Trick or treat! Just kidding, these are just treats. Check out the October new releases from Lerner.
New in Board Books
Hanukkah Hippity-Hop by Barbara Kimmel and illustrated by Ana Zurita
- Interest Level: PreK
It’s time to celebrate—and get your wiggles out—by doing the Hanukkah Hippity-Hop! March like a Maccabee and stomp your feet, then shake like the jelly in a doughnut treat.
“A clever and entertaining story that will brighten library shelves during the Hanukkah season.” – School Library Journal
Shabbat Shalom, Grover! by Joni Kibort Sussman and illustrated by Tom Leigh
- Interest Level: PreK
Learn how to get ready for Shabbat with Grover and his friends from Sesame Street!
TM & © 2024 Sesame Workshop.
“A useful purchase to have on hand to include or introduce Jewish holidays.” – School Library Journal
“The perfect first Shabbat book for a Jewish toddler.” — Sydney Taylor Shmooze
New Picture Books
Bear’s Lost Glasses by Leo Timmers
- Interest Level: PreK – K
The nearsighted, cheerful Bear finds a parade of remarkable animals when he goes walking to find his glasses. This playful picture book by children’s favorite Leo Timmers sparks laughter and imagination.
“A humorous, delightful tale about finding wonderful new ways to see the world.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Readers get to enjoy their own comparative outlook, the silliness of Bear’s near-misses, and the satisfaction of a running gag resolved.” — Publishers Weekly
Cake for Everyone by Thé Tjong-Khing
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 1
A group of animals chase their stolen picnic in this wordless look-and-find adventure picture book full of intricate detail and comical storytelling.
“Twists and turns abound, and sharp-eyed readers will delight in poring over all the possibilities and filling in the blanks. . . A delicious tale that will reward attentive readers.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Pleasingly fragmented and comically cohesive, spreads rendered in fine lines follow the antics, making for a set of brain-teasing mini-quests that invite readers to consider who arrived first, what belonged to whom, and how they’ll all arrive at the titular conceit.” — Publishers Weekly
Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle by Melody Howard and illustrated by Ritt Nia Gould
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 2
Charley Chipmunk and Seymour Squirrel are celebrating Hanukkah together, but when Charley forgets to bring the candles, the aroma of latkes frying in oil helps the best friends―miraculously―find a way to light the menorah.
“The conflict resolution and the cozy illustrations make for a refreshingly thoughtful holiday tale. As sweet as Hanukkah gelt.” – Kirkus Reviews
“…readers may suspect they’re celebrating not just the story of Hanukkah, but also the wonder of their friendship.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“This is a warm story of friendship, creativity and having fun no matter the circumstances, this is a wonderful Hanukkah story that not only tells the story of the holiday, but centers the theme of friendship . . . This is a great read! Reviewer Rating: 5″ — Children’s Literature
I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World by Kelly Rice Schmitt and illustrated by Jam Dong
- Interest Level: K – Grade 3
Wham! Whirr! Whoosh! Drillers bore into rock, and oil gushes out. See where fuel comes from and how we use it, and check out sources of renewable energy. A fun and fact-filled look at fuel!
“Schmitt uses simple language to describe, step by step, how fossil fuels are formed, extracted, refined, and put to use in the production of both energy and various chemical and plastic goods.”—Booklist
“The illustrations are colorful and accurately identify the journey of fuel overtime for young readers. Vehicle lovers will enjoy this behind the scenes look at the fuel that powers their favorite machines! Reviewer Rating: 5” — Children’s Literature
The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Mercè López
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5
Whoops! Ack! Darn it! Twenty brave poets share real-life blunders they made as young people. With a wide range of mistakes and a diverse group of poets, this anthology speaks to a wide audience.
★ “The strength of this collection comes from the authors admitting their mistakes and going on to explain the value of the resulting learning opportunities. A gentle reminder of the stepping stones making up the path to growth, discovery, and creativity.” — starred, Booklist
★ “Dynamic mixed-media artwork from López (Sylvie and the Wolf) offers energetic visual support for each poem in an anthology packed with a broad spectrum of human emotion and experience.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
Slippery, Spicy, Tingly: A Kimchi Mystery by Yangsook Choi
- Interest Level: K – Grade 3
Keo loves kimchi! And he loves his halmoni! When his grandmother visits and digs a big hole in the backyard, Keo isn’t sure what’s happening. A story with heart, humor, and lots of cabbage!
★ “Based on Korean author and illustrator Choi’s relationship with her own grandmother, the story’s playful drawings and writing create a fun, lighthearted feel. The gentle pastel illustrations capture Halmoni’s quirky personality through her facial expressions and movements, as well as Keo’s curiosity and wonder.” — starred, Booklist
“A slippery, spicy tale that tingles with wit and whimsy.” — Kirkus Reviews
Stokes: The Brief Career of the NBA’s First Black Superstar by Ty Chapman and John Coy, illustrated by Lonnie Ollivierre
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5
Maurice Stokes was 6’7″ and could play offense and defense like no one else his size in the NBA in 1958. After experiencing a career-ending injury during a game, other players rallied to support Stokes.
“Telling a moving story, Chapman and Coy introduce Stokes’ unusual combination of size, skills, quickness, and understanding of the game and then explain how differently Black players were treated on NBA teams in the 1950s. From action scenes to quiet moments, Ollivierre’s art illustrates the narrative with empathy and style.” — Booklist
“A poignant might have been, worth remembering and still as cogent as ever.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Vivid writing pairs with vibrant illustrations to depict a tragic but fascinating look at an engaging and exciting player whose misfortune, sadly, changed the way that basketball is played forever.” — School Library Journal
New in Paperback
The Big Backyard: The Solar System beyond Pluto by Ron Miller
- Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
Deep space holds materials left over from the formation of the solar system. Astronomers have been making exciting discoveries on the outermost fringes and the New Horizons spacecraft brings new insights into the origins of the sun and planets.
★ “Hugo award-winning author and illustrator Miller brings his experience illustrating for NASA to this engaging book, taking curious readers on a fact-filled tour of the outer reaches of our solar system. . . . packed with information but also thoroughly entertaining.” — starred, School Library Journal
“The text is engaging, occasionally alluding to science fiction works and popular conspiracy theories, and uses accessible examples . . . This inviting offering will be welcomed by student researchers and space nerds alike.” — Booklist
New Graphic Novels
Robots Can Dance?: Book 5 by Podoal Friend and illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 8
The upcoming robot dance competition is less than a month away, and only one club can enter. Which team will program the winning dance and move on to the national showdown?
Robot Dance Fever: Book 6 by Podoal Friend and illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 8
The national robot dance competition is almost underway—and both teams are united as one! But soon, teamwork turns to animosity… The sixth book in the manhwa Robot Makers series explores servo motors and humanoid robots.
New Middle Grade
Make a Little Wave by Kerry O’Malley Cerra
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 8
When shy Savannah discovers her friend’s family is involved in inhumanely killing endangered sharks for profit, she forces herself out of her comfort zone to stand up for the sharks.
“This realistic portrayal of a kid who goes full steam ahead with her passion is a relatable, engaging, if sometimes frustrating, read that captures the hard-headedness of an eighth grader and provides nuance and growth for the burgeoning activist.” — Booklist
“A conservation tale with the ability to empower readers.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Via empathetic depictions of her actions—through which Sav makes more than a little wave—O’Malley Cerra (Just a Drop of Water) illustrates how diplomacy and team-building get the job done.” — Publishers Weekly
One Wise Sheep: An Untraditional Christmas Story by Ulrich Hub and illustrated by Jörg Mϋhle
- Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 4
This retelling of the nativity story from the point of view of the sheep is laugh-out-loud funny and full of the warmth of Christmas—a cheeky illustrated chapter book by a bestselling author/illustrator pair.
★ “A Christmas tale to hold the whole family spellbound.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
★ “Through humorous third-person narration that purposefully occludes the size of the flock, Duck’s Backyard collaborators Hub and Mühle explore Christmas through the lens of a bonded animal family in this unique and sweet holiday tale.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
New Nonfiction
Call the Bee Doctor!: How Science Is Saving Honey Bees by Sandra Markle
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 6
Since colony collapse disorder began decimating honey bees in 2006, scientists have been researching its causes and how to prevent it. Get an up-to-date look at what we know and how new innovations are saving honey bees.
★ “Markle provides a heartening update on honeybee health. . .An important peek into how scientists work to solve big problems.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 8
Kerstin Forsberg made waves in Perú when she started a community-focused project to save manta rays. Find out more about manta rays and how local people are working to save these gentle giants.
“Newman ably explains the concept of flagship species—animals that “grab people’s attention and make them care about protecting the environment.” Her feel-good account includes photos and quotations from local fishers and young people, as well as plenty of information about the rays themselves. Good news about a marine marvel.” — Kirkus Reviews
Civic Minded: What Everyone Should Know about the US Government by Jeff Fleischer
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
This handy guidebook offers an accessible overview of big US civics topics, including federal programs, international relations, and more. With compelling, well-researched text and accompanying sidebars, Civic Minded helps readers understand and join many ongoing political conversations in the US.
“This even-handed book provides the reader an easy-to comprehend text supported by robust, thorough back matter. A strong choice for public and school libraries any time, but particularly during an election year.”—Booklist
“Clear and stripped of partisan hyperbole; every American can benefit from this book.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Blending an encyclopedic scope with charismatic prose, Civic Minded is an essential handbook for understanding America’s government programs.” — Foreword Reviews
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch
- Interest Level: Grade 7 – Grade 12
A must for fans of science and history—and also armchair detectives—this entertaining and informative illustrated compendium delves into nature’s deadliest plants and their fascinating histories as implements of medicine, warfare, and foul play.
★ “The striking page design evokes a strong sense of the macabre and is reminiscent of dark academia . . . An engaging, visually appealing guide for science buffs, true-crime enthusiasts, and herbalists alike.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
“Promising “myth, mayhem, and murder,” this diabolical botanical guide delivers on all fronts . . . Deliciously macabre and almost conspiratorial in tone, Hirsch’s coverage is nicely rounded, pulling in traditional uses of many of these plants, some of which have medicinal treatments in small doses.” — Booklist
“Beautiful color photographs and drawings throughout the book make the plants easy to identify and bring their use throughout history into vivid focus. A memorable, enjoyable reference book, A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants combines often gruesome historical anecdotes with edifying botany lessons.” — Foreword Reviews