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

When Love Is More Than Words by Jocelyn Chung; Julia Kuo (Illustrator) A beautiful story about a family who shows their love in a multitude of ways There are so many ways to say "I love you" without saying a word! One little girl sees the love shown in her family by the way they nurture one another through stories, food, and spending time together. With great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings around, there are so many ways for love to shine through. Jocelyn Chung's lyrical text and Julia Kuo's vibrant illustrations beautifully portray and celebrate a family whose caring actions speak louder than words.

To Dogs, with Love by Maria Gianferrari; Ishaa Lobo (Illustrator) A book for anyone who has ever loved a dog. Dear Dogs, Thank you for being there when we are sick, or hurt, or in trouble. Thank you for licks and hugs when we feel down, or just need to smile. Thank you for all that you do, for always being at our sides. This is our love letter to you! Give thanks to every human's best friend, in this sweet and inclusive ode to dogs of all kinds - with an emphasis on service dogs - written by animal expert Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Ishaa Lobo.

The Digger and the Butterfly by Joseph Kuefler (Illustrator) From Joseph Kuefler, the acclaimed author-illustrator of The Digger and the Flower, comes a new book in his popular Digger picture book series, about a crew of building trucks who befriend a caterpillar and witness its metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. Perfect for readers who love the machines in Sherri Duskey Rinker's Construction Site series. Digger and the other big trucks work all day, smashing and building and transforming their jobsite. But when a caterpillar weaves its cocoon onto Digger's bucket, he is forced to stop and be still. In the stillness, Digger begins to notice the world beyond his worksite. And when the butterfly finally emerges, it's clear that Digger and his friends have also been changed forever. The story includes an accessible guide to metamorphosis for young readers.

Go, Ghoul, Go! by Liv Livingston; Glass House Glass House Graphics (Illustrator) Liv tries out for the Gloomsdale Elementary Ghoul Squad in this second book in the Spirited graphic chapter book series. Liv Livingston feels she's finally found her footing in her new school--even the bat hall monitors at Gloomsdale Elementary don't screech at her as much! But when Liv's new friend Vera asks her to try out for the Ghoul Squad with her, she's not sure it's her crowd. The members are pretty daunting with their matching uniforms and constant spelling of words--particularly the leader, Astrid, who isn't very nice. Still, Liv doesn't want to lose Vera's friendship. Can she get through tryouts without spelling D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R?

Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers Hardcover Bind-Up | Phonics, Ages 4 and up, Kindergarten (Stage 1: Starting to Read) by Bobby Lynn Maslen (Text by); John R. Maslen (Illustrator) Created by a teacher, Bob Books have been helping children learn to read for more than forty years! Now in a sturdy hardcover bind-up, this iconic phonics-based learn-to-read set has sold millions of copies, allowing children around the world to say with pride, "I read the whole book!"® With playful stories, silly illustrations, and a phonics approach based on Science of Reading research, Bob Books keep young readers' confidence high, leading to continued success and a love of reading. Your child will soon join the millions of happy kids who say, "I read the whole book!"® These are the first books your child can read! Perfect for kids who are just learning letter sounds, each book contains two- and three-letter words that can be sounded out. The first story uses only four sounds (m, a, t, s) and one sight word! Sounds are added gradually until all letters of the alphabet have been introduced (except q). The very simple stories allow kids to read a whole book, boosting their confidence and motivating them to come back for more. Many beginning readers are so proud they can read these books, they read them to everyone they know! Inside this sturdy hardcover you'll find: 12 easy-to-read, hilarious stories; 12 pages each; 4-27 unique words per book A parent guide with tips for helping your child learn to read Each story includes: Decodable text: Two- and three-letter words with short vowels that can be sounded out (on, sat, can, ran) Very simple sentences (Sam sat.) Very limited sight words (a, the) New letter sounds added gradually until young readers have read stories with all letters of the alphabet (except Q) Friendly, simple illustrations that add fun and do not distract from the words Guided Reading Levels: A, B, C | Lexile® Measure: BR - 180L | Bob Books Level: Stage 1 Ages: 4-6 | Grade Levels: PreK, Kindergarten

Abuela's Library by Lissette Norman; Jayri Gomez (Illustrator) Alfonso and Abuela love to spend Saturday afternoons finding books at the library and reading them together beneath their favorite oak tree. But when their beloved tree is cut down, can Alfonso transform the stump into something magical for their whole community--their very own neighborhood library This uplifting story from award-winning poet Lissette Norman and illustrator Jayri Gómez shows us how to turn an unexpected setback into a happy ending: one with a beautiful sky-blue door and shelves filled with books for everyone to enjoy.

Big Dog and Little Dog by Dav Pilkey (Illustrator) In this My First I Can Read!, meet best friends Big Dog and Little Dog, who stick together through thick and thin! Created by Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. Join Big Dog and Little Dog in their first adventure. As any good dog knows, friends who chow down together nap together--preferably in dog-pile style! With easy vocabulary, repetition, and bold illustrations, acclaimed children's book creator Dav Pilkey taps into the joys of childhood friends through his tales of two lovable dog pals. Includes activities. Big Dog and Little Dog is a My First I Can Read book with basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations ideal for sharing with your emergent reader. The first step to helping children become great readers is reading aloud to them. Books at this level have short, compelling stories and are written with simple vocabulary. Repeated phrases allow young readers to read some words along with their caregivers.

Sari Sisters by Anitha Rao-Robinson; Anoosha Syed (Illustrator) Critically-acclaimed artist Anoosha Syed brings Anitha Rao-Robinson's stunning text to life in this story about getting dressed up and the enduring bonds between sisters. Ruhi is ready for her weekend tradition- a dance party with her older sister, Kayra! Everything is ready to go--the music, the lights, the glitterballs--but where is Kayra? Ruhi finds her sister getting ready for the weekly family gathering and carefully tying a sari for the first time. When Kayra emerges from her room, Ruhi is in awe of her sister and can't wait to wear a sari too. But her mother and sister say she's too young to carry all that fabric without tripping. Ruhi fears that she's missing out on all the fun that her older sister and the aunties are having upstairs while she's in the basement with the other kids, so Ruhi comes up with an idea to loosen the adults up and bring everyone together- have a sari dance party! Ruhi spends all week learning to tie and pleat with her mom's saris so that she can show everyone the following weekend, and reignite her dance party tradition with her sister. But when the big moment arrives, Ruhi trips and her sari begins to unravel! Luckily her sister is there to help secure the fabric and get them back to their favorite tradition. This beautifully written story by Anitha Rao-Robinson is about the tight-knit bond between sisters as they navigate adolescent milestones and the beauty of updating traditional customs for a modern audience, and features art by Anoosha Syed-the critically acclaimed and bestselling illustrator of That's Not My Name!, Bilal Cooks Daal, and I Am Perfectly Designed.

Nell of Gumbling: My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life by Emma Steinkellner Seventh grade is no fairy tale. From the bestselling author of Okay Witch comes an utterly enchanting graphic novel-diary hybrid about a twelve-year-old girl living an ordinary life in a magical land...disappointment, friend drama, adventure, mystery, and all! To everyone else, the Magical Land of Gumbling is something out of fairy tales. But to Nell Starkeeper, it's just home. Sure, the town community center might be a castle, her dads run a star farm, and her best friend Myra is a fairy, but Nell is much more interested in finding out if she'll get the seventh grade apprenticeship of her dreams with world-famous artist Wiz Bravo. She's pretty sure her entire life has been RUINED when she's instead matched with boring old Mrs. Birdneck in the town archives. And of course her perfect rival Leabelle gets to work with Wiz, and mean girl Viola won't let Nell forget it. Meanwhile, suddenly Myra seems more into hanging out with Leabelle and saving the town from some weird strangers who keep talking about turning Gumbling into a fancy resort than being friends with Nell anymore. Can Nell find a way to save everything that makes her world magical, while figuring out where she belongs in it?

Dot! Scribble! Go! by Hervé Tullet From Hervé Tullet, author of the New York Times bestseller Press Here, a picture book to unleash children's creativity: Using only a finger and a great deal of imagination, Hervé empowers readers to create a simple flower . . . an entire garden . . . and even whole new worlds! Once again, Hervé Tullet brilliantly and successfully coaxes children to recognize and celebrate their innate artistic talent. He convinces each reader that their hand is magic and capable of transforming a few simple lines, squiggles, dots, and shapes into . . . well, pretty much anything they can imagine! A new Hervé picture book is always a cause for celebration. This is his first in seven years and a companion to Press Here, Mix It Up!, and Let's Play! with all the hallmark whimsy and imagination that will delight his many fans. Whether enjoyed in a family living room, a kindergarten reading nook, or a preschool art class, there's something here to enchant every reader. AN INVITATION TO PLAY, EXPLORE, AND LEARN: Hervé is a master at involving his readers visually, intellectually, and physically in his books by inviting them to touch the pages and perform a series of fun activities, all to yield surprising and delightful results. SCREEN-FREE INTERACTIVITY: Without technology, electronic bells and whistles, or moving parts, Hervé's books brilliantly harness the imagination to let readers experience the world through new eyes. BUILDS DEXTERITY: For very young children, here's an innovative approach to building dexterity and a brilliant way to learn about following directions using simple hand movements and gestures.   CREATIVE VALUE: Combining rhythm, motion, and shapes with Hervé's signature bold primary colors and even a bonus gatefold, here's a great tool for arts education that will appeal to parents and educators looking to build children's creative thinking and curiosity skills. HIGH-PROFILE CREATOR: Hervé Tullet is a renowned artist and children's book author with more than eighty internationally acclaimed titles, including Mix It Up!, Let's Play!, Say Zoop! and, of course, Press Here, the longest-running picture book on the New York Times Bestseller List, celebrating nearly five years there! Perfect for: The millions of children and adults who love Hervé Tullet and his wonderful books Fun and interactive read-aloud book for families or small groups Toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers ready to learn about color and shapes in a fun and imaginative way Children's art programs Fans of The Dot; Dear Zoo;Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?; The Day the Crayons Quit, and other books about color, art, drawing, and creativity

Detective Duck: the Case of the Missing Tadpole (Detective Duck #2) by Henry Winkler; Lin Oliver; Dan. Santat (Illustrator) Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole is a hysterical, full-color chapter book adventure from New York Times bestselling creators--Emmy Award-winning actor Henry Winkler, children's book author Lin Oliver, and Caldecott Medal-winning author-illustrator Dan Santat Willow Feathers McBeaver, aka Detective Duck, is a crime-solving (and very precocious) little duck. She and her animal pals live on Dogwood Pond, a beautiful pond in New England adjacent to Lazy Days, a human campground. Dogwood Pond has always been a pristine spot with clear water, abundant wildlife, and shady willow trees, but now it is encountering puzzling problems--mysteries that arise from human-caused disruptions in nature, such as water pollution, refuse, warming climate, and human encroachment. When Tad the Tadpole goes missing, Detective Duck and her friends in the Pond Squad are on the case. What first seemed like a simple search and rescue mission gets more complicated when her friends find a pipe leaking a strange brown liquid and a cluster of peculiar blue-green plants that make it difficult for the pond creatures to breathe. Fortunately, Detective Duck is on the job, solving these puzzling mysteries before they get out of hand and destroy their habitat! The Pond Squad will have to work together to clean up their environment and bring Tad home in this charming new mystery. The Detective Duck series: Detective Duck: The Case of the Strange Splash (#1) Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole (#2)

World of Reading: Super Kitties: Vanishing Valentines by Annie Auerbach When Valentine's Day cards and treats go missing throughout Kittydale, the SuperKitties must track down the thief to save the holiday. This pawsome foursome of adorable kitties transform into fierce, furry super heroes anytime justice needs to be served. Based on the hit Disney Junior series SuperKitties, this early reader is perfect for fans aged 4 to 6. This Level 1 reader is Lexile leveled to align the reader and text at an appropriate level of reading difficulty. The use of simple text and word repetitions helps lead emergent readers to reading success.  Annie Auerbach is a New York Times bestselling author. She has written over 300 books for children, from board books to chapter books, and everything in between. Annie lives outside of Portland, Oregon with her husband and son. Add to your World of Reading collection!  ·       World of Reading: Meet the Firebuds ·       World of Reading: Mickey Friendship Tales ·       World of Reading: Meet Alice ·       World of Reading: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Super Hero Hiccups! ·       And More!

I Can Help in the Neighborhood by David Hyde Costello (Illustrator) With irresistible art and a timeless message,I Can Help in the Neighborhood shows how one act of kindness can lead to another - capturing the joy of paying it forward. Uh oh. Duck is lost. Luckily, Rabbit is around to help! Rabbit hops over the tall grass to reunite the lost duckling with their family. But soon, Rabbit needs help, too. We also meet a pigeon, raccoon, and many more animal friends, who all find themselves in tight spots around the neighborhood. But don't worry, there's always an animal friend ready to lend a hand! Don't miss the first book in the series: I Can Help!

Little Red, Autumn on the Farm by Will Hillenbrand Little Red--a heroic pickup truck who can fix anything--is determined to help his many truck friends in this autumn-themed seasonal follow up to Little Red, perfect for fans of The Leaf Thief.  "Reminiscent of Little Blue Truck .... and sure to be popular with tractor and truck fans." --School Library Journal The Shady Acre community is getting ready for the harvest festival, and there's lots to do to prepare for it. All the trucks have important jobs--but there are many in need of repair. No worries--just call on Little Red to help, and in the nick of time too! This preschool offering features trucks of all sizes: Quick Silver Combine, Purple Seeder, Blue Tractor, Green Bandwagon, Yellow Donut Truck, and Orange Hay Ride and reinforces the colors in the color wheel (truck-coded) as well as the colors of autumn.  "Not only an appealing tribute to fall, this sweet, simple story is about friendly cooperation and kindness.... Truck mavens will 'fall' for this seasonal homage." --Kirkus Reviews

The Night Mother Vol. 1 by Jeremy Lambert; Alexa Sharpe (Illustrator) "Myth-making with a majestic monster at its heart, laced with style and suspense." --Kirkus Reviews "A haunting yet poignant story that will leave readers hungry for more." --Publishers Weekly "Mysterious and spooky [...] This gothic graphic novel will appeal to young readers who want to branch out from the popular tropes of middle grade stories." --School Library Journal Endless night befalls a sleepy seaside town, leaving it to young Madeline Tock to save her community from a threat known only as the Night Mother . . . The moon is stuck like a broken clock in the midnight sky, the sun a distant memory. No one in this quiet seaside town can remember how long this unnatural darkness has lasted. No one, that is, except for the curious girl who lives in the graveyard, caring for the dead: twelve-year-old Madeline Tock. In gratitude, the departed whisper their worries to her, sounding just like her overprotective but loving father: beware this endless night and she who causes it. Because there's someone else who can hear the whispers, too . . . someone whose gown is a map of the cosmos, hair a tangled constellation, eyes like the lights of faraway stars. The Night Mother. Her elemental duty is to gather the souls of the dead in her lantern, then send them to their eternal rest as beautiful moonlight. But when her hunger for power drives her to take souls from the living, Madeline bravely stands up to defend her town and those she loves. Can Madeline help bring back the sun, or will she be lured by the starry promises of this mysterious woman? Written by Jeremy Lambert (Doom Patrol, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Goosebumps) and richly illustrated by Alexa Sharpe (Lumberjanes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Uncanny Magazine), The Night Mother is a lush gothic tale perfect for readers of all ages who relish in the wonder of the night sky.

Greenhouse of Horror by Liv Livingston; Glass House Glass House Graphics (Illustrator) Liv's class visits the greenhouse and encounters some strange plants in book three of the Spirited graphic chapter book series. Liv's science class has a new botany project: finding the plant that best represents them. Mrs. Arber, the ghost caring for (and haunting) the Gloomsdale Botanical Gardens, comes in to give a helping hand. In a town full of ghosts, Liv isn't even sure she knows who she is, but when she meets a new ghost friend, she discovers that maybe she's not the only one feeling like the odd-ghoul-out.

One Hen and Then by Katie Smith Milway; Mary Beth Leatherdale; Tequitia Andrews (Illustrator) Kojo's family doesn't have much. But Kojo has big dreams and one big idea. It starts with him borrowing money to buy a fluffy white hen. The hen provides his family with eggs, and even some extras he can sell at the market. With the money he makes, Kojo pays back his loan and buys more hens. More hens mean more eggs to sell. With the profits from the egg sales, he can pay his school fees and then go to college, where he learns more about raising chickens. And, in time, Kojo's dreams come true: He becomes the owner of a thriving business - and the person who can help other big dreamers in his community.Adapted from the bestselling book One Hen, which was inspired by the real-life experiences of Dr. Kwabena Darko, this picture book, written by award-winning authors Katie Smith Milway and Mary Beth Leatherdale, presents an easy-to-understand explanation of microfinance for younger readers. Through a relatable main character and a step-by-step narrative, the accessible story describes how one small loan can uplift an entire community. Colorful illustrations by Tequitia Andrews help to clarify the concepts and add texture and visual appeal. This book is part of the popular CitizenKid collection of books aligned to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Adapted to suit a younger audience aged 5-8, One Hen and Then is an excellent accompaniment to lessons on global communities, mathematics and basic money management. Back matter includes a note from Dr. Darko, more about microfinancing, resources and questions for discussion.

Reina Ramos: Neighborhood Helper by Emma Otheguy; Andrés Landazábal (Illustrator) Reina helps her neighbors in this Level Two I Can Read story about Reina Ramos, a loyal friend whose high-spirited antics sometimes cause chaos but who always finds a way to make things right! Features Spanish vocabulary and a glossary. Reina's school is holding a food drive for the local shelter, and the classroom that collects the most cans wins a pizza party! Reina is so excited, but Abuela is too busy helping a neighbor with a new baby to help Reina with her school project. If her class doesn't win, can Reina still find a way to help out Reina Ramos: Neighborhood Helper is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. The story also 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 ayuda a los vecinos.

Dog Man: Big Jim Begins: a Graphic Novel (Dog Man #13): from the Creator of Captain Underpants (Library Edition) by Dav Pilkey (Illustrator) In DOG MAN: BIG JIM BEGINS, discover the origin of our beloved characters from the Dog Man series as they join forces to stop the Space Cuties from destroying the city. Will the past predict the future for Dog Man and his friends? Will goodness and bravery prevail? Can anything happen if you truly believe? Get ready for another unforgettable book in the #1 worldwide bestselling series from acclaimed graphic novelist and award-winning illustrator Dav Pilkey. AND coming soon, the Dog Man movie from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures! For more heartfelt and humorous adventures, join Flippy and Li'l Petey in the Cat Kid Comic Club series. Have fun with creativity with the official coloring book, Dog Man with Love. And don't forget about the series that started it all: Captain Underpants!

Warriors Graphic Novel: the Prophecies Begin #1 by Erin Hunter; Natalie Riess (Illustrator); Sara Goetter (Illustrator) An instant New York Times bestseller! With more than 40 million copies sold, Erin Hunter's Warriors series has taken the world by storm and is now available in a full-color graphic novel adaptation. The first book covers the first two original novels in The Prophecies Begin: Into the Wild and Fire and Ice. A perfect introduction to the world of Warriors for any new readers and the ultimate gift for its legions of fans! For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest. But the cats of ThunderClan are in grave danger, and sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. In the midst of this turmoil appears a house cat named Rusty--who may turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.  Ever since the first Warriors book hit shelves, readers have devoured these epic adventures. This stunning new adaptation retells the original Warriors story arc as a full-color graphic novel.

Nell of Gumbling: My Extremely Tiny Forest Adventure by Emma Steinkellner Nell of Gumbling and her diary are back! From the bestselling author of The Okay Witch comes another adventure from a twelve-year-old girl living an ordinary life in a magical land. Will an epically enchanted camping trip gone wrong...turn out fantastically right? Welcome back to Gumbling-Nell Starkeeper's extremely normal fairy-tale hometown. And things couldn't be more happily-ever-awesome, because Nell is about to go on a Gumbling rite of passage-the Multi-Disciplinary Wilderness Engagement Adventure-when all of the seventh graders spend a whole week in the forest! Sure, it's an Enchanted Forest that's full of gumblecreatures, where your most secret wish could be granted at any moment, but that's nothing unusual around here. What's REALLY magical is that Nell gets to be on a team with ALL her best friends, learning about nature stuff and teamwork and having their very own campout (including roasting marshmallows)! Great friends + forest fun = best summer ever... Except her Thumbkin friend Gil has been a bit of a grump lately. And everyone's secret crushes are making things super awkward...So when the whole gang gets shrunk down to Thumbkin size after a wish gone wrong, Nell's problems get a whole lot bigger. Can Nell and her friends find a way to work together and celebrate each other's strengths AND vulnerabilities...or will this camp-out be a GIANT disaster?

Summer Is Here by Renée Watson; Bea Jackson (Illustrator) Celebrate iconic childhood joys in this love letter to summer featuring bright, sun-drenched art, from New York Times bestselling creators Renée Watson and Bea Jackson. Summer is here! No dark clouds in the sky, it's a perfect day for play. What joy will summer bring me today? Summer is finally here, and she's bringing the most perfect day! From sunup to sundown, there's so much to do on this lovely summer day. With summer comes fresh fruit, sweet and tangy, jump ropes for leaping and dancing, and friends at the pool swimming and floating. Summer brings family cookouts under shady trees, gardens overflowing, and the familiar song of the ice-cream truck. This beautiful ode to all the season's sensations follows one girl's perfect day in an exploration of joy, family, friendship, sunshine, and wonder. Her stars shimmer like spilled glitter across the sky. I whisper a wish and say goodbye to the day. I wish summer would stay.

Up, up, Ever up! Junko Tabei: a Life in the Mountains by Anita Yasuda; Yuko Shimizu (Illustrator) A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year! Anita Yasuda's evocative picture book biography about Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Everest, is equal parts grit and grace. Dazzlingly illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Yuko Shimizu. "An inspiring biography of a trailblazing woman, lyrically told and lushly illustrated. This important story reminds us that pursuing our dreams can not only empower us but others as well." --Andrea Wang, bestselling author of the Newbery Honor- and Caldecott Medal-winning Watercress "A heartwarming and inspiring story of how climbing can ultimately connect us back down with the earth and those around us." --Ashima Shiraishi, bestselling author of How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion "If the world doesn't know who Junko Tabei was, then this is the introduction." --Ken Mochizuki, bestselling author of Baseball Saved Us Junko Tabei dreamed of a life climbing mountains. But men refused to climb with her. Sponsors told her to stay home. And gloves were not made to fit her hands. Junko, eager and unstoppable, wouldn't let these obstacles get in her way. Instead, she planned an expedition to summit Mount Everest with an all-women team. Battling icy peaks, deep crevasses, and even an avalanche, Junko refused to give up. She climbed step by step . . . up, up, ever up! After summiting the world's tallest peak, Junko took on a new challenge: protecting the wild spaces she loved for future generations. This gorgeously illustrated celebration of a trailblazing climber who shattered gender stereotypes invites us to dare to reach our dreams--no matter how big.

Stella and Marigold by Annie Barrows; Sophie Blackall (Illustrator) From the creatorsof the New York Times-bestselling Ivy + Beancomes a fun and funny new series about two small sisters with very big imaginations. Generations of readers have fallen in love with Ivy + Bean, which has sold over 8 million copies and been adapted into a popular Netflix Original Film series. Now, bestsellingauthor Annie Barrows and illustrator Sophie Blackall are back with the first book in a bright new series about a pair of sisters named Stella and Marigold. Stella, who's seven, is kind, a good storyteller, and ponders big questions like, what do animals think of people? Marigold, at four, tells imaginative stories (her mother calls them fibs) and likes to wear her favorite Halloween costume year-round.Stella and Marigold do all the regular things--like going to school, playing, getting sick sometimes, and visiting the zoo--but even the most regular things have a secret side. Sure to delight fans of Ivy and Bean, these adventure tales--animated with full-color illustrations of the sisters' encounters with magical bathrooms, snow monkeys, dream lions, howling wolves, a lost Vice President, and much more--are filled with vibrant characters, creative storytelling, and a whole lot of laughs. BELOVED CHILDREN'S BOOK CREATORS: Annie Barrows is the author of numerous award-winning and New York Times-bestselling books for children and adults, including The Magic Half, The Best of Iggy Series, and The Truth According to Us. Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator of over 50 books for children, including the 2016 Caldecott Medal winner Finding Winnie and the 2019 Caldecott Medal winner Hello Lighthouse, which she also wrote.

Upstaged (a Graphic Novel) by Robin Easter "Sharply written and evocative" -- Publishers Weekly, starred review "This theater camp has plenty of captivating drama both on stage and off!" --Kayla Miller, New York Times bestselling creator of the Click graphic novel series In a summer of goodbyes and new beginnings, shy Ashton Price hopes to confess to their theater camp crush in this heartfelt middle-grade graphic novel. Perfect for fans of The Tryout and The Girl from the Sea. This is it: the last hurrah, the final curtain call.  Ever since sixth grade, Ashton Price and their best friend and enduring crush, Ivy Santos, have spent their summers together at theater camp. Now it's their last year before they part ways for high school, and Ash is determined to end it on a high note! With Ash as stage manager and Ivy the lead in this year's musical, this summer's shaping up to be everything the two could have hoped for. Maybe Ash will even work up the courage to ask Ivy out! But between Ivy rehearsing long hours with her colead and Ash throwing themself into an ambitious stage production, will they end up drifting apart instead? As summer wanes and September looms, Ash and Ivy's friendship will change forever, one way or another.

Hungry Bones by Louise Hung A chilling middle grade novel about a girl haunted by a hungry ghost. Molly Teng sees things no one else can. By touching the belongings of people who have died, she gets brief glimpses into the lives they lived. Sometimes the "zaps" are funny or random, but often they leave her feeling sad, drained, and lonely. The last thing Jade remembers from life is dying. That was over one hundred years ago. Ever since then she's been trapped in the same house watching people move in and out. She's a 'hungry ghost' reliant on the livings' food scraps to survive. To most people she is only a shadow, a ghost story, a superstition. Molly is not most people. When she moves into Jade's house, nothing will ever be the same--for either of them. After over a century alone, Jade might finally have someone who can help her uncover the secrets of her past, and maybe even find a way out of the house--before her hunger destroys them both.

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

Mexikid by Pedro. Martín (Illustrator) NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER * An unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican American boy's family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico "One of those books that kids will pass to their friends as soon as they have finished it."--Victoria Jamieson, creator of the National Book Award finalist When Stars Are Scattered WINNER OF THE PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR AWARD AND ILLUSTRATOR AWARD * ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library Pedro Martín has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito--his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.

Rosie's Wild Ride by Paige Murray; Jim Madsen (Illustrator); Kristen Humphrey (Illustrator) Meet Rosie, the big horse with even bigger dreams! In Rosie's Wild Ride, Clydesdale horse Rosie and her cowgirl friend Oakley want to be rodeo stars, but what happens when the competition doesn't quite go as planned? In this beautiful, inspiring picture book, readers will learn the importance of teamwork, chasing their dreams, and daring to ask, "What if I can?" Rosie the Clydesdale is a BIG horse. She likes her life on the ranch and helping the farmer with his chores, but she also has a secret dream: she wants to be a rodeo star. She finally gets her chance when she teams up with a plucky cowgirl named Oakley, but the rodeo events aren't designed for a big horse like Rosie. When a rogue bull disrupts the competition, though, Rosie and Oakley might be the only ones big and brave enough to stop him. From debut children's author Paige Murray comes a rodeo adventure complete with roping, riding, and racing--based on real animals from her own Texas ranch. This picture book for ages 4-8: Is an inspiring, animal-filled story of resilience and self-confidence Features beautiful, engaging artwork and photos of the real-life Rosie and Oakley Includes fun horse and rodeo facts in the back matter Is written by Paige Murray, debut author and wife of nine-time World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray

You Will Always Have Me by Todd Parr This celebration of unconditional love and support from New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr is the perfect gift for graduations, Valentine's Day, and Mother's or Father's Day.  With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible. When you fall down. When you are scared. If you get a bad haircut. You will always have me! In this sweet picture book, Todd Parr celebrates the care and support we all need to thrive with his signature mix of humor and heart. You Will Always Have Me reminds readers that someone is always there for you--be it a parent or other family member, a friend, or even a pet. When you're sad or mad, when you feel like you're not good enough, and when you're excited and proud of who you are...you will always be loved!

Big Dog and Little Dog by Dav Pilkey In this My First I Can Read!, best friends Big Dog and Little Dog find themselves in a particularly muddy situation! Created by Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. Big Dog and Little Dog go for a walk--and walk straight into a mess! The doggie duo discover that both mud patches and rain puddles make for a great outdoor adventure, and that even a bath is more fun with a friend by your side. With easy vocabulary, repetition, and bold illustrations, acclaimed children's book creator Dav Pilkey taps into the joys of childhood friends through his tales of two lovable dog pals. Includes activities. Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk is a My First I Can Read book with basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations ideal for sharing with your emergent reader. The first step to helping children become great readers is reading aloud to them. Books at this level have short, compelling stories and are written with simple vocabulary. Repeated phrases allow young readers to read some words along with their caregivers.

The First Snow by Marie Stumpfova (Illustrator); Radek Maly Experience the magic of the first snow as Agnes and Stefan embark on a backyard adventure in this poetic picture book. Step into a winter wonderland with The First Snow, a heartwarming picture book that transports readers to the enchanting world of Agnes and Stefan. Set in a cozy garden, the story unfolds as the first snowfall blankets the landscape, sparking the children's imaginations. Through beautifully poetic illustrations, young readers are invited to join Agnes and Stefan on their whimsical journey, where a snowy lawn becomes an endless plain, and a bear becomes their trusty companion. This captivating tale captures the joy and magic of a snowy day, igniting the imaginations of children and adults alike." The First Snow is a timeless tale that celebrates the pure and boundless wonder of childhood. With its poetic prose and enchanting illustrations, it engages the senses and sparks the imagination of young readers. This book is a delightful addition to any child's library, promising cozy moments of shared reading and cherished memories. It invites families to embrace the magic of a snowy day and kindles the spirit of adventure and creativity in children. Perfect for parents and caregivers looking for a heartwarming story to share with their little ones, The First Snow captures the essence of childhood joy and the beauty of a snowy landscape.

Escaping Peril: a Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #8) by Tui T. Sutherland; Mike Holmes (Illustrator) The graphic novel adaptations of the #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series continue to set the world on fire! Peril has been loyal to Queen Scarlet, who used her fatal firescales to kill countless dragons in the SkyWing arena. Now, Peril is loyal to Clay, the only dragonet who has ever been her friend. So when Scarlet threatens Jade Mountain Academy, Peril sets off to find her former queen, stop her, and save the day, no matter what it takes. There's just one problem: a strangely persistent SeaWing, Turtle, insists on coming along, too. Turtle is worried about his friends, who left to search for Scarlet and haven't returned. Peril is worried that she might accidentally burn Turtle -- or burn him on purpose, for being so annoying -- and frustrated that she keeps saying and doing the wrong things. She can't escape her firescales, and she can't escape her reputation as the deadliest dragon in Pyrrhia. So when she's offered a chance to trade everything for a new life, Peril has to decide who she's really loyal to . . . and whether her own scales might actually be worth saving. The #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series soars to new heights in the eighth graphic novel adaptation, with art by Mike Holmes.

Weirdo by Tony Weaver; Jes Wibowo (Illustrator); Cin Wibowo (Illustrator) A Kirkus Best Book of the Year A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year A People Magazine Best Book of the Year From rising star Tony Weaver, Jr. comes a middle-grade graphic novel memoir about an awkward preteen who loves all things geeky but struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt, perfect for fans of Jerry Craft's New Kid. Eleven-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, anime, and video games, and idolizes the heroic, larger-than-life characters he finds there. But his new classmates all think he's a weirdo. Bullied by his peers, Tony struggles with the hurt of not being accepted and tries to conform to other people's expectations. After a traumatic event shakes him to his core, he embarks on a journey of self love that will require him to become the hero of his own story. Weirdo is a triumphant, witty, and comedic story for any kid who's ever felt awkward, left out, or like they don't belong. An adolescence survival guide that will give every reader the confidence to make it to the other side. Praise for Weirdo: "I've been singing the praises of Tony Weaver Jr. for years, and here, I'm proud to say, he's given me one more reason to do so. Weirdo is more than a graphic novel about bullying or misfits. It's a blinding light of a tale about a boy who fights to become himself. About an oddball who finds wonder in his own weirdness. It's a reminder that we all have a place. And people. And some of us have a particular point of view on the world. I'm so happy Tony is using his to bring such palpable joy, love, and imagination to it." --Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Look Both Ways "Tony's Heartfelt story reminds us Why Embracing Individuality Radically Defies Obstacles." --Jerry Craft, 2020 Newbery and Coretta Scott King Book Award winner for New Kid "Weirdo empowers readers to celebrate their own identities and offers hope to find the crew that will love you for all of your magnificent quirks!" --Jarrett J. Krosoczka, National Book Award finalist for Hey, Kiddo "Weirdo is a powerful story filled with empathy about the effects of bullying and how we can attempt to cope with it." --Dan Santat, 2023 National Book Award Winner for A First Time for Everything

Moana's Canoe Crew (Disney Moana 2) by RH Disney; Disney Storybook Disney Storybook Art Team (Illustrator) This Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader is based on Disney Moana 2, releasing in theaters on November 27th, 2024! Walt Disney Animation Studios' epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced. Directed by Dave Derrick Jr. with music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa'i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, Moana 2 opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024. Children ages 4 to 6 will love this Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader based on the animated feature film. Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Chip Plays Grown-Up by Maddie Frost (Illustrator) Meet the newest I Can Read Comics character, Chip! 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.   Meet Chip, a lively penguin with big ideas, created by Maddie Frost, one of the funniest author-illustrators around! Chip doesn't want to go to bed, so he has a great idea--switching roles with Mom so he can stay up like a grown-up! Join Chip's adventures in this Level Two I Can Read Comics, perfect for shared reading. Social and emotional learnings abound--but always in a way that will appeal to young readers' funny bones! ·      Initiative ·      Self-advocacy ·      Delayed gratification ·      Setting goals ·      Identifying solutions ·      Communicating effectively

No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #18) by Jeff Kinney In No Brainer, book 18 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, it's up to Greg to save his crumbling school before it's shuttered for good. Up until now, middle school hasn't exactly been a joyride for Greg Heffley. So when the town threatens to close the crumbling building, he's not too broken up about it. But when Greg realizes this means he's going to be sent to a different school than his best friend, Rowley Jefferson, he changes his tune. Can Greg and his classmates save their school before it's shuttered for good? Or is this the start of a whole new chapter for Greg? Collect all the books in the #1 bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (#1) | Rodrick Rules (#2) | The Last Straw (#3) | Dog Days (#4) | The Ugly Truth (#5) | Cabin Fever (#6) | The Third Wheel (#7) | Hard Luck (#8) | The Long Haul (#9) | Old School (#10) | Double Down (#11) | The Getaway (#12) | The Meltdown (#13) | Wrecking Ball (#14) | The Deep End (#15) | Big Shot (#16) | Diper Överlöde (#17) | No Brainer (#18) | Hot Mess (#19) See the Wimpy Kid World in a whole new way with the #1 bestselling Awesome Friendly books, told from the perspective of Greg Heffley's best friend Rowley Jefferson: Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal | Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure | Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

Fangs for the Memories by Liv Livingston; Glass House Glass House Graphics (Illustrator) Liv's vampire friend loses a prized fang in book four of the Spirited graphic chapter book series. Liv Livingston is having a ghoul-tastic day at her vampire friend Vera van Pire's house--which is not the totally creepy castle Liv expected--with their were-pup friend, Howl. But when the trio play Bat Ball, Vera loses one of her fangs! To make things worse, picture day is tomorrow! Can Vera's glittering vampire grin be restored, or is she doomed to fade into the flash?

Nancy Spector, Monster Detective: the Case of the Missing Spot (a Graphic Novel) by Stephen W. Martin; Linh Pham (Illustrator) Intrepid eight-year-old detective Nancy Spector and her talking dog, Jinx, search high and low for an invisible dog in this laugh-a-minute, fast-paced graphic novel perfect for fans of Dungeon Critters and The Mighty Jack. The Invisible Man has a problem. His dog, Spot, is missing. Complicating matters, Spot is also invisible. So the Invisible Man turns to Nancy Spector for help. Nancy eagerly takes the case, and she and her grumpy best friend, a (visible) dog named Jinx, dive into the investigation.   As they follow Spot's trail, they find themselves: Riding dragons Searching the monster diner--because all dogs like hot dogs Fleeing from vicious chipmunk unicorns Shopping in a store that is a gelatinous candy cube named Bob  And paying a visit to Nancy's vampire friend Eugene's hamster's funeral  Every time they think Spot is right around the corner, things get more and more confusing, but Nancy knows that to a great detective, there is no such thing as a bad clue. And Nancy knows she's a great detective. Now she just needs to crack the case. . .

Leon: Worst Friends Forever: a Graphic Novel (Leon #2) by Jamar Nicholas (Illustrator) Leon struggles with a super ego -- and a super secret! -- in the second graphic novel in Jamar Nicholas's action-packed, heartfelt, and joyously funny series. After saving his classmates from The Monocle, and now that he has access to tons of cool crime-fighting gadgets, Leon is the superhero his school needs. Or at least... he thinks he is. Leon's vigil-antics make Mom and Principal Principle angry, but even worse, they cause a conflict with his best friend, Carlos, who starts to draw mean comics about Leon. Meanwhile, Leon struggles to keep his mom's superhero identity a secret. Can Leon dig deep and rediscover his heart and common sense? Or will his bad behavior reach a point of no return?

Sweet Valley Twins: Teacher's Pet by Francine Pascal; Claudia Aguirre (Illustrator); Nicole Andelfinger (Adapted by) The Wakefield twins return in this graphic novel adaptation of the New York Times best-selling Sweet Valley Twins series! It's Elizabeth's turn in the spotlight... but does Jessica deserve it more? Jessica knows she's the better dancer - but their teacher only seems to have eyes for her sister Elizabeth! No matter how hard or perfectly she dances she's not getting recognized - which becomes a huge problem when it becomes clear that her sister is going to get the main role of Swanilda instead of her. Even worse, Elizabeth refuses to believe that their teacher is favoring her! With Jessica's attitude rapidly souring and Elizabeth slowly realizing that Jessica might actually be right, will they be able to find a way to get Jessica her leading role? Francine Pascal's beloved Sweet Valley Twins series continues with Claudia Aguirre offering her fresh and modern artwork just right for today's contemporary middle-grade graphic novel.

The Holiday Party (Disney Frozen) by Andrea Posner-Sanchez; RH Disney (Illustrator) Celebrate the holidays in Arendelle with Disney Frozen's Anna and Elsa in this Step 2 Step into Reading levelled reader! It's wintertime in Arendelle and Anna and Elsa want to make it the best one ever! Find out how the royal sisters from Disney's award-winning movie Frozen celebrate the holidays in the Step 2 leveled reader--the perfect stocking stuffer for kids ages 4-6! 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.

Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi **WINNER of the NATIONAL BOOK AWARD for Young People's Literature** This heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh-grade Syrian American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle school. "The exact type of book I would've loved, and needed, as a kid." -- Jasmine Warga, New York Times bestselling author of and Newbery Honor recipient for Other Words for Home Seventh grade begins, and Kareem's already fumbled it.   His best friend moved away, he messed up his tryout for the football team, and because of his heritage, he was voluntold to show the new kid--a Syrian refugee with a thick and embarrassing accent--around school. Just when Kareem thinks his middle school life has imploded, the hotshot QB promises to get Kareem another tryout for the squad. There's a catch: to secure that chance, Kareem must do something he knows is wrong. Then, like a surprise blitz, Kareem's mom returns to Syria to help her family but can't make it back home. If Kareem could throw a penalty flag on the fouls of his school and home life, it would be for unnecessary roughness. Kareem is stuck between. Between countries. Between friends, between football, between parents--and between right and wrong. It's up to him to step up, find his confidence, and navigate the beauty and hope found somewhere in the middle.

I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) by Lauren Tarshis The Black Death was a pandemic of unimaginable propotions, taking the lives of 75 - 200 million people worldwide. Lauren Tarshis's story of one girl surviving the plague pulses with terror, action, and hope. The deadliest disease in the history of the world... Elsie dreams of becoming a brave warrior like her father, who is an archer fighting in England's war against France. But life isn't fair in 1348 Europe. Peasant girls like Elsie can't be archers or knights or anything exciting. Then one day in the forest, Elsie and her best friend, Humphrey, discover a chest filled with stolen treasures -- and a dangerous secret. At last Elsie has a chance to prove that she's as brave as any knight. Little does she know that a deadly illness -- the Black Death -- has begun its attack on England. It's already killed millions around the world. And now it's come for Elsie. New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tells the story of how one girl finds incredible hope amid illness and grief. Includes a section of nonfiction back matter with more facts and photos about the real-life event.

Before You Were Here by Scott Westerfeld; Jessica Lanan (Illustrator) Dive into a vibrant celebration of our connection to the natural world in this stunning picture book perfect for fans of Matt de la Peña and Loren Long's LOVE and Jason Chin's THE UNIVERSE IN YOU. Before you were here, you were everywhere... You were once the sunshine when it struck the trees. You were water, powerful enough to wear away mountains. You were soil deep beneath the earth. Now that you're here, the world waits for you. Everywhere. Follow a young child as he explores the world around him and begins to understand that he is connected to all things -- sunshine which nourishes us, water which makes up most of our bodies, and soil which contains minerals that keep us strong and healthy. Blending a tale of new life with real science, this picture book by New York Times bestselling author of the Uglies series Scott Westerfeld and illustrated by Sibert Honor-winning Jessica Lanan is a sweeping ode to a parent's love for their child, budding life, and the Earth that we live on. *Includes robust backmatter that expands on the ways the natural world lives in our bodies.