Written by Jenna Beatrice; Illustrated by Erika Lynn Jones

• CBC Favorites
• Redbud Read-Aloud Award

“In possession of vocal cords so loud they are registered by the International Space Station, would-be student-librarian Penelope struggles to reconcile her volume with the need for a “library voice” in Beatrice’s over-the-top story. . . Jones’s scenes lean fully into the chaos while showcasing Penelope’s cheerful resilience, and a clever conclusion emphasizes the idea that there’s a place for everyone at the library.”

– Publishers Weekly

“Character diversity is present and prominent throughout the pages . . . fun to read aloud. . . Recommended.” 

– School Library Connection

“Finally, the secret’s out: librarians can be loud! . . . Jones’s mixed-media and collage illustrations are playful and eye-catching, with a three-dimensional feel. Penelope’s shouts explode across the page in giant speech bubbles. . . This one is sure to be a storytime favorite.” 

– The Horn Book

“The bright, blocky illustrations are pitch-perfect for the tone . . . This tale of an aspiring librarian is ideal for all kinds of storytimes.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

Written & Illustrated by Drew Beckmeyer

• Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee (MD)
• Red Clover Book Award Nominee (VT)
• Wanda Gág Read Aloud Book Award (MN)
• Indiana Read Aloud List

★ “The writing could not be more preschooler friendly, the subtext available for discussion among young elementary readers, and paired with a more fact-based book, this is a winning lesson for all kinds of turmoil. VERDICT With humor and grace, Beckmeyer’s wide-eyed characters convey emotions bridging science topics and SEL, putting this whirlwind of a book within the grasp of readers across a broad age range.” 

– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

★ “[I Am a Tornado] is so hilarious and psychologically astute that any other authors contemplating a picture book about a cow playing therapist to a whirling windstorm should probably think twice, as their offering is unlikely to measure up to this one. . . It’s all as wonderfully wacky as it sounds.” 

– Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

“Colorful illustrations reminiscent of paper cutouts create a dynamic, cartoonish impression that adds humor without downplaying the tornado’s reckless destruction. . .The tornado’s big feelings and actions will initially amuse and draw children in. . . An endearing portrayal of an emotional meltdown told with humor and compassion.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

“In an entertaining story about the power of compassion, an anthropomorphic tornado finds an empathetic ear—and some emotional support—from an unexpected source. . . Beckmeyer delivers a relatable, conversational power-down that is by turns gentle, funny, and vulnerable.” 

– Publishers Weekly

“As an anthropomorphized tornado wreaks havoc, a cow caught and carried along does its best to de-escalate things. Related via their conversations and Beckmeyer’s animated, cut-paper illustrations . . . the boisterous story does nicely portray the ways intense weather (and moods) will eventually abate.” 

– Booklist

Written & Illustrated by Drew Beckmeyer

• ALA Notable Children’s Books
• A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
• Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best
• California Book Award Finalist
• Golden Duck Notable Picture Books List
• A July/August 2024 Indie Next Pick
• JLG Gold Standard Selection

★ “The First Week of School is a game changer, an exceptionally creative back-to-school book that practically turns the genre on its head. It’s full of droll humor that will appeal to readers young and old. . . . a sophisticated picture book that packs an amazing punch, brimming with atmosphere and personality. . . In addition to being chock-full of pure entertainment, the diverse perspectives offered remind readers of all ages that there are many ways to approach a classroom and the many unique, surprising personalities inside.” 

– Bookpage, STARRED REVIEW

★ “The pictures have tremendous crayon-colored kid appeal, and the text is clever and funny. Observant readers will find many delicious surprises, and the twist at the end is a genuine delight. An inspired and strikingly original riff on the back-to-school experience.”

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

★ “The text is clear and concise, allowing the myriad characters space to breathe and grow. The school is vibrant and full of life. Beckmeyer creates detailed images in crayon. His talent for storytelling, illustration, and formatting coalesces into a tale that readers can experience again and again, as if they’re anticipating (or reliving) their very own first weeks of school. VERDICT Captures both the magic and the mundanity of the first week of school. Must purchase.”

– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

★ “A classroom’s first week launches a dynamic change in this inventive picture book . . . Using crayon-styled bird’s-eye-view illustrations, straightforward captions (“This is Show and Tell. This is Recess”), and emotionally observant text that communicates multiple perspectives, Beckmeyer invites readers to root for the transformation of a classroom culture.”

– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ “Drew Beckmeyer (I Am a Tornado) manages two feats at once: his book is a comical sci-fi romp as well as a reassuring hand-holder for readers all a-jitter about the new elementary-school year. . . Despite its abiding humor and speculative aspect, The First Week of School is a warm and disarming account of the elementary-school experience.” 

– Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

“The cheerfully busy crayon illustrations offer many satisfying details to notice and track. There’s lots of humor and moments of poignancy . . . It’s a quirky story with way-out details that are ultimately grounded in home.” 

– Horn Book Magazine

Written & Illustrated by Drew Beckmeyer

• A Caldecott Honor Book
• ALA Notable Children’s Books
• A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
• A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
• A LA Magazine Best Book of the Year
• A Common Sense Media Best Book of the Year
• A Children’s Book Review Best Book of the Year
• A Growing By the Book Best Book of the Year
• A March/April 2025 Indie Next Pick
• JLG Gold Selection

★ “The nubs have expressive faces, and the mixed-media artwork lends a comic quality to the wonderfully tactile, collagelike spreads. . . Beckmeyer has a gift for conveying heady doses of science with whimsy and humor; his wildly original tale is a poignant friendship tale, a master class in storytelling, and probing philosophy perfectly pitched to a young audience. Both gloriously expansive and goofy—in short, everything young readers could ask for.” 

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW 

★ “Two charming anthropomorphic nubs of cave rock take center stage in [a] superbly funny and profound introduction to the history of the world thus far. . . an affecting, thought-provoking exchange in a book filled with opportunities for readers to ponder the wonder and beauty of our world—and the loveliness of having a trusted companion through it all.”

– Bookpage, STARRED REVIEW

★ “Spirituality and valuable STEM lessons in a genuinely sweet and funny package? Yes, please, to this essential purchase.”

– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

★ “Loosely drawn and collaged multimedia spreads carry a light-hearted goofiness that chimes with the characters’ offhand view of earth-shattering events. . . The premise of a bond that lasts eras and epochs poses all kinds of possibilities, here pursued with wit, curiosity, and sparky energy.” 

– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“A playfully inventive and quietly profound look at time, friendship, and change. . . Beckmeyer’s richly textured, mixed-media spreads bring warmth and depth to this dynamic world. With just two eyes and a mouth, the formations feel full of personality–patient witnesses to the slow, wondrous passage of time. . . Stalactite and Stalagmite turns deep time into something poignant and full of wonder–perfect for sparking curiosity about the vastness of history and the quiet magic of slow, inevitable change.”

– Shelf Awareness

“Through the eyes of two charming and goofy cave formations, this witty earth science picture book imparts a wealth of information stealthily cloaked in wonderfully droll humor.” 

– Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Written by Sylvia Chen; Illustrated by Fanny Liem

• Keystone to Reading Book Award (PA)
• Chickadee Award Nominee (ME)

“Chen’s use of onomatopoeia (represented in both English and Mandarin characters) perfectly conveys Jenny’s frustrations, while Liem’s appealing cartoon illustrations capture Jenny’s experiments in chopstick re-engineering with slapstick humor and cleverness. Young chopstick users will find comfort in this story about a common rite of passage, but all readers will be delighted by Jenny’s problem-solving prowess. . . A funny, relatable tale about the value of creative thinking and persistence.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey; Illustrated by Khoa Le

• CBC Best STEM Book List Selection
• JLG Gold Selection

★ “Harvey adds another stunning title to her body of work in this lyrical picture book of an iconic piece of architecture. . . The digitally painted illustrations mimic the architecture beautifully, appearing as weightless as the pyramid itself while artfully highlighting the places and ideas that came together in Pei’s ultimate design. With helpful back matter offering even more context, this is a worthwhile addition to any picture-book collection.” 

– Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

★ “In spare, rhythmic prose and digital illustrations that combine architectural elements with vector-like precision, Walker Harvey and Le weave together Pei’s biography and the pyramid’s creation story.” 

– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Harvey’s narrative features clear exposition, interspersing intriguing details . . . Le’s illustrations deftly juxtapose old and new . . . A clear view into an extraordinary achievement from a legendary architect.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

“The narrative is both lyrical and economical, every word carefully chosen. . . the clean lines [of the digital illustrations] are reminiscent of the beloved building and pair well with the text.”

– School Library Journal

Written by Angela Quezada Padron; Illustrated by Sol Salinas

“Weaving in the Delano grape strike of the late 1960s, led by Chavez and fellow labor leader Dolores Huerta, Quezada Padron ingeniously ties Jessica’s developing social consciousness to the emergent U.S. farm labor movement . . . Salinas’ vivid depictions of Brown communities working to effect change enhance the narrative . . . A rich and much-needed portrait of a brilliant activist.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“In this galvanizing picture book biography, the life of Jessica Govea Thorbourne is celebrated for her youthful courage and lifelong determination to improve the lives of migrant farm workers.” 

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 

“The narrative is direct, befitting the content, with the refrain “one girl . . .” reminding readers of the power of determination. A welcome addition to the corpus of picture-book biographies that testify to the constant fight for human rights in our country.”

– Booklist 

“The narrative is direct, befitting the content, with the refrain “one girl . . .” reminding readers of the power of determination. A welcome addition to the corpus of picture-book biographies that testify to the constant fight for human rights in our country.”

– Booklist 

Written by Teresa Rodrigues; Illustrated by Jamiel Law

“A pecan seed planted by a freed Black couple becomes the living symbol of their family’s story in this moving tale of strength, resilience, and hope… Simple yet layered gouache illustrations convey the passage of time through rich colors, while silhouetted figures embody continual growth and change. A powerful and inspiring story of Black endurance across generations, perfect for fans of Nikki Giovanni.”

– Booklist

“In moving, rhythmic text, Rodrigues uses the changing seasons to represent different phases of the couple’s lives. . . Law’s illustrations [are] primarily in earth tones, highlighting this family’s connection to the land. A tree the couple planted endures over time, standing as a testament to their resiliency.” 

– Horn Book Magazine

“A Black family perseveres over generations. . . Law’s gouache illustrations depict characters primarily in greens and browns—an artistic choice that visually connects the family with their land. . . An uplifting story of family triumph amid turmoil.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

Written & Illustrated by Lynn Curlee

Forthcoming in May 2026

“Soaring tributes to both the building and the workers who preserved it.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Written & Illustrated by Celia Krampien

• A New York Times bestseller
• An Indigo Kids September Staff Pick
• A July/August 2023 Indie Next Pick
• A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
• Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award Master List (IL)
• Cybils Award Finalist
• CBC Favorites

“Krampien intersperses atmospherically eerie b&w art throughout a tense friendship novel steeped in local lore.” 

– Publishers Weekly

“This gorgeously illustrated, atmospheric, and evocative debut captures the fun of being scared and the hard truths of middle school. . . Beautifully creepy.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“Krampien’s eerie story cleverly focuses on themes such as bullying . . . This supernatural tale will chill readers while reminding them that real friendship can brave any situation.” 

– Booklist

Written & Illustrated by Celia Krampien

Forthcoming in July 2026

Written & Illustrated by Stan Yan

• A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
• JLG Gold Standard Selection

★ “Yan’s art and storytelling are both quirky and compelling; the facial expressions are full of nuance and dialogue is snappy. Many scenes are portrayed in unique perspectives; in fact, everything in this story is a bit off-kilter and weirdly funny. . . An excellent purchase where unique, amusing, and compulsively readable coming-of-age graphic fiction is in demand.

– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW 

“The panels, which vary in perspective, adding visual interest, support the tone of this dramatic, funny, and touching graphic novel. . . Readers will relate to Eugenia’s struggles over meeting family expectations, following her passions, navigating relationships, and negotiating daily life as a tween. Slightly spooky and filled with humor and heart.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

“Genuinely scary details are balanced with light humor (Eugenia’s clumsy little dog is particularly amusing) and authentic family drama that is resolved slowly, through honest communication and effort.” 

– BCCB

“Yan blends slapstick tween humor with a spark of surreal horror in his clever debut graphic novel. . . Digitally rendered cartoon panels utilizing unique perspectives [inject] fresh energy into each scene.” 

– Publishers Weekly 

“Suspense, comedy-horror, and well-developed character growth come together in Yan’s debut graphic novel . . . The exaggerated proportions of his character designs call to

mind children’s animated shows and suit the offbeat humor of the story well.” 

– Horn Book Magazine

Written by Gail Donovan; Illustrated by

• JLG Gold Standard Selection

★ “These cozy pet stories are engaging, heartfelt, and help to normalize neurodiversity for an elementary school audience.

– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW 

“The depiction of everyday school drama rings true, while tidbits of information about guide dogs will appeal to canine fans. . . Animal lovers and youngsters who march to the beat of their own drums will find a kindred spirit here.” 

– Kirkus Reviews 

by S. J. Taylor

• Bank Street Best Books of the Year

“Each chapter begins with a truth Madsi has gleaned from her journey, and the action-packed plot and cliff-hanger moments make the story compulsively readable. Madsi’s adventure helps her uncover forgotten aspects of her world and encourages readers to tell stories and find the courage to speak their truth. With a strong-willed main character, sisterly bonds, and fantastical elements, this is a great pick for fans of Hilda and Frozen.” 

– Booklist

“The book brings 18th-century Norway to life, immersing readers in the folkloric setting . . . A warmhearted historical adventure embedded in Nordic folklore.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“Bittersweet elements and loving but difficult family relationships will resonate with readers who know life isn’t a fairy tale. Pair with Kelly’s Lalani of the Distant Sea to highlight their shared focus on how stories shape lives—and the power that lies in how we tell our own stories.”

– Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

by S. J. Taylor

Forthcoming in June 2026

by Yi Shun Lai

• A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
• CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children’s Book Council)
• Bank Street Best Books of the Year
• Kansas NEA Reading Circle List High School Title
• CBC Favorites
• ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List Selection

★ “As a character, Clara feels modern but not anachronistic; she’s wrestling with social issues that continue to resonate today, and her strong voice propels readers through an adventure as compelling as Shackleton’s own to a heartfelt, realistic conclusion. Polar exploration transforms a young woman in unexpected and interesting ways in this original, evocative tale.”

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

★ “A young woman joins an Antarctic voyage at the dawning of World War I in this gripping–and sometimes gut-wrenching–adventure tale. . . Lai showcases her incredible skills as a storyteller. . .. Witty and poignant commentary on unimaginable peril and infuriating injustice (plus some vengeance) ensures that this historical fiction will be long remembered.”

– Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

“Clara is a defiant and resilient heroine who immediately endears herself to both the reader and her motley crew. As tension mounts and survival becomes uncertain, Lai neatly underscores the courage it took—and still takes—to be a woman in a male-dominated world.” 

– Publishers Weekly

“Lai successfully blends the events of Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition with the social climate of the suffragist movement in 1914 and pairs it with a sharp-witted, charismatic narrator who readers can easily root for.” 

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A great historical adventure for young adults, told in journal entries. This book would appeal to readers looking for a strong female role model and would be a welcome [addition for] libraries serving teens.”

– School Library Journal

by Nevin Holness

• JLG Gold Standard Selection

★ “Holness’ debut novel overflows with drama, culture, and fantastical realism. Anyone with roots in the Caribbean will chuckle at the familiar array of characters that populate this world. Readers will feel transported as the vivid scenes play out on each page, drawing them in with universal elements such as struggles with identity, family, and an uncertain future. Hopefully this will not be the last we see of Eli and Malcolm. An electrifying debut.” 

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

★ ” Holness uses Afro-Caribbean mythology to create a vital and mysterious magical underside of London. Protagonists Eli and Malcolm are rooted in the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, and Holness’s descriptions of their magic, community, food, and family fill the senses and strongly tie her story to cultural tradition and folklore. King of Dead Things is an outstanding, fast-paced adventure.”

– Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

“Through Eli and Malcolm’s third-person perspectives, magics rooted in the Afro-Caribbean diaspora leap off the pages in a tangle of sensory and emotional touchstones: community, food, family, the way a neighborhood feels—all speak of a tangible power tied to cultural tradition and folklore. Eli, Sunny, Max, and Malcolm are each sympathetic and engaging. . . one crisis dealt with still leaves a multitude of lingering mysteries for (hopefully) future novels.” 

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Infused with Caribbean folklore, this fast-paced urban fantasy careerns from one idea to the next but manages to tie it all together in a surprise twist ending.”

– Booklist

by Nevin Holness

Forthcoming in July 2026

by Lisa Tirreno

• ALA Rainbow List Selection

by Joanne Yi

• A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
• A July/August 2025 Indies Next Pick
• A Summer/Fall 2025 Indies Introduce Selection

★ “Love wrapped up in loss, sharply etched characters, a strong sense of place, and the need to belong—whether with family or friends—makes Yi’s debut an absorbing read. . . A powerful, deftly told story of loss and love that will linger in readers’ hearts.”

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“A story of heartbreak and choiceless resilience . . . Winter’s tender story encourages imagining others as complexly as we see ourselves. Hand to fans of Kelly Yang and Mary H. K. Choi.”

– Booklist 

“Yi captures the depth and physicality of grief . . . as [Winter] opens up and learns that ‘everyone has some ugly inside them’ and that she doesn’t have a monopoly on pain, the story also blossoms, with no character in black and white.” 

– BCCB

by Jacqueline West

Forthcoming in July 2026

by Dinesh Thiru

Forthcoming in August 2026