New Children's Books: January 2021
Check out what's new this month! These books, along with other that we didn't include on this list, can be found on our "New Books" shelf!
Week of January 4, 2021
Picture Books:
- The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo! by Perfect for Halloween! This New York Times bestselling read-aloud about a little ghost who tries to find her lost "boo!"--ideal for fans of Five Little Pumpkins and Room on a Broom. Little Ghost went out in the middle of the night and flew up to someone to give them a fright. She opened her mouth--but her BOO wasn't there! All that came out was a rush of cold air. "I've lost my BOO! I've lost my BOO! Where has it gone? What will I do?" Poor Little Ghost has lost her scary BOO, so she sets out on a nighttime hunt to find it. She searches high and low, but it's nowhere to be found! Will she ever find her lost BOO? With bold and gorgeous art accompanied by bouncy, rhyming text, The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo is a charming, not-so-spooky read aloud perfect for Halloween or any time of year! Praise for The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!: "This interactive feature is sure to be a crowd pleaser." --Horn Book Magazine "In time for Halloween, a BOO-k about a ghost that young readers will enjoy." --Kirkus Reviews "Bickell and McGrath have created an endearing read-aloud that hits all the right notes, with clever rhyming text that invites audience participation." --School Library JournalISBN: 9780593202159
- A Quiet Girl by From critically acclaimed author-illustrator Peter Carnavas comes a gentle breeze of a picture book with themes of mindfulness, observation, and being present in the natural world. Mary was a quiet girl. She thought quiet thoughts, stepped quiet steps, and whispered quiet words. Mary knows how to savor the small things. Wonder is everywhere: in the rustle of leaves, in the sigh of a sleeping dog, in the wingbeats of the birds who visit her upcycled feeders. But Mary's family couldn't be more different. Amidst the sound of blow-dryers, blenders, lawnmowers, and her brother's trombone, Mary goes almost unnoticed. It isn't until her family starts searching the neighborhood for her that they begin to see the world through her eyes. A Quiet Girl invites young readers (and the noisy adults in their lives) to appreciate the thousand little pleasures that surround us--if only we would notice them.ISBN: 9781772781229
- Rot, the Bravest in the World! by Rot faces a scary, squirmy new challenge and finds what makes him feel brave in this sweet and slimy companion to Rot, the Cutest in the World! Rot is a mutant potato. Like most mutant potatoes, Rot loves mud. He plays games in it, he eats it, he even sleeps in it! So, when Rot sees the most magnificent, messy mud pit ever, he can't wait to dive right in. But then, Rot's big brother warns him: Watch out for the Squirm! The Squirm is slippery and slimy and gross and grimy, and it lives in the beloved mud. Now, Rot's too scared to jump into the puddle. Can anything help him feel brave enough to take the plunge and face...the Squirm?ISBN: 9781481467643
- The Belonging Tree by Life was ordinary in the big oak tree on Forest Lane. Squirrels lived in every part of the tree, and the Gray squirrel family inhabited the knot in the middle. But the neighborhood gradually changes as the big oak tree welcomes families of chipmunks, beavers, and birds. With each new arrival, the Grays become increasingly frustrated and reclusive. It will take an unexpected moment of heroism from a caring animal to ultimately open hearts and bind together this diverse community. For fans of Mixed as well as the New York Times bestselling Come With Me and Be Kind. Christy Ottaviano BooksISBN: 9781250305138
- The Secret Rhino Society by "This engaging romp will be a great way to initiate conversations about diversity, tolerance, and acceptance."--Booklist (starred review) In the spirit of favorites like Stick & Stone and Spoon this warmhearted and hilarious picture book tells the story of a highly unusual group of friends and is stunningly illustrated by Samantha Cotterill. Meet Hudson, a hippo. Fran, an earthworm. And Jean, a lightbulb. They have one thing in common: a profound appreciation for rhinos. So, they form a Secret Rhino Appreciation Society, in which a key activity it wearing paper horns. (Sometimes this results in a fire. That's what happens when a lightbulb wears a paper horn.) But when they meet their first real, live rhino and ask her to do rhino-y things, she doesn't want to charge or snort--she's a gardener! She is not what the society expected, but can they learn to appreciate her for who she is? This funny, character-driven story explores themes of friendship, expectations, and prejudice.ISBN: 9781534430006
- Every Little Letter by Small h has always lived with the other H's in a city surrounded by walls that keep them safe. At least, that's what the big H's say. But one day, a hole in the wall reveals someone new on the other side. When little h and little i meet, they make a small word with big meaning- "hi!" The other H's find out, though. They fill the hole. But it won't be enough to keep these little letters apart--or twenty-four of their newest friends. Every Little Letter shows how even the smallest among us can make a big impact, and how a single act of friendship can inspire whole communities to come together. How do you tear down walls? With words, at first. Then brick by brick.ISBN: 9780525554028
Biographies:
- When Darwin Sailed the Sea byISBN: 9780711249684
- Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children by Here's the inspiring story of the woman who raised her voice and fist to protect kids' childhoods and futures-- and changed America forever. Mother Jones is MAD, and she wants you to be MAD TOO, and stand up for what's right! Told in first-person, New York Times bestelling author, Jonah Winter, and acclaimed illustrator, Nancy Carpenter, share the incredible story of Mother Jones, an Irish immigrant who was essential in the fight to create child labor laws. Well into her sixties, Mother Jones had finally had enough of children working long hours in dangerous factory jobs, and decided she was going to do something about it. The powerful protests she organized earned her the name "the most dangerous woman in America." And in the Children's Crusade of 1903, she lead one hundred boys and girls on a glorious march from Philadelphia right to the front door of President Theodore Roosevelt's Long Island home. Open this beautiful and inspiring picture book to learn more about this feminist icon and how she inspired thousands to make change.ISBN: 9780449812914
- The Bug Girl by Real-life 7-year-old Sophia Spencer was bullied for loving bugs until hundreds of women scientists rallied around her. Now Sophie tells her inspiring story in this picture book that celebrates women in science, bugs of all kinds, and the importance of staying true to yourself. Sophia Spencer has loved bugs ever since a butterfly landed on her shoulder--and wouldn't leave!--at a butterfly conservancy when she was only two-and-a-half years old. In preschool and kindergarten, Sophia was thrilled to share what she knew about grasshoppers (her very favorite insects), as well as ants and fireflies... but by first grade, not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Some students bullied her, and Sophia stopped talking about bugs altogether. When Sophia's mother wrote to an entomological society looking for a bug scientist to be a pen pal for her daughter, she and Sophie were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response--letters, photos, and videos came flooding in. Using the hashtag BugsR4Girls, scientists tweeted hundreds of times to tell Sophia to keep up her interest in bugs--and it worked! Sophia has since appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and NPR, and she continues to share her love of bugs with others.ISBN: 9780525645931
- Hosea Plays On by This heartwarming picture book (based on a true story) depicts a day in the life of Hosea Taylor, a musician who--with his charm, talent, and generosity--brought joy to everyone he met. Every day, Hosea takes the Number 42 bus into the city to play his shiny brass saxophone--and to hopefully earn enough money. Setting up in his favorite place, Hosea makes sweet music as people greet him with a smile, a little girl dances, and crowds surround him. A surprise ending reveals what the money is really for. Kathleen Blasi's delightful text and Shane Evan's colorful images capture the real-life closeness between the much-loved Hosea--who shared his passion for music and life with everyone--and his community. An Author's Note explains how Blasi learned about Hosea Taylor (1948-2016), and what compelled her to write his story.ISBN: 9781454926832
Week of January 11, 2021
Board Books:
- Yeti Baby! by Open the flaps to follow Yeti Baby on a chilly-yet-festive day on a snowy mountainside during the Winter Holidays. Forest creatures, elves, colorful birds, sleigh rides, pastel lights, and arctic animals abound in this joyful winter wonderland. Young readers and pre-readers will discover the details of this delightful winter world alongside their Yeti Baby avatar, as every spread features a flap revealing a fun, unexpected character or hidden aspect of the scene. The durable, interactive flaps make this an ideal multisensory experience for hours of fun at schools, libraries, homeschool or stay-at-home activities. "A whimsically wintry lift-the-flap book."-- Publishers Weekly "A great winter read...Mythic and magically charming."--Kirkus ReviewsISBN: 9781948931120
- Who Is Making a Mess? by Life is messy. And sometimes, the person making the mess will surprise you! Sparse text and family scenes from a diverse group of people break expected stereotypes and celebrate the messiness of life in this board book.ISBN: 9781681525037
- Day of the Dead by Introduce your toddler to Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with this colorful counting primer, from the creators of BabyLit. This engaging board book features popular Day of the Dead activities and objects, as it is celebrated in Mexico and throughout the world. Count and find, from 1 to 10: 1 Comparsa (a carnival-like celebration) 2 Catrinas (a female skeleton) 3 Photographs of the departed 4 Coronas de flores (a crown of flowers) 5 Musicians 6 Pan de muertos ("bread of the dead") 7 Marigolds and more! Discover even more hidden objects to seek within the illustrations, listed at the back of the book! Illustrator Greg Paprocki's classically retro midcentury art style is a hit with both toddlers and adults. Discover new details in each illustration with every successive reading.ISBN: 9781423654261
Easy Readers:
- Kitty and Dragon by When Kitty looks for the perfect home, she makes an unlikely best friend--Dragon! From Epic! Originals, Kitty and Dragon is a lovable early reader series about finding true friendship when you least expect it. Book 1 of this early reader series features three adorable stories about Kitty and Dragon--best friends, even when one of them is snoring, being messy, or having a sad day. Even though they are quite different from one another, Kitty and Dragon have learned that there's nothing better than being together, just the way they are.ISBN: 9781524861001
- The Great Bunk Bed Battle by Siblings Fritz and Franny have all sorts of bedtime adventures in this early reader from Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler!Pick a Book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!It's time for bed! Fox siblings Fritz and Franny -- and their adorable dog, Fred -- get up to different bedtime shenanigans across three short stories in this full-color early reader. An imaginative bedtime routine leads the trio through a castle, a volcano, and even the center of the Earth as they debate whose bunk is best. But at the end of it all, these foxes find a way to meet in the middle.ISBN: 9781338561678
- My Kite Is Stuck! and Other Stories by Salina Yoon continues her Geisel Honor-winning early reader series starring Big Duck, Little Duck, and Porcupine, perfect for fans of bestselling series like Elephant & Piggie, Ballet Cat, and Pig in a Wig. Loud and in-charge Big Duck, quiet and clever Little Duck, and friendly and gentle Porcupine return in another delightful trio of stories. First, Big Duck and Porcupine are so busy building her lemonade stand that they forget one very important ingredient. Next, when Porcupine and Little Duck make a new friend Big Duck feels left out. Can they find a way to include everyone' And lastly, after Big Duck gets her kite stuck in a tree, Little Duck's smart suggestion will save the day! These three friends may be different, but they always find a way to have lots of fun. Don't miss these other stories by Salina Yoon! Duck, Duck, Porcupine series Duck, Duck, Porcupine My Kite Is Stuck! And Other Stories That's My Book! And Other Stories The Penguin series Penguin and Pinecone Penguin in Love Penguin's Big Adventure Penguin on Vacation Penguin and Pumpkin Penguin's Christmas Wish The Bear and Floppy books Found Stormy Night Bear's Big DayISBN: 9781619638877
Graphic Novels:
- Illegal by Ebo's sister left months ago. Now his brother has disappeared too, and Ebo knows that to see them again, he must follow in their footsteps and make the hazardous voyage from Ghana to a safe haven in Europe. So the twelve-year-old sets off on an epic journey that takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. Powerful and timely, this graphic novel brings to life Ebo's unquenchable hope for a new life in the face of daunting and perilous obstacles.ISBN: 9781492665823
- Chasing Paper Caper by This full-color graphic novel, based on the Netflix series starring Gina Rodriguez, introduces kids to geography, culture, and history. Take in all the action, adventure, and excitement of India with Carmen Sandiego, the world's greatest thief! Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Headed to the Mumbai, India for her next caper! It's up to Carmen and her crew to stop VILE from their evil exploits--but what is VILE after this time? ISBN: 9780358380184
- Glork Patrol: On the Bad Planet by Who keeps the galaxy silly? The Glork Patrol! When the patrol crash-lands on the sinister Bad Planet, Baby Gonk finds a giant egg... so of course he sits on it. Soon it hatches a baby Quackaboodle, the most dangerous creature in the universe! Will there be a fight to the death, or will the Baby Quackaboodle become the newest member of the Glork Patrol? Join author James Kochalka for a new beginning to the wild and wacky universe of Glork!ISBN: 9781603094757
- The Dam Keeper by Life in Sunrise Valley is tranquil, but beyond its borders lies certain death. A dangerous black fog looms outside the village, but its inhabitants are kept safe by an ingenious machine known as the dam. Pig's father built the dam and taught him how to maintain it. And then this brilliant inventor did the unthinkable: he walked into the fog and was never seen again. Now Pig is the dam keeper. Except for his best friend, Fox, and the town bully, Hippo, few are aware of his tireless efforts. But a new threat is on the horizon--a tidal wave of black fog is descending on Sunrise Valley. Now Pig, Fox, and Hippo must face the greatest danger imaginable: the world on the other side of the dam. Based on the Oscar-nominated animated short film of the same name,The Dam Keeper is a lush, vibrantly drawn graphic novel by Tonko House cofounders Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi.ISBN: 9781626724266
Week of January 25, 2021
Picture Books:
- The Crankypants Tea Party by The Day the Crayons Quit meets Winnie the Pooh in this hilarious and tea-riffic illustrated picture book about stuffed animals who start bickering at their tea party. It's tea time at Clarissa's house, but her guests are not in the mood for a party: Elephant is upset about the ice cream Clarissa dropped on his head. Rabbit is still damp from being left outside. Pig has a rip that's yet to be repaired. Monkey is miffed over being put to bed when he wasn't even tired. Bear has been forgotten all week long. And, the stuffies declare, Clarissa thinks she's Queen of the Universe! So instead of a tea party, Clarissa finds herself at a crankypants party! Can Clarissa and her stuffed animals make up before their tea gets cold, or will they continue to steep in their crankiness?ISBN: 9781481459006
- The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Three little cabritos have a clever plan to get past the grumpiest troll in the land. But then one of the billy goats wonders- Why is that gigante so grumpy, anyway? This thoughtful question sends their plan in a new direction, and the results are better than they ever imagined. Dashes of humor, empathy, and kindness make this modern twist on a classic tale a charming delight.ISBN: 9780399547393
- I Love My Fangs! by Is a vampire still a vampire if his fang is all wobbly? Find out in this funny and endearing spin on the classic first lost tooth story. Young Dracula loves his fangs. They are pointy. They are sharp! They are a cherished family trait. So one day, when a fang wiggles...and jiggles...and falls loose, Dracula doesn't know what to do. He tries pushing it back in. Then taping it. Then sticking it. Because a vampire can't have only one fang!...Right?ISBN: 9781534452107
Chapter Books:
- Cleo Porter and the Body Electric by In a future forever changed by a pandemic, a girl survives in total isolation. A woman is dying. Cleo Porter has her medicine. And no way to deliver it. Like everyone else, twelve-year-old Cleo and her parents are sealed in an apartment without windows or doors. They never leave. They never get visitors. Their food is dropped off by drones. So they're safe. Safe from the disease that nearly wiped humans from the earth. Safe from everything. The trade-off? They're alone. Thus, when they receive a package clearly meant for someone else--a package containing a substance critical for a stranger's survival--Cleo is stuck. As a surgeon-in-training, she knows the clock is ticking. But people don't leave their units. Not ever. Until now.ISBN: 9781250236555
- Last Mirror on the Left by In this new Legendary Alston Boys adventure from Edgar-nominated author Lamar Giles, Otto and Sheed must embark on their most dangerous journey yet, bringing a fugitive to justice in a world that mirrors their own but has its own rules to play by. Unlike the majority of Logan County's residents, Missus Nedraw of the Rorrim Mirror Emporium remembers the time freeze from The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, and how Otto and Sheed took her mirrors without permission in order to fix their mess. Usually that's an unforgivable offense, punishable by a million-year sentence. However, she's willing to overlook the cousins' misdeeds if they help her with a problem of her own. One of her worst prisoners has escaped, and only the Legendary Alston Boys of Logan County can help bring the fugitive to justice. This funny and off-the-wall adventure is perfect for readers of Jonathan Auxier and Lemony Snicket.ISBN: 9780358129417
- Glitch by From the critically acclaimed author of Float comes a new whirlwind adventure about a pair of kids who must break all the rules of time travel, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and John David Anderson. Regan Fitz and Elliot Mason have been enemies since they started training to become Glitchers--people who travel through time to preserve important historical events. But everything changes when they find a letter from Regan's future self, warning them about an impending disaster that threatens them and everyone they know. Will they be able to set aside their past in order to save the future?ISBN: 9780062894359
Biographies:
- My Wild Life by As a young girl, Suzi Eszterhas knew she wanted to be a wildlife photographer. But how did she go from snapping pictures of cats in her backyard to taking photos of cheetah cubs in Kenya? In this nonfiction picture-book biography, Eszterhas invites readers to find out what her life is like behind the lens. Spectacular photographs of animals paired with compelling anecdotes will instantly draw readers in. Each section of the book explores a unique part of Eszterhas's job with energetic and engaging language. Along with photography tips and stories about life in the field, Eszterhas's sections on conservation and treating animals with respect will enhance readers' awareness of these issues. End matter includes answers to common questions Suzi has been asked. Filled with adorable animals, stories from the field, and subtle lessons on resilience and female empowerment, the story of Eszterhas's wild life asks readers to pursue their passions, while treating the natural world with curiosity, kindness, and respect.ISBN: 9781771474078
- Malala by A chapter book edition of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai's bestselling story of courageously standing up for girls' education. Malala's powerful memoir of risking her life for the right to go to school is now abridged and adapted for chapter book readers. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mother, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. Her story of bravery and determination in the face of extremism is more timely than ever. In this edition, Malala tells her story in clear, accessible language perfect for children who are too old for Malala's Magic Pencil and too young for her middle-grade memoir. Featuring line art and simplified back matter, Malala teaches a new audience the value of speaking out against intolerance and hate: an inspiring message of hope in Malala's own words.ISBN: 9780316527149
Nonfiction:
- She Persisted in Sports by From Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, the #1 New York Times bestselling team behind She Persisted, comes a new book featuring women athletes who overcame and inspired--just in time for the Olympics! Throughout history, women have been told that they couldn't achieve their dreams, no matter how hard they tried. Women athletes have faced their own unique set of challenges, across countless sports and levels of play. In this third She Persisted book, Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to women who have excelled in their sports because of their persistence. She Persisted in Sports is a book for everyone who has ever aimed for a goal and been told it wasn't theirs to hit, for everyone who has ever raced for a finish line that seemed all too far away, and for everyone who has ever felt small or unimportant while out on the field. Alexandra Boiger's vibrant artwork accompanies this inspiring text that shows readers of all ages that, no matter what obstacles come their way, they have the power to persist and succeed. This book features: Margaret Ives Abbott, Gertrude Ederle, Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, Wilma Rudolph, Jean Driscoll, Mia Hamm (and the 1996 Olympic soccer team), Kristi Yamaguchi, Venus and Serena Williams, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, Diana Taurasi, Simone Biles, Ibtihaj Muhammad and Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux. Praise for She Persisted in Sports: "An appealing reminder that, with perseverance, girls can be athletes--or whatever else they choose." --School Library JournalISBN: 9780593114544
- The Mütter Museum by Join A.J., the Mütter Museums junior guide, on a tour of the worlds best-known medical museum. A.J. will take you on a fun and educational adventure through the Mütters amazing collection of unique medical specimens and objects. Accompanied by playful illustrations, this look at medical marvels and mysteries will enthrall and inform science lovers of all ages. A.J. has all of your questions covered; from the height of the Giant to the length of the Megacolon. Learn all about how the human body works (or doesn't!), and keep your eyes peeled for some of the museum's most famous see-through residents!ISBN: 9780764359880