Izzy Gizmo
by Pip Jones
illustrated by Sarah Ogilvie

“This story of a girl engineer is sorely needed and has potential to develop and nourish readers’ interest in STEAM subjects.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Izzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvelous, magnificent . . . and often malfunction. Despite the fact that she loves to invent, it never seems to work out in her favor. But when she finds a crow with a broken wing, she has to help! Izzy tries again and again to build a new pair of wings, but nothing is working. Can Izzy overcome her failures? Or is her friend destined to live as a crow who can’t fly? From author Pip Jones, this inspiring, STEAM-infused story of ingenuity and perseverance in the face of failure showcases a sweet friendship and feisty, diverse female engineer and is illustrated with bright, zany art from the acclaimed Sara Ogilvie.

Gnu and Shrew
by Danny Schnitzlein
illustrated by Anca Sandu

“A refreshing demonstration of different approaches and a friendship that transcends those contrasts.” —Booklist

When Gnu says that there’s a cave filled with diamonds across the river, Shrew is intrigued. But Gnu seems to be all talk, fantasizing about riches yet dismissing all of Shrew’s suggestions. As Gnu dreams his days away, tossing out one big idea after another, Shrew spends his nights trying to make those dreams a reality. Can Gnu’s big ideas and Shrew’s hard work make something remarkable happen? In this entertaining spin on “The Ant and the Grasshopper” that values the roles of both dreamers and doers, author Danny Schnitzlein’s deadpan storytelling is perfectly complemented by illustrator Anca Sandu’s humorous artwork.

Nina Soni, Former Best Friend
by Kashmira Sheth
illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky

“The notebook-style lists and vocabulary definitions add to the book without overwhelming the action.… A perfect fit for readers who enjoy realistic fiction about friendship and self-discovery.” —School Library Journal

Nina tried as hard as she could but still somehow forgot about her school project. Fortunately, a class lesson about Alexander Fleming suggests how she might make a great discovery—and thus a great project! But with little sister Kavita’s birthday party right around the corner, and her longtime friendship with Jay on the rocks, Nina has a lot to keep track of. Readers are sure to relate to author Kashmira Sheth’s endearing #OwnVoices chapter book series starring lovable, distractible Nina Soni and her slightly scatter-brained efforts to manage her life with lists, definitions, and real-life math problems. Perfect for STEAM-themed middle grade read-alouds.

Save the Crash-test Dummies
by Jennifer Swanson
illustrated by TeMika Grooms

“Attractively designed and engagingly written—sure to appeal to readers with a taste for the scientific and technical.” —Kirkus Reviews

Can you imagine a world without cars? It’s not easy! One of the reasons we can use cars so much in our everyday lives is because they are safe to drive. But that hasn’t always been the case. If it weren’t for the experiments conducted over decades that involved all kinds of crash test volunteers—dead, alive, animal, or automated—cars as we know them might not be around. And then how would you get to school? 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 getting in under the hood and seeing how things work.

Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep
by Catherine Rayner

★ “Spellbinding…alluringly tranquil… Gentle and gorgeous.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW 

Arlo is a very tired lion, and he’s tried everything to get to sleep. But the grass is too prickly, the trees are too noisy, and his family wriggles awfully too much. Goodness! How is an exhausted lion ever to get a wink of shut-eye? Luckily, owl has a few tricks up her sleeve and Arlo couldn’t be happier to give them a whirl. Perfect for reluctant or troubled sleepers, award-winning Catherine Rayner’s gorgeous illustrations capture a gentle and humorous bedtime story that has a calming, meditative message of mindfulness and centeredness.

Buy Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Eek! A Noisy Journey from A to Z
by Julie Larios
illustrated by Julie Paschkis

“Children ages 2-5 who like a bit of noise with their books will enjoy these bright and buoyant pages.” —Wall Street Journal

Mouse’s journey begins as he selects a flower for someone very dear to him. One sniff of his special flower—Achoo!―and a bee flies out―Bzzz!―and Mouse’s journey through the alphabet begins! Readers will love meeting the colorful parade of characters along Mouse’s trek and will cheer when he reaches his destination and presents the flower to… Well, that part of the story is a surprise! Julie Larios and Julie Paschkis have produced an entertaining combination of clever onomatopoeic text and lively art that’s ideal for fun read-alouds and teaching oral language. It’s sure to delight young fans and inspire them to create imaginary alphabet adventures of their own―letter by letter and sound by noisy sound!

Buy Eek! today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

One Fox
A Counting Book Thriller
by Kate Read

★ “Little ones will eagerly count in subsequent readings as they also learn new descriptive vocabulary and cheer for the brave hens.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

One hungry fox with two sly eyes is on the prowl…three plump hens had better watch out! Rich and colorful illustrations plunge the reader into a dramatic and exciting story set in a moonlit farmyard. With something different to count on each page, learning to count from one to ten has never been so thrilling! This surprisingly simple counting book with a gripping tale, from Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor-Winner Kate Read, is great for early education and read-alouds and has a hugely satisfying ending that’s sure to delight generations.

Buy One Fox today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Stanley’s Fire Engine
by William Bee

“An adorable hamster, a fire engine, and fireworks: high preschooler appeal.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Stanley’s fire engine is ready for anything. It has a tall ladder, a big water tank, and a long hose. Uh-oh. The fire station has a phone call: Charlie’s barbecue is out of control. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! Out of the way! Stanley’s on the job! This brightly colored celebration of everyone’s favorite rescue vehicle is playful and fun and filled with important examples of the way firefighters help their communities. A great book for early fire safety discussions, community helper lessons, and more! Check out the rest of William Bee’s beloved Stanley series for more stories featuring adorable hardworking hamster Stanley and his community of rodent friends as they work different jobs and help each other along the way.

Buy Stanley’s Fire Engine today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Winter Babies
by Kathryn O. Galbraith
illustrated by Adela Pons

“Vibrant… Pons brightens the snowy day with shades of purple, red, and blue in the children’s clothing and in lollipop like trees―which is particularly striking when set against the whiteness of snow.” ―Publishers Weekly

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day. Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, books in the Babies in the Park series encourage an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Buy Winter Babies today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

The Santa Trap
by Jonathan Emmett
illustrated by Poly Bernatene

“An ideal Christmas present for children who prefer Halloween.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. All the adults in Bradley’s life give Bradley anything he wants to avoid his wrath―except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. He transforms his house into a trap so fearsome even his parents refuse to enter it. With dynamite, trapdoors, guillotines, and tigers in his path, Santa doesn’t stand a chance. Or does he? Jonathan Emmet gives readers a Christmas tale from a new and devious perspective. Poly Bernatene’s illustrations perfectly complement this a hilarious and exciting story that will keep readers laughing from beginning to end.

Buy The Santa Trap today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Snow Day!
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Adam Gustavson

“Laminack generates the increasingly hopeful energy to a fever pitch… Gustavson creates a festive mood with his oil illustrations, so luxurious and ample they feel like bundles of winter clothing, topped with bright scarves.” ―Kirkus Reviews

When the weatherman predicts a big snowfall, it’s hard not to imagine the fun-filled adventures of an unscheduled school holiday! You can build snowmen, go sledding, have snowball fights—the possibilities are endless. Except when the family wakes up that next morning, they find no snow! School is happening, and all their dreams of a winter wonderland are gone. But as the family piles into the car to head to school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all. Adam Gustavson’s expressive illustrations comically capture the excitement of pure possibility in author Lester Laminack’s clever take on a familiar childhood wish.

Buy Snow Day! today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Christmas in the Trenches
by John McCutcheon
illustrated by Henri Sørensen

“The text is clear and lyrical. Sorensen’s beautiful double-page spreads in sepia shades show the young men from the two sides celebrating together-with individuals just like them.” ―Booklist

It is cold and clear on Christmas Eve night in 1914. Suddenly, a strange sound pierces the darkness. Someone is singing a Christmas carol in German. As the Germans’ carol ends, the British soldiers across the field sing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Soon carols are being sung back and forth. Slowly, the British and German soldiers leave their trenches—and the war—behind to stand together in the open field. This beautiful, haunting story, based on the real-life WWI event known as the Christmas Truce, is adapted by award-winning songwriter John McCutcheon from his song of the same name. Henri Sørensen’s traditional, full-color oil paintings reinforce the emotional power and dignity of the story. Back matter features more information about the historical event.

Buy Christmas in the Trenches today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound!

Curious About Birds
by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

“A lovely book to introduce small children to the natural world.” ―Jean Little Library

Educator and author Cathryn Sill introduces very young children to basic facts about birds with the help of beautifully detailed illustrations from noted wildlife illustrator John Sill. Simple and clear descriptions of how birds look, where they live, what they eat, and how they move around make this first title in the Discovering Nature series a thoughtful and informative first glimpse into the world of birds.

Buy Curious About Birds today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Lali’s Feather
by Farhana Zia
illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

“This circular story has the ring of an Indian folk tale. Its art strikingly contrasts the warm bright colors of silks and spices with the lush turquoise of peacock feathers.” —The New York Times

What would you do with a feather?

Lali finds a little feather in the field. Who might it belong to? Lali sets out to find the feather a home, but one bird after another rejects it. That is until Lali decides to keep the little feather and discovers all the things she can do with it, and the other birds begin to recognize its value. Farhana Zia’s vivacious and endearing #OwnVoices story of identification, values, and the rewards in looking closely and thinking imaginatively features an inventive circular structure that reveals the importance of looking beyond first impressions. Illustrator Stephanie Fizer Coleman brings this delightful story of inspiration to life.

Buy Lali’s Feather today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

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

“Frenetically posing chickens will inspire giggles…Good farm fun.” ―Kirkus Reviews

The Tuckers’ farm is a peaceful place where everyone has a job and no one complains. That is, until a hapless peacock falls off the back of a passing truck and stirs things up. What follows is the riotous tale of three hens who get in way over their feathered heads, and one very distressed peacock who just can’t figure out how to lay an egg. Award-winning author Lester Laminack has created a comical look at envy, finding your strength, and what happens when we underestimate the value of others’ work. Henry Cole’s delightful illustrations heighten the story’s humor and will have readers of all ages laughing out loud.

Buy Three Hens and a Peacock today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Bird Count
by Susan Edwards Richmond
illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

“A wonderful introduction to bird-watching and the concept of observing nature…” —Booklist Online

For the New England Christmas Bird Count, young Ava and her mother prepare to be the best “citizen scientists” they can be. Ava dutifully counts all the birds along the way, using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―and the birding identification techniques she’s learned. But will she locate her favorite raven again this year in time for their town’s annual Christmas Bird Count party? Author Susan Edwards Richmond offers a charming introduction to birdwatching with simple explanations of birdwatching techniques and clear descriptions of bird habitats. Stephanie Fizer Coleman’s charming illustrations add color and context to this joyful story. Backmatter includes more information about all the birds featured in the book and about the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, the nation’s longest-running community science bird project.

Buy Bird Count today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Going Down Home with Daddy
by Kelly Starling Lyons
illustrated by Daniel Minter

★ “A warm, loving, necessary reminder of the power in families coming together.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they’ll share, but what will Lil Alan do?

Kelly Starling Lyons’ eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family.

Buy Going Down Home with Daddy today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

The Story Blanket
by Ferida Wolff & Harriet May Savitz
illustrated by Elena Odriozola

 “A sweet tale of a close-knit community.” —School Library Journal

Babba Zarrah lives in a tiny village in the snow-covered mountains. The children love to visit her. They settle down on her big, old story blanket and listen to her imaginative tales. One day Babba Zarrah notices that Nikolai needs new socks, but she has no yarn. After the children leave, she unravels part of her story blanket and knits him some nice warm socks. As villagers start receiving mysterious gifts to keep them warm, the story blanket gets smaller and smaller until the children have nothing to sit on at story time. When the villagers finally discover Babba Zarrah’s secret, they decide to give her a surprise of their own. This touching story of generosity makes for a wonderful read aloud experience.

Buy The Story Blanket today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

William Still and His Freedom Stories
The Father of the Underground Railroad
by Don Tate

★ “Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. Motivated by his own family’s experience, William began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry “Box” Brown, and William and Ellen Craft.

Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible true story of William Still, a man who dedicated his life to recording the stories of enslaved people fleeing to freedom, in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Buy William Still and His Freedom Stories today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog
by Lisa Papp

★ “This intergenerational story of love and acceptance is an important addition to library collections for young elementary-aged readers.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a Therapy dog. They make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends, but Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help?

Author-illustrator Lisa Papp’s heartwarming, empathetic story explores the therapy dog training process and provides a realistic and appealing example of a young person making a difference in her community.

Buy Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

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. Sammy finds himself in a whole new world without the comfort of 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, Sammy meets a group of new friends, including a mouse, an injured crow, a newt, and a shrew, ready to 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 offers this charming novel featuring adorable animal characters on an exciting adventure, and his endearing illustrations bring this action-packed plot to life.

Can’t wait to join Sammy Shine on his somewhat true adventures? Check out this excerpt! And be sure to download the free teacher’s guide for activities after reading.

“Since Sammy is way too cute to fail, this amusing tale will serve well as an early chapter book or read-aloud.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“An excellent fit for younger chapter book readers, who will hope this isn’t the last they’ll see of Sammy Shine.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Cole’s endearing adventure will hit home with lovers of animal fantasy.” ―Booklist Online

“Kids drawn to whimsy and light adventure will find this fills the bill.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Order your copy of The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine today from Amazon, IndieBound, Bookshop.org, or Barnes & Noble!

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