In debut author Sneed’s spirited retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Wild Swans,” adventurous white-cued 11-year-old Cora Noland, an oil heiress in 1925 Oklahoma, is used to running wild with her beloved horse Ali Baba and navigating life as the only girl among six brothers. When her father—widowed following Cora’s mother’s death in childbirth with youngest sibling Freddie—threatens to send Cora away to the Boston Academy for Admirable Young Ladies, Cora and Freddie hatch a plan to protest. Their attempts are derailed, however, when their father returns from an outing with a new acquaintance: World-Famous Medium, Madame Genevieve Blanche Marguerite d’Verita of Paris, France. That night, Genevieve hosts a seance, and Cora becomes convinced that the mysterious visitor harbors ulterior motives. Overhearing Genevieve and her purported brother plotting a grand thieving scheme, Cora sets out to expose the psychic—but by then, her entire family has fallen under Genevieve’s spell, leaving Cora as their only hope. Sensate language firmly roots this appealing adventure in its historical setting. Cora’s lively, relatable voice and enduring themes of family, trust, and loyalty make for a charming and fun tale. Ages 8–12. (Self-published)

Reviewed on 03/27/2026 | Details & Permalink

Gordon (My So-Called Family) artfully balances weighty themes with gentle humor in this heartwarming story about a white-cued tween resolving to rescue a stray dog. While walking home from school, Campbell Cole witnesses a puppy being tossed from a moving van. The daughter of an animal control director, Campbell knows that many unclaimed strays are euthanized. With this in mind—and with help from her best friend Luz—she secretly saves the pup. As the besties work to help the frightened pooch, Campbell also struggles to navigate her fraught relationship with her father. Still reeling from the sudden death of her estranged mother, he remains emotionally distant, leaving Campbell resentful of both his job and his silence. She escapes the tension of home by spending time with Luz’s bustling, joyful family—though Campbell begins to sense that all is not well there either, as Luz’s father, recently returned from an extended military deployment, struggles to settle back into family life. Affable, accessible prose deftly addresses difficult realities surrounding peoples’ handling of unhoused animals and challenges faced by families coping with grief and mental health. It’s a compassionate narrative about responsibility, friendship, and empathy. Ages 8–12. Agent: Erin Murphy, Aevitas Creative Management. (June)

Reviewed on 03/27/2026 | Details & Permalink

Eleven-year-old Rubie Fox’s first time attending sleepaway summer camp goes hilariously awry in this frenetic illustrated series launch from Frost (Farm Shark). Though Rubie and her BFF Riley make detailed plans for tackling their time at Camp Pineview, these are upended when Riley breaks her ankle the day before departure, and Rubie pinky swears to not engage in any fun camp activities without her. Though Rubie initially resolves to spend all of her time in her cabin, she’s overjoyed to find a friend in fellow artist Eliza. But when Eliza expresses interest in bracelet-crafting, water-tubing, and s’mores-making, Rubie wrestles with remorse over breaking her promise to Riley. To assuage her guilt, Rubie plots to complete Riley’s mission to deliver a letter to Riley’s crush, Owen, at neighboring boys’ camp Moose-Ridge—only for her scheme to backfire when he confesses that he likes Rubie. As the weeks wind down, Rubie struggles to figure out how to maintain her relationship with Riley while making friends and embarking on new adventures without her bestie. Laugh-out-loud digital b&w line drawings portray stick-legged figures with round, expressive eyes, whose skin tones match the white background. Rubie’s earnest first-person narration unspools across lined composition notebook pages, evoking tween diary charm as handwritten entries recount her experiences and observations. Ages 8–12. Agent: Andrea Morrison, Writer’s House. (June)

Reviewed on 03/27/2026 | Details & Permalink

While visiting a relic-hunting relative, two white-cued siblings find themselves embarking on a fantastical quest in this freewheeling steampunk romp from Hardy (The Weather Well) and Sheerin. Brother-sister duo Mabel and Will Graystone are excited to spend the summer with their daring explorer aunt Lucy and her talking cat stuffie, Grimm, which she found years ago during a dig. Their goal is to travel to the faraway continent of Marvolia and uncover the whereabouts of the lost city of Umber, which was seemingly abandoned overnight. But they aren’t the only ones on the trail: rival relic hunter Byron Cogsworth is hot on their heels. Guided by an old map and a mysterious key, the group locate the hidden city, and when Mabel and Grimm wander off alone, they stumble upon a secret palace—and inside, a human-size princess doll. Winding the doll with the key brings her to life, inadvertently awakening an ancient magic that threatens to trap Mabel and her family in Umber forever. Dynamic prose skillfully balances suspense, humor, and family dynamics, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the children navigate both treasure hunts and magical mishaps. Animated grayscale illustrations with retro finishes amplify the fantasy elements. The result is a jaunty adventure that’s ideal for fans of imaginative, family-centered hijinks. Ages 8–12. (July)

Reviewed on 03/27/2026 | Details & Permalink

In a stunning, celebratory biography of dancer and choreographer Willi Ninja (1961–2006), known as the Grandfather of Vogue, Ellison and Ali follow him from his beginnings as a Queens child whose “wonderful imagination electrified his body.” With his mother’s encouragement and regular visits to the Apollo Theater, Ninja begins to consider his future, and “the more he dreamed, the more he danced.” The protagonist eventually joins a group of gay dancers in the park, where he learns about ball culture and vogue. Hyperrealistic, energy-filled digital paintings showcase Ninja against contextualizing backdrops—in one spread, a proscenium stage is set within a young daydreaming Ninja’s mind. Via affirming text and radiant, dynamic illustrations, the creators conjure the spirit of one icon’s contributions. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Back matter offers more information. Ages 6–9. (May)

Reviewed on 03/13/2026 | Details & Permalink

In O’Toole’s exploratory picture book, a genderfluid child contemplates personal characteristics that they would be proud to embrace. When their class arrives at an aquarium, Alex’s teacher issues a challenge meant to provide fodder for a presentation: “If you could be a sea creature, which one would you be?” Though the pale-skinned protagonist’s peers choose a jellyfish, octopus, axolotl, starfish, and more, Alex knows that none of these is “my fish.” After Alex stumbles upon a yellow coral goby, the child appreciates both the fish’s bright hue and the way it can be at times “a boy, other times... a girl, and sometimes... both.” Sea blues and greens offer a fitting background to digital scenes of each child imagining, connecting with, and presenting about the aquarium creatures in this conversational story of individuality and community that models curious discovery. Characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. Ages 6–8. (May)

Reviewed on 03/13/2026 | Details & Permalink

A trans Jewish child seeks a blessing that fits her gender in this assured picture book from Olitzky, Orshan Kahn, and Tobacco. When young Joey determines around her ninth birthday that “I need my family to know what I feel in my heart—that I’m really a girl,” she worries her parents won’t understand. Finally, though, refusing her father’s Shabbat blessing for boys catalyzes the long-awaited discussion (“I’m a girl who’s somehow stuck in a boy’s body”), resulting in shifts that give Joey safe space to come into herself. Reflective exposition and honest dialogue detail Joey’s experiences through the lens of her Judaism, while bright, digital illustrations with airbrush textures follow changes in Joey’s clothing and facial expressions as she figures out what she wants and how to claim it. It’s a faith-forward story of trans joy that allows necessary space for acceptance and increased trust. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 5–8. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 03/13/2026 | Details & Permalink

Chu, Shaffer, and Lozito spotlight a drag performer and his queendom in this inspirational picture book biography of activist José Sarria (1922–2013). During Sarria’s San Francisco childhood, he declares that “everyone in my queendom will be treated like royalty.” And indeed, his godfather makes him a royal carriage, his aunties tailor him some robes, and his cousins chant “Long live Queen José!” But though this mother calls him “the greatest queen,” she also warns that “some believe boys shouldn’t be queens at all.” Returning after defeating “forces of evil abroad,” the figure encounters “different forces of evil” in San Francisco, depicted as officers who “scared queens into hiding their fabulousness.” But Sarria refuses to conceal himself, performing in drag, running for office, and holding coronations in which anyone could “become royalty, take on a magnificent name, and dedicate their life to helping those in need.” Conversational text and kinetic illustrations with airbrush textures showcase the subject’s royal generosity in this informative, resistance-minded story. Characters are intersectionally diverse. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 03/13/2026 | Details & Permalink

An advocacy-minded child organizes in support of a local business during Pride Month in this heartwarming picture book from Newman and Asterplume. When narrator Cookie, “the world’s greatest cookie lover,” visits a local bakery with Mama and Mommy, the child enjoys the heart-shaped rainbow biscuit that is June’s special offering. The next morning, though, owner Ms. Madeleine reports that other customers are boycotting the establishment over the baked good. An offhand comment leads Cookie to spread the word, prompting others to assist the business. Digitally finished watercolor and colored pencil illustrations feature rainbow-hued outlines and backgrounds, highlighting the support baked into Cookie’s actions as well as those of the compassionate community. Characters are portrayed as intersectionally diverse. A recipe and author’s note conclude. Ages 4–8. (May)

Reviewed on 03/13/2026 | Details & Permalink

In rhyming lines and slick digital artwork, Sanders and Evans offer a brief intro to 60 LGBTQ+ professional athletes globally known for their accomplishments over the past 60-something years. From “Renée, Gigi, and Billie Jean—/... Every one a tennis queen” to “Luke and Julie, Meghan, Brock,/ charging on the ice—they rock” and more, quick-moving text references athletes mostly by first names alone. Dynamic layouts that feature multiple sports, meanwhile, offer a broad scope, for example together showcasing volleyball, golf, skiing, dressage, and snowboarding. Though the illustrated portraits can be indistinct, and some first names may not be immediately recognizable, the rapidly introduced assembly successfully underscores the diversity of queer folks who have risen through sports ranks. Back matter includes an author’s note, glossary, and more information about athletes mentioned. Ages 4–8. (May)

Reviewed on 03/13/2026 | Details & Permalink