It’s Tuesday, so you know what that means! I’ve got all the best new releases today!
As always, these titles will have inclusive characters (think racial and cultural diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, diverse family structures, disability representation, and more), and fall into a range of genres in both fiction and nonfiction categories.
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Board Books
10 Kisses Before Bedtime by Danielle McLean, Illustrated by Ag Jatkowska
This soothing bedtime book features adorable illustrations and a sweet rhyming text that’s just right for sending little ones off to sleep.
Follow several families as they prepare for bedtime. Once the child in each family cleans up toys, takes a bubble bath, brushes teeth, and listens to a story before bedtime, hugs are exchanged to celebrate the love that is shared. And once the little ones are tucked in bed, there’s only one thing left—a bedtime kiss! With 10 tactile textures.
Picture Books
Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter, Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
This gorgeous picture book shows how one little girl’s careful tending of a pecan tree creates the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family. For Earth Day and every day! Perfect for fans of Matt de la Peña and Oge Mora.
Inspired by the pecan trees of the creators’ own childhoods, Anne Wynter’s lyrical picture book, brought to life with breathtaking illustrations by Daniel Miyares, brims with wonder and love.
That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown, Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
Bianca is Keira’s best friend. At school, they are inseparable. But Keira questions their friendship when she learns more about the meaning of the Confederate flag hanging from Bianca’s front porch. Will the two friends be able to overlook their distinct understandings of the flag? Or will they reckon with the flag’s effect on yesterday and today?
In That Flag, Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith graciously tackle the issues of racism, the value of friendship, and the importance of understanding history so that we move forward together in a thought-provoking, stirring, yet ultimately tender tale.
A perfect conversation starter for the older and younger generations alike, this book includes back matter on the history of the Confederate flag and notes from the creators.
Plátanos Go with Everything by Lissette Norman, Illustrated by Sara Palacios
Paletero Man meets Fry Bread in this vibrant and cheerful ode to plátanos, the star of Dominican cuisine, written by award-winning poet Lissette Norman, illustrated by Sara Palacios, and translated by Kianny N. Antigua.
Plátanos are Yesenia’s favorite food. They can be sweet and sugary, or salty and savory. And they’re a part of almost every meal her Dominican family makes.
Stop by her apartment and find out why plátanos go with everything—especially love!
Perfect for reading aloud and shared story time!
Missing Violet by Kelly Swemba, Illustrated by Fabiana Faiallo
Life is full of sunshine for inseparable friends Violet and Mia. Until one day, Violet leaves school sick and doesn’t get better. Without her best friend, Mia slips into a gloomy existence. As she moves through the stages of grief like the colors of a rainbow, Mia wonders if she will ever feel like herself again. When Mia reaches out to her classmates, she remembers what she loved most about Violet.
A sensitive and poignant story about the loss of a friend and experiencing the different stages of grief.
You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce!: The Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce by Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet, Illustrated by Jennifer Mack-Watkins
Mr. Pierce’s wood carvings are in every corner of the small studio. There are animals, scenes from his life, and those detailing the socio-political world around him. It’s this collection of work that will eventually win Elijah the National Heritage Fellowship in 1982 just two years before his death. But the young boy visiting the shop in the 1970s doesn’t know that yet. All he knows is: “You gotta meet Mr. Pierce!”
Based on the true story of Elijah Pierce and his community barber shop in Columbus, Ohio, this picture book includes cleverly collaged museum-sourced photos of his art and informative backmatter about his life. With engaging text by Pierce to the Soul! playwright Chiquita Mullins-Lee and Christopher Award-winning author Carmella Van Vleet, it’s illustrated with striking Japanese woodblock by Jennifer Mack-Watkins. A new addition to vital Black art history!
Welcome to the World by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
From renowned creators Julia Donaldson and Helen Oxenbury, this magical picture book celebration of babies’ first experiences makes “the perfect gift for new and expectant parents” (Booklist,starred review).
From the comfort of home to the adventures of the great outdoors, from spending time with family to first encounters with nature, this lyrical rhyming picture book will be relatable for all caretakers introducing their babies to the world.
The Smallest Spot of a Dot: The Little Ways We’re Different, The Big Ways We’re the Same by Linsey Davis, Illustrated by Lucy Fleming
Using child-friendly language, this playful picture book explains how genetics make each person unique and celebrates how we are more alike than different and are all part of the human race. In The Smallest Spot of a Dot: The Little Ways We’re Different, The Big Ways We’re the Same, Linsey Davis, bestselling children’s author, Emmy-winning correspondent, and host for ABC News encourages children to find their own unique dot with sweet, rhyming prose.
”Only .1% of our genes make us uniquely who we are. We are 99.9% identical, alike, the same—equal. This book is 100% about that truth.”
This Book Is My Best Friend by Robin Robinson
When two young readers reach for the same book at the library, they set off on a charming romp through the stacks in this rambunctious and endearing picture book.
Sunny and Aarush both love to read. In fact, it is their favorite thing. For Aarush, a book is like a refuge for when you want to be alone. For Sunny, a book is like a companion that keeps you from being lonely. There is only one problem: they are best friends with the same book, and neither wants to share.
Clearly, one of them will have to find something else to read—but maybe they’ll discover something even better along the way. Could it be sharing is the best part of reading and friendship?
All the Beating Hearts by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Cátia Chien
At the start of a day brimming with possibilities, a gentle narrator whimsically explores everything the day might bring, from work to play, and all the sweet moments in between, like watching clouds and seeing something grow. In the moment when day inevitably turns to night, we are reminded that “we are all just hearts beating in the darkness.” This quiet space serves as a reminder of our shared existence, the very core of what brings us together. As a new dawn continues the cycle, that truth is a strong and steady pulse beneath the rhythm of another busy morning.
100 Things to Know About Architecture by Louise O’Brien and Leanne Daphne, Illustrated by Dàlia Adillon
From columns to pyramids, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word long description and colorful illustration, providing a fascinating introduction to amazing architecture from throughout history.
From the familiar to the jaw-dropping, the medieval to ultra-modern, this is an inspiring look at some of architecture’s greatest developments.
With a clean, contemporary design, each word occupies a page of its own. A large striking illustration neatly encapsulates the accompanying 100 words of text.
A fascinating introduction to cool buildings in a fun and accessible format, this is the perfect gift for aspiring architects or curious young minds!
Jessie: Queen of the Road by Lindsay Ward
A story about being brave, believing in yourself, and breaking barriers―inspired by seven female motorcyclists.
In the early twentieth century, a teenage Jessie races the streets of New York City―the only female motorcycle around. After being called unladylike too many times, she leaves and becomes the first female motorcycle to traverse America. But a few years later, when she tries to enlist during World War I, she’s turned down because she’s a woman. So she sets her own course, meeting other female motorcycles, working as a stunt rider, and eventually becoming a courier during World War II. Over the decades and after many achievements―and a few color changes―one thing is clear to Jessie: there’s always a new adventure just around the bend.
Chapter Books
King & Kayla and the Case of the Cat Hunt by Dori Hillestad Butler, Illustrated by Nancy Meyers
In this latest book in the Geisel Honor award-winning series, our intrepid human-and-dog detective duo have another mystery to solve: how did Raj’s cat escape from a locked house?
King and Kayla have a new case and a new friend. King LOVES new friends. They’re his favorite!
Raj needs our beloved detectives to help him find his cat. Blue was in the house when Raj left for school but now he’s gone. Blue didn’t come for dinner or breakfast. (King can’t imagine missing a meal.) Blue never goes outside and he never had the chance to escape. Where did he go?
When Raj describes Blue, he sounds very familiar. Could Blue be Cat with No Name?
Middle Grade
The Grip by Marcus Stroman
In this first book in the semi-autobiographical middle grade series from MLB pitcher Marcus Stroman, a young baseball player learns that perfect games only come with a lot of practice—and some strikeouts.
Young Marcus Stroman is determined to make it to the highest playing level he can, despite every coach telling him he’s not tall enough to become a “real” pitcher. He’ll show them…with some struggling and a whole lot of learning.
It’s easy to forget that for every professional sports player there was a kid just learning that sport, dealing with nerves during try-outs, dropping the ball when all their teammates are counting on them, and learning how to stay friends with someone who doesn’t make the team. These hard lessons are universal whether in the majors or on a school playing field, and so are teamwork, competition, and believing in yourself.
Simon Sort of Says by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, Illustrated by Joelle Murray
Simon O’Keeffe’s biggest claim to fame should be the time his dad accidentally gave a squirrel a holy sacrament. Or maybe the alpaca disaster that went viral on YouTube. But the story the whole world wants to tell about Simon is the one he’d do anything to forget: the story in which he’s the only kid in his class who survived a school shooting.
Two years after the infamous event, twelve-year-old Simon and his family move to the National Quiet Zone―the only place in America where the internet is banned. Instead of talking about Simon, the astronomers who flock to the area are busy listening for signs of life in space. And when Simon makes a friend who’s determined to give the scientists what they’re looking for, he’ll finally have the chance to spin a new story for the world to tell.
Where the Black Flowers Bloom by Ronald L. Smith
In the land of Alkebulan, twelve-year-old Asha is an orphan, raised by Madame S, the proprietor of a traveling carnival. When Madame S is attacked by ghoulish creatures, she manages to tell Asha before she dies, “Seek the Underground Kingdom, where the black flowers bloom.”
Asha doesn’t understand the mysterious words, but they launch her onto a page-turning quest to protect her people and stop an ancient evil. Along the way, she uncovers shocking secrets about the family she never knew and begins to find her place in the world as she discovers her own untapped powers.
Graphic Novels
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness
Worm and Caterpillar are friends—best friends. Worm loves how they are just alike, but Caterpillar has a feeling there is a big change coming. Then Caterpillar disappears for a while and comes back as Butterfly. Will Butterfly and Worm still be friends?
Ready-to-Read Graphics books give readers the perfect introduction to the graphic novel format with easy-to-follow panels, speech bubbles with accessible vocabulary, and sequential storytelling that is spot-on for beginning readers. There’s even a how-to guide for reading graphic novels at the beginning of each book.
Which new releases have you been looking forward to? Be sure to share in the comments below!
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