New Spring Picture Books

Nubby By Dan Richards; illustrated by Shanda McCloskey

A beloved but overworked toy strikes out on his own to find glory—only to find that the best rewards were at home all along in this sweet and funny picture book that is perfect for fans of Toy Story and Knuffle Bunny.

Nubby the stuffed rabbit is his owner’s favorite toy, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he’s treated. He’s been dropped, dragged, and even used as a nose wipe. He decides to strike out for a fresh start, and his adventure takes him across the realm—or at least around the cul-de-sac—in search of treasure, fame, and glory. But these rewards aren't as sweet as Nubby hoped they'd be. What's missing? 
     As Nubby travels through the neighborhood, his owner's family begins to search for him. Nubby's journey might not have taken him far, but it does teach him one thing: no amount of glory could replace the love of his owner.

The Animal Song By Jonty Howley

From musician and author/artist Jonty Howley comes a lively celebration of friendship and music, perfect for a gentle nighttime read. The story comes with a link to an original song by the author!

Snap! Poom-poom! Jingle-Jangle! Three talented animals--a crocodile playing a snare drum, a big brown bear with a bass, and a weasel with a banjo--form a traveling band to sing and play for the other animals in the woods. From spring to fall, they always attract an eager crowd. But when winter comes, the animals in the audience go off to bed and the band searches for a new stage. Skipping their own bedtime, the musical trio parades through the forest, moving on to the next performance until--Snore! Phew! Grumble-grumble!--even the band falls asleep.

A rhythmic text interspersed with onomatopoeia make the story in The Animal Song nicely noisy until the very end when--shh!--everyone is asleep. Featuring a website with original music composed by the author/illustrator, this book is perfect for helping young readers to get their sillies out right before it’s time to sleep!

The Green Piano By Roberta Flack with Tonya Bolden; illlustrated by Hayden Goodman

This autobiographical picture book by the multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack recounts her childhood in a home surrounded by music and love: it all started with a beat-up piano that her father found in a junkyard, repaired, and painted green.

Growing up in a Blue Ridge mountain town, little Roberta didn't have fancy clothes or expensive toys...but she did have music. And she dreamed of having her own piano.

When her daddy spies an old, beat-up upright piano in a junkyard, he knows he can make his daughter's dream come true. He brings it home, cleans and tunes it, and paints it a grassy green. And soon the little girl has an instrument to practice on, and a new dream to reach for--one that will make her become a legend in the music industry.

Here is a lyrical picture book--perfect for aspiring piano players and singers--that shares an intimate look at Roberta Flack's family and her special connection to music.

Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius By Lynne Cox; illustrated by Richard Jones

In this picture book that is both heartwarming and exciting, join Yoshi, a sea turtle, on her remarkable journey as she swims farther than any animal in recorded history--23,000 miles!--to return to the beach where she first hatched, to lay her own eggs.

Inside every loggerhead turtle is genius: the ability to find their first home, no matter how far away. Follow one, from her birth on a beach in Australia...to her trip across an ocean filled with sharks and seahorses and much more...to her rescue from a net by a fisherman, who names her Yoshi...to her rehabilitation at an aquarium...to her record-breaking swim across the Indian Ocean to the beach on which she hatched, to lay her eggs.

Written by Lynne Cox, also a record-breaking swimmer, here is the true story of a sea turtle who swam the longest distance of any animal in recorded history.

Ice Cream Man By Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman; illustrated by Keith Mallet

Discover the inspiring story of Augustus Jackson, an African American entrepreneur who is known as "the father of ice cream," in this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography.

Augustus Jackson was born in 1808 in Philadelphia. While most African Americans were enslaved at that time, in Pennsylvania, slavery was against the law. But while Augustus and his family were free, they were poor, and they depended on their garden and their chickens for food. Augustus enjoyed helping his mom prepare meals for their family. He dreamed of becoming a professional cook, and when his mom suggested he may be able to make meals for the president one day, Augustus didn’t waste any time in making that dream a reality. In 1820, when he was only twelve years old, he set off for Washington, DC. He applied to work in the White House, where the head cook offered him a job as a kitchen helper. After five years of working hard, Augustus, or Gus, was promoted to cook. He went on to serve presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson.

During his time at the White House, Augustus became an expert at making a popular egg-based dessert. He soon made an eggless version—known to us today as ice cream—and left the White House determined to make and sell the frozen treat to everyone, not just the wealthy. Gus headed back home to Philadelphia, and in 1830, he opened his very own ice cream parlor. He devised a way to keep the ice cream frozen so that it could be shipped and sold to other businesses. Gus also began adding rock salt to the ice that he used to make his ice cream, which made the mixture freeze more quickly. This allowed him to speed up his production process. He created more ice cream with new flavors, and soon he was shipping product via train to places like New York City, which was 100 miles away. Gus’s dream had come true, and better yet, he had brought smiles to many faces.

Shining a light on a little-known visionary, this inspiring picture-book biography includes an afterword, a list of sources, and an easy-to-follow recipe so readers can make their own delicious ice cream!

The Gentle Genius of Trees By Philip Bunting

Let trees teach you everything from how to branch out to how to stay rooted in this delightful blend of nonfiction and inspirational humor by author-illustrator Philip Bunting!

What could we clever humans ever learn from trees? Find out when you take a stroll through the woods and learn a few life lessons from our foliaged friends in this truly special book filled with graphic illustrations.  

With humor and heart, readers will encounter a small forest of facts. They'll explore the brilliance of trees in creating one interconnected wood-wide web that enables their community to collaborate with each other, share resources, warn of threats, and survive and thrive together.

This Little Kitty By Karen Obuhanych

With a bold, graphic style and a bouncy, rhyming text, this picture book catches rascally kittens being their adorable (and mischievous!) selves from morning to nap to night.

This little kitty starts the day and meows, “Wake up! It’s time to play! All the little kitties get out of bed. Their bellies grumble—it’s time to be fed."
Read along as these frisky felines pounce and play, claw and climb, and snack and sleep—until daylight fades and these little kitties are ready to receive some love and affection. Filled with bright and playful illustrations, here is an adorable picture book by debut author-illustrator Karen Obuhanych, featuring many delightful cats—all brimming with purrsonality—that will charm cat lovers and kids alike.

Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia By Jenny Liao; illustrated by Dream Chen

A heartwarming picture book about a Chinese-American girl who grows to appreciate the traditional dishes her parents prepare for her and finds a way to share her lunch with her classmates.

Everyone loves lunchtime. Everyone, that is, but Zia.

At school, the other kids are eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and apples on the side. But Zia's always nervous about opening her lunchbox. Her dumpling and noodle dishes look different and smell different. She dreads lunchtime.

Then, during her birthday week, her parents pack her a different Cantonese dish each day and explain what the food represents: a roast pork bun to bring treasure, soy sauce chicken to bring success, and more. At first, Zia doesn’t want to eat her lunch, but once she starts, she just may realize her food could bring her good fortune after all!

Hello, World! Kids' Guides: Exploring Dinosaurs By Jill McDonald

The best-selling Hello, World! board book series expands into picture books, for science and nonfiction fans who are ready for the next step.

In Exploring Dinosaurs, readers can learn all about prehistoric creatures, with favorites such as T. rex and Stegosaurus, mini dinosaurs the size of a turkey, and even a swimming dinosaur. Dinosaur fans will find:

• Fascinating details about dinosaurs from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

• Panels of stats for kids who love data, with information about size, body parts, diet, and more.

• Questions that ask the reader to think about dinosaurs in relation to themselves, such as "If you discovered a dinosaur, what would you call it?"

Hello, World! Kids' Guides: Exploring Insects By Jill McDonald

The best-selling Hello, World! board book series expands into picture books, for science and nonfiction fans who are ready for the next step.

In Exploring Insects, readers can learn all about bugs, with pollinators like bees and butterflies, incredible rainforest insects, and even an insect that uses its butt to warn off predators! Insect fans will find:

• Fascinating details about bugs and how they help the environment.

• Panels of stats for kids who love data, with information about body parts, diet, location, and more.

• Questions that ask the reader to think about insects in relation to themselves, such as "If you had wings, where would you fly to?"

Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear By Nadine Brun-Cosme; illustrated by Olivier Tallec

A picture book about three best friends who do everything together, until they each realize that sometimes having time alone can be nice too.

Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear are best friends. They do everything together and go everywhere together except for one place. They never go down the long and winding path together.  
 
But this winter, when Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear go skating on the frozen pond, Rabbit loses control and barrels straight down the path. What she finds there is one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen, but to her surprise, Big Bear and Duck both admit they sometimes go there when they want to be alone. And while she sits in the quiet calm, Rabbit begins to understand why. In this story rich with social emotional learning, young readers will see the importance of balancing time with friends and time spent on their own. 
 
Nadine Brun-Cosme and Olivier Tallec perfectly pair to create a fun story with lovable characters and an important message. This book is the ideal read-aloud to help little ones wind down before quiet time.

Sisters in Science By Linda Elovitz Marshall; illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso

Discover the fascinating true story of Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie and her sister Bronia, two trailblazing women who worked together and made a legendary impact on chemistry and health care as we know it.

Marie Curie has long been a well-known name around the world. Though Marie made extraordinary scientific advances discovering new elements with her husband, Pierre, many students do not know about the powerful bond that propelled her into science: her sisterhood with Bronia! A force in academia and health care herself, Bronia made significant contributions to the scientific world, along with her loving support of sister Marie. 

Sisters in Science is a compelling biography of two sisters who created their own paths while keeping the atomic bonds of sisterhood strong.

Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar By Written and illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

A picture-book biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the woman who invented rock and roll—a warm, inspiring tale of a childhood filled with music, community, and a drive to succeed.

"Music is the heart of our story," says Momma to young Rosetta, surprising her with her first guitar. Rosetta's strums sound like ker-plunks. But with practice and determination, she makes music, fingers hopping "like corn in a kettle," notes pouring over the church crowd "like summer rain washing the dust off a new day."

In this stunning picture book, author and illustrator Charnelle Pinkney Barlow imagines the childhood of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose rural roots inspired the music we still hear today.

Young readers will see a child's dream become reality through hard work and perseverance. And they'll learn the overlooked story of a pioneering Black artist, whose contribution to music history is only now being discovered.

Sometimes By Stephanie Stansbie; illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

This gorgeous picture book about feelings captures the many emotions two young siblings experience as they spend a day together.

Your body's full of feelings—like the tide, they ebb and flow. Sometimes they lift you high, and sometimes they bring you low. This heartwarming introduction to feelings follows a brother and sister as they navigate the highs and lows of being a kid. Lush illustrations alongside spare text depict everyday scenes kids will identify with. This gentle story in pictures offers a simple guide to life and the big feelings we can have in just one day, from fear to bravery, anger to peace.

Catching Flight By Rebekah Lowell

Intricately detailed birds seemingly fly off the pages of this poetic and encouraging picture book about hope and resilience. It's the perfect gift for birdwatchers, graduates, or anyone seeking motivation.

Catch the current of a bird’s wing. Dance with hope into open skies.

From avid birder and acclaimed wildlife illustrator Rebekah Lowell comes a soaring message of encouragement.

Readers will find inspiration in a Yellow Warbler greeting a sunrise, a flock of Canada Geese supporting each other by sharing the weight of the wind, a Red-Tailed Hawk trusting its own wings, and a plucky Northern Saw-Whet Owl braving a chilly night.

Ending on the optimistic note of a new day, this book is a parable about enduring life's setbacks, as well as a glorious celebration of the outdoors.

An afterword is included, with factual information about the ten birds featured in the book.

The Teachers I Loved Best By Taylor Mali; illustrated by Erica Root

Educator and acclaimed poet Taylor Mali honors the magic of teachers and mentors in this joyful, energetic, uplifting gift book.

Easy teachers who gave easy tests are not the teachers I loved the best....

Perfect for teacher appreciation gifts and graduation, here is an inspirational, rhyming picture book ode to the extra-special teachers we remember all those years later.

Children will love seeing themselves and their favorite teachers in scenes bursting with positivity, highlighting not just academics but sports, drama, art, music, and community. And teachers will appreciate seeing their honored profession depicted with love and gratitude.

With gorgeous and whimsical illustrations by Erica Root, here is a book that celebrates the commitment and diversity of the special people who mentor, lead, and inspire our children.

The Blue Umbrella By Emily Ann Davison; illustrated by Momoko Abe

Kindness is a magical thing, and in this gentle picture book kindness comes from somewhere unexpected. When a seemingly ordinary blue umbrella is offered to provide shelter from the rain, it grows to accommodate anyone in need.

It was not supposed to rain on the day that a small blue umbrella showed up on the little girl’s doorstep with a note saying “For you.” But  she decided to take it along just in case. And despite the odds, it did rain. Seeing that her mom was getting soaked, the girl invites her to come under the umbrella too. At first it seemed like they couldn’t possibly both fit, but then something magical happened…  
 
The umbrella grew. So they offered shelter to more and more neighbors. What should have been a tight squeeze was instead enough room for everyone. 
 
This story is a true celebration of kindness and sharing, with poignant words from Emily Ann Davison and charming illustrations from Momoko Abe, and is sure to become a favorite for young readers.

Whale Fall By Melissa Stewart; illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

This fascinating nonfiction picture book filled with stunning illustrations details the end of life for a whale, also known as a whale fall, when its body sinks to the ocean floor and becomes an energy-rich food source for organisms living in the deep sea.

When a whale dies, its massive body silently sinks down, down, through the inky darkness, finally coming to rest on the silty seafloor. For the whale, it's the end of a 70-year-long life. But for a little-known community of deep-sea dwellers, it's a new beginning. First come the hungry hagfish, which can smell the whale from miles around. Then the sleeper sharks begin their prowl, feasting on skin and blubber. After about six months, the meat is gone. Year after year, decade after decade, the whale nourishes all kinds of organisms from zombie worms to squat lobsters to deep-sea microbes.

This completely fascinating real-life phenomenon is brought to vivid and poetic life by nonfiction master Melissa Stewart and acclaimed illustrator Rob Dunlavey.

Gloria's Promise (American Ballet Theatre) By Robin Preiss Glasser and Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman

From the New York Times bestselling illustrator and former ballet soloist Robin Preiss Glasser comes a story about a young ballet dancer whose boundless determination makes her dream of dancing with the American Ballet Theatre come true.

Gloria has a very big dream: to be admitted to the summer program at the American Ballet Theatre. The day of the audition arrives, and Gloria couldn’t be more excited! She can’t wait to dance and show the world what she can do. In the ABT studios, she gets a peek into a glorious room filled with pointe shoes, ballet dancers getting fitted for tutus, and an awe-inspiring company rehearsal. She can barely believe her eyes!
 
During the audition, Gloria is determined to make an impression by pushing herself to be her best. But when she falls in front of the teacher, she wonders if her determination will be enough.
 
Robin Preiss Glasser, the bestselling illustrator of the internationally renowned Fancy Nancy series, brings exquisite and authentic details to every illustration as only a former professional ballet soloist can do. This story about a determined dancer who is working hard to achieve her dream is sure to thrill ballet students everywhere.

Little Daymond Learns to Earn By Daymond John; illustrated by Nicole Miles

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Entrepreneur, FUBU founder, and Shark Tank fan fave Daymond John introduces kids to basic ideas about money and starting their own business in this accessible picture book!

Meet Little Daymond and his enterprising friends! When Daymond hatches an idea for a small business to make money to buy a music poster he wants, the whole crew comes together and figures out their unique strengths so they can each get exactly what they want—and even have some change to spare.

Bestselling author and Shark Tank star Daymond John uses this fun story to ignite kids' early interest in how money works--including the concepts of saving, spending, budgeting, and borrowing--to develop a basic foundation of financial literacy that sets children up for success in the future.

Remember By Joy Harjo; illustrated by Michaela Goade

THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER • AN AMERICAN INDIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION HONOR BOOK • A BOSTON GLOBE–HORN BOOK HONOR AWARD • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY School Library Journal • Publishers Weekly • The Horn Book • NPR • The Bulletin • Kirkus Reviews

US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s iconic poem "Remember," illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it.

Remember the sky you were born under,
Know each of the star's stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun's birth at dawn,
That is the strongest point of time.

So begins the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way.

This timeless poem paired with magnificent paintings makes for a picture book that is a true celebration of life and our human role within it.

As Night Falls By Donna Jo Napoli; illustrated by Felicita Sala

A NEW YORK TIMES/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BOOK • This picture book is for the littlest nature aficionado. Bursting with vibrant illustrations, it offers an inviting look into the secret world of how nature goes BERSERK at night!

As night falls. The earth cools. Waters calm. Winds hush…
But outside, night time is action time for some.
Silly action. Hungry action. Wild action.

From microscopic organisms to giant cats, it's surprising who you'll find awake in the middle of the night! Dinoflagellates guzzle floating bacteria, bumblebee bats loop and swoop, racer snakes slither, weasels sneak and circle, and spot-bellied eagle owls leap and sweep. One by one, the animals of the food chain find their next scrumptious treat.

For children whose curiosity abounds, and restless sleepers greedy for one more story or one more goodnight kiss, this distinctive picture book with a science focus gives a peek at the animals that come alive at night. The striking words of Donna Jo Napoli join the electric and wild illustrations of acclaimed artist Felicita Sala to make this the perfect picture book to help young readers get out all their wiggles and giggles  before bed.

In Nightfall By Suzanne Young

In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn't the dark you should be afraid of—it's the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

Theo and her brother, Marco, threw the biggest party of the year. And got caught. Their punishment? Leave Arizona to spend the summer with their grandmother in the rainy beachside town of Nightfall, Oregon—population 846 souls.
 
The small town is cute, when it’s not raining, but their grandmother is superstitious and strangely antisocial. Upon their arrival she lays out the one house rule: always be home before dark. But Theo and Marco are determined to make the most of their summer, and on their first day they meet the enigmatic Minnow and her friends. Beautiful and charismatic, the girls have a magnetic pull that Theo and her brother can't resist. 
 
But Minnow and her friends are far from what they appear.
And that one rule? Theo quickly realizes she should have listened to her grandmother. Because after dark, something emerges in Nightfall. And it doesn’t plan to let her leave. 

Soon, Your Hands By Jonathan Stutzman; illustrated by Elizabeth Lilly

Come get to know three neighboring families, each with a young child learning about themselves in this wondrous world. This poetic picture book is a parent's ode to everything their child is--and will be--capable of doing as they grow.

Tonight, each small hand fits inside their parent's hand. But soon, this hand will grow—to dig deep in the dirt, make masterpieces and mistakes, and tell stories only it can tell.
With text that captures the potential in every child and glowing art that exudes warmth, this book braids three children's stories into one of family love.
From award-winning author Jonathan Stutzman and rising illustrator Elizabeth Lilly comes this tender book, perfect for cuddling together at bedtime.

Pocket Full of Sads By Brad Davidson; illustrated by Rachel Mas Davidson

A uniquely humorous approach to sadness, this picture book helps kids understand this big, heavy feeling while encouraging mindfulness and exploring what it means to be a good friend.

Rabbit is SO excited to go fishing with Bear. But Bear's not feeling up to it. . . . He’s feeling low, like his pocket is full of sads that are weighing him down. Although Bear doesn’t know why he’s feeling this way, Rabbit is sure she can fix it!

Rabbit looks to the internet for advice, but none of the self-help tips seem to help. The friends try meditating, healthy eating, even a new hobby, only to learn that when it comes to having the sads, there’s no easy fix—except, maybe, friendship. 

This tender picture book is the perfect primer to help children understand the heavy-hearted sadness that can come out of nowhere. And more importantly, it helps kids and adults be better listeners and more supportive companions to friends dealing with tough feelings. A must have for homes and classrooms alike!

The Artist By Ed Vere

USA TODAY BESTSELLER! A brave little artist goes on an epic adventure to share her creativity with the world in this picture book from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Ed Vere. It's an inspiring exploration of the creative spirit, perfect for fans of What Do You Do with an Idea? and The Dot.

Creative young children will see themselves and the world around them in a fresh light in this charming story about an artistic soul. Through setbacks and triumphs, our young hero adds color and life to a drab gray city, bringing beauty to those who live there. It's a journey that reminds us that it's okay to color outside the lines: Art is full of heart!

The Artist is a perfect gift for creative kids, graduates, or anyone setting out on a new path, encouraging them to face life’s obstacles with a positive outlook.

Gustav Is Missing! By Andrea Zuill

From the author of Sweety comes a heartwarming story of friendship and bravery, featuring a little mushroom who sets off into the scary world to find his missing pet slug.

Oh, no! When mushroom boy Little Cap's pet slug, Gustav, goes missing, Little Cap is beside himself. How can he summon the courage to leave his cozy home to find him? But summon he does. There are many suspicious characters just outside his door and--gasp!--he has to talk to his neighbors, but Little Cap can't be stopped.

After much perilous searching--up sheer cliffs and into deep canyons and even stepping in something really, really gross--Little Cap finally finds his very best friend, and he's changed for the better along the way. Here is a story that celebrates friendship, perseverance, and bravery, told with Andrea Zuill's signature heart and humor.

Make Way By Angela Burke Kunkel; illustrated by Claire Keane

A beautiful and fascinating picture book biography that follows the lives of Robert McCloskey, creator of Make Way for Ducklings, and sculptor Nancy Schön, whose famous bronze ducks grace Boston Public Garden.

In the beginning, there was a boy named Robert McCloskey, growing up in Ohio, his hands always moving, always creating. Many years later, after attending art school in Boston, he would reflect on his days wandering through Boston Garden and write the classic picture book  Make Way for Ducklings.

In the beginning, there was also a girl named Nancy Schön. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, working in her father's greenhouse, twisting wire and boughs into wreaths. Many years later, Nancy would look at Robert's drawings in Make Way for Ducklings and get the seed of an idea. That seed became the beloved bronze sculptures of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings that stand in Boston Garden today.

This stunning and clever picture book biography intertwines the lives of two phenomenal artists--who were contemporaries and friends--and reveals the extraordinary impact they've had on generations of children.

A Garden in My Hands By Meera Sriram; illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

This touching picture book celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories.

The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home.

There's a wedding tomorrow! And one little girl sits patiently while her mother tenderly applies intricate, delicate henna designs on her hands. As she does, she shares family stories--about weddings, monsoons, and ancestors long gone. The little girl must be careful to protect her hands as the henna dries--one smudge could ruin a story! After a whole night of anticipation, when the flakes are washed away, what will they reveal?
Lyrical text pairs with vibrant illustrations for this poignant picture book that blooms with heart, connects us to our roots, and sweetly reminds us of the the garden of love we curate with those closest to us.

This Is Not a Cookbook By Flynn McGarry; illustrated by Adil Dara

In this uniquely accessible, fully illustrated nonfiction work for young readers, Chef Flynn McGarry, who at an early age discovered a passion for food and cooking and has since gone on to receive wide-acclaim as a chef, shares his insights and explores the elements of creativity as he encourages young readers to mix passion, hard work, and their own unique perspective to achieve results that might just be life-changing.

When Flynn McGarry was ten years old, he started to cook in a serious way. At first he simply wanted to make better food for his family, so with the help and support of his parents, he turned his bedroom into a personal kitchen. Yes, his curiosity was intense. He committed himself to developing his knowledge of food and culinary technique by reading cookbooks and watching chefs on YouTube and the Food Network. He then pieced together information that excited his sensibilities, paying attention to every detail—from the design of a kitchen to the type of container being used, from the color and texture of food to its arrangement on a plate. He thought not only about menus and the taste of food, but also about where it was grown and how it was harvested.
    Now in his midtwenties, Flynn is a well-known chef with his own restaurant and much more happening in his life. Still, with all his success, this modest young man is inspired to share his creative process and his innovative thinking about aesthetics and food, especially with young people. 
        Of course, some of Flynn’s favorite recipes are included, for those who also want to cook and eat well!

Always Anjali By Sheetal Sheth; illustrated by Jessica Blank

Meet Anjali! She's the spunky star of this picture book with a timeless message about appreciating what makes us special and honoring our different identities.

Anjali and her friends are excited to buy matching personalized license plates for their bikes--but Anjali can't find a plate with her name. She is often teased about her "different" name, and this is the last straw. Anjali is so upset that she demands her parents let her pick a new name! When they refuse, Anjali decides to take a closer look at who she is--beyond her name--and why being different means being marvelous. 

Actress and activist Sheetal Sheth has penned a deeply personal picture book about the experience of feeling othered and the journey toward embracing yourself.

Hooray for DNA! By Pauline Thompson; illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

Bill Nye meets Green Eggs and Ham in this playful and rhythmic nonfiction picture book that introduces readers to the concept of DNA, and celebrates the similarities we share with all life-forms--and each other!

DNA is the ABC
of what makes you, you
and what makes me, me.

Did you know we share DNA with every living thing? Humans, bugs, bears, even a virus--we all have shared DNA hidden inside us! 

From a debut author and an award-winning illustrator, here is a bouncy and playful picture book--perfect for the classroom or for story time--about the genetic code that makes up all living things, and reminds us that we're all more alike than we think.


“A peppy, approachable intro to a big topic” —Publishers Weekly

“...delivers a solidly worthy message grounded in biochemical fact.” —Kirkus Reviews

“…will certainly pique the curiosity of future scientists.” —School Library Journal

“A fun introduction to the concept of DNA and genetics, and how we are all connected in some way with other animals around us.” —Ben Kleinstiver, PhD, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Research Institute

Cooking with the Birthday Bird By Glenda Armand

The Birthday Bird—star of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic Happy Birthday to You!—bakes a cake in this simple, rhymed easy reader ideal for inspiring young cooks, especially on their birthdays!

In this sweet, easy-to-read story, the Birthday Bird arrives at a child's house to bake and decorate a birthday cake. An ideal choice for children learning to read, baking enthusiasts, and of course, Dr. Seuss fans; it's perfect for encouraging young children to help in the kitchen!

Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.

I Am Born to Be Awesome! By Renee Mechal Roe

Beautiful Black and Brown boys are the stars in this level 1 Step Into Reading book from the Happy Hair series. It's a bright, joyful easy reader that will have boys everywhere saying "I am born to be awesome!"

Kids will love seeing strong, happy reflections of themselves in this vibrant, rhyming, level 1 reader about the joy of being a boy—listening to music, swimming, exploring nature, being on a sports team, baking, doing math, and more. Full of easy-to-read fun on each page, this easy reader promotes boys' self-esteem, smarts, and strength.

Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.

Look for all the books in the Happy Hair series:
• Cool Cuts
• Happy Hair
• I'm Growing Great
• Smart Sisters
• I Love Being Me! (Step Into Reading)

Grumpy Monkey The Egg-Sitter By Suzanne Lang; Illustrated by Max Lang

Jim Panzee, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series, is very grumpy when his plans for the day are ruined when Oxpecker persuades him to babysit her egg.

Jim wakes up to a perfect day and is ready to have fun. Instead, Oxpecker persuades Jim to sit on her egg for just a minute...and now she is nowhere to be found! Poor Jim is stuck being the egg-sitter. Then Norman suggests that the other jungle animals take turns, so everybody gets a chance to play. But when Jim, Norman, and Leslie take a lunch break, the troublesome egg rolls away. Jim runs after it, but the egg slips by him and ends up with the eggs in Snake's nest. When the snake eggs hatch, the baby snakes look right at Jim and cry "Mama!" Jim vows to never egg-sit again.

Easy-to-read words and colorful illustrations will lead young readers to a lifelong love of books.

Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Hatch an Egg (Bobo and Pup-Pup) By Vikram Madan; illustrated by Nicola Slater

What will hatch from the hairy brown egg Bobo and Pup-Pup find? This hilarious book is perfect for fans of Elephant & Piggie who are ready for two new buddies. By Geisel Honor winner, Vikram Madan.

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's an egg falling from the sky? Best friends Bobo and Pup-Pup will discover what's inside once it hatches. But wait...how will they help the egg hatch? Is it even an egg? Find out as they work together and discover a surprise while readers are in on the joke.

This story will have kids as young as 2 years old on up to age 7 laughing out loud! New readers will gain confidence as graphic chapter books serve as a great bridge to graphic novels and longer chapter books. Don't miss a single book:

We Love Bubbles!
Let's Make Cake!
The Funny Book

Housecat Trouble: Lost and Found By Mason Dickerson

Your favorite housecat is back and braver than ever! But when a lost kitten turns up, can Buster and his friends help it find its way home? This funny chapter-book graphic-novel series returns with more hijinks and even more cats!

Buster has been around the block--literally!

After an adventure outside his home to help his owner, Buster now finds himself in the position of helping a lost little cat. Buster, Nova, and Chauncey take to the streets to find the cat's owner. But this strange stray turns out to be a ghost, and a reunion with its owner is going to be a lot harder than they thought! Will Buster and his friends have what it takes to reunite this lost cat and its owner?

The First Woman Cherokee Chief: Wilma Pearl Mankiller By Patricia Morris Buckley; illustrated by Aphelandra Messer

Find out all about Wilma Pearl Mankiller, the first woman Cherokee chief whose image appears on the U.S. quarter, in this Step 3 Biography Reader.

In 1985, Wilma Pearl Mankiller became the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She had to convince her people that the chief should be the best person for the job, man or woman.

Before the English came to what is now the United States, Cherokee women and men shared the leadership of the tribe. This created balance. But the English colonists told the Native People that men should be in charge.

It stayed that way for many years, until Wilma Pearl Mankiller made history. She used the concept of gaduji, of everyone helping each other, to make the Cherokee Nation strong.

Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots and popular topics—for children who are ready to read on their own.

Maxie Wiz and Her Dragon By Michelle Meadows; illustrated by Sawyer Cloud

A rollicking, rhyming, magical adventure in this Step 1 Reader featuring a young wizard in training!

Maxie Wiz wants a pal. HOCUS-POCUS—a dragon egg appears! Soon, he almost grows too large for the castle! What spells will Maxie come up with to help with her new pet?

Follow this little wizard and her hatchling dragon for a day full of fun and charming spells! Easy-to-follow rhyme ensures a successful reading experience, while bright, lively art brings this delightful story to life.

Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading.

Graduation Day! By Candice Ransom; illustrated by Ashley Evans

It's time to graduate Kindergarten in this Step 1 Reader featuring the family from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, and all the DAY books.

The school year is nearly over, and little bro is ready to graduate kindergarten! He and big sis head off for the very last day of school. He learned so much and can do so much on his own now. His cubby is cleaned out, he has his cap and gown, but—oh no!—his shoe is untied! No worries, he'll show everyone what he can do! 

Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading.

A day with family is always a great day! Read all the DAY books:
Apple Picking Day!
Pumpkin Day!
Garden Day!
Beach Day!
Snow Day!
Grandparents Day!
School Day!