April brings an exciting array of new children’s books that showcase diversity and explore important themes. This month’s new releases highlight stories that touch on topics such as homelessness, cultural identity, and the lives of influential figures. These books not only spark imagination but also address mental health, family dynamics, and the importance of pride and resilience.
Representation matters, and these stories provide children with characters that reflect their own experiences and backgrounds, helping them feel seen and valued. Through engaging narratives, readers of all ages will meet characters who celebrate their differences and overcome challenges. This collection encourages empathy and understanding while fostering a love for reading. Join me as we explore this month’s book birthdays that celebrate the richness of our world!
April 1, 2025
Author: Brynne Barnes Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Black Boy, Rise combines gorgeous, moving text—filled with lyrical references to poets and writers whose voices have lifted and defined the Black experience, including Langston Hughes, Lucille Clifton, W. E. B. Du Bois, and James Weldon Johnson—with vibrant, beautifully rendered watercolor images that powerfully reflect the soul and gloriousness of Black boys in all their brilliance: the rich legacy of their past, the grit and grace of their present, and the divine promise of their future.
Author: Dana Marie Miroballi Illustrator: Sawyer Cloud
Like a seed / Frida sprouted /
And burst through the earth where / the coyotl once foraged.
Coyoacán was the place where Frida grew.
Told through the language and imagery of the native Mexican flowers and plants comes the life of acclaimed and beloved artist Frida Kahlo. Like a flower, Frida blossomed, wilted, was crushed, survived, and thrived, growing into one of the most celebrated Indigenous painters.
This poetic and empowering picture book, written by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez and illustrated by Pura Belpré Honor awardee Loris Lora, features the very flora Frida grew in her garden, bought at the market in her hometown, painted in her famous portraits, and wore proudly in a crown around her head.
Author: Chelsea Tornetto Illustrator: Laurel Aylesworth
A pair of adorable siblings explores the incredible power of a piece of chalk, transforming the world around them. With people of all ages from their neighborhood coming along, they use their bucket of chalk to make some sidewalk magic.
Rhyming text by Chelsea Tornetto and increasingly colorful illustrations by Laurel Aylesworth make Chalk the Walk a celebration of imagination. Grab a piece of sidewalk chalk and join in the fun!
Faded pavement.
Walls of gray.
Boring city streets?
No way!
Fred Flips!: How One Gymnast Realized That Differences Can Become Strengths
Author: Frederick Richard with Ryan G. Van Cleave Illustrator: Darcie Olley
Even before he could talk, Fred was flipping in his crib, giggling as his parents watched in awe. He was born to be a gymnast! But when Fred started training with other kids, he began to feel . . . different. Most of the gymnasts were girls. Fred was a boy―and not just any boy. He was a Black boy with skin so dark that even his friends joked, “Where’s Fred? He’s disappeared into the dark!” How could Fred learn to compete when he felt so different from everyone else?
In his first book, Olympic and World Championship medalist Fred Richard tells how he overcame bullying and learned to stand tall and stand out in his quest to become one of America’s most famous male gymnasts. Boys and girls alike will be inspired by Fred’s grit, determination, and a piece of advice from his father that changed everything: “Why just fit in when you can shine?”
Brothers are Brothers Forever {Board Book}
Author: Brooke Jorden Illustrator: Sejung Kim
There’s something special about brothers. When brothers play together, magic happens! A brother is a friend for life, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be disagreements sometimes. Follow three cute sets of brothers as they play and explore together, argue, and ultimately reconnect. For anyone with boys who need a little nudge to get along, Brothers Are Brothers Forever is a sweet reminder that arguments happen, but sincere apologies can mend any rift. With simple text from author Brooke Jorden and gentle illustrations by Sejung Kim, this adorable board book is the perfect gift for siblings.
Sisters are Sisters Forever {Board Book}
Author: Brooke Jorden Illustrator: Sejung Kim
There’s something special about sisters. When sisters play together, magic happens! A sister is a friend for life, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be disagreements sometimes. Follow three cute sets of sisters as they play and explore together, argue, and ultimately reconnect. For anyone with girls who need a little nudge to get along, Sisters Are Sisters Forever is a sweet reminder that arguments happen, but sincere apologies can mend any rift. With simple text from author Brooke Jorden and gentle illustrations by Sejung Kim, this adorable board book is the perfect gift for siblings.
Author: Jessica Kulekjian Illustrator: Zara Gonzalez Hoang
A joyous picture book celebrating all of life’s moments, whether big or small.
What reason to say “yay” will you discover today?
Life is full of moments to celebrate! Whether you win big or learn a tough lesson, get lucky or need to try again, have a big crowd cheering for you or are on your own, say YAY!
This joyful picture book is the perfect gift for little loved ones at graduations, birthdays, and just to say I love you.
Author: Maika Llaneza Illustrator: Ara Villena
Gobble up this new picture book inspired by Filipino mythology featuring trinket-stealing goblins whose knack for thievery just might save the day.
Mind your manners; hang on to your toys (and pineapples?)
When Caden and Cailyn forget to say thank you to Lola Mi for their gifts, the famous gobbling goblins come to take the children’s treasures. Gobble gobble gobble. It’s all in a day’s work.
But then a band of mischievous elves swipes some curious VIPs (Very Important Pineapples) from the house . . . pineapples that look suspiciously like Caden and Cailyn. Not saying thank you is one thing, but turning children into fruit? Talk about impolite! Now the goblins are on a rescue mission to get those pineapple-kids back from the elves. Can their latest gobble save the day?
Author: Willie Poll Illustrator: Shaikara David
A poignant and poetic picture book celebrating traditional Indigenous harvesting, foods, and the connections that these build for all our relations.
It’s a special day: the young protagonist in this memorable story is learning her grandfather’s favorite recipe from her grandmother! As each ingredient is prepared for this special dish, readers will be eager to follow along as they are transported back to each instance of gathering, hunting, and harvesting foods in the traditional ways throughout the seasons.
Mariam’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope
Author: Leila Boukarim Illustrator: Sena Avedikian
This is a story about how one woman can make a huge difference.
Once Mariam decides to start a food business in the refugee camp where she’s spent her whole life, she must see her dream through.
She will need money.
She will need the right papers.
People will tell her it’s impossible.
They will tell her not to risk it.
But with the women of the camp behind her, she is determined to make it happen.
Discover the joys of cooking, the power of community, and the flavors of Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon in this poignant story written for anyone who has ever felt walled in and dreamed of something more.
Author: Jamie Michalak Illustrator: Matt Myers
People stop to say, “Oh, what a cutie patootie baby!”
What? Is it not clear? I am the patootie.
Follow the adorable puppy Hazel through a typical day at home, where she rules the roost. Check out the dozens of toys, the nifty stroller, the comfy places to take her (many) naps, the various tasty snacks, and most of all, lots of quality time with her girl, Bea. Together, Hazel and Bea are sensational. Until the baby arrives, that is, and everything changes. Now Hazel isn’t always the center of attention—even Nana barely has time for a cuddle. Things have gone too far! But when Hazel runs off to hide, the family is desperate to find her, and Hazel is reminded just how much she is loved. In this endearing comedy for dog lovers and expanding families from a stellar creative team, there’s room for everyone in the hug circle—and messy new arrivals who drop enticing crumbs turn out to be not so bad after all.
Author/Illustrator: Gaia Cornwall
Let’s go, let’s go! Hopping and skipping into the woods behind their house, a trio of kids and their loyal doggy companion head off into the wild world in search of fairies. Their explorations lead them across a babbling brook and through bushes and meadows of fragrant honey snowdrops and bee balm. But where are the fairies? They peer under heavy rocks and peek under fleecy carpets of moss, finding dragonlike salamanders and scampering creepy-crawlies, but no fairies. The adventurers don’t lose hope, though—if they look very closely and listen hard enough, there’s always magic to be found in the woods! Gaia Cornwall has crafted an enchanting story that celebrates flights of fancy, curiosity, and the wonder to be found in the natural world.
Author: Angela Pham Krans Illustrator: Thai My Phuong
Han is happy to spend his days with his tea, his newspaper, and his plants. Everything is nice and quiet, just the way he likes it.
That is, until Kate and Olly move in next door.
Author/Illustrator: Anoosha Syed
Princess Amal always danced to the beat of her own tabla.
Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Zammarud, there lived four princesses. The youngest, Princess Amal, always loved to stir up trouble—just for a little fun.
Until one day, her playful spirit led to a misunderstanding with her father, the king. In his embarrassment, he banished her from the kingdom.
But all was not lost for Amal. To reunite with her family, she’ll just need to prove that life is best enjoyed with a sprinkle of seasoning…
Author: Maribeth Boelts Illustrator: Stephanie Laberis
A vibrant, loving tribute to the good that dogs do—especially everyday heroes like Coco, who comfort humans experiencing hardship, trauma, and loss.
Coco is a dog who can cuddle. He’s not like Luna, who lives with cheetahs at the zoo, or super sniffer Lucky or Jax the lifeguard dog. From cattle dogs to four-footed movie stars, there is no end to canine achievement. But Coco, in his special vest, is no less exceptional: he can bring comfort to a person with a fearful, lonely, or hurting heart. His cuddling makes others feel stronger and less alone. From a beloved picture book author and a gifted illustrator, this irresistible tribute to the therapeutic genius of dogs brims with warmth and humor. With art that captures the energy of accomplished canines at work and at play (often at the same time), this joyful roundup of talented pooches—punctuated every couple of pages by a cuddle with Coco—will send you straight to the couch for a snuggle with someone special.
Bebé Ama a Mamá: Baby Loves Mom {Board Book}
Author: Chela De La Vega Illustrator: Teresa Martinez
A heartwarming and delightful exploration of love, the story takes place in various settings in Latin America and the United States, creating a rich and engaging experience for babies and toddlers.
Through charming illustrations and simple, expressive text, the book celebrates the special bond between babies and their mothers. From playful moments to soothing bedtime routines, Bebé Ama a Mamá / Baby Loves Mom captures the universal language of love, making it a perfect read for families looking to embrace both English and Spanish in their little one’s early learning journey.
Author: Andrea Underwood Petifer Illustrator: Ana Latese
A is for ancestors, and B is for Black. There is a complex history behind Juneteenth―but in The Juneteenth Alphabet, kids (and adults) can find celebratory moments of joy and inspiration as they learn about the origins and traditions of this day of freedom (for all!). Includes a glossary of key terms and a list of websites for further reading.
April 8, 2025
I Rock My Hair!: Pretty and Protected by the CROWN Act
Author/Illustrator: Angel Tate
I raise my fist and I declare . . . that it’s ok to rock our hair! A young girl celebrates her right under laws such as the CROWN Act to style her hair in any way she sees fit in this empowering tribute to the unique and special ways that people can rock their hair.
At first, it can be hard to stand out. But with the encouragement and support of family, friends, and the community, one girl discovers the joy in standing up and stepping out as she relishes in the beauty of her hair in twist-outs, braids, ribbons and more. Told in bouncing rhymes with engaging pictures and backmatter about the CROWN Act (legislation enacted in multiple states and introduced at the federal level), author-illustrator Angel Tate weaves together themes of confidence, individual expression, and advocating for yourself and others.
Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story
Author/Illustrator: Natasha Khan Kazi
It’s wedding day, and Lulu is finally old enough to have a plan of her own for winning the prize during joota chupai! In Lulu’s family, kids on the bride’s side of the family play a game: Take the groom’s shoes and hold on to them until he gives them a prize.
The only problem? Her older cousins have their own plan for the heist—and it doesn’t include her!
Lulu tries again and again to get in on the fun, but she always seems to be one step behind. Can she hold on to her confidence and determination long enough to keep at it, even when it means thinking outside the box?
Be Thankful for Plants: How Plants Are Essential to Life on Our Planet
Author: Harriet Ziefert Illustrator: Brian Fitzgerald
Would animals be satisfied without plants? They would not!
Leaves for gorillas, Food for antelopes,
Grasses for zebras on African slopes.
Plankton for small krill, Greens for manatees
Plants provide food in big oceans and seas.
The third book in the successful Be Thankful . . . series, Plants uses lilting, rhyming couplets to explore the many ways that plants are essential to our lives and the existence of life on earth. But it doesn’t stop there! Kids will also learn about the many uses of plants—and the environmental danger to plants posed by pollution and lack of respect for this precious resource. In this series, kids are encouraged to be kind, not only to one another but to the environment as well. Kids will view the many types of plants in our lives and will see them in a whole new light after going on a botanical eco-tour in this gorgeous poem about plants. This book is printed on responsibly sourced, 100% recycled FSC paper.
Authors: Christopher Willard & Tara Wosiki Illustrator: Toshiki Nakamura
We all have them! And we have to live with them, and even when they’re inconvenient, unpleasant, or surprising.
They might come out of nowhere! It’s definitely not a good idea to hold them in for too long. But among friends and family, they are usually no big deal.
Striking a perfect balance of funny and factual, this charming picture book encourages young readers to accept their emotions (and their farts) without shame, even when they really stink.
Author: Laura Bontje Illustrator: Sarah Whang
Annie is tired of waiting for the cicadas to finally appear: every day, they show hints of their upcoming arrival, but to her disappointment, they seem to be taking their sweet time coming out. As Annie’s anticipation builds to bursting, she is joined first by her great-grandmother, then her grandmother, then her mother―each of whom has her own cicada story to tell. When the magnificent insects finally appear and sing their incredible songs, Annie realizes some things are worth the wait.
This lovely picture book is perfect for amateur bug lovers and aspiring entomologists alike: alongside debut illustrator Sarah Whang’s stunning art, author Laura Bontje turns an ordinary backyard into a magical world filled with wonder. Readers will be swept away by their own curiosity as they explore all the fascinating things about nature just outside our doors. Informative, expert-reviewed backmatter on cicadas provide further context on these fascinating creatures.
Author: Sara de Waal Illustrator: Ana Stretchu
It’s time for the Scintillating Science Symposium, and Mo is determined to win this year’s competition. He knows his classmates are talented, but none of them are serious scientists like him . . . especially not Muriel. After all, Mo wants to be a chemist when he grows up; Muriel wants to be a cat. Besides, Mo has the best idea to turn something small into something big. He just can’t forget his secret ingredient . . .
As the day of the Symposium arrives, readers will love discovering the scientific surprises behind the Sunnysill Elementary students’ projects, from lemon meringue pie to boogers. Ana Stretcu’s energetic and charming artwork further emphasizes how fun STEAM can be and how creativity can help answer big questions—in the classroom and beyond.
Author: Alex Killian Illustrator: Grady McFerrin
Sometimes you know just where you are going. Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you find yourself in an in-between place. A place that is neither here nor there. A place where you can go up or down, left or right. So how do you know which way to go?
Poetic and reassuring, In-Between Places reminds us that sometimes we just need to take a leap to land exactly where we’re meant to be.
Author: Litea Fuata Illustrator: Myo Yim
Filo’s Butterflies is a charming picture book about how a young Samoan boy calms his nerves before his first siva performance at a family wedding.
Filo is going to dance at his aunties’ Samoan wedding! He’s been rehearsing the steps for his first siva fa’ataupati for weeks, but now there are butterflies dancing in his belly.
As the day goes on, the butterflies grow bigger and bolder. Will they stop him from performing the siva and having a good time?
Author: Bex Tobin Fine Illustrator: Andres Landazabal
When a child loses their home, they embark on a journey toward rebuilding not only their sense of place but also their sense of belonging. As they meet other kids living in a variety of housing situations and their lives intersect, they wonder:
What is home? Is it a place? A person?
Is it the stories we tell or the artwork we create?
Or, is home a feeling, a sense of connection, and, ultimately, hope?
This moving picture book will reassure and inspire young readers going through housing transitions as well as anyone who has found community and “home” in unexpected places.
Curator: Dr. Tamara Pizzoli Illustrator: Desire Cesar “El’Cesart” Ngabo
Immerse yourself in words of affirmation, power, resilience, truth, beauty, love, whimsy, and wonder spoken by Black men whose leadership, thought, and perspectives have not only inspired nations, but helped to create the blueprint for Black manhood and humanity.
Featuring men like actor Sidney Poitier, rapper Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, basketball player LeBron James, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and former president Barack Obama, this stunning book will have an immeasurable impact on any reader seeking faith, spirit, and purpose.
Author: Livia Blackburne Illustrator: Joey Chou
Traveling from California to Taiwan for the first time, even with her parents and her Nainai around her, is a lot for a little girl to take in. The plane ride lasts forever, she can’t read any of the signs, and she’s worried there will be unfamiliar bugs.
But then Nainai becomes her tour guide, and Taiwan transforms. As they huff and puff up Nainai’s favorite mountain, stomachs full of bao and juicy sausage, Nainai spins yarns about riding to the movies in pedicabs, eating frozen pineapple, and playing pinball to win snacks. Even the bugs turn out to be more cool than scary.
At the top of the mountain is a surprise: all sorts of people playing and exercising—and they all remember Nainai. The little girl is filled with pride when they can tell just who she is: “your granddaughter!”
Faruq and the Wiri Wiri: A Celebration of Family and Food!
Author: Sophia Payne Illustrator: Sandhya Prabhat
A Caribbean celebration of family and food!
Faruq loves his ajee, and he loves her cooking just as much. He hopes to be able to make cook-up rice almost as good as Ajee’s someday. But Faruq’s family expects him to be a doctor, not a chef. When Ajee is too sick to cook Sunday lunch, Faruq enlists the help of his neighbor, Mrs. Joseph, and together they pick some wiri wiri peppers and start cooking. Preparing food for his family fills Faruq’s heart with love—and sets a different course for his future. Sophia Payne’s heartwarming story celebrates Caribbean culture and food and is brought to life by Sandhya Prabhat’s beautiful artwork.
Author: Maureen Shay Tajsar Illustrator: Ishita Jain
In this lush mother-daughter nighttime adventure through the jungles of southern India, debut author Maureen Shay Tajsar enchants the reader with all five senses, offering smells of spicy tea and warm hay, tastes of warm potato dosa, and wind washing over sandaled feet. Debut illustrator Ishita Jain immerses the reader in the deepest blue, the darkest night, and the coziest love, in a book that feels at once like a hug and an adventure.
There’s no better way to be lulled to sleep than tucked against Amma on her motorbike, and a Midnight Motorbike read-aloud is the next best thing. Drawing on the childhood memories of both author and illustrator, this sumptuous treasure is sure to be a new family favorite.
April 10, 2025
Author/Illustrator: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
A shy artist helps her classmates see the beauty in the world around them.
Because Marabella is shy, she’s often overlooked. But Marabella doesn’t overlook anything—not the puffy clouds, or the birds in the trees, not even her dancing shadows. When she spies some flowers poking up from weeds in the schoolyard, she decides to draw them big enough for others to notice. Chalk in hand, she fills the blank wall with bright spectacular drawings of the simple moments she has seen, which inspires her classmates to notice the world around them.
Authors: Sue Fliess & Ann Marie Stephens Illustrator: Alexandra Colombo
When is the perfect time to read a book? Anytime!
Whether you’re indoors or outside, at home or in the library, whether you’re by yourself or with a friend, anytime is the right time to read a book! Featuring rhythmic, rhyming text and delightful illustrations, this story celebrates the magic of reading in an array of settings and situations.
Authors: Ginger Park & Frances Park Illustrator: Tiffany Chen
Based on the authors’ family history, this story set in Japanese-occupied Korea portrays an unlikely friendship between a hungry child and an old farmer.
Life in 1941 Korea is difficult for Kwan and his family. Under Japanese occupation, food is scarce. Though he’s only a child, Kwan is desperate to help his family, so he asks Mr. Suka, a Japanese farmer, for a job. Mr. Suka teaches Kwan how to care for a herd of goats, and soon what began as an act of kindness becomes a genuine friendship that brings them both joy.
Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’ Voyage Out of Slavery
Author: Leah Schanke Illustrator: Oboh Moses
The true story of one man’s brave plan to free his family from slavery.
Lizzy Smalls is proud of her papa, Robert, for being the best boat pilot in Charleston Harbor. But the Smalls family is enslaved, and after the outbreak of the Civil War, Robert is forced to put his skills to work for the Confederates. He knows that reaching Union territory means freedom for his family; to get there, he devises a daring plan to steal a boat and sail out of the harbor under cover of night. This thrilling true story shows how one man’s courage, careful planning, and calm under pressure helped him navigate the way to a new life.
Author: Brenda Reeves Sturgis Illustrator: Amy Everson
As a mother and daughter transition out of a shelter and into their own home, they experience the bittersweet joy of a new beginning.
Life wasn’t easy at the shelter, but at least Lily knew what to expect there. Now she and her mom are moving into their own apartment, away from their friends. Though Lily is a little scared about what comes next, she’s excited, too. Their new neighbor, Mrs. McIntyre, will watch Lily while her mom works and goes to school, and Lily will start daycare, where she can learn and play with kids her age. Life is good after the shelter and getting better every day.
April 15, 2025
Inventions to Count On: A Celebration of Black Inventors
Author: Dana Marie Miroballi Illustrator: Sawyer Cloud
From traffic lights to ice cream scoopers to fire trucks, there are so many different ways that Black inventors changed history. Follow a bustling modern-day family as they get ready for a beloved family member’s 100th birthday. Woven into their activities are ten inventions that positively impact their daily lives as they prepare for the celebration.
With simple, rhyming text and charming art, Inventions to Count On: A Celebration of Black Inventors shines a light on forgotten pioneers, including Alice H. Parker, Garrett Morgan, Anna M. Mangin, Joseph Winters, Alfred L. Cralle, Sarah Boone, Jan Ernst Matzeliger, and Alexander Miles, as well as honoring celebrated inventors like James West, who developed the tiny microphone still used in cell phones today, and Granville T. Woods, who invented third rail technology for trains.
I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like Me
Author: Sylvaine Jaqui Illustrator: Anne Crahay
I am a seed.
I grow bigger and bigger each day.
I’m starting to become who I am.
So begins this story, which is also how a child’s life begins… and so too does a tree’s. With an affirming, poetic text and gorgeous, delicate art as revealed through die-cuts on almost every spread, I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like Me is a beautiful picture book about how we begin, how we grow, how we’re nourished, and how we live. By drawing parallels between a growing child and a growing tree, author Sylvaine Jaoui and illustrator Anne Crahay remind us of the myriad ways that humans and plants are connected as living beings.
Author: Christopher Cheng Illustrator: Jacqueline Tam
Young Shu Lok didn’t know there was a war until it appeared on his doorstep.
Overnight, everything changes. His parents send him away, tucking him into a basket alongside his cousins to be carried to safety.
They travel in search of a place the war does not reach, over cloud-wreathed clifftops, and through cold, hungry nights where a rocky bed and cold bean curd cake are all that await him.
But Shu Lok comes to find that war does not define him. He remembers his parents’ words: be powerful like a dragon. Even if food and comfort are scarce, strength, resilience, and kindness can always be found. Even in the harshest times, dragons can learn to fly.
Based on author Christopher Cheng’s true family story and with breathtaking, sweeping illustrations by Jacqueline Tam, Powerful Like a Dragon is an honest and heartfelt invitation into one child’s experience during the Imperial Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941.
Mama Moon: A Story About Love and Mental Health
Author/Illustrator: Noah Grigni
Deeply felt and beautifully told, Mama Moon is the story of a child who muses that their mother is like the moon―ever changing, sometimes blue, sometimes bright.
Mama loves warm summers, and eating cherries while stargazing with Baba and Kiddo. But on her bluest of days, she can’t do the things that other mamas do.
Persevering with love, no matter what phase Mama is in, this family weathers the ups and downs of a loved one’s illness.
Author: Nikki Grimes Illustrator: Cathy Ann Johnson
When the squeal of tires and thrum of Grandpa’s hammer fill the air, Grandma gets thirsty for a cup of quiet.
“That’s silly, Grandma,” her granddaughter says. “Quiet can’t fit in a cup and you can’t drink it.”
But together, they venture into the garden to collect the calming sounds of nature, and their cup grows and grows.
A bee’s buzz,
a leaf’s crackle,
a whistling wind,
a hummingbird’s whir.
By slowing down and appreciating the gentler sounds of nature, Grandma and her granddaughter step away from the hubbub of daily life and refresh. Their time together made more special by sharing a cup of quiet.
Author: Laurel Goodluck Illustrator: Steph Littlebird
A joyful and vibrant celebration of what makes aunties so special, from Indigenous author and illustrator team Laurel Goodluck and Steph Littlebird inviting all kids to connect with the fierce aunties in their lives.
Who do you go to for advice and support? Or when you want an adventure and a little extra courage? Or when you need to find that warrior spirit inside you? Fierce aunties!
Aunties come in different shapes, sizes, and ages. They all have different laughs, skills, and stories. They might be your parents’ sisters, your older cousins, or even family friends. But there’s something they all have in common: They’re fierce, they love you, and they’ll help make everything better.
Author: Nicolas Schuff Illustrator: Ana Sender
Emilio and Abuelo: two adventurers off to see the moon!
Emilio loves spending vacations out in the forest at his abuelo’s house. The woods are mysterious, and Abuelo and Emilio can dine outside by the light of a lantern every night. And then, best of all, Abuelo tells his fantastical stories! One night, when there’s a full moon, Abuelo suggests they go and meet the moon. At first, Emilio isn’t sure he’s serious―but Abuelo is a true adventurer! And so the two, boy and grandfather, set off on their mission. But what creatures might await them in the forest? And will they really get to see the moon?
Shell Song: Based on a True Family Story
Author/Illustrator: Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson
Based on the author’s true family history, this picture book about Japanese American incarceration in Hawai’i during World War II is a moving tribute to the importance of finding and collecting pieces of hope, big or small, even in the darkest of times.
Grandfather loved music, seashells, and the sound of the ocean in Hawai’i. But when war came, there was no more music. And in this war, there was no kindness for anyone who looked Japanese.
Taken to an island prison, Grandfather passed many long, lonely days away from his family searching for tiny seashells. He collected the shells, labeled them, and saved them with care. His collection has been passed down to his children and grandchildren, and now, author-illustrator Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson tells the story of her grandfather and his shells.
Author: Rebecca Gardyn Levington Illustrator: Rahele Jomepour Bell
In this fun and gorgeously illustrated picture book, the terms “yet,” “perhaps,” and “we’ll see” guide the boundless passions and joys of a young girl who wants to try everything even if she’s not perfect at it.
With delightful rhyme and captivating illustrations, celebrated creators Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Rahele Jomepour Bell remind young artists and athletes, bakers and ballerinas, inventors and investigators that doing what you love and loving what you do is all that really matters.
Author: Yamile Saied Mendez Illustrator: Christine Almeda
Two sisters, Ellie and Isabella, have been dreaming of Isabella’s quinceañera for months and now the day is finally here. The house is bustling with preparations for the party and Ellie is determined to help make her big sister’s day as special as possible. But making flower arrangements is harder than Ellie expected and decorating the cake almost ends in disaster! Will Ellie be able to do something special for Isabella before the party is over?
Award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez has crafted a beautiful ode to sisterly love and the magic of quinceañeras. Acclaimed illustrator Christine Almeda’s bright and colorful art brings a lively energy to this sweet story.
April 22, 2025
Our Mothers’ Names: Love in Many Languages
Author: Uma Menon Illustrator: Rahele Jomepour Bell
“Thank you, Amma,” says the child as her mother praises a birdhouse she’s making with her friend Angelina. With two languages spoken at home, English and Malayalam (the most common language in Kerala, India, where her parents and grandparents were born), Amma is a word the child uses for her Indian-American mom. But Angelina, whose family is from Mexico City, says that her mother is called Mamá. And there are so many other names for mother! Thea’s mother is Greek and known as Mana. Francisco’s family is from Brazil, where moms answer to Mãe. Aliya is fluent in Arabic, whose word for mother is Umma. . . . With just a peek at the many ways to say mother among the world’s thousands of languages, the author and illustrator behind My Mother’s Tongues have fashioned another love letter to family bonds and heritage, another salute to multilingualism for a world that grows smaller and more connected day by day.
Author: Patrice Gopo Illustrator: Carlos Velez Aguilera
Mama steers the cart toward the produce section of the grocery store and picks up a bunch of green plantains. Thus begins a week of anxious anticipation as a young girl waits for mustard yellows to seep onto the unripe green peels. Creep. Creep. Seep. Green begins to turn to yellow. Creep. Creep. Seep. Black streaks appear. And finally, on Sunday, the frying pan sizzles and hisses, as Mama serves up the warm, sugary slices the young girl has waited for so long.
Much like there is sweet treasure hidden beneath the skin of a plantain, this beautifully written and evocative story reaches far beyond the act of preparing a favorite food. Ripening Time celebrates the way food and family entwine to connect us across generations—and serves as a touching reminder that some of the sweetest rewards in life are worth the wait.
Author: Anna Kang Illustrator: Christopher Weyant
So-Hee is lonely. She doesn’t have a brother or sister, nor does she have many friends. More than anything, she longs for a pet she can hold and love. The trouble is, she’s allergic to just about everything. When So-Hee meets a snake named Lowy, all at once, her life starts to change in unexpected ways.
And Then Came You: When Families Grow, Love Grows Too
Author: Christina Shawn Illustrator: Shahrzad Maydani
Families grow and change, but what if you like things just the way they are? What if you aren’t ready to welcome in a new parent, a messy pet, or a baby sister who cries a lot and is leaking goo?! Change can be scary, but even a full heart has room to grow.
Both hilarious and heartwarming, this endearing children’s book is a powerful tool for helping little ones understand that there are often silver linings to the changes life brings. Even when things are initially uncomfortable, an open heart paves the way and teaches us that a family can be full of love at any size.
Author/Illustrator: Katie Mazeika
Based on the author’s own childhood experience, this clever and heartfelt picture book follows a young girl who wants to bring discussion of her disability into the open, exploring themes of acknowledging and celebrating differences.
Mazie wears an eyepatch and a head scarf, and on her first day at a new school she’s prepared for her classmates to wonder why. And they do, but no one talks to her about it. Instead, wild rumors fly around the classroom that she’s a pirate or a dragon burned off her hair! Mazie doesn’t mind explaining her disability, but can she find the courage to tell the other kids to just ask her?
Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush
Author: Patrice Lawrence Illustrator: Camilla Sucre
This heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author Patrice Lawrence introduces the struggles and achievements of a generation of African Caribbeans who traveled across the Atlantic to call a new country home.
Ava is asked to dress up as an inspirational figure for her school assembly, but who should she choose? Granny suggests famous familiar figures such as Winifred Atwell, Mary Seacole, and Rosa Parks, and tells Ava all about their fascinating histories, but Ava’s classmates have already claimed them—and she must choose someone else. But who?
When Ava finds a mysterious old suitcase and Granny shares her own history, and how she came to England on the Empire Windrush many years ago. She tells her story through the precious items that accompanied her on the original voyage, each one evoking a memory of home. As Ava listens to how Granny built a life for herself in England—determined to stay against the odds and despite overwhelming homesickness—she realizes that there is a hero very close to home—her very own brave and beloved granny.
April 29, 2025
Ours to Tell: Reclaiming Indigenous Stories
Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger
For too long, stories and artistic expressions from Indigenous people have been written and recorded by others, not by the individuals who have experienced the events.
In Ours to Tell, sixteen Indigenous creators relate traditions, accounts of historical events, and their own lived experiences. Novelists, poets, graphic artists, historians, craftspeople, and mapmakers chronicle stories on the struggles and triumphs lived by Indigenous people, and the impact these stories have had on their culture and history.
Author: Rebecca Stead Illustrator: Gracey Zhang
What’s more powerful than a secret wish? A wish you say out loud.
Anything paints a tender picture of a father and daughter moving into a new home. Dad brings a birthday cake for the new apartment to celebrate their new beginning and tells his daughter she can wish for anything (or, more precisely, “three Anythings”). Over the course of the day, she wishes for some of her favorite things, including a rainbow and “the biggest slice of pizza in the whole world.”
But she keeps some of her wishes inside. Because what she really wants is to go back home to their old apartment, with its big blue bathtub and space in the closet for hide-and-seek. When she finally admits this last wish, her dad takes her on a journey, and by the book’s final pages, she is home . . . in every way that matters.
Author: Jane Yolen Illustrator: Sally Deng
Would you like to spot a mermaid? If so, you will need a few supplies and a great deal of patience.
As we learn in these informative illustrated pages, mermaids are very shy and do not make friends easily. But if you find a place near the water, sit very still, and are willing to share your Goldfish crackers, you just might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one. And who knows . . . there may even be a mermaid, somewhere, hoping to catch a glimpse of you, too!
Mermaid fans and science-minded young readers alike will love the step-by-step guidance in How to Spot a Mermaid, a clever how-to book that celebrates the magic in the world around us and helps us to let our imaginations run wild and swim the line between reality and fiction.
Author: Lucky Diaz Illustrator: Micah Player
No job is too big, no task is too small. We’re the Fix It Familia. We help one, we help all!
Chavo and his family are always there to lend a helping hand. So when the main parade float crashes at a neighborhood fiesta, Chavo has the perfect plan to help his community. With a load of creativity and a truck full of love, nothing can stop Chavo’s ideas from becoming reality!
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrator: Alea Marley
Simple, engaging rhymes will inspire little ones to jump, run, and explore the limitless possibilities of their imagination in this energizing ode to movement by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford.
Are You a Friend of a Dorothy?: The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped
Author: Kyle Lukoff Illustrator: Levi Hastings
“Are you a friend of Dorothy?”
In a time when the LGBTQ+ community was forced to hide in the shadows, a woman named Dorothy helped her people find each other in the dark and celebrate themselves in the light.
But who was Dorothy? Was she from the neighborhood, someone’s wife, mother, or sister? Was she that clever writer, who threw parties where there were no rules about who you could and couldn’t dance with? Or was she a girl from Kansas, who dreamed of leaving her black-and-white, small-town life and finding a vibrant, colorful world that loved her?
Author: Jenny Andrus Illustrator: Julie Downing
Elsa carries her chessboard everywhere, always ready for a game. When World War II forces her from Europe, can chess help make America home?
Growing up in 1900s Vienna, Elsa’s brothers are always playing chess. “No girls!” they tell her when she first asks to learn; but she wears them down, and soon she’s such a pro that they give her a special chess set of her own.
Elsa plays chess whenever she can. When she grows up, she even meets her husband over games in the park. But when World War II grips Europe, the young Jewish family must emigrate to America, where they find themselves surrounded by unfamiliar languages.
Luckily, Elsa knows one language that can always bring people together: chess!
I Cannot Find My Belly Button! {Board Book}
Author: Eva Treistman Illustrator: Allison Black
I can find my eyes
I can find my nose
I can find my fingers
And can find my toes
I cannot find my belly button
There’s a hole where it goes!
Follow along with this playful read-aloud as a child looks everywhere for their belly button but can’t seem to find it! Until big sister comes to reveal the big secret: some are “innies” and some are “outies”! I Cannot Find My Belly Button is a great way to practice naming all of the parts of the body while having some silly, rhyming fun.
A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America
Author: Julie Leung Illustrator: Melissa Iwai
From an early age, Cecilia Chiang could be found delighting in the sounds and smells from her favorite room in her home—the kitchen. Little did Cecilia know that she would one day have to escape war and travel to a faraway country, destined to change Chinese cuisine in the United States forever.
Experience the dishes Cecilia Chiang enjoyed throughout her life as the seventh daughter in a large family to the owner of the famous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco.
Author: Joy Harjo Illustrator: Adriana Garcia
A baby girl is welcomed to the breathing world by generations of her family and set on the magnificent journey of becoming. As she grows, she is reminded of her connections to the natural world; to her family, her ancestors, her neighbors; to the source of all magic and sorrow―and of her responsibility to uphold and honor those connections.
With US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s transcendent verse and Pura Belpré Award winner Adriana Garcia’s monumental illustrations, For a Girl Becoming acts as a blessing and a harbinger for a young girl’s life―and reminds those of us who still stand at the door of becoming that it is our relationships with nature and with each other that carry us through it.
Author: Alegra Dashielle Illustrator: Daniela Alarcon
Perfect for fans of Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein, When a Book Begins: A Book of Poems invites young readers into a world of playful poetry, humor, and boundless imagination. Each poem starts with the engaging refrain “When a…”–setting the stage for surprising adventures, quirky characters, and unexpected twists that will delight.
In this fantastical world of poems, readers will meet a dog who takes on a wild car ride, a lost flower searching for home, a cranky crow having a particularly bad day, and many more unforgettable characters. Bursting with humor and heart, these poems capture the joy of language and the magic of storytelling. Plus, the final poem encourages young readers to unleash their creativity by writing their own endings–making this book an interactive and inspiring experience
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