My Little Cities: London
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"Friendly bustle on every page." —Publishers Weekly
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
My Little Cities: New York
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"Friendly bustle on every page." —Publishers Weekly
"Delightful. sure to promote toddler wanderlust." —Kirkus Reviews
"Clever and fun. loaded with child appeal." —School Library Journal
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
My Little Cities: Paris
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"An appropriately bright and brief introduction." —Kirkus Reviews
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
My Little Cities: San Francisco
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"An appropriately bright and brief introduction." —Kirkus Reviews
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
The Fox Wish
Written by Kimiko Aman and Illustrated by Komako Sakai
A CCBC Choices List
★"A sweet, compelling yarn that perfectly captures the archetypal childhood synthesis of fantasy and reality." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"A charming and playful exploration of wish fulfillment." —Booklist
Make it stand out
Written by Rebecca Balcarcel
A Pura Belpré Author Award Honor, Booklist Top 10 First Novel of the Year, ALA Notable Book, Spirit of Texas Reading List selection, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, Amazon Prime Book selection, and JLG selection
★ "Balcárcel's well-rounded characters, complex friendships, and nuanced family dynamics will resonate with many readers. This is a title that will remain relevant long past its publication date. A must-have for all library collections." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ "A lovely, moving, and realistic view of the struggles and insecurities—as well as the beauty—that comes from being bicultural." —Booklist, Starred Review
Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Written by Rebecca Balcarcel
A Pura Belpré Author Award Honor, Booklist Top 10 First Novel of the Year, ALA Notable Book, Spirit of Texas Reading List selection, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, Amazon Prime Book selection, and JLG selection
★ "Balcárcel's well-rounded characters, complex friendships, and nuanced family dynamics will resonate with many readers. This is a title that will remain relevant long past its publication date. A must-have for all library collections." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ "A lovely, moving, and realistic view of the struggles and insecurities—as well as the beauty—that comes from being bicultural." —Booklist, Starred Review
The Upside Down Hat
Written by Stephen Barr and Illustrated by Gracey Zhang
A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2022
“Debut author Barr keeps the language simple and lyrical. Watercolor illustrations vibrating with wobbly lines suggest life and motion . . . The last double-page spread . . . depicting the boy on stilts clomping into the distance wearing the hat while his avian friends play in a birdbath, is a joyous conclusion . . .” —Kirkus Reviews
"A lullingly spare story . . . with exquisite, Bemelmans-like illustrations . . . With contrails of The Little Prince and magic-carpet colors, even adults will be transported." —The New York Times
Maurice
Written and Illustrated by Jessixa Bagley
An Undie Award Winner
★”[T]he quietly happy ending arrives at a measured pace, slowly assuring Maurice, and readers, that love and the pursuit of beauty endure across time and seasons.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“[A] sweet, quiet, contemplative story about the joys of sharing love.” —Kirkus Reviews
"[C]harms, with …clarity about simple pleasures.” —School Library Journal
The Long Island
By Drew Beckmeyer
A Klaus Flugge Longlist
"Rich discussions will arise after reading." —Publishers Weekly
"Beautiful and skillful. Daring. Every reader may come away from this curious and quiet book with a different message, and the deeper meanings are an intriguing challenge to parse." —Kirkus Reviews
"A lighthearted look at imaginative play and friendship, perfect for storytime or readers' theater productions." —School Library Journal
"Feels a bit like a fable." —Geek Dad
"Reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are in its spare prose and powerful imagery, it's a book that takes your breath away - before leading to deep discussions about the tantalizing unknowns in our world." —Fatherly
Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things We Fouled Up
Written by Jenn Bishop
“A top seed for collections and slam dunk for sports fans.” —Booklist
“Rich in tight bonds as well as savvy coaching on both game play and forgiveness.” —Kirkus Reviews
Art Boss
Written by Kayla Cagan
"A great read for any artist aspiring to greatness." —Booklist
"This enjoyable read contains many New York City details that ring true and. an engaging portrait of the artist as a young woman." —Kirkus Reviews
Piper Perish
By Kayla Cagan
An Indie Next Pick, A Spirit of Texas Reading Program (SPOT) High School List selection, and Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog selection
★ "Cagan tells Piper's story with amazing authenticity. soulful reading for any artistic teen with a dream." —Booklist, Starred Review
Rule of Threes
By Marcy Campbell
A Choose to Read Ohio selection
“Rule of Threes’. . . knockout premise is entirely Campbell's. . . . [M]eticulously crafted. . .” —Shelf Awareness
"Campbell portrays Maggie's complex troubles sympathetically while still pushing back on her insecure insularity through characterization, and gradually, Maggie grows to become more open to change and empathy. Her problems are a lot for a sixth-grader to handle, which makes her personal victory more meaningful." —Booklist
"Threaded with relevant design precepts, Campbell's engaging tale of redefining family is anchored by occasionally prickly Maggie's voice as she learns to loosen her own rules and find harmony in the imperfect." —Publishers Weekly
"Campbell effectively highlights the small details that make the family feel authentic. . . and allows the title rule (which identifies the elements of good design) to shape the story without being an overwhelming metaphor. Issues of drug abuse are handled in an age-appropriate way, and the balance of high- and low-stakes problems in Maggie's world is effective." —The Horn Book Magazine
Lowriders Blast From The Past
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl the Third
A Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List selection, and Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children's Literature Winner
"Discussions of indigenous languages, a gentle dose of physics, and a compassionate message about bullying give this cartoonish adventure some meaningful depth." —Booklist
"Fans of the two previous slapstick adventures will eagerly welcome back Lupe and the gang's Spanish-infused exploits." —Kirkus Reviews
Lowriders In Space
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl The Third
A Texas Bluebonnet selection and Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ “Readers will rejoice in their triumph. As a celebration of Latino lowrider culture, too, it’s estellar." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★“This buoyant graphic novel highlights lowrider culture with all the flair the subject deserves." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Starred Review
Lowriders To The Rescue
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl The Third
“[T]he message is a good one [and] the inspired art will entice readers. . . . Vibrant visuals will draw kids into a story with an optimistic message about standing up to injustice.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This bursting medley of community and planetary mindfulness is as colorful as it is inventive.” —School Library Journal
Lowriders To The Center of The Earth
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl The Third
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner
"Satisfyingly over-the-top mayhem." —Kirkus Reviews
"The wild antics, exuberant illustrations, and frequent Spanish will launch the Lowriders straight into many hearts." —Booklist
T.Rex Time Machine
By Jared Chapman
"Should leave young readers amused-and maybe a little hungry." —Kirkus Reviews
"Chapman fully exploits this wacky premise. to bring hungry dinosaurs into today's glorious pizza-filled reality." —Publishers Weekly
"Buoyant illustrations will keep readers giggling, and the dialogue bubbles will make for high-energy read-alouds." —Booklist
"[T. Rex Time Machine: Dinos in De-Nile] is stuffed with all the wacky fantasies a child could want. The zany misadventures of these dinosaurs are just perfect for kids looking for a laugh." —School Library Journal
T.Rex Time Machine: Dinos In De-Nile
By Jared Chapman
"A most excellent adventure, with more (Hint: Can you say "Aaarrrgh!"?) to come." —Kirkus Reviews
"In this hilarious follow-up to T. Rex Time Machine (2018), the two intrepid time-traveling dinosaurs land in Egypt during Tutankhamen's reign, damaging a newly built pyramid in the process. The spirited story and clever quips will have readers laughing throughout, and the comic-book-style illustrations perfectly suit the punchy tone." —Booklist
Mr. Watson’s Chickens
Written by Jarrett Dapier and Illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi
A NPR Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, Bookpage Best Book of the Year, and Pride and Less Prejudice selection
★“[Mr. Watson’s Chickens] is one of the year’s most entertaining and bighearted picture books. You might even say it’s in fine feather.” —BookPage, Starred Review
★ “ Subtle background portraits of Tove Jansson as well as Frog and Toad gently hint at the history of queer creators in children’s literature, while the carousing chickens draw most of the attention—and all of the laughs.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Readers who are patient enough to examine the illustrations carefully will be rewarded with surprising and humorous moments outside the primary narrative.” —School Library Journal
“[S]illy [and] fun with nice moments of repetitive and interactive text… a subtle but constant stream of acceptance and representation.” —Booklist Reviews
“ Chicken-loving lapsitters will find much to look at.” —Kirkus Reviews
Tiny Infinities
By J. H. Diehl
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year and Mighty Girl Book of the Year
"Alice is a strong, self-driven girl determined to excel. Diehl possesses real potential as a middle grade writer with descriptive imagery that can be quite beautiful." —School Library Journal
"Diehl has a lovely writing style and wastes no time getting readers on Alice's side." —Kirkus Reviews
"Lush, layered, and languidly paced . . . this is a keenly perceptive and nuanced story awaiting just the right reader." —Booklist
"A story that is as smoothly lyrical and full of ordinary wonder as it is realistic." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
The Pomegranate Witch
Written by Denise Doyen and Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
An Amazon Best Book of the Year
★ "Luscious rhymes and an atmospheric eeriness immerse readers in a neighborhood battle." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"The story's a treat." —Booklist
Her Right Foot
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Shawn Harris
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Picture Book of the Year, Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book, JLG selection, A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of the Year, BookPage Best Children's Books of the Year, Mighty Girl Book of the Year, and ILA Teachers Choice
★ “In a time when immigration is a hot-button issue, it's good to be reminded that Lady Liberty continues to lift her lamp beside the golden door.” —Booklist, Starred Review
★ “Thought-provoking.” —Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books, Starred Review
★ “A timely immigrant's tale.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
★ “Crucial.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ “Heartfelt throughout and indisputable timely.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ “Unique and important.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ “Vital.” —School Library Connection, Starred Review
Most Of The Better Natural Things In The World
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated Angel Chang
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ "[S]tunning artwork makes a case for environmentalism and will have readers strapping on a chair and heading out in search of our planet's diverse and wondrous beauty." —Booklist, Starred Review
★ "Dave Eggers's stunning picture book introduces the youngest readers to words that identify the natural world's wonders." —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
★ "An artistic envisioning of a list poem, of sorts, about place. Repeated perusals will have readers proclaiming it's grrrrr-eat." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
Tomorrow Most Likely
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Lane Smith
An Amazon Best Book of the Month and Amazon Prime Box selection
★ "Highly recommended . . . an outstanding storytime selection." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Gentle, playful . . . heartfelt." —Kirkus Reviews
"The soothing repetition of 'tomorrow most likely' provides an ostinato for quirky, tongue-in-cheek observations." —Publishers Weekly
We Became Jaguars
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Woodrow White
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ "The vivid concept that a grandmother's visit delivers danger and freedom instead of cozy reassurance is a winner, and Eggers develops it with easy humor and jaguar-speed pacing." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "Children will relish this book's blurred ambiguities; what's real and what's imagined are as hard to distinguish as a jaguar in the shadows. A fresh inversion of expectations told in vivid art and idiom." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ "[The] playfulness isn't restricted to language. White's illustrations are spirited and clever . . . [and] sumptuously depicted. . . . White's color palette is beautiful. . . . [S]o fantastic it feels real, or so real that it feels fantastic? A must-have tale about the power of imagination." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
What Can A Citizen Do?
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Shawn Harris
A Time Magazine Top 10 Book of the Year, WSRA Picture This! List selection and Illinois Reads K-2 list selection
★ "This must-have book distills the fundamentals of citizenship into easy-to-digest concepts and emphasizes the importance of caring for others, accepting differences, and taking action to initiate positive change." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Obligatory reading for future informed citizens." —The New York Times
"Eggers's narration is. never less than stirring. Harris's illustrations. beautifully embody the messy realities and exciting potential of the civic enterprise." —Publishers Weekly
"Eggers displays how citizens, even young ones (and even a bear!), can contribute to society. Harris' inclusive collages vibrantly depict a world of different types of citizens. This is also a book that adults will take something away from, especially in the midst of our current divisive politics." —Booklist
Bicycle Bash
By Alison Farrell
A JLG selection, Parents Magazine Best Children's Book of the Year, and Amazon Best Book of the Month
"Rendered in gouache and mixed media, the busy pages are expertly choreographed, with a fine sense of line, color, and whimsy; dialogue balloons and narrator cues provide additional incentives to linger on each page. . ." —Publishers Weekly
Cycle City
By Alison Farrell
A Klaus Flugge Longlist
"There's lots to love about this seek and find story." —Imagination Soup
The Hike
By Alison Farrell
An Amazon Prime Book Box selection
★ "Well-designed pictures create a depth and fullness that immerse readers in the forest. Endmatter makes clever use of Wren's sketch pad to offer additional information about things seen in the woods. Utterly satisfying." —Kirkus Review, Starred Review
"These young explorers demonstrate the best principles of time spent in the woods: observing, admiring and learning. And, through their delightfully illustrated adventure, so do we." —The New York Times
"Beautifully illustrated . . . This is a perfect addition to elementary school libraries to support readers who love the great outdoors." —School Library Journal
"[A] lovely chronicle of an outdoor adventure... Readers may find it difficult to resist the call of the wild after closing the cover." —Publishers Weekly
Rain Boy
By Dylan Glynn
★ "This is a critical addition to elementary collections to build empathy and acceptance." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Captivating visuals will prompt conversations about the feelings and choices of victim, friend, and community." —Kirkus Reviews
"Author-illustrator Glynn literalizes weather metaphor to tell a story about acceptance. . . . [T]he art is gorgeous. . . . Expressive use of watercolor, pastels, and colored pencil, in a naive style, stunningly paints a fable with blotchy colors evoking the emotional extremes represented by sunshine and rain clouds. A lovely, if purposeful, tool for early social-emotional learning." —Booklist
Hide And Seek
By Taro Gomi
"The interactivity is so great for getting kids engaged in reading early." —Cool Mom Picks
"I simply adore this new series." —Coos and Ahhs
Mommy! Mommy!
By Taro Gomi
★ "The story's gentle surprises are sure to delight." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"A fabulous addition to a baby's beginner library." —Cool Mom Picks
Over The Ocean
By Taro Gomi
A Batchelder Honor
"Readers can enjoy not just the explicit questions but ones raised by tiny details." —Publishers Weekly
"Makes for smooth sailing and good reading." —BookPage
"With sharp shapes and a riot of color, the prolific Gomi's simple premise should spark young imaginations." —Kirkus Reviews
"A warm, inviting, and meditative celebration of imagination and wonder." —Booklist
"Elegant simplicity." —School Library Journal
Peekaboo!
By Taro Gomi
★ "Little ones will delight in reading and playing this game again and again." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Ideal for reading to a very young child, or group of children, who will be excited to chime in on cue, and will enjoy poking their fingers through the book's holes when they are looking at it on their own." —The New York Times
Wiggle
By Taro Gomi
"I simply adore this new series." —Coos and Ahhs
"You can count on interactive play and plenty of giggles as tiny fingers become cat tails and book pages become masks." —Cool Mom Picks
Get It Together, Delilah
By Erin Gough
"Will leave readers cheering for Delilah." —Booklist
"Romance fans will find the up and down relationship of Rosa and Delilah dreamy." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Delilah's interactions and conflicts with her family and friends feel deeply real." —Publishers Weekly
The Way Past Winter
Written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
A JLG selection and Sequoyah Book Awards Masterlist
★ "Hargrave effortlessly sweeps the reader along with her protagonists. Bravery in all its forms proves invaluable to the quest, and the notion of myth-made-reality adds a sheen of magic to the narrative." —Booklist, Starred Review
"An atmospheric tale for older readers wanting an action-focused fairy tale." —Kirkus Reviews
"[A] tense journey that boasts a mythic essence and a well-earned end." —Publishers Weekly
"I was won over. . . . by the beautiful descriptions of frosty branches and starry night skies, of flying across the snow on a sleigh pulled by dogs, [and] most of all by its heartening message: 'We will weather this together.'" —The New York Times
Have You Ever Seen A Flower?
By Shawn Harris
A Caldecott Honor, Bookpage Best Book of the Year, and ALA Notable Book
★ "With assurance and passion in his solo debut, Harris connects readers to the stirrings of life in all its forms." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Audrey L & Audrey W: Best Friends-ish
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann
A Cybils Finalist and Today Show Gift List selection
“A natural fit for fans of odd-couple friendship stories like Ivy Bean and funny school stories like Jo Jo Makoons, this series starter promises double the fun.” —Shelf Awareness
“This delightful tale of friendship struggles and the uncertainties of school shines with humor and spirit . . . A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like ‘Ivy + Bean,’ and ‘Judy Moody’ are popular.” —School Library Journal
“The Audreys make a winsome pair, and Higgins’s empathic approach to storytelling promises more gentle hijinks as they navigate school and friendship.” —Publishers Weekly
“ Audrey L’s struggles to establish herself within the chaotic social hierarchies of elementary school are endearingly authentic. Funny and engaging.” —Kirkus Reviews
Audrey L & Audrey W: True Creative Talents
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann
“A natural fit for fans of odd-couple friendship stories like Ivy Bean and funny school stories like Jo Jo Makoons, this series starter promises double the fun.” —Shelf Awareness
“This delightful tale of friendship struggles and the uncertainties of school shines with humor and spirit . . . A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like ‘Ivy + Bean,’ and ‘Judy Moody’ are popular.” —School Library Journal
“The Audreys make a winsome pair, and Higgins’s empathic approach to storytelling promises more gentle hijinks as they navigate school and friendship.” —Publishers Weekly
“ Audrey L’s struggles to establish herself within the chaotic social hierarchies of elementary school are endearingly authentic. Funny and engaging.” —Kirkus Reviews
Big And Small And In-Between
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
★ “This lovely story stands out from others in the genre as it will connect with readers of all ages while encouraging discussion of life’s myriad moments-both great and small.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review
“Size is all about perspective in this profoundly moving, charmingly crafted picture book. And it changes: As the witty paper constructions that start each section open out and fold back in, so do our minds and hearts.” —The New York Times
“An abstract journey with many turns and surprises.” —Publishers Weekly
Some Of These Are Snails
Written and Illustrated by Carter Higgins
★ “Ideal as a read-aloud, this should have wide appeal: lap-sit toddlers will enjoy the sing-song verses, preschoolers will focus on the shape and color concepts, kindergartners will learn simple ways to draw animals, and emergent readers will appreciate the predictable text.” —Booklist, Starred Review
★ “It all makes for an utterly delightful, visually rich package. . . A must-have for every young reader’s bookshelf.” —Book Page, Starred Review
Make it stand out
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Zachariah Ohora
An Amazon Prime Box selection
"A fun, clever book about two bike-loving animals who take different paths to work every day... Carter Higgins' writing is spot on, and Zachariah OHora's bold and colorful illustrations are fun and inviting." —Book Riot
"A sweet, quiet, different take on new-friendship." —Kirkus Reviews
"This quirky anticonsumerist fable imagines a town in which uses can be found for the things most people abandon, small enterprises flourish, and communal kindness makes life rich." —Publishers Weekly
"[This] gentle story celebrates the ways in which serendipity can lead to friendship and sharing." —Booklist
Circle Under Berry
By Carter Higgins
A Texas 2x2 selection, Cybils Finalist, 100 Scope Notes Best of the Year, and Smithsonian Magazine Best Book of the Year
★ “[V]isually striking. . . carefully assembled. . . [and] inspired by an Eric Carle aesthetic. . . [Circle Under Berry] possesses a pleasing rhythm and subtle rhymes, positively begging to be read aloud: ‘circle next to berry / square by bear by sweet // blue up high / pig down low / yellow in between.’ Satisfying, engaging, and sure to entertain the toddlers at whom it is aimed.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ “Using hand-painted paper to create brilliantly hued, shape-based forms that appear against a clean white backdrop, Higgins (Bikes for Sale) economically examines ways to observe color, shape, pattern, and position” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“An appealing choice for emerging readers [and] the emphasis on prepositions will aid English language learners as well.” —Booklist
“A triumph of design and a beacon of possibility.” —The Horn Book Magazine
Everything You Need For A Treehouse
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Emily Hughes
A NPR Best Book of the Year
"Delightful!" —BookRiot
"One magical, impossible treehouse after another." —The Wall Street Journal
"This book urges adventure and creativity." —School Library Journal
"Higgins' poetic prose paired with Hughes' vibrant and nostalgic illustrations provide a feast for the imagination.” —BookPage
This Is Not A Valentine
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
"In this heartwarmingly funny children's book, a boy mulls over the perfect gift to give to his friend-who-is-a-girl (not a girlfriend!), and he makes just the right choice. Why? Because he pays attention to who she is and pledges to be her friend always, not just on Valentine’s Day." —Entertainment Weekly
Courage Hats
Written by Kate Hoefler and Illustrated by Jessixa Bagley
“The narrative tells their story from a distant, knowing vantage point, creating a philosophical atmosphere. . . . The soft graphite and watercolor illustrations effectively use perspective and point of view to develop tension and meaning . . . While visually capturing the thrill of travel, this warm story pays tribute to bravery, new experiences, and special connections.” —The Horn Book Magazine
Rabbit And The Motorbike
Written by Kate Hoefler and Illustrated by Sarah Jacoby
A Chicago Public Library Best Picture Book of the Year, Christian Science Monitor Best Children’s Book of the Year, and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
★"Exhilarating . . . Graceful text and evocative illustrations combine in this story about the rewards of facing fears and trying something new." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★"Rich in metaphor without an ounce of heavy-handedness, this timeless fable should be left out for a little one to come to and contemplate on their own, when the need arises." —Booklist, Starred Review
"An appealing story about grief and acceptance. Recommended for public and school libraries as a tool for children who are experiencing grief. The tone is lighter than in many texts that deal with loss, and the book lends itself to discussion." —School Library Journal
Ben Y And The Ghost In The Machine
Written by K. A. Holt
A Nerdies selection
★"Holt's sequel digs into Ben Y's journey grappling with grief and identity. The novel hits the important points of understanding and verbalizing what one is feeling. . . . An excellent addition to 'The Kids Under the Stairs' series and one that kids and adults alike will supremely enjoy." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"An emotionally charged, dynamic novel in verse. This focused character study delivers layered attention to grief and self-exploration… Accomplished, lively, and heartfelt." —Kirkus Reviews
BenBee and the Teacher Griefer
Written by K. A. Holt
A Writers' League of Texas Book Award Finalist and Spirit of Texas (SPOT) selection
“BenBee and the Teacher Griefer is one of those rare novels that ache with honesty: it is about discouragement and hope, about sad lonesomeness and glad community, about listening and being heard, about the fear of vulnerability and the absolute joy of being known. It is, in other words, about life-and like life, it demands our attention. You won't, you really won't stop turning the pages!" —Gary D. Schmidt
"Perfect for anyone who loves video games, anyone who thinks and learns a little differently, and really, anyone who loves a great story. Readers will laugh along and root for BenBee and his friends through all the twists and turns of this engaging multimodal story. I absolutely adored this book." —Kate Messner
Jordan J and the Truth About Jordan J
Written by K. a. Holt
Knockout
By K. a. Holt
A Notable Poetry Books Selection and Bank Street Best Books of the Year
"Fast and victorious." —Kirkus Reviews
"Will. resonate with. all tweens who are eager to establish their independence." —School Library Journal
"An appealing story that most readers will find to be, yes, a knockout." —Booklist
"Excellent and compelling." —Book Riot
The 13th Day of Christmas
By Adam Rex
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection
★"This heartfelt, extra-long picture book puts a weird, wacky, and wonderful spin on a familiar Christmas song. Rex’s signature snarky humor will appeal to both elementary schoolers and their grown-ups. . . . This quirky take on a Christmas classic is the gift that will keep on giving, long after the 13th day."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★"Told in a wry, laconic first-person voice—peppered with dry, witty asides—the increasingly surreal situation plays out in Rex’s trademark blend of absurdity and charm. . . . Always deft and detailed, Rex’s expressive comic drawings are set against glowing, layered backdrops reminiscent of Wayne Thiebaud’s iconic pastry displays. With brilliantly lively compositions and a festive finale, this wildly funny twist on a holiday tune delivers heart, hilarity, and true love (of course)."
—Booklist, Starred Review
★”Side-splitting silliness ensues . . . Carefully sketched, energetic visuals alternate between comics-style panels and full-bleed spreads of the chaos. . . A fresh, truly uproarious Christmas yarn."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★"Humorous. . . . An excellent holiday read-aloud. . . . A great addition to any picture book collection."
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
Redwood and Ponytail
By K. a. Holt
An Odyssey Honor Award, Rainbow Booklist Title, NCTE Notable Poetry Book, ALSC Notable Children's Recordings, Bank Street Best Book of the Year, A Spirit of Texas Reading Program (SPOT) Middle School List selection, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Amazon Best Book of the Month, and Booklist Top 10 Romance Fiction for Youth
★ "The free verse narration is totally accessible, flowing quick and clear, and Holt plays with form, beautifully highlighting the parallel internal journeys, often achieving something akin to a musical duet. Ultimately, this is a middle-school romance concerned with the thrilling, confusing, world-shifting emotions of that age. . . . [A] moving story well-told." —Booklist, Starred Review
★ "A glowing, heartfelt addition to the middle-grade LGBTQ genre.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
The Snail
Written by Emily Hughes
★ “With Hughes’ own skill, the complexities of Isamu’s life and art are thoughtfully designed and exquisitely rendered.” —Booklist, Starred Review
“Hughes pays careful attention to the surfaces of Noguchi’s sculpture—the heavy grain of wood, the dark gleam of polished stone—to create a visually elegant telling.” —Publishers Weekly
Can I Sit With You?
By Sarah Jacoby
★ "This sweet, lovely tale should spark thoughtful conversations about friendship and empathy between children and adults… Young readers will want to sit with this pair. They're made for each other." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Charming watercolor illustrations, created with NuPastel and mixed media, deftly reveal their growing friendship and dependency. The gently rhyming text and engaging pictures will appeal to youngsters who have or want a dog of their own." —Booklist
"[The dog is] a saintly, patient presence in this portrait of pure-hearted canine love." —Publishers Weekly
"A touching ode to the formative experience of learning to love and being loved in return." —School Library Journal
Forever Or A Day
By Sarah Jacoby
A NPR Best Book of the Year and Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ "It's really two stories: one about time, and another one about love." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "A lovely lap book, exceptionally well-suited for intergenerational sharing again and again." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"This contemplative, almost meditative, book makes for a good one-on-one lap-time read with the children in your life for whom you like to give your own time." —Kirkus Reviews
"A celebration of cherished moments with loved ones is at once simple, profound, and truly beautiful." —Book Riot
"Children will appreciate the evocative words, the engaging artwork, and the feelings that passing time evokes, both happy and sad." —Booklist
Death & Sparkles
Written by Rob Justus
A Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List selection
“Readers will be enchanted and will ponder for some time the ideas presented here. Powerful and fun.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This graphic novel gleefully goes off the rails . . . and never lets up on the absurdity; there are plenty of easy laughs in the physical comedy . . . [and] more sophisticated humor as well. [I]t’s best to avoid too much questioning here and simply enjoy the weirdness.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Death & Sparkles and the Sacred Golden Cupcake
Written and Illustrated by Rob Justus
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
“An uproarious combination of heritage and revenge in this second series entry… An expansion of unicorn lore worth following to see where it crash-lands next.” —Kirkus Reviews
Shira & Esther’s Double Dream Debut
Written by Anna E. Jordan
A Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Best Book of the Year
★“Readers will love this sparkling intergenerational ode to chutzpah and Jewish joy.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★“The characters peopling Jordan’s debut novel could not be more vibrantly real. Adult readers may wish they were young again, so this could instantly become their favorite book.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
Little Wonder
By Claire Keane
“A reassuring daydream of a book that will foster a sense of life’s possibilities in children.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Keane imagines the voice of a faithful, caring adult following a youth on a splendid undersea adventure. . . Images blend underwater allure and ordinary life . . . When [the child] return[s] home, the voice is revealed as that of the child’s adult caregiver, who listens with loving attention as they recount the events of a day nourished by authentic support.” —Publishers Weekly
“Keane’s whimsical pastel-inspired digital illustrations blend vibrant warm and cool colors, paired with curved fluid line work mirroring the watery movement of bubbles, seaweed, and fish drifting through Little Wonder’s imagination. Imaginative illustrations sure to enchant make this perfect for most collections.” —School Library Journal
This Is The Story Of You
By Beth Kephart
★ "A moving epic of a super storm and how it unravels the lives of those caught in the midst." —VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates, Starred Review
★ "This beautifully written book works on many levels and is rich in its characterization, emotion, language, and hint of mystery." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Relatable characters and a poetic style." —Publishers Weekly
"An exploration of the unrelenting power of nature and a reminder of the one thing in the world that is irreplaceable: family." —Booklist
"Smart, poignant, an absolute pleasure to read." —BookPage
The Apartment House On Poppy Hill
Written by Nina LaCour and Illustrated by Joana Avillez
An IndieNext pick, Amazon Best Book of the Year Ages 6-8, and winner of the 2024 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Children's Books
“LaCour’s new transitional chapter-book series is cozy and classic-feeling…Ella’s curiosity and gregariousness are infectious, and she’ll easily sweep readers into her charming world.” —Booklist
“[T]his chapter book is cozy and comforting. Readers will want to move in here and meet these folks.” —Kirkus Reviews
The Eyes & The Impossible
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Shawn Harris
Read an interview with Taylor and Dave Eggers here!
2024 winner of the Newbery Medal
A NPR Books We Love 2023, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year, Wall Street Journal Best Book of the Year, Amazon Top 20 Children's Books of the Year, NYPL Best Books of the Year, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Common Sense Media Best Book of the Year, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Kirkus Best Books of the Year, Booklist Best Book of the Year, Shepherd’s Best Book of the Year and Powell’s Books Best Book of the Year, Today Show Summer Pick, and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
★ “Utterly delightful…. Eggers touches on deep topics with a light hand, effortlessly building suspense and a wonderful sense of adventure.” —Booklist, Starred Review
★ “Eggers crafts a marvelous, fully fleshed protagonist in Johannes....whose compassionate narration delivers a rousing tale of community, joyful self-reliance, and the pleasures of running very, very fast.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "Animal lovers will be enthralled, and even for readers who mostly stick with humans, this is a standout example of the power of chosen family rather than biological ones." —The Bulletin, Starred Review
★ “Compelling and heartfelt, destined to be read again and again.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
★ “Almost proselike, the voices and personalities of Johannes and his comrades are endearing; their unique story will enchant readers and encourage them to focus on what is most important in life.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ "One remarkable creature vividly shows readers that ‘there is so, so much to see.’” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
If You Want To Ride a Horse
Written by Amy Novesky and Illustrated by Gael Abary
A Junior Library Guild selection, A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, One of Betsy Bird's Best Informational Books for Kids, and A Society of Illustrators Original Art selection
★ "Recreational riding or horse ownership may be unrealistic for many, but here the bounds of reality dissolve with some wishful thinking... Novesky’s fanciful lyricism teeters on the right side of informed infatuation and continues hert rend of crafting adventurous protagonists. Abary’s mixed-media illustrations gorgeously meld the text’s specific details with romantic possibility, centering the escapades a child and their horse might enjoy... A terrific addition to all collections and an absolute must for equine enthusiasts."
—Booklist, Starred Review
Round And Round The Year We Go
Written and Illustrated by Carter Higgins
Read Taylor’s conversation with Carter here!
A Junior Library Guild selection
★ "The lilting rhymes demand to be read aloud; filled with engaging examples of assonance and consonance, the text flows from the tongue and lands merrily on the ear. The book is filled with numerous learning opportunities... Children will enjoy comparing and contrasting the seasonal pursuits they enjoy with those depicted in the appealing, collagelike illustrations... A winner in this and every month going forward."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"A playful home or classroom read-aloud about the months of the year."
—Booklist
"Widely shared pleasures and timeless themes make this read appropriate for any number of settings."
–Publishers Weekly
The Table
Written by Winsome Bingham & Wiley Blevins and Illustrated by Jason Griffin
Read Taylor's Q&A with Wiley and Winsome here!
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024, A Kirkus Best Book of 2024, A Junior Library Guild selection, A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year - Outstanding Merit, A Kirkus Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2024, and A Society of Illustrators Original Art selection
★ "A brilliantly twined telling in which an object bears witness to the lives of two families"
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "A moving, elegantly constructed celebration of differences sure to foster empathy and stir the imagination."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ "The choice vocabulary and onomatopoeia used within the story bring rural America to the readers’ ears, and the inclusion of conversations about church, cornbread, and working class families enhance this design. Beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written, this is a story that will encourage family discussion and reflection. This unique addition to the shelves celebrates the American experience through the lens of a beloved kitchen table."
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
Lone Wolf Goes To School
Written by Kiah Thomas and Illustrated by K-Fai Steele
A Junior Library Guild selection, A Kirkus Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2024, A 2025 ALSC Notable Children's Book, and One of Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids of the Year
★ “A charmer that’s sure to garner its protagonist a devoted following—much to his chagrin.”
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"A humorous story featuring an antisocial yet charming protagonist who simply wants some alone time, this book will encourage children to think outside the box while also reassuring more-introverted readers that there is no shame in having quiet time to ourselves."
–Booklist
"Wolf’s hyperbolic personality is reflected in the characters’ exaggerated facial features. Supporting characters (who are depicted with a variety of shapes, sizes, ages, and skin tones) are unnamed; instead, they’re called as Wolf sees them: “bossy boy,” “eager girl,” “jolly hiker.” These piquant stories are all hard edges, blunted somewhat by the pencil and watercolor illustrations’ soft lines and gentle coloring, reminiscent in tone and style to William Steig’s classic works. . . . With their wry humor, these books would also work as read-alouds in classrooms, libraries, and homes."
—The Horn Book
Lone Wolf Gets A Pet
Written by Kiah Thomas and Illustrated by K-Fai Steele
A Junior Library Guild selection, A Kirkus Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2024, and A Booklist Best Book of the Year/2024 Booklist Youth Editors’ Choice Awards
★ "A memorable, original character in the crowded field of early-reader books. . . With great aplomb, Steele's detailed, colorful cartoon illustrations capture the waggish antics and googly-eyed expressions. Thomas' short, snappy sentences, superb pacing, and satisfying, sweet deal of an ending make for a winning entry. Beginning readers will howl for more books in this hilarious early-reader series.”
—Booklist, Starred Review
"A dryly humorous celebration of solitude—and jelly beans."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Wolf’s hyperbolic personality is reflected in the characters’ exaggerated facial features. Supporting characters (who are depicted with a variety of shapes, sizes, ages, and skin tones) are unnamed; instead, they’re called as Wolf sees them: “bossy boy,” “eager girl,” “jolly hiker.” These piquant stories are all hard edges, blunted somewhat by the pencil and watercolor illustrations’ soft lines and gentle coloring, reminiscent in tone and style to William Steig’s classic works. . . . With their wry humor, these books would also work as read-alouds in classrooms, libraries, and homes."
—The Horn Book
Tumblebaby
Written by Adam Rex and Illustrated by Audrey Helen Weber
A Junior Library Guild selection, A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, and A Society of Illustrators Original Art selection
★ “Rex is at his quirky best here, blending inventive charm with his signature playfulness and goofy sophistication for an offbeat fable to be relished over and over.”
—Booklist, Starred Review
“Unnamed and ungendered, purple of body and rainbow of face, Tumblebaby is the kind of hero in which all children can see themselves. The book’s prose is poetically fantastical. Its strong narrative voice is fresh and sly but at the same time harks back to a distinctly American storytelling tradition. With its outlaws and coyotes, family farms saved and fortunes won and lost, Tumblebaby reads like a half-forgotten fable from the Southwest. . . . Tumblebaby is a delight to read aloud, its propulsive storytelling beautifully complemented by Weber’s flowing, textured watercolor shapes. Best of all is the graceful twist at the end, likely to bring a tear to a parent’s eye.”
—The New York Times
"A satisfying tumble through the imagination."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Amid a fantastical, intentionally meandering plotline that embraces going where the wind blows, the story’s gonzo energy hurtles forward like a train."
—Publishers Weekly
“[A] unique and timeless addition to children’s literature.”
—BookPage
There’s That Sun Again
Written by MK Smith Despres and Illustrated by Julie Benbassat
A Society of Illustrators Original Art selection and a A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
"Imaginative musings on the world, ideal for young wonderers."
—Kirkus Reviews
Zip Zap Wickety Wack
By Matt Diffee
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection and A Society of Illustrators Original Art selection
★"Wax and pleasingly shaded colored pencil art on tawny pages features deftly expressive animals in otherwise spare, earnestly pastoral scenes that contrast with the wryly funny plot. The characters’ nonchalant rapport is well conveyed, with text rendered in a clean serif font of varying scale for added visual oomph. Clever humor and a fresh take on a seemingly familiar scene make this a widely appealing, expertly paced, and wonderfully silly read-aloud. Unexpected and delightfully absurd."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“Diffee offers a book that will delight children and caregivers alike. . . . Working well as both a read-aloud and for one-to-one experiences, this purchase is for collections needing wry humor and a funny treat for all to enjoy.”
—School Library Journal
"Consistently funny and consistently surprising, the books constantly subverts expectations. With straightforward text and soft, realistic illustrations, it at first appears to be a classic, even old-fashioned farm story, but from the way it plays with language to the introduction of an alien, it's anything but. The moral is delivered in a way that will make young readers think about the merits of sharing, rather than feel like they're getting a lecture. Zip Zap Wickety Wack is sure to quickly become a go-to title for any adults faced with kids struggling to share."
—Booklist
“At first glance, cartoonist Diffee’s children’s book debut appears to be a slightly dusty farmyard tale featuring oversize serif typography, elegant wax and colored pencil illustrations in burnished hues, and predictable animals making familiar sounds (“The cow says, ‘Moo.’ The horse says, ‘Neigh.’ ”). But when a goat pauses after the sheep’s “baa,” noting that the two share a manner of communicating, the story begins to gleefully and irreverently unravel. Pressed to come up with a noise that no one else emits, the sheep finally lands on a doozey: “Zip Zap Big Bang Flip Flap Wing Wickety Wack Walla Balla Yackety Yack Ding Dilly!” Then a tiny flying saucer appears, piloted by an extraterrestrial who begs to differ. The alien launches into a sermonette on the values of “wiffling” (also known as sharing), but the being’s platitudes quickly deflate when the animals show interest in sharing the spaceship. The alien’s selfishness makes the barnyard animals feel empathetic by comparison, and an amusing kind of logic brings humor to the book’s peaceful conclusion."
—Publishers Weekly
On Our Way With Mr. Jay
Written by Chelsea Lin Wallace and Illustrated by Thyra Heder
An Amazon Best Book of the Month, Ages 6-8
★"Mr. Jay commands School Bus 3—and the 18 kids on the route adore him. Lavishly energetic slice-of-life marker, pencil, and ink artwork by Heder shows Mr. Jay bringing unshakable cool to bear on an obstacle course of switchbacks, cobblestone roads, and an interstate, but his true appeal lies in his attentiveness. . . . Wallace’s rhyming text, which scans cleverly across running lines and dialogue balloons, returns to an anchoring refrain. . . . Starring a beloved adult who brings everyone together, this jubilant picture book hails its school-commute VIP."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"The expressive, full-color illustrations depict students who vary in skin tone. Heder’s portrayal of long-haired, pale-skinned Mr. Jay in a safety vest makes for a delightfully jovial archetype. Speech bubbles effectively give voice to the large cast of characters without detracting from the engaging rhyme scheme. A route worth taking—and a gift for classrooms everywhere."
—Kirkus Reviews
“A little piece of picture book magic can be found in this slice-of-life portrayal of the role of a bus driver in the community school ecosystem. In rhyming couplets the text navigates the tumultuous, joyful, complex yet ordinary day of dedicated bus driver Mr. Jay, who is white, bearded, and balding with salt-and-pepper hair. The protagonist serves by turns as an inspector, a surrogate caretaker, an animal wrangler, a skilled improviser, a safety officer, and a one-man search and rescue team—a complex hero.. . . Wallace’s sturdy writing contains plenty of alliteration and rhyme and delightful language, but never distracts from Heder’s expressive illustrations that brim with energy and humorous candor. Essential for building universal respect for the school bus drivers who pour their hearts into the work they do each day, this book will find a place on most shelves."
—School Library Journal
Lone Wolf On Vacation
Written by Kiah Thomas and Illustrated by K-Fai Steele
An Amazon Best Book of the Month, Ages 6-8
★"The ever-cantankerous and yet thoroughly lovable Lone Wolf is back. . . . With short, engaging chapters and delightfully funny scenarios, this story builds both humor and tension as Lone Wolf’s hopes for quiet are continuously dashed. Sentence structure starts simple and gradually becomes more complex, supporting growing readers while entertaining them. Word repetition and patterning help build confidence, and the colorful illustrations offer strong visual cues without overwhelming the page. The humor escalates with every page turn, making this book a fun read-aloud and a great tool for encouraging independent reading. A must-have for early reader collections and an excellent continuation of the series."
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Wolf['s] energy is Oscar the Grouch meets Wile E. Coyote. . . Fans of the first two series outings will appreciate the appearance of recurring characters . . . but each book’s dry, off-kilter situational humor stands on its own merits. Steele’s watercolor and pencil illustrations have a classic cartoon appeal. . . . A sequence of illustrations in which Wolf tries to avoid a “snotty little boy” whose mucus subsequently befouls the library’s book return chute is LOL funny as is the look of horror on Wolf’s face when the driver of a nearly empty bus proposes a singalong. These transitional readers will appeal to kids who like their humor with a heavy dose of irony."
—The Horn Book
"The ever-apprehensive Wolf sports red-accented tennis shoes and his usual vexed expression; his protruding eyeballs register his stress. The color-washed settings are sometimes night-dim but sometimes sunny. Just as Wolf—mostly—maintains his sangfroid, the wryly funny text never loses its understated calm, with its quick, brief sentences describing our hero’s travails as he skirts disaster. . . . Readers riding waves of amusement will howl for more."
—Kirkus Reviews
Lone Wolf Goes To The Library
Written by Kiah Thomas and Illustrated by K-Fai Steele
★"Anxious, antisocial Wolf avoids, then confronts, a crisis involving an overdue book. . . The tightly focused sentences move briskly in Thomas and Steele’s third wryly clever installment; developing readers will giggle while eagerly turning pages. The art again perfectly suits the droll, understated text as googly-eyed, squat kids and a desiccated, grumpy librarian join the crotchety but somehow cuddly Wolf. (His book choices? A Room of One’s Own and Howl.) The human cast is diverse.
Another can’t-miss outing with an irresistible, introverted antihero."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Wolf['s] energy is Oscar the Grouch meets Wile E. Coyote. . . Fans of the first two series outings will appreciate the appearance of recurring characters . . . but each book’s dry, off-kilter situational humor stands on its own merits. Steele’s watercolor and pencil illustrations have a classic cartoon appeal. . . . A sequence of illustrations in which Wolf tries to avoid a “snotty little boy” whose mucus subsequently befouls the library’s book return chute is LOL funny as is the look of horror on Wolf’s face when the driver of a nearly empty bus proposes a singalong. These transitional readers will appeal to kids who like their humor with a heavy dose of irony."
—The Horn Book
"[Wolf's] plans go hilariously awry. . . [P]erfect for readers just beginning to branch into longer stories. Watercolor and pencil illustrations bring humor to every page, especially in scenes where the illustrations playfully contradict the narration. . . . A funny, charming addition to early chapter book collections that’s sure to delight young readers."
—School Library Journal
Peachaloo
By Chris Raschka
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection
"Excellent. . . . Raschka’s prose is charming, written in a rural deadpan reminiscent of Kate DiCamillo, and the accompanying drawings are comical and oddball, like many of the novel’s eccentric characters."
—The New York Times
★"Raschka draws on his inner teen and grown-up as well as his inner child for this wry tale of a town whose values and customs are threatened by a ruthless real-estate developer . . .The strength of small-town stories like this is nearly always in the cast, and here the author ropes in a lively one, pitting Gasbag against 12-year-old summer visitor Peachaloo Piccolozampa at the head of a supporting group that ranges from her indomitable grandmother Helena to a mysterious pair of bank robbers disguised as men. The plot is enriched by jump-rope rhymes, a climactic natural disaster, and enough meticulously detailed rehearsal and performance scenes for a town play to satisfy the most rabid young thespians. Still, it’s Peachaloo—able to hear what people really mean underneath what they say—who really owns this beguiling story, and who is left at the end floating in the restored pond, thinking big thoughts. Fourwords’ small-town characters and character come alive in the frequent black-and-white sketches."
—Booklist, Starred Review
"Rambling omniscient narration from an observant, good-humored townsperson imparts a cozy atmosphere. . . . Loose blackline illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Raschka depict the eclectic small-town cast with fluid forms."
—Publishers Weekly
"[A] rollicking, digressive, and (unsurprisingly given Raschka’s work as an illustrator) highly visually descriptive novel. . . . In a dramatic conclusion . . . Peachaloo gains confidence, and order is restored in proper comic fashion."
—The Horn Book
"Eccentricity abounds in this fantastical underdog tale of natural and historical preservation."
—Kirkus Reviews
Year Round
By Audrey Helen Weber
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection
★"Weber stirringly organizes a northerly annum’s chronology . . . in this exuberant seasonal accounting, which features appealing, perspective-distorted gouache and acrylic paintings. . . . The book’s playful vibe, and mixture of introspective musings and emblematic moments, give it an enduring appeal."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"This thought-provoking picture book provides readers the opportunity to think about the seasons in a unique and attention-grabbing way. . . . This is clearly a book to return to again and again to find new ideas. To get the most out of each section requires taking time to carefully examine the words and the illustrations. What do readers see? What parts of the illustrations are surprising? What is unusual and unexpected? A recommended choice for reading and sharing thoughts and surprises. This book goes well beyond the facts about the seasons to challenge readers to confront the unexpected."
—School Library Journal
"A decidedly offbeat look at the seasons. . . .Weber’s gouache and acrylic paintings in pastel colors have a light, almost delicate feel, and the rounded figures of the children and curves of the objects and landscapes convey a comforting ambiance. The simple, loose rhyming text . . . offers moments for curious listeners to reflect and pose their own questions. . . . A whimsical offering that will intrigue the inquisitive child and encourage creative interpretations."
—Kirkus Reviews
Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl
Written by Kay Healy
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection and An Amazon Best Book for Ages 6-8
Read more about Kay in Publishers Weekly, here!
★ "While her cases may not be as mysterious as Nancy Drew’s or as challenging as Encyclopedia Brown’s, debut creator Healy’s ebullient would-be investigator Casey—depicted as a pale-skinned, triangle-shaped 11-year-old with brown pigtails and a red dress—is a welcome addition to the cadre of juvenile sleuths. On her birthday, Casey receives a magnifying glass and binoculars (necessities for a detective), as well as underwear (embarrassing), thus solving this pleasant early reader’s inaugural mystery: the Case of the Wrapped Presents. She uses her new binoculars to get the scoop on tan-skinned Jan, a tie-wearing new girl with an aptitude for science; the two become fast Bert and Ernie–esque friends. Casey joyfully approaches each new scenario, including kickball tryouts, decoding a note (that’s not a love letter) from her crush, and determining the gender of fat cat Mr. Muffin. Uncomplicated paneling and crisp line drawings punctuated by eye-catchingly bright hues encourage readers to join Casey as she endeavors to crack the case in this inviting series starter. Entertaining supporting characters—each rendered using simple shapes and a variety of skin tones—and their side stories inject goofy humor."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★"[A c]harming and comedic debut. . . . [The] friendship is sweet and their rapport in ridiculous situations is riotous. Clean panels establish a smooth transition and space for playful language and emotional growth to feel natural. Lean, beautifully drawn art, paired with dialogue that is easy to follow, makes this an excellent option for young readers building literacy skills. . . . Fun and irreverent mysteries with relatable humor fill this charmer that highlights the value of friendship and being yourself. Highly recommended."
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Casey is an endearing, relatable lead, but it’s when she’s with the intelligent, helpful Jan that the story becomes comedy gold and incredibly heartwarming at the same time. The mysteries are fun, but the highlight is the friends we’ll make along the way."
—Kirkus Reviews
Scattergood
Written by H.M. Bouwman
A KidLit Love Podcast feature
“Scattergood truly shines, because on some level it investigates not only whether we can survive great loss, but also how. . . . Isn’t that precisely what happens in moments of tragedy? We falter in ways we couldn’t have anticipated, and emotions spiral beyond our control.
What is the proper response to a child’s pain at a time when she is growing into herself, seeking both care and independence?. . . Scattergood is a brave, beautiful book, wise enough to reach for something beyond certainty.”
—The New York Times
"[W]ise and tender. . . . Within the narrow focus of one girl’s coming-of-age in a small town, “Scattergood” raises a lot of big questions about God and fate and sickness and war. To Ms. Bouwman’s credit, the novel resists the temptation to moralize and its characters don’t provide the sort of pat answers that middle-grade readers would easily sniff out. Peggy is a delightfully no-nonsense character to spend time with. Clear-eyed about her own shortcomings, she’s steadfast in her determination to do right by her cousin, occasionally to the point of singlemindedness. As she struggles to navigate her new, not-so-quiet life, Peggy wrestles with her growing realization that there will always be questions that don’t have answers. Her friendships with the residents of Scattergood provide a backdrop for perhaps the most important question the novel raises: In the face of tragedies large and small, how do we accompany the people around us?"
—The Wall Street Journal
★ "Equal parts tender and heartwarming and tragically heartbreaking, this story, which will appeal to fans of Lauren Wolk, also offers a realistic depiction of marriage, showing compromises, challenges, and the different ways people care for and love each other. Readers will become deeply invested in the fully developed characters—each flawed and human but doing their best, Peggy included. The power of stories to connect people with others, bear witness, and create joy is an interwoven theme running throughout the text.
An engaging, textured, and deeply humane coming-of-age novel."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★"[A] heartfelt bildungsroman that even adult readers will enjoy. . . . The unfiltered, yet tightly woven narrative culminates as Peggy comes to understand that everything must get worse before it can get better. This is a timeless coming-of-age novel that breathes new life into the middle-grade WWII genre."
—Booklist, Starred Review
“A steady narrative pace and a variety of secondary characters who inspire questions in Peggy solidify the book’s overall appeal.”
—Publishers Weekly
"Bouwman’s writing is crisp and specific, painting a convincing picture of rural life of the period, and she stays firmly in the consciousness of her spirited, questing, analytical, mathematically inclined heroine."
—The Horn Book
"The descriptions of Peggy’s life on the farm are seamlessly woven into the narrative, anchoring it to the rural Midwestern setting. The tone is somber overall, peppered liberally with Peggy’s wry observations. . . . Secondary characters are fully developed and are not reduced to moral lessons. Through Peggy’s strong support system, Bouwman depicts small town life at its best. . . . A powerful coming-of-age story about life, loss, and community."
—School Library Journal
Let’s Be Bees
Written and Illustrated by Shawn Harris
★ “A caregiver and little one find themselves transforming. In Harris’ appealingly thick-lined, childlike illustrations, the brown-skinned parent and youngster hold a book between them (tellingly named Let’s Be Bees) as the adult says invitingly, “Let’s buzz.” Next thing you know, the two have cast aside their restrictive human shapes and are buzzing through the air together as a pair of bees. The duo appear as birds on another spread; the parent urges, “Let’s chirp.” What follows is a series of animals, objects, and even concepts (at one point, the two become “the Earth” and decide to “make every sound”). It all comes to a satisfying finish when both characters transform into the parent (the child sports a mustache and beard) and then into the kid (the adult looks especially ridiculous with a comparatively small head atop a muscular body). The narrative concludes with both eager to do it all “AGAIN!” Through a simplicity that can be difficult to capture so well on the page, this tale models marvelous parental playtime behavior, even suggesting how adults might read this very story with small children. Each page is filled with different ways of making fun sounds. Harris’ ability to connect with children on their own level, while also being unafraid to get a little weird in the process, brings to mind such superb titles as Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd’s Goodnight Moon.
Let’s be readers and explore this book together—again and again.”
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ “Simple figures outlined in energetic black crayon burst with energy as the calls of many animals next emerge across spreads (“Let’s RATTLE”; “Let’s CROW”). At the end, the light-brown-skinned adult and child mimic each other (“Let’s be me... let’s be you”) by way of wrapping up this endearing celebration of voice and noise. In a sly, self-referential twist, the book the pair is reading—Let’s Be Bees—invites the audience into mimicry not just of the natural world but of the characters themselves."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "Acclaimed author/illustrator and Caldecott Honor winner Harris pairs his simple, lyrical text with bright, vibrant colors in bold, childlike crayon strokes, with softly rounded shapes sustaining the cozy, endearing vibe. Certain to inspire further imaginative explorations with its playful, participatory fun, this joyful celebration of shared make-believe conjures endless possibilities for whimsical delight, inviting readers to return “again! again!”"
—Booklist, Starred Review
"Bold, comical crayon illustrations set the tone for a boisterous game of pretend and its noisy cacophony of sounds. . . . Surprising with every page-turn, the visuals explode into a series of immersive double-page spreads with speech bubbles full of onomatopoeia. In a climactic feat, the grownup and child attempt to be Earth and make all the sounds at once."
—The Horn Book
"Readers of Shawn Harris's Caldecott Honor-winning Have You Ever Seen a Flower? have every reason to hope for another effervescent, imagination-stoking fantasia, and that's precisely what they get with Let's Be Bees, a picture book full of noises that isn't really a book about noises. . . .
Let's Be Bees features bold and chunky illustrations that Harris created with crayons, and the fuzzy outlines seem to invite the physical adaptations that the text requests. The book may well provoke noisemaking from the littlest readers to match the adult's and child's efforts, and when the caretaker finally pulls everything together and says, "Let's make every sound," it's not hard to imagine readers of all ages letting it rip. . . . [T]he sort of thrill ride that readers can expect from Shawn Harris."
—Shelf Awareness
Midnight Motorbike
Written by Maureen Shay Tajsar and Illustrated by Ishita Jain
★ "The dreamlike visuals complement the lyrical text, engaging readers’ senses and showcasing the gentle, loving relationship between mother and child. Bold pinks, yellows, and blues shine, contrasting beautifully with the characters’ dark skin tones and the backdrop of deep night. Verdant forests, bright city nights, and swirling stars evoke motion as these seemingly ordinary spaces take on wondrous qualities by night. In an author's note, Tajsar mentions drawing inspiration from rides with her own mother in Tamil Nadu. A visual feast sure to have readers finding magic in the mundane."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"“On a night too hot to sleep,” a child narrator and their Amma ride on a motorcycle “through villages,” amid lush greenery, and “between silent temples” toward the Bay of Bengal. Extended first-person lines from Shay Tajsar, making her debut, lean into lyricism over precision (“I know candlelight shadows on a wall look like peacocks”). Thickly rendered mixed-media illustrations from Jain, meanwhile, strikingly capture the dreamlike state of the late-night ride. Includes an author’s note, which discusses the creator’s visits to South India, and an illustrator’s note."
—Publishers Weekly
"[L]ush, atmospheric. . . . Their ride is a luxuriant lullaby, a time of togetherness as well as a feast for the eyes and the senses. . . . Tajsar’s prose provides a sensory travelogue. . . . Ishita Jain’s art vividly evokes the night sky with a deep blue background, against which big splashes of vivid color pop. . . . [A] fascinating tour of a South Indian night. While this mother-daughter adventure ignites the senses, as the narrator is finally lulled to sleep by the end, it also becomes a poignant salute to the love between parent and child. Midnight Motorbike is an exciting and ultimately comforting ode to adventure, observation and love."
—BookPage
"Tajsar’s lyrical text, coupled with Jain’s jewel-toned illustrations in gouache, crayons, and pencil . . . weave an immersive, sensory-rich, and timelessly magical connection among mother and child, other people, and the larger world."
—The Horn Book
"[T]he combination of poetic text and lush mixed-media illustrations draw the eye into this world. An explosion of colors, rich with texture, and a wide palette of materials creates complex scenery that provides a multilayered context for this story of connection. A loving tribute to mother/daughter relationships, as well as the Indian subcontinent, consider this story as an introduction to South Asian culture or as a centerpiece to thoughtful story hours. Vibrant illustrations and poetic text make this story of family relationships well-suited for one-on-one reads or for group settings with room for Q&As."
—School Library Journal
The Couch in the Yard
Written by Kate Hoefler and Illustrated by Dena Seiferling
★ "A rural family takes part in a nightly ritual.
As the sky darkens, the family tinkers with a rusty old car. After securing the titular couch to the car’s roof, they drive over “the gravelly roads… / up in the mountains, down by the hollow,” to a field of old abandoned vehicles. With a little love and magic, their car takes flight over the open space, where they’re bathed in the light of “a moon that is wondrous, / that will never break” and gaze at the fog, “which hugs the mountain like cozy bedsheets.” After their nightly trek is complete, they return to their humble abode filled with love. Inspired by nightly drives with her family in Appalachian Ohio, Hoefler tenderly pays tribute to an area whose inhabitants are often misunderstood or looked down upon. Using a “House That Jack Built” format, she finds beauty in things many would overlook, like “the field with the school bus surrounded by sheep.” Quotidian details mingle with the strange and surreal, with captivating results. With a shimmering, impressionistic flair, Seiferling’s digital illustrations add texture to the deep blues and blacks of the nocturnal setting. Author’s and illustrator’s notes further emphasize the importance of finding meaning in the simple and everyday. Most of the family members are tan-skinned and present East Asian; one child is darker-skinned.
A spellbinding love letter to rural America—and a reminder to look more closely at the world around us."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Seiferling lends an appropriately dreamy quality to the Appalachian tale through moss and sepia-toned Photoshop landscapes and indistinct portraiture. A quiet and reverential nod to the value in items loved beyond a typical life expectancy, and to the transportive power of imagination."
—Booklist
"In this dreamy picture book, a family explores all the lush, mysterious, and startling beauty that emerges at night in Appalachian regions of Ohio. The language is evocative of the region, referencing abandoned vehicles, gravel roads, foggy mountains, and wild, regional plants, but Hoefler adds a fantasy element that makes it all so much more magical. . . . Children growing up in rural areas will likely feel right at home, and city kids may well end up longing for the quiet, star-filled skies, untroubled by all the realities of growing up in the generally economically ravaged and culturally disdained Appalachian regions of the US."
—The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
"Dena Seiferling’s moody illustrations set the stage beautifully. . . . These scenes unfold like a movie, showcasing the beauty of a landscape dotted with aged, beloved objects. Darkness has fallen, and Seiferling depicts glorious, pitch-black sequences lit only by stars and the car’s headlights. Like an Appalachian Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the car rises into the sky, flying with the couch on its roof, transporting this family to—where else—the moon! In an ethereal spread, the travelers sit on their couch, with front-row seats to 'a moon that is wondrous, that never will break: This is the shine that nothing can take.'”
—BookPage