Discover Diverse Picture Books
Art © 2026 by
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Welcome to Lite LittleOne Catalog: Diversity.
In this issue, we explore a rich mix of categories, including food, general fiction, music, relationships, and world cultures. Discover special books from both new and familiar voices you can trust.
Author Varsha Bajaj shares the gripping story of a boy’s trip to a tiger sanctuary in Roar. In How Black Music Took Over the World, Melvin Gibbs explores why artists like Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone move us so deeply. #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds delivers a stirring story of music and friendship in Soundtrack. These are just a few highlights—there are many more great books waiting to be discovered inside, including a section exploring the delicious foods enjoyed around the world.
These titles offer joy, inspiration, and opportunities for growth, while nurturing emotional and overall intelligence. We are proud to present books that invite readers into fantastical new worlds and broaden their understanding of our own.
For even more new titles, be sure to explore our Publisher Select and Publisher Gallery websites.
Enjoy!
Director of Marketing and Advertising, Books &
FOOD
Bread Is Love
Makhijani, Pooja / Naidu, Lavanya (Illustrator)
Join a mother and her adorable children for their weekly baking ritual in Pooja Makhijani’s touching story, with warm, tender art by Lavanya Naidu. Bread Is Love celebrates the act of baking and eating bread, and sharing it with family.
9781250906885
02/10/2026
Roaring Brook Press
Grandma, Cho Cho and Me
Christie, Morgan / Santos, Paulica (Illustrator)
A girl and her grandmother are making breakfast for the whole family! Jamaican favorites like ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings, and delicious cho cho are on the menu today. As they chop and stir, the girl has one big question for Grandma—why does their family eat such BIG breakfasts?
Emeka, Eat Egusi!
Iloh, Candice / Jackson, Bea (Illustrator)
From award-winning author Candice Iloh and New York Times illustrator Bea Jackson comes a warmhearted picture book celebration of traditional Nigerian home cooking and the surprising joys of trying new things, from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum.
9781773067513
03/03/2026
Groundwood Books
9781665937610
03/17/2026
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Fly in the Chai
Wadhwani, Zenia / Prabhat, Chaaya (Illustrator)
Who loves chai more? Nanu ... or the pesky fly that lands in his fresh cup? On a trip to the market, Nanu gets a cup of chai. But before he can take a drink, his granddaughter stops him just in time. Who will win the chai battle?
A Little Halwa and a Big Family
Bazger, Farid / Abdallah, Sahar (Illustrator)
A charming tale about the sweetness of sharing food together. When she overhears her parents planning to make a special dessert just for themselves, Malala enlists her brothers and sisters, and comes up with a plan to ensure everyone gets their share.
03/24/2026
Tundra Books
BestoftheStacks
Chopsticks Are
Ward, Chloe Ito / Scurfield, Lynn (Illustrator)
Chopsticks are our sous-chefs in the kitchen. They are shape, texture, and art. They are also remembering, celebration, and good luck. Learn about the countless things these amazing utensils can be in this picture book that makes learning about chopsticks as joyful as using them!
03/24/2026
Running the Goat
03/31/2026
Chronicle Books
At the Cookout
Fisher, Nadia
CiCi just can’t wait to get to her Grandma’s house for the family’s first big cookout of the summer. There’s plenty to look forward to: the food, the games, the music, and seeing all her aunties and uncles. There’s just one problem: she can’t seem to find her favorite cousin anywhere!
$19.99 Hardcover Reinforced 3-6 E
9780593860335
04/07/2026
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Pan Dulce
Bowersock, Aaron
Created with high-contrast imagery, each spread is specifically designed to help strengthen little ones’ growing eyes. This board book introduces young ones to the scrumptious world of Latin America’s sweet bread, like orejas and galleta, in English and Spanish. It is the perfect Sunday morning tummy-time activity.
Let’s Eat!
Singh, Rina / Leung, Flo (Illustrator)
North, south, east, and west, everywhere—a foodie fest! This inviting picture book is a joyful, rhyming celebration of foods of the world, including chai, raspado, and khao-yum salad. These treats are prepared lovingly by children and their caregivers, and then shared at a community feast.
Deli Days
Rothberg, Jenna / Pantaleo, Marta (Illustrator)
At Zeyde’s Deli, Sundays mean helping Grandpa serve the neighborhood’s best pastrami on rye. One moment, you’re carrying a tray of the deli’s famous sandwiches. The next, you’re standing in a sea of broken cookies and scattered sprinkles. It’s time to learn what family tradition really means.
$11.99 Hardcover
2-5 E
9781962227339
04/07/2026
Lil’ Libros
9781459840386
04/14/2026
Orca Book Publishers
9781964992273
05/05/2026
Scribe US
A Taste of Home
Hassan, Maryam / Wilson, Anna (Illustrator)
Tariq loves food, from delicious dinners with his big family to scrumptious surprises in his lunchbox at school. But when he’s asked to bring in a special dish for his class picnic, Tariq begins to worry about how he’ll choose just one tasty favorite! $19.95
9781623716417
05/05/2026
Crocodile Books
Rainbow Cookies
Newman, Lesléa / Asterplume, Z. B. (Illustrator)
Every month, Ms. Madeleine creates a special cookie of the month for her bakery. One June, a little girl named Cookie and her moms taste the best cookie yet: a confection baked especially for Pride. But Rainbow Cookies make some people angry. Cookie gathers friends and neighbors to support Ms. Madeleine.
05/05/2026
Levine Querido
If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him ... the people who give you their food give you their heart.
—Cesar Chavez “”
A Garden for Lili
Iwai, Melissa
The grandmas in Lili’s building show her the secrets of gardening while preparing dishes from around the world in this companion to Dumplings for Lili. Lili’s apartment building is having a block party! Lili heads down to the garden to get Nai Nai green onions for her fried rice recipe.
Luna Picks a Lucky Dumpling
Yim, Natasha / Kim, Violet (Illustrator)
Luna and her cousin Mina are making sticky-rice dumplings for the Dragon Boat Festival. Hidden inside some of them is a lucky golden egg yolk. Everyone wants a lucky dumpling! Especially Bei-Bei, Luna’s youngest cousin. How can Luna and Mina improve little Bei-Bei’s chances of picking a lucky dumpling?
9781324082187
05/12/2026
Norton Young Readers
9781623546601
05/19/2026
Charlesbridge Publishing
FICTION
Goodbye, French Fry
Yu, Rin-rin
This sparkling debut novel features a Chinese American girl doing her best to stay true to herself. What’s a girl to do when she can’t be in as much control as she’d like to be? Luckily, Ping-Ping is a wiz at taekwondo—she’s learning how to kick her frustrations away.
$17.99 Hardcover
8-12 F
9780593858080
02/17/2026
Nancy Paulsen Books
Hail Mariam
Al-Marashi, Huda
This story is drawn from the author’s own experiences in Catholic school. Sixth grade wasn’t supposed to be this complicated. Iraqi American Mariam Hassan transfers to a local Catholic school. Before her first day, her parents remind her that she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever met.
Mythspeaker
Roubique, Christopher
Thanks to a prophecy revealed when he was little, 13-year-old Kyta always knew that he was destined to save the world. But waiting for that moment has long kept him on edge. So when the ground quakes and the trees whisper that something is wrong, Kyta leaps into action.
$17.99 Hardcover 8-12 F 9798217112968
02/24/2026
Kokila
$18.99 Hardcover
8-12 F
9798217039043
02/24/2026
Viking Books for Young Readers
You’re a Winner, Gracie Wei
Chase, Kristen Mei / Tran, Basia (Illustrator)
Meet Gracie Wei—a go-getting fourth grader who’s determined to win her school’s spelling bee competition! There’s just one problem—well, person—in her way. Elena Yarberry has had it out for Gracie since kindergarten. Can Gracie finally beat Elena and earn a coveted spot on the Wei’s Special Wall?
Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions
Saber, Ahmad
An intensely brave, beautifully honest, and wryly funny story about a gay Muslim teen who has to choose between being true to himself or his faith—and his realization that maybe they aren’t as separate as he thought.
$15.99 Hardcover 7-10 F
9780593812969
03/03/2026
Knopf Books for Young Readers
$21.99 Hardcover 14-19 F
9781665960694
03/03/2026
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
The Animals Speak
Nelson, S. D. / Goodhouse, Dakota (Translator)
This strikingly illustrated picture book focuses on connecting with the natural world. From our animal brothers and sisters, young readers learn the Lakota Way, an ancient principle that transmits the virtues and values we should all strive to include in our own lives.
$18.99 Hardcover 3-8 E
9781419764448
03/17/2026
Abrams Books for Young Readers
Yasha’s Amazin’ Bar Mitzvah
Gurevich, Margaret
A Russian American boy searches for his identity, true friends, and above all, tickets to see the Mets win the World Series. It’s 1986, and 13-year-old Yasha Reznik doesn’t understand why his parents moved them all from his Russian community of Brighton Beach to the suburbia of Rockwood, New Jersey.
$17.99 Hardcover 8-12 F
9780593659465
03/17/2026
Penguin Workshop
While We’re Here
Wynter, Anne / Archer, Micha (Illustrator)
Award-winning creators Anne Wynter and Micha Archer share a mother-daughter tale about delighting in small pleasures throughout the city. Anne Wynter perfectly captures the hurry and hustle of a busy day. When plans change and a girl and her mother slow down to savor small pleasures, the real celebration begins.
Pecosita’s Freckly Freckle Face
Neil, Aliya King / Neil, Shane Paul / Velasquez, Eric (Illustrator)
Pecosita has a magnificent face full of freckles. Her abuela says they make her shine as bright as the estrellas in the sky! Sometimes, kids make fun and say Pecosita’s face looks like it’s full of spots. But Pecosita knows hers are as stunning as the dots on her dalmatian.
Their Name Is Alex
O’Toole, Paloma
A colorful, fun picture book about gender identity and pronouns— and super cool fish! Alex’s class is taking a field trip to the aquarium! While there, the teacher encourages the students to pick a sea creature they’d most like to be.
$19.99 Hardcover
3-8 E
9780063238299
03/24/2026
Clarion Books
$19.99 Hardcover 3-8 E
9781665936538
03/31/2026
Denene Millner Books
$18.99 Hardcover 5-8 E
9780316577571
05/12/2026
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Roar
Bajaj, Varsha
Witness the gripping story of a boy whose eye-opening trip to a tiger sanctuary ignites his desire to join those who are roaring to protect the animals. Rohan loves tigers, so he’s thrilled when he gets to fly to India and stay near the tiger sanctuary where his grandfather works.
$17.99 Hardcover
8-12 F
9780593699058
05/12/2026
Nancy Paulsen Books
Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel
Avachat, Arushi
Nineteen-year-old Rani Deshpande is on a mission to reinvent herself the summer before transferring to her new university. After a challenging freshman year, Rani has crafted a packed summer to get back on track—including regular driving lessons from her aggravating family friend (and childhood crush), Kush Khanna.
That Which Feeds Us
Kendall, Keala
A native Hawaiian teen travels to a luxury island resort in search of her missing twin and uncovers the dark side of paradise, in this YA supernatural thriller that’s Mexican Gothic meets She Is a Haunting. For the world’s wealthiest, Kōpa’a Island Resort is the ultimate escape.
$25.00 Hardcover 12-19 F
9781250895912
05/19/2026
Wednesday Books
$20.99 Hardcover 14-19 F
9798217117963
05/26/2026
Random House Books for Young Readers
Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him. —Maya Angelou “”
Clara the Cucuy
Rescuer
Kemp, Laekan Zea / Palacios, Sara (Illustrator)
Clara, a young Latine-American girl, wants to rescue monsters with her family. She dreams of being a great cucuy rescuer just like her dad. But when it’s finally time for her first mission, Clara worries—does she have what it takes?
$18.99 Hardcover 5-8 E
9780063371002
06/16/2026
HarperCollins
NONFICTION
Twice Enslaved
Castrovilla, Selene / Robinson, Erin (Illustrator)
Here is the true story of Henrietta Wood, who was enslaved twice—but who demanded justice and was awarded the largest reparations ever granted for enslavement. Henrietta Wood was born enslaved. On June 19, 1865—Juneteenth—she was emancipated. $19.99
9781662680748
02/03/2026
Calkins Creek Books
My Bicentennial Summer
Neri, G. / Wilkin, Corban (Illustrator)
Award-winning author G. Neri reflects on a childhood crosscountry road trip with his family, sharing the wonder of America’s most famous landmarks, the best (and worst) of its history, and the diversity of its people. The year is 1976, and America is throwing its biggest birthday party ever—its bicentennial.
Once Upon a Time in Japan
NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation / Pulvers, Roger (Translator) / Carpenter, Juliet Winters (Translator)
When wily animals, everyday people, and magical beings come together in this collection of Japanese fairy tales, wonderful things are bound to happen! Each story is brilliantly illustrated by a different talented Japanese artist. The tales recounted here are among Japan’s oldest and most beloved stories.
$18.99
9781536239577
03/03/2026
Candlewick Press
9780804859646
03/17/2026
Tuttle Publishing
From the Fields to the Fight
Quezada Padron, Angela / Salinas, Sol (Illustrator)
This is a timely and inspiring picture book biography of Jessica Govea Thorbourne, a Latina labor activist who worked alongside Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to bring attention to the plight of migrant farmworkers. Though her journey started when she was very young, Jessica found her voice and empowered others.
¡Viva Valenzuela!
Alonso, Nathalie / Parra, John (Illustrator)
Meet LA Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, the rookie who became a symbol of Mexican American pride and a hero to Latinos everywhere. Baseball reporter Nathalie Alonso (author of Call Me Roberto!) joins Mexican American illustrator John Parra to celebrate this sensational player who was known for his signature pitching style.
By Erin Yun
03/24/2026
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
03/24/2026
Calkins Creek Books
Pippa Park Raises Her Game
Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway
By Ashley Hards
Juneteenth
Mitchell, Dolisha / Jefferson, Ashley
From the ALA Stonewall Award–winning Little Feminist team comes a gorgeous photographic board book celebrating Juneteenth, showcasing real families and communities. Young readers will see festivities and merriment in action as kids, their adoring adult caretakers, and their neighbors share stories, prepare meals, listen, hug, dance, and more. $9.99
2-5 E
9781419780127
04/07/2026
Abrams Appleseed
The Fight of Our Lives
Levithan, David / Duckels, Gabriel
This thoughtful, poignant look at the AIDS crisis in the United States includes primary source interviews, history, medical research, and cultural touchpoints. Threaded throughout are poems, essays, and other creative works. The most important takeaway is that we must remember. We need to know what happened and why.
Black Hands
Weatherford, Carole Boston / Christie, R. Gregory (Illustrator)
Commemorate the innumerable ways that the African American community has shaped the foundation of the United States in this stunning, poetic picture book. Black Hands celebrates the countless contributions of African Americans—from building the White House, birthing jazz, and landing a man on the moon to pushing for social justice.
A Doctor at Heart
Schoettler, Joan / Walthall, Steffi (Illustrator)
A fascinating and inspiring picture book biography about Vivien Thomas, a pioneer of children’s heart surgery and trailblazer for Black people in STEM. With the power of his passion, perseverance, and dedication to learning (and without any formal college education), Vivien saved thousands of lives.
9780593710920
04/21/2026
Knopf Books for Young Readers
9798217031856
04/28/2026
Crown Books for Young Readers
9781481476669
05/12/2026
Beach Lane Books
Auntie Kristina’s Guide to Asian American Activism
Wong, Kristina / Chao, Theodore / Wang, Anna Michelle / Joffe, Jenessa / Malik, Shehzil (Illustrator)
Activism is more than just screaming with signs—it’s also about discovering who we are, building spaces, and documenting our community. Vibrant and witty, this book shows young readers how to love their bodies, fight for social justice, and be proud of the history that’s made them who they are.
Queer and How We Got Here Newlevant, Hazel
More than a historical narrative, this story of queer identity interweaves the author’s personal history. When Hazel was 12 years old, they came out as bisexual to their parents. At the time, they couldn’t have imagined who they are today: a nonbinary, transmasculine person in a loving queer relationship.
9781506496412
04/14/2026
Beaming Books
05/12/2026
Little, Brown and Company
All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
No Brain the Same
Metcalf, Lindsay H. (Editor) / Dawson, Keila V. (Editor) / Bradley, Jeanette (Editor) / Bradley, Jeanette (Illustrator)
Through powerful poems, this book honors neurodivergent youth activists transforming their communities and invites kids to act. Fourteen poems by CooXooEii Black, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Liv Mammone, Lyn Miller-Lachmann, K. A. Reynolds, and others honor activists from all over the world and the United States.
9781623545833
06/02/2026
Charlesbridge Publishing
The 123s of Baby’s Needs
Lora, Loris (Illustrator)
Teach your baby to communicate their basic wants and needs (verbally and with sign language) as they learn to count from one to 10 with this irresistible board book. Needs and numbers are accompanied by clearly illustrated sign language diagrams to learn with your baby.
Liberty’s Forgotten Hero
Grant, Kesha L. / Williams, Anastasia Magloire (Illustrator)
$9.99 Hardcover
2-5 E
9781499818949
06/09/2026
Little Bee Books
This is the inspiring true story of James Forten, who served in the American Revolution as a teenager—and then dedicated his life to fighting for the ideals set forth by the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.” $21.95 Hardcover
06/16/2026
Lee & Low Books
Sharing Across Cult ures
MUSIC
Kendrick Lamar
Mooney, Carla
Meet 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar. From the release of his first mixtape in 2004 to his outspoken advocacy on social justice issues, including racial inequality, police violence, and the struggles of Black communities in America, rapper Kendrick Lamar is anything but ordinary.
Choir Grrrl
Granillo, Ashley
Thirteen-year-old Alondra was born into a musical family. Her dad, the former frontman of a famous alt-rock band, expects her and her sisters to follow in his footsteps. But when a classmate invites her to join a choir club, Alondra discovers a new way of making music.
$37.32 Library Reinforced 12-19 B
9798765688632
01/01/2026
Twenty-First Century Books
$19.99 Hardcover 10-14 F
9798765671351
02/03/2026
Carolrhoda Books
Singing Justice, Singing Peace
Brown, Monica / Mendoza, Molly (Illustrator)
An illuminating picture book biography of renowned Mexican American folk musician Joan Baez, whose songs of justice, peace, and activism have inspired listeners to create positive change across the world. From a young age, Joan Baez knew she wanted to make the world a better place.
$19.99 Hardcover 3-8 B
9781665926607
02/24/2026
Beach Lane Books
Put Your Records On
Rae, Corinne Bailey / O’Mara, Gillian Eilidh (Illustrator)
Inspired by Corinne Bailey Rae’s award-winning hit song, this picture book celebrates music’s unique power to soothe or energize us when we need it most. It all starts when Bea’s Great Aunt Portia shows her a special room full of records during one of their Sunday visits.
$18.99
9780593533024
03/03/2026
Rocky Pond Books
BestoftheStacks
Songbird in the Light
Porter, Billy / Clarkson, Chris / Palmer, Charly (Illustrator)
A beautiful picture book about the power of finding your voice. Mama says her little boy is a songbird. But at school, his classmates make fun of the way he walks and the way he talks— which makes him feel like a songbird too shy to sing.
$19.99 Hardcover 3-8 E
9781419745836
03/17/2026
Abrams Books for Young Readers
Mariachi
Reyes, Citlali (Illustrator)
Can you hear the music echoing all around the concert hall, the beat of the guitarrón, and the vocalista singing her heart out? This bilingual English-Spanish board book will introduce little ones to all the magical instruments within a mariachi band and immerse them in the artistic world of music.
$11.99 Hardcover
9781962227377
04/07/2026
Lil’ Libros
How Black Music Took Over the World
Gibbs, Melvin
Why do Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone move us the way they do? One of the world’s greatest bassists lays down the heart of Black music, revealing how its rhythmic structures and the long history of the African diaspora made it the world’s most popular form.
$30.00 Hardcover 12-19 780.8996
9781541603240
04/14/2026
Basic Books
Hear Ye Mortals
Méndez, Yamile Saied
Two brothers struggle against a totalitarian regime in this historical YA novel about fighting for what you believe in, even when the world around you tries to silence your voice. In 1976 Rosario, Argentina, brothers Daniel and Adrián Aguirre share a passion for music and a bond as best friends.
Bollywood Beat!
Yasuda, Anita / Oza, Devika (Illustrator)
$19.99 Hardcover 12-19 F
9781646146376
05/05/2026
Levine Querido
Delight in the ringing of ankle bells and the swish of colorful scarves as Bollywood dance is described in playful rhymes. Two sisters arrive for the Masala Magic Dance Recital. They join the other performers to get ready. $19.99 Hardcover 3-8 E
9781525309618
06/02/2026
Kids Can Press
Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. —Ludwig van Beethoven “”
Charley’s Honky-Tonk Mission
Iker, Beatrice Winifred / Milien, Miguelina (Illustrator)
A rollicking picture book biography about Charley Pride, the first Black country music superstar. Charley Pride was born with a honky-tonk mission: to bring all types of folks together through music! A multitalented singer, he played baseball in the Negro Leagues before exploding onto the country music scene.
$18.99 Hardcover 3-8 B
9798217003693
06/09/2026
Kokila
RELATIONSHIPS
Nisha Knows Best
Macias, Maryann Jacob / Joshi, Maithili (Illustrator)
A warm, reassuring picture book about listening to your heart and advocating for yourself, even to those you love most. Nisha’s aunties and uncles love to show love. But Nisha is used to it!
So when Nisha’s Ammamma and Appappa arrive from India, everyone is surprised when Nisha is suddenly shy.
We All Love
Flett, Julie
The follow-up to We All Play ! Join baby bears, little ducklings, curious foxes, and many more adorable creatures as they remind us of all the ways, big and small, that we show love and care. We All Love is a poetic reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world.
9781984815552
02/10/2026
Dial Press
$18.95 Hardcover
3-6 E
9781778403279
02/10/2026
Greystone Kids
Oh Brother
Chadderton, Georgina
Every kid is shaped by their family—but not every kid has a brother like Rob. In this bright and thoughtful graphic memoir, debut cartoonist Gina Chadderton examines the fun and difficult parts of growing up alongside their autistic and nonverbal brother.
$21.99 Hardcover
8-12 B
9780593488270
02/10/2026
Random House Graphic
Being the Biggest
Mead, Molly / Woodward, Antonia (Illustrator)
Told through the eyes of an oldest child, this tender and relatable picture book helps older siblings navigate the joys and challenges of growing into their new role. Through playful scenes and moving moments, our narrator learns that even grown-ups don’t always feel like being the biggest. $18.99
9781836004158
02/17/2026
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Ways Papi Says I Love You
Ruiz, Delia / Vélez Aguilera, Carlos (Illustrator)
How many ways can Papi say I love you without saying the words? Through actions big and small, his love shines during a road trip in this heartfelt celebration of the father-daughter bond—ideal for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle.
9781623546304
03/24/2026
Charlesbridge Publishing
Mama Hug
Straub, Emma / Lewis, Stevie (Illustrator)
Join this lovable Mama and baby for a joyful day of fun and snuggles in this delightful board book. Bestselling author Emma Straub has created an irresistible rhyming text, and Stevie Lewis’s bright, adorable illustrations are the perfect match.
9798217113699
04/07/2026
Rocky Pond Books
My Daddy Is Everything
Weatherford, Carole Boston / Corrin, Ashleigh (Illustrator)
A celebration of the love between father and child. With simple, charming text and colorful illustrations, this board book highlights the special role that Daddy plays in a child’s life and celebrates the many ways that he shows his love!
9781464233609
04/07/2026
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
A Good Morning for Giddo
Constantine, Dahlia Hamza / Latham, Irene / Hosam, Basma (Illustrator)
A granddaughter makes her Giddo’s birthday extra special with a surprise gift in this delightful picture book that celebrates Egyptian art and family. When Somaya and her beloved Giddo (the Arabic word for “grandfather”) make their weekly trip to the market, Somaya is impatient to get to the tentmaker’s stall.
When It’s Your Turn for Midnight
Musariri, Blessing
When 15-year-old Chianti learns that her dad isn’t her biological father, her family splinters. Chianti soon becomes fascinated by a box of her grandmother’s old photos—and realizes that time is slippery, family isn’t defined by blood, and it’s never too late for a transformation.
04/07/2026
Nancy Paulsen Books
04/07/2026
Carolrhoda LAB
All Our Families Are Awesome
Bellière, Charlotte / De Haes, Ian (Illustrator) / LockwoodHolmes, Katy (Translator)
This frank and funny celebration of diverse family structures is told naturally through a playground conversation. A group of children want to play Families, but they can’t decide how: all their families are different. Excitedly, the children share what their families look like.
When We Go Home
Beaumont, Heather / De Mello, Nátali (Illustrator)
Marlee’s parents are excited. “We are going back home!” they tell her and her brother. Marlee knows that the island is where her parents grew up, but she’s never been there. Slowly, the warm welcome from her large, loving family helps Marlee see that what her dad says is true.
The Chismosas Only Book Club
Kemp, Laekan Zea
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Mexikid in this heartwarming novel with illustrations about four friends and the magical bookstore that holds them together. Cat, Sofia, Ana, and Mari are best friends. Nothing, nada, can break the special bond that they share.
Stream
Salazar, Aida
Two teens are sent to Mexico for the summer to unplug in this hilarious and heartwarming dual narrative. Newly graduated eighth graders Celi and Elio don’t know each other, but after a catfishing incident in their Oakland, California, community goes viral, both sets of parents discover their recent screen overuse.
$18.99 Hardcover
3-6 E
9781782509516
05/05/2026
Floris Books
$19.99 Hardcover
3-6 E
9781525312519
05/05/2026
Kids Can Press
$18.99 Hardcover 10-14 F
9780593859766
05/26/2026
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
$18.99 Hardcover 10-14 F
9781338775679
06/02/2026
Scholastic Press
Sol Goes for Goal!
Anta, Julio / Mendez, Gabi (Illustrator)
It’s back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol’s trying out for the middle school soccer team, but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!
$21.99 Hardcover 8-12 741.5973
9780593651681
06/09/2026
Random House Graphic
Cherish your human connections: your relationships with friends and family.
—Joseph Brodsky
How to Lose Yourself Completely
Bognanni, Peter
A captivating story about a teen grappling with grief and anxiety who is sent to wilderness “adventure therapy”— an experience that will change his life forever. Ever since Sean’s death, Case’s anxiety has been spiraling. Sean wasn’t just his older brother—he was also Case’s best friend.
$20.99 Hardcover 14-19 F
9781250409348
06/02/2026
Balzer + Bray
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
Yulu’s Linen
Wenxuan, Cao / Lee, Suzy (Illustrator) / Wang, Helen (Translator)
A talented young artist battles with the linen she’s trying to paint on in this inspiring picture book about the power of perseverance, from two Hans Christian Andersen Award–winning creators. Yulu has the makings of a great artist, her teachers and parents agree. But can she paint a self-portrait?
Little Monk Writes Rain
Liu, Hsu-Kung / Wang Yung-Hsin, Rachel (Translator)
A Buddhist monk practices calligraphy every single day for 20 years—calming his heart and bringing an unexpected gift to a nearby city. As rain falls, Old Monk invites Little Monk to practice calligraphy. One day, someone comes to the temple asking for help: the city has no water.
One Word, Six Letters
Khorram, Adib
Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community. It all starts when freshman Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event.
$19.99
9781665931199
02/03/2026
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
$18.99 Hardcover
9780802856579
03/03/2026
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
$19.99 Hardcover 12-19 F
9781250405555
03/17/2026
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
What to Do When It’s Time to Calm Down
Goodwin, Cara, PhD / Turner, Katie (Illustrator)
Teach toddlers how to calm down when big feelings strike! This educational board book helps toddlers understand why these outbursts can happen and what they feel like. It reveals tangible ways to calm their bodies and make too-big feelings a little bit smaller.
My Body, My Rules
Passchier, Andy
This read-aloud picture book helps adults begin important conversations about bodies and boundaries in a supportive and affirming way. We all use our bodies to express ourselves. This resource for all kids helps explain the basics of both body liberation and how to advocate for yourself and respect others.
9798886081541
03/24/2026
Callisto Kids
04/07/2026
Little Bee Books
My Mom Is Like a Kite
Detlefsen, Lisl H. / Dion, Nathalie (Illustrator)
A child touchingly narrates the ups and downs of living with a parent who experiences mental illness. Sometimes Mom soars like a kite. Other times, the kite becomes a sail, and she’s like a boat, bobbing along the waves, until water spills over the sides and she starts to sink. $19.99 Hardcover 3-6 E
9781773068534
04/07/2026
Groundwood Books
A World of Kindness
Pajama Press
In a series of questions, this book discusses the many ways children can show kindness to others. Full-color illustrations, now printed in an even more beautiful, padded hardcover with heavyweight paper, are rendered by nine celebrated children’s book illustrators. $17.95 Hardcover 3-6 E
9781772783667
04/07/2026
Pajama Press
Henry Upside Down
Bailey, Jenn / Song, Mika (Illustrator)
It’s Henry’s turn to take care of the school garden. And his best friend, Katie, will help him. But then a new girl named Ivy joins their garden crew. Suddenly, Henry’s world feels upside down. Follow along as Henry learns to tend a garden and maybe make a new friend.
Three Pieces of Broken Glass
Isler, Emily Barth / Stamper, Vesper (Illustrator)
Evocative and soul-stirring, Three Pieces of Broken Glass is based on author Emily Barth Isler’s personal history. Three pieces of broken glass sit on Grandma Inge’s windowsill. When Inge’s greatgranddaughter asks why Inge has kept these shards, she learns decades-old stories from her great-grandmother’s life.
The Cloud That Stuck
Krossing, Karen / Leung, Dorothy (Illustrator)
Some clouds just won’t go away. When one hovers above Tansy’s head, she learns to live with it through love, support, and creative thinking. Inspired by the author’s experiences with mental health, this book is for anyone who has faced challenges beyond their control.
$14.99 Hardcover
9781797235998
04/07/2026
Chronicle Books
9781419778728
04/14/2026
Abrams Books for Young Readers
$17.99 Hardcover 5-8 E
9781623545727
04/14/2026
Charlesbridge Publishing
The Healer and the Phoenix
Trinh, Linda / Nguyen, Quynh Anh (Illustrator)
A powerful group of 10-year-olds, along with their legendary ally animals, must work together to find their voices and help heal a broken world. When 10-year-old Starbright Mai is chosen as the newest member of Van Lang’s Legendary Allies Team by a phoenix named Ruby, her whole world changes overnight.
$19.99 Hardcover 7-10 F
9781834020693
04/14/2026
Annick Press Ltd
Confessions of a Mango
Lumsden, Kate / Pieplow, Nate
Ruby Emmerson has always felt like the “dumb” twin. Struggling with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, she feels out of place at her competitive charter school. In a moment of frustration, Ruby vents anonymously online, describing herself as an imposter—a mango among lovebirds. To her surprise, she’s far from alone. $17.99
9780316586078
04/14/2026
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Jia Has a Dog Problem
Sy, Stephanie Ellen / Kung, Isabella (Illustrator)
Jia runs from every dog—big, tiny, spotted, or shaggy. Charlie the French bulldog hides from every kid—behind couches, laundry, even grown-ups’ legs. When something far scarier forces these two together, they discover a sweet surprise: a friend who understands.
Finding My Wave
Katona, Alexandra / Palacios, Sara (Illustrator)
Mia finds her bravery and catches her first real wave while surfing with her abuela in this joyful, lyrical picture book that’s perfect for summer and for grandparent/grandchild sharing. One early morning, Mia and her abuela head to the ocean to surf. But Mia’s tummy is churning wildly.
9780593697085
05/12/2026
Kokila
$18.99
9780593857014
05/26/2026
Rocky Pond Books
The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue
Katouh, Zoulfa
From the celebrated author of As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows comes a poignant novel about a Syrian American girl who uses a magical sketchbook to turn her grief into art, painting miraculous murals of her mother’s life in Syria.
$19.99 Hardcover 12-19 F
9780316351942
06/02/2026
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
WORLD CULTURES
When Cherry Blossoms Fall
Goldsaito, Katrina / Imamura, Yas (Illustrator)
Celebrate springtime and the beauty of life. Little Yuna can’t wait for her great-grandmother’s cherry tree to bloom. She and her hībāchan spend each day outside, watching the tree’s flowers unfurl. But once the tree blooms, the moment is so brief before it loses its petals again.
Sun, Moon, and Star
Miller, Nancy So
Three sisters must outsmart a hungry tiger in this fresh retelling of a beloved Korean folktale. When Eomma goes to market, she gives her three daughters only one rule: don’t open the door until she returns. Creatures roam the nearby mountains. But as the hours pass, the sisters grow anxious.
02/10/2026
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
$18.99
9780823459407
02/24/2026
Holiday House
Girls Like Me
Rebel Girls
Take a trip around the world and hear from 70+ girls from 46 different countries. Girls Like Me inspires young readers to be proud of their interests and of who they are, while learning about the lives, traditions, and hobbies of real-life Rebel Girls all around the world.
$29.99 Hardcover 8-12 920.72
9798217126279
03/03/2026
DK Publishing
The Big Green
Wilson-Max, Ken
In an upbeat story, Ken Wilson-Max conveys the excitement and hope created by a vast, community-powered project to bring more trees to sub-Saharan Africa. It’s another hot day in Mali, at the edge of the desert, and Mariam and Issa know something special is about to happen.
Prodigal Tiger
Chong, Samantha
For five years, Caroline Chua has lived in exile at a magical academy in New York City. That is, until she is abruptly summoned home to Malaysia for an emergency—her beloved older brother, Aaron, who is next in line to become the Protector of the Island, has vanished.
03/17/2026
Candlewick Press
03/17/2026
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
The Children of the Sun
Chirif, Micaela / Palomino, Juan (Illustrator) / Schimel, Lawrence (Translator)
The birth of human civilization is recounted in this celebrated Incan legend, retold by Peruvian poet Micaela Chirif and awardwinning illustrator Juan Palomino. One day, back when the world was new and no one built houses, the Sun saw himself reflected in the waters of Lake Titicaca.
All That Chandni Knows
Patel, Khushboo
03/31/2026
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
In this powerful middle-grade novel in verse set in India at the turn of the millennium, a 12-year-old girl navigates new beginnings, difficult truths, and a crush. As a boarding school selection deadline looms closer, Chandni is overwhelmed by a devastating secret that’s threatening to tear her family apart. $18.99
Mr. Chow’s Night Market
Sun Li, Emily / Cheng, Yu Ting (Illustrator)
03/31/2026
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Perfect for fans of Spirited Away and Domee Shi’s Pixar short Bao, this humorous picture book tells the fantastical tale of one grumpy old man and the creation of Taiwan’s first night market. Mr. Chow lives for the night, when the moon is a wok full of simmering oil. $19.99
9780593887035
04/14/2026
Penguin Workshop
Little Helper
Linke, Regina
It’s a beautiful day in Ah-Fu’s village, and all he wants to do is fly his kite. But a tangled string, a busy aunt, a fallen tree, and more threaten to ruin Ah-Fu’s chances of enjoying this perfect day with the people he loves. $18.99
9780316531252
05/05/2026
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Wisdom Stories of India
Burges, Laura / Muraka, Vinita Prachi / Hsu, Wen (Illustrator)
Explore the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India with this inspiring picture book of 14 classic stories of timeless life lessons found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, and more. These stories will encourage younger readers and adults, together, to explore the essential skills needed for growing into conscientious individuals.
The World’s Game
Méndez, Yamile Saied / Landazábal, Andrés (Illustrator)
Soccer and the World Cup bring people from all over the world together. Witness the energy, passion, and glory of the world’s most popular sport, on and off the field. As one match happens in the stadium, one family gathers to watch the game at home.
05/26/2026
Bala Kids
06/02/2026
Knopf Books for Young Readers
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. —Marcus Garvey “”
The Great Gathering Place
McIlwraith, Naomi / Onedove (Illustrator)
This stirring and lyrical story by Métis author Naomi McIlwraith, based on her poem of the same name, is a moving tribute to Indigenous values and the meeting places that are special to each of us. Luminous illustrations by Cree and Métis artist Onedove evoke a sense of the sacred.
06/02/2026
Kids Can Press
Together We See
Tison, Ari
This enthralling murder mystery follows Ulá Dominguez, a BribriAmerican teenager, searching for the truth behind her landactivist father’s mysterious death on their Native territory in Costa Rica. Ulá and her brother face off against illegal loggers, kidnappers, settlers, and the Costa Rican government while hunting for clues.
The Lovers, the Liars, and Me
Davis, DeAndra
This summer, Jaliya is visiting her uncle and his family in Jamaica. Under the guise of one last vacation before college, she plans to find out more about her mysteriously absent estranged mother. But Jaliya soon finds herself entangled in complicated relationships, tricky secrets, and a passionate new love.
06/16/2026
Farrar Straus & Giroux
06/23/2026
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
