There’s no better way to start 2025 than with confetti and candles to celebrate an abundance of book birthdays! As we turn the calendar to a year full of possibilities, these fiction and nonfiction titles promise to entertain young readers on their new adventures.
New Board Books
Get Dressed, Belly Button! by Lucie Brunellière
- Interest Level: PreK
Dress a child with each page turn of this novelty board book—toes in socks, arms in sleeves, tuck that belly button inside!—until everyone is snuggled up warm and ready to go.
Who Brought the Hamantaschen? by Marcia S. Gresko and illustrated by Steve Mack
- Interest Level: PreK
Lily brings red apples to the Purim party. Leo, dressed as a yellow hamantaschen, brings yellow bananas, and Eli, dressed as King Ahasuerus, brings purple plums. But who brought the hamantaschen to the Purim party? Grandma and Grandpa did!
New Picture Books
And, Too, the Fox by Ada Limón and illustrated by Gaby D’Alessandro
- Interest Level: K – Grade 3
This joyful poem about a fox introduces U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to a new generation. Her brief, keenly observant poetry paired with lush illustrations brings the fox to life, to the delight of readers of all ages.
★”The wonder and reverence conveyed through the text and the fluidity of the illustrations result in a smooth and calming experience that will leave readers awed at the beauty of nature. A grounded yet ethereal blend of verse and vulpine sentiments.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★”Children will be captivated by Fox as they join him on a joyful romp through his world.”—starred, School Library Journal
Happy Passover, Edie Rose! by Joy Preble and illustrated by Valeria Cis
- Interest Level: PreK – 3
When Edie Rose falls and breaks her arm, Mia wonders how she can save Passover. “Why is this night different from all other nights?” The answer is that this year all the neighbors helped their friend in need.
Zayde Babysits before Passover by Jane Sutton and illustrated by Kate Chappell
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 3
Zayde is babysitting Ruthie before Passover, but who exactly is babysitting whom? After the seder, Ruthie says “I had fun today, Zayde! Will you babysit for me again?” “Of course!” he says. “I can’t wait!”
The Elephant and the Purim Crown by Haviva Kierzenblat and illustrated by Rebeca Luciani
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 3
Rachel feels like Queen Esther when she rides an elephant, until she notices the animal’s bruised and cracked feet. She decides to use her prize Purim crown to buy the old elephant so that it may rest.
New in Paperback
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Interest Level: Grade 7 – Grade 12
From popular BookTok author of The Inheritance Games! After being raised as a human among werewolves for nine years, Bryn discovers the pack’s been keeping a horrible secret. Now she must fight for her place in the werewolf world, whatever the consequences.
The Clock Struck One: A Time-Telling Tale by Trudy Harris and illustrated by Carrie Hartman
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 3
Captivating photos accompany engaging nonfiction text to explain dormancy in nature. Featuring creatures like ladybugs, chickadees, squirrels, and even alligators, this book won’t put curious kids to sleep!
Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle: How Animals Get Ready for Winter by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Claudine Gévry
- Interest Level: K – Grade 3
This charming nonfiction picture book shows how a variety of familiar, kid-friendly animals prepare for—and survive—winter in northern climates.
Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures That May or May Not Exist by Kelly Milner Halls, Rick C. Spears, and Roxyanne Young, illustrated by Rick C. Spears
- Interest Level: Grade 5 – Grade 12
This book relies on information from cryptozoologists, experts who study mysterious, legendary creatures—which may or may not really exist. The counter-arguments are also explored from experts who strongly believe they do not exist.
- YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Buildings That Breathe: Greening the World’s Cities by Nancy F. Castaldo
- Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
Urban planners, architects, and scientists are developing high-rise forests on apartment buildings that seek to balance human activity and natural regeneration. Discover how green infrastructure will transform the urban landscape and how we think about our future.
- EUREKA! Children’s Book Honor Award
- Green Earth Book Award Longlist
- Dogwood Readers Award
Where Have All the Birds Gone?: Nature in Crisis by Rebecca E. Hirsch
- Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
In the face of rapidly declining bird populations, read about the vast impacts birds have on ecosystems, food systems, and our mental health and what we can do to protect them.
★”Coverage of each topic smoothly incorporates history, science, case studies, and/or work being done to address the problem. . . . It’s impossible to read this and not recognize the seriousness of the problem, but Hirsch also highlights birds’ resilience when given a helping hand.”—starred, Booklist
★”This pithy book more than fulfills its promise to introduce readers to the importance of birds, the state of avian research, and how they can contribute to birds’ well-being. . . . Well-informed inspiration.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★”Scientist and naturalist Hirsch uses a clear and straightforward style to describe factors leading to the loss of three billion North American birds since 1970 and the meaning of such a catastrophic loss to the environment. . . . [E]asy to read and understand on many levels, including for those beginning to study environmental issues.”—starred, School Library Journal
New Graphic Novels
Weird and Wild Dinosaurs series
- Interest Level: Grade K – Grade 3
From Argentina to Zimbabwe, weird and wild dinosaurs have been discovered all over the world. While we all know about T. Rex and Triceratops, this series of high-interest graphic novels introduces young readers to their lesser-known but equally cool dino counterparts, including Mbiresaurus raathi, Meraxes gigas, Bisticeratops froeseorum, and Yuxisaurus kopchiki. The fun and informative comic book format lets readers get up close and personal with the teeth, claws, and spikes that make these dinos so special.
La crisis climática (The Climate Crisis) series
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 6
The impacts of climate change are becoming more and more visible, transforming people’s lives and the environments around them. The Climate Crisis series explores the causes and effects of climate change in an accessible graphic nonfiction format. Now in Spanish!
New in Spanish
La roca en mi garganta (The Rock in My Throat) by Kao Kalia Yang and illustrated by Jiemei Lin, translated by Alberto Rojas Pinto
- Interest Level: K – Grade 4
In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a Hmong refugee child navigating life at home and school in America while carrying the weight of her selective mutism. Now in Spanish.
Ruth y el libro verde (Ruth and the Green Book) by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Gwen Strauss, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, translated by Alberto Rojas Pinto
Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5
Follow along as young Ruth and her family travel from Chicago to Alabama, guided by The Green Book, a publication listing welcoming hotels, restaurants, and gas stations, which helped Black travelers navigate safely during the Jim Crow era. Now in Spanish.
Dino-Baseball (Spanish Edition) by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Barry Gott, Translated by Alberto Rojas Pinto
- Interest Level: K – Grade 3
When the plant-eating Green Sox face the meat-eating Rib-Eye Reds, baseball will never be the same. A fun, dino-centric take on a popular sport. Now in Spanish!
Dino-Soccer (Spanish Edition) by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott, Translated by Alberto Rojas Pinto
- Interest Level: K – Grade 3
When veggie-nibbling Grazers and meat-munching Biters take to the soccer field, it’s a showdown of prehistoric proportions. Watch as these ferocious fielders battle in a teeth-gnashing, claw-curling brawl for the win! Now in Spanish.
¿Cómo te sientes? (How Are You Feeling?) by Marie-Therese Miller
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 2
Everyone has big feelings. What situations might cause different feelings to happen? How can you recognize what others are feeling? Help show young readers how to identify and name their emotions alongside their friends from Sesame Street. Now in Spanish!
Cuidemos el ambiente con Sesame Street ® (Go Green with Sesame Street ® ) series
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 2
This fun series provides the perfect introduction to environmental awareness. Each book offers simple ways to care for the earth, with asides and commentary from your friends on Sesame Street. Now in Spanish!
Los mejores jugadores de todos los tiempos (Greatest of All Time Players) (Lerner ™ Sports en español) series
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5
Read about the world’s greatest athletes who play some of the most important positions in sports. The amazing stats, thrilling moments, and record-breaking performances packed into each book will fascinate sports fans. Now in Spanish!
Magia en el pelo (Hair Magic) (Read Woke ™ Books en español) series
- Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
Shimmer, sparkle, twirl . . . Imani’s hair magically changes when she embraces her inner powers, such as bravery, compassion, creativity, and more. Young readers will love following Imani’s adventures in these early chapter books. Now in Spanish!
New in Hmong
Pob Zeb Daig Caj Pas (The Rock in My Throat) by Kao Kalia Yang and illustrated by Jeimei Lin, Translated by See Pha Vang
- Interest Level: K – Grade 4
In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a Hmong refugee child navigating life at home and school in America while carrying the weight of her selective mutism. Now in Hmong.
New Fiction Series
Hoops Academy by J. B. Duncan
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
Hoops Academy is a basketball high school known for turning out pro players. But mysteries also lurk on its campus. Each athlete must face the unknown and rise above new obstacles in this page-turning series.
Bo at the Buzz (Read Woke ™ Chapter Books) by Elliott Smith and illustrated by Subi Bosa
- Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
Bo’s life is always buzzing. And not just because he lives upstairs from The Buzz, a barbershop. Young readers will love following Bo’s daily life and adventures in these early chapter books.
Camp Whispering Woods (Phonics Fun — Chapter Books)
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
Welcome to Camp Whispering Woods! Crafted for readers in need of extra literacy support, these thrilling narratives captivate striving readers while strengthening phonics and reading skills.
Mystery Masters (Phonics Fun — Chapter Books)
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
Enhance reading skills while solving mysteries with this upper-level phonics series. Tailored for students in grades 3-5 needing extra support, these entertaining stories reinforce core skills, making learning engaging and effective.
Tails and Tales (Phonics Fun — Chapter Books)
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
Draw in striving readers with fun stories that feature furry friends and other animals. Each title in this series is carefully crafted to engage readers, enhance phonics, and boost reading proficiency and understanding.
Hair Magic (Read Woke ™ Chapter Books) by Cicely Lewis and illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams
- Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
Shimmer, sparkle, twirl . . . Imani’s hair magically changes when she embraces her inner powers, such as bravery, compassion, creativity, and more. Young readers will love following Imani’s adventures with her hair magic in these early chapter books.
In the Garden (Pull Ahead Readers — Fiction) by Ruthie Van Oosbree and illustrated by Lisa Hunt
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 1
Cultivate successful readers with this charming series that celebrates and promotes taking care of Earth. Each fictional story features engaging text and colorful illustrations to help beginning readers thrive.
Lerner Sports Stories by Max Marino and illustrated by Amanda Erb
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
Get in the game with Lerner Sports Stories. Each book features a different main character, sport, and storyline. Realistic and kid-focused, these action-packed chapter books are sure to get young sports fans reading!
Lily Lu to the Rescue by Cherilyn Chin and illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop
- Interest Level: K – Grade 2
Lily Lu loves animals. She tags along with her marine biologist mom to meet, and often help, animals all over the world. Young readers will love joining Lily on her adventures in these early chapter books.
Supersecret Survival Guides by Robin Twiddy and illustrated by Amy Li
- Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
Sam knows she’s an expert at most things. That’s why she writes her pro tips in her supersecret diaries! From Sam’s overactive imagination to humorous text and art, these chapter books will charm young readers.
New Nonfiction Series
Championship Games (Lerner Sports Rookie)
- Interest Level: K – Grade 2
Readers dive into the biggest events in sports. From the Summer Olympics to the Super Bowl, readers will learn about greatest moments, best players, and more in the world’s major sporting events.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 6
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a major part of society, impacting our daily lives. This introductory series explores the basics of AI, the challenges and safety concerns it poses, its capabilities for the future, and more.
Exploring Our Solar System with The Planetary Society ®
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 4
Which planets have moons? What is the order of the planets from the Sun? There is much to explore about space. With exciting photos, diagrams, and text, readers will love learning about our Solar System.
In the Garden (Pull Ahead Readers — Nonfiction)
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 1
Introduce young kids to earthworms, composting, and more in this earth-friendly series. Each book is filled with compelling photographs and simple nonfiction text to support the growth of beginning readers.
Lightning Bolt Books ® — Ecosystem Engineers
- Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
Introduce readers to corals, sea otters, and other ecosystem engineers in this high-interest series. Engaging text and photos highlight curricular science topics, and a back-matter activity encourages further reader engagement.
Martial Arts for Kids (Lerner Sports Rookie)
- Interest Level: K – Grade 2
From judo to wrestling and more, readers will enjoy learning about different martial arts forms, what to expect in lessons, and how to compete. Each form has unique techniques, rules, and traditions that make it distinct.
Predator vs. Prey
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
In a battle of survival, who would win? A crocodile or a hippo? A wolf or a moose? Readers will learn about the skills and techniques animals use both to hunt and to protect themselves in the wild.
Read about Construction Vehicles (Read for a Better World ™)
- Interest Level: K – Grade 2
From backhoes to bulldozers and concrete mixers to dump trucks, beginning readers will enjoy learning about types of construction vehicles. Accessible text and educator resources make these books useful for both classrooms and libraries.
Robot Sports (Lerner ™ Sports)
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5
Take a front-row seat to watch robots and drones competing in exciting sports—from racing and obstacle courses to soccer and sumo matches. Discover the gear, skills, and collaboration needed to bring these new sports to packed arenas around the world.
Searchlight Books ™ — Minecraft Top Tens
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
Explore the world of Minecraft through engaging top ten lists! Readers will count down the most exciting Minecraft players, mods, enchantments, and more!
Sesame Street ® Self-Care
- Interest Level: PreK – Grade 2
With the help of their friends from Sesame Street, young readers learn how to take care of themselves. From hygiene to emotional well-being, this series guides readers through the many things they can do to keep their minds and bodies healthy.
That’s Strange! (UpDog Books ™)
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
There are so many unexplained mysteries to explore! From D. B. Cooper’s sudden disappearance from a flying plane to strange ghostly events at the Stanley Hotel, readers will learn educational, fascinating facts in this high-interest series.
WNBA Hot Ticket (Lerner ™ Sports)
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5
Explore the thrilling plays and iconic teams of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Readers will meet basketball superstars and find out why they are at the forefront of a rising wave of interest in women’s sports.
Spotlight on Social Justice
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
Give readers an in-depth primer of prominent civics issues in North America. Each book covers the history of its respective topic, what modern concerns are and whether or how they’ve changed, and what the future may hold for impacted communities at large.