May Happy Book Birthday

We are happy to showcase these new titles to inspire young readers and build excitement for the fast-approaching summertime!

New Picture Books

The World Game: Soccer Circles the Globe authored by John Coy and illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang

• Interest Level: K – 4

Follow a fast-paced soccer game around the globe, moving to a new location with each turn of the page. Action-packed text and vibrant illustrations will keep readers hooked until the final goooooooooal!

Praise for The World Game: Soccer Circles the Globe

“The text breathlessly describes the fast-paced action during each game, with young players kicking, heading, and dribbling the ball with impressive athletic skill. . . . Quang’s vibrant cartoony illustrations, made with pencil and Photoshop, deftly depict players in motion. . .”—Horn Book Magazine

“A visually dynamic exploration of soccer’s global reach, blending artistic innovation with informative content, best appreciated for its inventive design and educational back matter.”—Booklist

“Just the ticket to catch young fans’ interest in the beautiful game.”—Kirkus Reviews

New in Graphic Novels

Bora, Leap, and Kyma: Book 3, authored by Lylian, illustrated by Paul Drouin and Luisa Russo, colored by Lorien, and translated by Montana Kane

• Interest Level: 4 – 8

With the entire world obsessed with the battle between giants, a stone statue in Cambodia awakens to find harmony with twin siblings.

Praise for Bora, Leap, and Kyma: Book 3

“Shifting perspectives between the young protagonists and Crossland’s scheming leads to a dramatic cliffhanger that will be catnip for fans of action and adventure. The visuals are consistently high quality throughout; not only the giants’ page-filling appearances, but also the village streets, riverside shanty town, and secluded forest cave. A colorful expansion of the series cast, setting, and lore that sets the stage for a showdown to come.”—Kirkus Reviews

The Worm Turns Up: In Summer (Book 2) authored and illustrated by Raymond McGrath

• Interest Level: PreK – 2

Can a wiggly, slimy worm be friends with a bird? If Spider has anything to say about it, they’ll all be besties from the get-go. But Bird isn’t so sure . . .

Praise for The Worm Turns Up

“Friendship flourishes beautifully in this enchanting seasonal snapshot.”—Kirkus Reviews

New In Middle Grade Fiction

The Summer Scrapbook by Florence Migga

• Interest Level: 5 – 8

To get through their first summer apart, best friends Ava, Becca, and Cat plan to compile materials for a joint scrapbook. Surprises await and bonds are tested as they step out of their comfort zones.

Praise for The Summer Scrapbook

“Filled to the brim with drama, crushes, and shenanigans galore, this is a new classic summer tale.”—Nicole D. Collier, author of The Best Friend Bracelet

“The group’s alternating viewpoints—enhanced by multimedia ephemera, such as the trio’s letters to one another, personal notes, and ticket stubs—offer an intimate look at growing independence and an affirming portrait of friendship in transition.”—Publishers Weekly

“Migga excellently captures the voice of girls in the summer between middle and high school . . . A classic coming-of-age friendship tale, this is an easy sell, especially to those in similar shoes as the main characters.'”—School Library Journal

“An engaging novel about friendship, self-confidence, and trust.”—Kirkus Reviews

Edith: The Girl Who Was 100 Years Old, authored and illustrated by Catharina Valckx and translated by Antony Shugaar

• Interest Level: 1 – 4

A philosophical adventure story for early readers that playfully combines fairytale with absurd comedy to ask a big question about what makes a good life.

Praise for Edith: The Girl Who Was 100 Years Old

★”A sparkling celebration of life rooted in change, aging, and the necessity of death itself.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“Delightfully quirky in nature, young readers who join the adventures will enjoy brief chapters with unexpected characters, clever artwork, and interesting interactions. Written and illustrated by Dutch-born children’s author Valckx and sweetly translated by Shugaar, it is an unusual read as well as a great conversation starter.”—Booklist

“The book touches on themes including well-meaning but misguided parenting, the mixed emotions of growing up and the importance of friendship and community for a good life. While Valckx doesn’t delve into these ideas too laboriously, giving younger readers a change to engage, she does offer older or more advanced readers a chance to think about these issues. Valckx’s warm, whimsical illustrations give the book a classic fairy tale feel, bringing humour and heart to Edith’s world.”—Books+Publishing