LibGuides: Children's Virtual New Book Shelf: New Fiction June 2023

All's Right with the World by Jennifer Adams; Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator) This joyful ode to the everyday moments in a child's life is a child-friendly reimagining of the classic poem "Pippa's Song" by poet Robert Browning. Perfect for Poetry Month and for fans of Liz Garton Scanlon and Cynthia Rylant. Waffles for breakfast, walking to school with a friend, playing in the park, making dinner, getting tucked into bed...these moments shape the familiar rhythms of a child's life. This lyrical celebration of the everyday, with the comforting refrain "all's right with the world," is the perfect read-aloud for bedtime or anytime. The year's at the spring, and day's at the morn. Morning's at seven. All's right with the world.

I Love My Body Because by Shelly Anand; Nomi Ellenson; Erika Rodriguez Medina (Illustrator) All Are Welcome meets Bodies Are Cool in this picture book that shows us what makes every body special. Everybody has a body and every body is good. Your body takes you where you want to go. Your body is your first home. And your body is different from everyone else's body! I Love My Body Because is a gentle and poetic picture book for the youngest readers about celebrating your own body and all the different, wonderful bodies that make up our world.

Desert Jungle by Jeannie Baker (Illustrator) Striking mixed-media art from the creator of Mirror lights up the Sonoran Desert, revealing--through one wary boy's experience--a habitat that is anything but barren and desolate. In a desert valley, surrounded by mountains of rock and cactus, is the tiny village the boy calls home. He never wanders far, frightened of coyotes and the dusty wilds beyond. On a visit to Grandpa's ranch, he resists the invitation to explore an area where his grandfather grew up, far from any village. The boy would rather play it safe on his tablet. But one of the creatures he fears has other plans for him, and soon the vast desert "jungle" begins to share its secrets--wonders beyond imagining. Inspired by a research trip to the Sonoran Desert in Mexico, and illustrated with richly detailed and layered mixed-media collage, Jeannie Baker's gentle family story of awakening to nature is informed by the concept of nature deficit disorder, a subject she explores in the author's note. Her extensive afterword also illuminates the enormous biodiversity of one of the world's most magnificent--and misunderstood--habitats.

I'm a Prince! by A. H. Benjamin; Alessandro Montagnana (Illustrator) Bossy Pig is about to learn something important in thislight-hearted story about respecting others and being yourself. When Pig finds a crown one day, he puts it on and says he is a prince. He soon gets bored just sitting on his throne, so decides to play at being royalty -  fighting his friend Lizard, 'saving' Squirrell and commanding Rabbit and Badger to dance and bow to him. But when his friends get fed up with his princely antics, Pig learns an important lesson about humility and being yourself.

Gossamer Summer by H. M. Bouwman Four sisters find their summer vacation taking a magical turn when they stumble into the world of some rather unexpected fairies in this moving middle grade story that's perfect for fans of The Penderwicks. It all started when Jojo saw a fairy but said she didn't. After all, fairies aren't real--and if they were, they wouldn't look like that! No, Jojo did not see a small, green, muddy...person. Her sisters have no problem believing, though. They beg Jojo to finish the story she started telling long ago, but since the death of their beloved grandmother, Jojo hasn't felt like talking about magic, even if her sisters still believe. Instead, the sisters decide to make fairy gardens to entice the new kid across the street to come play. Their plan works, but it also catches the attention of creatures that bear an uncanny resemblance to the bedraggled fairies Jojo invented. Stories can't come to life, though--can they? Yet the danger is real enough. With the questionable help of a very self-satisfied cat, the sisters and their new friend, Theo, set off on an adventure to save the fairies from a flock of terrifying birds made of bones. But making everything right again will require a different kind of magic: the magic of sharing stories...and letting go.

Sweet and Bitter Rivals by Jessica Burkhart From the author of the Canterwood Crest series comes the first book in a middle grade series about an equestrian boarding school following a girl who struggles to keep her eyes on the prize while receiving anonymous threats. Abby St. Clair can't wait to start another season with her elite riding team at her boarding school. She has something to prove after literally falling on her face during the biggest competition of the year the previous season. And she could really use a win after her mom left her family, her dad remarried, and Abby's new stepsister, Emery, proved to be a strong rider and stiff competition. Abby wants to return to some semblance of normal but is hiding a secret: she accidentally cost her biggest rival, Selly, a chance at team captain. Then Abby begins to receive anonymous messages, threatening to expose her unwitting sabotage and a video that makes it look like she's trash-talking Emery. With an important competition on the horizon and the knowledge that someone in her circle knows way too much about her, the pressure is on. Abby tries to put on blinders and have the perfect meet with her horse, Beau, but she's about to find out the hard way that secrets don't make friends at Saddlehill Academy.

What Happened to You? by James Catchpole; Karen George (Illustrator) This accessible, funny, and groundbreaking story addresses the questions children often ask, as well as a disabled child's choice not to answer. What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? A boy named Joe is trying to play pirates at the playground, but he keeps being asked what happened to his leg. Bombarded with questions and silly suggestions, Joe becomes more and more fed up...until the kids finally understand they don't need to know what happened. And that they're wasting valuable playtime! Based on the author's real childhood experiences, this honest, funny, and authentic picture book is an empowering read for anyone with a disability, and for young readers learning how best to address differences.

Peculiar Woods: the Ancient Underwater City by Andrés J. Colmenares Moving to a new town can be a scary experience, especially when all of your things begin to come alive! In this whimsical, thrilling new series, a lonely boy named Iggie forms an unlikely band of heroes to overcome adversity and discover the importance of true friendship. Nine-year-old Iggie is the new kid in the town of Peculiar Woods, and nothing about his new home is familiar. So how is he supposed to make friends when he's not allowed to talk to strangers? On his first night in the strange new town, Iggie gets lost in the woods, where he discovers he can speak to inanimate objects. He soon teams up with his blanket, Faye, a talking chair and yoga enthusiast named Boris, and a pair of spirited chess pieces, and sets out on an epic quest to help his new friends solve their problems. Along the way, Iggie and friends encounter the nefarious washing machine, Lazarus Gallington, and begin to uncover the mystery of the flooded town. Throughout his epic quest, Iggie discovers the value of friendship while also discovering what needs to be done to save the entire village--before it's too late! With a rich, enchanting story and artwork reminiscent of The Brave Little Toaster, Adventure Time, Hilda, and other children's classics, Peculiar Woods will enchant young readers with its stories of unlikely heroism, friendship, and adventure.

Becoming Charley by Kelly DiPucchio; Loveis Wise (Illustrator) A New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning illustrator team up for a striking, modern-day take on The Very Hungry Caterpillar that celebrates staying true to oneself. Everyone is trying to teach Charley the right way to become a butterfly- Eat your milkweed! Think black! Think orange! But Charley's busy admiring the many beautiful things in the world. Like the swaying trees, and the tall mountains, and the turquoise sea. . . . Is there really a "right" way for Charley to become a butterfly? Young readers will see themselves in Charley--a little caterpillar with an emerging identity--in this dazzling picture book that beautifully explores the nature of self-love.

Norton and the Borrowing Bear by Gabriel Evans A Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book.  "Readers who have been in Norton's or the bear's shoes will emerge enlightened. A sound lesson in making friends--and setting boundaries." Kirkus Reviews Wouldn't it be fun to have a friend living right next door to you? Well, as Norton discovers, it can certainly pose some challenges when that friend wants to borrow all your favorite things, even your special fuzzy slippers. This is a story about setting limits and learning to accept you friends, flaws and all. It introduces readers to the important skill of boundary-setting in a funny, accessible way that will help them share and borrow without regrets.

Under the Blanket Sky by Tim Fischer An extraordinary debut picture book about a boy and his unusual friend--a majestic owl--and a long yet fleeting summer that changes them forever. In the spirit of The Velveteen Rabbit and Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay," here is a heartfelt and luminously illustrated story about friendship and eternal love. A lonely young boy is visited by a mysterious owl one sunny morning, forming an instant bond and a sense of belonging. What follows is a memorable summer full of playful adventures and shared, quiet joy. But when the owl must eventually continue his journey onward, the boy and the reader are left to reflect on the bittersweet nature of the passing of time, ultimately finding comfort in the remembrance of those who have passed through our lives and changed us forever. This stunning and unique book--which feels instantly both new and classic--is sure to spark beautiful conversations as families share it together. It embraces the inevitability of having to say goodbye and celebrates the stillness of ordinary places and the shimmering beauty that can be found there should we take the time to wait and listen.

Zion Gold Rush by C. R. Fulton So...Much...Gold... When Isaiah's dad is hired to print 3D dinosaur bones, his family is invited to join him. On this trip, the kids are glamping--enjoying the luxury of an RV instead of camping in tents. Attending a park-sponsored stargazing event, Isaiah, Sadie, and Ethan overhear a ranger tell his favorite legend of a gold mine hidden in Zion. While exploring the park, they venture off to investigate an intriguing narrow path. Unexpectedly, they stumble across a carving on a stone face. "10N 25F 5B 11N 7S 3D," Isaiah reads. What is it? "Looks like ancient Indian lettering to me," Ethan says. Was this just some historic carving or is it somehow connected to the treasure? Were others searching for the gold mine as well? What secrets are hidden within the canyons and mountains of Zion? Join The Campground Kids as they embark on this exciting treasure hunt at Zion National Park.

In the Mix by Mandy Gonzalez; Sushil Preet K. Cheema (As told to) Better Nate than Ever meets Love Sugar Magic in this "delectable" (Kirkus Reviews) third novel in the Fearless middle grade series from Hamilton and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez about a young thespian who feels caught between his love of baking and theatre. Twelve-year-old Hudson Patel has two great loves: Broadway and baking! In addition to giving his all to his role in the hit show Our Time, Hudson takes pride in keeping his castmates and fellow Fearless Squad members well-fed with all the delicious treats he creates. When the call comes in for a big baking show--with the winner receiving a spot at a kiosk in Times Square--the Squad encourages him to enter. They just know that kiosk should be his. But Hudson struggles to create a showstopper, and his friends realize if Hudson goes all-in with the baking, he may not have time to spare for his stage role. Hudson goes to his grandmother for help, and she suggests going back to his roots, to be proud of who he is, and to show that in his culinary creation. With time running out, can Hudson find the magical ingredient that will put him in the spotlight without having to choose between his passions?

Billie and Bean in the City by Julia Hansson; B. J. Woodstein (Translator) ★"Delightful, portraying a little one's first forays into independence, joys, fears, and all...A simple yet wonderfully satisfying escapade."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review Celebrating the supportive relationship between a child and her dog, this story gently introduces the resilience and bravery that come with the first steps toward independence. Billie is reading quietly in her apartment while her mom does laundry downstairs. But her impatient dog Bean wants to go outside. Billie has taken Bean outside before when mom was watching, so she decides to try taking Bean out by herself--just around the block. Billie and Bean enjoy the vibrant city street, but after stopping to pick a flower in the park, Billie becomes disoriented by the tall buildings and can't remember the way back to their building. As Billie begins to worry, Bean tugs on the leash in encouragement and Billie discovers that she's braver than she thought she could be.

Some of These Are Snails by Carter Higgins Press Here meets Eric Carle in a concept book that makes familiar ideas exciting and surprising. From the creative mind behind Circle Under Berry comes this deceptively simple concept book that explores sorting, classification, and patterns as it teases the brain in unusual ways. With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking book shows young readers that even the most familiar things can be seen from infinite perspectives. As with the best classic children's books, you read it once, read it ten times--and see something new every time.

Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon A heartwarming debut from author Caroline Huntoon about a young figure skater discovering who they are on and off the ice. Life isn't easy on twelve-year-old Mars. As if seventh grade isn't hard enough, Mars is also grappling with the recent death of their father and a realization they never got to share with him: they're nonbinary. But with their skates laced up and the ice under their feet, all of those struggles melt away. When Mars' triple toe loop draws the attention of a high school hot shot, he dares them to skate as a boy so the two can compete head-to-head. Unable to back down from a challenge, Mars accepts. But as competition draws near, the struggles of life off the rink start to complicate their performance in the rink, and Mars begins to second guess if there's a place for them on the ice at all. Skating on Mars is a tender examination of grief and a hopeful middle grade tale of self-discovery. "This timely, triumphant novel about figure skating, identity, loss, and love will move and entertain readers--and it might just inspire them to find their own ways to change the world. " --Laurie Morrison, author of Up for Air and Coming Up Short

The Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis (Illustrator) Jarvis offers a moving tale of friendship, kindness, and acceptance, softly touching on the subjects of illness or hardship in a way that young children can understand. Everyone likes David, the boy with flowers in his hair. He's sweet and gentle, just like his colorful petals. David and his best friend have a great time together, finding the good puddles, making up songs, and running away from the bees. But one day David comes to school wearing a hat, and he is quiet. When he takes off the hat, his bright petals flutter down like butterflies. Now, where his flowers were looks twiggy and prickly, causing the other children to stay away. But David's best friend has an idea--a way to help David get his color back, wielding paintbrushes and plenty of love. Sensitively told and simply illustrated, Jarvis's story invites even the youngest children to talk about difficult subjects in an age-appropriate way--and feel inspired to support others when they face trying times.

DK Super Readers Level 1 Star Wars Grogu's Galaxy by Matt Jones Combining DK's four-level reading program with the world's most beloved Star Wars character, this book will help kids learn how to read--and learn to love reading. Meet Grogu and his many friends in this high-quality, fun, nonfiction reader - carefully levelled to help children progress. Learn more about the cute child, Grogu, from Star Wars: The Mandalorian Seasons One and Two, and from Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett. Take a trip through the galaxy and see it through his eyes as Grogu goes on his fantastic journey, while finding out more about his amazing allies, including the Mandalorian, Din Djarin; Luke Skywalker; and Ahsoka Tano. The engaging text has been carefully levelled using Lexile so that children are set up to succeed. Exciting Star Wars images, clear vocabulary, and a fun quiz will test young readers and help them in building their reading ability as they learn about this galaxy, far, far away.....  © & (tm) 2023 Lucasfilm Ltd.

Walter Finds His Voice by Ann Kim Ha Meet Walter, a painfully shy crocodile who takes his time to find his voice.  The perfect story to inspire little introverts.  Unlike most crocodiles, Walter lives in the swamp and hides below the surface from all the noisy animals, until one day, he sees a friend being mistreated. He gathers all his courage and uses his size and voice in defense of his friend. Walter, finally finds his voice. This sweet tale shows how each of us needs to take our own time to find our voice and place in the world. Walter may not be the bravest of crocodiles, but he learns to speak up when it matters most and his friends respect him all the more for that.

The Secret of Glendunny: the Haunting by Kathryn Lasky Newbery Honor-winning Kathryn Lasky, author of the bestselling Guardians of Ga'Hoole and Bears of Ice series, delivers a sweeping middle grade animal adventure with loyal beavers, a cultured swan, and ominous lynxes around every turn--a captivating story about heroism, loyalty, and the courage to speak truth to power. "Draws readers deeply into a mystical world and leaves them wishing for more." --Kirkus (starred review) "A marvelous adventure...an enchanting introduction to a wonderful, new natural world." --Booklist (starred review) "Themes of belonging and friendship are well conveyed... as are the complexities of this industrious world of creatures." --Publishers Weekly Deep in the wilds of Scotland, land of ancient warrior kings and myths, there is a deep secret. The secret is a colony of beavers, a species that is craved for their fur pelts, but vilified for what humans consider to be the destruction of their land. No beaver has been spotted in Scotland or England for over five hundred years, until the young beaver, Dunwattle, is sighted! Dunwattle's flight is driven by the presence of a ghostly figure, a figure of a mysterious young girl who is almost one thousand years old. And now Dunwattle is destined to be destroyed for revealing the hidden colony, but his best friend Locksley is determined to save him. Will their ancient beaver colony survive?

Jurassic Jeff: Space Invader (Jurassic Jeff Book 1) by Royden Lepp Dinosaurs, aliens, and world domination?! Introducing a graphic series about what it means to be a friend (and how to take over the world!)--perfect for fans of Cat Kid Comic Club, and Investigators. Jeff has one mission and one mission only- to take over the world . . . too bad he crash lands on planet Earth a few million years too early. Dinosaur friends Carl, Hungry, and Spike find Jeff and get roped into his mission to take over their favorite (and only) planet. But when Jeff's search for the "leader" brings big surprises, will this alien be able to complete his invasion? This action-packed adventure is filled with hijinks, talking fish, and the best thing ever- friendship!

Dads Can Do It All! by Ted Maass; Ekaterina Trukhan (Illustrator) Celebrate dads and all the amazing things they do with this perfect gift for Father's Day-complete with a bookplate for personalization! This year, celebrate Dad with this adorable board book young readers can personally inscribe and dedicate to their dad- the superhero! Beautiful illustrations and inspiring, rhyming verses make this the perfect gift for dads and for birthdays year-round. Young ones will love sharing this book with Dad and learning all the exciting things fathers can do-and everything they can do, too!

Dream with the/Suena con Las Latinitas by Juliet Menendez (Illustrator) Meet the Latinitas, whose big dreams paved the way for your little feet! With gorgeous, hand-painted illustrations, Juliet Menéndez shines a spotlight on the power of childhood dreams. ¡Conoce a las Latinitas cuyos grandes sueños abrieron el camino para tus propios pasitos! Con hermosas ilustraciones, hechas a mano, Juliet Menéndez pone en relieve el poder que tienen los sueños de la infancia.

The Search for the Magical Egg by Rebecca Morrison Sheldon is a turtle who lives in the deep blue sea and wiggles and jiggles every night to get himself ready for bed. One evening, he asks his parents the age-old question: Where do babies come from? The story the parents tell is an underwater search for the perfect egg--to make a turtle just like Sheldon. The Search for the Magical Egg is a beautifully illustrated book for parents to read to children ages 5 to 7, and it's designed to help children who were conceived through IVF understand how they were born and how deeply they are loved.

Mina Belongs Here by Sandra Niebuhr-Siebert; Lars Baus (Illustrator) "Tender, lyrical text brings to life moments that many immigrants will recognize� visually engaging." -- Kirkus Reviews Mina is worried about starting a kindergarten in her new country where the only word she can understand is her name. A warm and emotive story that explores how sharing a language can encourage a sense of belonging through a gentle story and lively illustrations. At Mina's kindergarten she listens to stories, songs and chatter in an unfamiliar language. She tries out sounds that roar in her throat and tickle her tongue until the new words feel like her own. Then one day, Mina realises that this language now belongs to her, and she belongs to this new world. Mina Belongs Here is a heartfelt and uplifting story of a migrant experience and discovering a sense of belonging through shared words. The expressive illustrations begin in muted monochrome, slowly transforming to vibrant color as Mina's understanding grows.

Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels by Tolá Okogwu Onyeka and her superpowered friends must race against time to save themselves and the Solari in this breathtaking next installment in the Onyeka middle grade series, perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, The Marvellers, and X-Men. Onyeka and her superhero friends are on the run. Having exposed head teacher Dr. Dòyìnbó's hidden agenda behind the Academy of the Sun, they're living as fugitives, laying low as they try to figure out their next move. Despite their best efforts, Onyeka's parents are still missing, and students at the Academy are still in danger. But when their safe house is discovered, Onyeka must turn to the only allies they have left: a group of rebels called the rogues. Joining forces, will the groups defeat their shared nemesis, or is there a new danger on the horizon?

Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big by Dolly Parton; MacKenzie Haley (Illustrator); Erica S. Perl From the legendary Dolly Parton comes a story about her god-dog and Instagram personality, Billy the Kid, who is hoping to make it big as a country music star in Nashville, Tennessee. French bulldog Billy the Kid was born with an ear for music. And not just any music. He loves barking to the beat of country music! So Billy sets out to Nashville to sing his heart out. But when he meets some big bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, Billy worries he's barking up the wrong tree. He'll need his favorite songs ("Jowlene" and "I Will Pawlways Love You," of course), a group of scrappy new friends, and his favorite country music star to regain self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be. Written by Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, this is a delightful picture book about standing up to people (and dogs) who put you down and finding the drive to achieve your dreams.

Hello, Mister Blue by Daria Peoples (Illustrator) A day in the park sparks an unlikely connection between a young girl and a street musician without a home. From acclaimed author-illustrator Daria Peoples, Hello, Mister Blue is a powerful picture book that emphasizes the importance of history, bravery, and community. Hello, Mister Blue is for readers who love Yuyi Morales's Dreamers and Matt de la Peña's and Christian Robinson's Last Stop on Market Street. A young girl always creates special memories when she visits her grandfather. He lets her sip his creamy coffee, they take a stroll through the park, and they play music together. But this time, something unexpected happens: she meets Papa's longtime friend, Mister Blue. Mister Blue lives outside, and he and his music have always brought Papa's community together. At the end of the day, the young girl has many questions for Papa. Is Mister Blue safe? Scared? Lonely, hungry? With her curiosity and kindness, she can change things for the better, for at least one person and one night. Featuring a lyrical text, stunning illustrations, and a resonant message, Hello, Mister Blue presents a difficult, universal topic with sensitivity and warmth for the youngest of readers. Every person belongs to a community, and generosity can make a difference for everyone. Hello, Mister Blue is a terrific pick for readers of Oge Mora's Saturday and Vera B. Williams's A Chair for My Mother.

Tegan and Sara: Junior High by Tegan Quin; Sara Quin; Tillie Walden (Illustrator) AN INDIE BESTSELLER From indie-pop twin-sister duo Tegan and Sara comes a contemporary middle grade graphic novel that explores growing up, coming out, and finding yourself through music and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier's Sisters. Before Tegan and Sara took the music world by storm, the Quins were just two identical twins trying to find their place in a new home and new school. From first crushes to the perils of puberty, surviving junior high is something the sisters plan to face side by side, just like they've always faced things. But growing up also means growing apart, as Tegan and Sara make different friends and take separate paths to understanding their queerness. For the first time ever, they ask who one sister is without the other. Set in the present day, this effervescent blend of fiction and autobiography, with artwork from Eisner Award-winner Tillie Walden, offers a glimpse at the two sisters before they became icons, exploring their shifting relationship, their own experiences coming out, and the first steps of their musical journey. A prequel of sorts to the authors' bestselling adult memoir High School, now an 8-episode Freevee television series!

Giant-Sized Butterflies on My First Day of School by Justin Roberts; Paola Escobar (Illustrator) Find out how butterflies in your tummy are a good thing in this fresh take on being nervous for the first day of school. When a little girl wakes up on the first day of school, the butterflies in her stomach feel positively giant-sized! She really wants her mom to stay with her, on this first day.     As she and her mom make their way to school, Mom explains how the butterflies are a good thing. Everyone gets them (including parents) and they are a sign of something exciting happening--that we're about to learn and grow from a new experience and they can help us through it.     So with the butterflies as her guide, the girl soars into her first day.     Beloved children's songwriter Justin Roberts brings one of his most popular songs to the page, alongside beautifully tender illustrations by Paola Escobar, in a story guaranteed to help readers of all ages reframe their first-day nerves as first-day excitement.

Grounded by Aisha Saeed; S. K. Ali; Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow; Huda Al-Marashi When a thunderstorm grounds all flights following a huge Muslim convention, four unlikely kids are thrown together. Feek is stuck babysitting his younger sister, but he'd rather be writing a poem that's good enough for his dad, a famous poet and rapper. Hanna is intent on finding a lost cat in the airport--and also on avoiding a conversation with her dad about him possibly remarrying. Sami is struggling with his anxiety and worried that he'll miss the karate tournament that he's trained so hard for. And Nora has to deal with the pressure of being the daughter of a prominent congresswoman, when all she really wants to do is make fun NokNok videos. These kids don't seem to have much in common--yet.

Max and Moonbean by Rob Scotton (Illustrator) Rob Scotton, beloved author of the bestselling Splat the Cat and Russell the Sheep series, returns with Max and Moonbean, the first book in a brand-new picture book series about a timid young dog and his out-of-this-world friend. It's the night before the big show-and-tell, and Max isn't sure what to bring. He's shy and worried that it will all go all wrong. But when a space creature named Moonbean crashes into his room, Max discovers all he needed was a friend to help him find his confidence. Heartfelt and whimsically illustrated, Max and Moonbean is an empowering picture book story about friendship, bravery, and daring to dream big from one of the best-selling picture book creators of all-time, Rob Scotton.

Pride and Joy by Emmi Smid (Illustrator); Vanessa Williams (Foreword by); Frank J. Sileo; Kate Lum-Potvin Joy loves her big brother, Noah. He's the best brother, skateboarder and cookie baker there is! So, when Noah is teased for being gay, Joy wants to help. But how? Joy decides to become an ally - someone who supports others through their words and actions. With her best friend, Elliott, Joy takes action, baking 'Pride and Joy' cookies to raise money for the local LGBTQIA+ center. But when the bully tries to put an end to the bake sale, Joy learns that being an ally means using your words, too. Written by an award-winning author team, and with charming illustrations throughout, Pride and Joy introduces children to LGBTQIA+ allyship and teaches them the value of inclusion and courage. Featuring a reading guide for adults and questions for discussion, this beautiful, uplifting picture book is a must-have for every young ally.

Maribel's Year by Michelle Sterling; Sarah Gonzales (Illustrator) Celebrate the special connection between father and daughter in this gorgeously evocative picture book, recounting the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines. From acclaimed author Michelle Sterling and illustrator Sarah Gonzales, a poignant story perfect for fans of Joanna Ho, Linda Sue Park, and Matt De La Peña. New country, new school, new friends. A lot can happen in a single year. But one thing's for certain: Maribel won't forget her Papa, even when he's 8,000 miles away in the Philippines. After all, Papa is all around. He is the memory of feeding koi fish in their pond every morning. He is the constellation map as Maribel dreams of showing him her new world. He is the packages and letters sent back and forth. He is everywhere except the place he's wanted the most. But the bond between Maribel and Papa transcends oceans. So as the snow melts and turns to rain, as flowers blossom and welcome sun-kissed days, and as the leaves start to change and snow begins to fall once more, can Maribel wait just a little bit longer

Geronimo Stilton Reporter #12 by Geronimo Stilton Geronimo Stilton is so busy as the editor-in-chief of The Rodent's Gazette, competing for scoops with rival Sally Ratmousen and her Daily Rat newspaper, and always being dragged into unexpected zany adventures, that he has neglected a bit of his housework. His nephew Benjamin suggests that Geronimo hire some help to clean up around his home. Enter: Professor Cheesewheel and his plan to fully automate Geronimo's house with all the bells, whistles, and technology that money can buy. But will the technology become too much to handle? Geronimo may have to pick up the pace, and even a broom, to clean up this mess! Based on the hit animated series!

Yoga Tots: Calm Bunny / niños Yoga: Conejito Calmado by Tessa Strickland; Estelí Meza (Illustrator) Charming illustrations and step-by-step instructions take little ones through a soothing series of basic yoga poses. Simple, descriptive language invites young children to pretend to be a bunny and then a snake, moving their bodies into specific yoga poses inspired by these creatures, now in bilingual Spanish!

Día de Muertos: Números by Duncan Tonatiuh Count up to ten in this bilingual picture book celebrating Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead from award-winning author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh From award-winning and beloved author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes this celebratory bilingual picture book centering on a Día de Muertos ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar), constructed annually to honor the memory and welcome the spirit of a loved one. The book uses a counting structure, from one to ten, to focus on family members and their offerings, with a double-gatefold finale that opens to reveal the family gathered around the fully decorated ofrenda with all of their offerings. Included at the back of the book is a brief author's note that lends additional context on the holiday.

Jo Bright and the Seven Bots by Meg Hunt (Artist); Deborah Underwood A bot-building princess engineers her own happy ending in this futuristic fairytale, a follow-up to the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella. Once upon a planetoid surrounded by her friends, a girl, Jo Bright, loved building bots from scraps and odds and ends! Snow White gets a stellar upgrade in this clever retelling with a truly inventive heroine. With wit, bravery, and some spare circuit boards, Jo will foil the queen, befriend a dragon, and build herself a celestially happy ending of her own. From the team that created the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty comes another funny and empowering fairytale that's out of this world. A STELLAR ROLE MODEL FOR GIRLS: This uniquely feminist retelling of Snow White, in which the princess is an engineer and inventor, encourages girls to see themselves as the heroines of their own stories. STEM FOR THE WIN: It's more important than ever to support young girls who are interested in STEM activities. This picture book makes tinkering, inventing, and engineering accessible and inviting! SO MUCH FUN TO READ ALOUD: An enchanting rhyme and gorgeous color-drenched illustrations combine to make this engaging book a wonderful choice for story-times--one that little readers will want to pore over again and again. DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS: This fractured fairytale is a smart and funny follow-up to the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty. Perfect for: Parents and grandparents Gift-givers Teachers and librarians

The Do-Over by Rodrigo Vargas; Coni Yovaniniz (Illustrator) Friendship and creativity come together when three girls open their own styling studio in this new graphic novel series that's perfect for fans of Click and Smile.  Shy Mariana is looking for her chance to shine. She's having trouble making friends after a cross-country move to Ohio, plus, her dad refuses to let her help out at his hair salon, despite the fact that she's a social media expert! So when she meets science whiz Zoe and creative maven Everly, and the three decide to start their own hair styling studio, she finally finds the friends--and the calling--she's been searching for. The trio's studio, True Colors, is a smash hit, and the girls are having a blast. Not to mention, Mariana loves helping her fellow middle-school clients express themselves. But with the town Harvest Fest on the horizon and a line of customers always at the door, the friends have to scale up quickly, and they don't always agree on how. Can Mariana find the courage to speak up for what she wants And does True Colors have what it takes to succeed in business and friendship

When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit by Przemyslaw Wechterowicz; Emilia Dziubak (Illustrator) Little Owl and Little Rabbit live in the same oak tree, but they've never met. How can the two animals become friends when Little Owl wakes up just as Little Rabbit goes to sleep? A heart-warming story of celebrating difference and making new friends from an USBBY-honored illustrator. When they discover they are neighbours, Little Owl and Little Rabbit are desperate to meet but Little Rabbit hops through the forest by day and Little Owl soars over it by night. Then one evening, a big, bright full moon appears. Will the pair finally get to play together? With a sweet and gentle story and magical, moonlit illustrations, When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit is a perfect bedtime read.

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance by Kat Zhang; Charlene Chua (Illustrator) When Amy Wu learns about Chinese ribbon dancing, she can't wait to try it out herself in this charming and brightly illustrated fourth installment in the Amy Wu picture book series. Amy Wu loves to move. From wriggling to shimmying to toe-tapping, she just can't keep still, not when there's music all around her! So when Amy sees Chinese ribbon dancing for the first time, she has to try it out. Only, how can she throw the perfect dance party when she doesn't have the perfect ribbon for her dance? A special story from Mom may be just the thing to get Amy moving to the music again.

My Dad Is a Tree by Jon Agee A dad and daughter take pretending to an adorable extreme in this funny book that's perfect for Father's Day. It's easy to be a tree. Just pretend your arms are branches, your body is a trunk, and your legs are roots. Don't move, even if a bird makes a nest on your head, a squirrel hides an acorn in your pocket, and a spider builds a web under your arm. It's OK: Trees don't mind those things. Or so says the little girl who persuades her father to be a tree all day long, no matter what, even in the rain! This silly and sweet picture book will inspire all kinds of imaginative play and is a tribute to parents who will do just about anything for their kids.

The Night Before Freedom by Glenda Armand; Corey Barksdale (Illustrator) This moving picture book tells the story of Juneteenth with all the care and reverence such a holiday deserves. The rhyming text and stunning illustrations will teach children about this historic day in history. 'Twas the night before freedom, and all through the South, long-whispered rumors had, spread word of mouth. "It's coming! It's coming!" I heard people say. "Emancipation is coming our way." Eight-year-old David and his family gather at Grandma's house in Galveston, Texas, for a cherished family tradition- Grandma's annual retelling of the story of Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln meant that all enslaved persons within the rebellious states would be free as of January 1, 1863. However, people in Texas did not receive the news of their emancipation until two and a half years later-on June 19, 1865. Grandma tells the story of anticipation, emancipation, and jubilation just as it was told to her many years before by her own grandmother, Mom Bess. As a six-year-old, Bess had experienced the very first Juneteenth. Before that day, she could only imagine what liberty would look like. But once freedom arrived, would it live up to a little girl's dreams? The story is written in the same meter as Clement C. Moore's The Night Before Christmas, making it a perfect book for parents and kids to read together.

Harmony and Echo by Brigette Barrager In a magical underwater world, a mermaid learns to overcome shyness and stage fright as she prepares for the Mermaid Ballet. A picture book that dazzles readers with the debut of two irresistible mermaids--Harmony and Echo--from the co-creator of the bestselling Uni the Unicorn! Harmony is chill. She is carefree and fun and loves to stop and smell the sea flowers. Echo is a worrier. She can always find something to fuss about. As her best friend, Harmony is determined for Echo to enjoy their debut performance in the Mermaid Ballet. In a magical water world, the two mermaids practice their steps again and again. They dive through the water like seals, spin in circles like minnows, slither like eels, and more. But Echo is still worried that she'll forget everything as soon as she faces the audience. So Harmony decides that they should share a secret hand squeeze, one that tells Echo You are fine, you are okay, I'm right next to you. At the crucial moment when Echo is about to stumble, will their plan work so she gets all the moves correct?

I Am Cat! by Peter Bently; Chris Chatterton (Illustrator) A day in the life of a cat - told from the cat's point of view! A funny rhyming picture book from Peter Bently and Chris Chatterton. I am Cat. Cat is me. A most superior thing to be. I am Cat. I need nap. Window? Cupboard? Dog Bed? Lap! Join one sassy little cat for a busy day packed full of essential cat activities. From climbing and prowling, to playing and snoozing. Being head of the house is a full-time job!

Snuggle Puppy! by Sandra Boynton (Illustrator) This bright, chunky board book is the ultimate love song from parent to child featuring a die-cut cover and Sandra Boynton's signature style! Starring a sweet and cuddly doggy cast, this delightful rhyming story is a great big hug in book form packed with charming language, engaging illustrations, and an irresistible sense of fun. OOO, Snuggle Puppy of mine! Everything about you is especially fine. I love what you are. I love what you do. Fuzzy little Snuggle Puppy, I love you.

From Tadpole to Frog-Prince by Jason M. Burns Re-visit the tale of The Frog Prince through the eyes of Dr. Gnome-It-All, a STEM scientist and internet influencer. Find out how the fable has a basis in scientific reality, from amphibian life cycle to precious metals but entertains as a magical story. Includes colorful, engaging illustrations, a glossary, and a bibliography for further reading.

The Shadow Returns: a Branches Book (the Last Firehawk #12) by Katrina Charman; Judit Tondora (Illustrator) Tag's greatest enemy has returned to Perodia! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! The Shadow has come back to Perodia! Skull, his evil army of rats, and The Shadow are now hiding in secret as they plan their next move. Tag, Skyla, and Blaze need to find The Shadow quickly before it turns the creatures of Valor Wood into its army of spies. But their friend Bod is still trapped in the Underland! Can Tag and his friends rescue Bod before it's too late? The Shadow's dark magic is growing stronger... With nonstop action and adventure, this fully illustrated series makes a great introduction to fantasy and will have younger readers on the edge of their seats!

My Day with Dad by Rae Crawford Games, kites, a bike ride, and mac and cheese-it's fun to spend a day with Dad. Perfect for first graders learning to read on their own. A day with Dad is a day packed with fun! Eating too many pancakes is just the beginning. Morning rain means it's time for board games. When the sun comes back out, so do bikes and kites. Pup the dog tags along, too! Back home, the evening continues with mac and cheese, movies, and a phone call from Mom. Then Dad has one more surprise- PILLOW FIGHT! Young readers can enjoy this simply-worded story independently, or cuddle up for some quality father-child time of their own. The award-winning I Like to Read series focuses on 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 honour's--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!

Storm on Snowbelle Mountain: a Branches Book (Unicorn Diaries #6) by Rebecca Elliott (Illustrator) Bo discovers friendly yetis in this early chapter book from the USA Today bestselling author of Owl Diaries! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! In the sixth book of USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Elliott's Unicorn Diaries series, unicorn Bo and friends set out to explore Snowbelle Mountain and maybe run into some yetis! Bo and their friends disagree about the best way to go about their adventure, and Bo ultimately learns to appreciate living in the moment. With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of smiles, your young reader won't be able to put this book down!

Let's Build a Dam! by Daniel Fehr; Mariachiara Di Giorgio (Illustrator) Hilarity ensues when siblings set out to build a simple dam in this charming picture book for young children. Siblings May, Lily, and Noah build a dam. Stone by stone, their dam grows higher and higher, until their creation attracts the attention of fishermen, pirates, and even the King and his fleet. The sky's the limit, until Noah wants his stone back . . .  Each page builds upon the previous scene as the children's imaginations also grow. Children will delight in pointing out the changing details on each page as they laugh along to this picture book about the boundlessness of imagination and sibling friendship.

The Journal of Anxious Izzy Parker by Alma Fullerton Eight-year-old Izzy Parker's biggest problem is feeling anxious and afraid. Her mom's decision to move them across the country to Prince Edward Island didn't help. Izzy worries she will say the wrong thing or laugh at the wrong time, and none of the kids will want to be her friend. Sometimes, it's so hard to be Izzy that she can't breathe. In her honest, awkward, and anxious journal, Izzy writes down the story of her life and how she is trying to be a little less afraid. The good news: things might not be as bad as they seem. Even better? They will soon have a small, furry new family member--an emotional support dog named Gandalf!

We'll Make Things Better Together by Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G); Dow Phumiruk (Illustrator) A joyous ode to friendship that shows that everything is better when we work together! Working together can make everything we do-like playing music, gardening, and helping our neighbors-a whole lot more fun. Whether it's cleaning up the mess in the kitchen or in a public park, joining together on a shared project allows each of our talents to shine through. And some things are simply better when we do them together-like celebrating a job well done! Young readers are sure to be inspired by this cheerful story of friendship and teamwork that shows how we can all make a positive impact on the world, starting in our own homes and communities.

Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes; Theodore Taylor III (Illustrator) Award-winning author Nikki Grimes's beloved novel in verse Garvey's Choice is now a graphic novel, imaginatively and dramatically illustrated by Little Shaq artist Theodore Taylor III. Garvey's father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading--anything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey's life changes. The chorus finds a new soloist in Garvey, and through chorus, Garvey finds a way to accept himself and a way to finally reach his distant father--by speaking the language of music instead of the language of sports. Garvey's Choice was a School Library Journal Best Book, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book, and a Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Honor Book. With Theodore Taylor III's full-color illustrations, this graphic novel edition is enthralling and inspiring.

World of Reading: Alice's Wonderland Bakery: Wonderful Wonderland Adventures, Level Pre-1 by Disney Books Pre-Level 1 readers will enjoy this collection of five whimsical tales about Alice, her friends, and the wonderful world of Alice's Wonderland Bakery. Based on episodes of the Disney Junior animated series, these adorable stories cater to readers in training and are sure to entertain. If you like this book, you may also want to consider adding these Disney books to your collection: Alice's Wonderland Bakery: Unforgettable Unbirthday World of Reading: Alice's Wonderland Bakery: Meet Alice Alice's Wonderland Bakery: Where There's a Whisk, There's a Way World of Reading: Meet Mira World of Reading: Queen of Hearts World of Reading: Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures Campy Camper Day

Who Will U Be? by Jessica Hische (Illustrator) From New York Times bestselling creator of Tomorrow I'll Be Brave comes a delightful picture book following an inquisitive little letter "u" as she goes on a class field trip to find out all the ways letters are seen and used in the world. It's the annual "Find Yourself Field Trip" at Ms. Bracket's School of Little Letters, and "u" couldn't be more excited. She can't wait to see all the ways letters are used in the world-they're on everything from books to boats, from sidewalks to spaceships! And it's starting to make her wonder one important question- Who will she be when she grows up? With clever storytelling and vibrant, powerful illustrations, bestselling author-illustrator Jessica Hische has created an enchanting picture book that is not only an accessible introduction to typography for kids, but also a wonderful reminder to embrace one's individuality and curiosity as they grow older. This story is perfect for fans of Emily Winfield Martin, and it makes an excellent gift book for big moments like graduation and birthdays with its empowering question to little ones-who will you be?

Let's Play Gonggi by Im Seo-Ha; Minjoo Kim (Illustrator) A whole class. Five pebbles. Two professionals, and a girl who refuses to learn the game. Who will win the gonggi tournament?Eunji didn't know when she borrowed her sister's dress that there would be gongghidols hidden in the pockets, but Jingu-the annoying kid that doesn't stop calling her partner-sees them. Instantly, he starts to play. All the kids marvel at his skills, and they start playing too. Soon, the whole class is hooked and decide to have a gonggi tournament. Eunji has never played gonggi, and watching her classmates obsess over the game makes her hate it even more. But some unlikely encouragement from Jingu may just change her mind about this game yet. Will the skills she builds be enough to win the tournament? Find out in this fun, vibrant, and page-turning book, Let's Play Gonggi.

A New Day for Umwell the Gray by Nathaniel Jenks; Rebecca Evans (Illustrator) Her name is Purple, and she is the only dash of color in William's gray yard. She asks his name, and when he answers "Um, well...," she dubs him Umwell the Gray, then leads him on an exploration of a world that is always new and beautiful to eyes that can see. This story is a celebration of the ever-present newness and change around and within us. Because newness is more readily discernible in nature than in human lives, the story relies on Purple's guidance through the natural world to build a bridge to William's inner world. Umwell the Gray can't see what Purple sees in a falling leaf, a cloud, a swirling stream, a tidepool. She is demanding, challenging, frustrating, but compelling. Though he doesn't understand her, he wants to be around her. Bit by bit the world comes to life for him, and as it does, Rebecca Evans's palette evolves from gray to multihued. At last Umwell becomes William, but a different William than he was before. He is a new boy, looking out upon a new world.

Moses and the Runaway Lamb by Jacqueline Jules; Eleanor Rees Howell (Illustrator) When a small lamb scampers away from her flock, the young shepherd Moses wonders whether he should chase after her or let her fend for herself in the wilderness. He decides to go after her, not knowing that God is watching. God sees that Moses is the kind of leader who will take care of all the Jewish people when the time comes to leave Egypt.

Storyteller Skye by Lindsay Christina King; Carolyn Frank (Illustrator) Have you ever wondered why Rabbit has such long ears? Or why Raccoon is wearing a mask? In this collection of funny and unique short stories, young Skye enlightens us&nbspin a number of Indigenous teachings, passed down to her from her&nbspOjibway Grandfather.&nbspThrough her natural gift of storytelling, Skye encourages other children&nbspto embrace the art and become storytellers, too!nbsp;nbsp;

Real to Me by Minh Lê; Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator) An acclaimed author and a Coretta Scott King Honoree pair up for this tender story about friendship and accepting change. Two bestfriends (one of whom is imaginary) are inseparable until the day when one of them unexpectedly disappears. Others triedtotellmethat she wasn'treal,that she was just imaginary. But what did they know? She wasrealtome. Then one morning... she was gone. What do you do when your imaginary friend goes away? Did you dream up the entire friendship? Maybe... But you miss her laugh, her comfort, and her silly mischief. It all feels soreal... you couldn't have just imagined those things, right? Lush illustrations pair withtouching text in this gentle picture book that illuminates the sweetness of first friendship, the sadness when it's lost, and the beauty in discovering new friends are just around the corner.

Ruby Lost and Found by Christina Li For fans of Kelly Yang and Rebecca Stead, this touching middle grade novel maps one girl's quest to remember her grandfather through his scavenger hunts; reconnect with her family; and fight for her community in her rapidly changing hometown. Thanks to her Ye-Ye's epic scavenger hunts, thirteen-year-old Ruby Chu knows San Francisco like the back of her hand. But after his death, she feels lost, and it seems like everyone--from her best friends to her older sister--is abandoning her. After Ruby gets in major trouble at school, her parents decide she has to spend the summer at a local senior center with her grandmother, Nai-Nai, and Nai-Nai's friends for company. When a new boy from Ruby's grade, Liam Yeung, starts showing up too, Ruby's humiliation is complete. But Nai-Nai, her friends, and Liam all surprise Ruby. She finds herself working with Liam, who might not be as annoying as he seems, to help save a historic Chinatown bakery that's being priced out of the neighborhood. And alongside Nai-Nai, who is keeping a secret that threatens to change everything, Ruby retraces Ye-Ye's scavenger hunt maps in an attempt to find a way out of her grief--and maybe even find herself.

Homesick Horse by Dandi Daley Mackall In Homesick Horse, Winnie's Aunt Betty comes to stay, bringing her barn sour horse. Buck is too anxious to spend much time outside the barn, always running for home at the first chance. Winnie takes on the challenge of helping Buck acclimate to being outdoors. But Winnie herself is anxious about leaving home to go to Tamson's sleepover, while Aunt Betty misses her home in California. Winnie and Aunt Betty both learn that they are at home with Jesus, wherever they are.Winnie: The Early Years is a prequel series to the popular Winnie the Horse Gentler series by the same author. Winnie: The Early Years takes place on the same ranch and even includes Winnie's mother (who passed away in the original series). The hope is that young readers will enjoy Winnie's early adventures and as they grow up, they'll advance to reading the original series.

Fergus and Zeke for President by Kate Messner; Heather Ross (Illustrator) Can classroom mice Fergus and Zeke work together to finish their project on American presidents--even when Zeke gets bossy? It's Presidents' Day, and all the students in Miss Maxwell's classroom are choosing their special projects. Classroom pets Fergus and Zeke want to participate, too! Zeke appoints himself president of their cage. But the power goes a bit to his head, and his "leading" and "supervising" leave Fergus to do all the work. Will these two mice be able to agree on what makes a good president--and a good friend--in time to turn in their project with the rest of the class? Humorously illustrated and sprinkled with presidential trivia, this fifth title in the delightful series is a winning candidate.

Up for Grabs by Michelle Mulder Frida wasn't expecting to find much while digging through relics at her late grandmother's house. But when she comes across a mysterious painting, family secrets, and a nosy auctioneer, she knows the real digging has just begun. Frida and her brother, Zac, have lived in seven countries in ten years. In fact, they've been traveling for so long that Frida has never considered herself from anywhere -- until they inherit their grandmother's house in Victoria, British Columbia. Now they're up to their ears in family heirlooms, paintings of dead relatives, vintage paper clips, and ceramic animals. Then a nosy antique dealer takes an interest in her grandmother's stuff. A big, sneaking-around-trying-to-break-in-to-the-house kind of interest. Is this strange neighbor looking for something specific? And will Frida and Hazeem figure it out before it's too late?

Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte; Jen Bricking (Illustrator) A magical adventure about two brave siblings determined to find a treasure that could save their family. When eleven-year-old Pet Martin's dad falls from a ladder on their family farm, it isn't just his body that crashes to the ground. So does every hope her family had for the future. Money is scarce, and Pet's mom is bone-tired from waiting tables at the local diner, and even with the extra hours, it's not enough for a third surgery for Pet's dad. Her five-year-old brother, Simon, now refuses to say anything except the word "cheese." Worst of all? The ladder accident was Pet's fault. She's determined to fix things-but how? Good old-fashioned grit...and maybe a little bit of magic. When a neighbour recites a poem about an ancient coin hidden somewhere on the grounds of the local abbey, Pet forms a plan. With her brother, a borrowed chicken, and a stolen pony, Pet runs away from home. If she can find the coin, Daddy can have his surgery, Momma can stop her constant working, and Simon might speak again. But Pet isn't the only one who wants the coin...which means searching for it is more dangerous than she ever imagined. This dazzling debut novel filled with magic, family, and adventure is sure to be an instant classic.

Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy by Emma Otheguy; Andrés Landazábal (Illustrator) In Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy, Reina is embarrassed to admit she is afraid of a very big dog. This Level Two I Can Read story is perfect for social emotional learning! Reina Ramos is the creation of Emma Otheguy, a children's author who writes about Latin identity. The Reina I Can Read stories have engaging illustrations from Andrés Landazabal.  Reina and her friend, Lila, practice gymnastics on Saturdays. It's Reina's favorite part of the week. But when Lila gets a puppy, Reina has to practice gymnastics by herself. Also, Lila's dog is HUGE and Reina is afraid to admit to her friend that she is scared. What can Reina do Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success. This story is a Guided Reading Level (GRL) K. Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy contains several Spanish words and a glossary.  Acclaim for the first Reina Ramos I Can Read: Kirkus Best Book List for Early Readers 2022 and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best List 2022 Also available in Spanish: Reina Ramos conoce un cachorro ENORME.

Treasure Hunters: the Greatest Treasure Hunt by James Patterson; Chris Grabenstein; Juliana Neufeld (Illustrator) In the finale of James Patterson's bestselling series, the Kidds compete for fame and glory--but can they solve a mystery, restore their family name and uncover the biggest treasure yet? Bick, Beck, Storm, and Tommy Kidd have uncovered and rescued some of the world's greatest treasure, without ever seeking out fame and glory. So they aren't happy when the Collier Kids (as in Nathan Collier, the Kidds's nemesis) start treasure hunting for the camera, more focused on looking good and selling ads for their streaming show than actually recovering treasure. When the Kidds are invited to compete with the Colliers for the title of "The World's Greatest Treasure Hunting Kids," they jump at the chance to show the world what real treasure hunting looks like.    But with rumors swirling of a family mistake made by the Kidds' great-grandfather years ago, the Kidds discover that fame and glory aren't the only things on the line. Will they be able to solve the mystery, restore their family name, and recover their biggest treasure haul yet?

The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now with a Dog Man Comic!) (Color Edition) by Dav Pilkey (Illustrator) Celebrate the 25th and a half anniversary of THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS with a special edition featuring a BRAND NEW 32-page DOG MAN comic! George and Harold are best friends who enjoy making their own comic books. Together they've created the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school: Captain Underpants! His true identity is SO secret, even HE doesn't know who he is! Tra-la-laaaaa! It's can't-miss fun! After the Captain Underpants adventure, join George and Harold as they share their never-before-seen bonus comics: Captain Underpants Meets Dog Man and Dog Man and the League of Misfits. The Adventures of Captain Underpants is the first book in the worldwide bestselling Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey. Dive into the newest graphic novel in the Dog Man series: Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea. For even more adventures, creativity, and humor, join Flippy and Li'l Petey in the Cat Kid Comic Club series. Reading gives you superpowers!

Graduation Day! by Candice Ransom; Ashley Evans (Illustrator) It's time to graduate Kindergarten in this Step 1 Reader featuring the family from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, and all the DAY books. The school year is nearly over, and little bro is ready to graduate kindergarten! He and big sis head off for the very last day of school. He learned so much and can do so much on his own now. His cubby is cleaned out, he has his cap and gown, but-oh no!-his shoe is untied! No worries, he'll show everyone what he can do! 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. A day with family is always a great day! Read all the DAY books- Apple Picking Day! Pumpkin Day! Garden Day! Beach Day! Snow Day! Grandparents Day! School Day!

I Want to Be a River by Cécile Elma Roger One day, Abel proudly declares: 'When I grow up, I want to be a river.' If he were a river, he would run faster than ever and cross entire continents. Other kids try to demolish his crazy dream: as a river, he would be lonely, tired, have no legs... and the list goes on. But Abel persists in his optimism with his head held high - until the moment when a thought of pollution doesn't leave room for optimism! Seeing Abel's dream die makes the other kids realize what they have done, and they join forces to bring the dream back, promising to clean the dirty waters of the river. And then they begin to dream I Want to Be a River is a story that celebrates dreams and the importance of valuing children's imagination. It explores the negative impacts of bullying, the positive aspects of friendship, and the development of environmental awareness.

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed; LeUyen Pham (Illustrator) All Are Welcome meets Be Kind in this poignant and accessible picture book about the power every bystander--no matter how small--has to extend kindness and stand up in the face of intolerance. At his new school, quiet Rumi feels small and unwelcome, and a few kids bully him for being different and wearing bright shoes. He finds refuge beneath the old willow tree by the playground and builds his own world of hope and dreams of belonging. One day, when Rumi is made a target again, one of his classmates bravely steps in to defend him. It's in that moment of solidarity Rumi's class finally realizes that under the shade of the willow tree, all are welcome, and they create a space they can all play in--together.

Boomi's Boombox by Shanthi Sekaran Acclaimed author Shanthi Sekaran delivers a powerful story about grief, family, dance, and friendship that follows a young girl who accidentally travels back in time to meet her dad as a child that will change her life forever. Perfect for fans of The Thing About Jellyfish and The Ethan I Was Before. A Junior Library Guild Selection! When Boomi's dad dies of Covid, the rest of her life topples like a row of dominoes. First her best friend, Bebe, stops talking to her. Then she gets kicked out of her ballet academy. Her mom becomes hyper focused on her weight. Her grandmother sinks further into the shadows of her mind. Then Boomi is given one last gift from her dad: his old boombox. Inside it, she finds a mix tape and a note: You can change your life. When she presses play on the boombox, her life really does change: she's magically transported to Thumpton-on-Soar, England, 1986. And her dad's there! But he doesn't know he's her dad--he's twelve, just like Boomi. Boomi starts to see what being twelve was like for her dad, growing up Indian in a town that wanted to silence people like him. She starts to understand why he never went back. But why is Boomi sent back to Thumpton Is she supposed to save her dad Or change her life

Forever Our Home by Tonya Simpson; Carla Joseph (Illustrator) ★"This solemn and serene volume should be considered a first purchase. Essential for most collections, and with its wildlife-centric art, it's also a perfect read-aloud for Earth Day."--School Library Journal, starred review A lullaby of reconciliation and reclamation, celebrating the ancestral relationship between Indigenous children and the land that is forever their home. Under glowing morning sun and silvery winter moon, from speckled frogs croaking in spring to summer fields painted with fireweed, this meditative lullaby introduces little ones to the plants and animals of the Prairies and the Plains. Featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Homeis a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.

Geronimo Stilton Reporter #10 by Geronimo Stilton Benjamin, Trap, and Thea are concerned that Geronimo Stilton works too hard as editor-in-chief at the Rodent's Gazette. To get him away from the office, they decide to investigate the mysterious three-headed brie-smelling monster that is roaming around the port of New Mouse City. But, things take a turn for the worse, as our heroes find themselves held trapped like rats on a ship...commandeered by the dreaded Captain Blackrat. Will it be a pirate's life for Geronimo and his relatives? Perhaps a cruise is the vacation he was needing!

Geronimo Stilton Reporter Vol. 13 by Geronimo Stilton Geronimo Stilton's dealt with mummies, ninjas, and pirates, but this may be the first time he's come face to face with... ghosts! Can the scaredy-mouse overcome his fears and get to the bottom of the mystery for a big scoop for his newspaper, The Rodent's Gazette? For help, who's he gonna call? His ghost-bustin' relatives, of course! Geronimo and his family need to travel to a haunted museum in Africa for this globe-trekking, teeth-chattering spooky adventure, whether Geronimo likes it or not! Based on the hit animated series.

Soon, Your Hands by Jonathan Stutzman; Elizabeth Lilly (Illustrator) Come get to know three neighboring families, each with a young child learning about themselves in this wondrous world. This poetic picture book is a parent's ode to everything their child is--and will be--capable of doing as they grow. Tonight, each small hand fits inside their parent's hand. But soon, this hand will grow--to dig deep in the dirt, make masterpieces and mistakes, and tell stories only it can tell. With text that captures the potential in every child and glowing art that exudes warmth, this book braids three children's stories into one of family love. From award-winning author Jonathan Stutzman and rising illustrator Elizabeth Lilly comes this tender book, perfect for cuddling together at bedtime.

Just the Right Cake by Christina Tosi; Emily Balsley (Illustrator) From Christina Tosi, the playful creator of the popular bakery Milk Bar, comes this story of a boy finding his comfort and creativity again after his parents' divorce. Original cake recipe included! For Phil, every day is the perfect day to bake a cake, especially with his Mom and Dad. But after his parents separate, his favourite recipe doesn't taste quite right anymore. Something in missing. Soon, Phil is on a mission to make a cake that fits his new life, incorporating some of his parents' favourite ingredients along with his own. In this comforting and sweet tale about moving forward after a big life change, trying something new is just the right recipe.

Daddy and Me by Gary Urda; Rosie Butcher (Illustrator) Celebrate Father's Day with this sweet ode to Daddies everywhere! "The colors are vibrant and inviting, with plenty to take in on each page. Overall, this simple tale shows fathers as the diverse, capable, loving parents that they are. A warm and enticing celebration of doting fathers." Kirkus Reviews "In this tender concept book, a series of brief snapshots depicts loving interactions between children and their fathers...celebrating the fragile beauty of small moments. The warm, hazy textures of the art beckon readers into the coziness of each scene. A sweet and worthy addition to family-themed collections, particularly those needing more titles with father-child relationships." School Library Journal Whether you love to cook with your papa, read with your dada, go to the park with your bàba, or stargaze with your appa, everything is better with daddy. This adorable board book celebrates dads and all the wonderful ways they make our lives special.

My EXTRAordinary Mum by Dani Vee; Alexandra Colombo (Illustrator) My mom's a little quirky, free-spirited and bold. She dances to the beat of her own drum. A fun-filled adventure and celebration of an extraordinary mom and her daughter who find magic in unexpected places. We are all extraordinary, sometimes we just need reminding.Podcast Legend Dani Vee (Words and Nerds Podcast) invites readers to take a quiet moment and slow down into a story of celebrating the wonder and joy to be found in the ordinary. In this gentle story, rich in highly visual prose, follow an extraordinary mom who reflects the many forms of modern moms among us. She does things her own way and to the beat of her own drum. She encourages her daughter to lean into the unknown, to try new things, and above all else - to be herself. Together they discover new adventures, find hidden treasures, learn life lessons, and devour chocolate cake!

Bea Wolf by Boulet (Illustrator); Zach Weinersmith A modern middle-grade graphic novel retelling of Beowulf, featuring a gang of troublemaking kids who must defend their tree house from a fun-hating adult who can instantly turn children into grown-ups. Listen! Hear a tale of mallow-munchers and warriors who answer candy's clarion call! Somewhere in a generic suburb stands Treeheart, a kid-forged sanctuary where generations of tireless tykes have spent their youths making merry, spilling soda, and staving off the shadow of adulthood. One day, these brave warriors find their fun cut short by their nefarious neighbor Grindle, who can no longer tolerate the sounds of mirth seeping into his joyless adult life. As the guardian of gloom lays siege to Treeheart, scores of kids suddenly find themselves transformed into pimply teenagers and sullen adults! The survivors of the onslaught cry out for a savior--a warrior whose will is unbreakable and whose appetite for mischief is unbounded. They call for Bea Wolf.

Lali's Flip-Flops by Farhana Zia; Stephanie Fizer Coleman (Illustrator) Lali has worked hard to earn money for a special treat-but should she spend her earnings on herself or her friends? Lali works hard to earn some money while her animal friends watch. She stirs. She stokes. She pounds. She pours. Then off she goes to the market on the twisty-curvy, dusty, stony, prickly, sizzly-wizzly path. What shall she buy with the jingle in her pocket? Lentils for Hen? Berries for Goat? Ribbons for Bird? Or perhaps a lovely pair of flip-flops for her poor tired feet. But when Lali returns home and sees her friends' disappointed faces, sherealizes that while hard work pays off, generosity also has rewards.

I Hope You Will Know by Jaren Ahlmann; Pete Olczyk (Illustrator) ...as you wonder and marvel and grow, There are some things in life that I hope you will know ... So begins a love letter from an unnamed narrator to their dearest one. Rhyming couplets peppered with metaphor offer readers thirteen heart-felt and admirable credos, together presenting a guide for a life well lived. These collected words of wisdom express the narrator's deepest wishes for their cherished one as they step into their future, perhaps most importantly that they are loved unconditionally. This joyfully illustrated and artfully designed package may be shared with a loved one of any age to complement life's milestone moments and holidays. I Hope You Will Know is perfect for: Birthday gifts Graduation celebrations Baby showers Valentine's Day Or simply as a reminder that "I will always love you."

The Carpet: an Afghan Family Story by Dezh Azaad; Nan Cao (Illustrator) This poignant story, about an Afghan refugee child and the family carpet that connects them to home, inspires readers to live and learn in love, not fear We sip our tea and talk together, Ruby cushions of goose feather. The carpet is for sitting. The Carpet follows a day in the life of an Afghan refugee child, where every moment revolves around love, family, and the carpet that connects them to home. The carpet is the centerpiece of family life, where meals, stories, laughs, and memories are shared. This moving story, inspired by the author's life, celebrates what makes a home--no matter where you are.

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank. Baum; Charles Santore (Illustrator)

Mary Can! by Mary J. Blige; Ashleigh Corrin (Illustrator) From multi-award-winning singer, artist, actress, and icon Mary J. Blige comes a fun and inspirational story that teaches young readers they can be anything, and they are enough. Most of the time, people say "no" or "you can't" because they dream too small. Young Mary has been told that there are many things she can't do. Like stay up past bedtime, or be an astronaut or become president. But what she really wants is to sing, and she isn't about to let anyone tell her she can't do it! A powerful motivating tale about a confident and ambitious girl who doesn't feed into negativity, this debut children's book from legendary artist Mary J. Blige proves that anyone can make their dreams come true by believing in themselves. It's a great conversation starter for overcoming discouragement from others. Brought to life with imaginative illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Mary Can! is perfect for go-getters who aren't afraid to be a YES in a world full of NOs.

My Dad Is a DJ by Keith Henry Brown (Illustrator); Kathryn Erskine National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine teams up with Keith Henry Brown on this lyrical picture book that celebrates music and Black identity. Trevor's dad is a DJ, and he always picks the best music-- tunes jivin', beat drivin', high fivin'! --he's DJ Dap Daddy! But after his parents split up and Dad moves out, Trevor feels like the pitch doesn't fit between them. Trevor has his own music now--hip-hop--and Dad can't seem to let go of his old soul favorites. As the end-of-year dance approaches, Trevor and his father will have to find their new groove to get the party started. My Dad Is a DJ is a hip-hoppin', beat boppin', tunes poppin', not stoppin' story of a father and son's shared love of music and each other.

Drew Leclair Crushes the Case by Katryn Bury Fan-favorite detective Drew Leclair returns to crack the case of a sneaky locker thief in this heartfelt sequel to the critically acclaimed middle grade mystery series that's been called "the perfect story for readers ready to progress from Nancy Drew." (SLJ, starred review).  After breaking school rules the last time she solved a mystery, Drew Leclair has a new mission: get good grades, stay under the radar, and do not get suspended. But when Drew finds out that there's a thief breaking into the P.E. lockers and leaving behind cryptic ransom notes, it's hard to resist cracking a new case. Especially when one of the victims is her best friend Shrey's crush, and he's practically begging her to get involved. Can Drew catch the thief red-handed while staying out of trouble? And what does it mean when everyone around Drew is obsessing over crushes and the upcoming Wonderland dance, and Drew would rather work on her latest crime board?

Narwhal's School of Awesomeness (a Narwhal and Jelly Book #6) by Ben Clanton INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER   Narwhal and Jelly become the coolest teachers in the world wide waters in the hilarious sixth book of this blockbuster graphic novel series! Dive into four new stories about Narwhal and Jelly becoming substitute teachers! The two best friends come across an enthusiastic school of fish one morning. Unfortunately, Mr. Blowfish, their teacher, has come down with a cold, and class will have to be cancelled . . . until Professor Knowell (Narwhal) and Super Teacher (Jelly) volunteer to help out! The first subject is Wafflematics, in which Narwhal and Jelly calculate the number of waffles needed to feed the class. That's what we're chalking about! Next up is a super-fun science scavenger hunt, followed by a game of "Tag! You're Awesome!" at recess. Narwhal's teaching methods may be unconventional, but with Jelly's help, the two teach (and learn) with their trademark positivity and humor. Before they know it, the day is over . . . but what grade will Narwhal receive from Jelly?

The Way We Say Hello by Andrea Denish; BlueBean (Illustrator) From author Andrea Denish and illustrator BlueBean comes a touching story about new siblings, greetings, languages, and love. A young child searches for the best way to welcome a new baby to their family as they ask, "A special day. A special place. How will you greet a special face?" With rhyming text, heartwarming art, and educational facts about cultures and customs around the world, The Way We Say Hello takes you as far as Tibet and as near as your front yard as you learn greeting after greeting. Along the way, you'll also discover how to welcome the world into your heart in different languages, gestures, and places. You can say "namaste," "howdy," or "annyeong." You can use traditional greetings like the Māori hongi or European cheek kisses. You can use sign language to greet those who are hard of hearing, or send a card to someone far away. Perfect for new big siblings, baby showers, and kids curious about different cultures and languages. There are so many ways to greet someone new, no matter where they're from or what language they speak--so how will YOU say hello?

The Missing Magic: a Branches Book (Unicorn Diaries #7) by Rebecca Elliott (Illustrator) Sparklegrove Forest has lost its magic and it's up to Bo to find it in this early chapter book from the USA Today bestselling author of Owl Diaries! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! In the seventh book in the USA Today bestselling Unicorn Diaries series, unicorn Bo Tinseltail is excited to attend the Big Festival of Magic, a celebration where creatures use their magic to entertain everyone. But when all the magic mysteriously goes missing, Bo and friends must find a way to return the magic to the forest. Can the unicorns save the day without being able to use any magic? With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of smiles, your young reader won't be able to put this book down!

What My Daddy Loves by Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator) In her joyous authorial debut, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor winner Raissa Figueroa celebrates the warm love between Black fathers and their children.  Capturing a child's perspective and infused with gentle humor, Raissa Figueroa's tender, insightful look at fathers is an irresistible ode to the bond between daddies and the children they love. Whether it's exploring, learning, dreaming--or anything in between--all daddies love doing things with their kids. In fact, the only thing they love more than spending time with their kids is the kids themselves! Perfect for Father's Day or any day.

Grand Teton Stampede by C. R. Fulton; Dylan Bakken "STAMPEDE!" Isaiah yells as the herd heads straight at his and Ethan's tent? Twelve-year-old Isaiah Rawlings wished for only one thing this summer, a camping trip outside of Kentucky. I'm so tired of camping in my backyard, he groaned. Isaiah pleads with his parents to reconsider their usual summer trip to dusty old museums and big cities.When his dad unexpectedly announces a trip to Grand Teton National Park, Isaiah is ecstatic! On the second night of camping, he wakes to a thunderous noise that grows louder and louder. The ground begins to tremble. Earthquake?! Isaiah scrambles from his tent?When Isaiah, Ethan, and Sadie investigate the next morning, tracks lead them back to a broken fence. As they scan the surrounding area, something seems off?Why? More than one set of tracks lead into the park. Was this stampede accidental or is there more to the story? Join The Campground Kids as they work together to solve their first mystery in Grand Teton National Park.

Juneteenth by Van G. Garrett; Reginald C. Adams (Illustrator); Samson Bimbo Adenugba (Illustrator) A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas--birthplace of Juneteenth--through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators. A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year--and why they celebrate their African American history! The poetic text includes selected lyrics from "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.

Falling Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix Return to the world of the bestselling Running Out of Time with this middle grade thriller from Margaret Peterson Haddix, where Zola discovers she's related to Jessie Keyser and her seemingly perfect utopian world is covering up a dark reality. Twelve-year-old Zola thinks she has the perfect life. She thinks everyone does, now that it's 2193, and humanity has solved all its problems. Insta-Closets deliver new clothes every morning, Insta-Ovens deliver gourmet meals on demand, and virtual reality goggles let her have any adventure she wants, with friends from all over the world. Then one day Zola finds a handwritten note in her Insta-Closet: If you want to see things as they really are, come find me.  What if Zola's wrong about everything--even the year? As she struggles to figure out who wrote the note, she discovers a printed book in her Insta-Closet called The Jessie Keyser Story: How One Girl Escaped from Clifton Village. Zola wonders: Who is Jessie Keyser, and why does she look like her . . . and what else do they have in common? In this sequel to the classic novel Running Out of Time, Margaret Peterson Haddix has crafted a riveting page-turner that captures the terrors of a world where nothing seems real--but finding out who really loves you still matters.

Big by Vashti Harrison From a New York Times bestselling and award-winning creator, this deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance. The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child's journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.

Malaika, Carnival Queen by Nadia L. Hohn; Irene Luxbacher (Illustrator) Malaika learns about her father, who came to Canada as a migrant farm worker when she was just a baby and who shared her love of carnival. Malaika dreams about a man with a basket of fruit and guesses that the dream is about her father. Mummy explains that her daddy passed away long ago, and Grandma decides it's time Malaika knew more about her father's life. The family drives to a far-off farm where they receive a warm welcome and visit the orchard where Malaika's father picked fruit. The farm workers tell Malaika that her daddy had always dreamed of celebrating carnival there, just like back home. Will Malaika agree to be their Carnival Queen for the harvest festival? Nadia L. Hohn and Irene Luxbacher have created another compelling story about Malaika, who finds a way to cope with her sadness about her father through their shared love of carnival. Includes an author's note. Key Text Features dialogue glossary illustrations vignettes Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: 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.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

The Wishing Flower by A. J. Irving; Kip Alizadeh (Illustrator) An LGBTQ-inclusive story about understanding your peers, your feelings, and yourself, The Wishing Flower is a love letter to longing, belonging, and longing to belong. Birdie finds comfort in nature and books, but more than anything she longs for connection, to be understood. At school, Birdie feels like an outsider. Quiet and shy, she prefers to read by herself, rather than jump rope or swing with the other kids. That all changes when Sunny, the new girl, comes along. Like Birdie, Sunny has a nature name. She also likes to read, and loves to rescue bugs. And when Sunny smiles at her, Birdie's heart balloons like a parachute. From the acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, with stunning illustrations by Kip Alizadeh, this book will inspire readers to honor their wishes and show the world their truest selves.

Nothing's Wrong! by Jory John; Erin Kraan (Illustrator) A laugh-out-loud picture book from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Jory John and illustrator Erin Kraan about a rabbit who insists that nothing's wrong, until a good friend helps him open up--a companion to the popular picture book, Something's Wrong! Anders does not seem like himself. He and his friend Jeff are headed for a picnic, but no matter how much Anders insists that he's feeling just fine, Jeff gets the sense that his best friend isn't being totally honest. Should he check in on Anders or give him space? Should he help him out or just be by his side? How can he be a good friend if he doesn't know what his friend might need? Nothing's Wrong! reminds us that even when nothing seems to go right, a good friend will be there for you at the end of the day.

Second Chance Summer by Sarah Kapit Breaking up is hard to do, especially when it's with your best friend. Can these two ex-besties survive summer camp together? Maddie and Chloe have always been best friends, until last year, when Chloe's popularity and budding fame as an actor left Maddie in the dust one too many times. Their friendship is over, and they're both ready to move on. But when the girls arrive at summer camp, they discover that the universe isn't ready to let go of this friendship just yet: They're cabinmates, and each of them has to spend the summer with her ex-best friend. Is it time to try again, or are they doomed to drift apart for good?

Snoozing Sun (Spirit Rangers) by JohnTom Knight; Random House (Illustrator) A Step into Reading leveled reader introducing kids to the characters of Netflix's latest preschool show, Spirit Rangers! It's nearly nighttime, but the sun won't set in Xus National Park! Kodi, Summer, and Eddy Skycedar go to Spirit Park to discover why, and learn an important lesson about what it really means to be a hero. Kids ages 4 to 6 will love this Step into Reading Step 2 leveled reader featuring an exciting story based on Netflix's animated preschool show Spirit Rangers! Created by Samala Chumash descendent, Karissa Valencia, Spirit Rangers is a fantasy-adventure preschool series following Native American sibling trio Kodiak, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, who have a shared secret--they're Spirit Rangers! Spirit Rangers protect every crook, cranny and critter of Spirit Park. With the blessing of the Chumash and Cowlitz tribes, we'll join the Skycedar kids on their amazing adventures with spirits inspired by Indigenous stories. 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.

Matteo by Michael Leali "This enchanting, modern homage to Pinocchio reminds us anything is possible if we're true to ourselves." --Cynthia Leitich Smith, award-winning author of Ancestor Approved and Sisters of the Neversea Eleven-year-old Matteo has never felt like one of the other boys. He's sure that will change when he joins the Blue Whales, the baseball team his dad once played for. This is his chance to grow into a son his father can be proud of. And grow Matteo does, but not the way he expected. Instead, he starts sprouting leaves and finding bark all over his skin. Alarmed, Matteo starts digging for the truth about what's happening to him--and finds that all clues lead back to the oak tree at the center of town, which Creeksiders have always believed is a little bit magic. As his parents start noticing something is wrong, the truth gets harder to hide--and Matteo makes some surprising discoveries about himself, his hometown, and his entire family tree. From Michael Leali, author of The Civil War of Amos Abernathy, this earnest deconstruction of what it means to be a "real boy" is full of humor and heart, and a surefire home run for readers of Mark Oshiro, Anne Ursu, and Katherine Applegate.

Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is by Casey Lyall Lemon Peabody is certain that aliens visited Grandpa Walt thirty years ago, but she's running out of time to prove it before he forgets his best story. This humorous and tenderhearted story about family, friendship, and always believing in yourself is for fans of Greg van Eekhout, Stuart Gibbs, and Hour of the Bees. Lemon Peabody loves spending time with Grandpa Walt. Even though he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and moved to an assisted living facility, he's still the same funny, loving grandpa he's always been. One of Grandpa's claims to fame is his story about meeting an alien years ago--and that it looked like a garden gnome. Ever since, it's been something of a town-wide joke, and the cause of a rift between Grandpa and Lemon's dad. Lemon is determined to find those extraterrestrial gnomes and vindicate Grandpa Walt--while Grandpa can still remember it. Late one night, after seeing the flash of a spaceship during a storm, Lemon enlists the help of two friends to find out what might have crashed in the woods. But then the aliens find her, and nothing goes the way she expected. Lemon is sure she can convince the aliens to fix Grandpa Walt's memory and bring back the grandpa she misses so much for good. But the aliens are dealing with problems of their own. With a little creativity and compassion, maybe they can all help one another. Casey Lyall's lively, voice-driven novel bursts with heart and humor. With family and friendship--and aliens!--at its core, Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is will captivate readers of Rebecca Stead's and Wendy Mass's Bob, Greg van Eekhout's Weird Kid, and Adam Rex's The True Meaning of Smekday.

Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! by Martin, Bill Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! is the latest charming tale from rhyming pair Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson. This old car has been everywhere from the backyard to the sky, from the hills to the water. Bouncing between the mud in the ground and the clouds up high, the old car is loved by a clever young boy, just as readers will love this singsong story from an iconic children's author duo.

Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop: a Tiny Treasure Hunt by Jamie Michalak; Kelly Murphy (Illustrator) Ooh la la! Tiny, intrepid Dakota Crumb is back--hunting for bookish treasure in the City of Light. In a second rollicking adventure, petite mouse treasure-hunter Dakota Crumb has been summoned abroad for a top-secret mission: to help her cousin locate a rare and priceless book. Armed with a mysterious note and clues to guide her through the unexpected perils of a charming Parisian bookshop, Dakota uses her sharp eyes and a knack for scaling heights to make a surprising discovery: a roomful of fellow mice gathered to celebrate--her! Readers will revel in a seek-and-find challenge that sends them back to pore over dynamic spreads in search of even more treasures.

The Fairest in the Land by Lesléa Newman; Joshua Heinsz (Illustrator) When it comes to playing dress-up, best friends Annabelle and Benjamin both want to be the bride, the ballerina, and the princess. Can they both be the fairest in the land? In this spirited and inclusive story about expressing our true selves with pride, two friends ultimately realize that they can both be whoever they want--and that having two princesses means twice the fun.

Shibanban: Super Cute Doggies by Yasuteru Ogoshi A full-color book for the popular Shiba Inu characters appearing in LINE stickers and stationery! Follow the capers of a group of canines in this collection of hilarious comics. Meet Aka, Kuro, Cha, Shiro, the Roly-Poly Pups, and the rest of this colorful cast of adorable Shiba Inu dogs! Whether they're venturing out into stormy weather in a raincoat, lazing at the beach, napping in a cozy dog bed, or eagerly eyeing dinner someone left out on the table, their fun (and sometimes mischievous) antics are sure to put a smile on your face.

The Bright Side by Chad Otis (Illustrator) This endearing picture book about making the most of any situation is also a heartfelt and meaningful portrait of houselessness that's just right for young children. Sometimes it's hard to stay positive- when you live in an old school bus instead of a normal house; when you have mostly just bread and ketchup to eat; and especially when you have to go to a new school where all the other kids already have friends. But the sweet and creative boy in this story discovers that he can do things he never thought possible, by using the skills his parents have taught him- imagining . . . and trying . . . and finding a way to look on the bright side. This honest, accessible, and compassionate story is based on the author's own childhood. Its message about resourcefulness and courage will resonate with every reader.

Nila's Perfect Coat by Norene Paulson; Maria Mola (Illustrator) Nila and her mom loveshopping at the thrift store. But when Nila finds the most perfect, shiny, puffy coat, Mom says no: Nila's winter coat still fits her just fine. With a lot of determination and some birthday money from Dad, Nila sets out to prove the coat really is perfect--but along the way, learns maybe it's perfect for someone else. Someone who needs both a coat and a friend. An engaging and accessible story about having enough and helping others in need.

She Is Mama by Mackenzie Porter; Heather Brockman Lee (Illustrator) In this celebration of motherhood, a mama can be many things--from a captain of adventures to a quiet supporter--but above all else, she will always be Mama. She is mama, she is many things. Mama is there for whatever life brings. From the author of In My Heart and You Are Home, this heartfelt board book celebrates all the things a mama can be: a silent supporter and an encouraging voice, patience and power, soft and strong. This lovely book speaks to all mothers, who know that to be one is to be so many different things and also just to be one thing: a mama.

Tacos Today by Raúl the Raúl the Third (Illustrator) "Outrageously creative! Kids will drink in every imaginative detail in El Toro's wild world!" --Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series From New York Times bestselling, three-time Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Raúl the Third, Tacos Today follows the young luchadores on the hunt for their favorite lunch in an action-packed, graphic-novel-style El Toro & Friends paper-over-board reader from the Eisner-nominated World of ¡Vamos! It's lunchtime for young El Toro and his friends--and each one is looking forward to a different kind of taco, their favorite! The luchadores take a break from their training and head into town to eat. When they count their lunch money and discover they don't have enough for tacos, they will have to work together on a creative, fun solution to earn plenty of dinero for a delicious all-you-can-eat spectacular! Flavored with Spanish phrases and topped with plenty of humor, this early reader graphic novel is essential for those who want an action-packed story and lots of laughs.

Fish and Worm by Sergio Ruzzier (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. It's time for dinner, but when Fish finds a new friend instead, who knows what games are in store Fish and Worm by Sergio Ruzzier is a playful story about unlikely friendship and changing the status quo. Fish and Worm  is a Level One I Can Read Comic, a simple story for shared reading.  Praise for Fish and Sun Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year Kirkus Best Book of the Year Junior Library Guild Selection 4 starred reviews (from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and The Horn Book)

The World's Best Class Plant by Audrey Vernick; Liz Garton Scanlon; Lynnor Bontigao (Illustrator) An irresistible picture book about a boy and his classmates who long for a class pet, but discover the joys and rewards of nurturing a class plant. Room 107 has a cockatiel. Room 108 has a chinchilla. Even the Art Room has a bearded dragon. But in Room 109, Arlo's classroom, there is a plant. A mostly green, hardly growing, never moving plant. Even though it doesn't squeak, whistle, or whimper, Arlo's teacher says the plant is "more than enough excitement for us." But what could possibly be exciting about a plant? One day, Arlo decides to name the plant Jerry. Something about naming the plant makes it more exciting. As the class learns to take care of Jerry, he starts to grow . . . greener and longer and twistier. And before long it's clear that something amazing has taken root in Arlo's classroom.

Grimwood by Nadia Shireen Foxes on the run! A crabby cat out for revenge! Fox cub siblings Ted and Nancy are being chased by Princess Buttons--the scariest street cat in the Big City. Running for their lives, the pair flees for Grimwood--a peaceful town in the countryside. The only problem? Grimwood is NOT as they expected. When Ted and Nancy arrive in Grimwood, instead of peace and quiet, they're met with thieving eagles, dramatic ducks, riotous rabbits, and a whole host of unusual characters. Grimwood is . . . weird. But when Princess Buttons tracks them down, they must unite with the other animals of Grimwood in a mind-bending race against time!   Dynamically illustrated and narrated by a hilarious cockroach (and bus driver) named Eric Dynamite, this chapter book series is perfect for young readers who love animals and are looking for big laughs. A story of friendship, humor, and adventure, Grimwood will delight both children and adults.

I Am an Animal by Alfredo Soderguit From the award-winning author and illustrator of The Capybaras (Aldano Libros, 2021) comes a perfect gift for little ones eager to learn a new language. Featuring a series of sixteen two-tone animal illustrations, I Am an Animal / Soy un animal humorously and expressively enhances routine actions and attitudes like eating, laughing, playing, singing... and even dreaming and forgetting. Del galardonado autor e ilustrador de Los carpinchos llega un regalo perfecto para pequenos ansiosos por aprender un nuevo idioma. Acompanado por una serie de dieciseis ilustraciones de animales en dos tonos, I Am an Animal / Soy un animal realza con humor y expresividad acciones y actitudes rutinarias como comer, reir, jugar, cantar... e incluso sonar y olvidar.

Geronimo Stilton Reporter 3 In 1 #1 by Geronimo Stilton Geronimo Stilton would be more than happy to spend his days behind his desk working, reading, or playing a relaxing game of chess with his family. But, adventure always seems to come knocking on his door and Stilton is launched paw-first into capers in the underbelly of New Mouse City or in exotic locals around the world. Never one to miss out on an opportunity for a scoop for his newspaper, The Rodents' Gazette, Geronimo Stilton is the mouse for the job! These three Geronimo Stilton Adventures 'Operation Shufongfong,' 'It's My Scoop,' and 'Stop Acting Around' bring Geronimo, Trap, Benjamin, and Thea Stilton to the far off jungle to interview an elusive prince, all over New Mouse City to stop a troublemaker who looks suspiciously like Geronimo, and finally to a film set to get his big break... or his big scoop! Based on the hit animated series!

The Day Fin Flooded the World by Adam Stower (Illustrator) Fin is extremely forgetful--he wears slippers to school and comes home without his pants. So it's no surprise when he leaves the tap running . . . until it floods the world! Who will be outraged, and who will be overjoyed?

The One and Only Sparkella and the Big Lie by Channing Tatum; Kim Barnes (Illustrator) The One and Only Sparkella and the Big Lie continues actor, producer and director Channing Tatum's Sparkella picture book series, a charming ode to self-reliance and the love between father and daughter, illustrated by Kim Barnes. Sparkella is excited for her first playdate with the super cool new kid at school, Wyatt. But she's worried that all of her toys and games at home are too old, too homemade, or too un-cool, so she decides to "borrow" a shiny racecar from her best friend, Tam, without asking. When Tam is upset that her car is missing, Sparkella feels bad, but she can't seem to make herself tell the truth about taking the toy. To make things right with her friend, it'll take a little help from her dad to learn the importance of honesty and taking responsibility when you make a mistake.

Tap! Tap! Tap! by Hervé Tullet Read, play, and DANCE on the pages of this interactive and definitely out-of-the box picture book! New from the New York Timesbestselling creator, Herve Tullet! Harnessing his love of dance, the passion of his illustrations and the generous trim size of this book, Herve invites you to a very special dance: your hand becoming the dancer and the book the dance floor. Starting with a gentle glide, growing in complexity and animation, finally building to a crescendo of color, action, and movement - here's a book perfect for kids bursting with energy. A celebration not only of releasing emotion but also of carefully controlling motion and dexterity: the perfect book for getting your ya-yas out and a welcome boon for parents, gift-givers, and teachers looking for an ultra-creative way of channeling energy.

The Shape of You by Muon Thi Van; Miki Sato (Illustrator) In lyrical language, a mother tells her small daughter about the shapes that make up their lives. At first, the shapes are literal. The shape of their door is a rectangle, their table, a square. Water can be shaped like a cube or a cloud. And then she moves on to the figurative. The shape of learning is a question. The shape of warmth is a space waiting to be filled. Some shapes change, like a child growing up, while some remain the same, like the triangle of the mountain behind their house. The shape of her heart, she concludes, 'will always be you.' Bestselling and award-winning author Muon Thi Van has written an innovative, poetic and philosophical exploration of shapes and the many forms they can take, touching on objects, families and love. The meditative and heartwarming text is beautifully complemented by Miki Sato's layered, multitextured and three-dimensional-looking illustrations created from different papers and fabrics. A soothing read-aloud, this picture book has the feel

Gretel and Hansel by Bee Waeland A graphic retelling of the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" in which a friendly woman lovingly decorates her candy home and two inconsiderate, greedy children take advantage of her kindness When Gretel and Hansel carelessly abandon their wood-gathering chores and follow a fox deeper into the woods, they come across a delicious-looking house, the home of a friendly witch. Hungry after thoughtlessly feeding their picnic lunch to the wildlife, the two children start to devour the candy shingles, shutters and walls until the house begins to crack and crumble. Despite her initial shock, the witch is caring to the strangers and invites them in. But when they overstep the boundaries of her hospitality and start eating everything inside as well, it's time for Gretel and Hansel to get their just desserts! Told without words, readers of all ages will delight in this colorful and playful fractured fairy tale.

Everything Changes by Clare Helen Welsh; Åsa Gilland (Illustrator) A lyrical and tender story about the difficult emotions a child can feel when their parents break up. While playing together as a family on the beach, it seems the happy, warm days of summer will never end. But then Mom and Dad say they can't live together anymore, and everything changes ?

Pirate and Penguin by Mike Allegra; Jenn Harney (Illustrator) What happens when a pirate, hoping for a parrot, stumbles upon a bird of a duller plumage?Pirate doesn't know that Penguin is a penguin. But any bird can sit on a shoulder and squawk "shiver me timbers"...right?Laugh along with Pirate and Penguin in this high seas tale of mistaken identity and find out whether they'll find friendship before somebody walks the plank.

We Are One by Jackie Azúa Kramer; Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator); Niña Mata (Illustrator) From an award-winning author, a New York Times bestselling artist, and a Coretta Scott King Honor artist, lyrical text about how we are all one is paired with beautiful illustrations of two girls and their families. If you're a star, I'm a moon. Together we dream. When we are together, we are one. Two girls--one from a city who lives with her mom, and one who lives by the beach with her dads and brother--come together at a lantern festival in a beautiful story of how we are all one, whether near or far, friend or newcomer. From an award-winning trio, this celebration of community, friendship, and the natural world features poetic, lyrical text paired with a vibrant visual tale of two characters, each illustrated by a different artist.

The Love Report by BeKa; Maya (Illustrator) BFFs Grace and Lola try to unravel the mystery of romance with a plan to observe, study, and analyze the ways of love at their junior high in the first book in this addictive graphic novel series. BFFs Grace and Lola talk about everything related to romance--and have lots of questions: What about the mysterious allure of the popular girl at school? And the rebellious goth with the reputation? And boys. They don't quite understand what makes some school romances soar to legendary heights, while other flirtations fizzle. Lola has an idea--they'll observe, study, and analyze all the couples at their Junior High--and compile their findings as The Love Report. Surprises await them, and force them to learn to see beyond appearances in this fast-paced series opener. They'll also discover secrets between themselves.

Since the Baby Came by Kathleen Long Bostrom; Janet Samuel (Illustrator) This charming, playful story-in-verse introduces children to a variety of different poetic forms while walking them through all the twists and turns of welcoming a new baby into the family. Mama is having a baby. Everything's starting to change. God, can you tell me what happened? Life is becoming so strange. Since the Baby Came offers a unique take on a timeless topic. The heartfelt and humorous drama unfolds completely in verse, addressing the full range of emotions a young child experiences when a new baby joins the family-from surprise and confusion to feelings of neglect and jealousy to wholehearted tenderness and affection. The book also introduces young children to the playfulness and fun of various forms of poetry, from senryu to villanelle. Look out! It's a diaper volcano! Forgive me for being abrupt. There isn't much time to explain-OH! That thing is about to erupt!

Afterward, Everything Was Different by Jairo. Buitrago; Rafael Yockteng (Illustrator) STARRED Reviews in Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Shelf Awareness This "beautifully illustrated, nearly wordless book" (New York Times) set in the dawn of human life imagines how art and storytelling were born from the power of one young girl's observation. Once upon a time, during the Pleistocene, somewhere between two-and-a-half million and ten thousand years ago, small groups of people traveled their known world, hunting for food, seeking shelter, and slowly becoming more like the people we are today. As far back as 40,000 years ago (and maybe even earlier) people began drawing pictures on cave walls. And a bit later, they carved images onto stones. Some pictures are of humans, usually drawn as stick figures, but most are of animals. We don't know their purpose, though in some cases, evidence seems to suggest they were used for storytelling. But when we look at these pictures, we can't help but admire the extraordinary talent of the first artists. They aren't just scratches on the wall. They are great art. In this book of few words, we follow a young girl who notices everything that happens around her as her people search for a cave to shelter for the winter. And we can believe that she feels the absolute necessity to draw what she has seen and to tell stories. Afterward, Everything was Different features: Backmatter explaining what we know--and don't know--about cave drawings. Stunning black and white illustrations of life during the Pleistocene. An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

My Dog Just Speaks Spanish by Andrea Cáceres (Illustrator) A young bilingual immigrant meanders through her city park, translating for her beloved dog, in a heartwarming picture book debut. When Aurora came to the United States, she learned to speak English. But her spaniel, Nena, did not. Sweet Nena loves to give besos, and she knows only Spanish. She doesn't know SIT, but she does know SIÉNTATE. She doesn't know WAIT, but she does know ESPERA. And while TREAT doesn't mean anything to Nena, she can certainly sniff out a POSTRE! At the park, Nena may not know what the other dog owners are saying, but she and Aurora will always understand each other just fine. Borrowing from her lived experience, Venezuelan-American author-illustrator Andrea Cáceres offers a gentle, charmingly illustrated ode to love that extends a hand--or a paw--to readers who may feel displaced or are learning a new language themselves.

You Be Grandma by Karla Clark; Addy Rivera Sonda (Illustrator) Karla Clark's You Be series continues with You Be Grandma, all about a grandma being just too tired to do the bedtime routine and asks her granddaughter to take over for her. Can you be Grandma and turn off the light? Grandma's too tired to be Grandma tonight. She played dress-up and drank afternoon tea. Helped you climb up the Sycamore tree. Took a hike and went for a dip. Now she's exhausted! There's an ache in her hip. In this clever, rhyming picture book, a grandma tells her granddaughter that she's simply too tired to be Grandma tonight and asks her granddaughter to take over for her. An utterly relatable theme told with humor and heart provides a story parents, grandparents, and children will delight in reading together at bedtime.

For the Love of Lettuce by Courtney Dicmas (Illustrator) Two caterpillars approach life in very different ways. Zip likes to plan, but doesn't like change, while Parsley is happy to live in the moment. How will they cope in the face of sudden and unexpected change? This hilarious adventure is a lively introduction to adaptability, problem-solving, resilience, and mutual understanding.

Welcome to Sparklegrove: a Branches Book (Unicorn Diaries #8) by Rebecca Elliott (Illustrator) Bo Tinseltail and friends welcome a new jackalope family to Sparklegrove Forest in the latest installment of this USA Today bestselling early chapter book series! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! In the eighth book in the USA Today bestselling Unicorn Diaries series, a jackalope family arrives in Sparklegrove Forest! Unicorn Bo Tinseltail and friends are excited to welcome the new family. But they soon learn that the jackalope family is being chased by centaurs, which puts the whole forest at risk. Will the family be allowed to stay in Sparklegrove after all? With full-color artwork throughout and Rebecca Elliott's trademark humor, young readers won't be able to put this book down!

Pop's Perfect Present by Corey Finkle; Lenny Wen (Illustrator) A heartwarming and playful celebration of a little girl's love for her father as she tries to give him the best day ever. The best dad ever deserves the best day ever. When a young girl tries to find the perfect present for her pop, her best intentions go awry. The fishing trip is a flop, baseball is a bust, and making chili is a mistake. Nothing works out the way she wants it to. But it turns out, the best gift of all could be a day spent together. With a classic knack for rhythm and rhyme and a great sense of humor, Pop's Perfect Present is the answer to any gift-giving dilemma for dads.

Smoky Mountain Survival by Claire Fulton; Dylan Bakken "Get behind me!" Isaiah shouts, as the branches are snapping?"Something's coming!"Discovering their newfound tradition and love for camping at the Grand Tetons, The Campground Kids anticipate their next adventure-exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Shortly after they arrive, the family receives bear encounter training. The Campground Kids soon understand why camping in the Smoky Mountains comes with great responsibility...Maddie screams."Get her quiet!" Isaiah yells over his shoulder. Though Sadie is close to screaming herself, she puts her hand over Maddie's mouth.Isaiah stands tall and readies his pocketknife as the brush ahead begins to part. Remembering his training, he lets out a battle cry?When put to the test, will Isaiah's knowledge and crafty skills save them from the dangers of the park's deep forest?

My Mommy, the Octopus by Wendy Gerber; Nonnie Gerber; Tori Davis (Illustrator) "A love letter to moms everywhere and a reminder that you're enough, even if you don't have eight arms." --Kristen Bell, actress, parent, producer, and coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller The World Needs More Purple People "Adorable and resonant for any busy mom." --Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author When I wake up in the morning, the first things I see are Mommy's arms, open wide, to give a hug to me. My Mommy the Octopus is the endearing story of a young child who has everything they want . . . except a mother with eight arms! Take one mom with two arms, add a young child who dreams of a Mommy with more, and you have a captivating tale of fun! Like many moms, she juggles caring for her little one while working from home all at the same time. My Mommy the Octopus is a heartwarming story told from the eyes of a child who dreams of a mother with more arms to play--but then decides two is the perfect number for hugs. With amusing, engaging copy written by Wendy Gerber and Nonnie Gerber and whimsical illustrations by Tori Davis, this charming story will keep you and your child smiling from beginning to end.

Snail Trail by Ziggy Hanaor; Christos Kourtoglou (Illustrator) A timely and relatable tale about the importance of connecting to the introvert inside. Marjorie is a happy snail. She loves her family and friends, but sometimes she just needs a bit of alone time. At these moments, Marjorie wanders off to try to find a quiet space, but her friends and family just follow her trail of slime and find her. 'How can I find some space for myself?' wonders Marjorie, and as she wonders, she wanders, here and there, back and forth, this way and that until she is entirely and marvellously lost. But the joys of solitude are short lived, and Marjorie swiftly realises that she can't find her way back. Luckily, she stumbles on a good friend who helps her on her way and offers her some sage advice. A natural follow on from the critically acclaimed 'Pocket Chaotic', this simple, layered story is exquisitely brought to life by Christos Kourtoglou, an emerging Greek illustrator with a distinctive watercolour style. It addresses the disjunction that kids and adults feel (particularly in a post-lockdown era) between our introvert and extrovert selves.

Rosie and the Pre-Loved Dress by Leanne Hatch (Illustrator) A sweet picture book about a girl who finds a special dress at a thrift store and imagines who may have owned the dress before her. When Rosie finds the most beautiful yellow dress at her local thrift store, the first thing she notices when she brings it home is a name written on the tag: Mila. Rosie wonders if Mila liked any of the same things she did, and what amazing things Mila might have done in the dress.   The dress makes Rosie feel like her best self--like she can do anything. But soon it's time to donate the dress so someone else can make their own memories with it. Letting it go is hard, but Rosie smiles when she wonders what the dress's next owner will do while wearing it....   The joy and wonder of recycled clothing is brought to life by Leanne Hatch's charming text and whimsical illustrations.

Clementine by Ann Hood New York Times best-selling author Ann Hood pens a poignant story of grief and adolescent despair in this follow-up to Jude Banks, Superhero. Meet Clementine. She's quippy, sarcastic, and dramatic. And the overwhelming guilt of her sister's death weighs on her so heavily that she no longer feels like living. As Clementine and her mother attempt to continue their lives after Halley's death, the world around them changes. Clementine's best friend now feels like a stranger. Her new school is full of spoiled, carefree kids. She kisses boys just to feel something. She tries to live in the moment. But ultimately, Clementine feels trapped in a snow globe- the real world is out there, while she's stuck in a world where tears like gallons fall all around her. In her signature lyrical prose, Hood crafts an extraordinary story of grief and guilt, asking the important question- How can you find the will to live again in the face of overwhelming despair? Praise for Jude Banks, Superhero- "Hood is brilliant at showing the ordinary moments of a family's heartbreak... There are many readers who are navigating guilt and sorrow right now - for them, this book is a must. And for those lucky enough to take the journey only in their imaginations, this is a story of resilience in the face of devastating pain."-New York Times Book Review "A tender story of grief and joy... a remarkable read."-School Library Connection (Starred Review) "Hood's careful gardening of emotions makes this a striking read... Fans of Ali Benjamin's The Thing about Jellyfish will appreciate Jude's search for meaning and reason as he learns to live around the hole his sister has left."-Booklist (Starred Review) "Ann Hood tells Jude's story of grief without coating it in too much sugar; it's real, and therein lies its power. Jude Banks is a mirror for anyone who's experienced loss, and a testament to the power of human connection."-Jack Cheng, award-winning author of See You in the Cosmos "Jude Banks is warm and inviting, even as it balances the difficult topics of loss and healing-a powerful and compelling story for anyone who has known loss."-Rex Ogle, award winning author of Free Lunch

Kiki Can! Go to School by Susie Jaramillo; Abigail Gross (Illustrator) From the Emmy-nominated, award-winning Canticos preschool series comes a brand-new heartwarming story about the magic of trying new things and the importance of being yourself that follows the beloved Kiki, Nicky and Ricky Chickie siblings as they embark on their first day of school. With adorable, candy-colored art, this endearing picture book is perfect for fans of I Will Be Fierce and The Pigeon Has to Go To School! It's Kiki's first day of school, and she's ready to go! Her backpack is full, and she's picked the perfect bow to wear. Even better? Her brothers, Nicky and Ricky, are going to be with her all day! But wait a minute--why are Nicky and Ricky going to another classroom? Kiki's excitement rapidly turns to nerves, but as her different classmates begin to share their favorite things, Kiki learns that as long as she's herself, she can always make new friends.

Heroes Unite! (Dungeons and Dragons: Honor among Thieves) by Nicole Johnson; Alan Batson (Illustrator) This Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader is based on the film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - in theaters March 3, 2023! Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is an upcoming high-fantasy heist film based on the popular role-playing game! Co-written and co-directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Spider-Man: Homecoming, Game Night), and produced by Jeremy Latcham (Spider-Man: Homecoming, Guardians of the Galaxy), the film stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, and Sophia Lillis. Kids ages 5 to 8 will love this Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader based on the feature film. Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. They are for children who are ready to read on their own.

My Clueless First Friend 02 by Taku Kawamura Opposites attract when a cheerful airhead meets the resident wallflower of his new class in this heartwarming, slice-of-life school comedy series! With the end of summer vacation for friendly Takada and gloomy Nishimura, school is back in session. The new semester brings new changes for all the kids in their elementary class, including Nishimura. Her unusual friendship with Takada is helping her to open up little by little! But will she revert back to a wallflower when the school sports festival rolls around in autumn and Takada gets hurt? Feeling responsible, Nishimura must steel herself to be more than a spectator at the festival for the very first time! Will Takada's enthusiasm carry her through?

Jungle Cat by Andrew Larsen; Udayana Lugo (Illustrator) An indoor cat brings a community together after his dreams of exploring the outside world quickly go awry. Bob is an orange tabby cat with big dreams. He lives in a safe and friendly apartment building with his human, Pippa, but Bob knows he is more than an indoor cat--he's a Jungle Cat! When he sneaks outside to chase after his dream, Bob's adventure suddenly gets too wild. It's a good thing jungle cats know when to ask for help! Vibrantly illustrated with playful depictions of city and apartment life, this is the delightful story of an over-confident cat who learns about the comforts of community and home.

In the Tunnel by Julie Lee Trapped in an enemy tunnel, a young refugee experiences the Korean War firsthand in this searing story of survival, loss, and hope, a companion to the Freeman Award-winning novel Brother's Keeper. Myung-gi knows war is coming- War between North and South Korea. Life in communist North Korea has become more and more unbearable-there is no freedom of speech, movement, association, or thought-and his parents have been carefully planning the family's escape. But when his father is abducted by the secret police, all those plans fall apart. How can Myung-gi leave North Korea without his dad? Especially when he believes that the abduction was his fault? Set during a cataclysmic war which shaped the world we know today, this is the story of one boy's coming-of-age during a time when inhumanity, lawlessness, and terror reigned supreme. Myung-gi, his mother, and his twelve-year-old sister Yoomee do everything they can to protect one another. But gentle, quiet, bookish Myung-gi has plans to find his father at any cost-even if it means joining the army and being sent to the front lines, where his deepest fears await him. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection A Book Riot Best New Book of 2023 "An absolute must-read."-Booklist, starred review "Vivid, powerful."-School Library Journal "Moving."-Publishers Weekly "Searing. . . . Beautifully written."-Book Riot

Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez; Devin Elle Kurtz (Illustrator) Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Marquez teams up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book that explores Melissa's personal journey from being an inquisitive ocean-loving child in Puerto Rico to becoming the Mother of Sharks. As the sun sets over another gorgeous day at la Playita Del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli doesn't want to go home. She loves the ocean more than anything, and with only five minutes left at the beach, she knows exactly where her last stop should be- the tidal pools. They are small universes of their own teeming with critters and creatures of the ocean. While looking into the pools, she meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the importance of shark conservation, and reveals Meli's ultimate destiny- to become the Mother of Sharks. Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Melissa Cristina Marquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM. Paired with Devin Elle Kurtz's vibrant, emotive illustrations, this picture book is an irresistible journey through the wonders of the ocean and, above all, a rallying cry for marine conservation.

How to Love a Pony by Michelle Meadows; Sawyer Cloud (Illustrator) A rhymed Beginner Book about a young girl and her pony, perfect for animal-lovers and budding equestrians! Meet Lily, a seven-year-old girl who lives with her parents, grandparents, and two brothers on their horse farm in the country. Lily has a Welsh pony that she adores, and in this charming Beginner Book, we see how Lily and her family work together to care for the pony throughout the changing seasons of the year. With vibrant illustrations, this is the kind of story that young riders-or kids who dream of riding-will want to read over and over! Originally created by Dr. Seuss himself, Beginner Books are fun and easy to read. These unjacketed hardcover early readers encourage children to read all on their own, using simple words and illustrations. Smaller than the classic large format Seuss picture books like The Lorax and Oh, The Places You'll Go!, these portable packages are perfect for practicing readers ages 3-7, and lucky parents, too!

Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno; Courtney Lovett (Illustrator) This humorous and heartfelt middle-grade novel by Nina Moreno with illustrations by Courtney Lovett is perfect for fans of Celia C. Pérez and Terri Libenson. Spring semester is here and Maggie is killing it! Her grades are up, she's loving outdoor track and field, and being a seventh grader means the awesome spring break trip to St. Augustine is almost here. She can't wait for her first overnight trip away from her overprotective parents, lovesick sister, and busybody abuela. Nothing will get in the way of Maggie having the best time ever with her two best friends, Zoey and Julian! But all of Maggie's plans for their unforgettable trip start to fall apart as everyone gets carried away with the upcoming dance instead. Even Julian has a crush--throwing their group dynamic into turmoil when he asks the new girl to be his date. Zoey's so stressed with school that her straight A streak is in trouble . . . and why can't Maggie stop thinking about Eerie Eddie? The three best friends have been inseparable for years, but everything is changing as everyone splits into twos, leaving Maggie unsure of where--and with who--she still fits.

The Green Girls by Loïc Nicoloff; Antoine Losty (Illustrator); Roberta Pierpaoli (Illustrator); Alberto Zanon (Illustrator) Emma, Lily, and Fadila want to save the planet . . . but no one around them seems to care. Frustrated, they name themselves the Green Girls, take to social media, and launch a series of bold protests. Alongside their classmate and aspiring Green Girl Silas, the crew risks getting in trouble (and stirs some up) to raise awareness about container ship pollution, palm oil overproduction, and more environmental hazards. With a mix of livestreams, spray paint, and bungee cords, they're out to make a difference--and get their followers to do the same.

Âmî Osâwâpikones (Dear Dandelion) by S. J. Okemow A debut picture book that celebrates self-love, care, and resilience with one of the most widespread plants--the dandelion. Both a love letter to the dandelion and a call to love ourselves in a difficult world, Âmî Osâwâpikones reminds us that we are not defined as others see us. Following our young protagonist and the dandelions through the seasons, we are reminded that we are resilient, we are healers, we are funny, and we are loved.

Growing an Artist by John Parra (Illustrator) Four starred reviews! A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year From award-winning artist John Parra comes a "heartwarming family story that underscores the value of creativity, passion, and hard work" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) that is "a love letter to sons and their fathers" (BookPage, starred review) based on his childhood experience. Today is a big day--the first time Juanito gets to help his papi on the job as a landscape architect! Throughout the day, Juanito sketches anything that catches his eye: a nest full of baby birds, a nursery with row upon row of plants and flowers, and more. Father and son travel from house to house, pruning, weeding, mowing, and turning overgrown and chaotic yards into beautiful spaces. A few of the clients don't appreciate Papi's hard work, like Juanito's classmate who pretends not to see him. But Papi always feels pride in owning his own business and in a job well done. And at the end of the day, Juanito may get the chance to turn his artistic eye toward landscape design--just like his papi.

The Liebrary by Amanda Pearlstein; Maren Amini (Illustrator); Howard Pearlstein A rhyming tale about what happens when a family decides to take every word to heart-and the hilarious consequences that follow. Should children learn to drive cars? Are volcanoes bubbling with fondu? And do rhinos make good pets? Mikayla and Drew loved to read and learn new things'�but when a new stack of books gives way to facts unlike anything they had ever heard of before, chaos ensues! Soon the children are swimming with alligators, eating candies like vitamins, and getting blasted by their neighbor. Which leads them to wonder . . . If it's in a book, is it actually true? From Amanda Pearlstein, Howard Pearlstein, and Maren Amini, comes a rhyming tale about what happens when a family decides to take every word to heart-and the hilarious consequences that follow. A perfect book for fans of Harry Bliss and Doreen Cronin!

Dear Polar Bears by Gabrielle Prendergast; Marcus Cutler (Illustrator) Polar bears and penguins live in similar climates, but they never, ever meet. What if they had a party together? The penguins of Antarctica write a letter inviting the polar bears of the Arctic to join them at the South Pole to celebrate their longest day of the year. But how will the polar bears get there? It's such a long journey--will they make it in time? What will they bring? And what will happen when they arrive? Dear Polar Bearscombines a playful story of friendship with humorous imagery depicting the differences between Earth's polar regions. With fun facts about penguin and polar bear species, the distance between the poles, and the summer solstice, this will be the most exciting party thrown by penguins you've ever attended.

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex; Lian Cho (Illustrator) Every family has its special aunt: the cool aunt, the wacky aunt, the scary aunt. But this family has ALL THE AUNTS.The escalating chaos of On Account of the Gum meets the grounded absurdity of Nothing Rhymes with Orange in Adam Rex's laugh-out-loud take on family reunions.Shhh, listen. Do you hear that?Oh no. Oh dear. Oh . . . my . . . godmother.They've traveled on planes, in taxis, and across state lines. And now they're here at the doorstep, a cheesy gift in one hand, the other poised for a pinch on the cheek.IT'S THE AUNTS! THE AUNTS ARE HERE.This hilarious, laugh-out-loud depiction of one girl's all-too-recognizable experience takes readers young and old on an emotionally bombastic staycation that celebrates the universal and endearing strangeness of our families.

Poppleton in Summer: an Acorn Book (Poppleton #6) by Cynthia Rylant; Mark Teague (Illustrator) There's so much fun in the sun with Poppleton, the posh and persnickety pig created by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and acclaimed illustrator Mark Teague! 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! Poppleton loves summer! He relaxes on his rooftop. He drives to the country for an adventure with his friend Hudson. And he especially enjoys a summer rain shower! This brand-new story collection perfect for beginning readers includes a how-to-draw activity in the back of the book!

This Is a Story by John Schu; Lauren Castillo (Illustrator) Children's literacy advocate John Schu and Caldecott Honor recipient Lauren Castillo celebrate the power of finding the perfect book--in a story that's more relevant than ever. This is a word on a page. This is a page in a book. This is a book on a shelf . . . waiting. With a sea-horse kite in hand, a child heads out with Dad to the library. On the way they stop at a park, joining lots of people, some of whom are flying kites, too. At the library, a person toting a big pile of books hands over a story on a favorite subject: the sea horse. All around, there are readers poring over books, each with their own questions, ideas to explore, hopes for the future, and imaginations ready to spark. With a warm, lyrical text and tenderly expressive illustrations, John Schu and Lauren Castillo invite us to imagine the myriad ways that books can foster connection and understanding--and how they can empower children, through their own passions, to transform the world.

Cindy and Panda by Benson Shum (Illustrator) For fans of Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers comes a perfectly baked story about the messy delight of baking and making new friends from Disney animator Benson Shum. Cindy loves to bake, but she doesn't always follow a recipe! One day, she runs out to grab ingredients for a pie and comes back with something sweeter--a panda who wants to help! Their freestyle recipe may lead to chaos in the kitchen and a bit of a messy meltdown, but together, the pair have the perfect ingredients for a sweet-as-pie friendship. This book includes a pie recipe in the back with its very own freestyle section for young bakers excited to explore!

The Most Magnificent Idea by Ashley Spires (Illustrator) The long-awaited sequel to the runaway bestseller The Most Magnificent Thing that readers have been clamoring for! The girl in this story, with her dog at her side, loves to make things. Her brain, she says, is an "idea machine," so full of ideas that she can hardly keep up. But then one day ... it isn't. All of a sudden, the girl can't come up with a single idea for what to make. She tries everything: brainstorming, gathering new supplies, even jumping up and down on one foot to shake an idea loose. But, nothing. The girl realizes, with no ideas taking up space in her brain, it's filling with sad instead. What if she never has another idea again? Award-winning and bestselling author-illustrator Ashley Spires ingeniously captures the ups and downs of the creative process in this delightful picture book starring the beloved characters from The Most Magnificent Thing. With her signature wit and dry humor, Spires keeps the entertainment level high for readers, who will be rooting for their heroine to get her mojo back. The detailed and expressive artwork humorously captures the emotional arc of the girl's process. This book offers a terrific character education lesson in patience and perseverance. It will provide inspiration to makers and visionary creators everywhere, encouraging them to believe that an idea is sure to come if they just give it the opportunity -- and if it comes from the heart. The Most Magnificent Thing inspired an award-winning animated short film in 2019.

Geronimo Stilton Reporter #11 by Geronimo Stilton Geronimo Stilton is granted a special interview with the great Sourishi, who lives in isolation and rarely gives interviews. To reach him, Geronimo and company must take the Rodent-Express, a steam engine that zigs and zags across perilous terrain and steep mountains. But, during the journey, Bugsy Wugsy mysteriously disappears! Can Geronimo crack the case before the end of the line? It won't be easy when all the passengers are now suspects. Based on the hit animated series!

Yoga Tots: Brave Bear / niños Yoga: Oso Valiente by Tessa Strickland; Estelí Meza (Illustrator) Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions take little ones through a grounding series of basic yoga poses. Simple, descriptive language invites young children to pretend to be a bear, moving their furry bodies into specific yoga poses designed to both energize and inspire bravery, now in bilingual Spanish!

The First Magnificent Summer by R. L. Toalson Judy Blume meets Barbara Dee in this tender and empowering middle grade novel told in journal entries and poetry about a young writer on the verge of becoming a woman whose summer with her estranged father doesn't turn out the way she'd hoped. Twelve-year-old Victoria Reeves is all set for her "First Magnificent Summer with Dad," even though it's been more than two years since she last saw him. She's ready to impress him with her wit, her maturity, and her smarts--at least until he shows up for the long road trip to Ohio with his new family, The Replacements, in tow. But that's not the only unpleasant surprise in store for Victoria. There are some smaller disappointments, like being forced to eat bologna even though it's her least favorite food in the world. And then there's having to sleep outside in a tent while The Replacements rest comfortably inside the family RV. But the worst thing Victoria grapples with is when she begins to suspect that part of the reason Dad always treats her as "less than" is for one simple reason: she's female. As Victoria captures every moment of her less than magnificent summer in her journal, she discovers that the odds are stacked against her in the contest-no-one-knows-is-a-contest: Not only does her wit begin to crumble around Dad's multiple shaming jabs, but she gets her first period. And when Dad does the worst thing yet, she realizes she has a decision to make: will she let a man define her?

This Close to Home by Beth Turley A young girl aims to revitalize her lake town's annual festival to reunite her family and honor her mom's memory in this tenderhearted middle grade novel for fans of The Summer of June and Violets Are Blue. Brooke's mom always used to tell her, "It's just a game." But now that mom's gone, Brooke is finding it hard to keep softball as just a game, when so much of her mom's memory is woven into her favorite sport. And it doesn't help that her older sister, Calla, has started avoiding the field, and Dad doesn't have as much time to toss the ball in their backyard or go to all her games. Then Brooke and her best friend, Derek, come across an album full of photos from when their town celebrated its annual Lakefest, a summer picnic that brought the whole community together at Brooke's parents' lake houses. When she brings up the idea to revive the event, Dad and Calla shut her down, but Brooke is certain that Lakefest can bring joy back to everyone in her town. And maybe if her team of Derek and an unexpected classmate can pull off the picnic, her family can learn to heal and grow and create new memories, and Brooke can discover that she's capable of more than she ever imagined.

Call Me Calvin by Mary Vander Plas; André Ceolin (Illustrator) Calvin's dad has always called him "Little Man," but Calvin realizes he isn't done being a kid. Ever since Calvin was born, he's been Dad's "Little Man." At first Calvin liked the special nickname the two of them shared. But now that he's getting older, Calvin doesn't feel big and strong like Dad. One afternoon playing in the yard, Calvin discovers that maybe that's okay. He's Calvin, and that's exactly who he should be.

Bibi by Jo Weaver From award-winning author-illustrator of Little One comes a deeply moving tale about respect for the elderly, community, and farewells. Bibi the flamingo has been with her flock for longer than anyone can remember. When the lake dries up, the flamingos are forced to leave their babies behind and fly away to find water. Bibi bravely volunteers to guide the baby flamingos on foot across the barren salt flats to reunite them with their parents. But when one little flamingo starts to fall behind, Bibi teaches everyone a valuable lesson about community and the importance of helping one another in times of need.

A-Train Allen by Lesley Younge; Lonnie Ollivierre (Illustrator) Everyone in the neighborhood knows Allen is the fastest kid around. As soon as school lets out, he's racing through the park, past the library, and down the sidewalks. They call him A-Train because he's practically faster than the subway. ZOOM! But where is Allen off to every afternoon? "Got somewhere to be! Got somewhere to be!" he calls. Race through the city with A-Train and discover what finally gets him to slow down. An Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize winner.