Happy Book Birthday: September New Releases

Let’s take a peek at what we have in store for September as students and teachers get back into full swing!

New Picture Books

No More Gnomes authored and illustrated by Beth Mills

• Interest Level: K – 3

Herbert is the politest kid in town! But when Ms. Goat, his neighbor and after-school babysitter, starts collecting creepy garden gnomes, he freaks out. How can he tell Ms. Goat how he feels without being rude?

Praise for No More Gnomes

“A clever twist reveals a humorous solution for Herbert’s problem and helps him resolve his struggle between politeness and honesty. Digital illustrations cleverly demonstrate Herbert’s growing anxiety while keeping the tone light enough for young readers.”—Booklist

Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability by Danna Zeiger and illustrated by Josée Bisaillon

• Interest Level: 1 – 4

As someone with cerebral palsy who runs a lab to help others with cerebral palsy, Dr. Kathleen Friel is rewriting the rules, defying expectations, and opening up new possibilities for herself and others.

Praise for Rewriting the Rules

★”The visual representation of Friel and her life experiences is superbly rendered in fluid and bright images that highlight her accomplishments as a differently abled person rather than a singular focus on cerebral palsy. . . A must-purchase for all libraries as it reflects the best that modern biographies for young readers have to offer.”—starred, School Library Journal

“This stellar biography checks multiple positive role model boxes: a challenge-defying, determined, rule-breaking, problem-solving woman of STEM.”—Booklist

The Monster in the Lake authored and illustrated by Leo Timmers and translated by Bill Nagelkerke

• Interest Level: PreK – K

In this larger-than-life picture book, Eric the duck is nervous to swim in the lake for fear a monster might live there, but he bravely follows his friends and discovers something spectacular indeed lives beneath the surface.

Praise for The Monster in the Lake

★”The bright artwork, created with acrylic paint and spray paint, contains whimsical details and makes great use of visual humor. With sparse text and large-scale illustrations, this is an ideal choice for toddlers and preschool storytimes that is clever enough to entertain adults, too.”—starred, Booklist

★”Children who get their hands on this oversize, glossy delight, filled with made-to-linger details, will be lucky ducks indeed.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

Just Say Welcome by Emily Raij and illustrated by Nathalia Takeyama

• Interest Level: PreK – 3

“Just say ‘welcome!'” Tilly’s mom tells her when a newly arrived Iraqi family comes to stay with them for a while. “Sometimes that’s all it takes for strangers to become friends.” When the Iraqi family is ready to leave, they aren’t strangers anymore.

Praise for Just Say Welcome

“The story offers young children an avenue toward connecting despite cultural differences, a message that, especially now, deserves to be amplified. A useful addition to collections in communities welcoming immigrants and refugees, especially with its celebration of inclusivity.”—School Library Journal

“The basic idea of welcoming newcomers is the overarching universal theme, which will appeal to all who believe in helping immigrants settle in and feel comfortable in their new home.”—Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Rembrandt’s Blessing by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrated by Anita Barghigiani

• Interest Level: K – 3

Painting scenes from Bible stories was Rembrandt’s passion. At Rabbi Menashe Ben Israel’s home for Sabbath dinner, Rembrandt watches his friend say a blessing over the children and has an idea for a very special painting.

Praise for Rembrandt’s Blessing

“A fascinating example of Rembrandt’s capacity of showing love, peace and harmony in an artwork.”—Justus Lange, Director of the Old Masters Gallery in Kassel

“This little-known slice of history embellished with an engaging kid-friendly storyline is a worthy addition for most libraries.”—School Library Journal

“This is a wonderful semi-historical story for children with a keen interest in history and/or art.”—Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Shira the Singing Puppy by Ilana R. Wieder and illustrated by Alexandra Colombo

• Interest Level: PreK – 2

Shira the puppy loves to sing, but whenever she does, people say, “Hush and shush, Shira. Not today.” But on Saturday night, it’s time for Havdalah. When Shira’s family sings the blessings, it’s finally time for Shira to sing too.

Praise for Shira the Singing Puppy

 “Although the story is told in third person, the dog’s point of view is central. It conveys an additional message about patience and having to wait one’s turn.

“The illustrations by Alexandra Colombo are pleasing and playful, bringing a gentle humor and warmth. I love the squiggly lines of the child’s hair, the owl looking for the first stars to appear, and the adorable contentment on Shira’s face when she finally has her moment to shine.”—Sydney Taylor Shmooze

New in Spanish

Y, también, el zorro (And, Too, the Fox) by Ada Limón and illustrated by Gaby D’Alessandro

• Interest Level: K – 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. Now in Spanish.

Praise for Y, también, el zorro (And, Too, the Fox)

“This picture book poem by former US Poet Laureate Límon captures the simplicity and playfulness of the creature. The narrative and images complement each other as they present one day in the life of the title character. . . Animal lovers will fully embrace this tale.”—School Library Journal

New in Paperback

Timeline (Revised Edition): A Visual History of Our World by authored and illustrated by Peter Goes and translated by Lannoo Uitgeverij

• Interest Level: 5 – 12

From the Big Bang to the present day, illustrated scenes tell the history of our planet in one continuous story—this sensational visual history is now updated with four new pages on the first 25 years of our century and into the future.

Praise for Timeline, 1st Edition

★”An inky swath of black bisects this gorgeous oversize volume, its shape transforming to create prehistoric seas, ancient monuments, and more. . . .  [R]eaders will be left with a powerful sense of how far we have come and how far we have to go.”―starred, Publishers Weekly

“A handsome overview, parochial for all its chronological scope.”―Kirkus Reviews

“Masterfully distilled in the roiling Timeline, the mad, beautiful world reveals itself as a wondrous place of never-ending conflict and resilience, chaos and order, destruction and innovation, disaster and delight.”―Shelf Awareness

New Middle Grade Fiction

Zenya Lost and Found by Shafaq Khan

• Interest Level: 4 – 7

In 1970, twelve-year-old Zeyna is visiting Pakistan with her family when her parents vanish. They’ve been linked to a jewel heist, and aspiring detective Zeyna sets out to find them and clear their names.

Praise for Zenya Lost and Found

“An entertaining cross-border adventure, sure to thrill readers.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Filled with art heists, cultural immersion, detective woes, and kids plunging into dangerous situations without any hesitation, Khan’s debut is a fun historical adventure with a plot that feels like it exists almost outside of reality, but it remains grounded through its firm roots in culture and family.”—Booklist

“Once I started, I could not put it down. I sat up far too late finishing Zeyna’s story; I had to see how it would end . . . An absolute winner.”—Deron R. Hicks, author of The Van Gogh Deception

New Graphic Novels

Absolutely Everything authored and illustrated by Damian Alexander

• Interest Level: 4 – 8

Life feels like a lot for Marcella. Sixth grade is overwhelming, her bestie has new friends, her parents want to move—absolutely everything is stressing her out! A thoughtful graphic story about growing up and ADHD.

Praise for Absolutely Everything

★”A hopeful and validating story that excels in portraying a middle schooler’s ADHD journey.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“A warm and sensitive depiction of a neurodivergent character finding her way in middle school.”—School Library Journal

“The book blends humor, heart, and expressive art to depict Marcella’s journey toward understanding herself and realizing she doesn’t need to “fix” who she is to find her place in the world.”—AIPT Comics

Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan for Rewilding Every City on Earth by Steve Mushin

• Interest Level: 5 – 12

Join maverick inventor Steve Mushin as he unleashes an avalanche of scientifically plausible inventions to fight climate change, rewild cities, and save the planet. This book celebrates problem-solving and big ideas.

Praise for Ultrawild

★”The author does not talk down to young readers, who will be drawn in by the intricate illustrations of contraptions and the occasionally gross and gory elements of the inventions. Rather, the book invites readers to join the STEAM design process, encouraging ideas that seem out of this world. . . An essential addition to middle and high school libraries, this graphic novel is a green how-to manual for 2025.”—starred, School Library Journal

★”Each page is filled to the brim with meticulously drawn cityscapes, mechanical designs, animals of all shapes and sizes, and lengthy text explanations. . . Ultrawild is a brilliantly designed comic that will have wide appeal beyond its target audience, even for adults.”—starred, Booklist

The Case of the Underwater Aliens: Book 3 by Chi-hyeon Ahn and illustrated by Gyung-hyo Kang

• Interest Level: 4 – 6

Strange glowing aliens have been spotted near Seagull Island, so the Mystery Science Detectives decide to take the case! But are they in over their heads this time?

New Nonfiction

Sign Your ABCs with Sesame Street ® by Nicole Garbor

• Interest Level: PreK – 2

Alongside their favorite furry friends from Sesame Street, young readers are introduced to American Sign Language and learn how to sign their ABCs.

The Size of Space: Measuring Our Solar System with The Planetary Society ® by Bruce Betts, PhD and illustrated by Laura K. Westlund

• Interest Level: 2 – 4

How big is the Sun? Imagine if the Sun were the size of a basketball. Then Earth would be a sesame seed! Through fun analogies and scale models, this book shrinks down objects in the solar system to understandable comparisons.

Praise for The Size of Space

“In this fun, astronomical offering, kid-accessible examples convey the vast sizes and enormous distances of outer space. . . A great choice for school and public collections; expect some really interesting follow-up discussions.”—Booklist

Start with a Teapot authored and illustrated by Enric Lax and translated by Daniel Hahn

• Interest Level: 2 – 6

This brilliant and original drawing book flips the tradition of drawing guides, combining puns, stories, and useful techniques to encourage imagination and experiments—and above all, no rules and no mistakes.

Praise for Start with a Teapot

“More concept than direct instruction, this humorous art book takes readers on a journey of imagination and embracing imperfection.”—School Library Journal

“Lax takes his readers on a silly and surreal journey, showing them how to draw an elephant from a teapot and a horse from an elephant.”—The Bookseller

Watch Them Grow: The Fascinating Science of Animal Beginnings by Carrie A. Pearson

• Interest Level: 4 – 8

How do animals develop the traits they need to survive? Discover the many ways animals grow before they are born.

To the Stars: The Story of NASA by Ron Miller

• Interest Level: 6 – 12

From its humble beginnings in the wake of the Space Race to its status as a global leader in space exploration, NASA has been at the forefront of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and international collaboration. Explore NASA’s rich history.

Praise for To the Stars

“Densely written and chronologically organized, the book emphasizes science, engineering, and historical detail. . . Rather than fast facts or flashy graphics, the book offers a continuous, in-depth narrative ideal for focused reading.”—School Library Journal

Arm in Arm: The Grimké Sisters’ Fight for Abolition and Women’s Rights by Angelica Shirley Carpenter and illustrated by Chiara Fedele

• Interest Level: 6 – 12

Born into a family of enslavers in the South, Sarah Grimké and Angelina Grimké Weld were some of the first women to speak out about abolition and women’s rights. Explore the mostly forgotten lives of these complex women leaders.

Praise for Arm in Arm

“This relatively short book thoughtfully presents a period of upheaval and change and traces the sisters’ long-lasting impact as well as recent, more critical perceptions of their motivations and behavior that bring welcome nuance to their story. . . Informative and insightful.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Peppered with black and white images, Carpenter’s understated, straightforward writing is informative and engaging and keeps the pages turning. Her detailed research is documented with extensive source notes. . . Covering the entirety of the Grimké sisters’ lives, this is a thought-provoking biography of two fierce yet humble abolitionists who deserve more attention than history has given them. Recommended for all libraries.”—School Library Journal

Coming out September 16th!

Ban This!: How One School Fought Two Book Bans and Won (and How You Can Too) by Christina Ellis, Renee Ellis, Edha Gupta, Ben Hodge, Patricia Jackson, and Olivia Pituch

• Interest Level: 6 – 12

Equip readers to join the fight against banning books in schools and libraries. Having defeated efforts to remove books in their school district, the authors share how to organize, speak out against censorship, and win the right to intellectual freedom.

Praise for Ban This!

★”This critically timely and engaging work effectively demonstrates the toll of book bans on communities. A compelling take on tackling censorship that elevates the authentic voices of youths and their allies.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“Actionable advice on how to respond to book challenges that happen in your school and community.”—Teen Librarian’s Toolbox