Spooky season is upon us, but fear not! We still have you covered with the latest and greatest releases. Take a look at this collection to see the new picture books, young adult novels, graphic novels, and nonfiction books coming to bookstores everywhere today!
New Picture Books
Kiki and Me by Leo Timmers and translated by David Colmer
First there was a long, windy road. Then I heard voices. The gate lowered . . . and there she was. Kiki.
Kiki and her horse explore the landscape together and are inseparable. But Kiki grows older and things change. One day, the horse is alone—and thinks it will be forever.
Delicate black-and-white drawings alternate with rich, dramatic paintings to tell a poignant story about inseparable friends and growing up.
Praise for Kiki and Me
★ “A visually stunning and felicitous story that is genuinely special.”—starred, Booklist
★ “Equestrian adoration brought to life via breathtaking artwork—an unequivocal champion.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★ “This book stages joy so fully, and resolves heartache with such virtuosity, that it is lifted into rare air.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
★ “A tender and visually exquisite picture book that demonstrates the power of storytelling through illustration while celebrating the lasting bond between humans and animals.”—starred, School Library Journal
Armchair Bear by Gavin Bishop
Uncle Norman, a big soft bear, tries to get his puff back by becoming as strong as a gorilla . . . until his niblings remind him what matters most for a bear. Young readers will cheer for this family picture book by New Zealand’s preeminent children’s author/illustrator.
Praise for Armchair Bear
“A reminder for readers aged 4 to 8 to turn off devices and embrace the fun of playing outdoors.”—Books+Publishing
“Repeat readings guaranteed. . . A charming and clever psychodrama on finding a happy medium.”—Kirkus Reviews
The New Cat by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic and illustrated by Chris Park
An old cat thinks his family’s new baby is a new cat (with hardly any fur!). As the baby grows, Hunca Munca teaches it everything a growing cat needs to know. Both hilarious and heartfelt.
Praise for The New Cat
★ “Lucianovic and Park dive deep into the sweetest aspects of sibling and pet affection. . . . A twist on both new baby and mortality of pet tales, all the stronger for the merger.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
“With humor and heart, this story reassuringly addresses how families can change and grow and accept new members without forgetting those who came before.”—Booklist
“Hunca Munca’s unforgettable role is captured with affecting precision in this visually magnetic book.”—Publishers Weekly
I Fly: An Airplane’s Fantastic Flight by Kelly Rice Schmitt and illustrated by Jam Dong
Sleek, regal, gravity-defying, I fly the open skies. A long-haul commercial airplane narrates its flight, from mechanics getting it in tip-top shape and boarding passengers all the way through the pilot’s safe landing.
Praise for I Fly
“An informative trip through friendly skies.”—Kirkus Reviews
“As preparation for a child’s first flight or for anyone who loves to watch planes fly overhead, this picture book captures both the mechanics and the magic of traveling by air.”—School Library Journal
Harriet Hubbard and the Sold-Out Hanukkah by Bonnie Grubman and illustrated by Noa Kelner
With the grocery store shelves bare, the first night of Hanukkah seems like it’s going to be a bust. Now, quirky heroine Harriet must collaborate with friends and neighbors to create an unexpectedly perfect Hanukkah feast.
Praise for Harriet Hubbard and the Sold-Out Hanukkah
“A joyfully zany Hanukkah confection.”—Kirkus Reviews
The Shabbat Flood: A Texas-Sized Tall Tale by Jan Schwaid and illustrated by Evelline Andrya
Bubbe shares an exciting childhood story with Maya and Ethan about a storm that flooded their Texas town when Bubbe was a child. The townspeople’s resilient spirit shines through, even in the face of disaster.
Praise for The Shabbat Flood
“Altogether delightful.”—Kirkus Reviews
“With rollicking writing by Jan Schwaid and fabulous illustrations by Evelline Andrya, this tall tale expands on a true story about a flood and builds in the importance of challah.”—The Jewish Book Garden
“This is a rollicking tall tale of challah and community spirit, told by Bubbe to her grandchildren, just the way she remembers it. Based on a real Texas flood and a baker who delivered challah in a canoe! The digital collage illustrations are saturated with color.”—AJL Holiday Highlights
New Young Adult Novels
Being Amani by Annabelle Steele
After leaving Amani’s abusive father, Amani and her mother have adjusted to life in a new city. They live with Amani’s loving grandfather, and Amani has made new friends and is dating for the first time. But when her father reinserts himself into her life, asking her to be a bridesmaid in his upcoming wedding, Amani’s equilibrium is shattered. Has her father really changed, as he claims? How will this affect her mom, who’s struggling with depression? And is Amani’s own romantic relationship starting to echo the problems she saw with her parents? To avoid repeating those patterns, Amani will have to confront her unhealed wounds.
Praise for Being Amani
★ “A powerful and affecting outing about grief and healing.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
“In less than 200 pages, debut novelist Steele captures the inner workings of a not-quite adult struggling with trauma while trying to continue her everyday life of school, parties, and friendships. . . .The ultimately uplifting denouement will leave readers with the notion that being unflinchingly themselves is the best way to live.”—Booklist
New Graphic Novels
Mini-Monsters in Your Backyard by Ian McGee
Insects are fascinating creatures—so fascinating, in fact, that they’ve inspired the creators of famous monsters. From assassin bugs to voodoo wasps, these creepy insects squirmed their way into popular culture—and they just may be lurking in your own backyard!
Praise for Mini-Monsters in Your Backyard
★ “For kids who love smart and snarky books about science, nature, and monsters of all shapes and sizes.”—starred, School Library Journal
“Blood-curdling fun for young nature lovers.”—Kirkus Reviews
New Nonfiction
Welcome Home, Buffalo: Restoring Connections Between People, Prairie, and Bison by Sandra Markle and Ferin Davis Anderson
The lives of buffalo, Indigenous people, and the North American prairie have long been intertwined. Discover how returning buffalo to their historic ranges benefits Indigenous people as well as the prairies they steward.
Praise for Welcome Home, Buffalo
“Markle’s name on a new book is a sure sign of thorough research, quality information to engage young readers, and stories that go beyond simple, historical facts to become deeply relevant to today’s readers.”—Booklist
“Broad, illuminating, and overall upbeat.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Packed with stunning contemporary and historical photographs and maps, and content includes quotes from primary sources. . . . a unique look at buffalo and would be a great addition to middle-grade nonfiction collections, especially those located near sites where buffalo have been reintroduced.”—School Library Journal
Water Bears in Space: How Tardigrades Could Help Humans on Earth and Beyond by Connie Goldsmith
Water bears are the hardiest animals on Earth, able to tolerate radiation, extreme temperatures, and more. Learn about these unusual animals, the conditions in which they can survive, and how understanding them could benefit human health research and even space travel.
Praise for Water Bears in Space
“An authoritative introduction to these cute, mysterious, and awesome little creatures.”—Booklist
“An appealing overview that is likely to spark curiosity.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A riveting and readable look at science in action that will be useful for reports and to satisfy the growing interest in water bears.”—School Library Journal
New in Paperback
Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle by Melody Howard Ritt and illustrated by Nia Gould
Charley Chipmunk and Seymour Squirrel are celebrating Hanukkah together, but when Charley forgets to bring the candles, the aroma of latkes frying in oil helps the best friends—miraculously—find a way to light the menorah.
Praise for Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle
“The conflict resolution and the cozy illustrations make for a refreshingly thoughtful holiday tale. As sweet as Hanukkah gelt.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Readers may suspect they’re celebrating not just the story of Hanukkah, but also the wonder of their friendship.” —Publisher’s Weekly
“Young readers and listeners will enjoy the silliness, and possibly the knowledge that they have better memories or deduction skills than Charley. The solution Seymour suggests (don’t try this at home) is reminiscent of the Hanukkah legend of the oil miracle.” —Horn Book Magazine