Author: Liberty Hardy

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

Happy August! It’s me, Liberty, again. Karina was unable to join us again this week, but she will hopefully be back next week. For my theme today, I am doing books about dragons! I am super into grown-up dragon books this year, maybe because there have been so many of them published. So I thought I would share a few dragon books for kids, too! My favorite book featuring a dragon is probably The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, but I am a big fan of many of these, as well. (Please note that all descriptions come from the publisher.)

Before we get to the new releases, Karina wanted me to share an exciting cover reveal with you! Trowbridge Road by Marcella Pixley and published by Candlewick Press is a middle grade novel coming out in May 2020. Ziggy and June Bug live in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, which seems like a perfect neighborhood filled with perfect families. But there are secrets hiding behind closed doors. As they learn to trust each other, each shares what they have never told to anyone else. Will June Bug have the courage to tell her story more widely, expose the painful truth, and maybe even save herself?

Find Trowbridge Road by Marcella Pixley on May 12, 2020!

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin (Author), Daniel Salmieri (Illustrator)

Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.

The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America by Jaime Hernandez (Author, Illustrator)

How would a kitchen maid fare against a seven-headed dragon? What happens when a woman marries a mouse? And what can a young man learn from a thousand leaf cutter ants? Famed Love and Rockets creator Jaime Hernandez asks these questions and more as he transforms beloved myths into bold, stunning, and utterly contemporary comics. Guided by the classic works of F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada, Hernandez’s first book for young readers brings the sights and stories of Latin America to a new generation of graphic-novel fans around the world.

Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale by Josh Funk (Author), Rodolfo Montalvo (Illustrator)

A sweet and clever friendship story in rhyme, about looking past physical differences to appreciate the person (or dragon) underneath.

George and Blaise are pen pals, and they write letters to each other about everything: their pets, birthdays, favorite sports, and science fair projects. There’s just one thing that the two friends don’t know: George is a human, while Blaise is a dragon! What will happen when these pen pals finally meet face-to-face?

Seagull & Sea Dragon by Sydni Gregg (Author, Illustrator)

Meet Seagull.
Meet Sea Dragon.
One comes from the sky.
One comes from the sea.

And both are scared of the other’s world.

But when they meet, they discover they might have more in common than they ever imagined.

Debut author-illustrator Sydni Gregg beautifully illustrates the idea that sometimes new friends can come from unlikely and unexpected places.

There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher (Author), Greg Abbott (Illustrator)

First, there’s an egg in your book. Then the cutest baby dragon you’ve ever seen hatches from it. But don’t tickle its nose, and whatever you do, don’t let it sneeze! ACHOO! OH MY!

Tom Fletcher’s infectious read-aloud invites kids to use their powers of imagination–along with some stamping, blowing, and flapping–to save their book from an adorable little dragon’s flammable sneezes! Children will be delighted to participate in this satisfying tale, a sequel toThere’s a Monster in Your Book.

Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio (Author), Greg Pizzoli (Illustrator)

We all know dragons are terrible, but this one is especially terrible. He scribbles in books. He steals candy from baby unicorns. He even burps in church. Seriously, who does that? Dragon, that’s who. The king, the knights, and the villagers are desperate to take down this beast once and for all. But sometimes it’s up to the unlikeliest of heroes to tame a dragon this terrible.

Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator)

Everybody knows your typical dragon breathes fire.

But when Crispin tries to breathe fire on his seventh birthday, fire doesn’t come out—only whipped cream! Each time Crispin tries to breathe fire, he ends up with

Band-Aids

marshmallows

teddy bears?

Crispin wonders if he’ll ever find his inner fire. But when a family emergency breaks out, it takes a little dragon with not-so-typical abilities to save the day.

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman (Author), Andy Elkerton (Illustrator)

Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don’t do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. Using rhyming text and a diverse cast of characters, this charming picture book will provide some important―and some not so important―library etiquette in a very entertaining way.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles by Patricia Valdez (Author), Felicita Sala (Illustrator)

Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets…. While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere–she even brought a crocodile to school!

When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children’s tea parties–with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

Dragons Eat Noodles on Tuesdays by Jon Stahl (Author), Tadgh Bentley (Illustrator)

“Once upon a time,” begins the big blue monster who is trying to tell a fabulous story. “It needs to be about a kid who is eaten by a dragon,” he insists.

But his little monster friend is not convinced that this is a good idea. “Dragon stories usually don’t end well,” he warns.

As the two monsters argue over how the story should go, a hungry dragon named Dennis is listening nearby. Dennis knows exactly how this story should go… And by the way, what day is it?

Watch out!

Baby Dragon, Baby Dragon! by Melissa Marr (Author), Lena Podesta (Illustrator)

A dauntless lass and a hyperactive dragon learn to keep pace with each other as they forge a friendship.

Baby Dragon loves to swoop and soar through the kingdom, which can cause quite a stir. But one little girl is up for the challenge of spending the day with Baby Dragon, and the two embark upon an exciting journey through the kingdom, where they run and race and climb and explore–and eventually even take the time to relish a quiet moment. New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has crafted a rollicking story about how the best friendships expand our horizons in all kinds of ways!

There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent (Author, Illustrator)

When Billy Bixbee finds a tiny dragon in his bedroom, his mom tells him, “There’s no such thing as a dragon!” This only makes the dragon get bigger. He grows, and grows, and grows, until he’s bigger than Billy’s house—and that’s just the beginning!

A funny, madcap story and playful illustrations by beloved author-illustrator Jack Kent pair in a book that will have children wondering if maybe friendly pet dragons do exist after all!

Even though she’s out still out, Karina would love to know what you are reading this week! Find her on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email her at karina@bookriot.com.

Have a great week!

Liberty

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

Happy August! It’s me, Liberty. I’m stepping in so Karina can have a little break, but don’t worry, she’ll be back soon. Thank goodness, because no one knows more about children’s books at Book Riot than her! Until then, here are a few great books to check out while you glide through these last few weeks before school starts again. (Please note that all descriptions come from the publisher.)

Picture Book New Releases

Alfred’s Book of Monsters by Sam Streed (Author, Illustrator)

After reading about the slimy Nixie, the angry Black Shuck, and the creepy Lantern Man in his beloved Book of Monsters, Alfred decides to invite the monsters to teatime with his crusty old aunty, who thinks monsters are an improper obsession for a respectable young boy.

My Tiny Pet by Jessie Hartland (Author, Illustrator)

Living in a tiny house has one huge drawback–no space for pets. So when a little girl’s parents announce that it’s time for the family to simplify, downsizing from a huge home in the city to a tiny house in the woods, it’s quite a blow–after all, she’s grown quite fond of her pet poodles, cats, tarantula, snake, hedgehogs, mice, birds, fish, octopus, rabbits, pony, pig, and turtles. Fortunately, she finds them all good homes, and she has to admit that she enjoys her new simpler life.
There’s just one thing: She still really wants just one pet.
At first the answer is no. But using a little scientific savvy, she finds one that could be just the right fit–how could anyone turn down a pet smaller than an ant’s eye that doesn’t need special food or toys or walking, and will always be small enough to squeeze into their home, no matter how much they downsize?

The Evil Princess vs. the Brave Knight (Book 1) by Jennifer Holm (Author), Matthew Holm (Illustrator)

Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn’t much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story.

The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo (Author), Mike Deas (Illustrator)

Having seen what being left out is like, children become agents of change, convincing their teacher to let them build a buddy bench. A school playground can be a solitary place for a kid without playmates; in one survey, 80 percent of 8- to 10-year-old respondents described being lonely at some point during a school day. Patty Brozo’s cast of kids brings a playground to raucous life, and Mike Deas’s illustrations invest their games with imaginary planes to fly, dragons to tame, and elephants to ride. And these kids match their imaginations with empathy, identifying and swooping up the lonely among them.

The Halloween Tree by Susan Montanari (Author), Teresa Martinez (Illustrator)

A charming, funny, and warm-hearted picture book that will help to start a new tradition.

Everyone knows most young saplings dream of becoming Christmas trees. But one grumpy, old tree who doesn’t like lights, decorations, or people is determined to be different. Get ready to meet The Halloween Tree!

Class Clown by Robert Munsch (Author), Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)

Leonardo has been funny since he was born: he was a funny baby, he was a funny toddler, he was a funny first-grader. But now, his teacher Mrs. Gomez asks him to stop being funny so that the class can learn. He tries his best, but he just has to make a funny face, then tell a funny joke, and then show a funny drawing – with predictable results. And when he finally seriously promises faithfully never to be funny again, he makes the teacher laugh so hard she falls down on the floor laughing!

Middle Grade New Releases

Rise of the Dragon Moon by Gabrielle K. Byrne

The princess of a frozen queendom fights to free her mother from the clutches of terrifying dragons in Rise of the Dragon Moon, a middle grade fantasy debut from Gabrielle K. Byrne.

Princess Toli may be heir to the throne, but she longs to be a fierce hunter and warrior. Alone in a frozen world, her queendom is at the mercy of the dragons that killed her father, and Toli is certain it’s only a matter of time before they come back to destroy what’s left of her family.

When the dragons rise and seize her mother, Toli will do anything to save her―even trust a young dragon who may be the only key to the Queen’s release.

Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya

Emilia Torres has a wandering mind. It’s hard for her to follow along at school, and sometimes she forgets to do what her mom or abuela asks. But she remembers what matters: a time when her family was whole and home made sense. When Dad returns from deployment, Emilia expects that her life will get back to normal. Instead, it unravels.

Dad shuts himself in the back stall of their family’s auto shop to work on an old car. Emilia peeks in on him daily, mesmerized by his welder. One day, Dad calls Emilia over. Then, he teaches her how to weld. And over time, flickers of her old dad reappear.

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf

There used to be an empty chair at the back of Mrs. Khan’s classroom, but on the third Tuesday of the school year a new kid fills it: nine-year-old Ahmet, a Syrian refugee.

The whole class is curious about this new boy–he doesn’t seem to smile, and he doesn’t talk much. But after learning that Ahmet fled a Very Real War and was separated from his family along the way, a determined group of his classmates bands together to concoct the Greatest Idea in the World–a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his loved ones.

Balancing humor and heart, this relatable story about the refugee crisis from the perspective of kids highlights the community-changing potential of standing as an ally and reminds readers that everyone deserves a place to call home.

Extraordinary: A Story of an Ordinary Princess by Cassie Anderson

While her sisters were blessed at birth with exceptional skills, Princess Basil’s “gift” is to be ordinary. But can a princess be ordinary? Inspired by M. M. Kaye’s beloved novel!

After escaping an unconventional kidnapping, Princess Basil finds herself far from her castle and must take fate into her own hands. She tracks down the fairy godmother who “blessed” her, and learns the solution to her ordinariness might be as simple as finding a magic ring. With an unlikely ally in tow, she takes on gnomes, a badger, and a couple of snarky foxes in her quest for a less ordinary life.

The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School by Kristin Mahoney

Discover the ins and outs of middle school in this guide from an older sister to her younger sister. From tackling a new building to meeting new people like the assistant principal, the class pet, the Huggers, the renegade, the tomato kid, your old best friend’s new best friend, this is a must-read for everyone starting middle school.

With wit and warmth, Kristin Mahoney, author of Annie’s Life in Lists, delivers heartwarming, pitch-perfect advice, ideal for anyone nervously approaching middle school.

All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander (Author), Vivien Mildenberger (Illustrator)

Microbes are everywhere: in the soil and oceans, in snow, and inside our bodies. But in Antony van Leeuwenhoek’s time, people believed that what they saw with their own eyes was all that existed in the world. How did a simple tradesman—who didn’t go to college or speak English or Latin like all the other scientists—change everyone’s minds?

Proving that remarkable discoveries can come from the most unexpected people and places, this eye-opening chapter book, illustrated with lively full-color art, celebrates the power of curiosity, ingenuity, and persistence.

Nonfiction New Releases

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero by Gina Capaldi (Author, Illustrator)

This story reveals the remarkable life of a Native American boy named Wassaja, or “Beckoning,” who was kidnapped from his Yavapai tribe and sold as a slave. Adopted by an Italian photographer in 1871 and renamed Carlos Montezuma, the young boy traveled throughout the Old West, bearing witness to the prejudice against and poor treatment of Native Americans. Carlos eventually became a doctor and leader for his people, calling out for their rights. Gina Capaldi’s exquisite paintings bring to life excerpts from Dr. Carlos Montezuma’s own letters describing his childhood experiences. The culminating portrait provides an inventive look back into history through the eyes of a Native American hero.

Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons (Author), Keith Mallett (Illustrator)

A captivating and child-friendly look at the extraordinary journey that monarch butterflies take each year from Canada to Mexico; with a text in both English and Spanish.

Rhyming text and lively illustrations showcase the epic trip taken by the monarch butterflies. At the end of each summer, these international travelers leave Canada to fly south to Mexico for the winter–and now readers can come along for the ride! Over mountains capped with snow, to the deserts down below. Children will be delighted to share in the fascinating journey of the monarchs and be introduced to the people and places they pass before they finally arrive in the forests that their ancestors called home.

Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Thermes

Told in dazzling maps and informative sidebars, Manhattan explores the 400+ year history of Manhattan Island.

From before its earliest settlement to the vibrant metropolis that exists today, the island of Manhattan has always been a place of struggle, growth, and radical transformation. Humans, history, and natural events have shaped this tiny sliver of land for more than 400 years. In Manhattan, travel back in time to discover how a small rodent began an era of rapid change for the island. Learn about immigration, the slave trade, and the people who built New York City. See how a street plan projected the city’s future, and how epic fires and storms led to major feats of engineering above and below ground. Through dramatic illustrations, informative sidebars, and detailed maps inspired by historic archives, Manhattan explores the rich history that still draws people from all around the world to the island’s shores today. From The Battery downtown up to Inwood, every inch of the island has a story to tell.

Stories for South Asian Supergirls by Raj Kaur Khaira

Through the inspirational stories of 50 famous and under-celebrated women from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, South Asian girls will have a chance to dream about lives for themselves that radically differ from the limited narratives and stereotypes written for them by their culture, wider society and the mainstream media.

Even though she’s off this week, Karina would love to know what you are reading! Find her on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email her at karina@bookriot.com.

Thanks for hanging out!

Liberty

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

Happy August! It’s me, Liberty. I’m stepping in so Karina can have a little break, but don’t worry, she’ll be back soon. For my theme today, I am doing books about the Tooth Fairy! It was actually María Cristina’s idea, because we were talking about how much we love Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO, which you’ll see below, along with a bunch of other fun books! I had no idea there were so many books about the Tooth Fairy. Have fun brushing up on them! (Sorry not sorry.) (Please note that all descriptions come from the publisher.)

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What Does the Tooth Fairy Do With Our Teeth? by Denise Barry (Author), Andy Boerger (Illustrator)

What does the Tooth Fairy do with our teeth? Lots of things! From the sparkles in the snow to the stars in the sky–see all the amazing, magical, unique things the Tooth Fairy does with our teeth in this award winning book.

The Tooth Fairy Meets El Raton Perez by Rene Colato Lainez (Author), Tom Lintern (Illustrator)

The Tooth Fairy has some competition.

Meet El Ratón Pérez, the charming and adventurous mouse who collects children’s teeth in Spain and Latin America.

When both the Tooth Fairy and El Ratón Pérez arrive to claim Miguelito’s tooth, sparks fly under the Mexican-American boy’s pillow. Who will rightfully claim his tooth?

This magical tale introduces a legendary Latino character to a new audience and provides a fresh take on the familiar
childhood experience of losing one’s tooth.

Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth (My First I Can Read) by James Dean (Author, Illustrator)

In Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth, the tooth fairy asks Pete for some help. But it’s not easy being the tooth fairy for Pete when a tooth goes missing—will he be able to find the lost tooth before it’s too late?

Beginning readers will love Pete’s adventure as the tooth fairy in this My First I Can Read story, complete with original illustrations from the creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean. My First I Can Read books are perfect for shared reading with a child.

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli (Author), Federico Fabiani (Illustrator)

Hilarious and smart, Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO is a modern take on the classic tooth fairy story by Tamara Pizzoli with illustrations by Federico Fabianiis that is perfect for powerful little leaders ready to take on the world―one tooth at a time.

Meet Tallulah. She’s the Tooth Fairy CEO. Tallulah knows practically everything about being a tooth fairy. How to collect teeth. Dispense money. Train other fairies. And it’s all in the Teeth Titans Incorporated Employee Manual.

But when something happens that’s not covered in the manual, what’s a fairy to do?

The Night Before the Tooth Fairy by Natasha Wing (Author), Barbara Johansen Newman (Illustrator)

It wiggles, and waggles, and wiggles some more, but this little boy’s stubborn tooth just won’t come out! He hopes it will fall out soon, because he can’t wait to meet the Tooth Fairy! This humorous tale based on Clement C. Moore’s classic poem is a perfect addition to the best-selling series.

The Berenstain Bears and the Tooth Fairy by Jan Berenstain (Author, Illustrator), Mike Berenstain (Author, Illustrator)

When Sister Bear notices that she has a loose tooth, she can’t wait for it to fall out so that the Tooth Fairy will come and leave a quarter under her pillow. But then Sister finds out that her best friend, Lizzy Bruin, got even more for the last tooth she lost! What is the Tooth Fairy thinking? Mama and Papa give her good advice while Sister waits for the Tooth Fairy’s next visit.

How to Trick the Tooth Fairy by Erin Danielle Russell (Author), Jennifer Hansen Rolli (Illustrator)

From the coauthor of Dork Diaries comes a witty and engaging picture book about a prankster who wants to pull off the best prank of all—pranking the Tooth Fairy!

Kaylee loves pulling pranks: from dropping water balloons on passers by to even tricking Santa Claus, she’s a prize-winning prankster!

But is she the Princess of Pranks? No! That title is held by none other than the Tooth Fairy. But when Kaylee loses a tooth and the Tooth Fairy goes about her usual tooth-taking business, Kaylee pranks her with a fake frog. As Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy try to out-prank one another, things get way out of hand, until the two finally see eye and eye and decide to share the crown!

You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy? by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt (Author), David Slonim (Illustrator)

All over America, kids are losing their teeth. And who is there to gather them up, leaving coins in their places? The Tooth Fairy, of course! A self-described “action kind of gal” with plenty of attitude, she reveals her secrets at last. Learn about her amazing Tooth-o-Finder. Marvel at her ingenious flying machine. Watch her in action, dodging dogs and cats and gerbils. You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy? is the essential guide for every kid about to lose a tooth. And don’t forget, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Anna and the Tooth Fairy by Maureen Wright (Author), Anna Chernyshova (Illustrator)

Anna has a loose tooth—and the Tooth Fairy will be coming to visit soon! As Anna’s excitement grows, she realizes that Sophie, her baby sister, must be a Tooth Fairy in training. Sophie is always up at night, her rattle looks just like a magic wand, and she’s even learning to fly! So Anna begins to teach her little sister all the skills she’ll need to be the best Tooth Fairy ever. But what will happen when Sophie is no longer in training? Will she go away? It’s up to the big sister to make sure that never happens!

How to Catch the Tooth Fairy by Adam Wallace (Author), Andy Elkerton (Illustrator)

Losing a tooth is an exciting and notable event in the life of a child – what will the tooth fairy bring? Following up on the New York Times best-seller How to Catch a Leprechaun, this book presents a wonderfully creative opportunity for children and parents to have fun and celebrate together.

How to catch the Tooth Fairy?
It’s not an easy task.
You can try to catch her,
but she is just too fast!

Even though she’s out this week, Karina would love to know what you are reading this week! Find her on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email her at karina@bookriot.com.

Have a great week!

Liberty

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*