New & Noteworthy Kids’ Books

The school year is coming to an end, which means it’s time for graduation! Llama Llama has learned so much this year, but he isn’t so sure he’s ready to say goodbye to his teacher or classmates. Change can be scary, but with the help of his friends and family, Llama Llama remembers that it can also be good.
Ages 2 – 5

With deadpan humor and a one-of-a-kind hero, this wryly clever picture book introduces the most exciting sea cucumber you’ll ever meet … even if he’s the ONLY sea cucumber you’ll ever meet! Full of droll humor and vibrant marine social life, this tale of a hapless sea cucumber is all about celebrating even the most boring — er, amazing — underwater creatures.
Ages 3 – 5

Mei Mei is a little bunny with a big dream. She wants to make the world happy with her music! Her first recital at the H’Opera House is approaching, and she’s been practicing harder than any bunny ever has. But the butterflies in her stomach flit and flutter. When Mei Mei plays the wrong note in front of everyone, will she be able to find the melody to make it right? From two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning musician Laufey comes a bewitching picture book about overcoming mistakes and believing in oneself.
Ages 3 – 7

A lighthearted, humorous picture book from the author/illustrator duo behind Don’t Hug Doug about a boy who wants everything to be perfectly even. But some things aren’t so easy to split in half … Like a nickel. Or a book. Or a slide. Sometimes taking turns is better. Or giving one of something to each person. Steven likes these options because they’re fun, and fair, and still EVEN! But … can some things be even, but not fair? Can some things be fair, but not even? Steven isn’t so sure, and he’ll need YOUR help to figure it out!
Ages 3 – 7

An adorable dog helps his family welcome a new baby after their gift goes missing in this warm and funny picture book from the award-winning creator of Drawn Together. Told with lively dialogue, playful, detailed illustrations, and a clever ending, here is a story about one family’s discovery of what makes a gift truly special.
Ages 3 – 7

A rip-roaring, action-packed story about two fierce rivals and the competitive spirit that launches them on a trip around the world! Join Sheep and Goat on this zany journey, where they’ll learn that friendship can be even more exciting than winning! Get ready for heart-pounding action, hilarious moments, and the ultimate twist in the climb of a lifetime.
Ages 3 – 7

Get ready for second grade in this exciting new series for kids embarking on new adventures — written by an actual teacher! Vera Ahiyya, the Tutu Teacher, knows all about what your child can expect on their first day … and how to make the experience an empowering one for new students!
Ages 3 – 7

A joyful debut picture book ode to the music, games, food, and fun a young girl encounters at her family’s annual summer cookout at Grandma’s house. From the cousins playing Double Dutch, to the uncles throwing horseshoes, to the savory smells of Grandma’s cooking, this is a love letter to family, summer, and the magic that happens when we all get together.
Ages 3 – 7

A funny, heartwarming picture book about a father and his child’s boundless curiosity that reminds us what’s important to hold onto in life.
Ages 3 – 7

U.S. Men’s Soccer’s Captain America, Christian Pulisic, tells a story of focus, determination, and most of all, confidence — all the soccer superpowers you need! Just in time for the 2026 World Cup!
Ages 4 – 8

Ritu loves the sun. She loves it in the morning when it slants in through the kitchen window; in the afternoon when it makes the pool sparkle; and in the evening when it lights up the sky with splashes of orange and pink. But her Nani is worried the sun will give Ritu a tan. Can Ritu convince her that all skin colors are beautiful — including Nani’s own? With poetic text and stunning illustrations, this poignant story is sure to inspire children to embrace their own unique beauty.
Ages 4 – 8

Enter the buzzing world of winged wonders and creepy crawlies with this picture-packed bug book for kids. This reference guide will take you on a visual tour of the insect world. Stay-at-home explorers will feel inspired by the dramatic photographs, up-to-date information, fact-packed pages, and a brand-new “eyewonder” feature with fascinating bug records and trivia, where knowledge meets real-world application.
Ages 5 – 7

Everyone’s favorite fourth grader, Gracie Wei, is back for her third chapter book adventure, mustering up the courage to brave the haunted house with her friends and prove that she’s all grownup — for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory.
Ages 7 – 10

A sound-inspired scavenger hunt and fast-paced mystery about family and friendships lost and found. Felix and his offbeat neighbor, Marigold, follow a string of clues through town. But as the hunt builds to a crescendo, Felix begins to wonder about the identity of the anonymous puzzle-maker behind their adventure. This delightfully harmonious mother-son collaboration from bestselling author Meg Wolitzer and sound editor and music producer Charlie Panek will change the way you listen to the world.
Ages 7 – 11

In the final Last Comics adventure, our superheroes must face a mysterious new threat: Someone is stealing kids’ schoolwork-margin doodles and turning them into an army of animated sketches! What can our heroes do against the manic, illogical brilliance of living doodles?! Can our heroes save Jack from the machinations of Doodlehead and save the world from a doodle-pocalypse?
Ages 8 – 12

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series comes an epic new fantasy set in a world where children bond with a spiritual guide — some promising greatness and glory, while others, destruction and death.
Ages 8 – 12

Saving the world is one thing … saving the multiverse is another. Alex Wise returns in the third book in this thrilling fantasy series all about finding your inner hero. “Never has the apocalypse been so fun” (Mark Oshiro, author of The Insiders)!
Ages 8 – 12

At Circus Astra, Elio helps his father look after “tangles” — magical creatures woven together with threads of magic to become miniature tigers, mice with butterfly wings, and a peacock made of ice crystals. But after a mysterious visitor arrives at one of their performances, Elio discovers that he has something the queen of Whetherwhy wants; something she will stop at nothing to get. Elio must leave the circus behind and team up with some unexpected friends, as his journey takes him to the very edges of Whetherwhy in search of a way to restore the magical balance of the island.
Ages 8 – 12

What if it was Ellie who went UP to Paradise Falls? Adventure is out there in this tale inspired by Disney*Pixar’s Up from the New York Times bestselling series that reimagines beloved Disney films in new ways!
Ages 12 and up

New York Times bestseller Kat Cho returns with a fresh contemporary, fantasy romance about a teen whose life is upended when the gods in her anonymous viral web comic inspired by a forgotten Korean myth come to life and the hero falls in love with her.
Ages 12 and up

A Korean American former child actress decides to branch out and stand out in order to pursue her newfound love — stand-up comedy. Here’s another hilarious novel from the author of Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim and What’s Eating Jackie Oh?.
Ages 14 and up

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead … An unforgettable YA murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show, by Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Tamara Moss, rising star and acclaimed author of Lintang series.
Ages 14 and up

In this beautiful graphic novel, a teen is tested when she falls for another camper at a Christian sleepaway camp, sparking feelings she was taught to suppress. As she grapples with the rigid expectations of her faith, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges her deepest beliefs. This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel speaks to the complexity of faith, while also exploring the power of first loves and the complicated feelings they can bring.
Ages 14 and up

A thoughtful, poignant look at the AIDS crisis in the United States from award-winning author David Levithan and University of Cambridge PhD Gabriel Duckels. Threaded throughout are poems, essays, and other creative works, in addition to first-person interviews and narratives. The most important takeaway is that we must remember. We need to know what happened and why. Our voices are powerful, and they can make a difference.
Ages 14 and up

A beautiful, heartbreaking love story about two teens who find their way back to each other through a second chance romance. “An achingly tender reminder to hold onto life with both hands … the perfect blend of hope and heartbreak, sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished reading” (Jennifer Dugan, bestselling author of Some Girls Do).
Ages 16 and up