In our latest look at recently released and forthcoming reissued books for young readers, we survey an immense array. From the only children’s book by Kurt Vonnegut, to a picture book bringing together two influential children’s book creators, as well as a completely repackaged contemporary classic, there’s plenty to get nostalgic about well into the spring season.
A Is for Angry: An Animal and Adjective Alphabet
Originally published as a board book in 1983, this Boynton title, which boasts more than 185,000 copies in print, gets a new life. Redrawn and repacked in a hardcover format, Boynton’s signature style and humor are on display in this book that combines adjectives and animals, like “M” for “merry,” and “mice.”
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
First published in 2006, Boyne’s bestselling novel, which was also adapted for film, is rereleased in a deluxe hardcover edition featuring illustrations from artist Oliver Jeffers. The middle grade novel tells the story of the Holocaust from the perspective of two children on either side of the fence at Auschwitz.
Mistress Masham’s Repose
NYRB now offers a middle grade novel from the author of The Once and Future King in paperback. The book is a fantasy story about an orphan who discovers a secret world of Gulliver-esque Lilliputians.
A Is for Activist
First published as a board book in 2013, this abecedarian of resistance is now offered in hardcover picture book format. A bestseller for the publisher, the book features themes of activism, LGBT rights, as well as the fights for environmental justice and civil rights.
Sun Moon Star
The only children’s book by Vonnegut tells the story of the birth of Christ from a secular humanist perspective. Chermayeff — a friend of Vonnegut’s and notable logo designer (he created the NBC and Smithsonian logos, among others) — offers papercut illustrations. Originally published in 1980, this book is now reissued for a new generation.
Find the Constellations
While the allure of the constellations in the sky has remained unchanging since ancient times, recent years have shown quite a few advances in the field. With this in mind, HMH reissues these two bestselling 1954 volumes from Curious George creator Rey, with updated information alongside the classic text and humorous spot illustrations.
The Stars: A New Way to See Them
What Is Red?
First published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard in 1961, this picture book explores colors. Jonny and his dog navigate the world and its many colors through grass, flowers, and a brook, as light fades to darkness and it’s time for bed.
Sleepy Book
In this book from award-winning writer Zolotow (Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present, illus. by Maurice Sendak), first published by Lothrop in 1958, readers explore various animals and how they get ready for bed.
Nobody Is Perfick
Originally published in 1971 by HMH, this work by the author of Lyle, Lyle Crocodile has made its way back into print. The collection of humorous stories for a middle grade audience is told in a comic strip format.
A House Without Mirrors
Originally published in English in 2013 (after its initial 2012 Swedish release), Sandén’s novel now finds its way into paperback. The author has written more than 30 books for young readers and was the 2015 recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Prize for his life’s work. House tells the story of a grieving girl who discovers portals to another world in an old house. The volume contains 20 specially commissioned spot illustrations.
The Mother’s Day Mice
Two lauded children’s book creators team up for a picture book about three mice who want to surprise their mom for Mother’s Day. Originally published in 1986, the book is reissued by HMH in a new trim size and with a redesigned jacket.
Mud Book: How to Make Pies and Cakes
Avant-garde composer Cage, along with textile designer Long, created this picture book in the 1950s, forgotten until the 1980s, when it was published in a 100-copy limited run. For the first time, the book is being widely released. The picture book, in a small trim size, offers a playful guide for imaginative “chefs.”
