Hello and welcome to another New Release Round-Up, where I bring you the latest and greatest in inclusive children’s books. In this week’s post, I’m thrilled to share a collection of new releases that are sure to become fast favorites in your home library. From heartwarming stories about family and friendship to exciting adventures that take your child on a journey of discovery, there’s something for everyone in this selection of books.
As always, these titles cover a broad range of genres and age groups, and all have inclusive themes or characters because every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to discover the stories that will broaden your child’s horizons and inspire their imaginations. Let’s dive in!
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Board Books
Let’s Be Friends / Seamos Amigos: In English and Spanish / En ingles y español by René Colato Laínez, Illustrated by Nomar Perez
Two boys, an English speaker and a Spanish speaker, meet at school. They paint together and learn about colors. In the end, they declare, “Let’s be friends. / Seamos amigos.
Rene Colato Lainez, a teacher in a bilingual kindergarten classroom, has crafted an ingenious story that authentically and naturally uses conversation to introduce children to English and Spanish. The fun friendship story engages children, while simple words, short sentences, and a glossary reinforce learning.
Nomar Perez, illustrator of best-selling children’s books as well as greeting cards, has a bright, bold, colorful, kid-pleasing style that invites readers to befriend the characters in this book.
Picture Books
Ally Baby Can: Be an Eco-Activist by Nyasha Williams, Illustrated by Jade Orlando
Ally Baby Can is a rhyming paper-over-board picture book series that introduces allyship and activism to tiny changemakers!
In Ally Baby Can: Be an Eco-Activist, readers will learn effective ways to save our best friends: humanity, wildlife, and planet earth. Ally Baby Can models how young kids can stand up for our planet, and all who live here, and make environmentally friendly choices.
Extensive back matter includes important guidelines for action, a kid-friendly reading list, and other helpful resources for baby and you.
On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy by Dr. Jillian Roberts, Illustrated by Jane Heinrichs
Introduces children to the realities of natural disasters, terrorism and other forms of tragedy.
In age-appropriate language and tone, Dr. Roberts explains what tragedy is, the feelings it may create and how to manage those feelings. She also emphasizes the good that can come out of tragedy, looking at how people help one another in caring, compassionate and heroic ways. The book’s question-and-answer format will help parents have a meaningful conversation about these difficult topics with their children and equip parents to better handle questions that arise when children are exposed to the news.
Billie and Bean at the Beach by Julia Hansson, Translated by B.J. Woodstein
Celebrating the supportive relationship between a child and her dog, this story shows how we can all be brave and achieve things in our own time.
Billie prefers playing quietly, but the beach is a noisy place. Her energetic dog, Bean, is happy to explore the sand and water. When Billie does try going for a swim, she has a painful surprise and heads back to shore. But Bean digs up something that can help Billie get back in the water where she soon discovers a whole world of quiet solitude and spectacular color beneath the surface.
Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood by Linda Elovitz Marshall, Illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso
Discover the fascinating true story of Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie and her sister Bronia, two trailblazing women who worked together and made a legendary impact on chemistry and health care as we know it.
Marie Curie has long been a well-known name around the world. Though Marie made extraordinary scientific advances discovering new elements with her husband, Pierre, many students do not know about the powerful bond that propelled her into science: her sisterhood with Bronia! A force in academia and health care herself, Bronia made significant contributions to the scientific world, along with her loving support of sister Marie.
Sisters in Science is a compelling biography of two sisters who created their own paths while keeping the atomic bonds of sisterhood strong.
Together with You by Patricia Toht, Illustrated by Jarvis
From the team that brought us Pick a Pine Tree and Pick a Pumpkin,a big-hearted story about the love between grandparent and grandchild takes us through the seasons.
For one grandmother and grandchild, keeping dry in spring showers is easy when dashing through the drops side by side. In summer they stay cool with a squirt of the hose, then savor frozen treats in the shade. In autumn, snug in sweaters, they fly a kite while leaning into each other against the wind. And winter finds them nestling under blankets, sipping cocoa and watching the snow quietly fall. Narrated as a kind of love letter from a young child to a grandparent, this picture book pairs Patricia Toht’s safe, tender text with gentle art from Jarvis that meets it at every turn. An ideal gift from grandparent to grandchild (or the other way around), this charming story makes it clear that “no matter the weather, whatever we do, every day’s better together with you.”
Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness by Elizabeth Laird, Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Seven stories celebrating peace, kindness, and forgiveness from seven countries that have all suffered from wars and conflicts in recent times told by an award-winning author.
Will two clans in Ethiopia make peace by throwing their most precious possessions in the river? Can a poor Palestinian shepherd show a rich sultan the value of true kindness? Or will an angel in Afghanistan find a way to turn the selfish Emir into a caring ruler? Buried treasure and an act of forgiveness reunite a father and daughter in Sudan while a camel is the key to choosing a kind and fair ruler for the kingdom of Yemen. Hear the Syrian story of the woodcutter and the lion to discover the meaning of friendship, and then follow nine courageous Uighur princesses of Kashgar, as they bring peace to their kingdom – without any fighting.
The importance of peace and kindness in our lives shines through these timeless, inspirational stories from seven countries, beautifully told and illustrated with empathy and humor.
An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky and Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen, Illustrated by Mariia Kolker
When Hannah’s extended family isn’t able to join her for their traditional Passover seder, she invites her diverse group of friends to experience the holiday with her. From Ha-joon’s Korean kimchi, to Monique’s hymn lyrics, each friend brings a bit of their own culture to the celebration. And with each guest the themes of freedom, hope, and thanks become more meaningful. A note tells the Passover story and a glossary defines vocabulary.
Speculation by Nisi Shawl
A wonderful middle-grade fantasy debut about Black families, family history, family curses … and a really marvelous pair of spectacles.
After Winna’s little sister breaks her glasses, her grandfather gives her an old-timey pair of spectacles that belonged to her great-aunt Estelle. The specs are silver and perfectly circular, with tiny stars on the bridge and earpieces that curl all the way around her ears.
Best of all, they’re magic.
Because when Winna makes a wish beginning with the words What if–that is, when she speculates–the spectacles grant it. Winna wishes she could see ghosts … and soon she meets not only the real Estelle, but Estelle’s mother, Winona. Nearly a century before, Winona escaped from slavery and ran north with her baby, Key. But Key was stolen from her under mysterious circumstances, and now Estelle and Winona have a mission for Winna: Find Key.
On Air with Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
An empowering and big-hearted sequel to the bestselling and critically acclaimed From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks!
Two years ago, Zoe Washington helped clear Marcus’ name for a crime he didn’t commit. Now her birth father has finally been released from prison and to an outpouring of community support, so everything should be perfect.
When Marcus reveals his dream of opening his own restaurant, Zoe becomes determined to help him achieve it—with her as his pastry chef of course. However, starting a new place is much more difficult than it looks, and Marcus is having a harder time re-entering society than anyone expected.
Set on finding a solution, Zoe starts a podcast to bring light to the exonerees’ experiences and fundraise for their restaurant. After all, Zoe knows full well the power of using her voice. But with waning public interest in their story, will anyone still be listening?
Which new releases have you been looking forward to? Be sure to share in the comments below!
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