Sponsored by Peachtree Publishing Company.
Duck and Penguin do not like sleepovers, despite what their owners, Betty and Maud, might have you think. They do not like snuggly sleeping bags, they do not like super-soft pillows, and they ESPECIALLY do NOT like being extra cozy together in a teeny weeny tiny tent! But when Betty and Maud abandon Duck and Penguin outside, Duck and Penguin have no choice but to stick together.
This companion to Duck & Penguin are NOT Friends is a laugh-out-loud tale about the secret world of toys from author-illustrator Julia Woolf. With a relatable topic and hilarious illustrations, it’s sure to have children begging for multiple reads.
Hello readers,
I hope August is treating you well and you and yours are staying healthy and happy at this time. I’m Chelsea and I’m taking over this new release newsletter! This week there are some great books hitting shelves that run the gamut from silly and fun to heartfelt and inspiring.
Saturdays Are for Stella by Candy Wellins, illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan (4-8 years)
First up is this sweet, heartwarming story of a boy and his grandmother. George and his grandma Stella spend their Saturdays together, going on adventures to museums, riding carousels, or just staying in and baking together. But when George loses his Grandma Stella, he’s ready to give up on Saturdays altogether. That is until their family gets a new addition, another Stella, and George realizes he can celebrate his memories of his grandma and make some new ones, too.
I Promise by Lebron James, illustrated by Nina Mata (4-8 years)
NBA player Lebron James joins the celebrity picture book club with this book inspired by his I Promise foundation. This is packed with color, making for a vibrant and inspiring book that’s great for both readalouds and graduation, inspiring kids to be their best and encouraging accountability, integrity, courage, and compassion.
Oliver the Curious Owl by Chad Otis (4-8 years)
If you’ve got any owl fans in your life, this is a charming and funny story of a curious owl named Oliver. Though Oliver’s family only ever asks “Who?”, Oliver has lots more he wants to know. Like who lives deeper in the woods? Where does the river go? Why isn’t he allowed to leave his tree? When his friend Bug is swept away down the river, Oliver flies to the rescue and ends up swept away himself. The two begin an adventure far from home that shows Oliver pieces of the forest he’s never seen before.
Are You Eating Candy Without Me? by Draga Jenny Malesevic, illustrated by Charlotte Brujin (4-8 years)
If you’re looking for a good time, you can’t do much better than this adorable and hilarious picture book about children wondering what exactly their parents get up to when the kids aren’t around. Do they jump on trampolines and play with ponies? Do they eat cake and ice cream? This is bursting with playful, colorful illustrations and is a sweet and amusing read.
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (10-12 years)
This is the newest novel from the Newberry Honor winner Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (author of The War That Saved My Life) about sisterhood and sexual abuse. Ten year old Della’s always had her sister, Suki, even after their mom went to prison and their mom’s boyfriend took them in, and after that same boyfriend did something so horrible Suki and Della had to run away. Della’s always been able to rely on Suki to be her protector, but has anyone been protecting Suki? After Della attempts suicide, Della begins to wonder if she’s been quiet about the wrong things and if it’s time to be loud for her sister.
The Talk edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (8-12 years)
In light of recent events, a lot of people are looking for ways to have conversations with kids about racism, activism, and standing for change. This powerful collection of short stories, essays, poems, and art is a great way to start those talks or reinforce ones you’ve already had. Including contributions from Renee Watson, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, and more, this book is here to have tough but frank conversations with kids about racism and identity. And for those looking for what comes next, this also encourages kids to go beyond conversation and into taking action.
Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge by Grace Ellis, illustrated by Brittney Williams (8-12 years)
From the co-author of the Lumberjanes series comes this new Lois Lane graphic novel, featuring a thirteen year old Lois as she navigates social media and friendship. As to be expected, teenage Lois is intrepid and determined, chasing fame with her video channel (it may only get a couple views a week but Lois knows she’ll soon go viral!). When the annual fireworks go missing, Lois accelerates her mission for fame, testing her relationship with her best friend in the process.
I’ll see you in seven days! In the meantime, you can keep in touch via Twitter.
Chelsea