Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles including a picture book about an anxious ostrich, a picture book celebration of art and activism, a slice-of-life picture book about a bird, and a middle grade adventure fighting against a villain trying to take over the world, and more.
Are You Mad at Me? by Tyler and Cody Feder, illus. by Tyler Feder. Rocky Pond, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-5936-1566-9. Opal the ostrich is preparing to help bring along a mainstay treat for a celebration. On the walk over, Opal encounters several of her friends and grows worried they’re all upset with her until they offer reassurances.
The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith. Kokila, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-61965-0. A Black child seeks to highlight the ways in which the world needs to change through his art. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
A Bird Day by Eva Lindström trans. from the Swedish by Julia Marshall. Gecko, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-77657-527-5. Astrid Lindgren Award recipient Lindström traces the day in the life of a bird named Lena, following her as she plays games with her brother, discusses family meal options, and soars through the sky.
The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria by Adi Alsaid. Aladdin, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-6659-2775-8. Schemes laid out by villains have long been ignored by the residents of Nefaria. When Bobert accidentally springs a trap laid by a sinister wizard named Matt who plans to build an army of children by erasing their memories, Bobert will need the help of his new friends to defeat Matt.
Cat on the Run in Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey. Scholastic, $7.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-338-83182-5. Anthropomorphic cat Princess Beautiful goes from beloved influencer to wanted criminal when she unknowingly arms nuclear missiles. On the run, Beautiful must search for the real culprit to restore her reputation.
The Curious Vanishing of Beatrice Willoughby by G.Z. Schmidt. Holiday House, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-8234-5073-2. The most notable case of a missing child, which happens annually in the town of Nevermore, was the case of mayor Amadeus’s daughter, six years ago. Today, six guests have been invited to the Amadeus Manor, and when the doors trap them inside, questions about that old case arise. The middle grade book received a starred review from PW.
The Cursed Moon by Angela Cervantes. Scholastic Press, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-338-81401-9. After being cautioned about telling scary stories on the night of a blood moon, Rafael Fuentes ignores the warnings and tells his tales anyway. When elements from his story begin appearing in real life, Rafael must uncover what evil he he has awakened.
The Dark Lord’s Daughter by Patricia C. Wrede. Random House, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-553-53620-1. Kayla Jones is requested to move to Zaradwin as the new heir of the throne, and is eager to take her place as the new Dark Lord. When her family wants to leave, Kayla must make it through her initiation to gain enough magic to get them all back home.
Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares. Candlewick, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-3013-0. In the sequel to picture book Dasher, the titular reindeer investigates a strange sound and winds up stranded far from the North Pole. She turns to a new friend to help get her back home in time for Christmas.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems Union Square Kids, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-4549-5277-0. In the ninth series installment of the Pigeon series, Pigeon combines Christmas carols with his excitement to participate in a holiday activity.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Lost Christmas! by Alastair Heim. Random House, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-593-56316-8. The sequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas! follows the Grinch as he attempts to prove he’s truly changed and that he enjoys Christmas by winning the Who-ville Christmas Crown.
Finch House by Ciera Burch. McElderry, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-665930-54-3. Micah Robinson’s family’s move to Finch House is an upsetting event to her grandfather, who realizes their new home is the last place he saw his sister before she disappeared decades ago. As Micah investigates the circumstances around the cold case, eerie happenings at the Finch House lead Micah to more revelations about her family.
Gotta Go! by Frank Viva. Toon, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-66266-507-3. While on a family road trip, Owen regrets not using the bathroom before leaving when the urge to use the bathroom becomes overwhelming. A conversation with is grandfather offers him unique ways to help distract him when he really has to go.
The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore. HarperTeen, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-328463-0. Este’s first friend, Mateo, at her new school steals a book from the restricted library, and Este is under threat of expulsion if she doesn’t get it back. Mateo reveals that he is a ghost trying to save students from untimely fates, and Este must help him investigate the school and her family’s ties to it.
The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll, illus. by Lauren Child. Candlewick, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-3335-3. Tween Bridie Sweeney helps her mother by selling matches on the street until her mother falls ill, and Bridie hits a streak of terrible luck. Visions showing her the potential for a new future inspire Bridie to make her visions a reality in this tale based on the 1888 match workers company strike in London.
Mama’s Sleeping Scarf by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, writing as Nwa Grace-James, illus. by Joelle Avelino. Knopf, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-53557-8. A child admires the head scarf her mother wears to sleep, and when her mother for the day, she lends it to the child for the day; sharing it with other family members helps her cherish it even more.
Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell. Charlesbridge, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-62354-380-8. New student Callie Crossland calls out her school’s mascot for being racist, highlighting the differing opinions of her peers surrounding the controversial image. The YA book received a starred review from PW.
The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity by Nicholas Day, illus. by Brett Helquist. Random House Studio, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-593-64384-6. On August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, an “impossible” act that created a massive international media spectacle. Flashing backward to the life of Leonardo da Vinci, the story traces the painting’s unlikely and humble beginnings in 1503 Florence; to this day, “Why this woman?” remains a great mystery. The middle grade book received a starred review from PW.
The Mossheart’s Promise by Rebecca Mix. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-063254-05-3. All faeries live inside the Terrarium where the Gardener placed them, but as darkness and rot takes over a struggle for survival begins. When Ary’s mother is struck with the rot, Ary makes her way deep underground for answers to what’s happening to their community. The middle grade book received a starred review from PW.
Nimbus by Jan Eldredge. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-268037-2. Black cat Nimbus is devoted to her young human owner, Fletcher, and Nimbus leaps to protect him when a stranger monsters attack them both. Fletcher’s family, fearful of more animal attacks, abandons Nimbus, who discovers newfound powers and new allies.
Nothing Else but Miracles by Kate Albus. Holiday House/Ferguson, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-82345-163-0. With their father fighting in WWII, Dory and her siblings evade detection from authorities with help from their community, but a new landlord threatens their sense of peace when he discovers they’re living without an adult present. The middle grade book received a starred review from PW.
Nothing Ever Happens on a Gray Day by Grant Snider. Chronicle, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-79721-089-6. On a dreary day, a child heads out for a bicycle adventure in hopes of finding something exciting happening.
Oh, Panda by Cindy Derby. Knopf, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-56472-1. A narrator follows along as a young panda becomes fascinated with a butterfly and opts to chase it up a hill rather than follow the narrator’s suggestions. As the panda grows frustrated, the narrator learns to help. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
Philadelphia Chickens: The 21st Anniversary Edition by Sandra Boynton Little Simon/Boynton Bookworks, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-665-92697-3. This anniversary edition of Philadelphia Chickens reintroduces the music-loving chickens to a new generation, with new features including a musical production of the book.
Phoebe’s Diary by Phoebe Wahl. Little, Brown, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-3163-6356-3. Fifteen-year-old Phoebe begins a new diary that she hopes to commit to finishing and highlights a young woman coming of age including musings about art, crushes, and her identity as a fat Jewish girl. The graphic novel received a starred review from PW.
Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi, illus. by Shazleen Khan. First Second, $22.99; ISBN 978-1-250-79380-5; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-1-250-79381-2. Muslim Pakistani American twins Zara and Zeeshan have been at odds ever since they learned of their family’s move to Florida, and until they “figure out how to be friends,” their parents have confiscated their devices. Collaborating on a mission to save a sick turtle offers the twins the chance to pursue their own passions, while reconnecting with one another. The graphic novel received a starred review from PW.
Seals Are Jerks! by Jared Chapman. Orchard, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-3388-3568-7. Lorelei is shocked to find out that her classmates don’t love seals, her favorite animal. When she learns of their reasons , she heads to the zoo to learn about seals, nature, and ecosystems.
The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles by Jake Gyllenhaal and Greta Caruso, illus. by Dan Santat. Feiwel and Friends, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-2507-7699-0. Leo and his strict Uncle Mo are whisked to another world that trains in the “ancient arts of Auntieology and Uncleology.” It is there where their relationship begins to blossom, as Uncle Mo learns how to make time with his nephew more enjoyable for them both.
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White. Peachtree Teen, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-68263-611-4. Trans 16-year-old Silas is a medium who can see beyond the Veil between the living and the dead but doesn’t subscribe to the restrictive social norms of the Royal Speaker Society. When he’s sent to the Braxton’s Finishing School and Sanitorium and learns of the many missing students, Silas investigates Braxton’s treacherous secrets, even as he plots his escape. The YA book received a starred review from PW.
The Super Secret Octagon Valley Society by Melissa de la Cruz. Disney-Hyperion, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-368-08374-4. Eight sixth graders are invited to Montana’s prestigious Octagon Valley Institute for a three-day summit of lectures and workshops. But when the guests arrive, they learn they must partake in one more dangerous test, and through their participation, discover the true secret behind the weekend’s activities.
A Spider Named Itsy by Steve Light. Candlewick, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-2529-7. While trying to fix their web, Itsy Bitsy encounters other animals in search of a place for shelter and provides them all with assistance as a storm looms overhead.
The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi. Disney/Riordan, $16.99; ISBN 978-1-3680-9339-2. Corazon hopes to become powerful enough in magic to use her soul key to bring her parents back to life. During a trip to the spirit realms’ marketplace, a figure pursues Corazon and steals the soul key, and Corazon must work to put the worlds-threatening specter to rest. The middle grade book received a starred review from PW.
Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz. Putnam, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-5936-1753-3. Izzy joins her best friend Kassidy for a 1920s-themed graduation week with their friend group at Maine’s Ashland Manor. Instead of partying, they find themselves in the middle of a police investigation when one of their friends turns up dead.
Thank a Farmer by Maria Gianferrari, illus. by Monica Mikai Norton, $18.95; ISBN 978-1-324-01579-6. In this picture book, a family enjoys a meal, tracing back each food’s origins to the people and places that created it.
This Winter by Alice Oseman. Scholastic Press, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-338-88513-2. In the second Heartstopper novella, Charlie and Nick welcome home Charlie’s older sister Tori as they face a tumultuous holiday season.
Warrior Girl by Carmen Tafolla. Penguin/Paulsen, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-35471-1. Celina is used to moving, but this latest shift is different. After her father is deported, Celia moves in with her grandmother, and as she grapples with several changes at once, her grandmother teaches her to turn to her ancestors for help. The YA book received a starred review from PW.
Wildfire by Breena Bard. Little, Brown Ink, $24.99; ISBN 978-0-316-27768-6; $12.99 paper ISBN 978-0-316-27765-5. Julianna and her family move to a new house after a fire, likely set by Julianna’s friend Carson, burned their house down. When Julianna encounters Carson at her new school, she struggles with moving forward. The graphic novel received a starred review from PW.
For more children’s and YA titles on sale throughout the month of September, check out PW’s full On-Sale Calendar.
