CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Picture books

Big Cat, Little Cat, by Elisha Cooper (Roaring Brook; 40 pages; $16.99; ages 3-6). What makes a perfect picture book? See for yourself in this tender tale of friendship, birth, death and renewal.

Mama Lion Wins the Race, by Jon J Muth (Scholastic; 56 pages; $17.99; ages 3-5). In an exciting Italian road race, two stuffed animals team up to learn that cooperation beats competition.

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again), by Dan Santat (Roaring Brook; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8). All the king’s men did put Humpty together again but left him challenged by a fear of falling in this quirky spin-off.

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC’s (the Hard Way), by Patrick McDonnell (Little, Brown; 48 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8). A cat runs into an alligator, bear, chicken and dragon in this wild goose chase through the alphabet. No words allowed.

Say Zoop!, by Hervé Tullet (Chronicle; 64 pages; $15.99; ages 2-5). Develop musical literacy by making many different sounds under the direction of this cleverly interactive French import.

Robinson, by Peter Sis (Scholastic; 48 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8). A boy imagines himself alone on a remote isle, far from playground teasing and humiliation. Themes: resourcefulness and reconciliation.

The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse,

by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen (Candlewick; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8). Why do wolves howl at the moon? This original pourquoi tale suggests getting eaten alive and dancing up a storm as reasons.

The Antlered Ship, by Sashka Slater; illustrated by the Fan Brothers (Beach Lane; 48 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8). Shown in ethereal art, a philosophical fox joins other animals aboard a magical sailing ship. His quest? Answers to life’s questions.

Nothing Rhymes with Orange, by Adam Rex (Chronicle; 48 pages; $16.99; ages 4-8). Cabana and banana. Cantaloupe

and antelope. Fruits must rhyme with something to get into this goofy parable that manages to include Orange. Now, by Antoinette Portis (Roaring Brook; 32 pages; $17.99; ages 3-6). Enjoy the moment — smelling a flower or singing a song. That’s the mindful message in this sweet and simple ode to gratitude.

La Princesa and the Pea, by Susan Middleton Elya; illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal (Putnam; 32 pages; $16.99; ages 4-8). A beloved Hans Christian Anderson tale gets a makeover — Peruvian setting, lots of Spanish words, and one determined prince.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff, by Jerry Pinkney (Little, Brown; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 4-7). Lively watercolors dramatize this classic, given a modern sensibility about standing up to bullies and working together.

Love the World, by Todd Parr (Little, Brown; 32 pages; $17.99; ages 2-5). “Love giving a hand. Love taking a stand.” Stand-out advice from this ultra-bright imperative about loving yourself and the world.

Why Am I Me?, by Paige Britt; illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko (Scholastic; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8). A brown boy and peach-colored girl ponder identity aboard the subway in this thoughtful reflection.

Professional Crocodile, by Giovanna Zoboli & Mariachiara Du Guirgui (Chronicle; 32 pages; $ 17.99; ages 4-8). A crocodile “subways” to a mystery job in this droll Italian import, told exclusively in charming art.

Round, by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Taeeun Yoo (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 32 pages; $17.99; ages 4-7). Round-shaped things get a round of applause in this lovely study of the sun, moon, rocks, raindrops and more.

Fiction

Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate (Feiwel & Friends; 216 pages; $16.99; ages 8-12). A threatened old oak narrates this nuanced novel about a lonely Muslim girl, prejudice, survival, kindness, friendship and fond wishes.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street,

by Karina Yan Glaser (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 298 pages; $16.99; ages 7-10). This Penderwick-esque novel introduces a biracial family of five takecharge kids, soon to be ousted from their Harlem brownstone by a curmudgeonly landlord.

Beyond the Bright Sea, by Lauren Wolk (Dutton; 294 pages; $16.99; ages 10-up). History and mystery blend in a poignant page-turner about a girl abandoned at birth, searching for her past.

The War I Finally Won, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (Dial; 388 pages; $16.99; age 9-12). This sequel to “The War That Saved My Life” continues Ada’s harrowing and heartening story from blitzkrieg England — refuge,

corrective surgery and a perplexing arrival from Germany.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo, by F.C. Yee (Amulet; 314 pages; $18.99; ages 13-up). In this debut novel, Asian mythology plays out in the Bay Area as seemingly ordinary kids fight evil. Some R-rated language.

Charlie & Mouse, by Laurel Snyder; illustrated by Emily Hughes (Chronicle; 36 pages; $14.99; ages 4-8). Emergent readers: Meet two brothers in four spirited chapters — wake-up, a party, a sales scheme and bedtime.

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas (Balzer + Bray; $17.99; 458 pages; ages 14-up). Starr negotiates a swanky prep school and her blighted neighborhood in this sadly relevant novel, implicitly about concerns of Black Lives Matter.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground, by Rita Williams-Garcia; illustrated by Frank Morrison (Amistad; 168 pages; $16.99; ages 8-12). Longing, loss and love infuse this affecting novel about an African American boy, his dear and departed grandfather, his angry mom, New York subways and becoming a bluesman.

Thick as Thieves, by Megan Whelan Turner (Greenwillow; 352 pages; $17.99; ages 13-up). In this fifth installment of the “Queen’s Thief ” series, an ambitious slave to the emperor faces dangers and dilemmas across imaginary lands.

The Wonderling, by Mira Bartók (Candlewick; 452 pages; $21.99; ages 10-14). With Dickensian overtones, this old-fashioned storybook focuses on a kind and curious fox-like creature in a search of possibility.

Graphic novels

Real Friends, by Shannon Hale; artwork by LeUyen Pham (First Second; 220 pages; $12.99 PB; ages 8-12). The roller-coaster of elementary school friendship propels this candid memoir about queen bees, “wannabees,” memory, and connection.

The Big Bad Fox, by Benjamin Renner (First Second; 188 pages; $15.99; ages 7-11). Fox is outfoxed by not-sochicken chickens in this funny tale about inter-species parenting and being yourself.

5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior, by Mark Siegel and others (Random; 256 pages; $12.99; ages 8-12). Nonstop action drives the sci-fi as three unlikely kids team up to save five worlds from extinction.

Pashmina, by Nidhi Chanani (First Second; 176 pages; $16.99; ages 10-14). Why did her mother leave Calcutta? Who is her father? An Indian American teenager wants answers in this richly imagined journey of self-discovery.

Nonfiction

Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers; illustrated by Shawn Harris (Chronicle; 104 pages; $19.99; ages 5-8). The Statue of Liberty stands with one foot in midstride. Why? This momentous mustread suggests a gracious theory.

How to Be an Elephant: Growing Up

in the African Wild, by Katherine Roy (Roaring Brook; 48 pages $18.99; ages 7-11). Thrilling watercolors and fascinating explanations show how elephant calves survive on the African savanna.

The Secret Project, by Jonah Winter; illustrated by Jeanette Winter (Simon & Schuster; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8). Headlines scream about A-bombs. This sobering history tells how the first one was made in New Mexico during World War II.

Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals, by Nicola Davies; illustrated by Petr Horácek (Candlewick; 108 pages; $19.99; ages 3-7). Big and small, at home and in action, 40 animals each star in a fact-filled poem and flattering portrait.

Just Joking: Jumbo: 1,000 Giant Jokes & 1,000 Funny Photos Add Up to Big Laughs (National Geographic Kids; 288 pages; $14.99 PB; ages 7-10). How does space stay clean? Such fare ekes out laughs about science, sports, history, cuisine and more.

Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin (Roaring Brook; 56 pages; $19.99; ages 7-12). A father-daughter backpacking trip reveals the flora, fauna and geology of a grand national park in this grand natural history.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel; 48 pages; $19.99; ages 3-7). With

heartfelt welcome, a new father tells his son about space, land sea, animals, plants, people and his hopes.

Fred Korematsu Speaks Up, by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi; illustrated by Yutaka Houlette (Heyday; 112 pages; $18; ages 8-12). A civil rights tutorial, this timely case study recounts how one Japanese American resisted FDR’s Order 9066.

Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World, by Reshma Saujani (Viking; 170 pages; $17.99; ages 10up). This hip how-to covers computer science concepts, creative projects and closing the gender gap in tech.

The Football Fanbook: Everything You Need to Become a Gridiron Know-It-All, by Gary Gramling (Sports Illustrated; 192 pages; $19.99; ages 8-12). Football is today a political football. This enthusiastic guide goes back to basics — lingo, stats, skills and trivia.

Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor, and Loki, by Kevin Crossley-Holland; illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love (Candlewick; 226 pages; $27.99; ages 10-up). Why Norse myths? “They tell us about ourselves and our world … through the lens of imagination,” says this stately volume.

Queer There and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World, by Sarah Prager (Harper; 260 pages; $17.99; ages 12-up). San Franciscans like Del Martin, Phyllis Lyons and Harvey

Milk are included in this cheeky anthology about oppression and progress.

Al Roker’s Extreme Weather: Tornadoes, Typhoons, and Other

Weather Phenomenon, by Al Roker (Harper; 48 pages; $16.99; ages 8-12) Slick color photos augment a celebrity weatherman’s take on dangerous conditions and the aftermath — drought, floods and wildfire.

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy’s Fight for an American Icon, by Natasha Wing; illustrated by Alexandra Boiger (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 48 pages; $17.99; ages 7-10). The former first lady did not live to see a favorite landmark preserved, but she did play her part.

I’m Just No Good at Rhyming and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups, by Chris Harris; illustrated by Lane Smith (Little, Brown; 192 pages; $19.99; ages 8-12). Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein enthusiasts will giggle through 100 original poems in this absurdly delightful anthology.

Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin, & Turn It Out! Games, Songs & Stories From an African American Childhood, collected by Patricia C. McKissack; illustrated by Brian Pinkney (Schwartz & Wade; 174 pages; $24.99; all ages). Mary Mack and John Henry figure into this rich collection that contextualizes childhood favorites from the African American tradition.

Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond, by Martin Jenkins; illustrated by Stephen Biesty (Candlewick; 64 pages; $17.99; ages 8-12). Check out some good news in this up-to-date report about curiosity, innovation and discovery.

Biography

Vincent and Theo: The van Gogh Brothers, by Deborah Heiligman (Holt; 454 pages; $19.99; ages 14-up). A scholarly masterpiece about a tumultuous but ultimately fruitful relationship.

The World Is Not a Rectangle: Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid, by Jeanette Winter (Beach Lane; 56 pages; $17.99; ages 5-10). This welcome tribute details how a visionary architect references her Iraqi homeland and struggles to succeed.

Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and June Jo Lee; illustrated by Man One (Readers to Eaters; 32 pages; $18.95; ages 5-10). Bold graffiti and staccato writing are just right for this Korean American foodie, proponent of fusion and inclusion.

Danza: Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de Mexico, by Duncan Tonatiuh (Abrams; 32 pages; $18.95; ages 6-10). Folk-style art follows a girl with a dream — to become a dancer. She later founds her own traditional dance company.

Alexander Hamilton: Revolutionary, by Barbara Brockenbrough (Feiwel & Friends; 372 pages; $19.99; ages 12up). The hit musical has popularized a complex Founding Father, here given close examination.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality, by Jonah Winter; illustrated by Stacy Innerst (Abrams; 48 pages; $18.95; ages 6-9). Convincing facts make the case: how a determined girl overcomes obstacles to rise to the highest court in the land.

Mama Africa! How Miriam Makeba Spread Hope With Her Song, by Kathryn Erskine; illustrated by Charlie Palmer (Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 48 pages; $18.99; ages 6-10). One voice makes a difference. That’s the lesson from this stirring tribute to the singer who helped dismantle South African apartheid.

I Am Gandhi, by Brad Meltzer; illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos (Dial; $14.99; ages 5-8). Seen in cartoonstyle, the Indian freedom fighter talks about throwing off British rule and offering an alternative to violence.