Recommended Reads

When snow closes Greg Heffley's middle school, he and his best friend, Rowley Jefferson, face a fight for survival as warring gangs turn the neighborhood into a wintry battlefield.

This bestselling ABC book is written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. A continuous bestseller for Triangle Square, we heard from booksellers around the country who clamored for a large format edition that would appeal to children over the age of 5. This engaging book carries huge messages as it inspires hope for the future, and calls children and parents to action.

Join the call for a better world with this New York Times bestselling picture book about a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. The perfect back-to-school read for every kid, family and classroom!

In our classroom safe and sound.
Fears are lost and hope is found.

Discover a school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated. 

Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

“An important book that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a beautiful, age-appropriate way.” – Trudy Ludwig, author of The Invisible Boy

A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book

From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father's dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”

On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation's history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson's magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults alike. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation's past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech.

You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall.

You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience.

Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King's life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him, Carole Weatherford's poetic text encapsulates the moments that readers today can reenact in their own lives. See a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example, as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality. As times change, Dr. King's example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world . . . to be a King.

As a new generation of activists demands an end to racism, A Place to Land reflects on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and the movement that it galvanized.

Winner of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
Selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Master List

Much has been written about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 1963 March on Washington. But there's little on his legendary speech and how he came to write it. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. "It's terrible to be circling up there without a place to land."

Finding this place to land was what Martin Luther King, Jr. struggled with, alongside advisors and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic "I Have a Dream" speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once.

Barry Wittenstein teams up with legendary illustrator Jerry Pinkney to tell the story of how, against all odds, Martin found his place to land.

An ALA Notable Children's Book
A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Title
Nominated for an NAACP Image Award
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
A Booklist Editors' Choice
Named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and School Library Journal
Selected for the CBC Champions of Change Showcase

The most effective method used to influence children to read is to incorporate the information that interests them the most. National Geographic Readers are educational, high-interest, and comprehensive for children. In this title, readers will learn about the fascinating life and legacy civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

In this level two biography, difficult concepts are made understandable and transitioned into a more approachable manner. This includes the use of sidebars, timetables, diagrams and fun facts to hold the interest of the young reader. The colorful design and educational illustrations round out this text as an exemplary book for their young minds to explore. 

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.

AG Ford is the illustrator of several other books for children, including the New York Times bestselling Barack. He is the recipient of an NAACP Image Award.

The eighth biography in this New York Times bestselling series features one of America's greatest civil rights heroes, Martin Luther King, Jr. (Cover may vary)

As a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America.

This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are:

   • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
   • Photos that bring the story more fully to life
   • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
   • Childhood moments that influenced the hero
   • Facts that make great conversation-starters
   • A virtue this person embodies: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dreams of a better future propelled him into action.

You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!

Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it's almost Thanksgiving...and you're the main course. But Turkey has an idea--what if he doesn't look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?

After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever

Wendi Silvano's comical story is perfectly matched by Lee Harper's watercolors.

Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner, and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn't realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it. Full-color illustrations.

Children have binged on this riotous takeoff on the popular “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” for the last decade. This delicious romp by the author of The Ballad of Valentine and the illustrator who created Skippyjon Jones would make a unique and unforgettable hostess gift.

Pookie and Mom get ready to welcome the whole family for Thanksgiving in this gentle and captivating board book from the beloved and bestselling Sandra Boynton.

It’s Thanksgiving! Join Mom and her little Pookie as they prepare for the yummiest of holidays. Told and illustrated with Sandra Boynton’s celebrated charm, Pookie’s Thanksgiving is filled with a cornucopia of family, gratitude, and pie!

Oh, POOO-KIE! Little POOO-KIE!
It’s time to start baking!
Thanksgiving is here!
There are pies that need making!

Join Pete in New York Times bestselling artist James Dean's Pete the Cat picture book series as Pete celebrates Thanksgiving in this groovy lift-the-flap book!

Starring in the school Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous. But when Pete the Cat gets onstage, he makes learning the story of the first Thanksgiving fun. With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, this book is sure to be a holiday favorite for every Pete the Cat fan.

A New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling How to Catch series comes a festive turkey tale and Thanksgiving book for kids!

A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it so the show can go on? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). This hilariously zany children's picture book combines STEAM concepts and traps with a silly story and fun illustrations, perfect for starting a new fall family tradition this autumn or giving as a Thanksgiving gift for kids ages 4 and up!

Thanksgiving time is here again, but there's a turkey on the run!

Can you catch this tricky bird before the school play has begun?

Also in the How to Catch Series:

• How to Catch a Unicorn
• How to Catch the Easter Bunny
• How to Catch an Elf
• How to Catch a Monster
• How to Catch a Leprechaun
• and more!

The beloved Thanksgiving story by Eileen Spinelli with brand new art!

Thanksgiving at the Tappletons', is back with fresh and original artwork by Maryann Cocca-Leffler.

Thanksgiving is always a big day at the Tappletons'. But this Thanksgiving each task is interrupted by calamity and hilarity: first the turkey slips away . . . then the bakery is sold out . . . and so on, until Uncle Fritz and Grandfather Tappleton despair of ever eating dinner at all!

It's not until Grandmother Tappleton reminds everyone, "there is more to Thanksgiving than a turkey and trimmings," that the Tappletons begin to improvise . . . and end up enjoying a most unusual holiday "feast."

Delicious drawings add to the merriment of this warm, contemporary tale whose mirth and message youngsters will savor.

With tales of witch and pillager rivals finding common ground, a heartless griefer who bit off more than they can chew after burning a house, and valiant heroes new (or not!) to the Overworld, this three-book anthology tells tales that span the world of Minecraft. Featuring stories from star writers and exciting artists, this collection brings together stories from across the Overworld, leaving no block unturned!

"Tyler is your everyday kid whose life is changed when his family has to move from the town he's always known. Thankfully, Tyler has a strong group of friends forever linked in the world of Minecraft! Tyler, along with Evan, Candace, Tobi, and Grace have been going on countless adventures together across the Overworld and are in need of a challenge. They decide to go on the Ultimate Quest -- to travel to the End and face off against the ender dragon!"--

Come October, nights are longer. Moon looms bigger, winds blow stronger. Air is crisper, leaves are falling...Dino-Halloween is calling!

Trick or treat! Join your favorite dinosaurs as they visit a haunted house, carve pumpkins, make costumes, do the monster mash, and more! Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott, creators of the enormously popular Dino-Sports series, come together again to show how these fun-loving dinos celebrate Halloween.

Dinosaurs big and small gather to decorate, eat, and even compete in party festivities like only prehistoric carnivores and herbivores would. Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott--creators of the enormously popular Dino-Sports picture books--team up to create celebrations of epic proportions!

"Dino lovers will be thrilled to spend a spooky holiday with their favorite cast."--Kirkus Reviews

From Dav Pilkey, creator of the #1New York Timesbestselling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, comes Dragon, the heartwarming hero adored by Dav's youngest readers

Pick a book. Grow a Reader

This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow

Dragon is so excited for Halloween He plans to carve a big, scary jack-o'-lantern and create a creepy costume. Unfortunately, Dragon can't find a big pumpkin, and he can't decide which costume to wear. Plus, when Dragon goes for a walk through the woods, he hears some unexpected growling -- yikes Will Dragon's Halloween be filled with more tricks than treats?

This Acorn edition contains brand-new bonus content, including how-to-draw pages

Beep Beep It's Halloween Little Blue Truck is picking up his animal friends for a costume party. Lift the flaps in this large, sturdy board book to find out who's dressed up in each costume Will Blue wear a costume too? With the delightful rhymes and signature illustration style that made Little Blue Truck a household name, Blue's new adventure is full of festive costumes, fall colors, and plenty of Halloween fun

Pig the Pug celebrates Halloween in this picture book from #1 New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Aaron Blabey.

Pig was a pug

and I'm sorry to say,

on Halloween night

he'd get carried away...

Pig, the world's greediest pug, is on the rampage for TREATS! TREATS! TREATS! But don't even think about being stingy with the goodies, because this candy-fueled glutton has some terrible tricks up his sleeve...

Rich with author-illustrator Aaron Blabey's signature rhyming text and unforgettable illustrations, Pig the Monster is a laugh-out-loud story that follows the eight previous books in the series (Pig the Pug, Pig the Winner, Pig the Elf, Pig the Star, Pig the Fibber, Pig the Stinker, Pig the Tourist, and Pig the Slob).

This fun family read-aloud is the perfect way to start Halloween celebrations and an ideal gift book. A sweet story of quick wits, friendship, and inclusivity from the creators of The Gruffalo!

The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch's hat, then her bow, and then her wand!  Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom.  But is there room on the broom for so many friends?  And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the creators of many beloved picture books including The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, The Snail and the Whale, and The Spiffiest Giant in Town.


"A surefire read-aloud hit." -School Library Journal

0nce upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . CLOMP, CLOMP, SHAKE, SHAKE, CLAP, CLAP. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life!

When beloved and award-winning picture-book author and illustrator Don Freeman died in 1978, his son, Roy, inherited his father's vast archive of art and stories. In that treasure trove, Roy recently discovered some artwork and a story set in Washington, D.C., about a squirrel gathering nuts for the winter. The project was promising but unfinished, so Roy decided to partner with his father-thirty years after his death-to bring the book to life.

One More Acorn is more than an adorable, heartwarming story about a squirrel looking for that one last acorn-it's a son's homage to his father. And having an all-new original Don Freeman picture book is a true publishing event.
 

It's autumn, and Big Bear thinks that his sneezes are causing the leaves and the apples to fall from the trees and the geese to fly away...until the wind convinces him otherwise. Cozy illustrations rendered in pencil and mixed media add warmth and humor to a story that children will love.

From award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith comes Stickler, a woodland creature who reminds us to appreciate the everyday wonders we often ignore. In a picture book that’s both silly and sweet, readers will find Stickler’s enthusiasm irresistible and see the world anew.

A Junior Library Guild selection • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY People Magazine • Kirkus Reviews • The Boston Globe • The Evanston Public Library

And just think of the wonders we must pass every day without even noticing!

Stickler, an original character covered in sticks and with multiple ever-changing eyes, loves its little world. With best friend Crow, it shares the wonders of all the amazing things the world has to offer.  Stickler is astonished by the ordinary, such as the sun and the stars, as well as fascinated by those things in nature that are often overlooked, such as swirling seed pods falling from the sky. The two pals wander about the world, stopping to appreciate the many marvels along the way, especially its beloved sticks, each one unique. 

Stickler Loves the World encourages awareness and mindfulness with a joyous and lighthearted touch. The award-winning illustrator of bestsellers including Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems brings imagination and humor to a story that features a delightful and original character.

Amara searches for pumpkins on her farm in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? series.

Amara is hosting a potluck for friends on her farm, and she needs help finding her pumpkins to serve a tasty dish. What do we know about pumpkins? They're large, round, and orange—and, wait a minute, is that a pumpkin? No, that's an apple. Where, oh, where could those pumpkins be? Can you help Amara find them in time for her potluck?

The first title in the Where in the Garden? picture book series stars Amara, a young Black girl who explores the crops growing on her family's intergenerational farm. Playful text guides young readers to hunt for visual clues and compare and contrast the unique characteristics of pumpkins against okra, cauliflower, eggplant, and other produce that grows on Amara's farm.

Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Back matter includes a yummy molasses pumpkin bread recipe for little chefs and their adult helpers to try together.

While tired farmers and their families are in bed, the harvest moon silently climbs into the sky and starts working its magic. For some, it is the nightly signal to rise and shine. It is time to hunt, to work, or to play in the shadows. For a little girl and her cat, it is an invitation to enjoy the wonders of the night and a last flood of light before the short days of winter set in. With an evocative text and radiant illustrations, this companion to Twilight Comes Twice offers a glimpse of nature's nightlife long after bedtime.

A small bear looks for—and finds—courage and a way home.

While Mama hangs the wash out
and Papa rakes the leaves,
Oliver chases a big yellow leaf . . .

Oliver is so intent on following a blowing autumn leaf that he doesn’t even notice that he’s lost his way. All alone at the edge of the woods, he starts to cry. He cries and cries - but he is still lost. And so he rubs his nose and tries to think. . . .

With characteristic warmth, humor, and a firm faith in the power of pluck, Phyllis Root quietly captures a big, defining moment in the world of a small child.

As the leaves on the trees go from green to red and gold, two curious squirrels embrace the change of seasons!
When he wakes up one morning to find that his home tree is changing, the little squirrel is scared! Why are all the leaves falling off?
Quickly he corrals his sister and they gather up the leaves in colorful pawfuls. But try as they may to stick them back on the branches, it's hopeless: Yellow, orange, red, and brown, all the leaves keep falling down!
It's only when their wise mama explains what happens in autumn that the two little squirrels understand the seasons are changing. Green leaves will sprout anew in spring!

Bella loves the sights and sounds of fall--the crinkle-crackle of fallen leaves, the crunch of crisp, red apples, the honking and flapping of migrating geese. She wants the season to last forever. She also wants her fall coat--the one her Grams made especially for her--to last forever. But the coat is worn-out and too small. . . . With a snip and a whir, Grams makes sure Bella will be warm when the first snowflakes fall. And Bella finds a perfect use for her old favorite coat--on the first snowman of the season. Adorned with beautiful fall oranges, reds, and yellows, and sprinkled with fun sound words, this read-aloud will help families celebrate both fall and winter.

Blustery wind, burns and shrieks
Nibbles on my nose and cheeks

For preschoolers, windy fall days mean excitement and play. Strong winds stimulate children and their surroundings, as though an invisible hand is shaking the world. Gentler breezes help plants scatter their seeds, set pinwheels in motion, and keep kite strings taut. But fiercer winds begin to sting the cheeks as they bring about a new season...

In Windy Days, author Deborah Kerbel once again captures the magic of early childhood awe and wonder with rhyming couplets as light as a breath of fresh air. Illustrator Miki Sato's unique tactile collage art pops off the page through its detailed use of hand-stitching and textural materials.

"Kerbel's couplets include both concrete details and more poetic abstractions. Sato's deceptively simple illustrations are almost tangible in their layers, showcasing an array of stitches, paper finishes, and fabric surfaces, and depicting an inclusive cast."--Publishers Weekly review of Snow Days

When Flora and her pesky little brother, Crispin, are whisked away by a swirling and swooping wind, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to give her brother away. With tempting offers from a dragonfly, the man in the moon, and even the wind itself, she will find it difficult to choose. But Flora would do anything to get rid of Crispin, wouldn't she?

Jeanne Birdsall's utterly charming picture book debut takes flight in Matt Phelan's twisting, twirling watercolors, brimming with wit and whimsy.

A Junior Library Guild Selection!

From New York Times bestselling, three-time Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Raúl the Third, ¡Vamos! Let's Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos follows Little Lobo and friends on a Halloween and Día de los Muertos adventure in the first World of ¡Vamos! holiday book!

Little Lobo is celebrating two big holidays this fall!

On Halloween, Little Lobo and his friends dress up in costumes, trick-or-treat for candy, and share spooky stories. Then everyone in the town prepares food, drinks, and other gifts and decorates the cemetery with ofrendas so they can enjoy Día de los Muertos with the spirits of the people they love. Join Little Lobo and his friends as they celebrate!

Full of easy-to-remember Spanish vocabulary and packed with cultural details, this colorful story of two fall holidays brings the celebrations of this border town to readers everywhere!

"Touching upon the importance of sharing and kindness, this lovely picture book also introduces a beautiful ocean world and Aztec mythology to young readers." — School Library Journal, starred review

"This gentle aquatic fable reminds us that friendship and selflessness can be powerful beacons against fear and hopelessness, even in times of darkness. A visually appealing tale with a sound message sure to resonate with readers." —Kirkus Reviews

Melissa Cristina Márquez returns with a new underwater story perfect for young readers! When the ocean goes dark, Maren the whale shark and her best friend, Remy the remora, set out to find answers and to provide light for those they encounter in this encouraging picture book.

Maren the whale shark loves her life as the biggest, brightest fish in the sea. She spends her days exploring the water around her and finding fresh new snacks as she travels. But one day, the ocean goes dark and Maren’s adventures come to a halt. With only the glow from the scales on her back and her best friend, Remy the remora, by her side, Maren sets out on her greatest quest yet—to cross the ocean and ask the Aztec goddess Huixtocihuatl about the darkness and to figure out how to bring back the light. Along the way she meets new friends and exemplifies the power of sharing!

Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree, globally renowned shark scientist, and author of Mother of Sharks, is back to introduce a variety of fish and other fun sea creatures in this picture book celebrating community, friendship, and supporting others in times of need. Brought to life by Rocío Arreola Mendoza’s stellar illustrations, this ocean adventure is sure to educate and excite young readers about the sea while passing along positive lessons to be used on land.

Discover a new young graphic novel series full of humor and heart about a lovable dog, her favorite human, and their pawsome pack in this unforgettable friendship story perfect for fans of PAWCASSO and ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS.

Thunder the dog likes to take naps by the sunny window, sniff around for hidden treats, play fetch, and get cuddles from her favorite human, Sage.

Though Thunder wants to be good for Sage, she’s having a ruff time stopping herself from doing things she knows are wrong – like barking, digging, and chasing suspicious furballs around the yard. She’s shocked when her inner Wolf appears one day and reveals the truth behind these irresistible impulses. It’s all because dogs are really wolves! (That is, they’re descended from them.) The big question is: Will Thunder choose to be a loyal pet to Sage, or embrace the wild animal within?

For fans of PAWS and KATIE THE CATSITTER, and anyone who has ever pondered the secret life of their cherished four-legged sidekick, meet Thunder and Sage —and get ready to feel ALL THE WAGS!

*Includes nonfiction backmatter for young readers to learn more about their favorite furry friends*

Come along with Pickle to find the car that is just right in this silly graphic early reader.

Pickle just wants some fresh cream from the farm, but his car breaks down! With a trip to Coco’s garage, he hopes to find the perfect car for him.

The race car? Too fast. The safe car? Too big. The fancy car? Too expensive. But Coco has an idea that might just save Pickle’s day. This humorous tale and adorable art will have kids giggling and reading on their own.

Comics-lovers can now share the fun with their kids, students, siblings, and younger friends who are learning to read!

I Like to Read® Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds.I Like to Read® Comics, like their award-winning I Like to Read® counterpart, are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers.We hope that all new readers will say, “I like to read comics!”

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Don't feel like hugging today? No worries! We can say hello with a smile, a wave or even a high five!



The fourth book in Sophie Beer's feel-good series is all about consent for little readers. As is Sophie's signature style, How to Say Hello takes big concepts and nestles them in clear yet playful narratives.



Inclusive, vibrant and uplifting, How to Say Hello supports children in establishing boundaries as they navigate relationships.
 

In this funny young middle-grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings by Newbery Medal winner and national bestseller Erin Entrada Kelly on almost every page. Perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean, Merci Suárez, and Ramona.

Felix Powell can talk to animals. Just ask his dog, Mary Puppins! They talk all the time. When a mysterious, magical spell turns Felix into a dog, Mary Puppins is amazed. But not as much as Felix! Will his tail ever stop wagging? Will he ever see in full color again? How will he deal with Gumbo, the snobby neighborhood cat? Most importantly, will he ever return to being a regular boy?

With short, high-interest chapters and illustrations by the author on almost every page, Felix Powell, Boy Dog celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, imagination, and friendship. For readers of Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Meg Medina, and Megan McDonald, and all kids who love animals.

When you find someone who agrees to be the back end of a unicorn costume, who names their goldfish after you, and is always willing to be the dragon when you play knights and dragons, you’ve found a best friend.

Having a best friend is the greatest feeling ever. But it’s terrible when something happens to break up that friendship. Now it feels like you are being hugged by a porcupine. Now it’s time to figure out how to repair a broken friendship. A good place to start is a homemade card with glitter everywhere and a special cupcake with lots of sprinkles. When you add an apology, it’s the best way back to being best friends.
This funny and sweet story is a guide to celebrating and caring for your besties even when you don't seem to agree.

A charmingly earnest pair of bears find a friend where they least expect it in this heartwarming comedy of errors featuring the rich artwork of Petr Horácek.

Black Bear is feeling lonely, so he decides to look for a friend. Luckily, he meets Brown Bear, who is in the same situation! The bears decide to join forces, but finding a friend isn't easy. After helping each other through forests and over a brook, skirting a ravine and even practicing how to "find" with a slightly suspenseful game of hide-and-seek, their elusive friend is still nowhere to be found. Or has the perfect candidate been there all along? With deeply saturated colors and endearing characters, Petr Horacek offers a gentle reminder that the best things in life may be hiding in plain sight.

Head back to school with the bestselling picture book classic! The perennial classroom read-aloud favorite for students and teachers, reminding us we all get the jitters sometimes.
A perfect new school year pick for kindergarteners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders who are feeling nervous or anxious about starting their first day.

Sarah Jane Hartwell has that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach—she's nervous and doesn't want to start a new school year. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it.

With a little convicing from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly heads to class. Shy at first, she's quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton and is reminded that everyone at school gets the jitters sometimes.

A beloved and bestselling back to school staple, Sarah Jane's relatable story and its surprise ending will delight seasoned students and new faces alike who are anxious about their first day.

• Includes a Certificate of Courage for First Day Completion and a First Day Memories Sheet!

With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading!

Summer is almost over, and you know what that means—time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at Andrea's house. Ugh, disgusting!

Soon after, everyone in the house starts getting cabin fever, and even back-to-school shopping won't calm the kids down. So, Andrea and A.J. are sent to Camp Ockatollyquay. The catch? It's a camp to get kids ready for school! But not to worry—Andrea and A.J. rally their Ella Mentry School friends to end their summer on a note they'll never forget.

Join A.J. and the gang from My Weird School in this special series of after-school, holiday-themed chapter books featuring hilarious stories and thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more. This is one weird back-to-school special you won't want to miss!

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?!
Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!

A New York Times bestseller!

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown.

The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
     Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes's empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations exude joy.

How can there be homework when it's only the first day of school? Splat must pick only "one" of all of his fun summer adventures to share with his classmates at show-and-tell. But in the end, Splat may find that the best part of his summer wasn't an adventure at all. . . .

The hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day The Crayons Quit are ready to go back to school!

The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. They're also ready to meet new friends. . . and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class. A humorous, small hardcover back-to-school story from everyone's favorite school supplies.

Summer is a poetic, inspirational picture book about the power of kindness from two of China's most acclaimed creators—and children will discover a surprise as they turn the pages!

During a hot summer day in the grasslands, a group of animals race to claim the single spot of shade—under one tiny leaf that clings to a branch. The animals fight until they are inspired by an act of love to offer shade to one another.

Through lyrical text from Hans Christian Andersen Award winner Cao Wenxuan, the story comes alive with bright, delicate art from award-winning illustrator Yu Rong and provides a vivid introduction to animals. In the middle of the book, pages grow shorter and then longer to emphasize each selfless action and to remind children of the importance of sharing and being kind.

An Imprint Book

"An exquisitely calibrated fable." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Children will return often to enjoy the interactive opportunities." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

When a family spends a day at the beach, the children investigate various footprints to see what type of creatures live along the shoreline. Rhyming text turns a sandy beach into an outdoor classroom. The tracks and habits of local wildlife, including hopping sandpipers, scuttling crabs, and burrowing turtles, are identified and explained for young ecology detectives. Even Daddy's feet make an appearance! And at day's end, it's time for tired feet to make their way home. STEM-based back matter includes information on how clues like footprints can identify the type of wildlife inhabiting any given habitat.

A sweet, tender, and touching tale about a wise lighthouse guiding a young boat through the turbulent waters of life. This is a beautiful take on parenting and growing up, and a perfect pick for sharing and gifting.

Once, there was a lighthouse.

She stood proud and steady, strong and bright. In fair weather and in foul, she towered over the waters and guided ships to safe harbor.

A lighthouse stands by the sea and keeps everything in her sight safe and sound. When a little boat named Brightness appears in her harbor, Lighthouse offers to watch out for her. But, as Brightness becomes more confident, she goes out farther than Lighthouse can see. When a big storm hits, will Lighthouse be able to protect Brightness

Perfect for both young readers and adults, this gorgeous picture book by Katie Frawley and Ben Mantle shows that, even when there are storms, love will always guide children home.

From Kelsey Gross and New York Times bestselling artist Renata Liwska comes a companion to the stunningly beautiful and lyrical Winter telling the story of a group of animal friends who come together on the Solstice to celebrate the wonder of the summer.

The long summer days are here, and in the peace and stillness of the morning, the forest seems quiet and asleep. But there is always life everywhere if you know where—and when—to look. Solstice is here! On the longest day of the year, friends Squirrel, Raccoon, Bear, Sparrow, Rabbit, Woodpecker, and Deer gather to share the gifts of new light and life that summer brings.

Whish! Whoosh! When the river rises, Turtle-Turtle needs his friends’ help reaching higher ground in this epic, but ultimately reassuring, ode to friendship and resilience.

The rain pelted down, down, down
And the wide, wide river rose up, up, up
All around, all around.

When a storm strikes, most of the animals know what to do: Skiddaddle! But Turtle-Turtle doesn’t realize he should swim away . . . until the water rises. Although he’s scared to weather it on his own, he learns that he doesn’t have to. Comforting companions Heron and Frog help Turtle-Turtle until—bit-by-bit, friend-by-friend—he finds the strength within himself to push onwards to safer shores.

Rich with rhythm and read-aloud potential, Turtle-Turtle and the Wide, Wide River is a perfect bedtime book that masterfully melds an epic adventure with a reassuring ending. Drawing on their years of shared experience teaching and creating picture books, Jane & Will Hillenbrand offer readers a celebration of friendship and a gentle reminder that, even when you’re stuck on the stormiest seas, your loved ones will help you to stay afloat.

An enchanting mermaid tale from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series!

Many claim to have caught a mermaid, but can YOU? Perfect for mermaid lovers, summer reading, and gifts for kids ages 4-10, this funny mermaid picture book offers an irresistible under-the-sea adventure that parents, educators, and children will love! Brimming with fun STEAM-based traps, clever rhymes, and plenty of laughs to share in at-home and classroom read alouds, this magical story makes a perfect stocking stuffer and birthday, Easter, or back to school gift for kids and mermaid lovers alike!

How do you catch a mermaid? You must be very clever.

With mirrors, crowns, and pearls galore, this quest can't last forever!

Also in the How to Catch Series:

• How to Catch a Unicorn
• How to Catch a Yeti
• How to Catch a Dinosaur
• How to Catch a Dragon
• How to Catch a Monster
• and more!

Mouse and Minka invite YOU to celebrate summer with a picnic in the park.
Roll down the hill on tickly green grass.
Fly kites fluttery high in the sky.
And don't forget juicy watermelon!
But before it's time to go home, a summer surprise sparkles in the sky.
CRACKLE, POP, BOOM!
What's making that sound?

You might know that Columbus discovered America, Lewis and Clark headed west with Sacajawea, and Sally Ride blasted into space. But what do you really know about these bold explorers? What were they like as kids? What pets or bad habits did they have? And what drove their passion to explore unknown parts of the world? With juicy tidbits about everything from favorite foods to first loves, Lives of the Explorers reveals these fascinating adventurers as both world-changers and real people.

The entertaining style and solid research of the Lives of . . . series of biographies have made it a favorite with families and educators for twenty years. This new volume takes readers through the centuries and across the globe, profiling the men and women whose curiosity and courage have led them to discover our world.

The big sea's littlest mischief-maker, Oona, is back in another delightful tale from New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Raissa Figueroa.

Oona loves to share her inventions with her friends. They're big and bold and LOUD--just like her! But there's one underwater creature who doesn't seem to enjoy Oona's company, or her creations.

Stanley the shark! He doesn't care for her squeaky unicorn. And he's far too busy for the Sea Horse Carousel. And oh GOODNESS! Oona's latest hopping, chopping, and popping inventions just make him angry.

Oona may not know what Stanley likes, but she does know what he doesn't. And maybe that's a good place to start. Because mermaids never stop trying...not when there's a friend out there to make.

From the author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, ONE COOL FRIEND!

As they wait for the arrival of a new baby, Maita tells her great-grandniece the story of her remarkable childhood. Living sheltered on a lighthouse island with only her parents for company, Maita always longed for a sibling-longed not to be the only child the ragged island knew. And then one icy night, howling winds blew wave after wave against the shore, and from that fearsome storm came a sea chest-a gift that would change Maita's life forever.

From a beguiling Maine legend, newcomer Toni Buzzeo has fashioned this exquisitely lyrical, intimate tale, illustrated in vibrant oil paintings by Mary GrandPre. Together they have created a book of classic beauty and resonance.

A New York Times bestselling striking under-the-sea version of Goldilocks with bonus storytelling in the borders, as only Jan Brett could create.
When Kiniro, a young mermaid, comes upon a gorgeous house made of seashells and coral, she is so curious that she goes inside. She’s thrilled to find a just-right breakfast, pretty little chair, and, best of all, a comfy bed that rocks in the current.
 
But when the Octopus family returns home, they are not happy to find that someone has been eating their food and breaking their things. Baby has the biggest shock when she finds the mermaid asleep in her bed!

Luckily, shock turns to happiness when Kiniro gives her a thoughtful gift before escaping from the twenty-four arms coming her way.
 
Vibrant, intricate scenes of an underwater paradise transport this classic fairy tale to a magical setting inspired by the seas off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Along with fun details that enrich the storytelling in Jan Brett's trademark borders, this visual treat will enchant readers of all ages.

What happens when a pirate, hoping for a parrot, stumbles upon a bird of a duller plumage?

Pirate doesn’t know that Penguin is a penguin. But any bird can sit on a shoulder and squawk “shiver me timbers”...right?

Laugh along with Pirate and Penguin in this high seas tale of mistaken identity and find out whether they’ll find friendship before somebody walks the plank.

Discover where it all began! The #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series takes flight in this epic adventure of five dragons destined and determined to save their world.

Clay has lived his whole life under the mountain. The MudWing dragonet knows that war is raging between the dragon tribes in the world outside -- a war that he and four other dragonets are destined to end, according to the mysterious Prophecy they've been taught. The five "chosen" dragonets were stolen from their homes while they were still in their eggs and hidden away ever since -- all to fulfill the Prophecy.

But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when danger threatens one of their own, Clay and his friends must choose freedom over fate . . . leave the mountain . . . and set the dragon world on a course that no one could have predicted.

From the World's No. 1 Storyteller, James and the Giant Peach is a children's classic that has captured young reader's imaginations for generations.

One of TIME MAGAZINE’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time

After James Henry Trotter's parents are tragically eaten by a rhinoceros, he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun, until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree and strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it's as big as a house. Inside, James meets a bunch of oversized friends—Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybug, and more. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the great adventure begins!
 
Roald Dahl is the author of numerous classic children’s stories including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and many more!
 
“James and the Giant Peach remains a favorite among kids and parents alike nearly 60 years after it was first published, thanks to its vivid imagery, vibrant characters and forthright exploration of mature themes like death and hope.” —TIME Magazine

Dan Santat's Caldecott Medal-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend is a humorous and thoughtful celebration of friends.
This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and--at long last--is given his special name: Beekle.

The #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat--creator of After the Fall and Are We There Yet?--combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world.
 

A dog and a strawberry find themselves nose to stem in this hilarious picture book that's perfect for dog lovers. An epic battle ensues—who will come out on top?

Welcome to the Greatest Race of All Time!
Give it up for our reigning champion, the one-and-only DOG!
And let’s have a hand for her opponent: the formidable STRAW-BER-RYYYY!

When Dog is handed a strawberry from the fruit bowl, she sizes it up, dances around it, and decides she is going to race the Strawberry--and win. She dashes left, then right, then--oh!-- over the couch in an attempt to outrun her opponent. Strawberry doesn't move, but that doesn't stop Dog from continuing the race. Eventually, it's neck-and-neck... until mom walks in to see what the fuss is about, and SPLAT!

Kids everywhere will recognize the rivalry at play here, and will laugh-out-loud at the bright, expressive illustrations and ridiculous scenarios from the award-winning creators of Cat Dog Dog.

This cuddly board book is packed with sweet sayings that will charm young readers—and the big readers who love them!

You’re the sprinkles on my ice cream
You’re the wind that lifts my kite
You’re the twinkle in my nighttime
I will always hold you tight

With delightful text and bright illustrations, this lovey-dovey board book is perfect to read with your little one.

Vote for Pete the Cat for class president in this storybook by New York Times bestselling author-illustrator team Kimberly and James Dean. Includes over thirty stickers!

Pete the Cat is running for class president! And so is Callie. Her posters are super cool and so are her ideas. Pete has lots of groovy ideas too, and he loves baking cookies and playing guitar onstage for his campaign. Which cat will be the next class president?

Find out in this Pete-tastic story full of kindness and friendship! Includes a glossary of election-day vocabulary.

A father and son team up to compete in an epic Minecraft tournament in this official novel!

It’s a dream come true. Every year, only twenty-four kids in the entire state are selected to show off their Minecraft skills in the Southwest Regional Tournament. And Jett Warner just got his invitation.

Here’s the catch: Nobody knows the rules ahead of time. Will it be Survival? Creative? A speedrun? Or maybe PVP? The only thing Jett knows is that he’ll need a partner. And he’ll need to expect the unexpected—well, that and a totally sweet all-expenses-paid trip to a mountainside retreat for a week. The winner’s reward? Life-changing. The competition? The best of the best. The partner in his corner? His sister, Dri, a total Minecraft expert.

Wait, scratch that—Dri has a fever, and now Jett is going to have to team up with . . . Dad?! Sure, he taught Jett how to play, but that was years ago. And while Jett’s got his eyes on the prize, Dad’s more eager to hike the trails. As the games begin, the rules are revealed, and the twists keep coming. If the Warners want a chance to win, they’ll need to step up and perform as a true team—before their opponents take it all.

So sharpen those swords, light your torch, and get ready to play. The Tournament awaits!

Robin Gow's Gooseberry is a moving middle-grade novel about a young nonbinary person searching for family and finding it with a sweet rescue dog.

There's a lot twelve-year-old B doesn't know--like what their new name should be after coming out as nonbinary. Or what it would feel like to finally feel at home after moving around to different foster families for years. But there's one thing B does know: they want to be a dog trainer when they grow up. And when they meet Gooseberry--a feisty stray dog who seems as wary of strangers as B does--B feels an instant connection. With Gooseberry, B could have everything they want: a family of their own, and a dog to train. And B's newest foster parents agree to let B adopt him.

But training a dog isn't as easy as B expected. Gooseberry is anxious and barely lets B pet him, let alone train him. Will Gooseberry ever feel at ease with B? And how can B teach Gooseberry to trust, when they know so little about trust themself?

Gooseberry is a heartwarming story by the acclaimed author of Dear Mothman about finding family, finding hope, and--most of all--finding and accepting yourself.

A heartfelt novel praised by Tom Hanks in the New York Times as including "a conclusion nearly impossible to divine and yet so perfect it includes that most tactile of memories..."

Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks. Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs) and recently replaced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family—the family he’s lived with for years. The Brindles are busy humans, apart from 12-year-old Ernest, who would rather be left alone with his collection of Oxford English Dictionaries. The least they could do was remember Olivetti once in a while, since he remembers every word they’ve typed on him. It’s a thankless job, keeping memories alive.

Olivetti gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest’s mom, Beatrice—his used-to-be most frequent visitor—only for her to drop him off at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him helplessly behind. When Olivetti learns Beatrice has mysteriously gone missing afterward, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the “typewriterly code” and types back to Ernest, divulging Beatrice’s memories stored inside him.

Their search takes them across San Francisco—chasing clues, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, The Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging, and the parts of themselves they’ve lost.

Get ready to solve the mystery at the heart of this captivating new middle grade adventure about family—and a house with a mind of its own—from the award-winning author of Game of Fox & Squirrels and Every Bird a Prince, Jenn Reese.

Twelve-year-old Perigee has never met a problem they couldn’t solve. So when their Dad’s spirits need raising, Perigee formulates the Plan: a road trip to Dad’s childhood home to reunite him with his estranged mother. There's something in it for Perigee, too, as they will finally get to visit “Eklunds' Puzzle House,” the mysterious bed & breakfast their grandparents built but never opened.

They arrive ahead of a massive storm and the House immediately puts Perigee’s logical, science-loving mind to the test. Corridors shift. Strange paintings lurk in the shadows. Encoded messages abound. Despite Perigee’s best efforts, neither the House nor Grandma will give up their secrets. And worse, prickly Grandma has outlawed games and riddles of any kind.

Even the greatest of plans can crumble, and as new arguments fill the air, the House becomes truly dangerous. Deadly puzzles pop up at every turn, knives spin in the hallways, and staircases disappear. The answer lies at the heart of the House, but in order to find it, Perigee and their new friend Lily will need to solve a long-lost, decades-old riddle... if the House itself doesn’t stop them first.

Sometimes life explodes in technicolor.

In the spirit of Judy Blume, award-winning author Aida Salazar tells it like it is about puberty, hormones, and first love in this hilarious, heartwarming, and highly relatable coming-of-age story. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, and Adib Khorram.

* "Stunning...A story that sings to the soul." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Salazar writes from a place of abundant empathy. . . . Another heartfelt and accessible tale of growing up from one of the best in modern children's literature." --School Library Journal, starred review

For Elio Solis, eighth grade fizzes with change--His body teeming with hormones. His feelings that flow like lava. His relationship with Pops, who's always telling him to man up, the Solis way. And especially Camelia, his first girlfriend.

But then, betrayal and heartbreak send Elio spiraling toward revenge, a fight to prove his manhood, and defend Camelia's honor. He doesn't anticipate the dire consequences--or that Camelia's not looking for a savior.

Ultraviolet digs deep into themes of consent, puberty, masculinity, and the emotional lives of boys, as it challenges stereotypes and offers another way to be in the world.

This dazzling sequel to the phenomenal The Book of Stolen Dreams that Publishers Weekly compared to the work of Kelly Barnhill and Lemony Snicket sees Rachel shouldering her new responsibility as key keeper when a girl goes missing.

After defeating the tyrant Malstain, Rachel and Robert are the heroes of Krasnia…but all is not how it should be. Robert is swept away with his new friends, leaving Rachel alone to take care of their ailing father, who’s lost without their beloved mother.

Rachel has also become the keeper of the hidden blood red key that opens the way into the Hinterland and is sworn to answer when it calls. So when a young girl, Elsa Spiegel, is illegally smuggled into the Hinterland, Rachel has no choice but to use her key to save her. But Elsa’s fate is linked to Krasnia’s, and Rachel’s rescue mission turns into a battle to save her home as she knows it.

A New York Times bestseller!
A Morris Award Finalist

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them meets Neil Gaiman in this “striking and heartfelt” (Kirkus Reviews) novel about an Iranian American girl who discovers that her father was secretly a veterinarian to magical creatures—and that she must take up his mantle, despite the many dangers.

Once was, once wasn’t.

So began the stories Marjan’s father told her as a little girl—fables like the story of the girl who sprung a unicorn from a hunter’s snare, or the nomad boy who rescued a baby shirdal. Tales of mythical beasts that filled her with curiosity and wonder.

But Marjan’s not a little girl anymore. In the wake of her father’s sudden death, she is trying to hold it all together: her schoolwork, friendships, and keeping her dad’s shoestring veterinary practice from going under. Then, one day, she receives a visitor who reveals something stunning: Marjan’s father was no ordinary veterinarian. The creatures out of the stories he told her were real—and he traveled the world to care for them. And now that he’s gone, she must take his place.

Marjan steps into a secret world hidden in plain sight, where magical creatures are bought and sold, treasured and trapped. She finds friends she never knew she needed—a charming British boy who grew up with a griffon, a runaway witch seeking magic and home—while trying to hide her double life from her old friends and classmates.

The deeper Marjan gets into treating these animals, the closer she comes to finding who killed her father—and to a shocking truth that will reawaken her sense of wonder and put humans and beasts in the gravest of danger.

A New York Times bestseller!
A Morris Award Finalist

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them meets Neil Gaiman in this “striking and heartfelt” (Kirkus Reviews) novel about an Iranian American girl who discovers that her father was secretly a veterinarian to magical creatures—and that she must take up his mantle, despite the many dangers.

Once was, once wasn’t.

So began the stories Marjan’s father told her as a little girl—fables like the story of the girl who sprung a unicorn from a hunter’s snare, or the nomad boy who rescued a baby shirdal. Tales of mythical beasts that filled her with curiosity and wonder.

But Marjan’s not a little girl anymore. In the wake of her father’s sudden death, she is trying to hold it all together: her schoolwork, friendships, and keeping her dad’s shoestring veterinary practice from going under. Then, one day, she receives a visitor who reveals something stunning: Marjan’s father was no ordinary veterinarian. The creatures out of the stories he told her were real—and he traveled the world to care for them. And now that he’s gone, she must take his place.

Marjan steps into a secret world hidden in plain sight, where magical creatures are bought and sold, treasured and trapped. She finds friends she never knew she needed—a charming British boy who grew up with a griffon, a runaway witch seeking magic and home—while trying to hide her double life from her old friends and classmates.

The deeper Marjan gets into treating these animals, the closer she comes to finding who killed her father—and to a shocking truth that will reawaken her sense of wonder and put humans and beasts in the gravest of danger.

Sometimes life explodes in technicolor.

In the spirit of Judy Blume, award-winning author Aida Salazar tells it like it is about puberty, hormones, and first love in this hilarious, heartwarming, and highly relatable coming-of-age story. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, and Adib Khorram.

* "Stunning...A story that sings to the soul." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Salazar writes from a place of abundant empathy. . . . Another heartfelt and accessible tale of growing up from one of the best in modern children's literature." --School Library Journal, starred review

For Elio Solis, eighth grade fizzes with change--His body teeming with hormones. His feelings that flow like lava. His relationship with Pops, who's always telling him to man up, the Solis way. And especially Camelia, his first girlfriend.

But then, betrayal and heartbreak send Elio spiraling toward revenge, a fight to prove his manhood, and defend Camelia's honor. He doesn't anticipate the dire consequences--or that Camelia's not looking for a savior.

Ultraviolet digs deep into themes of consent, puberty, masculinity, and the emotional lives of boys, as it challenges stereotypes and offers another way to be in the world.

Get ready to solve the mystery at the heart of this captivating new middle grade adventure about family—and a house with a mind of its own—from the award-winning author of Game of Fox & Squirrels and Every Bird a Prince, Jenn Reese.

Twelve-year-old Perigee has never met a problem they couldn’t solve. So when their Dad’s spirits need raising, Perigee formulates the Plan: a road trip to Dad’s childhood home to reunite him with his estranged mother. There's something in it for Perigee, too, as they will finally get to visit “Eklunds' Puzzle House,” the mysterious bed & breakfast their grandparents built but never opened.

They arrive ahead of a massive storm and the House immediately puts Perigee’s logical, science-loving mind to the test. Corridors shift. Strange paintings lurk in the shadows. Encoded messages abound. Despite Perigee’s best efforts, neither the House nor Grandma will give up their secrets. And worse, prickly Grandma has outlawed games and riddles of any kind.

Even the greatest of plans can crumble, and as new arguments fill the air, the House becomes truly dangerous. Deadly puzzles pop up at every turn, knives spin in the hallways, and staircases disappear. The answer lies at the heart of the House, but in order to find it, Perigee and their new friend Lily will need to solve a long-lost, decades-old riddle... if the House itself doesn’t stop them first.

A heartfelt novel praised by Tom Hanks in the New York Times as including "a conclusion nearly impossible to divine and yet so perfect it includes that most tactile of memories..."

Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks. Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs) and recently replaced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family—the family he’s lived with for years. The Brindles are busy humans, apart from 12-year-old Ernest, who would rather be left alone with his collection of Oxford English Dictionaries. The least they could do was remember Olivetti once in a while, since he remembers every word they’ve typed on him. It’s a thankless job, keeping memories alive.

Olivetti gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest’s mom, Beatrice—his used-to-be most frequent visitor—only for her to drop him off at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him helplessly behind. When Olivetti learns Beatrice has mysteriously gone missing afterward, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the “typewriterly code” and types back to Ernest, divulging Beatrice’s memories stored inside him.

Their search takes them across San Francisco—chasing clues, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, The Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging, and the parts of themselves they’ve lost.

Robin Gow's Gooseberry is a moving middle-grade novel about a young nonbinary person searching for family and finding it with a sweet rescue dog.

There's a lot twelve-year-old B doesn't know--like what their new name should be after coming out as nonbinary. Or what it would feel like to finally feel at home after moving around to different foster families for years. But there's one thing B does know: they want to be a dog trainer when they grow up. And when they meet Gooseberry--a feisty stray dog who seems as wary of strangers as B does--B feels an instant connection. With Gooseberry, B could have everything they want: a family of their own, and a dog to train. And B's newest foster parents agree to let B adopt him.

But training a dog isn't as easy as B expected. Gooseberry is anxious and barely lets B pet him, let alone train him. Will Gooseberry ever feel at ease with B? And how can B teach Gooseberry to trust, when they know so little about trust themself?

Gooseberry is a heartwarming story by the acclaimed author of Dear Mothman about finding family, finding hope, and--most of all--finding and accepting yourself.

A father and son team up to compete in an epic Minecraft tournament in this official novel!

It’s a dream come true. Every year, only twenty-four kids in the entire state are selected to show off their Minecraft skills in the Southwest Regional Tournament. And Jett Warner just got his invitation.

Here’s the catch: Nobody knows the rules ahead of time. Will it be Survival? Creative? A speedrun? Or maybe PVP? The only thing Jett knows is that he’ll need a partner. And he’ll need to expect the unexpected—well, that and a totally sweet all-expenses-paid trip to a mountainside retreat for a week. The winner’s reward? Life-changing. The competition? The best of the best. The partner in his corner? His sister, Dri, a total Minecraft expert.

Wait, scratch that—Dri has a fever, and now Jett is going to have to team up with . . . Dad?! Sure, he taught Jett how to play, but that was years ago. And while Jett’s got his eyes on the prize, Dad’s more eager to hike the trails. As the games begin, the rules are revealed, and the twists keep coming. If the Warners want a chance to win, they’ll need to step up and perform as a true team—before their opponents take it all.

So sharpen those swords, light your torch, and get ready to play. The Tournament awaits!

Vote for Pete the Cat for class president in this storybook by New York Times bestselling author-illustrator team Kimberly and James Dean. Includes over thirty stickers!

Pete the Cat is running for class president! And so is Callie. Her posters are super cool and so are her ideas. Pete has lots of groovy ideas too, and he loves baking cookies and playing guitar onstage for his campaign. Which cat will be the next class president?

Find out in this Pete-tastic story full of kindness and friendship! Includes a glossary of election-day vocabulary.

A dog and a strawberry find themselves nose to stem in this hilarious picture book that's perfect for dog lovers. An epic battle ensues—who will come out on top?

Welcome to the Greatest Race of All Time!
Give it up for our reigning champion, the one-and-only DOG!
And let’s have a hand for her opponent: the formidable STRAW-BER-RYYYY!

When Dog is handed a strawberry from the fruit bowl, she sizes it up, dances around it, and decides she is going to race the Strawberry--and win. She dashes left, then right, then--oh!-- over the couch in an attempt to outrun her opponent. Strawberry doesn't move, but that doesn't stop Dog from continuing the race. Eventually, it's neck-and-neck... until mom walks in to see what the fuss is about, and SPLAT!

Kids everywhere will recognize the rivalry at play here, and will laugh-out-loud at the bright, expressive illustrations and ridiculous scenarios from the award-winning creators of Cat Dog Dog.

This cuddly board book is packed with sweet sayings that will charm young readers—and the big readers who love them!

You’re the sprinkles on my ice cream
You’re the wind that lifts my kite
You’re the twinkle in my nighttime
I will always hold you tight

With delightful text and bright illustrations, this lovey-dovey board book is perfect to read with your little one.

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION • Celebrate Pride and it's iconic rainbow flag--a symbol of inclusion and acceptance around the world-- with the very first picture book to tell its remarkable and inspiring history!

"Pride is a beacon of (technicolor) light." --Entertainment Weekly

In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders's stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable - and undertold - story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.

A loving, affirming ode to parents who are gender fluid or gender nonbinary.

My Maddy has hazel eyes which are not brown or green. And my Maddy likes sporks because they are not quite a spoon or a fork. Most mommies are girls. Most daddies are boys. But lots of parents are neither a boy nor a girl, My Maddy shows how some of the best things in the world are not one thing or the other. They are something in between and entirely their own.

Randall Ehrbar, PsyD, offers an insightful note with more information about parents who are members of gender minority communities, including transgender, gender nonbinary, or otherwise gender diverse people.

ALA's 2021 Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Young Readers

A Tale of Two Mommies is a beach conversation among three children. One boy asks another boy about having two mommies. A young girl listening in asks some questions too.
True to a child's curiosity, practical questions follow. "Which mom is there when you want to go fishing? / Which mom helps out when Kitty goes missing?" To which he answers: "Mommy helps when I want to go fishing. / Both Mommies help when Kitty goes missing."
A Tale of Two Mommies is intended for 4-8 year olds.
This book lets us look inside one non-traditional family, a same sex couple and their son. As the children talk, it's clear this boy lives in a nurturing environment where the biggest issues are the everyday challenges of growing up.

Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together.

Shares the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.

In this western-style twist on Cinderella and follow up to Mighty Red Riding Hood, Cinda finds a partner in nonbinary Ella at a high-stakes rodeo-style contest!



Cinda sure loves a good adventure...but her life's been nothing but miserable since awful Aunt Hildy and her boys tromped in and took over. So when a mysterious Rider calls a roping-and-riding contest at the Rancho Del Reina, she sure as heck's gotta enter. That cash prize'll buy back her freedom! Can she giddyap and grab the gold--and Ella Del Reina's attention--before sundown?



Told in Wallace West's distinctive, chuckle-inducing read-aloud style bursting with southwestern flair, here is a story that shows readers a different but equally satisfying kind of happily ever after.

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes -- and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love's author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.

An empowering and educational picture book that proves colors are for everyone, regardless of gender.


Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.

Parents and kids will delight in Robb Pearlman's sweet, simple script, as well as its powerful message: life is not color-coded.
 

★ "Awash in messages of love and the celebration of individuality... A rare treat for both Pride Day and everyday sharing."--School Library Journal, starred review

★ "A good thing comes in a small, rainbow package...A joyful, affirming, pride-filled read."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Through gentle rhymes and colorful photographs of adorable children, Pride Colors is a celebration of the deep unconditional love of a parent or caregiver for a young child. The profound message of this delightful board book is you are free to be whoever you choose to be; you'll always be loved.

Celebrated author Robin Stevenson ends her purposeful prose by explaining the meaning behind each color in the Pride flag: red = life, orange = healing, yellow = sunlight, green = nature, blue = peace and harmony, and violet = spirit.

Celebrate Pride every day with this adorable board book for the babies and toddlers of gay fathers, featuring a variety of diverse, loving families with two dads.

Families with two dads are celebrated in this board book that follows busy fathers and their kids throughout their day—eating breakfast, getting dressed, heading out to the park, and settling back in at night with a bubble bath and a good-night lullaby. LGBTQ+ parents and their friends and families will welcome this inclusive and cheerful book that reflects their own lives and family makeup.  

With artwork by acclaimed fashion illustrator Izak Zenou, this is a stylish, smart, humorous, family-focused book that will have babies and their two dads giggling as they enjoy it together. It's an ideal gift for baby-showers, Pride Month, and first birthdays.

And look for its companion board book, My Two Moms and Me.

A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed.

Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.

At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before.

But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.

This lyrical, life-affirming story is about losing and finding home and, most importantly, finding yourself.

"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."

Jack hate poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments -- and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say.

With a fresh and deceptively simple style, acclaimed author Sharon Creech tells a story with enormous heart. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, Love That Dog shows how one boy finds his own voice with the help of a teacher, a writer, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog.

A New York Times Bestseller and National Book Award Winner

Jacqueline Woodson, the acclaimed author of Red at the Bone, tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse.
 
Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.
 
A National Book Award Winner
A Newbery Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Praise for Jacqueline Woodson:
Ms. Woodson writes with a sure understanding of the thoughts of young people, offering a poetic, eloquent narrative that is not simply a story . . . but a mature exploration of grown-up issues and self-discovery.”—The New York Times Book Review
 

"Once there was a tree . . . and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk . . . and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

Gerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. His knees buckle whenever he tries to twirl. At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango. "Giraffes can't dance", they all jeer when it's Gerald's turn to prance.

Fortunately, there is one little creature who believes in Gerald. "Everything makes music", says the cricket, "if you really want it to". So Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune.

With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

Shel Silverstein, the New York Times bestselling author of The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Every Thing On It, has created a poetry collection that is outrageously funny and deeply profound. Come in . . . for where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein's world begins.

You'll meet a boy who turns into a TV set, and a girl who eats a whale. The Unicorn and the Bloath live there, and so does Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who will not take the garbage out. It is a place where you wash your shadow and plant diamond gardens, a place where shoes fly, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles go to the dentist.

Shel Silverstein's masterful collection of poems and drawings stretches the bounds of imagination and will be cherished by readers of all ages. This is a collection that belongs on everyone's bookshelf. Makes a great gift for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, and graduation.

And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns, the new book by Shel Silverstein!

An ideal gift for children who love animals, this picture book is a celebration of Poem in your Pocket Day and a charmingly illustrated collection of playful poems about 19 different creatures.

Fascinating information about the animals (yes, sea otters have pockets!) tucked into short, lively poems and bright, bold artwork make this collection perfect for National Poetry Month—or any day of the year.

In honor of Poem in Your Pocket Day, a child imagines the poems animals might carry in their pockets, if they had pockets. What would a hummingbird write? A fox? A sea otter? These poems capture the essences of animals furry, feathery and finny, exploring what makes each unique. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird sings with its wings, Red Fox's poem is a fiery tail flashing in the dark, and Sea Otter’s poem is its secret pocket. Which poem will capture the heart of the child narrator? A poem about loving animals, of course!

Emmy Award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer, comedian, and actor Bob Odenkirk and his daughter, illustrator Erin Odenkirk, present poetic nonsense for all ages perfect for fans of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky!

Bob Odenkirk began writing these poems with his children when they were little, compiling the poetry into a homemade book entitled Olde Time Rhymes. He wanted Nate and Erin to understand that actual people had written the books the family loved to read and to instill in them the feeling that they could be writers and illustrators themselves. Almost twenty years later, when the Odenkirks found themselves quarantined under the same roof, they revisited these mostly silly, sometimes poignant works. It wasn't until Erin began to create illustrations to accompany the words, though, that the book grew to be something much bigger than an Odenkirk family treasure.

From the titular made-up word for a blanket fort, an adorable dog with a penchant for the zoomies, and a father teaching his kids how umbrellas work, the subjects of these works, complemented by Erin's whimsical and detailed linework, come alive on these pages. Featuring over seventy poems, Zilot & Other Important Rhymes will delight readers young and old.