Sponsored by Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group.
Long ago, sprites were the caretakers of gardens. Every flower was grown by their hand. But when humans appeared and began growing their own gardens, the sprites’ magical talents became a thing of the past. When Wisteria, an ambitious, kind-hearted sprite begins to unearth her long-lost talent of gardening, she’ll find her newly honed skills might not be the welcome surprise she intends them to be. Bursting with whimsical art and vibrant characters, Joe Whitt and Rii Abrego’s debut graphic novel, The Sprite and the Gardener, is a beautiful, gentle fantasy about blossoming gardens and budding friendships.
Hey readers! I’m back with another week of new children’s books!
Pride Puppy! by Robin Stevenson and Julie McLaughlin
This fun alphabet book follows a kid and their parents and their dog to the Pride parade. When the dog gets loose, a chase begins to reunite pet with family.
Sarah and the Big Wave: The True Story of the First Woman to Surf Mavericks by Bonnie Tsui and Sophie Diao
This gorgeously illustrated picture book follows Sarah Gerhardt, the first woman to surf the legendary Mavericks, making her way in a male-dominated sport.
Secret, Secret Agent Guy by Kira Bigwood and Celia Krampien
The Franklin Brothers (Franklin Brothers Investigation) put their heads together to steal a lollipop from the kitchen cupboard. But all their plans prove useless when they realize Secret Angel Girl (their sister) has her own designs on the lollipop.
Jo Jo Makooons: The Used-To-Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley and Tara Audibert
In this first book in a new chapter book series Jo Jo lives on the fictional Pembina Ojibwe reservation, worrying about her cat Mimi’s upcoming vaccinations and why her best friend isn’t sitting with her at lunch anymore.
Stamped (for Kids!) by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped From the Beginning has a kids’ version. If you’ve been looking for a more accessible way to begin conversations surrounding racism and antiracism, this may be a good place to start.
Thanks A Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas
This middle grade book is an emotional coming of age about two boys in Nova Scotia leaning on each other as they struggle through seventh grade. Brian’s already socially anxious when his father leaves home and his mom’s suicide attempt leaves him to care for his younger brother, but when he meets Ezra, he also finds a friend.
The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
This moving and emotional middle grade follows two kids coping with the same tragedy. Cora’s mourning her sister’s death in a school shooting, and Quinn looks for a way to cope with her brother’s horrific actions. The girls come together when Cora thinks she’s found a way to fix everything: a worm hole that would allow them to travel back in time and stop the shooting.
Until next week! In the meantime, we’ve got a giveaway going to win an iPad mini. You can enter here.
Chelsea