CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS
Simple Stories of Strong Women An A to Z Guide to Girl Power
Lisa Graves, Xist Publishing (OCT 20) Hardcover $24.99 (36pp), 978-1-5324-1570-8
Presented in alphabet form, this book names amazing women movers and shakers, explorers and leaders, artists and royalty. Its glimpses at a diverse selection of influential women throughout history are accompanied by twenty-six head-to-toe watercolor portraits, while the brief biographies outline the women’s outstanding achievements, from A for Mary Anning, who revolutionized the field of paleontology, to Z for Babe Didrikson Zaharias, a superstar athlete. It’s an excellent resource for introducing children to world-class role models.
There’s a Tiger out There!
Sophie Masson, Ruth Waters (Illustrator) Little Hare Books (SEP 1) Hardcover $18.99 (32pp), 978-1-76050-144-0
Two siblings color, play, and marvel over the majestic tiger that is perhaps closer than they think, lurking in the tall grass. Mixed-media illustrations in textured layers bring out the sunny yellow days and deep blue nights; they are a cheerful backdrop for the book’s lyrical verses and descriptive language. Excitement builds as the siblings embark on a thrilling adventure, their imaginations running wild and prompting a frantic dash to the safety of their tree house, begging the question: who is stalking whom?
Thank You, Miyuki
Roxane Marie Galliez, Seng Soun Ratanavanh (Illustrator) Princeton Architectural Press (SEP 1) Hardcover $17.95 (32pp), 978-1-61689-901-1
Miyuki is full of energy and curiosity when she finds her grandfather meditating in a Lotus blossom. She begs him to teach her to meditate, too, but the patient old man takes her for a walk in the garden instead. The book’s signature, fanciful Japanese-inspired illustrations are full of bright origami paper patterns and whimsical, oversized flowers as the girl and her grandfather explore, observe, and reflect on the natural beauty all around them, perhaps learning about meditation after all.
The Paper Boat A Refugee Story
Thao Lam, Owlkids (SEP 15) Hardcover $17.95 (40pp), 978-1-77147-363-7
Thao Lam shares her family’s history in this wordless tribute to the adults and children who were forced to flee Vietnam in the aftermath of the war. Its panels feature expressive collage art in murky shades with soft color accents, all to tell the tale of a brave little girl and her mother, who cross the South China Sea to settle in Canada. Their frightening journey is lightened by unexpected refugees in the form of an ant colony that decides to come along.
The Last Tiger
Petr Horácˇek, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (AUG 25) Hardcover $17.99 (36pp), 978-0-8028-5552-7
A cautionary tale unfolds deep in the jungle as a proud tiger goes head to head with a group of hunters and loses. Stuck in a cage, he learns the value of strength and power versus freedom. It’s a fable fit for Aesop himself. The tiger’s glowing green eyes and bright striped fur shine against the jewelled tones of the jungle and the dramatic play of city lights and shadows alike.
The Mighty Silent E!
Kimberlee Gard, Sandie Sonke (Illustrator), Familius (AUG 18) Hardcover $16.99 (32pp), 978-1-64170-247-8
It’s easy to be overlooked or ignored if you’re quiet and well behaved like Little E. Still, his classmates—an alphabet of rosy cheeked, multi-hued lower case letters—learn just how important one silent letter can be. The book’s humorous examples, such as that “cake” sounds much more delicious than “cak,” will delight emergent readers. This is a subtle and accessible lesson in long and short vowels, all wrapped up in a lighthearted story about being heard, even when you don’t say a thing.
The Birthday
Hans Fischer, Northsouth Books (SEP 1) Hardcover $14.95 (32pp), 978-3-31410515-9
Available in English for the first time ever, this timeless and charming Swiss children’s classic chronicles Lisette’s seventy-sixth birthday celebration, planned with much ado by a menagerie of pets and barnyard animals. The animals are led by two curious cats, Mauli and Ruli, as well as Bello the dog. Vintage illustrations in pen and ink with splashes of color add to the book’s rustic appeal. It’s a tale of friendship and kindness, with just the right amount of mischief involved.
Wildlife on Paper Animals at Risk Around the Globe
Kunal Kundu, West Margin Press (SEP 8) Hardcover $18.99 (40pp), 978-1-5132-6435-6
Motivate future wildlife conservationists through this series of striking images depicting endangered and at-risk species from around the world. It’s a stunning visual blend of art, nature, and zoological facts, with northern white rhinos, snow leopards, and vaquitas sculpted from paper using an original crumpling technique created by author and illustrator Kunal Kundu. Shown in dramatic light and color and at home in their jungles, mountains, and oceans, each animal is introduced with an accompanying informative note.
A Natural History of Fairies
Emily Hawkins, Jessica Roux (Illustrator), Frances Lincoln Children’s Books (SEP 29) Hardcover $30 (64pp), 978-1-78603-763-3
The secret lives of fairies are finally revealed in this whimsical field guide for open-minded naturalists. Its creative combination of scientific facts with folklore accompanies its detailed illustrations of sprites, will-o-the-wisps, oleads, and fairies. Discover the immense diversity in the habitats, physical features, and behaviors in fairies from all over the world, or marvel at their delicate wings and life cycles. This is a lovely volume for anyone looking to expand their collection beyond Tinker Bell and friends.
“Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses How James Kelly’s Nose Saved the New York City Subway
Beth Anderson, Jenn Harney (Illustrator), Calkins Creek (OCT 13) Hardcover $18.99 (40pp), 978-1-68437-399-4
New York City’s dark and dank subway tunnels are James Kelly’s specialty. In this true story, James, an Irish immigrant in the early 1900s, makes a name for himself by detecting hazardous leaks and preventing scores of explosions, all through keen observations, an overactive sense of smell, and a strong work ethic. Glowing fluorescent colors pop in the dimly lit labyrinth as “Smelly” Kelly comes to the rescue, again and again.
One Summer up North
John Owens, University of Minnesota Press (SEP 15) Hardcover $17.95 (32pp), 978-1-5179-0950-5
Shoulders slumped and arms crossed, a sullen girl embarks on a wordless outdoor adventure with her parents. Inspired by Owens’s fond memories of exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northern Minnesota, the book’s paneled landscapes overflow with wildlife and nature. The girl gradually embraces the beauty and potential all around her with increasing enthusiasm for fishing, hiking, and stargazing. Children will be scrambling to dust off their tents and oars to create their own memories, too.
Barefoot Books Amazing Places
Miralda Colombo, Beatrice Cerocchi (Illustrator), Barefoot Books (SEP 15) Hardcover $19.99 (64pp), 978-1-64686-067-8
Introducing the next generation of travellers to the architectural feats of modern and ancient civilizations, the book includes the moai statues of Easter Island, the temples of Chichén Itzá, and the ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle, fit for a fairy tale. Original artwork in soft hues helps to explore the history, geography, and lore of each site, while travelogue-worthy practical tips help plan when to visit, what to pack, and even how to enjoy these wonders from the comfort of home.
Ming’s Christmas Wishes
Susan L. Gong, Masahiro Tateishi (Illustrator), Shadow Mountain Publishing (SEP 29) Hardcover $18.99 (48pp) 978-1-62972-779-0
More than anything, Ming wants to feel like she belongs, and a Christmas tree would be grand, too. Growing up in the 1930s, she faces discrimination at school for being Chinese, and displeasure at home for being too American. The book’s beautiful illustrations feature snowy Northern California landscapes and warm indoor scenes, in which Ming’s wise father shows her how to honor her heritage while embracing new customs. It’s a heartwarming holiday story based on real events.
Glork Patrol on the Bad Planet
James Kochalka, Top Shelf Productions (SEP 1) Hardcover $9.99 (40pp), 978-1-60309-475-7
This intergalactic spinoff from the Glorkian Warrior trilogy stars the zany warrior Glork himself, along with his sidekick, Super Backpack. The duo is joined by a newcomer, Baby Gonk. Three-eyed Glork and his mini-me are adorkable in the book’s cotton candy-colored, comic-style panels. Their zany antics and over-the-top humor will have children rolling their eyes and laughing out loud as the bad planet is rescued, Glork-style.
A Very Big Problem
Amy-jill Levine, Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Annie Bowler (Illustrator), Flyaway Books (AUG 4) Hardcover $18 (40pp), 978-1-947888-11-1
With the biblical story of creation as their backdrop, each new natural element boasts that it is the best and the most loved, turning the peaceful garden upside down. Quarrels erupt between land and rain, plants and sun, and between children, too. In keeping with the book’s midrash style of storytelling, children are encouraged to imagine, question, and reflect on the world around them, while colorful illustrations (and a note to adults) complete the experience.