Starstruck: 2025 in Review

Looking back, Lerner has seen some amazing years publishing exceptional fiction and nonfiction for K–12 readers. But 2025 has been a year unlike any we’ve seen! Our titles earned an extraordinary 57 starred reviews, and our distribution partners earned another 8. Explore the celebrated picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction that made this such a standout year.

Thank you to all the readers who shared their love for Lerner books!

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

The Big Empty: A Sagebrush Survival Story authored and illustrated by Kirbi Fagan

Interest Level: K – 4

Spare, poetic text and gorgeous illustrations introduce readers to big sagebrush, a vital plant in western North America. It feeds and shelters many animals, and after a wildfire, it grows again and thrives once more.

★”With its lilting text and gorgeous artwork, this is the rare book that amplifies the ferocity and the necessity of fire in nature, employing the ecology of the sagebrush.”—starred, School Library Journal

Diggers, Dozers & Dumpers by Ole Könnecke

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2

This original picture book about construction vehicles combines facts and details about excavators, trucks, cranes and more with funny stories about the animal engineers operating them, sure to delight machine enthusiasts of all sizes.

★ “Line and color cartoons pay due homage to the massiveness of most of these machines even when they tip into the absurd. . . Things-that-go books crowd the shelves, but few offer as many giggles, snorts, and laughs as this one.”—starred, Horn Book Magazine

Dreams to Ashes: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre by Livia Blackburne and illustrated by Nicole Xu

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

A powerful nonfiction picture book about the history of Chinese immigration to the West Coast, presented through the lens of the 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre. An essential account that offers both heartbreak and hope.

★ “Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated in full-color drawings . . . the story acknowledges the growing pains of pushing out of communities (Indigenous and other immigrant communities) by the Spanish colonial missions and later by Americans to make room for Western development . . . This deeply felt coverage of the inflection points for so many communities is a must-have for all libraries.” — starred, School Library Journal

I Truck: A Big Rig’s Epic Trip by Kelly Rice Schmitt and illustrated by Jam Dong

Interest Level: K – 2

Honk! Honk! Follow along as a semitruck travels cross country with a load of toys. Turbo-powered text and illustrations will appeal to truck-loving kids everywhere!

★”The illustrations, featuring bold colors, watercolor, and collage, present clear images perfect for conveying concepts to young readers. . . Kids enamored with large vehicles will revel in the facts and details worked into the text and illustrations, neither of which gets bogged down by its educational load. . . Expect this big rig to rack up serious circulation miles.”—starred, Booklist

Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People by Kamalani Hurley and illustrated by Harinani Orme

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

Discover the story of the smallest Hawaiian island, a place sacred to Native Hawaiians, from its formation long ago to its present-day restoration as a protected site. A remarkable narrative accompanied by stunning illustrations.

★ “An incredible, brilliantly told story of persistence, advocacy, and love.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews

★ “A stunningly beautiful book that tells the story of destruction, devastation, and resilience, of both the human and natural world. . . The artwork tells the story in dramatic, compelling, and beautiful ways. Together, text and art will engage readers from the first page.” — starred, School Library Journal

The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and illustrated by

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

When Junior moves to Roxboro in 1959, new friends bring him to an incredible place: a library for African American residents. This story is a tribute to the power of books and the resourcefulness of the Black community.

★ “The first-person narrative unfolds with simplicity, clarity, and emotional resonance. Christie’s illustrations, painted with acrylics, capture the tone of events as well as the look of the mid-twentieth-century setting.” — starred, Booklist

★”Christie’s striking and contemplative acrylic paintings, drifting effortlessly from spare but glowing landscapes to focused moments of emotion, are a perfect pairing for the slow-paced but affecting prose. Quiet and powerful; purchase wherever picture book historical fiction is in demand.”—starred, School Library Journal

Liftoff! How the Apollo Moon Missions Made Alma Thomas’s Art Soar authored and illustrated by Nina Crews

Interest Level: 1 – 4

In this fascinating STEAM-themed true story, author and illustrator Nina Crews highlights how the Apollo astronauts gave people a new way of looking at the world and inspired modern artist Alma Thomas.

★”The spare but informative text moves effortlessly between the parallel stories of the moon mission and Alma’s painting. . . A powerful paean to both the space program and a noteworthy artist.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers

Interest Level: Grade 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.

★ “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

★ “Here be monsters—and they are monstrously fun!”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

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

Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs by Mélina Mangal and Sun Yung Shin and illustrated by Leslie Barlow

Interest Level: 2 – 5

Inspiring poems and bold art introduce young readers to the lives and ideas of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs, revolutionary civil rights and labor activists who worked together to build a better future for all.

★ “The poetry is able to convey succinctly the extensive accomplishments of both subjects and the hurdles they faced together and individually, imbuing it with a tone of hope throughout. The illustrations are based on images and stories of the couple, portrayed thoughtfully in each time period of their lives with vivid imagery and color. An exceptional choice for libraries that cherish the stories of unsung, exceptional American people.”—starred, School Library Journal

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

Interest Level: Grade 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.

★ “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

Twist, Tumble, Triumph: The Story of Champion Gymnast Ágnes Keleti by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky; illustrated by Martina Peluso

Interest Level: Grade K – 3

Ágnes Keleti can forget about the war when she is doing gymnastics—until Jewish athletes are barred from the gym. Never giving up on her dream, her moment of triumph comes at the 1952 Olympics.

★ “An inspiring and fascinating biography for readers interested in sports, history, or simply a good story of resilience.” — starred, Booklist

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

Middle Grade Fiction

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

Displaced by Patrick Ochieng

Interest Level: Grade 5 – 8

Post-election violence forces fourteen-year-old Kim and his family to flee their home in suburban Kenya. While staying in a camp for displaced persons, Kim makes new friends and fights to improve living conditions.

★ “Ochieng sheds light on the impact of PTSD, grief, and bigotry through this story conveyed in the compelling voice of a teenage boy. Kim’s courage will speak to readers, and the exploration of the importance of maintaining continuity and pursuing education will resonate. Outstanding.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews

Young Adult Fiction

The Red Car to Hollywood by Jennie Liu

Interest Level: Grade 9 – 12

In LA’s Chinatown in 1924, sixteen-year-old Ruby Chan rebels against her parents’ conventional plans for her future. A friendship with nineteen-year-old Anna May Wong, a rising Hollywood film star, opens up new possibilities.

★ “Meticulously researched and sumptuously realized, Ruby’s story captures the time when women were swiftly gaining ground in all parts of society whilst burdened by old structures dragging them down. . . Readers will be inspired by Ruby’s resilience and dazzled by the historical setting that Liu has painstakingly recreated.” — starred, Booklist

Sometimes the Girl by Jennifer Mason-Black

When eighteen-year-old Holiday, an aspiring writer, gets a short-term job sorting through the attic of an acclaimed elderly author, the author’s secrets change how Holi views art and life.

★ “Mason-Black’s prose sparkles with poetic beauty as Holi engages in introspective musings about collective mourning and how individual healing is possible only in community. . .This striking work shows the power of intergenerational relationships to fortify queer artists against erasure. . .Beautifully written and powerfully uplifting.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews

★ “A touching coming-of-age novel about healing and connection. Holi’s story models radical empathy, and its conclusion acknowledges that language is the only tool that may bridge the gap between people who seek to understand each other.” — starred, Foreword Reviews

Wild Song by Candy Gourlay

Interest Level: 8 – 12

In 1904, sixteen-year-old Luki travels from the US-controlled Philippines to the World’s Fair in Saint Louis, Missouri, where she discovers a wider world, confronts dangerous secrets, and wrestles with difficult choices.

Praise for Wild Song

★”Gourlay explores some of the consequences of colonialism with nuance and sensitivity. Luki is a spirited character who thoughtfully observes the injustices of the world around her yet maintains a sense of hope and optimism. . . Give this to fans of well-researched historical fiction featuring authentic voices.”—starred, Booklist

★”The realities of race, class, and gender in this place and period of history are rendered here with words that are honest and moving without being overly emotional or moralistic. Lovers of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy this novel.”—starred, School Library Journal

★”Successful in its enormous scope even as it portrays meticulous, tender growth in its main character. An exceptional feat.”—Shelf Awareness

Graphic Novels

I’m a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods by Anne Lambelet

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

Dumbo octopus Grimpy presents a tour of the whole cephalopod class: cuttlefish, nautiluses, octopuses, and squids. When he dwells on everything he can’t do, the others show him why it’s great to be a dumbo!

★ “For its debut, the Anne Lambelet’s Marine Life Graphic Guides recruits the cutest little narrator you ever did see: Grimpy, the dumbo octopus . . . This guide is an obvious pick for Science Comics fans, but even kids who don’t typically go for nonfiction will be delighted by the entertaining presentation of information.” — starred, Booklist

★ “Lambelet offers an enchanting blend of whimsy and well-chosen, creatively expressed facts. . . An informative, buoyant, and wildly original look at some marine marvels.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews

★ “Perfect for young marine biologists, this title uses humor and fascinating facts to capture the imagination and remind readers that new discoveries are being made every day.” — starred, School Library Journal

★ “Animal-loving kids will devour I’m a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods, Anne Lambelet’s charming, colorful, and funny guide to everybody’s favorite eight-armed sea creatures. . . a delightful, amusing nonfiction graphic novel perfect for curious kids.” — starred, Shelf Awareness

Absolutely Everything by Damian Alexander

Interest Level: Grade 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.

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

Trumpets of Death by Simon Bournel-Bosson

Interest Level: Grade 9 – 12

One rainy night, Antoine gets dropped off at his grandparents’ house in the middle of the woods. While foraging with his grandfather, he has an encounter with mysterious natural forces that changes everything for both of them.

★”Simon Bournel-Bosson’s debut graphic novel is a surreal, emotional, and intriguing exploration of intergenerational conflict, growth, and human nature.”—starred, Shelf Awareness

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.

★”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

Nonfiction

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.

★”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

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

Book Bans: Reading Under Siege by Sally McGraw

Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8

Dive deep into groundbreaking and widely discussed topics. These straightforward and balanced books inform readers on ripped-from-the-headlines issues and make the concepts accessible.

★ “With library and school book bans in the news, students may wish to learn more about the rationale, history, legalities, and impacts of this hot-button topic. The accessible text and inclusion of historical images and sources demonstrate that book banning is not a new phenomenon.”—starred, Booklist

Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation by Fred Estes

Interest Level: Grade 7 – 12

Design thinking is a six-step process used in creative problem solving. This book examines each step—notice and reflect, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—and provides case studies to illustrate how design thinking can create a more human-centered, equitable world.

★ “Ideal for teens, educators, and community leaders who want to inspire youth to apply design thinking in creating real-world solutions. The writing motivates readers to reflect on their own ideas with examples that make the concepts relatable. . . What distinguishes this book is its focus on practical, real-world applications.” — starred, School Library Journal

Dinosaur Secrets Revealed!: How High-Tech Tools Spark Discoveries by Sandra Markle

Interest Level: 4 – 6

With the help of advanced technology, scientists are making new discoveries about dinosaurs. From pressure sensors to computer models, lidar scanning to laser-simulated fluorescence, new tools are revealing new information about these prehistoric creatures.

★”A superb effort for enthusiasts who want the latest technological advances in dinosaur research.”—starred, School Library Journal

Fascinating Fungi: Nourishers, Killers, Connectors, and Healers by Karen Latchana Kenney

Interest Level: 7 – 12

From helping bread rise to capturing pollutants, fungi can do many incredible and even unexpected things. Explore the world of fungi, including strange sights, medicine, underground webs, and more.

★”From the eye-catching color photographs to the perfectly named chapter titles, readers will be hooked on this fun and informative book about fungi that truly lives up to its title.”—starred, Booklist

★”An extraordinarily well-researched, well-presented, and visually appealing book on a fascinating subject.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

★”A thoroughly researched, visually appealing, and reader-friendly title that brings the hidden world of fungi to life.”—starred, School Library Journal

Future Forward: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson

Interest Level: 6 – 12

Artificial intelligence is the capability of computer systems to imitate human behavior and thinking. Explore how artificial intelligence is used to further human goals, as well as the ethical concerns associated with its use.

★”Start here for an in-depth understanding of AI.”—starred, Booklist

Native Rights (Alternator Books ®)

Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 6

Examine current challenges and movements to protect Native American rights, resources, and ways of life. Well researched and timely, these books will give voice and context to the myriad issues facing Native peoples today.

★ “A timely and essential series.” — starred, Booklist

Omnibird: An Avian Investigators Handbook authored and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson

Interest Level: 3 – 7

This highly illustrated, playful field guide to common international birds brings the art of observology to the science of ornithology, showing the many ways these familiar creatures are remarkable if you take time to look.

★”A truly stellar work that will delight bird enthusiasts while converting the ambivalent into eager avian investigators.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

So Rude!: Animals Behaving Badly by Jessica Fries-Gaither

Interest Level: PreK – 3

Humans have many rules for how to behave, but for animals, breaking those rules can be a matter of survival. Meet rule-breaking animals including kingsnakes, hippos, bowerbirds, and many more!

★”This narrative nonfiction is well-suited to very young readers because of its succinct and direct storytelling structure, large photographs, and intriguing design. . . Succinct text, audacious facts, and vibrant imagery make this nonfiction text a good selection for preschoolers with an interest in animal adaptations.”—starred, School Library Journal

Spotlight on Social Justice series

Interest Level: Grade 6 – 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.

★”Nuanced debates throughout the series suggest that assumptions that have been made about disenfranchised groups, governments, human bodies, and reliance upon animals need to be reexamined. Each book suggests a range of actions engaged readers can take: education, advocacy, activism, and collaboration.”—starred, Booklist

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.

★ “Breathtaking and beautiful, this resonant Spanish-language book about the author’s experience with English as a child is a must-have for collections everywhere.” — starred, School Library Journal

Stars from our Lerner Publishing Distribution Partners

Lantana Publishing

Azizi and the Little Blue Bird by Laila Koubaa and illustrated by Mattias De Leeuw

Interest Level: Grade K – 4

In a country governed by fear, Azizi and a little blue bird set out on a journey to free the people of their cruel and greedy rulers. This contemporary fairy tale is inspired by the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia.

★ “De Leeuw’s scrabbly artwork, Quentin Blake–esque in stylish charm, lends a grounded whimsy to the piece, while jewel- and saffron-toned detailing evokes a distinct sense of place, serving up a visual feast. The result is a triumph. A lovely and empowering homage to real-life resistance.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

Red Chair Press

Digger: Dig or Die! by Deborah Cholette and illustrated by Davide Ortu

Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 6

Siblings Nick and Lily combine their talents to dig life-saving tunnels between houses as Earth’s atmosphere leaks into space, forcing a desperate race for survival against dwindling oxygen.

★ “The fast-paced story includes social-issue themes, including bullying, mental health, and gun violence. Ortu’s crisp illustrations individuate Cholette’s diverse cast of characters and enhance her storytelling. Young readers will find this a (pun intended) breathtaking, page-turning read.” — starred, Booklist

The Friend Dilemma by Laura Wiltse Prior and illustrated by Marta Kissi

Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5

Emma is eager to see her friends Lily and Amelia when third grade begins. But her friends’ interests have changed: Lily became a ballerina; Amelia lost interest in science. And as third grade unfolds, more differences start popping up left and right.

★ “[R]ealistic to how an eight-year-old approaches friendship issues and attempts to resolve them. . . . A relatable story for young readers on the ups and downs of friendship in elementary school.” — starred, School Library Journal

Scallywag Press

A Gallery of Cats by Ruth Brown

Interest Level: PreK – Grade 3

When Tom visits an art gallery, he wanders into a side room and discovers a magical exhibition of cats. This intriguing introduction to art will be pored over by children and adults alike.

★ “[A]n immersive and whimsical tour. . . . Brown is masterful in her tributes, and her strict design structure–Tom on the left side, paintings on the right–allows marvelous little visual gifts to emerge. . . . If Brown’s goal is to make readers of all ages curious to learn more about great artists, she should consider this goal achieved, spectacularly.”—starred, Shelf Awareness

Walker Books Australia

Frank’s Red Hat by Sean E Avery

Interest Level: Grade PreK – Grade 1

Frank is a penguin with ideas. Mostly terrible ones. That’s why his fellow penguins are nervous when he shows them his strange new creation. It was something they’d never seen or expected to see in their cold and colorless Antarctic world—a red hat.

★ “All little ones should hear—and see—this message of discovering the right audience for one’s work rather than changing one’s output to please others. . . . A worthwhile, heartwarming, and beautifully conveyed lesson to do what makes you happiest.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews

★ “[A] hilarious tale of creativity. . . . Frank’s Red Hat should serve as both a boisterous read-aloud and an excellent choice to linger with after story time. . . . Frank’s Red Hat is the jaunty, sly, extremely amusing tale of a penguin who creates a colorful hat, only to find his fellow penguins are too nervous to appreciate it.” — starred, Shelf Awareness

The Hidden Girl by Louise Bassett

Interest Level: Grade 9-12

★ “This gripping page-turner sheds light on a modern-day horror in a non-preachy manner that will appeal to young readers. . . . A thoughtful, nuanced work that explores justice, bullying, and finding one’s place in a complicated world.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

Nop by Caroline Magerl

Interest Level: Grade PreK – Grade 1

Nop is a scruffy kind of bear. He sits on a dusty armchair in Oddmint’s Dumporeum surrounded by the beaders, knitters, patchers, and stitchers. One day, he has an idea that will change his life forever.

★ “Jewel-toned watercolor illustrations will ensnare the imagination in this cozy tale.” — starred, Foreword Reviews