Boo Stew
by Donna L. Washington
illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Curly Locks is a good-hearted girl, but she’s an awful cook. All the townspeople of Toadsuck Swamp know to steer clear of her culinary concoctions, but when Scares start terrorizin’ the town at mealtime, Curly Locks gets an inklin’. Can she use her smarts and unique talents to help corral those Scares for good? A delightfully spooky fractured fairy tale and an imaginative twist on the classic “Goldilocks.”

The Boy Who Cried Ninja
by Alex Latimer

Tim witnesses some strange happenings around his house, but no one believes his explanations. In fact, no matter what Tim says, his parents just punish him with chores. To save himself, he hatches a clever plan to expose the truth. Will it work, or will Tim have to spend the rest of his life raking the yard? A quirky twist on the fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”

Prairie Chicken Little
by Jackie Mims Hopkins
illustrated by Henry Cole

Mary McBlicken is sure a stampede’s a comin’! She hurries to the ranch, gathering up her friends—a prairie dog, a jack rabbit, and a meadowlark—along the way. Before the fine feathered and furry folks get to their destination, they encounter a coyote who says he knows a shortcut. Should they trust him? Will they find Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan in time? And where is that rumbling coming from anyway? A prairie-style twist on “Chicken Little.”

The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas
by Tony Wilson
illustrated by Sue deGennaro

In this modern take on the Princess and the Pea, Prince Henrik decides that sometimes real princesses can be too sensitive! He wants to marry an outdoorsy kind of girl, so instead of a single pea tucked into a pile of bedding, Henrik tests prospective brides with an entire packet of frozen peas shoved under a flimsy camping mattress. Henrik despairs as princess after princess complains, until one day the just-right girl shows up unexpectedly in the form of his old friend, Pippa. Pippa is all too happy to join Henrik in pitching a tent or playing a hard game of hockey, after which she finds the perfect use for that packet of frozen peas!

Little Red
by Bethan Woollvin

On her way to Grandma’s house, Little Red meets a wolf. That 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 fractured fairy tale update to “The Little Red Riding Hood” features a feminist twist along with sly humor, striking visuals, and a bit of ingenuity to turn a familiar tale on its head for modern readers. Perfect for mighty girls as well as for all young readers who love fairy tales.

Hansel & Gretel
by Bethan Woollvin

Deep in the forest lives a witch named Willow. She is a good witch who only uses good magic―until she meets Hansel and Gretel. Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails. Or entire portions of her gingerbread house being devoured. Or anyone fiddling with her spells and magic books and causing a ruckus. But Hansel and Gretel are two very naughty and very rude children, and they are trying Willow’s patience. This subversive retelling of “Hansel and Gretel” is sure to have young readers wondering who the real villain is.

Rapunzel
by Bethan Woollvin

Rapunzel lives all alone in a tall, dark tower. Under the threat of a witch’s fearsome curse, the poor girl seems doomed to a life in captivity. But is Rapunzel frightened? Oh no, not she! Rapunzel has a few tricks (and friends) up her sleeve and she’s not afraid to use them. With irreverent humor and striking illustrations, this delightful, laugh-out-loud retelling of the classic fairy tale “Rapunzel” puts a brave, female-empowerment twist on the classic story of a helpless damsel in distress.

A Shelter for Sadness
by Anne Booth
illustrated by David Litchfield

A young boy is building a shelter for his sadness. The shelter will have light from the sun or curtains to draw. The shelter is strong enough to weather any winter storm and surrounded by a beautiful garden in the spring filled with sweet-smelling blooms. The boy can visit his sadness whenever he needs to, and the two of them can sit, cry, lie down, curl up very small, run around, and everything in between. It doesn’t matter if the boy can’t visit his sadness for a while. He knows his sadness is safe inside the shelter, patiently waiting for the boy’s return.

In this poignant, timely consideration of sadness and mental health, author Anne Booth offers a beautiful depiction of how kids (and readers of all ages) must care for their emotions and give attention to their grief on a regular basis. Illustrator David Litchfield’s stunning art brings the beautiful concept to life with a manifestation of sadness that the young boy protagonist interacts with throughout the story. A child-friendly approach to mental health for young readers, explore the many faces of sadness and the importance taking care of each and every emotion with little ones learning to take care of their mental health.

Read an excerpt, and get a peek at David Litchfield’s beautiful illustrations below.

“[A] sparkling, hushed story about making spaces for less glamorous feelings, too. . . .”—Foreword Reviews

New Board Books

Simple, clear descriptions of how fish look, where they live, what they eat, and how they move around make this fourth title in the Discovering Nature series from award-winning author and illustrator team Cathryn and John Sill a dependable and informative resource for budding oceanographers as well as for early childhood education units on animals, environments, fish, oceans, and pets. Also perfect for a first trip to the aquarium!

Preorder Curious About Fish today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

What kinds of animals have spots, and why do they have them? With engaging rhymes and bright, bold images, award-winning author and illustrator Susan Stockdale introduces young readers to the many ways in which animals benefit from their spots. Back matter tells a little bit more about each animal, and readers can test their knowledge of animal spots with a fun matching game at the end!

Preorder Spectacular Spots/Magníficas Manchas today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

New Picture Books

Former educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what tundras are, what kinds of animals and plants live there, and how certain species have adapted to the unique, harsh environment. The book covers the characteristics of Arctic, Antarctic, and alpine tundras. John Sill’s detailed, realistic paintings reflect the beauty and diversity of the habitat. A glossary and afterword provide more detail for further exploration.

Preorder About Habitats: Tundras today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Honor Award-winner Kate Read (One Fox) returns with a clever oceanic twist on the old telephone game starring a tiny pink fish and schools of brilliantly hued fish in a deep blue sea. When a rumor bursts forth about a “great big fish hiding in the deep,” one by one, new fish are sucked into the growing story—the red octopus was really rattled, which petrified the purple puffer fish, and startled the blue shoal, until they all flee…into a deep, dark cave. Uh-oh! That’s no cave at all, but the mouth of a whale!

Preorder Hey! A Colorful Mystery today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

Amara is hosting a potluck for friends on her farm, and her snacks won’t be complete without pumpkins. She’s searched and searched, but she’s grown so many plants that she needs help finding them. 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? From author JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrator Samara Hardy, this first entry in the new Where in the Garden? series is perfect for early childhood and elementary education units on agriculture, farming, gardening, and healthy eating.

Preorder Amara’s Farm today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

Red truck, yellow truck, and their dog drivers are on their way to the construction site. But when they get sidetracked by a slow garbage truck, a snow-drift, and a speeding tractor, will they get their jobs done before they have to turn in for the night? Tractors, diggers, mixers, bulldozers, and more star in this colorful salute to vehicles that roll, lift, climb, squash, and keep going when the going gets tough. Ideal for vehicle-themed storytimes, author Michelle Robinson’s rhythmic, action-packed text builds excitement with every page turn, while Jez Tuya’s colorful trucks, townscapes, and adorable dogs on-the-go beg for an attentive pause.

Preorder Red Truck, Yellow Truck today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

It’s another busy day at Stanley’s library, and Stanley has stocked his bookmobile with lots of great books to take to the local park. All of Stanley’s rodent friends stop by to borrow a book that Stanley selected just for them, and later at the main branch, he hosts an out-of-this-world author visit from Agatha Mouse! The day concludes with Stanley’s comforting nighttime routine of supper, bed, and bath. A brightly colored salute to reading, libraries, and librarians from author-illustrator William Bee.

Preorder Stanley’s Library today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

Curly Locks is a good-hearted girl, but she’s an awful cook. All the townspeople of Toadsuck Swamp know to steer clear of her culinary concoctions, so when one of her dishes goes missin’,word spreads that the Scares are terrorizin’ the town at mealtime, sending folk runnin’ from their dinner plates. With everyone else tremblin’ and squawkin’ about the Scares, Curly Locks gets an inklin’. Can she use her smarts and unique talents to help corral those Scares for good? A delightfully spooky fractured fairy tale twist on the classic “Goldilocks” from award-winning storyteller Donna L. Washington and illustrator Jeffrey Ebbeler.

Preorder Boo Stew today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

The sheep pasture is in an uproar when they find out a new watchdog is coming to protect the flock, so the intrepid Lana Lynn decides to take training matters into her own hooves. The new “watchdog” doesn’t quite catch on to herding or staying up all night guarding the sheep, and Lana Lynn starts to get a creeping suspicion that something isn’t right. And her fellow sheep could be in jeopardy! Author Rebecca Van Slyke has created a charmingly overconfident heroine in Lana Lynn, accented by Anca Sandu’s adorable and funny illustrations. An ideal read-aloud full of good farm fun!

Preorder Lana Lynn and the New Watchdog today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

Gertie is the littlest yak, and she wants to grow UP! So she devises a growing-up plan. But when the other yaks come calling for Gertie to help them with a daring and dangerous task, could it be because it’s something only a small yak can do? Lu Fraser’s debut picture book is a heartwarming and relatable story of individuality, self-esteem, and the joys of being young and small. Bestselling illustrator Kate Hindley has created a delightful wintry landscape, packed with adorable yaks in woolly hats and coats. Readers won’t be able to resist snuggling down with this charming read aloud.

A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness where he can visit it whenever he needs to, and the two of them can cry, talk, or just sit. The boy knows that one day his sadness may come out of the shelter, and together they will look out at the world and see how beautiful it is. In this timely, child-friendly consideration of sadness and mental health, Anne Booth offers a beautiful depiction of how children (and everyone) must care for their emotions and give attention to their grief on a regular basis. Stunning illustrations by David Litchfield bring the beautiful concept to life with a manifestation of sadness that the young boy protagonist interacts with throughout the story.

Preorder A Shelter for Sadness today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

Do you think you’d make it in the Society of Distinguished Lemmings? Kick off your picture book summer reading list with this laugh-out-loud tale to find out!

Deep in their underground burrow, the Society of Distinguished Lemmings follow a strict set of society rules, including no walking on four legs, no eating with your hands, and certainly no questioning the rules! Bertie’s had enough of all these rules, and he’s decided to go outside. And what does he find outside? A bear! Bears are supposed to be very fierce and scary, but this bear is quite a lot of fun and most unlike a lemming! He shows Bertie how to roll in the flowers, climb trees, and jump in muddy puddles. When the other lemmings find out about the bear, they decide he’s not at all distinguished, he’ll have to change if he’s ever to fit in. Can a creature as big and clumsy as the bear ever be distinguished enough to be accepted by the Society?

Featuring valuable themes of finding new friends, challenging peers, and questioning the rules, bookworms of all ages will return to this summer reading pick again and again to discover the quirks of every distinguished lemming while also learning about the importance of staying true to yourself amidst pressure to conform.

Do you have what it takes to be a part of the Society? Take this personality quiz to find out!

Download the free discussion guide to answer questions with young bookworms and little lemming fans after reading.

“Even the most rule-bound reader will be cheered up by these stodgy lemmings.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“This debut picture book requires multiple reads to absorb all of the humor in the various lemmings’ conversations and activities like dressing and packing. A quirky addition.” —School Library Journal

“Colombet packs her story with vivid personalities (the earnest, wide-eyed lemmings are a collective hoot), visual jokes, and, as befits a large, opinionated community, many, many dialogue balloons. There is much to linger over and return to in these pages.” —Publishers Weekly

“Colombet’s story of friendship and embracing differences shines most in its endearing pencil illustrations, digitally colored in rustic tones. Speech bubbles scatter across scenes crowded with lemmings, resulting in an adorable and hilarious peanut gallery guaranteed to elicit giggles from little readers.” —Booklist

Order your copy of The Society of Distinguished Lemmings today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

King & Kayla and the Case of the Unhappy Neighbor
by Dori Hillestad Butler
illustrated by Nancy Meyers

When Jillian’s dog, Thor, is accused of digging up Mr. Gary’s garden, King and Kayla put their detective skills to work to clear his name. A witness to the crime tells King that the culprit is a “new guy” who likes to fight. But who could that be? And can they track down this new guy and clear Thor’s name? The King & Kayla series from Geisel Honor Award-winning team Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers is perfect for readers transitioning from easy readers to beginning chapter books and great for introducing important concepts of fact gathering, list making, clues, and analytical thinking.

Explore more King & Kayla with the series teacher’s guide and activity kit, and download a free poster!

Lillian’s Fish
by James Menk
illustrated by Louisa Bauer

When Lillian turns six, her favorite gift is an extraordinary, shimmery, and colorful fish. But when the brand-new birthday fish disappears, the other family pets secretly band together to help unravel the mystery. A trail of clues soon leads the animals on a fantastic adventure along the river and deep into the woods, where they encounter new places and strange creatures. James Menk’s delightful, lively tale of discovery and friendship will enchant readers of all ages. Louisa Bauer’s captivating drawings bring this charming story of children and their pets to life.

Dive deeper into Lillian’s Fish with a free discussion guide.

Homer on the Case
by Henry Cole

Homing pigeon Homer and his parrot friend Lulu learn something is afoul when they witness a four-legged crime-spree in their neighborhood. Can Lulu and Homer track down the bandits and lead their human keepers to the culprits’ hideout to stop the thieves? Award-winning author-illustrator Henry Cole delivers a fun, action-packed middle grade mystery that will keep readers guessing if the crime-solving pigeon will get his guy. A supporting cast of animals and humans forms a community that will have every reader wishing they could join in the hunt.

Download this discussion guide for middle grade summer book clubs!

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
by Nizrana Farook

Chaya, a nobleman’s rebellious, outspoken, no-nonsense daughter, just can’t resist the shiny temptations the king’s palace has to offer. But playing Robin Hood for her impoverished community doesn’t come without risks, and after leaving her village as a thief, can she return as a hero? Or will Chaya’s sticky fingers be the beginning—or the end—of everything for her and her intrepid gang? Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins a page-turning middle grade tale in a lush, fictional Sri Lankan setting. Just right for adventure fans, the book explores themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism.

Continue your jungle adventure with a free discussion guide!

The Thingity-Jig
by Kathleen Doherty
illustrated by Kristyna Litten

One night, under the light of a silvery moon, an inquisitive bear wanders into people town, where he makes quite the curious discovery. It looks friendly and quite comfy, but what could it be? Bingity. Bing. Boing! This “Thingity-Jig” is a springy thing—a bouncy thing—a sit-on-it, hop-on-it, jump-on-it thing! It’s a bit too cumbersome to bring back to the woods, however, so Bear hurries home to tell his friends. His sleepy friends want to wait until morning, so Bear smacks, wallops, and whacks until he invents a “Rolly-Rumpity” to wheel home the “Thingity-Jig.” Through trial and error—and lots of shooing away from grumbly, tired friends—Bear finally wheels the “Thingity-Jig” home to the woods, where he graciously shares his find.

Reading specialist and former educator Kathy Doherty blends upcycling and STEAM with a delightful story of friendship, imagination, and whimsical wordplay in this charismatic picture book that’s ideal for read alouds with animal lovers and little inventors alike! Illustrator Kristyna Litten’s imaginative art brings Bear’s charming world to life.

Start your STEAM storytime in this excerpt, and download this teacher’s guide to bring Bear’s inventions into the classroom.

Watch author Kathleen Doherty unbox her first copies of The Thingity-Jig in this video, and learn more about her inspiration for the book in this Q&A!

“Doherty’s joyous, inventive, action-packed language begs to be shouted out loud. The moonlit night sparkles in town and city as Litten’s fanciful illustrations fill in the details of the tale and showcase Bear’s inventiveness. Little readers might want to create their own Thingity-Jigs. A delightful, rollicking, joyous romp.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“[An] intricately illustrated picture book that rejoices in creative play—and in imaginative takes on ordinary objects.” —Foreword Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Making the most of Bear’s wacky, ingenious contraptions, the appealing artwork rewards curious viewers with visual details that reappear in different contexts as the story unfolds. The well-constructed text rolls along in a satisfying way, enhanced by the devices’ inventive names, which are uniquely fitting and great fun to read aloud. A dynamic, enjoyable picture book.” —Booklist

“With text as energetic and playful as Bear himself, the story builds a delightful anticipation for each new Rube Goldberg-ian invention. Atmospheric illustrations are washed in softly textured nighttime blues and are chock-a-block full of endearing detail…. With language that trips off the tongue and pictures filled with charming ingenuity, this is a read-aloud that will endure.” —School Library Connection

Adventures with My Daddies
by Gareth Peter
illustrated by Garry Parsons

“My daddies are amazing. They’re funny, kind, and smart.
And when they read me stories…exciting journeys start!”

Find your favorite nighttime reading buddy, cuddle up in the snuggliest storytime spot, and set off on a read aloud adventure with Adventures with My Daddies! An Own Voices debut featuring an endearing, diverse family, this colorfully illustrated new story is sure to ignite the imaginations of little bookworms as the daddies and their child battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon, and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down to sleep in a wonderfully cozy ending.

Author and illustrator team Gareth Peter and Garry Parsons deliver a whimsical, heartwarming tale filled with bright, optimistic acrylic and pencil illustrations that celebrate the magic of books and unique family stories as well as the beauty of diverse families. Perfect for storytimes with LGBTQ+ and adoptive families, start your bedtime adventures today with this sweet new tale.

Dive into this imaginative storytime read in this excerpt, and download this free activity sheet to create your own bedtime adventures.

Watch debut author Gareth Peter unbox his first US copy of Adventures with My Daddies in this video!

“Vivid, imaginative storytelling…a relatable tale for children of adopted, blended, and LGBTQ+ families…. Accompanied by Parsons’ bright, energetic illustrations, Peter’s rhyming text reminds young readers that all types of family structures are valid and that different kinds of families are capable of kindness, education, protection, and, most important, fun.” —Booklist

“A heartfelt celebration of family love…. Educators and library workers will enjoy the book’s easy read-aloud prose while caregivers will value the important message of family bonds. The illustrations are bright and friendly, packed with details that will especially reward lap readers; the family dog that’s included in every scene makes for a delightful seek-and-find element…. Those with pajama storytime programs and families looking for their next great bedtime read will find this book particularly useful. A sweet adventure.”—Kirkus Reviews

A Shelter for Sadness
by Anne Booth
illustrated by David Litchfield

A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness where he can visit it whenever he needs to, and the two of them can cry, talk, or just sit. The boy knows that one day his sadness may come out of the shelter, and together they will look out at the world and see how beautiful it is. In this timely consideration of sadness and mental health, Anne Booth offers a beautiful depiction of how children (and everyone) must care for their emotions and give attention to their grief on a regular basis. Stunning illustrations by David Litchfield bring the beautiful concept and manifestation of sadness to life.

Pre-order A Shelter for Sadness for your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

Perdu
by Richard Jones

Poor Perdu is all alone as he journeys from the countryside to the city in search of a home. The city is a big place when you are very small, but is it possible that someone is searching for a friend like Perdu? In his debut as both author and illustrator, Richard Jones (The Snow Lion and Paper Planes) delivers a warmhearted and poignant story about loneliness, kindness, friendship, and finding a forever family. Classically gorgeous illustrations will have readers returning to its pages again and again.

Add Perdu to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

The Smile Shop
by Satoshi Kitamura

A small boy has saved all his pocket money and visits the market with high expectations. When disaster strikes and he loses his money, he feels very devastated. But wait, what’s that? A Smile Shop? He could really do with a smile. What will happen if he goes in? Featuring charming, classic illustrations reminiscent of Maurice Sendak and Tomie dePaola, Satoshi Kitamura’s (Hat Tricks) The Smile Shop celebrates the value of human connection and offers an absorbing setting for readers to explore themes of independence, self-worth, and the effect of a smile shared between people.

Add The Smile Shop to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

No! Said Rabbit
by Marjoke Henrichs

Rabbit is happy doing his own thing, and he doesn’t want to listen to anyone else. Or so he thinks. Then, Mom makes a suggestion he simply can’t resist! Debut author-illustrator Marjoke Henrichs delivers a laugh-out-loud tale with Rabbit embodying every strong-willed child. Adult readers will recognize and empathize with parenting moments throughout, and a warm and loving twist at the end celebrates the joy of coming together again after a very contrary day. Perfect for bedtime reads with your own stubborn little ones.

Add No! Said Rabbit to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

Best Friend in the Whole World
by Sandra Salsbury

Roland lives a quiet life alone in the forest, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. When he finds the perfect companion in Milton, he is overjoyed. But clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend, and Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life. In this sweet and moving picture book about loneliness, friendship, and compassion, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury celebrates the transformative power of connection and the painful melancholy of loss. Endearingly classic illustrations bring a charming forest world to life.

Add Best Friend in the Whole World to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

Perdu
by Richard Jones

On a dark, rainy, and windy night, poor Perdu finds himself all alone in the countryside with nothing to call his own except an old red scarf. Even the leaves tumbling through the air have a place to be. But not Perdu. He follows a leaf further and further until the grass beneath his feet turns to city concrete. Suddenly, Perdu is not longer alone with the city bustling around him, but he’s still lonely. The city is a big place when you are very small, but is it possible that someone is searching for a friend like Perdu?

In his debut as both author and illustrator, Richard Jones (The Snow Lion and Paper Planes) delivers a warmhearted and poignant story about loneliness, kindness, friendship, and finding a forever family. This beautiful, moving story of a lost dog searching for a family and a home is the perfect read aloud choice for dog lovers, owners of rescued animals, and SEL collections. Classically gorgeous illustrations will have readers returning to its pages again and again.

Get to know more about Richard Jones and his inspiration for the book in this Q&A, and download these free activity sheets for tips on drawing your own Perdu!

Can’t wait to read Perdu? Take a look inside the book below, and see more in the excerpt!

“Perdu is a winning and winsome protagonist, and Jones’ story contains some wonderfully specific details… The soft, stylized illustrations beautifully capture the coziness of some moments and the harshness of others while bringing the pup and his predicament adorably to life. Perdu’s quiet quest for home is a sweet journey worth taking.” —Booklist

“The text includes pleasing moments of lyricism… There are also little details sure to delight young animal lovers… Color is used effectively….satisfying.” —Kirkus Reviews

Find Perdu April 1st at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

Mars Is
Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises
by Suzanne Slade

Think you know Mars? Think again!

Have you ever wondered about life on Mars? Do you imagine there could be deserts or volcanoes just like we have here on Earth? What if people could actually live there someday? You’re not alone! For centuries, people have been intrigued by the mysterious Red Planet, and over time, scientists have made some exciting discoveries. For example, Mars experiences Earth-like weather and seasons! But curious humans still want to know more.

And so NASA’s HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera came to be. Scientists loaded this powerful camera onto a rocket on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, it began orbiting Mars. Thanks to this incredibly advanced camera, we now have stunningly detailed photographs that can show the world what Mars really is: buried bedrock, stark slopes, mighty mesas, and more amazing than anyone ever imagined!

Join award-winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon, A Computer Called Katherine) for a remarkable exploration of the striking beauty of Mars. This timely, photo-packed space extravaganza is a visual feast perfect for space enthusiasts, STEAM fans, and young readers following NASA’s Mars Exploration Program who can’t wait to see what future discoveries made on the extraordinary Red Planet may hold.

Start exploring the Red Planet below, and read an excerpt!

Your mission to Mars begins April 1st when Mars Is arrives at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!