Sixteen-year-old Maisie never thought she’d be entering a beauty pageant. Especially not when she’s spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone, her Dad is AWOL, and her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie’s already shaky confidence. And especially not when her best friend starts flirting with the boy she’s always loved. But Maisie’s got something to prove.

As she writes down all the ways this vacation is going from bad to worse in her school-assignment journal, what starts as a homework torture-device might just end up being an account of how Maisie didn’t let anything, or anyone, hold her back.

Author Jenna Guillame’s American debut features a plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice. Readers are sure to relate to Maisie’s realistic emotional journey, featuring the importance of friendship, confidence, and embracing one’s body and celebrating one’s self.

Can’t wait for your own copy of What I Like About Me? Read an excerpt! Then download the free discussion guide to answer fun questions about Maisie’s misadventures, and check out our Q&A with author Jenna Guillaume to learn more about the inspiration behind this relatable summer read.

“This is the book I would hand to teen me.” —Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

“Debut author Guillaume’s novel features funny dialogue and fresh takes on body image and personal relationships as well as a plucky heroine who slowly but surely comes into her own…. Perfect for fans of Dumplin’, a hilariously sweet yet complex romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This book draws obvious parallels to Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’, but Maisie and her diverse cast of friends are fresh and distinctive, as is the Australian setting…. A fun, upbeat, and tender coming-of-age story written in an engaging and lively diary format.”—School Library Journal

“Guillaume’s delightful debut deals with teenagers and their self-esteem, as Maisie’s story is relayed through her journal entries. This intimate lens will invest readers in Maisie’s journey to self-acceptance and confidence. A fun story, abounding in humor, romance, and inspiration and filled with multifaceted characters that readers will enjoy.” —Booklist

Order your copy of What I Like About Me today from Amazon, IndieBound, Bookshop.org, or Barnes & Noble!

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach
by Carmen Agra Deedy
illustrated by Michael Austin

Martina the beautiful cockroach doesn’t know coffee beans about love and marriage. That’s where her Cuban family comes in. But when suitor after suitor fails her Abuela’s Coffee Test, Martina wonders she can ever find true love. Soon, only the gardener Pérez, a tiny brown mouse, is left. But what will happen when Martina offers him café cubano?Author Carmen Agra Deedy delivers a deliciously inventive Cuban version of the beloved Martina folktale, and Michael Austin’s delightful illustrations bring this beautiful green cockroach and her suitors to life.

Explore Martina’s Cuban roots with this informative teacher’s guide!

Little Red
by Bethan Woollvin

On her way to Grandma’s house, Little Red meets a wolf. Which might scare some little girls. But not this little girl. She knows just what the wolf is up to, and she’s not going to let him get away with it. In this updated fairy tale with a mischievous twist, talented storyteller Bethan Woollvin uses sly humor, striking visuals, and dark irreverence to turn a familiar tale on its head.

Download the teacher’s guide and activity kit for more fun with Little Red, and check out the rest of Bethan’s fractured fairy tales!

Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon
by Rebecca Van Slyke
illustrated by Anca Sandu

Lana Lynn is an intrepid sheep. She isn’t content to nibble grass in the pasture, sip water from the pond, and nap in the meadow. She wants adventure! So one night, when the moon is high and the other sheep are asleep, she finds a disguise and dashes into the wild woods to see what life is like as a wolf. It’s fun to run through the wild woods, stay up very late, and howl at the Moon—but is life with the wolf pack everything it seems? Rebecca Van Slyke’s charming depiction of experiencing new things is accented by Anca Sandu’s humorous illustrations.

Get to know the team behind this charming tale with our author and illustrator Q&As, and join Lana Lynn for more wild adventures with these activity sheets and reader’s theater!

Three Hens and a Peacock
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Henry Cole

The Bookshop Girl
by Sylvia Bishop
illustrated by Poly Bernatene

The Joneses have just won the Great Montgomery Book Emporium in a contest, and it’s every book lover’s dream! But there is more to the Emporium than its thousands of books in extravagant displays. In fact, the previous owner is hiding something that could destroy absolutely everything for the Joneses, and Property Jones has a whopper of a secret too. Author Sylvia Bishop’s whimsical delight, crafted with quirkiness and charm features a cast of memorable, quirky characters, beautiful descriptions of the tactile pleasures of books, and the magical transporting quality bookstores can have for readers.

Read an excerpt to see if this book about books should be added to your summer TBR.

Author Q&A, discussion guide, and personality quiz available, and paperback coming this fall!

The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine
by Henry Cole

Sammy Shine’s life as Hank’s pet mouse was simple and quiet―until Hank’s brother sends Sammy up in a remote controlled airplane and loses control. Now Sammy Shine is in a whole new world; no longer does he live in comfort in his shoe box in Hank’s room. Now he’s lost in the woods, with no way to get home, and a dangerous enemy. Fortunately, a group of new friends will help him find and repair his plane so he can try to get back home. Inspired by a childhood experience, New York Times-bestselling author Henry Cole’s charming illustrated novel features adorable animal characters, an exciting adventure, and an action-packed plot.

Read an excerpt, and check out the teacher’s guide!

Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
by Alex T. Smith

Mr. Penguin has a dashing hat. He has a battered satchel. He has a packed lunch of fish finger sandwiches. Now he just needs an adventure! So when Boudicca Bones from the Museum of Extraordinary objects calls for help, Mr. Penguin swings into action. Can he and Colin the spider find the museum’s missing treasure before bandits do? Or is this the adventure Mr. Penguin should have never answered? This humorous page-turning story from Alex T. Smith, the author-illustrator of the popular Claude series, is sure to thrill young readers looking for a good adventure.

Read an excerpt, and check out the activity sheets!

What I Like About Me
by Jenna Guillaume

The last thing sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin thought she’d be doing over vacation is entering a beauty pageant. Not when she’s spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone, her Dad is AWOL, her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie’s already shaky confidence, and her best friend starts flirting with the boy she’s always loved. But Maisie’s got something to prove. As she writes down all the ways this vacation is going from bad to worse in her school-assignment journal, what starts as a homework torture-device might just end up being an account of how Maisie didn’t let anything, or anyone, hold her back. Jenna Guillame’s relatable and charming American debut features a plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice and the importance of embracing one’s body and celebrating one’s self.

Read an excerpt, and check out the discussion guide and author Q&A!

Stanley is a community helper that every young reader can emulate and celebrate at home with some fun, simple activities. We hope you explore the whole Stanley series, but we’re highlighting the below titles that show Stanley in roles that are especially vital right now.

Stanley the Farmer

It’s going to be a busy day on Stanley’s farm! From plowing the field, to planting the seeds, to harvesting the wheat, Stanley has a lot to do. Luckily, his friends Shamus and Little Woo lend a helping hand.

Start a conversation about where we get our food, and how farmers around the world are working hard to stock our farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Young readers can also start a garden of their own to learn the process of planting and the patience needed for growing food.

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley the Farmer today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley’s Store

Stanley has fresh fruits and veggies to be unloaded, Myrtle needs help at the cheese counter, Shamus and Little Woo’s groceries must be rung up, and—oh no! Charlie just knocked over Stanley’s produce display. Even for an industrious hamster like Stanley, running a store is hard work! Can Stanley help his friends find everything they need?

Stanley’s Store helps young readers to explore grocery store processes, machines, and—most importantly—clerks. These are the people and things that make every trip to the grocery store and every grocery delivery a helpful and safe experience.

Think about how you can thank your local grocery store staff. You can send a card or make a “thank you” sign for grocery store employees and delivery drivers!

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley’s Store today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley the Mailman

It’s going to be a busy day for Stanley! He gets up early to sort through the mail in his post office. Then he sets off through town to deliver the letters and packages to all his friends. Myrtle, Little Woo, and Charlie all receive exciting gifts and letters. But will everyone be happy with what’s in Stanley’s mailbag?

Is checking the mail an exciting, fundamental part of your daily routine? These days, many people are shopping online and having essential items delivered right to their doorsteps. Take time to talk about the men and women who are ensuring that everything is delivered safely and in a timely manner.

Is there a way you can celebrate your mailman? How about drawing a “thank you” sign to put up on the front of your house? Better yet, encourage everyone in your neighborhood to put “thank you” signs up on the same day!

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley the Mailman today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley’s School

Ding, ding, ding! It’s time for school with Stanley and Hattie, and there are lots of eager students at school today! Stanley reads a story to Little Woo, Sophie, and Benjamin. Outside, everyone has fun in the garden, and Stanley’s lemonade and Hattie’s lovely fruit salad are delicious snacks for lunch right before a nice little nap. Things get a little messy during art time, though . . . uh, oh!

Being away from the structure and fun of school can be hard, but teachers around the world are supporting our communities with much-needed resources. Take some time to celebrate everything teachers are doing and have done for you!

Buy Stanley’s School today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley’s Diner

Eggs and pancakes, coming right up! Stanley is cooking for all the hungry customers who come into his diner, while Hattie takes their orders. Then Stanley serves up a special cake – but whose birthday are they celebrating?

It’s easy to take restaurants for granted until we can’t go and enjoy all their delicious food! Have you ordered take-out or gotten curbside delivery lately? If not, get out and support the restaurants in your local community as they continue to provide much-needed nourishment and comfort. Ask your young reader about their favorite restaurant and get delivery or pick up breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley’s Diner today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Are you a Stanley fan? Check out the rest of the Stanley series, and sign up to receive exclusive Stanley content year-round!

Leaf Litter Critters
Written by Leslie Bulion
Illustrated by Robert Meganck

Have fun on this poetic tour through the leaf litter layer and dig into the fascinating facts about the tiny critters who live there.

Bring the classroom home with this teacher’s guide, and go digging in whatever leaf litter layer is near you!

Save the Crash-test Dummies
Written by Jennifer Swanson
Illustrated by TeMika Grooms

Filled with fun four‐wheeled nuggets of history and explanations of how cars actually work, this nonfiction book from former science educator and award-winning author Jennifer Swanson will appeal to lovers of all things that go and readers who are interested in  seeing how things work.

Take a peek under the hood with this teacher’s guide, or have some hands-on time with that car you haven’t driven in a while.

Countdown
2979 Days to the Moon
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Have any space geeks in the house? Award-winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade joins up with New York Times best-selling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez to tell the powerful story of the successes, failures, triumphs, tragedies, and lessons learned from Apollos 1 through 10 that led to the first Moon landing.

Explore this inspiring story further with our teacher’s guide and discussion questions, or just do some stargazing from wherever you are!

Fault Lines in the Constitution
The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today
Written by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson

It’s hard to think about or focus on the fact that this is an election year, but here’s an opportunity to bring November to the forefront. Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the U.S. Constitution, and authors Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson explore the Constitution’s creation and how current realities link directly back to this historical document.

Keep the conversation going with this teacher’s guide and discussion guide, and explore the authors’ blog where they discuss what’s happening in the news and answer questions and comments on all topics.

Izzy Gizmo
Written by Pip Jones
Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

A feisty tale of determination, ingenuity, and friendship, Izzy Gizmo is sure to inspire some imaginative young inventors to get tinkering.

Channel your inner inventor with these activities, or simply get inventing with whatever you have at home!

Ebenezer Has a Word for Everything
Written by Chelsea H. Rowe
Illustrated by Frank Dormer

Need some help with vocabulary building? Ebenezer (and his great friend Fitzgerald) are on the job! Chelsea H. Rowe’s offbeat story about friendship, collaboration, and a love for both language and stories is perfectly depicted by Frank Dormer’s quirky illustrations. (This book also includes a list of words and definitions in the back.)

Have some word-filled fun with these activity sheets!

Three Hens and a Peacock
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Henry Cole

From the author-illustrator of Rapunzel and New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Little Red comes another fractured fairy tale! This time, Bethan Woollvin’s clever twist redefines the meaning of a villain.

Willow is a good witch who lives deep in the forest, practicing good magic and minding her own business. That is, until she meets Hansel and Gretel. Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails or parts of her carefully constructed gingerbread house being eaten.  No one has ever bothered with her spell books or been rowdy in her quiet little yard. But that’s exactly what Hansel and Gretel do, and who knows how long Willow’s patience will hold.

This subversive retelling of the classic “Hansel & Gretel” tale features Bethan Woollvin’s signature, striking three-tone illustrations and sassy sense of humor. Readers will gasp with glee at the turn of each fun and boldly printed page. Woollvin is sure to have readers thinking about what it means to be a heroine or a villain, considering their sense of good and evil…and possibly rethinking that next bite of gingerbread.

“Striking… Children will enjoy comparing the traditional story to this delightfully twisted version.” —Booklist Online

“Marked by sly humor and an impish sense of mischief…entertaining text… Wicked fun.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“A bold, graphic style… Delicious.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Readers get a humorous and unique version of an oft-told tale.” —School Library Journal

Follow along with the story by creating your own Hansel and Gretel! Check out the activity sheets here!

Also, we are so excited to announce that Bethan will be going on tour with us this month in New York, DC, Athens, GA., and Atlanta! Come to one of these events in your area to meet Bethan Woollvin and get a signed copy of Hansel & Gretel!

New York City: BookFest @ Bankstreet – Saturday, October 20

Washington, DC: Politics and Prose – Monday, October 22 @ 10:30am

Athens, GA: Avid Bookshop – Tuesday, October 23 @ 6:00pm

Atlanta, GA: Little Shop of Stories – Wednesday, October 24 @ 5:00pm

Get your own copy of Hansel & Gretel  on Amazon or at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

Find some recommendations on great read alouds, for every age and occasion!

“The book is destined to be a high- volume read-aloud, and much fun can  be had trying to guess what the girl  will choose” ―Kirkus Reviews

Fun Storytime Read Alouds

Ages 2–6
Bark Park
What’s the Time, Grandma Wolf?
No Bows! 
Flying!
One Fox
Hat Tricks

Ages 3–7
Prince Ribbit
Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3
Stanley Series
If You See a Kitten

“Perfect for reading aloud, it will  have even the most die-hard Yankee  speaking with a Texas drawl.”  ―School Library Journal

Ages 4–8
I’ve Got an Elephant
Boy Who Cried Ninja
Rodeo Red
Three Hens and a Peacock
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Ages 6–10
Ol’ Bloo’s Boogie-Woogie Band and Blues Ensemble
The Library Dragon
You’ve Got Dragons
13 Monsters Who Should Be Avoided

“The repeated phrases will be sure to  have sleepy children chiming in and  Argent’s strong, rich watercolors offer  beguiling parents and offspring.”  ―Kirkus Reviews

“Stockdale’s rhyming couplets are  perfectly crafted. They’re as delightful  to read aloud as her clean, bright  acrylic paintings are to look at.”  —School Library Journal

Nonfiction Read Alouds

Fantastic Flowers

About Habitats series

Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words 

Dangerous Jane 

Leaf Litter Critters

 

The Cheshire Cheese Cat

Find these books and more at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!
What’s your favorite read aloud? Comment below!

                         

Q: When you first saw Dori’s proposal for the King & Kayla series, what made you say, “I LOVE this! It’s my favorite thing!”?

A: It’s very hard to write simply—and to do so while also telling a well-constructed mystery story and introducing two endearing characters is a real accomplishment. Dori Butler is a natural at telling these simple stories and making them fun and engaging.

Q: There are countless easy readers on the market today—what does King & Kayla bring to the table that’s missing from current offerings?

A: Each King & Kayla story is a delightfully constructed and satisfying little mystery. King and Kayla each contribute to the solution, using their distinctive personalities and skills. And their process also offers a terrific model of deductive reasoning.

Q: So much research went into each detail of these books. What was your approach on the following and how did you determine which direction to take?

King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats By Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers

A: I started by reviewing all of the Geisel Award-winning early readers for the past several years, as well as other popular and well-received books in this category. That helped us develop a model for layout and design.

Once we moved to design and layout, we focused on font selection initially, so that we could determine how much space the text would take up on each page; that gave the illustrator some sense the room she had to work with. 

Q: King is loyal, but a little distracted. What makes him the perfect partner for Kayla’s adventures?

A: King may have a short-attention span—as so many of us do—but he also notices details that Kayla misses, including things like smells and clues that are on a dog’s eye level. Plus, he can be single-minded when something bothers him; in some cases, his actions force Kayla to take notice of things she might otherwise overlook.

Q: What’s next for this dynamic duo?

A: King & Kayla and the Case of the Mysterious Mouse will be out in fall 2017. When King’s ball goes missing, Cat with No Name tells him that a mouse took it. But how could a tiny mouse take a dog toy? Then in spring 2018, we’ll have King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth. Kayla puts her tooth in the Tooth Fairy pillow, but then it disappears. If the Tooth Fairy doesn’t have it, then where is it?

Get the King & Kayla Decoder and Dog Treats Recipe on Pinterest or download them.

If you need some literature to get you in the mood for windy days and kite-flying, be sure to check out Elizabeth Spurr‘s latest board book In the Wind. Perfect for toddlers, the simple, evocative language describes a girl’s experience on a windy day; the lovely illustrations by Manelle Oliphant could even give you some design ideas for your next kite project or kite-flying outing!

In case you don’t happen to have a kite handy, we’ve collected a few kite-making tutorials so that everyone can join in the fun of Big Wind Day.

This one is for the kite-flyers who like the more natural, neutral look for their kite.

Style Me Pretty

This one has streamers galore, with more simple ingredients for a bright and beautiful end product.

Inner Child Fun

This one removes all excuses for not being able to fly a kite. All the components are right under your nose!

2 Little Hooligans

This one is for any kite-makers who want to break out of the usual kite box with some fun designs!

Red Ted Art

This one leaves the design up to the kite-flyer but provides all the necessary blueprints for the perfect kite.

Squawk Fox

Find In the Wind at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!