New Children's Books: May 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 May 17, 2021

Picture Books:

Doctor Ted by Andrea Beaty; Pascal Lemaitre A bump on his knee, a class full of sniffles, a principal with foot odor and not a doctor to be found... Ted knows it is time to become Doctor Ted. Well, what else is a bear to do?
ISBN: 9781416928201
Now You See Me, Now You Don't by Patricia Hegarty; Jonny Lambert Chameleon is sneaky and likes to use his camouflage powers to play tricks on the other jungle animals. Chameleon is sneaky and likes to use his camouflage powers to play tricks on the other jungle animals. But when he meets someone who beats him at his own game, will Chameleon learn to change his ways?
ISBN: 9781680102109
She's Got This by Laurie Hernandez; Nina Mata A New York Times bestseller! From gold-medal-winning Olympic gymnast and bestselling author Laurie Hernandez comes a picture book about chasing your dreams and never giving up. Even Olympians have to start somewhere. And in this charming illustrated book, Laurie Hernandez tells the story of Zoe, a little girl who dreams of flying--and becoming a gymnast. When Zoe sees a gymnast on TV, she realizes that gymnastics is just like flying. But when she first goes to class and falls off the balance beam, she discovers that following her dreams is harder and scarier than she thought. Through this heartwarming and inspirational story, featuring vibrant art from #1 New York Times bestselling and Geisel Honor-winning artist Nina Mata, Laurie imparts important lessons she learned on her way to Olympic glory: You always have to get back up and try again, and you always have to believe in yourself. 
ISBN: 9780062840585

Chapter Books:

Lions and Liars by Kate Beasley; Dan Santat Frederick Frederickson has a food-chain theory about life. There are lions, like the school bully. Gazelles, like the bullied kids. There are meerkats, and the fleas that live on the butts of meerkats. Frederick's a flea. Fifth grade is off to a terrible start when Frederick is sent to a disciplinary camp for troublesome boys. His fellow troop mates--Nosebleed, Specs, The Professor, and little-yet-lethal Ant Bite--are terrifying. But in between trust-building exercises and midnight escape attempts, a tenuous friendship grows between them. Which is lucky, because a Category 5 hurricane is coming and everyone will have to work together--lions and fleas alike--to survive! Kate Beasley outdoes herself in this hilarious, whip-smart tale of brotherhood, survival, and what it really means to be a friend.
ISBN: 9780374302634
Pages and Co. : the Map of Stories by Anna James; Paola Escobar The third magical bookwandering adventure in the nationally bestselling Pages & Co. series, featuring Tilly Pages as she journeys to Washington, DC, to wander inside the books at the Library of Congress. Perfect for fans of Inkheart and The Land of Stories. Tilly and Oskar embark on an impromptu trip to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, in search of an elusive group of bookwanderers called the Archivists, who they believe are the key to restoring the balance and saving the British Underlibrary. Along the way, the friends realize that something strange is happening in the world of bookwandering: books are disappearing, people are forgetting their favorite stories, and stories are trying to drag Tilly into them. With a mysterious set of clues and some surprising new faces, Tilly and Oskar will need the help of some of their dearest fictional friends to be able to solve the mystery . . . and save bookwandering forever. Praise for Pages & Co.: The Bookwanderers: A USA Today Bestseller! A Barnes & Noble Book of the Month! A Fall 2019 Kids' Indie Next List Pick! "Mr. Lemoncello would love to go bookwandering at Pages and Co. If you love books, you're going to LOVE this book!"--Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Mr. Lemoncello series *"Highly recommended for readers young and old. An important reminder of the centrality of stories in shaping our lives." --School Library Journal, starred review "A loving testament to the powerful magic of books and imagination." --Kirkus Reviews "An affectionate ode to books and book lovers." --Publishers Weekly "Delightful! A Joy of a book."--Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink & Stars "A thrilling, inventive, book-lover's delight."--Matt Haig, author of A Boy Called Christmas
ISBN: 9781984837325
Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk ★ "Historical fiction at its finest." -The Horn Book "There has never been a better time to read about healing, of both the body and the heart." -The New York Times Book Review Echo Mountain is an acclaimed best book of 2020!  An NPR Best Book of the Year * A Horn Book Fanfare Selection * A Kirkus Best Book of the Year * A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year After losing almost everything in the Great Depression, Ellie's family is forced to leave their home in town and start over in the untamed wilderness of nearby Echo Mountain. Ellie has found a welcome freedom, and a love of the natural world, in her new life on the mountain. But there is little joy after a terrible accident leaves her father in a coma. An accident unfairly blamed on Ellie. Ellie is a girl who takes matters into her own hands, and determined to help her father she will make her way to the top of the mountain in search of the healing secrets of a woman known only as "the hag." But the hag, and the mountain, still have many untold stories left to reveal.   Historical fiction at its finest, Echo Mountain is celebration of finding your own path and becoming your truest self. Lauren Wolk, the Newbery Honor- and Scott O'Dell Award-winning author of Wolf Hollow and Beyond the Bright Sea, weaves a stunning tale of resilience, persistence, and friendship across three generations of families. "Soothing and exquisitely written." -People "This is a book that will soothe readers like a healing balm." -The Wall Street Journal "Brilliant." -Lynda Mullaly Hunt, bestselling author of Fish in a Tree
ISBN: 9780525555568

Biographies:

Lady Gaga by Katie Kawa From the earliest days of her career, Lady Gaga has used her music to inspire people to love themselves for who they are. Your readers will discover the years of bullying that pushed Lady Gaga to become a force for positivity and inclusivity in show business. They'll see how musicians can create songs that really do make a difference in people's lives. The insightful biographical text and quotes from Lady Gaga highlight the ways she's used her fame to speak out about body positivity, the LGBTQ community, mental health, and bullying prevention.
ISBN: 9781534534780
Fly, Girl, Fly! by Nancy Roe Pimm; Alexandra Bye "You must believe in yourself and allow your dreams to soar." --Shaesta WaizShaesta Waiz, a refugee from Afghanistan, dreamed of doing great things. But first she had to leave a refugee camp with her family to make a new life in America, overcome gender stereotypes, be the first in her family to go to college, and overcome her fear of flying. After becoming a pilot, Shaesta made the flight of a lifetime by crossing five continents, making thirty stops in twenty-two countries across nearly 25,000 nautical miles. At the age of thirty, Shaesta was the youngest woman and the first from Afghanistan to circumnavigate the globe by herself in a single-engine aircraft.Fly, Girl, Fly! is the first authorized picture book biography of Shaesta Waiz. Backmatter includes more information about Shaesta's mission to empower girls to pursue STEM careers, details about her historic trip around the world, information about her nonprofit organization Dreams Soar, and a personal note from Shaesta Waiz encouraging girls to pursue their dreams.
ISBN: 9781506464688

Nonfiction:

Ocean! Waves for All by Stacy McAnulty; David Litchfield Dude. Ocean is incredible. Atlantic, Pacific, Artic, Indian, Southern--it's all excellent Ocean! Not part of any nation, his waves are for all. And under those waves, man, he holds so many secrets. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Ocean in this next "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by David Litchfield, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years; Sun! One in a Billion; and Moon! Earth's Best Friend.
ISBN: 9781250108098
Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct by Drew Sheneman Award-winning author-illustrator Drew Sheneman brings budding paleontologists the truth about dinosaurs in this informative and hilarious nonfiction picture book that will teach kids everything they didn't know (and never thought to ask) about their favorite subject--Dinosaurs!  A long, long time ago, planet Earth was full of dinosaurs. Giant dinosaurs that ate plants, meat-eating dinosaurs that walked on two feet, dinosaurs with armored frills--all KINDS of dinosaurs. Until an asteroid appeared in the sky. A big one. A hot one. A moving-very-fast one. When it hit, most of the plants and animals on Earth went extinct. It was the end of the dinosaurs . . . . . . Or was it? Actually, the latest research shows that the dinosaurs didn't all go extinct. They're still around us now. In fact, you've probably seen dinosaurs at the park, eaten dinosaurs for dinner, and maybe even cleaned dinosaur poop off your family's car. Who are these dinosaurs living all around us? Find out in this informative, hilarious, and 100 percent factual nonfiction picture book by award-winning author, illustrator, and beloved syndicated cartoonist Drew Sheneman.
ISBN: 9780062972347

Week of May 24, 2021

Picture Books:

A Pig in the Palace by Ali Bahrampour A pig is invited to dinner with the queen in this delightfully funny misfit tale   Bobo is rolling around in the mud when somebody slips a letter under his door. It's an invitation to have dinner with the queen! "Why me?" Bobo wonders. What will he do at a fancy palace? He's covered in fleas. He doesn't know which fork to use. He has never been anywhere so grand! Indeed, when he arrives, Bobo feels terribly out of place. And trouble is following him wherever he turns! But maybe . . . he's not the only one who'd like to let loose? For any kids who have tried their hardest to behave at a grown-up gathering, Bobo the boar is just the itchy, clumsy, endearing hero they've been waiting for.
ISBN: 9781419745713
It's Impossible! by Tracey Corderoy; Tony Neal An imaginative, hilarious, and fun story that teaches children that nothing is impossible! Dog longs to visit the ocean, but it is MILES away. "Impossible!" he sighs. After using a new laundry soap called "Ocean Magic" a crab appears and needs help getting home. Will Dog take this chance to make his dream come true?
ISBN: 9781680101911
A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson; Nancy Carpenter This funny, touching picture book celebrates the difference a good teacher can make. Written as a thank-you note to a special teacher from the student who never forgot her, this moving story makes a great classroom read-aloud, and a perfect gift from a child to their own teacher for Teacher Appreciation Day or graduation! Dear Teacher, Whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I'm writing a letter. So begins this heartfelt picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning--and the teacher who gently inspires her. From stomping through creeks on a field trip to pretending to choke when called upon to read aloud, this book's young heroine would be a challenge to any teacher. But this teacher isn't just any teacher. By listening carefully and knowing just the right thing to say, she quickly learns that the girl's unruly behavior is due to her struggles with reading. And at the very end, we learn what this former student is now: a teacher herself. From award winning author Deborah Hopkinson and acclaimed illustrator Nancy Carpenter, this picture book is made to be treasured by both those who teach and those who learn.
ISBN: 9780375868450

Chapter Books:

Things You Can't Say by Jenn Bishop Perfect for fans of See You in the Cosmos and Where the Watermelons Grow, author Jenn Bishop's latest novel tells the moving story of a boy determined to uncover the truth. Nothing is going right this summer for Drew. And after losing his dad unexpectedly three years ago, Drew knows a lot about things not going right. First, it's the new girl Audrey taking over everything at the library, Drew's sacred space. Then it's his best friend, Filipe, pulling away from him. But most upsetting has to be the mysterious man who is suddenly staying with Drew's family. An old friend of Mom's? Drew isn't buying that. With an unlikely ally in Audrey, he's determined to get to the bottom of who this man really is. The thing is, there are some fears--like what if the person you thought was your dad actually wasn't--that you can't speak out loud, not to anyone. At least that's what Drew thinks. But then again, first impressions can be deceiving.
ISBN: 9781534440975
Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis Award-winning author Tanita S. Davis delivers a heartwarming and humorous middle grade tale about a young Black girl who finds her own voice through vlogging and learns to speak out. Perfect for fans for Sharon M. Draper and Lisa Greenwald. JC shines like a 4th of July sparkler. She has the best ideas, the biggest, funniest laugh, and the party starts when she arrives. Serena St. John is proud to be known as her best friend. Everything changes when JC returns from the hospital with a new kidney--and a new best friend. Out of the spotlight of JC's friendship, suddenly things aren't quite so sparkly in Serena's world. Lonely Serena works on perfecting her vlogs, hoping to earn a shot at becoming a classroom reporter. If she can be smart and funny on video, why can't she manage that in real life? If only she could always pause, edit, or delete conversations. It would be so much easier to say the right thing at the right time . . . instead of not saying what she should, or, even worse, blurting out a secret that wasn't hers to share. Life doesn't have a pause button--but as Serena discovers her voice through vlogging, she learns that she's not just there to reflect JC's light--she's fully capable of shining on her own.
ISBN: 9780062936974
Any Day with You by Mae Respicio A warm, tender story about a creative girl who hopes that by winning a filmmaking contest, she'll convince her great-grandfather not to move back home to the Philippines. For fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Kelly Yang. Kaia and her family live near the beach in California, where the fun of moviemaking is all around them. Kaia loves playing with makeup and creating special effects, turning her friends into merfolk and other magical creatures. This summer, Kaia and her friends are part of a creative arts camp, where they're working on a short movie to enter in a contest. The movie is inspired by the Filipino folktales that her beloved Tatang, her great-grandfather, tells. Tatang lives with her family and is like the sparkle of her special-effects makeup. When Tatang decides that it is time to return to his homeland in the Philippines, Kaia will do anything to convince him not to go.
ISBN: 9780525707578

Biographies:

Smelly Kelly and His Super Senses by Beth Anderson; Jenn Harney * NSTA Best STEM Book 2021 List James "Smelly" Kelly used his super-senses and intelligence to make sure that the New York City subway in the 1930s ran safely throughout his lifetime and beyond. James Kelly smelled EVERYTHING: rats in the shed; circus elephants a mile away; tomorrow's rain. His sense of smell was EXTRAORDINARY. But what good was a powerful nose? How could his super-sniffer make him special? In the New York City subway, James found his calling--and earned the nickname "Smelly" Kelly. Armed with his super-sniffer and the tools he invented, he tracked down leaks from the dangerous to the disgusting, from the comical to the bizarre. Then, he sprang into action to prevent cave-ins and explosions in the tunnels beneath the city. Smelly Kelly not only hunted leaks but also saved lives--and he discovered the truly extraordinary power inside him. Beth Anderson's fast-paced text and Jenn Harney's comical illustrations bring to life this everyday superhero.
ISBN: 9781684373994
Drawing on Walls by Matthew Burgess; Josh Cochran "Burgess describes Haring discovering Robert Henri'sThe Art Spiritin college ("He felt as if the book was speaking directly to him"), encountering the large paintings of Pierre Alechinsky (he was "blown away"), and recognizing a common impulse in dancers at the West Village's Paradise Garage ("For Keith, drawing and painting were like dancing. He called it 'mind-to-hand flow'"). Cochran uses a thick black line to suggest Haring's creations, and renders figures in a Haring-esque style without seeming gimmicky. Of interest to young readers are Haring's frequent efforts to involve children in mural-making projects. The story, including a respectful acknowledgement of Haring's death from AIDS, makes the subject seem immediate and real--and presents a compelling vision of answering the call to create." --Starred Review,Publishers Weekly I would love to be a teacher because I love children and I think that not enough people respect children or understand how important they are. I have done many projects with children of all ages. --Keith Haring Truly devoted to the idea ofpublic art, Haring created murals wherever he went. From Matthew Burgess, the much-acclaimed author ofEnormous Smallness, comesDrawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring. Often seen drawing in white chalk on the matte black paper of unused advertising space in the subway, Haring's iconic pop art and graffiti-like style transformed the New York City underground in the 1980s. A member of the LGBTQ community, Haring died tragically at the age of thirty-one from AIDS-related complications. Illustrated in paint by Josh Cochran, himself a specialist in bright, dense, conceptual drawings, this honest, celebratory book honors Haring's life and art, along with his very special connection with kids.  
ISBN: 9781592702671

Nonfiction:

Jumbo by Chris Gall For the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747's first commercial flight, a picture book about the development of the iconic passenger plane and how it changed the history of air travel. In 1968, the biggest passenger jet the world had ever seen premiered in Everett, Washington. The giant plane was called the Boeing 747, but reporters named it "the Jumbo jet." There was only one problem. It couldn't fly. Yet. Jumbodetails the story of the world's first wide body passenger jet, which could hold more people than any other plane at the time and played a pivotal role in allowing middle class families to afford overseas travel. Author and illustrator Chris Gall, himself a licensed pilot, shows how an innovative design, hard work by countless people, and ground-breaking engineering put the Jumbo jet in the air. On January 22, 1970, the Boeing 747 made it's first transatlantic flight, taking passengers from New York to Paris in seven hours.
ISBN: 9781250155801
How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD * YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FINALIST * A ROBERT F. SIBERT HONOR BOOK This beautifully illustrated, oversized guide to the people and technology of the moon landing by award-winning author/illustrator John Rocco (illustrator of the Percy Jackson series) is a must-have for space fans, classrooms, and tech geeks. Everyone knows of Neil Armstrong's famous first steps on the moon. But what did it really take to get us there? The Moon landing is one of the most ambitious, thrilling, and dangerous ventures in human history. This exquisitely researched and illustrated book tells the stories of the 400,000 unsung heroes--the engineers, mathematicians, seamstresses, welders, and factory workers--and their innovations and life-changing technological leaps forward that allowed NASA to achieve this unparalleled accomplishment. From the shocking launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik to the triumphant splashdown of Apollo 11, Caldecott Honor winner John Rocco answers every possible question about this world-altering mission. Each challenging step in the space race is revealed, examined, and displayed through stunning diagrams, experiments, moments of crisis, and unforgettable human stories. Explorers of all ages will want to pore over every page in this comprehensive chronicle detailing the grandest human adventure of all time!
ISBN: 9780525647416