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.

The Candy Mafia
by Lavie Tidhar
illustrated by Daniel Duncan

Nelle Faulkner is a preteen private detective solving cases in a city where candy is a crime and kid-led gangs are thriving. So when notorious candy gangster Eddie de Menthe asks for her help finding a missing teddy bear, Nelle Faulkner is on the case. But when the teddy turns up, Eddie himself goes missing, and Nelle and her friends quickly find themselves swept up in a shady underworld of sweets smugglers, back alley deals, and storefront firebombs. If Nelle has any hope of tracking down her missing client, she’ll first have to unmask the true faces behind the smuggling ring. Can she and her friends find a way to take the cake? Or will they come to a sticky end?

Mr. Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise
by Alex T. Smith

Dashing detective Mr. Penguin and his adventuring gang board a luxury cruise ship for some much-needed rest and a little entertainment. With Colin, his kung fu spider sidekick, preparing to perform with the Ladies Choir and fish finger sandwiches available twenty-four hours a day, Mr. Penguin isn’t even bothered by the fact that he can’t swim and is deeply afraid of water. But when a series of odd events infiltrates a façade of glamorous parties filled with a who’s who of film stars and politicians, Mr. Penguin can’t help but feel that something shifty is happening on board. And when he befriends a young stowaway with a mystery of her own, he soon finds that adventures are lying in wait.

Save the Crash-test Dummies
An Action-Packed Journey through the History of Car Safety Engineering
by Jennifer Swanson
illustrated by TeMika Grooms

Cars take us to work. To school. To soccer practice. To the grocery store and home again. Can you imagine a world without them? It’s not so 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?

Pretty Funny for a Girl
by Rebecca Elliott

Haylah Swinton is a stellar best friend, a loving daughter, and an incredibly patient sister to a four-year-old nutcase of a brother. But she has a big secret: one day, she’ll be a stand-up comedian star. So when impossibly cool and thirstalicious Leo reveals he’s also into comedy, Haylah jumps at the chance to ghost-write his sets. But is Leo as interested in returning the favor? Even though her friends warn her of Leo’s intentions, Haylah’s not ready to listen―and she might just be digging herself deeper toward heartbreak. If Haylah’s ever going to step into the spotlight, first she’ll need to find the self-confidence to strut like the boss she really is.

Sing Like No One’s Listening
by Vanessa Jones

Nettie Delaney is a young singer who has just lost her mother and, despite a dreadful audition, has been accepted into a prestigious performing arts school―the very same school her superstar mother attended. With her mother’s shadow hanging over her, Nettie has her work cut out for her―and everyone is watching. To make matters worse, she hasn’t been able to sing a single note since her mother died. Whenever she tries, she just clams up. If Nettie’s going to survive a demanding first year and keep her place in a highly coveted program, she’ll have to work through her grief, find her voice, and deliver a showstopper. Or face expulsion.

About Habitats: Polar Regions
by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

In this addition to the About Habitats series, author Cathryn Sill uses easy-to-understand language to teach children what the Polar Regions are—from the frozen deserts of Antarctica to the ice floes of the Arctic Ocean—along with what kinds of animals and plants live there, how they have adapted to life in the environment, and why they’re important. Illustrator John Sill offers full-color art depicting the various landscapes and species of animals and plants. A glossary and afterword provide further details. Great for early childhood and elementary units on geography and habitats, nature and environment.

Stanley y su camión de bomberos
by William Bee

It’s another busy day for Stanley’s Fire Station! Stanley y su camión de bomberos stars all of Stanley’s friends in a brightly colored celebration of everyone’s favorite rescue vehicle. Not only is there an adorable fire truck, there’s also a ladder, hose, and extinguisher. The story is playful and fun but filled with important examples of the way firefighters help their communities. A great book for early fire safety discussions, community helper lessons, and more!

Stanley y su tren
by William Bee

All aboard on Stanley’s train! Tickets ready, please. Stanley and Charlie oil and grease the gears and shovel coal in the firebox before the train heads off on an adventure. The passengers have a beach ball, a toy boat, and an inner tube. Where could Stanley’s train be headed? Perfect for younger fans of Thomas and Friends, Stanley’s y su tren highlights all the excitement children can have as train passengers—especially if they get to drive, have refreshments, and blow the whistle!

Don’t miss any of the titles in the Stanley series!

Bird Count
by Susan Edwards Richmond
illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

For the New England Christmas Bird Count, young Ava and her mother prepare to be the best “citizen scientists” they can be. With the help of their team leader Big Al, they record the tally of all the birds they see. 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? A charming picture book, just right for young citizen scientists, bird watchers, and nature aficionados.

Lemuel the Fool
by Myron Uhlberg
illustrated by Sonja Lamut

When Lemuel sets out on a journey across the sea, he makes sure to tie a red scarf on the bow and a rope to the stern; with the scarf waving before him and the rope trailing behind, he’ll always know he’s going the right direction. Disoriented after a storm, Lemuel lands near a strange new village―except that it’s strangely familiar, down to the woman who looks exactly like his own dear wife and even calls him by name. Later that night, a very confused Lemuel sets sail for home and away from the madness. With the red scarf before him and the rope trailing behind, he’s confident he’ll arrive at home again―and be safely back among the familiar.

Hansel & Gretel
by Bethan Woollvin

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” from New York Times Best Illustrated Book-winner Bethan Woollvin features striking and humorous visuals and a deliciously wicked twist ending that is sure to surprise and delight.

Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words
The Duel that Shaped a Future President
by Donna Janell Bowman
illustrated by S.D. Schindler

Abraham Lincoln was known for his sense of humor.  But in 1842, early in his adult life, it nearly got him into trouble. After becoming frustrated with the actions of his political rival James Shield, Lincoln came up with a plan. It was silly. It was clever. And it was a great big mistake! Lincoln, his future wife, and a friend of hers wrote a series of fictional letters to the editor, complaining about Shields. But when Shields took offense, he challenged Lincoln to a duel.

Carter Reads the Newspaper
The Story of Carter G. Woodson, Founder of Black History Month
by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Don Tate

Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he believed in being an informed citizen, so Carter read the newspaper to him every day. As a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines, and there he met Oliver Jones, who did something important: he asked Carter not only to read to him and the other miners, but also research and find more information on the subjects that interested them. This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel
A Post-9/11 Story of Hope and Transformation
by Janet Nolan
illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Following the events of September 11, 2001, a beam from the World Trade Center Towers was given to the United States Navy. The beam was driven from New York to a foundry in Louisiana, where the seven and a half tons of steel, which had once been a beam in the World Trade Center, became the USS New York’s bow. Powerful text paired with stunning illustrations in this inspiring story reveal how something remarkable can emerge from a devastating event.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells
The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist
by Philip Dray
illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” young Ida held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and used her position as a journalist to speak against injustice. But Ida’s greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the looming “shadow of lawlessness”?

Stanley’s Library
by William Bee

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 and hand out to all his friends. Later at the main branch, Stanley 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, this new addition to William Bee’s beloved Stanley series is a must-read for little library lovers and fans of things that go.

Pre-order Stanley’s Library today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog
by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn does NOT like to read. But she DOES want a gold star from her teacher. Except stars are for good readers, for understanding words, and for saying them out loud—things that Madeline Finn doesn’t believe she can do. Fortunately, Madeline Finn finds a little help when she meets Bonnie, a library dog. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it’s okay to go slow—and, most importantly, to keep trying. With endearing illustrations, award-winner Lisa Papp brings an inspiring and comforting book to all new readers who just need a little confidence to overcome their fears.

Add Madeline Finn and the Library Dog to your picture book collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians
by Carla Morris
illustrated by Brad Sneed

Every day after school Melvin goes to the library where his favorite people—Marge, Betty, and Leola—are always waiting behind the reference desk to help him find the perfect book. As the years pass, Melvin can always find the answers to his questions in the library. Then one day he goes off to college to learn new things and read new books. Will he leave the library and his friends behind forever? Readers will enjoy Brad Sneed’s delightful illustrations that colorfully capture the fun-loving spirit of Carla Morris’s story about the contagious enthusiasm of learning. A heartfelt and affectionate tribute to librarians everywhere.

Add The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians to your picture book collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

The Library Dragon
by Carmen Agra Deedy
illustrated by Michael P. White

When Sunrise Elementary School advertised for a thick-skinned librarian with a burning love of books, Miss Lotta Scales knew she was perfect for the job. Who could guard books better than a REAL dragon? However, no one can convince Miss Lotta Scales to let any of the children take a book from the shelves until nearsighted Molly Brickmeyer stumbles onto a copy of Snuff the Magic Dragon and reads the tale out loud. Can an open book temper the flames of the school’s hotheaded librarian? This humorous tale from New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy is paired with Michael P. White’s lively illustrations for an entertaining story about the power and importance of books.

Add The Library Dragon to your picture book collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

New Middle Grade Books

Middle grade favorite Nina Soni returns for some Halloween hijinks in this fourth installment in author Kashmira Sheth’s award-winning series. Halloween brings out Nina Soni’s competitive spirit, so, naturally, she has to come up with the best costume idea. Plus, a bunch of old boxes hold the makings of an impressively scary haunted house, so what could possibly go wrong for the Halloween Queen? Illustrator Jenn Kocsmiersky brings this endearing heroine to life in this fun read for STEAM enthusiasts!

Pre-order Nina Soni, Halloween Queen today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

Avid soccer players Aiden, Ava, and Daniel have just learned their county league soccer trophy mysteriously disappeared forty years ago from the town library and was never recovered. So between games and practices for the town’s soccer championships, the three friends try to solve the case. Award-winning author and Washington Post KidsPost sports columnist Fred Bowen returns with another installment in his Sports Story Series, this time tackling important topics like equal recognition for women in sports. At the end of the book, Bowen includes “The Real Story” behind the disappearance of the original World Cup trophy.

Pre-order Soccer Trophy Mystery today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

When her mother dies, fifteen-year-old Mari and is desperate to avoid being caught up in the foster system. Again. And to complicate matters, she is now the only one who can take care of her super-smart and on-the-spectrum nine-year-old stepbrother, Conor. So in a desperate move, Mari takes Conor and sets out to find the one person who might take them in. A beautiful exploration of identity and family, this heartwarming and engaging middle grade novel comes from renowned storyteller and two-time Grammy Award winner Bill Harley.

Pre-order Now You Say Yes today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

New YA

Big, bold, and funnier than a cat in a onesie playing bagpipes, Haylah Swinton’s been busy proving she’s an all-star comedian through her new YouTube channel. But proving she’s funny is tougher than she thought it’d be! Plus, her new boyfriend Dylan hasn’t even tried kissing her yet, and when her deadbeat dad decides to turn up, life as she’s known it is tossed into one big, colossal mess. Rebecca Elliott’s follow up to the hilarious Pretty Funny for a Girl fires on all cylinders for YA readers. Family drama, boy drama, and a budding comedian at the center of it all makes for a laugh-out-loud, binge-worthy read.

Pre-order Pretty Rude for a Girl today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or on Amazon.

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.

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!

Hat Tricks
by Satoshi Kitamura

You’re invited to Hattie the rabbit’s magic show! Abracadabra, katakurico… Oh, goodness! Out pops a cat from Hattie’s magic hat. Can you guess what creature will appear from the magic hat next? Perfect for magic-themed activities this summer, renowned author and illustrator Satoshi Kitamura delivers an adorable read aloud with simple, repetitive language, fun magic words, and ample opportunities for prediction.

Recreate some of Hattie’s magic tricks at home with this activity sheet.

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog
by Lisa Papp

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 empathetic, feel-good story explores the therapy dog training process and provides a realistic and appealing example of a young person making a difference. Ideal for social emotional learning and discussions about self-esteem, volunteering, community, and—of course—therapy animals.

Explore more about therapy dogs, library dogs, and shelter dogs in the Madeline Finn activity kit!

The Society of Distinguished Lemmings
by Julie Colombet

The Society of Distinguished Lemmings aims to be distinguished in absolutely everything. It takes an awful lot of rules to be so distinguished, and Bertie has had quite enough. After venturing outside, Bertie discovers a bear, who is very unlike a lemming. Will the Society ever accept Bertie’s new friend, or is the bear simply too big and clumsy of a creature to be distinguished? This hilarious tale features valuable themes of finding new friends, challenging peers, and questioning the rules. Readers will return to the story 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.

Download this discussion guide to dive into the distinguished world of lemmings, and find out whether you’re more like a bear or a lemming with this personality quiz!

The Thingity-Jig
by Kathleen Doherty
illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Under the light of a silvery moon, Bear wanders into people town and discovers a springy thing, a bouncy thing—a sit-on-it, jump-on-it thing! This Thingity-Jig is too heavy to carry home by himself, so Bear invents a Rolly-Rumpity to wheel the Thingity-Jig home. When it all gets stuck in the mud, Bear creates a Lifty-Uppity, of course! Reading specialist and former educator Kathy Doherty perfectly blends inventive upcycling and STEAM elements with whimsical wordplay and a delightful story celebrating ingenuity. Illustrator Kristyna Litten brings the world to life with incredible settings and empathetic characters.

Start your own wacky inventions at home or in the classroom with this teacher’s guide!

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!

Best Friend in the Whole World
by Sandra Salsbury

Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and tea parties for one, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. So when he finds the perfect companion in Milton, he is overjoyed. It’s okay that Milton is just a pine cone; they have so much in common. But clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life. In this sweet picture book about friendship and compassion, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury’s endearingly classic illustrations bring a charming forest world to life.

A Friend for Mole
by Nancy Armo

An accidental encounter throws Mole and Wolf together. One is afraid of the light, the other is afraid of the dark. Together they learn that things aren’t so scary when you have a friend to keep you company. Nancy Armo’s humorous story, with adorable illustrations, explores fear and friendship to show how opposites can complement, strengthen, and support each other.

The Snow Lion
by Jim Helmore
illustrated by Richard Jones

Pig and Small
by Alex Latimer

Pig and Bug just want to be friends. But their size difference is proving to be a BIG problem. Pig wants to play games—but Bug is too small. Bug wants to make things for his friend—but Pig is too big! Just as they’ve given up all hope for their friendship, Pig has an idea… But will it work? A hilariously quirky tale filled with visual puns and wordplay, Alex Latimer combines his bold visual style with an entertaining and unique message to teach readers about making friends and finding common ground.

When Edgar Met Cecil
by Kevin Luthardt

When Edgar’s family moves to a new town, everything seems strange and scary. The kids look different. They dress weird. They listen to bizarre music. They eat strange food. And the biggest, weirdest looking kid keeps staring at Edgar. What does he want? As Edgar soon learns, sometimes you have to rise above your fears to make a new friend. And sometimes that friend may be the last person—or alien—you’d expect. Kevin Luthardt’s highly expressive, comical, full-color illustrations and minimal text poignantly and humorously dramatize this tale of friendship found in unexpected places.

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

Ebenezer collects words, but it’s hard to find someone who understands his passion… Until he meets Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald doesn’t have a word collection—but he does have lots of ideas. And together, they can make stories. 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. Perfect for vocabulary building, this book also includes a list of words and definitions in the back.