast, will Little Bear make it back home in time for the Big Dreaming? A resonant and uplifting tale from a master storyteller, The Big Dreaming is a classic in the making, filled with luminous illustrations by award-winning artist Daniel Egnéus. Read Bear's Big Dreaming if you are looking for: A cozy bedtime book to inspire sweet dreams A gift to treasure with stunning gold foil A seasonal story that introduces bear hibernation

The Most Delicious Soup and Other Stories by Mariana Ruiz Johnson; Rosalind Harvey (Translator) "A comparison can be made to Richard Scarry's famous Busytown books; there's always something going on in each corner of the picture." --School Library Journal   Welcome to the Village of Villa Verde where there are always little adventures.  Join Coco as he falls madly in love with his new pet ladybug, Thunder, take a trip to the library with Grandma and Luis, and visit the market with Gina and her Dad. You never know what will happen in these five interconnected stories that tap into childhood joys and challenges, all within the safety of a warm, vibrant community of animals.

Help the Kind Lion: an Acorn Book (the Inside Scouts #1) by Mitali Banerjee Ruths; Francesca Mahaney (Illustrator) Inside Scouts Viv and Sanjay help a lion with a leaky heart in this full-color early reader series! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow! Viv and Sanjay are the Inside Scouts! Together, they help animals. They have a cool superpower -- they can shrink super small. When a lion with a leaky heart needs help, the Inside Scouts know what to do! They put on their suits, grab their tools, and get really small. They go inside the lion to find the leaky spot. And they fix it together! This series introduces beginning readers to the human body through mammals with similar anatomy -- and it does so in really fun ways! In this first book, readers learn about the circulatory system as Viv and Sanjay fix the lion's heart! With color-coded speech bubbles, easy-to-read text, and light nonfiction content, these engaging STEM-themed stories are the perfect fit for new readers!

Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak (Illustrator) *An Instant Indie Bestseller* Maurice Sendak's legacy continues with this playful counting extravaganza for the youngest child. Here is a small reader's introduction to the magic of Mr. Sendak's books--a journey that will continue for many years to come. Prepare to be . . . Amazed . . . Dazzled . . . And mesmerized by Mino's magic show! "Counting from 1 to 10 and back again--that's the concept in this never-before-published book from the renowned children's book creator. With pure Sendak whimsy, this simple story will grab readers' attention. Useful as a counting book for young children, this charmer also lends itself to home or classroom discussions of strategies for recognizing and dealing with obstacles and frustration. A newly discovered treasure from a beloved children's book magician." --School Library Journal (starred review) "This previously unpublished treasure from the late Sendak recalls the creator's Nutshell Library in its gentle-hued simplicity. The action runs full circle from mirth to mayhem and back, and droll, controlled sketches order the chaos, highlighting each new development, beat by beat, en route to a satisfying 'all done." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "The M emblazoned on his stage podium could just as well stand for Max or Mickey or Maurice, as another little boy with flair, talent, and determination. There's also drama in the changing expressions on the boy's face as a magic trick that begins in pride and insouciance starts to overwhelm him. A true Sendak hero, he sets himself to rights. Goes straight to the heart. " --Horn Book (starred review) A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION!

Baker Makers by Kim Smith (Illustrator) With a focus on overcoming fails and pivoting to new ideas, this hilarious story stars a young boy who dreams of baking extraordinary cakes but struggles with perfectionism in the midst of competition from fellow Baker Makers. Naveen loves baking. In fact, he's sure he's practically a master baker. So he is excited when his maker class tackles creative cakes at Baker Makers Lab! He is positive his cake will be the most astonishing and extraordinary one of all. But the mismatch between his fertile imagination and his actual skills leads to disaster! Will he find a way to embrace the unexpected? Find out in this delicious and delightful STEAM-centered picture book about letting go of perfection from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kim Smith, creator of Boxitects.

On the Job (PAW Patrol: Rubble and Crew) by Elle Stephens; Dave Aikins (Illustrator) Meet the construction pups of Nickelodeon's PAW Patrol: Rubble & Crew in this Step 1 Step into Reading leveled reader! Rubble knows that teamwork can get any job done. So, when city hall needs a new roof, he calls on Mix, Charger, Wheeler, and the rest of his pup family for help. Fans of PAW Patrol ages 4 to 6 will enjoy meeting the entire team in this Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader based on the animated Nickelodeon series Rubble & Crew.  Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Just down the road from Adventure Bay is Builder Cove, a town where Rubble and his family work together on construction challenges of all kinds. Nickelodeon's Rubble & Crew is an animated series filled with family, fun, and teamwork.

Grandma's Roof Garden by Tang Wei; Kelly Zhang (Translator) Granny may be old, but she's certainly not feeble - or idle! She's built a splendid vegetable garden from scratch on the rooftop of her Chengdu apartment building. She collects thrown-away produce and feeds it to her chicks and geese - or composts it for the garden.  She waters, weeds, and teaches the neighborhood children to care for the garden like she does: with love, patience, and pride.  And come harvest time, Granny gathers her fresh produce and cooks up delicious meals for her friends and family...or gives them their own bags of yummy treasures so they can cook on their own! Debut author/illustrator Tang Wei creates a love letter to an indomitable grandma of the city, inspired by her own childhood and a beloved relative. In rhyming couplets and quatrains reminiscent of Chinese nursery rhymes and folk chants, and vibrant colored pencil drawings, Wei shows how one person can create a beautiful green space in the heart of the concrete jungle, bringing together an entire community.

Cranky by Phuc Tran; Pete Oswald (Illustrator) From the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of the Food Group series, Pete Oswald, and debut picture book author Phuc Tran, this is a hilarious picture book about big trucks, big feelings, and even bigger friendships! It's the last day at the construction site and Cranky the crane truck is feeling, well, cranky. And he doesn't want to talk about it. His friends Zippy, Wheezy, and Dump Chuck try to cheer him up. But you know what doesn't help when you're feeling cranky A lot of talking. But what will help  With Phuc Tran's hilarious text and Pete Oswald's bold expressive illustrations, this tale that's Grumpy Monkey meets The Little Blue Truck shows young readers how kind friends and honesty are the perfect tools for navigating strong emotions.

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters by Wendelin Van Draanen Mr. Whiskers is a paw-some new dog detective from an Edgar Award winning author. He's on the trail of a kidnapped dad, pirate treasure, and a place to call home... Mr. Whiskers is a street-wise stray dog with a nose for trouble and a fondness for two girls he calls the Shenanigan Sisters. So when Misty and Zelda's professor father is kidnapped, Mr. Whiskers follows that car, picking up vital clues.  Then the two intrepid girls and one great dog follow the trail through the streets of San Francisco, discovering hidden passageways, buried secrets, and even pirate treasure.  But will they be able to rescue Dad? You bet your best biscuit, they will! Wendelin Van Draanen's new mystery is the ulti-mutt kid-pleasing caper.

Homegrown by DeAnn Wiley (Illustrator) A touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes--and loved ones--that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street. While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what it means to be "homegrown". Touring precious memories and lively rooms warmed by family, Mama and Granny explain that home isn't just a place, but rather a reflection of people who support and love one another. With lush, cozy illustrations, Homegrown is a beautiful author-illustrator debut picture book that reminds us to lift up the places--and people--we call home.

Is This ... Easter? by Helen Yoon (Illustrator) What's the deal with all the eggs? With her trademark visual humor and comic timing, Helen Yoon takes a look at a puzzling holiday tradition. Look, an egg! An egg left by a bunny! What does that mean? It means it's time to celebrate . . . Easter! Or is it time to celebrate breakfast? In Helen Yoon's scenario, a difference of opinion arises between excitable pups, and the egg bearer (and ultimate squabble settler) is, naturally, an enormous, Zen-like bear wearing tiny bunny ears. As the bear demonstrates, whether it's decorating eggs or eating them, Easter is kind of . . . delicious! Helen Yoon's fresh and hilarious take on the Easter holiday--part of a quirky new series of picture books--is a delightful blend of bumbling affection and slack-jawed wonder.

Baby's First Love Story by Stacy Abrams; Irena Freitas (Illustrator) An irresistible board book about love at first sight...and how babies can teach us everything we need to know about loving them--and even ourselves. Celebrate the greatest love story of all time--the one you share with your baby! Drawing clever parallels to the very best romance storylines, Baby's First Love Story is a charming, vibrant, and endearingly tender celebration of the bond between baby and parent/caregiver. From the moment they arrive in this world and into your arms, they bring out our most loving, healthy selves. From that unforgettable first "meet-cute," to discovering that irresistible bond, and even your first fight (because treats!), stylish and inclusive illustrations celebrate every aspect of this undeniably pure love story...from start until happily ever after.

I Am a Masterpiece! by Mia Armstrong; Alexandra Thompson (Illustrator) Tween actress Mia Armstrong celebrates her fun, funny, beautiful childhood living with Down syndrome in this debut picture book. Mia likes many of the things other people like--going to the beach, the color blue, drawing. But she doesn't like when strangers stare at her because she looks different from them. Down syndrome allows Mia to see and understand the world in a way that may not make sense to others. She considers it her superpower--and instead of it making her strange, she considers herself a masterpiece. As we all are. In this sparkling picture book, Mia offers a glimpse into the life of a child with Down syndrome, helping some readers see themselves in a book and helping others understand those friends, classmates, and family members who are neurodivergent.

Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year by Andrea Beaty; David Roberts (Illustrator) From the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of Ada Twist, Scientist and Rosie Revere, Engineer comes the story of the very first Questioneer: Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year! This moving picture book about an anxious girl's arrival at a new school celebrates kindness, learning to face your fears, and the profound difference one brilliant teacher can make in a child's life. Lila Greer is full of worries. Even the smallest things--from cabbages to cardboard--fill her with dread and what-ifs. So when her family makes a big change--moving to a new town--the worry and what-ifs only grow. What if things go wrong? What if no one likes her? At first, Lila feels right to be worried. In her new home, everything is strange. The new kids, the new smells. Lila feels alone and invisible. But there's one person who sees her: Lila's teacher, Ms. Kern. Through some creativity, blackboard erasers, and--most of all--kindness, Ms. Kern finds a way to make Lila feel welcome and open to new experiences. A lesson that will resonate with Lila long after second grade. Follow Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, Sofia Valdez, Aaron Slater, and Lila Greer on all of their adventures! Add the picture books, chapter books, and activity books starring the Questioneers to your family library today: The Questioneers Picture Book Series: Iggy Peck, Architect | Rosie Revere, Engineer | Ada Twist, Scientist | Sofia Valdez, Future Prez | Aaron Slater, Illustrator | Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year The Questioneers Chapter Book Series: Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters | Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants | Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion | Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote | Ada Twist and the Disappearing Dogs | Aaron Slater and the Sneaky Snake Questioneers: The Why Files Series: Exploring Flight! | All About Plants! | The Science of Baking | Bug Bonanza! | Rockin' Robots! Questioneers: Ada Twist, Scientist Series: Ghost Busted | Show Me the Bunny | Five-Minute Ada Twist, Scientist Stories | Brainstorm Book The Questioneers Big Project Book Series: Iggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects | Rosie Revere's Big Project Book for Bold Engineers | Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists | Sofia Valdez's Big Project Book for Awesome Activists | Aaron Slater's Big Project Book for Astonishing Artists

This Baby. That Baby by Cari Best; Rashin Kheiriyeh (Illustrator) In this bouncy, playful picture book for very young listeners, follow two baby friends who live in facing buildings through their day--playing, singing, and napping--till they meet in the park! Somewhere in the big, big city two happy babies look out their morning windows at the very same time. Just what will these two babies do today? Well, this baby meows like his cat, and that baby barks like her dog. This mellow baby listens to a story, and that rambunctious baby sings a song. Soon enough, both babies get hungry...and a bit cranky. How will this Mama and that Papa help them feel better? Perhaps a play date in the park will help! Critically acclaimed and award-winning creators--author Cari Best and illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh--team up for this delightful read-aloud that will have listeners clapping and giggling right alongside this baby and that baby.

Grandma, Where Will Your Love Go? - Abuela, ¿Adónde Irá Tu Amor? by Adriana Camacho-Church; Gastón Hauviller (Illustrator) "Grandma and I dance together, / sew together, / bake together / and go to the market together." This engaging picture book depicts the loving relationship between a young girl and her grandmother and the girl's growing realization that her grandmother will not always be physically present. Her beloved abuela "walks slower, sits longer and takes more medicine." Abuela comforts her granddaughter by using nature's beauty, power and mystery to reassure her that life continues-and so does love. The child will feel her touch in the sun's warmth and her kiss in each raindrop. When the wind lifts her hair, she will know her grandmother is there. The beauty of sunlit dragonflies and the smell of baked bread will be reminders of her love. "Feel my love in the power of waterfalls," Grandma says. "Feel it in a moonlit darkness and in the sprout from a seed." The love they share will surround her always.With beautiful illustrations by Gastón Hauviller depicting a child enjoying activities with a special adult, this bilingual book about loss, healing and a unique bond will connect children to the idea that we come from and return to nature. Kids will eagerly recount-or even write about-their favorite memories of time spent with a beloved family member or friend.

Salto by Joe Cepeda This Theodore Geisel Honor book about a boy and his grandma is now available in Spanish! He gets cheese. He gets bread He gets apples. Very simple text and fun pictures support Spanish vocabulary and grammar comprehension in this delightful and brightly illustrated book. Salto is a companion to Joe Cepeda's other Me gusta leer! books, including Arriba, Veo, and Cavo, featuring the same curious, excited brothers exploring the world around them and celebrating the diversity of everyday life. Me gusta leer! provides emerging Spanish language readers with translations of popular I Like to Read books. The award-winning I Like to Read series focuses on books for kindergarten through first grade. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

The Thirteenth Circle by MarcyKate Connolly; Kathryn Holmes Cat knows aliens are real, and she's determined to prove it. By studying her town's legendary crop-circle phenomenon for the McMurray Youth Science Competition, she'll not only demonstrate the existence of extraterrestrial life but also impress her distant NASA-scientist father.Dani does not believe in aliens. So when Dani is paired with Cat for the competition--which she has to win to avoid her parents' artsy summer camp--she knows she's in trouble. Her solution? Disprove Cat's theory, of course . . . without letting her partner know. But as the girls bond over science, it becomes clear that there is something strange about the crop circles. And when Dani and Cat's project is threatened by mysterious forces, they'll have to work together to expose the truth once and for all.

Parker's Big Feelings by Parker Curry; Jessica Curry; Brittany Jackson (Illustrator); Tajae Keith (Illustrator) The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with this Level 1 Ready-to-Read about trying to make a good day out of a bad one. Parker is not having a good day. All she wants is some time alone to read her book, but her brother and sister will not stop following her around. Parker is feeling lots of big feelings. How can Parker turn a bad day into something good?

The Crayons Love Our Planet by Drew Daywalt; Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator) The hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to celebrate our planet! The Crayons love our planet and are proud of their contributions. White ice caps, Green trees, Blue oceans and skies, Brown soil...and more! Even Beige is proud of his contibution: Wheat! This humorous mini hardcover book shows the beauty of our plant--and why it needs all of us to be complete. Perfect for Earth Day.

The hare-shaped hole by Dougherty, John The Hare-Shaped Hole is a poignant and touching picture book exploring death and grief, as Bertle the turtle learns to cope with the loss of his best friend Hertle the hare.

Friendbots: Blink and Block Build a Fort by Vicky Fang (Illustrator) Let's read comics! I Can Read Comics is an early reader line that familiarizes children with the world of graphic novel storytelling and encourages visual literacy in emerging readers. Blink and Block are back in another STEM-inspired I Can Read Comic by author-illustrator Vicky Fang! Blink is silly and Block is logical, and they're best when they're working together! Whether they're searching for treasure, playing pretend, or learning to compromise, Blink's imagination and Block's clever ideas turn any ordinary day into the most fun ever. This time, the pair find a pile of boxes perfect for making a fort. But when the friendly competition starts heating up, will they be able to find a middle ground Friendbots: Blink and Block Build a Fort is a Level Two I Can Read Comic, geared for kids who are comfortable with comics and can read on their own but still need a little help.

Hedgehog and the Log by Pam Fong (Illustrator) Hedgehog loves his new home. But even before he can set foot inside, his house is destroyed. No matter how much he cries, yells, complains, worries, or even feels sorry for himself, Hedgehog is powerless to change the situation. It isn't until he learns to see things differently that Hedgehog turns his obstacle into an opportunity.   With its tender, openhearted text and beautifully rendered illustrations, Hedgehog and the Log is about acceptance, perseverance, and, most of all, hope.

The Stars of Din / Las Estrellas de Din by Jayri Gomez (Illustrator) Introduce your little ones how to identify feelings of sadness in their peers in both English and Spanish! Din loves to collect stars. She has an abundance of them and is always delighted to share their magic with her friends. Din's stars are known for creating smiles out of frowns and turning blue days into joyful plays. Yet she is challenged by her preconceived notions when her stars cannot comfort one lonely bear. Din soon discovers that the simple art of asking questions to which you do not know the answer is the beginning of a trusting friendship. Parents will acknowledge this bilingual English-Spanish hardcover as a beautiful way to make the blues go away and allow little ones to identify emotions in the friendships they create.

Esto Es Rock / This Is Rock! by Manu Guix; Patri de Pedro (Illustrator) El primer cuento musical de Manu Guix para entender que ser fiel a tus sentimientos es la clave para saber expresarlos y para que te quieras y te quieran tal como eres. El cuento musical de Manu Guix que hará cantar a toda la familia. Manu es un niño con una gran sensibilidad, y siempre ha expresado sus emociones y sus sentimientos a través de la música. Sus amigos y familia saben que algún día podría llegar a ser un gran músico, pero su compañero de clase, Joel, asegura que los sentimientos son una tontería. ¡Y la música también! Lo que no saben es que ambos están a punto de descubrir que decir o hacer lo que sentimos es mucho más complicado de lo que pensamos y que, muchas veces, tenemos más cosas en común de las que creemos. Una tierna historia maravillosamente ilustrada sobre las emociones y el poder de la música y el arte como herramientas para aprender a gestionarlas y a escucharse a uno mismo. ¡Incluye una canción exclusiva del libro escrita e interpretada por Manu Guix! ENGLISH DESCRIPTION Manu Guix's first musical story, to help you understand that being true to your feelings is the key to knowing how to express them, to love yourself, and to be loved just the way you are.   This is Manu Guix's musical story that will make the whole family sing.   Manu is a boy with great sensitivity, and he has always expressed his emotions and his feelings through music. His friends and family know that he could one day be a great musician, but his classmate, Joel, claims that feelings are just silly--and music too! What they don't know is that they are about to discover that saying or doing what we feel is more complicated than we think, and that many times, we have more things in common than we can imagine.   A wonderfully illustrated tender story about emotions and the power of music and art, as tools to learn to manage our emotions and to listen to our inner voice.   Includes a song exclusively for the book, written and performed by Manu Guix!

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris Meet this pint-sized unicorn in this funny, modern fairy tale about perception and self-confidence from a Caldecott-Honor winning creator. Once upon a time, in a land where horses were mythical beasts, there lived a unicorn-a Teeny-Weeny Unicorn. He lived with his family in a palace-one that was extra-large for him, full of extra-large rugs and extra-large food. And when his brother and sister played chess, they used him in place of a pawn. When it's just too much to take, Teeny-Weeny Unicorn runs away-and has a chance encounter with a salty gnome. It's then that he suddenly starts to wonder... IS he teeny weeny? Or is he just the right size? Every kid will relate to Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, as he figures out how to live in a world not made for his stature. With wit and charm, as well as delightful illustrations, Shawn Harris creates a modern classic made for sharing-be it at bedtime or on a story time rug.

Mabel and the Mountain by Kim Hillyard (Illustrator) Meet Mabel, a small fly with Big Plans! Mabel is determined to do the following: 1. Climb a mountain 2. Host a dinner party 3. Make friends with a shark Mabel's friends aren't being very helpful, but Mabel knows the truth about Big Plans: Don't listen to those who say you cannot. Listen to those who say you can! So, even though a mountain is very, very high and Mabel is very, very small, she knows she shouldn't give up. And even though it might have been easier to fly up a tree, Mabel knows that she needs to keep going and climb. Mabel is the best little fly to show readers big and small that there is nothing more important than the power of confidence and believing in yourself! WINNER of the 2020 Sainsbury's Children's Book Awards!

Afikotective by Amalia Hoffman (Illustrator) A family of bears is getting ready for the Passover seder, preparing all the items for the seder plate. When the time comes in the seder for hiding the afikomen, Grandma breaks the middle matzah into two pieces. She hides the bigger piece, the afikomen, that the kids will eagerly search for later in the seder. It's a good thing one little bear has turned his toy elephant into an Afiko-Sniffer! The invention sniffs out apples in a bowl, eggs in the fridge, and horseradish in the pantry, but can it help find the afikomen?

The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner (Illustrator) In this hilarious debut middle grade graphic novel, when an impossible wish comes true, a wild adventure begins! "Can't be missed!" --Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Kids on Earth Think your wildest wish can't come true? Just wait! It's his first day at a new school, and Stanley wishes he could disappear. He can hardly believe it when, after a big spill at the science fair, POOF!  Stanley is invisible! It's awesome! He can do anything he wants, and no one will know! But Stanley isn't the only one who turned invisible. The inventor of the potion is not happy about the accident and takes his anger out on kids   all over town. Stanley wants to use his power for good . . . which means going up against the one person who can make him visible again. Get ready for a battle of the ages.

Elijah's Easter Suit by Brentom Jackson; Emmanuel Boateng (Illustrator) In a story full of style, sass, and significance, ayoung boy goes on a quest for the perfect Easter church outfit, inspired by elders from his community. Along the way learns about the importance of Easter traditions to his family, his ancestors, and the Black church. Elijah is on a mission to find the perfect church outfit for Easter. But when failed attempts at his town's stores leave Elijah disappointed, an important conversation with Deacon Brown and Mother Green about tradition, culture, and clothing gives him the courage to create his own Easter masterpiece- a patchwork of perfection that tells his story with style. Families at Easter will appreciate seeing the themes of church and Black culture throughout Elijah's quest, in this sweet yet important story about a young boy's journey toward an understanding of those who came before him. An afterword from the author delves into the traditions and culture of Black communities at Easter and the historical importance and significance of Easter clothing and style.

Daring Dolphin Rescue (OceanX Book 3) by Kate B. Jerome Dive into an OceanX Adventure! Fifth grader Marena Montoya is learning how marine mammals talk to each other. But her bigger challenge is learning how to communicate with her new study partner, Samuel, as sea mammal rescues--and their own lives--will depend on it. When Marena Montoya and her new study partner, Samuel, embark on a shared mission, they get off to a shaky start. They need to research how whales and dolphins communicate, but they barely know how to talk to each other. Luckily, Marena's OceanX mentor, Dr. Anna Knowles, is a marine mammal expert and an excellent coach. A baby otter and a dolphin need Marena and Samuel's help, but when the team investigates an underwater noise issue, they become the ones in need of rescue. Trapped and in trouble, can Marena and Samuel escape on their own? Or will they need a little help from a sea mammal friend? MEET THE OCEAN EXPLORERS: Curiosity and perseverance get fifth-grade junior science journalist Marena and her study partner, Samuel, in and out of exciting (and dangerous!) situations as they use critical thinking and sound science to solve an underwater mystery. MENTORED BY OCEANX: Marena is mentored by Dr. Anna Knowles, whose character is inspired by the real-life scientists of the world-renowned OceanX project. REAL SCIENCE: Each mystery is based on actual oceanic science research and discoveries and is filled with fascinating facts about the ocean world. MIDDLE-GRADE MILESTONES: Eleven-year-old Marena and her study partner Samuel need to work together--whether they like it or not. Slowly, and with the encouragement of Marena's OceanX mentor, the pair learn about the importance of communication--and trust. COLLECT THE SERIES: Mystery at the Aquarium and Danger in the Deep Sea also available!

Harriet's Reflections by Marion Kadi "This self-reflective story truly shines." -- Booklist (STARRED REVIEW) "[A fun romp." -- BookPage (STARRED REVIEW) "A highly original tale." -- Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW) An imaginative tale about a rambunctious lion reflection and the fierce little girl he decides to mirror. One day the reflection of a lion decides to reflect someone different. He picks a little girl named Harriet, who eagerly accepts the new face staring back at her. Harriet loves how ferocious she is now at school: she's not afraid to speak up in class, and she can romp around the playground like a wild beast. But soon Harriet starts to miss the reflection she had before, the one who looked like her. Can Harriet find a way to balance her old reflection and her new one?  This whimsical story explores themes of confidence and identity with colorful illustrations and a sly sense of humor. Delightful and unconventional, Harriet's Reflections is the perfect read-aloud for anyone who's ever wondered about the face on the other side of the mirror--and what they might do next.

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly When twelve-year-old Michael Rosario meets a mysterious boy from the future, his life is changed forever. From bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly, winner of the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, this novel explores themes of family, friendship, trust, and forgiveness. The First State of Being is for fans of Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me. It's August 1999. For twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, life at Fox Run Apartments in Red Knot, Delaware, is as ordinary as ever--except for the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his fifteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby. But when a disoriented teenage boy named Ridge appears out of nowhere, Michael discovers there is more to life than stockpiling supplies and pining over Gibby. It turns out that Ridge is carefree, confident, and bold, things Michael wishes he could be. Unlike Michael, however, Ridge isn't where he belongs. When Ridge reveals that he's the world's first time traveler, Michael and Gibby are stunned but curious. As Ridge immerses himself in 1999--fascinated by microwaves, basketballs, and malls--Michael discovers that his new friend has a book that outlines the events of the next twenty years, and his curiosity morphs into something else: focused determination. Michael wants--no, needs--to get his hands on that book. How else can he prepare for the future? But how far is he willing to go to get it? A story of time travel, friendship, found family, and first loves, this thematically rich novel is distinguished by its voice, character development, setting, and exploration of the issues that resonate with middle grade readers.

Awake by Christopher Krovatin Master of middle-grade horror Christopher Krovatin returns with the scorching tale of a rift between siblings with awesome, sinister powers. In this family, pyrokinesis was just the beginning. Now other powers are emerging, including telekinesis -- and it will put the siblings at odds like never before.

Ash's Taste of Victory (Pokémon: World Championship Trilogy #2) by Jeanette Lane Continue Ash's journey toward becoming the ultimate Pokémon Master in this illustrated chapter book! The second installment in a trilogy that follows Ash in his final quest to be crowned world champion! Join Ash and his Pokémon as they continue to battle their way up through the ranks of the World Coronation Series tournament. As he advances into the Ultra Class, he faces a rematch against a powerful Gym Leader he's struggled against before. Can he emerge victorious and keep forging ahead to ultimately win it all? Based on a thrilling storyline from the top-rated Netflix animated series, with black-and-white illustrations throughout.

In Search of Superpowers: a Fantasy Pin World Adventure by Briana Lawrence; Joanna Cacao (Illustrator) Four preteens receive mysterious enamel pins that grant them superpowers. Together, they must put aside their differences and embark on an epic journey to find the mysterious pinmaker, discover the truth behind the new theme park, and of course, trade pins--all while learning how to navigate their new superhuman skills. This is an all-new illustrated adventure series that's about magic, friendship, queer identity, collecting, and tons of fun! Four kids. Four pins. Four superpowers. One dark secret. Angela, Sophie, Travis, and Skylar are four normal middle schoolers. Angela and her dad just moved in with her future stepmom, but the wealthy neighborhood is not what's she used to, and relations with the future stepmom are tough. Sophie lives in the shadow of her twin sister, Becca, and wants to find her own identity. Travis is his track team's star, but he's starting to think that video game coding (and his best friend) might be a LOT more interesting. Skylar is trying to help their family make ends meet . . . but sometimes, they're stretched too thin. After a mysterious explosion in the night, each of the four kids receives a limited-edition fantasy enamel pin. What's more, it gives them superpowers! As the new friends work together to figure out where the pins came from and untangle their own lives, they discover a secret at the nearby theme park that might not be so fun after all. In Search of Superpowers is the first in an all-new adventure series, Fantasy Pin World Adventures. It's perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, The Marvellers, and of course, enamel pin collectors. "Delightful and engaging, Lawrence's debut is a magical, empowering adventure of friendship -- you'll fall in love with the characters just as much as you'll fall in love with the pins they're collecting!" - Andrea Towers, author of the GAMER GIRLS series

Brown Sugar Baby Sweetest Love by Kevin Lewis; Jestenia Southerland (Illustrator); Cottage Door Press (Editor) It's Brown Sugar Baby's first Valentine's Day! In this multigenerational story, Brown Sugar Baby is in the kitchen baking sweet Valentine treats with Grandpa and Mom. Award-winning author Kevin Lewis delivers another lyrical and relatable celebration of unconditional love. This African American family is full of warmth and celebration, reminding us we have lots of love to share. Perfect keepsake board book for baby's first Valentine's Day -- and perfect addition to your growing collection of Brown Sugar Baby books. Poetic rhythm and rhymes encourage language patterns and development amongst toddlers. Beautiful illustrations, featuring an African American family, will keep kids engaged throughout the story. Sturdy, board pages are suitable for even the littlest babies and toddlers. Easy for little ones to follow along as they share the story together.  Relatable, lyrical story for parents and their little girls and boys to read together time and time again. Perfect for baby showers, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and more!

Hideaway by Melania Longo; Alessandro Sanna (Illustrator); Brenda Porster (Translator) Escape to the world of make believe where imagination takes flight. This charming excursion to the world of imaginative play features poetic text accompanied by exquisite illustrations by a recent Italian Children's Laureate.  "Our hideaway is a house made of slender branches and singing leaves. No one can enter, except my little brother and I. Even though there's not much room, for us it has no limits. We can travel to the savanna or to snow capped lands, enjoy a five o'clock tea or sleep beneath the stars. Until we hear a far-off voice growing nearer as it calls to us . . . has someone found us in our hideaway?"  This timeless ode to creative play provides a welcome reminder to unplug from the distractions of the modern world, be present in the moment, and ready to travel wherever our imaginations might take us.

Ty's Travels: Showtime! by Kelly Starling Lyons; Niña Mata (Illustrator) Ty rocks out with friends in this new book in the Geisel Honor-winning series! Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty's Travels: Showtime, a My First I Can Read story by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. Music, imagination, and play are highlighted, making this perfect for sharing with children ages 3 to 6. Rap-a-tap-tap! Thrum, thrum, thrum! Plink-a-plink-plink! Ty loves playing the instruments, but something's missing--his friends! With the help of his vivid imagination, Ty and his friends are onstage in a band making great music together. With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First series is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey. Praise for Ty's Travels series: Ty's Travels: All Aboard has been named United Through Reading's 2024 Book for the Military Child.

Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal (Illustrator) A heartwarming story about the value of art, set in the evocative Blue City of India. Asha's papa makes and sells wooden toys to pay for her to go to school. But Papa struggles to find buyers. And this makes him worry. He worries Asha's life will also be a struggle unless she focuses on her schoolwork, which he never had the chance to do. Can Asha's art help Papa? Will he let her try? Author and illustrator Sakshi Mangal drew inspiration from her childhood in India for this sweet picture book. It celebrates the life-changing power of art in the real world, and offers children an opportunity to explore the concept of color and the influence of the visual arts in their everyday lives. Asha's touching generosity and resourcefulness also show how even a very young child can make a difference and provide a wonderful character education lesson on initiative. Mangal's colorful art depicts the Indian city of Jodhpur, known as the Blue City for its many buildings painted a distinctive shade of blue.

Alma, Head to Toe/Alma, de Pies a Cabeza by Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator) Get to know Alma, head to toe . . . in two languages! The beloved star of the Caldecott Honor Book Alma and How She Got Her Name appears in a series of joy-filled bilingual board books featuring words and simple phrases in English and Spanish. I have two eyes, one nose, and a mouth. / Tengo dos ojos, una nariz y una boca. I see you, Pajarito! / ¡Te veo, Pajarito! Alma is known for her iconic stripes--but there's more she'd like to show you! She has arms, hands, and fingers for patting a pet bird--as well as legs, feet, toes, and one adorable belly, below her ever-present heart. Juana Martinez-Neal's bilingual board book teaches body parts while sharing moments in a little girl's world, in a conversational narration (shown in both languages on every spread) combined with gentle, inviting illustrations.

Marvel-Verse: Mary Jane by Sean McKeever; Marvel Various (Illustrator); Takeshi Miyazawa (Illustrator); John Romita (Cover Design by) Learn more about Mary Jane Watson, one of Peter Parker's great loves, who appears in countless Spider-Man films, shows, and more! Face it, tiger - in the merry Marvel-Verse, nobody is more amazing than Mary Jane Watson! And you're about to hit the jackpot in this collection of MJ's greatest adventures! First, the greatest love story in comics begins as Mary Jane navigates high school with her friends Liz Allan, Harry Osborn, Peter Parker and... Spider-Man? But when MJ learns Spidey's secret, she soon finds herself caught between the wallcrawler and the Radioactive Man! And when Alistair Smythe thinks that Mary Jane actually is Spidey, can she outmaneuver one of Peter's deadliest foes? Plus: It's showtime as MJ's acting career takes off - but will the Savage Six tank her blockbuster movie?! Collecting: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane (2005) 1, Untold Tales of Spider-Man (1995) 16, Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) 19, Many Loves of the Amazing Spider-Man (2010) 1 (C story), Amazing Mary Jane

See Otto Say Hi! by David Milgrim (Illustrator) Come along with Otto and his friends once again in this Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read in the award-winning, star-reviewed The Adventures of Otto series by the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor-winning author-illustrator David Milgrim. See Tweet come. See Otto say hi! See Tweet go. What will Otto do? This Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read with bright illustrations and minimal text is perfect for the emergent reader.

The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod Staff (Contribution by) Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod, authors of the award-winning How to Eat a Book, present a whimsical, thought-provoking picture book about coming face-to-face with the unknown. Beautifully illustrated and lyrically written, The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before has strong read-aloud appeal for families, libraries, booksellers, and educators.     The Grunions' house had many doors. But there was one door, that had never been opened before!   The door that had never been opened before was built closed shut, locked tight, and never opened for a reason. A reason that nobody knew.    Geraldine opened every door she ever found. Geraldine opened every door and went everywhere and met everyone and did EVERYTHING. Everything, except ONE THING. Geraldine had never opened the Door that had NEVER been opened before . . . NOT yet!   The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before is a contemporary look at a timeless question--with hints of Shel Silverstein and a smattering of Edward Gorey. Fantastically illustrated with dipped pen-and-ink cutout art, photographed in a three-dimensional stage diorama and hand-colored, this children's picture book is a HIT from the talented Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod. Hardcover picture book; 48 pages; 8.5 x 10.9 in.

God's Very Good Idea Board Book by Trillia J. Newbell; Catalina Echeverri (Illustrator) Using simple sentences and stunning illustrations, this board book shows toddlers that they are made by God to be the people they are. And it teaches them that God made everyone to be different (different sexes, skin colors and interests), but he values all of us equally as people made in his image. God's Very Good Idea Board Book features... * a robust board-book format. * stunning illustrations by Catalina Echeverri that will delight young children. * simple sentences that will communicate truths in a way toddlers can understand. This foundational book on value and diversity makes a perfect gift for toddlers.

The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O'Leary; Briony May Smith (Illustrator) The inspiring true tale of young siblings who loved to make stories -- and grew up to be among English literature's finest writers. A picture book for fans of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein. Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family -- Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne -- lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime.  A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author's note, timeline of the Brontës' lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.

Yokai Cats Vol. 2 by PANDANIA THE LIVES OF MISCHIEVOUS SUPERNATURAL CATS AND THEIR PEOPLE! Yokai cats- they're kind of like yokai, kind of like cats. What would it be like to have one of these mysterious creatures for a pet? One has a horn on its head and wears tiger-striped pants, and hates when beans are scattered. Another loves tofu, and another retreats when it's startled into the seashell on its back. The daily life of adorable supernatural cats and their humans continues!

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli From Geisel Award-winning author Greg Pizzoli comes a hilarious picture book about a duck who learns just how lucky she is. Susan the duck has the worst luck. Her rollerskates are two sizes too big. She's lost her favorite marble. And she's run out of pickles. But with each unfortunate discovery, Wolf shows up with a gift she's won. Her luck has turned around . . . hasn't it? Come see just how lucky Susan is, in this slyly funny story about finding luck when you least expect it. Geisel Award-winning creator Greg Pizzoli delivers another rib-tickling picturebook that will have kids howling with laughter.

Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Rellihan Can Lou Bennett keep a secret? She'll do just about anything to prove herself to her new friend-and the best friend she betrayed-in this debut novel that is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes. It's the thirty-fourth day of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri, and eleven-year-old Lou wishes she could rewind time. Lou wants to go back to the ninth day of sixth grade-the day before she fought with her best friend Francie and said the terrible, horrible things she can't unsay. Or better yet, she would go back to fifth grade when Francie was still the Old Francie. Then the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan, passes Lou a mysterious note. It says she was kidnapped. (!) If Lou can help Cece, maybe she can prove she's not the world's worst friend. But as observant Lou uncovers the complicated truth about Cece's family, she starts to panic. Can she help Cece without hurting her? Or will Lou end up losing another friend instead? Anchored by an outstanding voice and a page-turning mystery, this remarkable debut novel honors the powerful middle school friendships that can both break and heal a tender eleven-year-old heart. Perfect for fans of Fish in a Tree and My Jasper June.

There's No Such Thing As... Mermaids by Lucy Rowland; Katy Halford (Illustrator) There's no such thing as mermaids... right? When a little girl is told by her sister that mermaids aren't real, she doesn't believe it for a second. To prove her sister wrong, she makes a list of places to search and sets off to prove her wrong. From the lake to the park to the beach, she looks for mermaids everywhere. Could her sister be right? Or are mermaids hiding just out of sight? With an engaging search-and-find element on every page, this hilarious story is packed full of fun for kids to enjoy. The bouncy, rhyming text makes for the perfect read-aloud and Katy Halford's adorable art gives kids plenty to explore. A hilarious new mythical tale that's sure to become a family favorite!

¡1, 2, 3 Salsa! by Delia Ruiz; Graziela Andrade (Illustrator) "ONE invitation to a salsa dance. TWO dancing shoes to make a pair."This bilingual English-Spanish book teaches how to count to 10 using salsa. ¡Vamonos! Learn to count with salsa in English and Spanish.Children, caretakers, and educators will love the rhythmic text paired with bright and colorful illustrations showcasing characters of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Arlo Needs Glasses (Revised Edition) by Barney Saltzberg One out of four kids either wears or needs glasses, and their parents will want their child to feel that glasses are awesome because they're cool, fun, and enable us to do all the things we want to do. That's where Arlo steps in. He's a shaggy, free-spirited dog who loves to play catch, until one day he can't see the ball anymore. He needs glasses! Created by Barney Saltzberg, the bespectacled author of the bestselling title Beautiful Oops!, Arlo Needs Glasses is an inventive and reassuring story that gets it. Readers will follow along with Arlo as he does all the big firsts involved in getting glasses-visit a doctor, get tested on an eye chart, look through the phoropter. And then the fun part-choosing frames! What should Arlo get? Movie star glasses? Superhero glasses? Classic frames that never go out of style? Originally published as an interactive novelty book, Arlo Needs Glasses is as necessary and inspiring as ever: Arlo puts on his new glasses and look-now he can catch again. Glasses rock!

Imagine You and Me by Benson Shum (Illustrator) A gentle story-with a surprise twist!-about the bond between an imaginative bear and his best friend. Randall and Parker are the very best of friends-they do everything together, from building elaborate sand castles to swimming with mermaids. One day while they're playing, they see another group of bears nearby, and Parker urges Randall to ask the bears to play with them. But there's one problem- None of the other bears can see Parker. And the more time Randall spends with this new sloth of friends, the less he sees Parker too. Until one day, she disappears, and Randall must dig through his memories to find her. This gentle story celebrates the beauty and magic of adventures with friends, both imaginary and real.

My Thoughts Have Wings by Maggie Smith; Leanne Hatch (Illustrator) Maggie Smith, bestselling author of the viral poem "Good Bones" and the memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful, delivers a lyrical and reassuring picture book perfect for calming active minds at bedtime (or anytime). At bedtime, when lights go out...sometimes thoughts stay on. Scary things and worries flutter and flap around. It's so hard to sleep! But a little imagination (and a lot of love) can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts--and sweet dreams for little ones.

Momo Arashima Breaks the Mirror of the Sun by Misa Sugiura In the next book in the thrilling fantasy series filled with gods and monsters of Shinto mythology, a twelve-year-old girl must steal an ancient relic, work with new friends and learn to control her own dangerous power to defeat a new threat. After vanquishing a demon king, saving her mom, and reconnecting with her friend Danny, Momo ought to be living the life she's always wanted. But lately, Danny has been ditching her to hang out with mean-girl Ryleigh--and groups of kids have begun vanishing without a trace. Then a whole backyard full of cool kids at Ryleigh's exclusive birthday party becomes the latest to disappear, leaving Momo, Ryleigh, Danny, boy band superstar Jin, and Momo's old friend Niko the fox to fight a dangerous new enemy from Shinto legend. This time they are up against Tamamo-no-mae--beautiful, bloodthirsty, and manipulative, she's the ultimate mean girl of the Kami-verse. To defeat her, Momo must travel to the Sky Kingdom and steal the legendary Mirror of the Sun. But if she's going to survive monster ambushes, escape giant snakes, and pull off the heist of the millennium, Momo will have to find a way to work with her team (even Ryleigh), and grapple with the growing power that connects her with her storm god grandfather, Susano'o', and her greatest foe--Izanami the Destroyer.

Be My Valenslime by Kris Tarantino; Cori Doerrfeld (Illustrator) A hilarious and heartwarming picture book about a sweet little monster who really wants to celebrate a not-so-monstery holiday: Valentine's Day. "There are powerful messages about the nature of love on almost every page."--School Library Journal (starred review) Snoodle is an unusual monster. She loves candy hearts, fun parties, fuzzy kittens, fancy hats, sparkly stickers, and . . . valentines! There's just one problem: Monsters don't do Valentine's Day! And when Snoodle tries to throw a Valentine's Day party for her monster friends, nothing goes right. Every attempt to show them what love looks like turns into monster mayhem! With each disaster, Snoodle tries to be patient and kind, and to not be rude or get easily angered. But if the party isn't perfect, how can Snoodle convince the other monsters to be her Valenslime?  Debut author Kris Tarantino and New York Times bestselling illustrator Cori Doerrfeld bring to life a wonderful cast in this laugh-out-loud exploration of the true meaning of love.

Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo; Eliza Kinkz (Illustrator) ★Kirkus Reviews★Publishers Weekly★School Library Journal A 2024Pura Belpre Honor Award, American Library Association In Mexican American comedian Jesos Trejo's debut picture book, a little boy makes a big, funny mistake and learns the value of resources like time and water-both of which have a magic all their own. Little Jesos is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papa at the "family business." He loves Papa's cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papa even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papa explains, the workday will be done. It's a big job, and Jesos wants to do it right. But he just can't help giving water to an array of thirsty animals-a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty -but the workday's not over yet! Will Jesos be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all? This mischievous tale of a very young comedian's life lesson will warm hearts and have class clowns, practical jokers, and all high-spirited kids nodding in sympathy.

How to Catch an Elf by Alice Walstead; Paul Gill (Illustrator) From the creators of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch books comes the first exhilarating Christmas adventure in a new graphic novel series! Pup has boundless energy and endless optimism; Dragon is cool and thoughtful but always up for adventure ... together, they are best friends who are always there for one another. In their first adventure, they are trying to catch one of Santa's little helpers--only Dragon has no idea what a Santa is let alone an elf.  Bursting with colorful art and funny text that is sure to appeal to How to Catch lovers and new young readers alike, Pup and Dragon: How to Catch an Elf is sure to bring extra cheer to your holidays this year!

Bear Finds Eggs by Karma Wilson; Jane Chapman (Illustrator) Bear and his friends hunt for missing eggs in this new picture book adventure in the bestselling series. Mama Meadowlark can't find her eggs! Bear and his friends pitch in to help and search high and low. Each time they find an egg, they paint it with bright colors so they don't lose it again and add it to Hare's handy basket. Will they be able to return all the eggs to their mother?

Ramadan Kareem by M. O. Yuksel; Hatem Aly (Illustrator) From M. O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly, the acclaimed creators of the award-winning In My Mosque, comes Ramadan Kareem--a delightful, diverse celebration of Ramadan around the world. Don't miss this modern classic that celebrates the emotions and joy of this important holiday. Come in and experience the sacred traditions of Ramadan, the Islamic month of mercy and blessings, with children and families from across the globe. From waking up early for suhoor and fasting from dawn to dusk to praying and preparing an iftar meal to be shared, Ramadan is a time of increased spirituality, gratitude, charity, and empathy for all. With warm, lyrical text from M. O. Yuksel and richly detailed artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly, this is a must-have book that invites readers to enjoy the wonder of Ramadan. The book also includes easy-to-understand back matter and fun, interactive elements.    "A celebratory, tender picture book that reflects how the holy month of Ramadan is honored by Muslims around the world... Yuksel pairs these shared values of Ramadan with culturally specific language for loved ones and foods, reflecting the diversity of the Muslim community... Aly's illustrations fill each page with colors and patterns that emanate excitement and care as families share meals, visit the market, gather for prayer, prepare donations, cook, and set the table together... A beautiful follow-up to the award-winning collaboration In My Mosque, this book reflects the diversity of Muslim communities around the world while uplifting the shared principles of the holy month of Ramadan." --School Library Journal (starred review)

Programmed to Paint by Mauricio Abril (Illustrator) Join Pintro the robot's journey as he learns how to create art! Pintro is a robot who is practically perfect. He knows all there is to know about how to garden, how to bake, and especially everything about math. But the one thing Pintro does not know how to do? Make art! Whenever he tries, he just produces a perfect copy of the subject. While that's not a bad thing, he knows there's more to art than that. Can Pintro connect with his creativity and overcome his programming so he can finally paint the way he wants to?

The Fish of Small Wishes by Elana K. Arnold; Magdalena Mora (Illustrator) Once, there was a girl named Kiki, who found a fish on the asphalt.The fish was very hot and very dry.But when Kiki put it in the bathtub, it started swimming, and growing, and . . . speaking?A wish-granting fish!Alas, this fish was only a Fish of Small Wishes, and Kiki's wish was too big.Unless . . . there was a way for both their dreams to come true.Follow Kiki and the wish-granting fish in this contemporary fairy tale perfect for fans of A Big Mooncake for Little Star and Carmela Full of Wishes.

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar "As lyrical as it is epic, Across So Many Seas reminds us that while the past may be another country, it's also a living, breathing song of sadness and joy that helps define who we are." --Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee Spanning over 500 years, Pura Belpré Award winner Ruth Behar's epic novel tells the stories of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many of them forced to leave their country and start a new life. In 1492, during the Spanish Inquisition, Benvenida and her family are banished from Spain for being Jewish, and must flee the country or be killed. They journey by foot and by sea, eventually settling in Istanbul. Over four centuries later, in 1923, shortly after the Turkish war of independence, Reina's father disowns her for a small act of disobedience. He ships her away to live with an aunt in Cuba, to be wed in an arranged marriage when she turns fifteen. In 1961, Reina's daughter, Alegra, is proud to be a brigadista, teaching literacy in the countryside for Fidel Castro. But soon Castro's crackdowns force her to flee to Miami all alone, leaving her parents behind. Finally, in 2003, Alegra's daughter, Paloma, is fascinated by all the journeys that had to happen before she could be born. A keeper of memories, she's thrilled by the opportunity to learn more about her heritage on a family trip to Spain, where she makes a momentous discovery. Though many years and many seas separate these girls, they are united by a love of music and poetry, a desire to belong and to matter, a passion for learning, and their longing for a home where all are welcome. And each is lucky to stand on the shoulders of their courageous ancestors.

Mil Mariposas Blancas by Jessica Betancourt-Perez; Karen Lynn Williams; Gina Maldonado (Illustrator) Un querido libro ilustrado esta ahora disponible en espanol! Como si empezar a vivir en los Estados Unidos no fuera bastante dificil, Isabella se encuentra con que su primer dia de clases se cancela debido a una nevada! A beloved picture book now in Spanish! As if being new to the United States wasn't hard enough, Isabella's first day of school is canceled due to snow. Un querido libro ilustrado esta ahora disponible en espanol! Isabella acaba de llegar de Colombia con su mama y su abuela. Extrana a Papa, que aon esta en Sudamerica. En su primer dia de escuela espera hacer nuevos amigos, pero ese dia se cancelan las clases debido a una gran nevada. Isabella extrana su calida y verde Colombia mas que nunca. Pero pronto conoce a Katie y se da cuenta de que hacer nuevos amigos en el frio es mas facil de lo que creia. Isabella has recently arrived from Colombia with her mother and abuela. She misses Papa, who is still in South America. It's her first day of school, her make-new-friends day, but when classes are canceled because of too much snow, Isabella misses warm green Colombia more than ever. Then Isabella meets Katie and finds out that making friends in the cold is easier than she thought.

People Are My Favorite Places by Ani Castillo When a young girl isn't able to leave her home, she reflects on what she misses. Is it going to the beach or visiting a city? Seeing a movie or going out to dinner? No! It's not the places she misses, it's the landscape inside the people she loves. In this heartfelt and joyful ode to caring, community and connection, a young girl learns what matters most. With Ani Castillo's uplifting text and vibrant illustrations, this charming picture book about what makes your favourite places really special will be cherished for years to come.

Cosplay Crime by Marty Chan Shy thirteen-year-old Bree must channel her inner anime heroine to solve a crime at the Anime Expo. Bree Wong and her best friend, Alix, are so excited to be at the anime fan convention. They're dressed as the lead characters from their favorite anime series. Bree cosplays as Red Squirrel, the redheaded detective, and can't wait to meet Midori, the Japanese voice actor for the character. But before she gets the chance, it's announced that Midori's signing event has been cancelled. Bree is devastated. So when she overhears that a valuable original print of Red Squirrel belonging to Midori has been stolen, she decides to investigate and catch the thief. Maybe Bree can get a face-to-face with Midori if she recovers the stolen print. The only problem is the culprit was seen wearing a cosplay costume. Not just any costume, but one of the most popular characters at the convention. Bree must channel Red Squirrel and get to the bottom of this or lose her chance to meet her idol. What a tough nut to crack! This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

The Racc Pack by Stephanie Cooke; Whitney Gardner (Illustrator) Live life in the trash lane with this first entry in a hilarious middle grade graphic novel series about a family of sneaky raccoons from graphic novel superstars Stephanie Cooke and Whitney Gardner! Meet the Bin family, a trio of raccoons in the risky business of dumpster diving for all their needs. With Dusty's brains, ReRe's muscle, and Scraps's gadgets (please don't tell him he's almost definitely an opossum), the Binses are determined to leave no garbage bin unturned in their pursuit of the tastiest, most delicious trash they can find. When the family discovers a new upscale grocery store that's throwing away their perfectly good food at the end of each day, the Binses hatch a heist so daring it'll have them rolling in garbage all winter long. But a critter-despising CEO, Jeff Beans, and the high-tech defense system he's installed means liberating that trash is going to take all the skills the Racc Pack have...and maybe some help from a cat burglar with a mysterious past.

Just One More Sleep by Jamie Lee Curtis; Laura Cornell (Illustrator) In a celebration of delayed gratification, New York Times bestselling duo Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell give readers a new self-help book for kids that explains why waiting can be wonderful--and can give you a reason to cheer all year round, from New Year's Day to Kwanzaa, and all the holidays in between. Just one more sleep... Waiting is not easy--especially for children. Often they measure the concept of time in how many more sleeps until the exciting day comes, when there is so much to do, so many exciting things to explore, and so many holidays to celebrate! In a buoyant book that channels childhood exuberance, Jamie Lee Curtis makes it clear why waiting is worth it. And with Laura Cornell's bold and humorous artwork helping readers celebrate and appreciate milestones throughout the year, this is a story worth waiting for--and one kids will want to read over and over again.

Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears by James Dean (Illustrator); Kimberly Dean Join Pete the Kitty as he visits the three bears in this I Can Read story from New York Times bestselling team Kimberly and James Dean. Once upon a time, there was a kitty named Pete who came upon a house in the forest. He goes in, eats pizza, plays guitar, and falls asleep. But what happens when three bears come home Beginner readers will love this new Pete-tastic spin on the beloved fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears! This My First I Can Read book is carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and sweet illustrations--which means it's perfect for shared reading with emergent readers. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

The Last Stand by Antwan Eady; Jerome Pumphrey (Illustrator); Jarrett Pumphrey (Illustrator) The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope. Every stand has a story. This one is mine. Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer's market. Of course, it's more than a farmer's market. Papa knows each customer's order, from Ms. Rosa's pumpkins to Mr. Johnny's peppers. And when Papa can't make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce. Heartwarming illustrations complement the lyrical text in this poignant picture book that reveals a family's pride in their work, and reminds us to harvest love and hope from those around us.

The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay (Illustrator) In this hilarious retelling of "The Three Little Pigs", three little tardigrades set out to find a home that's just right for them--all while watching out for the Big Hairy Wolf Spider. Gavin, Colin, and Doug live on a cozy little drop of H2O until one day, their mother tells them it's time for them to grow up and leave home. In search of the perfect place to settle down, the three little tardigrades (also known as "moss piglets") journey to an underwater ice cave, an erupting volcano, and even the moon! They can survive under extreme conditions, but can they avoid the Big Hairy Wolf Spider. . .? Humor and scientific facts about these resilient microscopic creatures come together to remix a beloved story-with an unexpected twist (and tons of laughs)! Includes material at the end of the book with detailed information about tardigrades, a glossary of terms from the book, and more science for eager young readers.

Like So by Ruth Forman; Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator) From bestselling author Ruth Forman and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honoree Raissa Figueroa comes a lyrical and vibrant picture book honoring the love and bond that exists between family and child even in complicated times. Told from Nana's point of view, this simple, affirming, and comforting read-aloud shows how every family's love is natural and connected to the world around us. Just as the sun loves the day, the moon loves the waves, and the night sky loves the star glow...so is our love for each other: innate, wondrous, and infinite.

One Sweet Song by Jyoti Rajan Gopal; Sonia Sánchez (Illustrator) In an ode to the power of music and community, this vibrantly illustrated picture book steps out on the balcony for a shared moment of spontaneous joy and celebration. In a quiet neighborhood, a single note trills through the air. Another note joins, and then another. One by one, curious people are drawn to their windows, doorways, and balconies to support the medley. Professional musicians play instruments from around the world, while others bang pots and pans. All are welcome as the notes swirl and dip and crescendo, coming together to make one sweet song. And when the music fades and this diverse neighborhood is once again silent, the reverberations of unity remain. Written by a kindergarten teacher and inspired by the balcony singing in Italy during the pandemic--with a countdown from one to ten and back gently woven in--this rhythmic synergy of text and art is a buoyant, global-minded celebration of how music connects us, even in the darkest of times.

Love Comes First by Jenna Bush Hager; Barbara Pierce Bush; Ramona Kaulitzki (Illustrator) A joyful celebration of growing families by former first daughters and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush.   As two sisters watch their friends' families grow, they wish on a star for a sibling of their own...and a younger brother and a baby cousin arrive! The new family members aren't exactly what the sisters expected, but with time and patience, the group soon becomes fabulously four--and lets their imaginations soar! Together they can be anything, and no matter what, they will always remember that love comes first.   Inspired by Jenna and Barbara's own families, this companion title to the #1 New York Times bestseller Sisters First is a tender story about the way our hearts can always make room for more.

Why? by Melissa Allen Heath; Frances Ives (Illustrator) A picture book geared to help parents and counselors communicate with young children about a parent's suicide. Oliver's daddy loved him--a whole bunch, forever and for always. One day Oliver's daddy died by suicide. Why? Oliver's mommy hugs him tight, and she tells him why. And she reassures Oliver that his daddy loved him--and that will never change. In developmentally appropriate language and evocative illustrations, this picture book helps open communication about why a parent completes suicide. A reader's note offers more information about supporting children who have lost a parent to suicide.

The Pocket Book by Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs; Julia Breckenreid (Illustrator) From author Alexandra S. Hinrichs and illustrator Julia Breckenreid, The Pocket Book isa simple and spare ode to the treasures we find and keep in our pockets and the memories they hold. A girl and her mom take a walk and fill their pockets along the way: the ocean, in the form of a seashell. A sunflower seed. A pretty rock. A snack. Pockets not only hold hands and things that just might come in handy; they hold things we need and want. Pockets hold treasures. And they hold moments and memories that stop time--that blossom.

Mossy and Tweed: Double Trouble by Mirka Hokkanen Is there room for two unicorns in the Gnome Woods? Mossy and Tweed find out in another silly, slapstick adventure in this over-the-top funny early graphic novel series. Mossy and Tweed enjoy a perfect day by the pond with their friend the Wise Old Unicorn (who is really just a goat). But when a baby bird falls in the pond, a NEW-and very shiny-unicorn appears and saves the day! Everyone loves how strong, smart, and brave the new unicorn is. . . But what about the Wise Old Unicorn? Surely he can save the day too! Mossy and Tweed set out to help their friend realize that the forest needs him too. Cozy Scandinavian illustrations, oodles of "oopsies," and easy-to-read banter are sure to delight in this series for emerging readers. Kids will laugh themselves silly at Mossy and Tweed's slapstick misadventures. I Like to Read Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. Like their award-winning I Like to Read counterparts, these books are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers.

Milo Walking by James Howe; Sakika Kikuchi (Illustrator) From James Howe, the bestselling author of Bunnicula, comes a beautiful picture book story about looking, observing, and finding wonder in the things that we walk right past every day--featuring full-color illustrations by Sakika Kikuchi. Every morning, Milo goes walking with his mother. There are so many things to see. While Milo was sleeping, the rain left a puddle for him to find. "Hello, Milo," he says to the boy in the puddle. When Milo listens closely, he hears bees. They have a lot to say. The tree in the park looks sad today. "It's okay," Milo whispers. "I will see you tomorrow and you will be happy." Each day is full of possibilities when Milo goes walking: new things to observe, old things to see in a new way, the magical "maybes" of his imagination--and what we might find tomorrow.

My Mother Was a Nanny by Laura James A girl longs for her mother's attention. But Mummy is always busy helping everyone else and their children! Day by day, the narrator recalls what it was like growing up with her mother, who was a nanny, as well as a friend, baker, maker, teacher, cleaner and more. As the youngest in her family, the girl stayed home and helped amuse the children her mother looked after. She went along on trips to the Caribbean greengrocer in their Brooklyn neighborhood, where her mother would almost always forget to buy her favorite fruit. She eavesdropped on her mother's conversations, waiting for her turn to talk, only to be shooed away. She even accompanied her mother on office-cleaning expeditions on Saturdays. Mummy seldom had a moment to spare.  But looking back on a special surprise one Easter Sunday, the narrator realizes that her mother was always thinking about her own children, in spite of the demands of her domestic work and the central role she played in her community. Based on Laura James' childhood in Brooklyn, and accompanied by her gorgeous, vibrant illustrations, this simple story is a moving reflection of race, class and labor in North America, including the Caribbean.   Key Text Features dialogue illustrations   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

Julius by Angela Johnson; Dav Pilkey (Illustrator) A humorous and joyful celebration of love and sharing by the award-winning and bestselling duo, Angela Johnson and Dav Pilkey. When Maya's grandfather comes to visit from Alaska, he brings a surprise in a crate -- something, he says, to teach her "fun and sharing." Maya hopes it's a horse or a big brother. But instead, it's a huge, pink pig named Julius! Maya's parents see Julius as a slob, but Maya feels differently. She sees a playmate, a protector, and a sharer in all that's magical and wild. This brand-new edition of the classic picture book by award-winning author Angela Johnson and illustrator Dav Pilkey will teach a new generation of readers about friendship, affection, and sharing, with lots of laughs along the way.

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb; Erin Kraan (Illustrator) THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER * Introducing a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story by an Emmy-nominated comedy writer shows it's okay to be yourself. I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo I heave and I huffalo Leave me alone because I've had enuffalo. Buffalo Fluffalo arrives on the scene puffed up with self-importance. Stomping around and raising billows of dust, Buffalo Fluffalo proclaims his superiority to the other creatures--the ram, the prairie dog, and the crow--who just want to be his friend. So Buffalo Fluffalo, who has had enuffalo, heads off to grumble to himself. Suddenly, a rain shower pours down from the clouds and--what's this? All of his fluffalo is a soggy mess! There Fluffalo stands, a drenched pip-squeak without his disguise. The other animals, who could see through Fluffalo's bravado from the start, circle around to comfort him. As prairie dog says with a smile in his eyes, You're great how you are, no matter your size. Readers will find Buffalo Fluffalo's insecurity endearing and will be moved to reassure him. This humorous and delightful book encourages self-acceptance with a lighthearted touch.

Drawing Deena by Hena Khan From the award-winning author of Amina's Voice and Amina's Song comes a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path. Deena's never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it's time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make. While her parents' money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom's home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up. But the success and attention make Deena's cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena's latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.

Wildful by Kengo Kurimoto Discover the magic of the wilderness in this breathtaking graphic novel reminiscent of The Secret Garden. Poppy's mother hasn't been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the couch. So maybe that's why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighborhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten forest that's been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wilderness - if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer ... and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she's seen, and asks her to come see, too - but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the couch. Will Poppy ever be able help her mother see the beauty in the woods - and in life? This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exploration of grief, love, and finding magic in the wilderness - and in ourselves. Key Text Features illustrations Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.7 Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Sally's New Look by Andrew Larsen; Dawn Lo (Illustrator) Sally is going to the groomer! Lovable pup Sally is looking a little shaggy, so her owners are taking her to the groomer. It smells like a garden and Sally sees brushes and bows galore. Then it's time for a bath. Once she's squeaky clean and blow-dried, Sally gets brushed, snipped and clipped. When her owners arrive--surprise!--everyone has fancy new hairdos!

Rick Riordan Presents: Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters by Stacey Lee Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents best-selling YA author Stacey Lee's final book in her debut middle grade duology: a whimsical, mile-a-minute adventure inspired by Chinese mythology. Twelve-year-old Winston Chu has already rescued his sister, saved the moon's qi, and kicked Mr. Pang's sorry magpie-turned-human butt to the curb--but now he's about to face an even bigger problem: Mr. Pang's older magpie-turned-human brother, Mr. Gu.  Sure, Mr. Gu might be the current front-runner to be San Francisco's next mayor, but, as Winston knows all too well, appearances can be deceiving--and Mr. Gu, despite his cheerful laugh and brightly-colored shirts, is definitely hiding something. Because all of a sudden, there's an eerily punctual fog that seems to follow him on his trips to an island in the bay. And grown-ups are turning up all the across the city with no memory of who they are, but with plenty of enthusiasm for their favorite mayoral candidate. And then there's the flocks of exotic birds that have begun amassing in every corner of the city. For Winston and his friends, there's no denying something. . . fowl. . . is afoot. And the only one who might have the answers they need to save the city? Their old nemesis, Mr. Pang. . . Winston's magical adventures come to a thrilling end in this whimsical, rollicking ride filled with invisible windbreakers, mischievous mustaches, and badminton rackets of destiny. Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.

I Lived Inside a Whale by Xin Li For fans of Oliver Jeffers, this stunningly illustrated, whimsical picture book is about finding your own voice and learning how to connect with others through storytelling. A quiet child in a boisterous family, Emma Wen dreams of a world that is peaceful and silent. When she reads about the blue whale - with a heart so big her father could stand in it - she has an idea.  She fashions a boat out of household objects and sails from her bedroom into the mouth of a whale, where she settles in happily.  Emma has finally found her peace and quiet.  That is until another child, Owen Tang, arrives inside the whale and is loud, noisy and "everything she is running away from".  Emma and Owen's unlikely friendship blossoms inside the microcosm of the whale in a beautifully told story of friendship and finding your own voice in a world that is "filled with too much of everything, everywhere." With lush, irresistible illustrations and its balance of sensitivity and adventure, Xin Li's author/illustrator debut is an ode to storytelling and imagination and displays her keen understanding of the emotional world of children.

Mika and the Gurgler by Agata Loth-Ignaciuk; Berenika Kolomycka (Illustrator); Crank! (Letterer (comics)) A spinning, spewing, sudsing monster has trapped Mika's stuffed frog friend! Join Mika on a charming journey of imagination and discovery in Polish award-winning creators Agata Loth-Ignaciuk and Berenika Kolomycka's Mika and the Gurgler. Meet Mika! Mika is a young explorer who faces familiar-yet-not-fully- known objects and obstacles around her house. Today's newest challenge? The "gurgler" that spins, spews, whirrs, beeps, and even swallows things whole! But the gurgler isn't as scary as it appears. With the help of her friends, Mika is able to rescue her frog from the malicious machine and learn that not everything is as scary as they may seem. Perfect for the youngest comic readers, Mika and the Gurgler is sweet, simple, and charmingly playful!

Have you seen Mikki Olsen? by Macdonald, Alex Have You Seen Mikki Olsen? is a charming tale all about a little penguin who loses his favourite teddy, only to find it attached to his behind!

The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh *A National Book Award Finalist* From the author of Nowhere Boy - called "a resistance novel for our times" by The New York Times - comes a brilliant middle-grade survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s. Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. His journalist dad is stuck overseas indefinitely, and his mom has moved in his one-hundred-year-old great-grandmother to ride out the pandemic, adding to his stress and isolation. But when Matthew finds a tattered black-and-white photo in his great-grandmother's belongings, he discovers a clue to a hidden chapter of her past, one that will lead to a life-shattering family secret. Set in alternating timelines that connect the present-day to the 1930s and the US to the USSR, Katherine Marsh's latest novel sheds fresh light on the Holodomor - the horrific famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, and which the Soviet government covered up for decades. An incredibly timely, page-turning story of family, survival, and sacrifice, inspired by Marsh's own family history, The Lost Year is perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys' Between Shades of Gray and Alan Gratz's Refugee.

Threads: Zlata's Ukrainian Shirt by Lina Maslo (Illustrator) Threads is an inspiring picture book about a girl's survival of the 1930s Ukrainian Famine-Genocide, messaging hope, pride for one's heritage, and context for today's War in Ukraine. The threads on Zlata's beautiful birthday blouse were knotted by her mother's hands. "Red is for love, and black is for sadness," her Papa says. Her Mama warns her not to show it off. Ever since the Communists came from Russia to Ukraine, they prohibited the teaching of Ukrainian culture. They've even taken the grain from Zlata's family's fields. But despite the danger, her parents refuse to give up their art, language, or beliefs. As Zlata works to help her community survive, she finds that the dream of freedom is stitched deeper into the Ukrainian spirit than she could ever imagine. Drawing from her own family's experience in the 1932-33 Ukrainian Famine-Genocide, Lina Maslo weaves a thoughtful story that dares us not the forget the pain of the past as it informs the present conflict in Ukraine and inspires hope for the future.

Ellie Mae Dreams Big! by Kristina McMorris; Amanda Yoshida (Illustrator) The sister duo of New York Times best-selling novelist Kristina McMorris and award-winning artist Amanda Yoshida makes their collaborative debut with a delightful story of a girl whose big dreams are far from ordinary. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" At the teacher's all-important question, Ellie Mae's mind swirls with ideas. An astronaut or a chef? Better yet, why not an astronaut-chef? Since the moon is made of cheese, her galactic grilled-cheese sandwiches could be known throughout the universe! Or . . . she could be a 'ballerina-painter,' creating masterpieces while leaping across the stage. In the end, there are so many options, Ellie Mae fears she can't possibly pick--until the answer dawns on her. What she chooses will surprise her classmates as much as the reader!

Colors of the National Parks by duopress labs; Jenny Miriam (Illustrator) A national parks board book for babies and kids, featuring an exploration of colors and the diversity of wildlife and plants! Brown elk cruise the land in Yellowstone while black bears roam the Great Smoky Mountains. The green cactus thrives in Zion, and the white-tailed ptarmigan flies above the Rocky Mountains. Come with us on a trip around America's national parks, a world full of colors, wildlife, and incredible landscapes. With simple text and bright illustrations, this sturdy board book is the perfect introduction to the ten most visited national parks in the United States for curious babies and toddlers. National parks in the order in which they're featured: Olympic Yellowstone Yosemite Zion Grand Canyon Arches Rocky Mountain Great Smoky Mountains Acadia

The Girl Who Loves Bugs by Lily Murray; Jenny Løvlie (Illustrator) A humorous, sweet story about what happens when a passionate girl brings her outside interest indoors. From the author-illustrator team of A Dress With Pockets comes The Girl Who Loves Bugs.   Evie LOVES bugs, but no one around her seems to understand. While Evie would rather spend all her time outside studying insects, her moms hurry her indoors to prepare the house for company. Everything needs to be PERFECT for her Great-Gran and the rest of their extended family.   But Evie doesn't want the fun to be over, and she has a great idea... to bring her bugs inside! Despite her best efforts to keep her little friends hidden, before she knows it the family reunion is totally ruined! With the unexpected help of Great-Gran -who turns out to be a bug-enthusiast too--Evie learns that her interest in bugs is what makes her special (and that the happiest place for bugs to be is outside where they belong).

How to Be Brave by Karl Newson; Clara Anganuzzi (Illustrator) Join a child and their animal friends as they learn the importance of trying new things in this heartfelt story from the creators of How to Help a Friend. Wherever your adventures take you, lead with your heart and your smile! This uplifting picture book empowers children to explore a world of possibilities. Join a child and their animal friends as they tackle new experiences and discover that it's OK to try things without knowing how they will turn out. And even though it can be a little scary, trying something new can also be rewarding when it means making memories, and even new friends. The important thing to remember is to always try your best and be yourself.

Waaa Waaa Goes Táwà by Àlàbá Ònájìn A fresh and funny look at a universal childhood problem-- by an emerging Nigerian talent. What parent or caregiver hasn't wished to disappear when their usually delightful charge erupts with a volcanic tantrum? Somehow small kids manage to make their wishes known in the loudest way possible before they are able to talk. Tantrums are always unpredictable, happen at the worst time, and are often in public. On a walk, at the market, or getting new braids, Tawa is quick to cry "Waa Waa" for no apparent reason. The day becomes more and more exasperating for anyone near her. It's not until bedtime when the exhausted grown-ups treat Tawa to their own cries, that the surprised little noise maker is finally subdued. This captivating picture book is a funny read aloud with equally amusing pictures. It will make kids laugh and make caregivers feel that they are recognized. The gorgeous and lush Nigerian setting shows that childhood tantrums are universal and happen all over the world.

The Monster above the Bed by Kailei Pew; Steph Lew (Illustrator) A monstrously fun story that puts a wholesome twist on a familiar fear. Blossom loves jumping snake, swimming in the bog, and playing slime ball. She doesn't love the creepy sounds above her bed that no one else seems to notice. Determined to get to the top of it once and for all, Blossom hatches a plan that leads her to find courage...and a new friend. This is a wholesome twist on a familiar fear that will make you wonder--what do the monsters under our beds think about us

The Overeager Egg by Milja Praagman Beautifully illustrated picture book by an award-winning author-illustrator. A little egg falls out of its nest and goes in search of its mommy. Can it find her? He asks lots of other animals for help--but eventually Daddy finds the egg and takes it back to the nest to hatch into a beautiful swan.

Peg Gets Crackin' by Jo Renfro Time to get crackin'! Peg is perfectly content within the safe, contained shell of her egg. While her siblings hatch around her, she imagines all the scary things waiting in the outside world--things that make her happy to stay an egg. But even Peg must hatch. She grows, and grows, and one day . . . CRACK! Peg takes her first hesitant steps into the big, frightening world and discovers . . . the world isn't so bad after all. In fact, it's actually pretty wonderful! Bursting with spirit and humor, Peg Gets Crackin'is packed with entertaining illustrations and perfect for read-aloud storytime. Young readers will giggle at Peg's antics and resonate with her journey to conquer her fears. You never know what exciting adventures are waiting just outside of your shell!

This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake by Nicholas Ruddock; Ashley Barron (Illustrator) Fifteen poems explore close encounters with animals ... and choosing to respond tenderly. Whether it's helping a hummingbird escape, respecting a bear's habitat, admiring a heron's beauty, or giving way to ants at a picnic, the human response in these poems is to do no harm, and to help whenever possible. The poems follow a seasonal progression, ending with a final poem that imagines where each animal might be on a winter night. Inspired by personal experiences, Nicholas Ruddock's poems are simply written, with a pleasing rhyme, and fun to read aloud. In the spirit of the text, Ashley Barron's cut-paper collage illustrations portray each creature with respectful realism, in environments ranging from rural and wild to urban and suburban. A delightful dip into poetry for young animal lovers!   Key Text Features illustrations poems   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4 Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6 With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

¡1, 2, 3 Cumbia! by Delia Ruiz; Graziela Andrade (Illustrator) "May I please dance with you? Yes, thank you for asking."This bilingual English-Spanish book teaches common manners through a dance class setting. The dancers also practice consent, learning how to say no and set boundaries with others. ¡Vamonos! Learn to use manners with cumbia in English and Spanish. Children, caretakers, and educators will love the rhythmic text paired with bright and colorful illustrations showcasing characters of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Huesos by Luis San Vicente (Illustrator) Introduce your little ones in both English and Spanish to the strong bond between a human and their pet - and how one passing away will never do them apart! Huesos is Abuelo's four-legged travieso, a rambunctious troublemaker with a constant ball of energy and a big bite. Nothing and no one is safe from Huesos' mischief and chomping teeth, from Grandpa's slippers to the neighborhood's mailman. Until on day, Calaca Pascuala knocks on his door and takes him on a jounrey through the afterworld. But even there, Huesos can't contain himself. Will he be able to knock, tumble, and chew his way back to Grandpa, or will he begin to create new forms of chaos from beyond the grave? Parents will adore this bilingual English-Spanish hardcover as it explores the beloved relationship between a human and their pet and how the significance and importance of Día de Muertos holds enough power to bring them back together.

Imagine You and Me by Benson Shum (Illustrator) A gentle story-with a surprise twist!-about the bond between an imaginative bear and his best friend. Randall and Parker are the very best of friends-they do everything together, from building elaborate sand castles to swimming with mermaids. One day while they're playing, they see another group of bears nearby, and Parker urges Randall to ask the bears to play with them. But there's one problem- None of the other bears can see Parker. And the more time Randall spends with this new sloth of friends, the less he sees Parker too. Until one day, she disappears, and Randall must dig through his memories to find her. This gentle story celebrates the beauty and magic of adventures with friends, both imaginary and real.

Today by Gabi Snyder; Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator) This welcoming and joyful picture book reminds us that every moment can hold many surprises and to look for the wonder in every day. Today may seem long before leaving for a summer vacation or short during the time away. The moments that make up the day are filled with surprises, joy, fun, and memories. This book guides young readers to keep their eyes and ears open so the day doesn't slip by.

10 Things I Love about Dinosaurs by Samantha Sweeney; Rob McClurkan (Illustrator) A lively celebration of all the wonderful things that make dinosaurs so much fun to learn about, from knowing their names to fossil hunts. A counting element makes this book perfect for reading aloud! 10 Things I Love About Dinosaurs is a lively celebration of the most wonderful things about dinosaurs, from learning facts and figures and knowing the names of the dinosaurs, to a fossil hunt and a trip to the dinosaur museum! A fun counting element makes this the perfect book for reading aloud. Tiger Tales' 10 Things I Love About series spotlights the top 10 things that children love most about familiar events, situations, or moments in their lives. Each book features a counting element and is told from a child's perspective to convey the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children.

Tyrannosaurus Tsuris by Susan Tarcov; Elissambura (Illustrator) All the dinosaurs are getting ready for Passover, but no one will come to Tyrannosaurus Rex's seder because they think he will eat them. This gives him terrible tsuris, the Yiddish word for "worry." "You think you have tsuris?" Stegosaurus asks. "I can't find parsley for my seder." "And I can't find a brisket big enough to feed all my cousins. That's what you call tsuris!" Allosaurus says. But when T-Rex wails, "I have no guests for my seder!" all the dinosaurs agree that his tsuris is the worst, as the most important part of the seder is sharing it with guests. And they come up with an idea for a tsuris-free celebration.

The Blue Pickup by Natasha Tripplett; Monica Mikai (Illustrator) A charming story about a young girl who loves fixing automobiles with her grandfather on the warm grounds of Jamaica, Natasha Tripplett's debut picture book is a perfect pick for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and The Old Truck. Ju-Girl's favorite days are the ones spent with Granddad in his garage, fixing cars and hearing stories about his old blue pickup. Granddad used to drive the blue pickup all over the island, bringing happiness to many. And now it just sits in the driveway. One day, Ju-Girl asks Granddad if he'd ever fix it, and he's unsure at first. But the pair soon finds out just what it takes to restore the memory of the blue pickup and to create new stories along the way.  This heartwarming layered tale, brought to life with lush illustrations by Monica Mikai (Thank a Farmer), reminds us about the joy of repairing things with our hands and preserving stories with our hearts.

Summer at Squee by Andrea Wang From Newbery Honor-winning author Andrea Wang, a new middle grade novel about a Chinese American tween who attends a Boston-based Chinese cultural overnight camp--and the many ways it transforms her. Phoenny Fang plans to have the best summer ever. She's returning to Summertime Chinese Culture, Wellness, and Enrichment Experience (SCCWEE for short and "Squee" to campers in the know), and this year she's a senior camper. That means she; her best friend, Lyrica Chu; and her whole Squad will have the most influence. It almost doesn't matter that her brother is a CIT (counselor-in-training) and that her mom and auntie are the camp directors. Time spent at Squee is sacred, glorious, and free. On the day Phoenny arrives, though, she learns that the Squad has been split up, and there's an influx of new campers this year. Phoenny is determined to be welcoming and to share all the things she loves about camp--who doesn't love spending hours talking about and engaging in cultural activities? But she quickly learns how out of touch she is with others' experiences, particularly of the campers who are adoptees. The same things that make her feel connected to her culture and community make some of the other campers feel excluded. Summer at Squee turns out to be even more transformative than Phoenny could've imagined, with new friendships, her first crush, an epic show, and a bigger love for and understanding of her community.

Hilo Book 10: Rise of the Cat by Judd Winick Get ready for another epic Hilo adventure in the laugh-out-loud funny New York Times Bestselling graphic novel series-- this time Hilo's favorite magical warrior cat, is going to boarding school! "An action-packed page-turner with heart!" --Dav Pilkey, author of DOG MAN Welcome to the Wombatton Academy of Better Magic! Hilo's favorite warrior-cat-friend, Polly's adventures with Hilo have landed her in trouble! So when Polly breaks one too many rules, she gets sent to Wombatton--the magical boarding school for bad kids. But something strange is going on at Wombatton--why does everyone pick on Polly's roommate? And why have students started disappearing? Can Polly get to the bottom of this magical mystery and reunite with Hilo and her friends on Earth?! Full of action, humor, and lots of heart--the New York Times calls Hilo, "A story that can be enjoyed by the entire family." Don't miss out on the latest installment of this beloved series that kids and grownups love!

Take Me to Laolao by Kelly Zhang; Evie Zhu (Illustrator) Celebrate the Spring Lantern Festival! This gentle picture book explores the special bond between children and their grandmothers, all against the backdrop of Chinese mythology and holiday celebration. A must-read for fans of Drawn Together or I Dream of Popo! There's nothing Lili loves more than celebrating the Spring Lantern Festival with her family. But this will be the first time she attends the festivities without her beloved lăolao. Though it's one of Lili's favorite days of the year, she can't help but wish, as she drifts off to sleep, that Lăolao were still there to enjoy bowls of sweet rice balls and solve fun riddles with her. Then, that night, the first full moon of the new year invites Lili on an incredible journey. Lili will travel to the bottom of the sea to visit the Dragon King and past the misty clouds to see the Jade Emperor. But will she get to see the one person she wants to see most in the entire world before the night is over

The Gabi That Girma Wore by Fasika Adefris; Sara Holly Ackerman; Netsanet Tesfay (Illustrator) From seed to harvest, from loom to shop, to a gift for Girma, this lyrical story of the Ethiopian Gabi is a beautiful celebration of weaving, community and culture. Written in the cadence of The House That Jack Built, this vibrant and lushly illustrated tale pays tribute to the Gabi-- a traditional Ethiopian cloth that is used to celebrate both community and culture. From the tiny seed to the fluffy white cotton, from the steady hands of the farmer to the swift fingers of the weaver, from the busy shopkeeper, to a gift for a loved one, follow the journey of the Gabi that Girma wore in this lively and rhythmic tale that's perfect to read aloud.

Harriet Tells the Truth by Elana K. Arnold Harriet sets out to solve a poisoning on Marble Island in the third book in the acclaimed cozy mystery series from award-winning author Elana K. Arnold. There are some things you should know about Harriet Wermer: She used to lie a lot, but not anymore. Seriously, she only tells the truth now. Even though she hadn't wanted to come to Marble Island in the first place, now she doesn't want to leave. It's the truth. With her mom and new baby brother home from the hospital, it's almost time for Harriet to pack up and head home from Marble Island and all the friends she's made. But Harriet doesn't have time to think about that--not when she discovers that Moneypenny, her Nanu's adorable basset hound, has been poisoned! Harriet suspects the culprit is one of the guests staying at Nanu's bed-and-breakfast, and she and her best friend, Clarence, are once again on the case. But when someone else falls ill, Harriet's going to have to sleuth harder, spy sneakier, and be willing to see that sometimes the truth is more complicated than it seems.

Bitty Bao Celebrating Chinese New Year by Lacey Benard (Illustrator); Lulu Cheng For families looking for an informative and fun book to introduce their bitty babes to the traditions of everyone's favorite holiday: Chinese New Year. Readers will also learn family names in two languages while highlighting Chinese culture! "A fun bilingual book of family vocabulary with a holiday twist."--School Library Journal Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Celebrating Chinese New Year is a bilingual English and Mandarin Chinese book that introduces the various traditions that take place - from buying new clothes to special foods and decorations. Children will enjoy seeing different family members preparing for and celebrating the holiday together, and the included family tree is a great visual for teaching the names of different family members. The eye-catching and unique artwork - made from adorable paper cut-outs - encourages reading and makes it fun to learn new vocabulary.

Love, Lah Lah by Nailah Blackman; Jade Orlando (Illustrator) Caribbean soca artist, Nailah Blackman, invites you to shimmy, fate, and spread the joy of Carnival with Lah Lah and her grandfather in this vibrant and heartwarming story set in Trinidad & Tobago! Perfect baby shower or birthday gift for soca fans! Come on, Come on Carnival is waiting! It's Carnival morning, and Lah Lah is awake bright and early, ready to take part in the festivities of the day. Join Lah Lah and her papa as they dance through the streets of Trinidad and Tobago, cheer on the King and Queen of the Carnival parade, and end with a grand performance onstage! A moving and lyrical tribute to Nailah Blackman's grandpa Ras Shorty I, the creator of soca music, which blends African and East Indian rhythms, Love, Lah Lah thrums with the colors and the beat of Carnival.

Somebody Needs to Do Something about That Monster! by Doug Cenko A silly and ironic twist on "The Little Dutch Boy," featuring a charmingly unaware monster who just wants to be kind and make a difference Merv is a nice monster. He sits outside the village, snacking on plants and blissfully minding his own business. Until...the villagers start complaining about "that monster." Merv assumes they must be talking about somebody else and decides to go take care of that nuisance himself! He asks for help from the witches, the troll under the bridge, and even the unicorns. But their assistance comes with strings attached, and poor Merv isn't ready to meet their demands. Will Merv return to the village a failure, or might he have been helping everyone all along?

Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu by Ying Chang Compestine; Crystal Kung (Illustrator) A playful, feminist retelling of Rapunzel with a Chinese-cuisine twist The story of Rapunzel where she's being locked in a tower by a witch is a good one-but it's not totally the truth. The real story is about a young princess in China named Ra Pu Zel who doesn't want to talk to princes or look proper. What Pu Zel wants is to cook and eat in peace, her long hair neatly braided to keep it out of her food. And when she gets tired of everyone telling her what to do, she locks herself in a tower with her dog Bao. Although princes from everywhere try to convince her to come down, it's not until a young chefarrives with an intriguing food to share that Ra Pu Zel finally has a reason.

Marina's Turf by Dela Costa; Ana Sebastián (Illustrator) In the seventh Isla of Adventure chapter book, Isla helps a lost baby dolphin! When a lost baby dolphin washes ashore calling for help, Isla prepares to use her animal-speaking ability to assist in any way she can. What she doesn't expect is for a boy her age to beat her to the job! Not only that, but Isla can't understand a single thing the dolphin says. Could it be that Isla's out of her depth? With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Isla of Adventure chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

The Last Rose by Leah Cypess The fourth book in the Sisters Ever After series of fairy tale retellings, this is the wild story of Mera, the only one who can save her beautiful older sister when she is kidnapped by the Beast who viciously rules over their small village. For as long as Mera can remember, she and her sister Darina have feared the Beast who lurks in the castle above their village. On countless nights they have locked themselves into their home while the Beast led his hounds on the Wild Hunt, preying on anything in his path. Now Darina has been kidnapped by the Beast, and only Mera can save her. But she soon finds that in the Beast's eerie, magic-haunted castle, nothing is quite what it seems-including her own sister. Here, Mera will discover the dark secrets that have bound her village to the Beast for so long. But in order to set them all free, she will have to face the most dangerous secret of all- the truth about herself.

Spread Your Wings by Emma Dodd (Illustrator) A loving book about what it means to come into your own, featuring an adorable pair of cockatoos. As we cuddle here together, gazing at the sky, I know that soon the day will come when you'll spread your wings and fly. A small cockatoo and large cockatoo celebrate their unconditional love for each other in this sweet story full of gentle rhymes. Beloved children's book creator Emma Dodd explores important themes of growing up and learning to be independent.

Looking for Peppermint by Maxwell Eaton A young girl shares stories and facts about the woods near her home while catching up with her mischievous dog, Peppermint. When her dog Peppermint wanders off, this little girl isn't too worried; they both know their way around the woods. On her way to find Peppermint, she regales us with stories and information about the area, from encounters with spiny porcupines and protective mother coyotes all the way back to the mile-thick glaciers that shaped the landscape. Parts of the story are highlighted with art-within-art glimpses of the girl's journal, where she's captured her exploits in drawings. Author-illustrator Maxwell Eaton is back with another genre-bending picture book full of fun facts and witty asides. Detailed illustrations bring wild critters to life and keep the reader guessing what's next. Any young reader with an interest in science and the natural world will want to hike out into the forest with Peppermint and her humans. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

You Broke It! by Liana Finck (Illustrator) From acclaimed New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck comes a clever and validating twist on parent-child dynamics. This collection of classic parental nags are cleverly betrayed by the situations shown, in which it's made clear that the child knows better. Each scenario is worthy of a giggle, adding a lightheartedness to the inevitable dynamics between parents and children. Cartoonist Liana Finck has created a catharsis for her own childhood memories of knowing better than authority figures, and in doing so, validates young readers with the respect and understanding they deserve.

Meet the Astronaut (LEGO City) by Steve Foxe; Random House (Illustrator) An all-new MEET THE...LEGO City Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader! Children ages 4 to 8 will love reading about Madison and Billy as they interview astronaut Captain Momentous and discover things that are out of this world in this Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader! LEGO© City fans will love this new MEET THE...LEGO City Step into Reading leveled reader series, featuring exciting careers including an astronaut, a singer, a firefighter, and more!      Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.      LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group.

Heroes: a Novel of Pearl Harbor by Alan Gratz The instant #1 New York Times bestseller! From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee, Ground Zero, and Two Degrees comes this heart-pounding, inventive, and powerful new novel about the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor... as only Alan Gratz can tell it! December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley have it good. With their dads stationed at the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii, the boys get to soak up the sunshine while writing and drawing their own comic books. World War II might be raging overseas, but so far America has stayed out of the fight. There's nothing to fear, right? December 7th, 1941: Everything implodes. Frank and Stanley are touring a battleship when Japanese planes zoom overhead, dropping bomb after bomb. As explosions roar and sailors screa, Frank and Stanley realize the unthinkable is happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them. Frantically, the boys struggle to find safety. But disaster and danger are everywhere--from torpedoes underwater to bullets on the beach... to the shocking cruelty that their friends and neightbors show Stanely. Because his mom is Japanese-American, Stanely is suddenly seen as the "enemy." And Frank, who is white, cannot begin to understand what his friend is now facing. If the boys make it through this infamous day, can their friendship--and their dreams--survive? Or has everything they know been destroyed? Told with the immediacy, high-stakes action, and inventive storytelling that make Alan Gratz (Refugee,Ground Zero) one of today's biggest authors, this riveting look at the attack on Pearl Harbor explores themes of prejudice, power, and what it truly means to be a hero. Plus: The book ends with an all-original, 10-page black & white comic that brings to life the comic book idea that Frank and Stanley brainstorm in the novel. The comic is written by Alan Gratz and illustrated by Judit Tondora.

This Book Is Banned by Raj Haldar; Julia Patton (Illustrator) From #1 New York Times bestselling author of P Is for Pterodactyl Raj Haldar comes a silly and irreverent new picture book all about sharing ideas This is a book about dinosaurs. No it's not. Dinosaurs are not allowed. Oh. This is now a book about avocados! Sorry. We deleted those too. FINE. This book is about--nope! Forbidden! Maybe you shouldn't even try reading this book...But what could possibly be inside? Discover just what can happen when ideas are erased instead of expressed with this hilarious picture book romp that kids (and grown-ups) will want to read over and over again. This Book Is Banned is a funny, engaging book perfect for Families to read aloud with kids of all ages Parents eager to share a laugh while addressing meaningful themes Educators looking for an entertaining resource to discuss important issues Readers with a penchant for humor, vibrant illustrations, and thoughtful content

Big Bub, Small Car by Alastair Heim; Aaron Blecha (Illustrator) A monster who is too big for a taxi tries to get where he needs to go in this adorable and hilarious Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read sequel to Big Bub, Small Tub. Big Bub the monster needs to take a taxi, but the car is too small. What will he do? It's time to get creative! Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Big Bub, Small Car was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a hilarious story with words they can read on their own? Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn nineteen sight words and twelve words from five word families. So come on and get reading!

The Lost Mitten by Jannie Ho Rabbit and Mouse find a mitten! But who could it belong to? Join the two friends as they journey through the forest in this graphic novel for emerging readers. An ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List Selection Oh no! A lost red mitten. Rabbit and Mouse want to return the mitten, but first they'll have to figure out who it belongs to. Squirrel? No. Badger? Nope. As they continue through the forest and meet new creatures, Rabbit and Mouse are excited to find the real owner. They're doing a good deed! But when the time comes, can Rabbit give up the mitten? Red is his favorite color, after all! With a knowing ear and eye for the moods of young children, Jannie Ho has crafted a tale about doing the right thing (even if it's hard) for young readers with bright colors and cute woodland figures. Simple panels and targeted vocabulary will aid beginning readers as they enjoy the gentle banter between true friends. I Like to Read Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. I Like to Read Comics, like their award-winning I Like to Read counterpart, are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Sunny Makes Her Case: a Graphic Novel (Sunny #5) by Jennifer L. Holm; Matthew Holm (Illustrator) The New York Times bestselling SUNNY series continues as Sunny finds herself in the spotlight in a competition unlike any other... Sunny is starting to understand the ins and outs of middle school... but she still feels more out than in. It's about classes or homework, really. No, it's the fact that most kids have a thing they do outside of class. Like football or track or cheerleading. Sunny isn't quarterback material, and her cheer attempts are... not the best. So what can she do? When Sunny's friend Arun says he wants to start a debate club, she's not really sure what he means. Isn't debate just... arguing? Sunny's never had a problem with arguing. Arun and the advisor show her there's more to it than that -- there's also teamwork, and research, and being able to speak up in front of judges. Some of the debates are fun ones -- which is the best candy? Is peanut butter a force for evil or a force for good? But when the debate club starts to be a success, Sunny realizes she won't just be able to talk her way into winning... she'll have to make her case!

Bravelands: Thunder on the Plains #1: the Shattered Horn by Erin Hunter A thrilling new arc in Erin Hunter's bestselling Bravelands series! Set in the African highlands and told from three different animals' points of view, this is a perfect adventure for dedicated fans and readers new to the Bravelands world. Echo, a water buffalo, is chosen by the Great Spirit to lead after a horrific accident--but can't command the respect of any of his herd. Stride the cheetah is keeping secrets from his coalition that could get him killed for disloyalty. And Tailgrabber, a young hyena, is desperate to find peace between her clan and the lions of Noblepride--even though it marks a betrayal of the hyenas' longstanding allegiance to the Great Devourer. As the structures that once guided their lives begin to crumble, can each of these three unlikely allies hold their own against the coming storm? Full of epic adventure and thrilling intrigue, this adventure will thrill readers who love the Spirit Animals and Wings of Fire series, as well as the legion of dedicated fans who've made Erin Hunter a bestselling phenomenon.

Cheeky Chick by Julia Jarman; Tom Knight (Illustrator) A curious and single-minded baby chick takes off to explore the farm. Cheeky Chick can't help being cheeky--he just wants to explore. With a dollop of luck and under the watchful eye of the farmyard animals, he learns a valuable lesson that he can pass on to the next generation of eager chicks! A funny, characterful picture book that children will want to read again and again.

Snow White's Forest Friends (Disney Princess) by Nicholas Tana; Nicole Johnson (Adapted by); Disney Storybook Disney Storybook Art Team (Illustrator) Discover how Princess Snow White from Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs met her animal friends in this Step 2 Step into Reading levelled reader! Perfect for beginning readers ages 4 to 6. One sunny spring morning, Princess Snow White wakes up to find a bunny stuck in the bottom of her wishing well. With some quick thinking and the help of the other animals in the forest, can Snow White rescue the bunny? Young readers and Disney Princess fans will love this sweet story about helping others and new friends. Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Do You Know Them? by Shana Keller; Laura Freeman (Illustrator) A moving and triumphant picture book inspired by the printed newspaper ads placed by African Americans who were separated from family members by the Civil War, enslavement, and emancipation. After the war's end, everyone is missing someone. Lettie's missing her family. They had been sold and lost long before enslavement was abolished. Every week, she reads the advertisements in the newspapers to her congregation. "Do you know them? I would like to find my people. My mother's name was Charlotte King, and when I was sold, I had five brothers." Lettie is determined to find her loved ones, too. She saves every penny she earns, but not to buy candy or toys. She saves for something better--something that could bring her whole family together. Every ad depicted in this poignant tale is authentically historical, bringing the heart-wrenching past to life.

Waverider: a Graphic Novel (Amulet #9) by Kazu Kibuishi (Illustrator) The highly anticipated, thrilling conclusion to Kazu Kibuishi's #1 New York Times bestselling series!After her confrontation with Ikol, Emily finally understands the stone's power and what she must do to defend Alledia from the shadows. As she travels to Typhon to help her mom and Navin, Prince Trellis returns to the Kingdom of the Elves to save his countrymen -- and confront the fraud who has seized power in the absence of a king. The threat of darkness follows all Stonekeepers closely, and it will take the strength of both new friends and old foes to conquer it... and survive.

Emily Posts by Tanya Lloyd Kyi Middle school podcast advice columnist + social media influencer wannabe Emily Laurence takes on the principal at her school to stand up for a climate march, in this fun, school-based drama for ages 10 and up. For fans of Gordon Korman and Susin Nielsen. Emily is the ringleader for her school podcast, Cedarview Speaks - Sponsored by CoastFresh! But her plans for middle-school fame and social media influence are derailed when Amelie joins her eighth-grade class. The new arrival has a seemingly endless supply of confidence and a gift for leading people. Or leading them astray, as far as Emily's concerned. Emily puts her old-fashioned sense of etiquette into practice. Rather than confronting Amelie, she focuses her energy on creating a podcast story about an upcoming climate march. But her story is censored by the school principal. When she protests, Emily gets cut from the podcast crew . . . and Amelie takes her place! Can Emily use her influence to spread the news of the climate march, reclaim her place on the podcast team and expose the flaws of CoastFresh? Can she balance her impeccable manners with twenty-first century activism? And how will she ever manage to work alongside Amelie? With a light touch and plenty of humor, Emily Posts explores issues of social media, influence, corporate sponsorship . . . and the fraught waters of middle-school friendship.

The Trouble with Earth by Alex Latimer (Illustrator) Why didn't the other planets invite Earth to their vacation? Soon they'll find out the wonderful truth about Earth's "fleas" and change their minds . . .Earth turns up on the vacation she wasn't invited to and finds all the other planets in the solar system in the hot tub--even Pluto! Then she discovers exactly why: it looks like she has FLEAS! Yuck. Earth asks everyone to take a look inside her atmosphere, and they're amazed by what they see . . . birds, fish, creatures galore, and yes, even fleas.The Trouble with Earth is the perfect story to teach us to be kind and less quick to judge others.

Afikoman, Where'd You Go? by Rebecca Gardyn Levington; Noa Kelner (Illustrator) Help the children find the afikoman during their seder! It's a rambunctious Passover hide-and-seek story for fans of Where's Waldo? and The Gingerbread Man. This lively, funny picture book brings to life the Passover tradition of searching for the afikoman--literally. When the mischievous piece of matzoh runs and hides during the seder, all the kids in the family (and even the pet dog!) go hunting for it, through every room in the house. Readers can join the hunt and find the sneaky afikoman in each bright and busy scene while enjoying the playful rhyming text. And they're in for a surprise ending that's as delightful as this favorite part of Passover.

Day of the Living Liv by Liv Livingston; Glass House Glass House Graphics (Illustrator) The only living girl in a ghost town struggles to find her place in the first book in the Spirited graphic novel chapter book series. Olivia "Liv" Livingston thinks life on the right side of Narrow Bridge is, well, just right! What's not to love about the perfect town of Pleasant Place? But then her parents pack up and move the family to the left, spooky side of the bridge...right into Gloomsdale. Liv quickly learns that life is going to be very different, especially in a ghost town...literally. The town looks antique, some students have gleaming fangs, and let's just say her new house might be haunted. Will Gloomsdale dampen Liv's spirits? Or can she creep it real and find her place?

You Owe Me One, Universe (Thanks a Lot, Universe #2) by Chad Lucas Brian and Ezra's story continues in the moving sequel to Thanks a Lot, Universe, which New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone called "a glorious ode to the beauty of preteen friendship." Brian knows that anxiety and depression aren't things that are magically fixed overnight, but he still doesn't understand why it's all hitting him so hard right now. Sure, his dad is still in prison and middle school is still stressful, but he's seeing a therapist, he's got good friends, and he's doing really well on the basketball team. He should be fine, so why does he feel too tired to get out of bed some days? And why does he turn into "Cursed Monster Brian" and snap whenever someone asks him what's wrong? Ezra is trying his best to look out for Brian, but he's not sure that he's actually helping. Sure, they're still best friends, but as Ezra starts preparing for the talent show, he also starts talking with Victor--the kid who relentlessly bullied Brian last year. It seems like Victor's changed, and whenever he and Ezra hang out and make music together, Ezra's stomach feels a little bit swoopy. But even if he likes making music and talking with Victor, he still feels like he's betraying his best friend whenever they're together. And he worries that he's falling for another boy who won't return his feelings . . . Earnest, heartfelt, and full of humor, Chad Lucas's You Owe Me One, Universe explores the nuances and complications of middle school relationships--and shows how sometimes the smallest acts of caring can be the ones that matter most.

Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack (Illustrator) Does art have to be perfect? Where do you begin? This inspiring picture book about making art doubles as an introduction to the multifaceted and diverse global history of art empowering readers to get creative. Awed by the endless possibilities, a young girl begins asking meaningful questions about creating art. Her questions are answered by a diverse group of artists throughout time and history: from the earliest cave painters to the most recent digital illustrators. Rethinking the familiar Western European timeline of art history, this book introduces readers to diverse works from every era and continent in a playful and inspiring way. Making both art history and art making accessible to all, Time to Make Art nourishes creativity, encouraging young readers to see the artist in themselves.

The Mexican Dreidel by Linda Elovitz Marshall; Ilan Stavans; Maria Mola (Illustrator) Danielito loves Janucá, especially playing dreidel. This year, he is old enough to visit Bobe by himself. Piñatas hang from the trees, and the kids in Bobe's neighborhood play with Mexican tops called trompos. Danielito does not have a trompo, but he has a dreidel. "What is that?" "¿Qué es eso?" the other kids ask, as they invite him to join their game. The trompos follow the dreidel as it spins through the neighborhood. And Danielito invited his new friends, nuevos amigos, to Bobe's house to celebrate Janucá.

Teeny Tiny Bunny by Rachel Matson; Joey Chou (Illustrator) A delightful springtime twist on "The Teeny Tiny Woman" that's perfect for the Spring season! In a teeny tiny garden Amongst the bugs and weeds, A teeny tiny bunny Planted veggie seeds. The teeny tiny bunny goes on a springtime adventure to look for yummy veggies! But as he hops along the garden path, he realizes he may be too small to collect the perfect-sized carrots. Will the teeny tiny bunny find a way to fill his basket full of treats? Discover this delightful springtime read-aloud, full of vibrant illustrations and bouncy rhymes--perfect for spring and Easter! Celebrate the seasons with Teeny Tiny!

With Love from Daniel by Patty Michaels; Jason Fruchter (Illustrator) A new generation of children love Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, inspired by the classic series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood! Daniel Tiger shares stories about the people in his life that he loves in this sweet Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read perfect for Valentine's Day or anytime you want to show you care! Daniel tells his class about the family and friends he loves. He draws pictures to show while he talks about each one and their special memories together, from playing cars with Miss Elaina to Dad Tiger putting Daniel up on his shoulders! © 2023 The Fred Rogers Company. All Rights Reserved.

Small Stanley's Big List of Scary Stuff by Angie Morgan A funny, reassuring picture book about how to deal with worries--perfect for sharing. Small Stanley would like to be brave and fearless like a superhero. There's just one problem, though--some things make Stanley feel scared... "Write a list of all the things that scare you," says Grandpa. And Stanley does! Earwigs and centipedes are on the list, and the dark, and getting lost, and dogs and cats and lots and lots of other things. The list gets so long and Stanley gets so worried about forgetting fears to add to his list that he has no time to play with his friends... Things are getting out of hand, but Grandpa has a plan. One windy day they go for a walk. Stanley brings his list of course, but just as he's about to add "wind" to the list... whoosh, the wind takes his list away. What will happen now to Stanley's worries?

Natural Me by MzVee; Lisbeth Checo (Illustrator) From BET Award-nominated singer and Ghana Music Award-winning artist MzVee comes an empowering and uplifting picture book that celebrates self-expression and the beauty of embracing your natural self. I love my hair, I love my nose. I love myself from head to toes. I act with kindness and with love, and this is what I'm most proud of . . . Inspired by her hit song "Natural Girl" and featuring charming watercolor illustrations, this joyful picture book from award-winning musician MzVee and debut illustrator Lisbeth Checo is an ode to young girls on their journey to self-empowerment, sisterhood, and embracing their natural selves. With a message that speaks to beauty inside and out, Natural Me invites readers to celebrate all the ways in which they are special. A perfect gift for special occasions, including Mother's Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!

When an Elephant Hears NO by Dazzle Ng; Estrela Lourenc?o (Illustrator) When an elephant hears NO, a tantrum may follow, and a steaming, stomping elephant blowing up is BIG trouble. But what every little one must understand is that NO can mean an enormity of things. It can be a PLEASE when Mommy?s in the bathroom, or a surprised OH MY at a stupendous magic trick. NO holds enormous power to fight for a better world, or to ask firmly for some personal space.Lively illustrations portray the many different instances at which a little elephant (or a little reader) might hear NO?and the BIG emotions that often precede and follow the word. Along the way, young readers will learn that no matter what NO an elephant faces, instead of answering with flaring ears and a steaming trunk, they may use another word: why?A whole elephant?s worth of fun, this romp of encounters with the trickiest of tiny words will stamp out NO?s mysteries and trumpet its virtues. Young readers will delight in and relate to elephant?s experiences, and adults will appreciate this exuberant roadmap of NO?s many uses and meanings.

The Fire Fox by Alexandra Page; Stef Murphy (Illustrator) An uplifting, magical book perfect for sharing at bedtime that will leave children feeling warm, cosy and loved. Freya and her mum have gone to a little cabin to get away for a while. The light has gone out of their lives since Freya's dad passed away. Freya isn't sure about going sledging, but when she meets a magical fox in the snow, she can't help but follow him into the forest - and on to a thrilling adventure. A heartwarming bedtime story inspired by the Finnish Saami myth of the revontulet, or fox fires - the sparks that fly from the fur of a mystical fox to become the Northern Lights. The Fire Fox is a gloriously illustrated, beautifully written story about the nurturing light of love that can't be dimmed, written by debut author Alexandra Page and illustrated by the exciting talent Stef Murphy. This enchanting picture book with its touching story of sadness, hope, love and joy begs to be read again and again.

Hey, Baby Girl! by Andrea Pinkney; Brian Pinkney (Illustrator) A beautiful ode to all bright brown baby girls and the fifth title in the acclaimed Bright Brown Baby series -- from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney! Hey, baby girl. Go change the world! Brimming with love and affirmation, this sweet board book shows bright brown baby girls and little ones everywhere that they can do anything. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and tender, charming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney, this inspirational ode is the perfect way to offer confidence at the earliest stage and show all little girls that they can change the world! This board book is part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program, a celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families. And if you're looking for a gift-able picture book, be sure to also check out the beautiful picture book treasury, Bright Brown Baby, to read "Hey, Baby Girl!" alongside four more poems. Just-right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more! This is a perfect addition to every child's growing Bright Brown Baby bookshelf!

Who Will Make the Snow? by Taras Prokhasko; Marjana Prokhasko (Illustrator); Jennifer Croft (Translator); Boris Dralyuk (Translator) INCLUDED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES LIST OF BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF 2023 The two newest moles in the forest learn to dig themselves out of their comfort zones and experience the boundless, unpredictable world around them--a Social Emotional Learning adventure Twin moles, Purr and Craw, are born on the first day of spring. The newest members of their woodland world, they're curious about everything. What is swimming? Why does mother speak French as she makes pancakes? What does father scrawl in his notebook? Do animals live in the sea? Why do grownups eat smelly cheese? How do we get better when we're sick? What happens when we die? As they start to grow up, every day is filled with another adventure as they explore the peculiar characters that surround them in the forest. Home is always waiting for them, filled with the clacking of father's typewriter, the sound of mother playing her upright bass, and the smells of quince jam and medicinal moss brews. During their adventures outside the home, they learn that the world is sometimes scarier, stranger and more dangerous than it seemed from the pocket of their father's coat. Each new encounter leaves Purr and Craw a little braver and wiser and with a few extra friends. Beautifully illustrated with scenes of mischief and discovery by Marjana Prohasko, Who Will Make the Snow? reminds us that the world is always larger and more wonderful than we can see from our own corner of the woods.

The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help by Sarah Lynne Reul (Illustrator) The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help is the latest in I Can Read Comics, an early reader line that familiarizes children with the world of graphic novel storytelling and encourages visual literacy in emerging readers. Meet Nail and Hammer, two pals in this STEM-focused story by author-illustrator Sarah Lynne Reul. When Nail gets stuck, Hammer is ready to lend a helping hand. But will Hammer's hard-headedness make things worse? The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help is a Level Three I Can Read Comic, an engaging story for children starting to read on their own.

Jump for Joy by Karen Gray Ruelle; Hadley Hooper (Illustrator) Kid seeks dog. Dog seeks kid. In this charming and imaginative tale of friendship, picture book readers will delight in what it means to have a furry best friend. For as long as she can remember, Joy has wanted a dog. It doesn't matter what kind: big, little, spotted, curly. She wants one so fiercely, she makes dogs out of snow, seashells, or whatever's at hand! However, none of the dogs Joy makes are quite what she yearns for. The seashell dog washes away, and the snow dog melts into a puddle. Little does Joy know that her perfect dog friend is just around the corner--wishing just as fiercely for a kid--and waiting to be discovered. Award-winning artist Hadley Hooper creates a world that is both timeless and magical as she weaves ink, paint, and collages made from vintage etchings together in a style that perfectly complements the classic feel of Jump for Joy. Readers will rejoice in this satisfying kid-meets-dog story, and will savor returning to this world again and again.

¡1, 2, 3 Merengue! by Delia Ruiz; Graziela Andrade (Illustrator) "The güira slides kish-kish-kish. The accordion stretches wah-wee-wah."This bilingual English-Spanish book explores merengue instruments and the fun and sometimes silly sounds that they make. The musicians also practice their lefts and rights while marching in the band with friends. Vamonos! Learn about merengue instruments and their sounds in English and Spanish. Children, caretakers, and educators will love the rhythmic text paired with bright and colorful illustrations showcasing characters of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Just Shy of Ordinary by A. J. Sass Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. There's never been something they couldn't research and figure out on their own. But there's one thing Shai hasn't been able to logic their way through: picking at the hair on their arms. Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Shai's been unable to control their picking. Now, as the difficult times recede and everyone begins to discover their "new normal," Shai's hoping the stress that caused their picking will end, too. After reading that a routine can reduce anxiety, Shai makes a plan to create a brand new normal for themself that includes going to public school. But when their academic evaluation places them into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off a chain of events that veer off the path Shai had prepared for, encouraging Shai to learn how to accept life's twists and turns, especially when you can't plan for them.

Some Days Are Yellow by Suzanne Slade; Michelle Lee (Illustrator) Some days are easy! The sky is sunny, and it feels like the whole world is your oyster. Everything goes according to plan, and we know what to expect. Other days are tough! There might be raindrops or skinned knees. Things don't go our way and we feel overwhelmed. But that is the up-and-down rollercoaster ride we call life. And everyone experiences it. The most important thing to remember is "No matter your day, tomorrow's brand new!" Lyrical text and colorful artwork remind readers of all ages that life is a vibrant adventure with an array of experiences and emotions, and tomorrow always offers a fresh start. What a difference a day can make! An important message to keep in mind.

Love Grows by Ruth Spiro; Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illustrator) A delightful celebration of family, plants, and the boundlessness of love told in lively, poetic letters from aunt to niece with bright, irresistible illustrations! Every month, an aunt mails a letter and a houseplant to her niece and . . . LOVE GROWS! I'm sending this pothos, so while we're apart, you'll look at its leaves and know you're in my heart. In the vein of We Are the Gardeners and Dear Girl, this beautiful story is the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, birthdays, graduation, and more! Young readers and gardeners will also love the sidebars on each spread with fun and informative facts about the plants.

The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani; Abeeha Tariq (Illustrator) Join Safa and her family for Eid al-Fitr in this heartwarming celebration of the holiday! Eid al-Fitr is nearly here! Follow along with Safa and her loved ones during their vibrant celebration of Eid, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Safa can't wait to participate in all of her favorite holiday traditions: decorating the house, eating yummy food, henna, and enjoying the big family gathering! Safa loves sharing special moments and gifts with her family. But she's also having a hard time sharing her Eid gifts with her cousin, Alissa. Will Safa learn what the spirit of Eid al-Fitr is truly all about? With beautiful illustrations, joyous text, and an important lesson about the gift of giving, this book is perfect for holiday celebrations and family sharing!

Forever and Always by Brittany J. Thurman; Shamar Knight-Justice (Illustrator) "This is a picture book that gives oxygen to all the unstated fears, perhaps burning them off. This book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact." --School Library Journal (starred review) "A balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) In this lyrical picture book from two breakout picture book creators, a young Black child waits for--and worries about--her father while he's away from home. A sensitive, poignant portrayal of a family's worries, joys, and comforts, to sit alongside books by Jacqueline Woodson and Christian Robinson. Every night when Daddy gets home from work, Olivia gives him a big hug and knows that the evening will be full of love--and fun. Together, she, Daddy, and Momma will make a feast for dinner, clean up, dance to old-school tunes, and read stories. But every morning when Daddy goes to work, Olivia worries, worries, worries. Be safe, she and Momma tell him. But what if he isn't? Sometimes other people aren't, like the people Olivia sees on the news. Thud, thud, thud, goes Olivia's heart. Thump, thump, thump, all through the long day, until she hears the jangle of Daddy's keys announcing he's home. Brittany J. Thurman's poetic text deftly explores the day-to-day life of a young Black child and her family--their joys and their fears--with a rhythm and musicality perfect for reading aloud. Shamar Knight-Justice's expressive artwork sings with color, texture, and warmth. Forever and Always respects the deep emotions of young readers while offering comfort and reassurance to any child waiting for a loved one to come home. For readers of Nigel and the Moon, The Year We Learned to Fly, and Saturday.

Gravity Is Bringing Me Down by Wendelin Van Draanen; Cornelia Li (Illustrator) Gravity becomes a very personal problem for a girl as she stumbles and tumbles through a long day. A hilarious look at a core science concept for any kid who has ever had a case of the clumsies! When Leda wakes up by falling out of bed, she knows that gravity is in a very bad mood. Again. Sure enough, she struggles with stumbles and bumbles at home, trips and blips on the bus, and bashes and crashes in the classroom. But a lesson on gravity helps her understand what's really going on.And after a visit to a science center, Leda's mood is lifted...just in time for her to tumble-- happily!--into bed. With a very funny text from award-winner Wendelin Van Draanen and bright, bouncy illustrations from Cornelia Lia, Gravity is Bringing Me Down makes it hilariously clear how this science concept impacts kids' lives every day.

Chicken Little and the Very Long Race (the Real Chicken Little) by Sam Wedelich (Illustrator) If you like Mo Willems' Pigeon, you'll love Sam Wedelich's Chicken Little! "A successful third hit for the 'real' Chicken Little." -- Kirkus Reviews Chicken Little dislikes competition. So when a marathon--featuring local-record holder, Hare!--is announced in the barnyard, she doesn't understand all the fuss. Until she watches her brood fall beak over claw for the gamey Hare and ditch their training in favor of his smoothies, sweatbands, and sneakers! Can Chicken Little prove this frontrunner's methods are phony or will she have to wing it and join the very long race? The plucky star of Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale and Chicken Little and the Big, Bad Wolf will have young readers laughing and cheering all the way to the finish line in this fresh and funny reimagining of a timeless favorite spun with sly wisdom.

Finally Heard by Kelly Yang From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes the sequel to Finally Seen in which Lina gets a phone and tries to navigate social media, only to discover not everything online is what it seems. When ten-year-old Lina Gao sees her mom's video on social media take off, she's captivated by the potential to be seen and heard! Maybe online she can finally find the confidence she craves. Whereas in real life she's growing so fast, she feels like microwave popcorn, bursting out of her skin! With the help of her two best friends, Carla and Finn, and her little sister, Millie, Lina sets off to go viral. Except there's a lot more to social media than Lina ever imagined, like: 1. Seeing inside her classmates' lives! Is she really the only person on the planet who doesn't have a walk-in closet? 2. Group chats! Disappearing videos! What is everyone talking about in the secret chats? And how can she join? 3. A bazillion stories about what to eat, wear, and put on her face. Could they all be telling the truth? Everyone sounds so sure of what they're saying! As Lina descends deeper and deeper into social media, it will take all her strength to break free from the likes and find the courage to be her authentic self in this fast-paced world.

Baby Bear's Busy Day with Brown Bear and Friends (World of Eric Carle) by Eric Carle (Illustrator); Odd Dot From Eric Carle's Brown Bear & Friends, Baby Bear's Busy Day is the perfect gift for newborns and toddlers. Your child will love playing with the spinning wheel, flaps, tabs, and more! Specially designed for little hands to practice fine motor skills, this book follows Baby Bear from sunrise to sunset, so you can celebrate your very busy day together.