Happy Book Birthday: April New Releases

April showers not only bring May flowers but also a delightful downpour of new books! Check out these new releases, including new board books, picture books, nonfiction, and middle grade novels.

New Board Book

So Tired, So Wide Awake by Susanne Strasser

• Interest Level: Grade PreK – Kindergarten

In this funny sleep book for wide-awake children (and tired parents) the animals leave the bed one by one for a last goodnight kiss—only a cheeky surprise gets them back to their own bed at last.

“This German import is simply yet adorably illustrated in saturated colors, and its repetitive, easy-to-follow text ensures this will be a terrific bedtime read-aloud.”—Booklist

New Picture Books

We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig and illustrated by Kirbi Fagan

• Interest Level: Grade K – 3

This poetic book is an anthem of belonging, celebrating the wide range of disabled children and affirming their worth, just as they are. Filled with luminous illustrations of children living, learning, and playing, this joyful book is sure to inspire.

★”In Fagan’s luminous, star-spangled scenes, people using wheelchairs, white canes, communication devices, and more radiate joy and community, countering assumptions about disabled people (such as “loss leaves no space for laughter”) and reminding readers that they’re “as dazzling as a sky full of stars”. . . Warm, poetic, and affirming.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“Disability advocate Taussig (Sitting Pretty) directly addresses children with disabilities in this beautiful affirmation of belonging, imagination, and self-worth . . . A meaningful work for children with disabilities and those who interact with them, this is a purchase for all collections.”—School Library Journal

Twigs and Stones by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Gavin Bishop

• Interest Level: Grade PreK – 1

Snake and Lizard want to write their names on their burrow’s front door. But whose name will go first? This warm and wise picture book captures the essence of friendship and nudges us to notice the power of our words.

“The author delivers a charming tale of friendship, humor, and the fine balance of living together . . . This book is a perfect read-aloud and is excellent for the classroom, teaching readers the value of kindness through humor.”—School Library Journal

Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Becca Hall

• Interest Level: Grade K – 4

From the time Cristina Zenato was young, she loved the ocean and she loved sharks. She grew up to become an advocate for these incredible creatures, diving with them and removing fishing hooks from their bodies.

“Newman’s writing is lyrical, with chosen line breaks allowing her to emphasize important parts of her narrative. . . Hall’s digital cartoon art favors oceanic blues and greens that contrast nicely with gray sharks and brightly colored swimwear.”—Booklist

“Through Newman’s sparkling, alliterative verse, a portrait of Cristina emerges—a dreamy wonderer who felt out of place growing up yet found a sense of belonging beneath the waves. Hall’s delightful cartoon illustrations avoid anthropomorphism as they depict a more vulnerable side of sharks. Above all, readers will emerge with a strong grasp of sharks’ crucial role in ecosystems. A conservation tale that’s sure to hook readers.”—Kirkus Reviews

The Fearless Storyteller by Cassie Silva and illustrated by Ana Zurita

• Interest Level: Grade PreK – 3

When a young girl’s father is scared of the unicorns in her bedtime book, she hides it to protect him. When he’s scared of giraffes next, she realizes he’s scared of reading the big words.

New Graphic Novels

The Big Tournament: Book 1 by Nicolas Wouters and illustrated by Van Gheluwe

• Interest Level: Grade 5 – 8

Twelve-year-old Magda’s gift for inventing unique and delicious dishes earns her a spot in the famous intergalactic cooking tournament, but she discovers a conspiracy to rig the competition and steal the prize: the world-healing Nectar.

“A whimsical graphic novel in which a girl who hopes to be a great chef helps others in the process of pursuing her dreams.”—Foreword Reviews

“A colorful and engaging graphic novel about a young girl who uncovers a nefarious plot and finds the courage to fight.”—School Library Journal

“Gheluwe pairs imaginative depictions of alien ingredients and futuristic kitchen tools with expressive character designs; dynamic compositions heighten both the tension of time-bound cooking challenges and the joy of artistic expression, while color shifts underscore the story’s emotional beats. With its humor, inventive premise, and eco-conscious messaging, this graphic novel celebrates resilience and creativity.”—Publishers Weekly

The Shocking Internet Broadcast: Book 7 by Podoal Friend and illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun

• Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8

Haedal Academy’s team earned second place in the National Robot Dance Competition! But then a popular streamer named Cyborg Captain calls them out for foul play, and the whole school turns against them.

We Are Robot Makers!: Book 8 by Podoal Friend and illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun

• Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8

Quickly, the team must choose and develop a robot for the creative robot competition, but a past mistake returns to haunt them. Has Cyborg Captain defeated them before the contest even begins?

New Middle Grade

The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

• Interest Level: Grade 5 – 8

In 1930s San Antonio, thirteen-year-old Petra must drop out of school to work at a pecan-shelling factory. When dangerous conditions lead to tragedy and the already low wages are cut, Petra helps plan a strike.

★”A powerful, moving story explores the little-known but important story of the six-week pecan shellers’ strike.”—starred, Booklist

★”The story deftly explores the nuances of both Petra’s and Amá’s relationship and traumas, as well as the strength and hope to be found in family and community. A poignantly, beautifully written tale.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

★”Using short chapters with quick pacing, Ruiz-Flores (Piece by Piece) unveils intimate and well-researched depictions of the Pecan Shellers Strike of 1938 and its impact on Mexican descendants and beyond.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

New Nonfiction

The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull

• Interest Level: Grade 1 – 4

Go on patrol with the Black Mambas, South Africa’s first women-led anti-poaching unit. Meet the rangers and discover all they do to protect the wildlife at the Balule Nature Reserve.

★”The most exhilarating parts of the book, however, follow the Black Mambas on patrol as they observe wildlife up close, search the bush for snares, look for signs of poachers, and even plan and carry out a poacher ambush—all without guns. Documenting these courageous accomplishments are thrilling, large-scale photographs of the Black Mambas in action and the animals they serve to protect.. . . A joyful tribute to these dauntless women.”—starred, Booklist

★”The energy, passion, and effort of this unit is made obvious through these images and will inspire readers to look around their own surroundings for ways to care for neighboring wildlife. . . A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.”—starred, School Library Journal

“An earnest, enthusiastic tribute to the world’s first all-woman anti-poaching unit.”—Publishers Weekly

The Great Narwhal Rescue: Saving the Arctic Ocean’s Narwhals by Sandra Markle

• Interest Level: Grade 4 – 6

Narwhals have lived in the icy Arctic Ocean for centuries. But as temperatures rise, ice disappears, and humans venture into the Arctic, these animals are in danger. Discover how scientists are working to protect narwhals.

“Illustrated with color photos of narwhals and scientists who study them, this informative book is a worthwhile addition to Markle’s well-regarded series.”—Booklist

“Another cogently explained example of environmental work from a master nonfiction writer.”—Kirkus Reviews

Watching and Waiting: What Hatches from Nature’s Nurseries by Sara Levine

• Interest Level: Grade PreK – 3

What should you do if you find eggs, egg cases, or galls when you’re exploring the outdoors? You could wait and watch and even come back to check on them to see what emerges.

“Very simple sentences explain concepts, and full-page color photographs provide close-ups of natural wonders, supported by action shots of young kids modeling best behaviors. . . This solid entry arrives just in time for spring explorations.”—Booklist

Coming April 15th!

Speaking on Climate: A Guide to Speechwriting for a Better Future by Rune Kier Nielsen

• Interest Level: Grade 6 – 12

What makes a speech well-written, memorable, and effective? And how can someone apply those skills to climate justice? UN Climate Action Communication Coordinator Rune Kier Nielsen will answer these questions and more in this timely guide.

“A lively, concise, and practical antidote to climate anxiety and a guide to positive action.”—Kirkus Reviews