Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for March 30, 2021

Hey readers! I’m back with another week of new releases!

Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin

This sweet, tearjerker of a picture book follows a Chinese-American family that pulls over on the side of the road to gather watercress. Though the parents are delighted at their discovery, their daughter is embarrassed. But when her parents share a story of their lives in China, she understands the wonder and appreciation for the fresh watercress they’ve discovered.

Hugo and the Impossible Thing by Renee Felice Smith & Chris Gabriel, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

A French bulldog named Hugo decides it’s time someone took on the Impossible Thing that stands at the edge of the forest. No other animal has made the attempt, and a determined Hugo gets some help from his friends to conquer the Impossible Thing.

The House That Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold

In this magical, mystical novel neighboring families clash and come together. Though the shy Alder and outgoing Oak don’t get along well at first, they’re drawn together repeatedly by a series of coincidences that hint at magic, including the occasional disappearance of another house on their street.

We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman

When Stella and Luna ask their mom, Elsie, to tell them the story of how she came from the Philippines, Elsie tells two stories. One about her childhood with her sisters and another about the daughter of a god.

The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

In this delightful novel, Barclay is banished from his village when he accidentally bonds with a magical, wolf-like Beast in the wilderness and discovers he is a Lore Keeper, which are despised in his hometown of Dullshire. To make his way back home, Barclay will have to find a way to remove his Beast Mark, but the more time Barclay spends with his own Beast and the other Lore Keepers, the more he begins to feel like he belongs.

All You Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero

When Alba’s sent to Barcelona to live with the grandma she’s never met, she’s instantly suspicious of her grandma’s kindness. But it’s not long before Alba begins to like her new life in Spain, learning how to bake, and becoming more confident in herself. That is, until the bakery comes under threat.


Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for March 23, 2021

Hey readers! I’m back with another week of new releases!

What the Road Said by Cleo Wade and illustrated by Lucie de Moyencourt

In this inspiring picture book from poet Cleo Wade, young readers are encouraged to follow their roads wherever they may lead, so long as they make sure to continue their journey.

My Brave Little Girl by Hilary Duff and illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley

This picture book is an empowering, encouraging text for little girls encouraged to remain brave in all ways as they make their way through life.

Something’s Wrong! by Jory John and illustrated by Erin Kraan

In this funny picture book, a bear leaves the house after forgetting to take off his underwear. As Jeff traverses the forest, he can’t figure out why the other animals are looking at him so strangely.

Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale and illustrated by Leuyen Pham

In this cute picture book, a kitty is inspired to fashion a horn like unicorns do. But even though kitty feels like a unicorn, and does the same things unicorns do, her friends continue to tell her that she’s too much of a kitty to be one. Until a unicorn shows up, and kitty sees all the things they have in common.

Wonder Women of Science by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

This collection of brief biographies of woman scientists is compiled by an aerospace engineer and a novelist. This isn’t just biographical information, however, but this book is also full of facts about each woman’s field of study.

Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for March 16

Hey readers! I’m back with another week of new releases.

My Day With the Panye by Tami Charles, illustrated by Sara Palacios

In this picture book, Fallon finally gets to carry a panye, a woven basket, on her head. With her Manman, Fallon explores their colorful, lively Haitian community.

The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

In this narrative poetry collection, a class of students is asked to consider what they would save if their home was on fire. The poetry is inspired by sijo, a 14th-century syllabic verse form.

Soul Lanterns by Shaw Kuzki

Originally published in Japanese, this middle grade novel is set 25 years after the bombing of Hiroshima. To honor the dead, Nozomi and her family light lanterns. As Nozomi learns more about the people lost in Hiroshima, like her aunts and her father’s first wife, she and her friends decide to share their stories through art.

Across the Pond by Joy McCullough

In this moving story, Callie and her family move from California to the Scottish countryside when they inherit a castle. Recovering from a painful falling out with her friends back home, Callie’s able to move forward when she discovers a long-lost journal belonging to another girl, Pippa, who once lived in the castle.

The Dragon in the Library by Louie Stowell

In this fun fantasy novel, Kit discovers a magical library and her own magical powers. Alongside her friends, a magical librarian, and a half-dog/half-dragon creature, Kit takes on an evil developer who wants to tear down the library.


Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for March 9

Hey readers!

I’m back with another week of new releases.

I’ll Meet You in Your Dreams by Jessica Young, illustrated by Rafael Lopez

In this picture book, parents convey their neverending love for their children. Even as their relationships evolve, and the children become independent, love remains.

Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins and illustrated by Nicole Wong

When he watches his grandpa, Eto, write a haiku, Kiyoshi asks him where poems come from. To answer his question, Kiyoshi’s grandpa takes him on a walk through the city where Eto introduces him to all the inspiration awaiting them.

Can I Sit With You? by Sarah Jacoby

In this sweet picture book about empathy and friendship, a girl and a dog meet and form an unbreakable bond that remains strong and true even as they both enjoy time away from each other and building relationships with others.

Star Fish by Lisa Fipps

In this sweet novel-in-verse, Ellie’s been living by Fat Girl Rules ever since her white swimsuit at her fifth birthday party kicked off endless torment about her weight. Her one safe space is the pool, where she can spread out like a starfish and take up as much space as she wants, but as Ellie finds support among her family and friends, she begins to wonder if she can be a starfish outside of the pool too.

Amina’s Song by Hena Khan

In this inspiring follow up to Amina’s Voice, Amina is enchanted after her family’s trip to Pakistan. When she gets home, Amina’s excited to share Pakistan’s beauty with her friends, but no one’s interested in anything more than the worst parts.


Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for March 2, 2021

Hey readers! I’m back with another batch of new releases.

My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain, illustrated by Ella Bailey

In this book about panic disorders, a little boy is followed around by his monster. Though the monster has always been there, he hasn’t told anyone about them or the worries that come along with their appearance even though it keeps him from playing with his friends. But when he finally opens up to his grandmother about it, the monster starts to get smaller.

Wanda by Sihle Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tlali, illustrated by Chantelle Thorne and Burgen Thorne

This South African picture book follows Wanda, a girl struggling to find pride in her big hair. Though her mom combs her hair into a big afro every morning, Wanda puts it into a new style when she gets to school so that other kids won’t tease her and her teacher won’t declare her out of uniform. But when Wanda turns to her grandma, she learns about all the amazing women with hair just like hers.

Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

This sweet and funny picture book follows Laxmi, who’s distressed when her friends point out her mooch (the Indian word for mustache). When she tells her parents, they explain lots of women in Laxmi’s family have had a mooch, and Laxmi is able to find pride in herself and her appearance.

Definitely Dominguita: Knight of the Cape by Terry Catasús Jennings illustrated by Fátima Anaya

In this series-starter of a new chapter book series, Dominguita takes on a school bully who says girls can’t be knights. To prove said bully wrong, Dominguita and her friends go out into their community to help people in need.

Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Michelle Mee

This charming graphic novel follows Maggie, who just wants something of her own. Her parents are busy preparing for the arrival of a new baby, and her younger brothers are off in their own world. So when Maggie is given the chance to choose a puppy on her birthday, it’s a dream come true. Until she breaks out in hives and learns she’s allergic. Now the search is on to find Maggie the perfect pet.

Dawn Raid by Pauline Vaeluaga Smith, illustrated by Mat Hunkin

This historical fiction novel is set in the 1970s in Wellington, New Zealand where Sofia, a biracial girl, is drawn into political activism. As police carry out 4 AM raids, Sofia’s family is introduced to the work of the Polynesian Panthers, a group that fights for the rights of Indigenous people and Pacific Islanders. This is written in Sofia’s diary entries and includes charming illustrations of her journey to standing up for what’s right.


Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for February 23, 2021

Hey readers! I’m back with another batch of new releases.

G My Name is Girl by Dawn Masi

For alphabet lovers out there, this fun picture book takes readers on a journey across the globe and introduces them to a different girl from every country.

Home Is In-Between by Mitali Perkins and Lavanya Naidu

This is a sweet picture book about finding oneself across two cultures. Shanti misses India, and is trying to adjust to life in America. At home, it feels just like being back in India, even if everything outside is different, and Shanti begins to wonder what her home really is.

JD and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard and Akeem S. Roberts

For chapter book readers, this is a fun new series following third grader J.D. When his mom gives him a home haircut, J.D is the target of all kinds of teasing from his classmates. So J.D decides to cut his own hair and finds he’s pretty good at it, even good enough to start his own barbershop. But J.D’s drawing away clients from the only other barbershop in town, and the owner intends to shut J.D down so they compete in a great barber battle to determine who’s the best.

Latinitas by Juliet Menendez

This is a colorful collection of biographies of inspiring Latina women. This includes handpainted artwork and biographies of famous women such as singer Selena Quintanilla, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and author Isabel Allende to educate and inspire.

How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein and Rebecca Stefoff

This guide for young readers introduces kids to ways to get involved in the preservation and protection of our planet. This both shows where we are in the fight for climate justice and also how other kids are leading the charge in the climate movement.


Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for February 16, 2021

Hey readers! I’m back with another batch of new releases!

Tale of the Mandarin Duck by Bette Midler, photographed by Michiko Kakutani and illustrated by Joanna Avillez

Do you remember that duck that had New York City in a tizzy back in 2018? Well, if you forgot there’s a book about it now, written by Bette Midler. This is a modern fable about recognizing the remarkable things right in front of them.

Shy Willow by Cat Min

This whimsical picture book follows a shy cat whose favorite place to be is inside a mail box where she’s nice and safe. But when a letter is delivered, addressed to the moon and asking it to shine brightly the next day, Willow ventures out beyond her mail box to deliver it.

I See, You See by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Patrice Burton

This sweet picture book follows sibilings Maisie and Jonah, along with their dog Tinker, on a walk through their neighborhood that intertwines reality and imagination.

My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Lien

This beautiful picture book follows An, a young Vietnamese boy on a journey across the Mekong Delta. With a backpack and a single oar, An sets out for his first day of school.

The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan

This novel-in-verse follows Stevie, an 11-year-old who has found that knowing as many facts as possible helps her anxiety feel more in control. But for all the things Stevie understands, what she’s struggling to make sense of are new feelings for her friend Chloe.


Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Children’s New Releases for February 9, 2021

Hey readers! I’m back with this week’s children’s new releases!

We Wait for the Sun by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Katie Mccabe; illustrated by Raissa Figueroa

Dovey Mae and her grandmother traverse the woods in the early hours of the morning to find the sweetest blackberries. This picture book takes a beautiful snapshot of a Roundtree’s life with her grandmother and how they managed to find moments of happiness even in the Jim Crow south.

Anonymouse by Vikki Vansickle, illustrated by Anna Pirolli

This fun picture book takes an animal spin on artist Banksy. A mysterious mouse dots a city with art, inspiring the other animals to create art of their own.

Dreyer’s English (Adapted for Young Readers) by Benjamin Dreyer

Adapted for kids from the original, this is a smart, witty guide to writing and all that goes along with it: grammar, punctuation, spelling, all presented in a way as entertaining as it is instructive.

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by Cynthia Leitich Smith

For kids looking for more anthologies is this one of stories and poems celebrating the voices of Indigenous writers from the U.S and Canada. The stories balance personal struggles with joy and humor and feature stories from varied nations.

Simon and Chester: Super Detectives by Cale Atkinson

In this fun graphic novel, ghost Simon and human child Chester decide to become detectives. Though they have trouble finding clients, they do discover a dog in their house and get to work unraveling the mystery of where it came from.

Until next week! – Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Children’s New Releases for February 2, 2021

Hey readers!

I’m back with another batch of children’s new releases.

Blankie by Ben Clanton

If you’re a fan of Narwhal & Jelly, this new board book might be perfect for you. In this new book, friends Narwhal and Jelly think up all the fun they can have with Narwhal’s favorite blankie.

Mel Fell by Corey B. Tabor

This cute picture book follows a young bird as she takes her first flight, under the watch of other cute creatures. This is adorably illustrated and includes some fun knowledge of kingfishers, the type of bird Mel is.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carol Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper

This historical picture book recalls the story of the massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma where white supremacists descended on a town of African-Americans, murdering residents and destroying the neighborhood. As we approach 100 years since the massacre, this is a good way to begin conversations about it with kids.

The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold

When Gabrielle emigrates from Haiti to the United States by herself, she feels like her whole family’s future rests on her shoulders. And it’s much worse when she arrives and is bullied for being different. But then Gabrielle meets Lady Lydia, a witch who offers to make it so Gabrielle fits in perfectly in America. But once it’s done, Gabrielle realizes how much she’s given up in her quest to fit in and must find a way to reverse the spell.

Red, White and Whole by Rajani Larocca

This novel-in-verse is an emotional exploration of the immigrant experience. Reha feels out of place in her school where she stands out because she’s Indian. And she’s frustrated at home, where her parents insist on raising her with Indian values and traditions. Reha’s struggle to figure out how to be American and Indian is made even more complicated when her mother is diagnosed with cancer.

Until next week!

Chelsea

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for January 26, 2021

Hey readers!

I’m back with another batch of new releases!

Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finson and Daniel Wiseman

In this cute picture book about consent, Doug likes many things but not hugs. This is a nice twist on the golden rule of treating everyone as they’d like to be treated, instead asking that everyone simply ask everyone how they’d like to be treated and following accordingly.

What’s the Matter, Marlo? by Andrew Arnold

This sweet picture book about friendship and empathy follows two friends, Coco and Marlo. The two spend most of their time together, alongside Marlo’s dog. But one day Marlo doesn’t want to play and appears to be especially unhappy, but won’t tell Coco what’s wrong.

Avocado Asks by Momoko Abe

This witty picture book features an adorable avocado having an identity crisis. Is an avocado a fruit or a vegetable or something else altogether? To find the answer, Avocado heads to the grocery store to see where they fit in best.

Chef Yasmina and the Potato Panic by Wauter Mannaert

This fun graphic novel follows Yasmina, a vegetarian chef working to take care of her family. When a big potato company starts producing an addictive potato that makes the people who eat them aggressively into potatoes, it’s up to Yasmina to save the day.

The In-Between by Rebecca K.S Ansari

In this creepy supernatural mystery, siblings Cooper and Jess tackle a mystery involving an old English railroad and their neighbor Elena. Meanwhile, Cooper must make sense of his own feelings after their parents’ divorce and his father leaves the family to start a new one.

While I Was Away by Waka T. Brown

This memoir from author Waka T. Brown revisits her childhood. When she was twelve years old, her parents, worried she was losing touch with her Japanese heritage, sent her to Japan to live with the grandmother she doesn’t know very well. This is an emotional and inspiring journey of a girl learning more about herself and her culture.

Until next week! – Chelsea