Happy Book Birthday: January New Releases

Help children and young adults get started on their New Year reading resolutions with these new titles!

New in Picture Books

Who Will Rule the Trees? authored by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Alette Straathof

• Interest Level: PreK – 2

When God appoints leaders for all creatures, the trees seek a ruler too. The humble olive tree stands out for its ability to create light, earning its crown as the wise and powerful leader.

Praise for Who Will Rule the Trees?

“Straathof’s art is particularly appealing, with layers of watercolor and ink, shifting colors, and expressive tree faces. The deeply textured backgrounds will have children running their fingers over the pages. A visually compelling ode to flora.”—Kirkus Reviews

Talia and the Passover HUG-gadah authored by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Francesca Assirelli

• Interest Level: PreK – 2

Talia is excited to celebrate Passover with hugs, since her books call it the “HUG-gadah.” Talia learns that Passover is about much more than hugs—and also gets the hug she’s been waiting for.

Praise for Talia and the Passover HUG-gadah

“Though Talia may be confused, the audience is unlikely to be, thanks to Marshall’s playful text, rife with delightful dramatic irony. . . A joyful and humorous Passover celebration.” —Kirkus Reviews

New in Nonfiction

Bien jugado (Good Game) by Charlotte Reed

• Interested Level: PreK – 2

Join Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, and their friends from Sesame Street and learn what it means to be a good sport! Now in Spanish!

Praise for Good Game (English edition)

“A winner for young sports and games enthusiasts.”—Booklist

“Using this book with children before engaging in any type of competition allows for a discussion on how to play fair, follow the rules, and be kind-three things young children struggle with when playing games . . . Young readers will enjoy seeing familiar characters from the storied children’s program, as well as the photos of kids who look like them playing games. Reviewer Rating: 5″—Children’s Literature

Kendrick Lamar: Revolutionary in Rhymes by Carla Mooney

• Interest Level: 8 – 12

One of the most influential rappers today, Kendrick Lamar has greatly impacted hip-hop and musical storytelling. From the release of his first mixtape to being honored with a Pulitzer Prize in Music, his achievements and activism make him a dynamic icon.

Praise for Kendrick Lamar: Revolutionary in Rhymes

“An accessible introduction to a hip-hop virtuoso that trusts teens’ ability to tackle complex social issues.”—Kirkus Reviews

“An attractive layout and visually appealing design will draw in young readers who are interested in learning more about Lamar and his work.”—School Library Journal

New in Paperback

Written in Bone by Sally M. Walker

• Interest Level: 5 – 8

Sally M. Walker works alongside scientists as they excavate colonial-era graves and examine fragile 400-year-old skeletons. See what they can determine about these early Americans—a ship’s captain, an indentured servant, and others—from studying their bones.

Praise for Written in Bone

★”. . .those intrigued by forensics and history will find [Written in Bone] absolutely fascinating.”—starred, Booklist

★”Readers will be enticed by both the scientific detective work and by the tantalizing mysteries that remain.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

★“Written in Bone casts a magnifying glass on the hardships and realities of colonial life so often romanticized in American lore.”—starred, School Library Journal

Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire by Ferin Davis Anderson and Stephanie Sammartino McPherson with photos from Sarah Kallemeyn Whitt

• Interest Level: 8 – 12

Environmental scientist Ferin Davis Anderson and author Stephanie Sammartino McPherson examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources and how climate change is impacting the future of fire.

Praise for Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire

★”It’s nice to have this balanced, reassuring offering that puts wildfires into ecological perspective. . . This authoritative STEAM selection has multiple crosscurricular applications, engaging live action-style reporting on narrow escapes and heroic deeds, and serves as a buffer for climate anxiety.”—starred, Booklist

“Advocacy for Indigenous fire-management practices, a thorough account of wildfire science, information on firefighting—and a blazing black-and-orange color scheme—make this book a hot ticket. . . Skillfully introduces the complex story of wildfires, Indigenous knowledge, and climate change.”—Kirkus Reviews

“With the prominence of wildfires in the news and the popularity of television shows like Fire Country, wildfires and fire ecology are bound to be a subject of interest to many young readers. This book is recommended to satisfy the curiosity of middle school and junior high readers.”—School Library Journal