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From beloved author Nina LaCour comes a whimsical novel for early readers. Perfect for fans of Dory Fantasmagory, the classic Eloise books, and for anyone who loves roaming around a big cozy house! Join 9-year-old Ella as she helps new neighbors settle into their quirky San Francisco apartment building, all while she works to solve a mystery that’s stumped her for her whole life! (BONUS: This is the first book in a series!)
Heather
Beech Forest has the same Utopian charm of the Hundred Acre Wood and Moominvalley, and like those settings I would very much liketo settle down, read the news in The Daily Mole, and visit friends at Under the Oak Cafe. It’s not that nothing bad happens here, it’s just that life’s movements follow the seasons and all challenges are faced bravely and in community. Taras’s story has the feel of a classic with a contemporary generosity, especially thanks to a lift from Dralyuk and Croft’s superb translation, and Marjana’s textured illustrations are expressive, gorgeous, and full of delightful details.
Timothy
Silly Little Guy alert! Silly Little Guy alert!!! Join Gumluck, the little wizard who lives in a big hill, as he uses magic to help the unappreciative townsfolk, gets a ghost stuck in his hair, bothers a raven named Helvetica, is visited by a fairy who’s a real bummer, eats ice cream, and dreams of being a hero! Hilarious and surprisingly tender, I can’t wait for the next book in this brand new series!
Bo
Twigs and toads! Crimson Twill is the sweetest witch EVER. The Twill witches fly out of the Cackle County countryside for a midnight shopping spree at Broomingdale's in New Wart City. With gold coins to spend, Crimson wanders the Cat, Broom, and Hat Floors, when she accidentally stumbles into Vera Fang's fashion show! Impressed with her unique style, Crimson reminds the city witches that being yourself is the latest trend. Don't forget to grab a piece of frog-eye pie before cozying up with this little gem!
Beth
This new beginner reader series is packed with science, adventure, and imagination. Sejal wants to stop Hurricane Ruin-Everything from messing up her family’s Diwali festivities, so she and Professor Cheetah (her trusty side-kick) hop in their plane to learn some facts about hurricanes. The book is absolutely perfect for fans of Zoey & Sassafrass and The Questioneers.
Anna
Frog and Toad fans... this one’s for you. This funny yet delightful beginner chapter book is sure to be your next favorite read. Follow Bear and Bird along on four different adventures through Jarvis’ beautifully crafted world. The illustrations filled with muted colors and the wit that this duo has is sure to make any reader giggle with joy and join in on the fun!
Jess
After the popularity of picture book A Friend for Henry, Henry is back in his very own beginner chapter book. Henry, a boy with ASD, like routines and schedules - a lot. When his teacher announces a class parade during their usual Share Time, he has a difficult time handling the change. He learns how to roll with the punches, and even participate in the parade, with a little bit of patience.
Anna
Asim’s got some concerns about his new town…there’s this seemingly evil tree that grows creepily fast, weird noises during the night, and even strange lights. Asim is pretty sure something supernatural–and bad–is going on. Rokshar, Asim’s friend, swears this can all be explained by science, until their teacher is possessed by an evil spirit straight out of Guyanese folklore! Asim and his friends will have to stage a daring rescue if they’re going to save their teacher and the town from the ghost tree…
Jenna
Hark! A tale of bravery and friendship! The first book in Corey R. Tabor’s Sir Ladybug series is a silly twist on classic tales of knights and dragons, with insects and birds in those roles. Sir Ladybug defeats the “dragon” (a hangry chickadee) with an unexpected weapon, crafted inside a snail shell that’s bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. Tabor’s illustrations are lively, colorful, and expressive. You’ll laugh through this charming tale of derring-do!
Timothy
When Anna and Tess start planting flowers for the bees, they didn’t expect to be shrunk down to gnome size and set on a zany adventure! Leap into a botanical bonanza as these two friends encounter blueberries, burrows, bumblebees, and more, all while learning how to be good friends. This Alice in Wonderland style beginner graphic novel is a perfect summery read.
Claire
Join four bug friends for a hiking, scavenging adventure! With fun facts about bugs and nature, this graphic novel is sure to entertain your outdoorsy beginning reader. Mike Lowery brings silly and engaging dialogue to life with colorful illustrations. Follow the Bug Scouts as they collect plants and learn what you can and can’t eat in the forest. Watch out for the sneaky frog at the end!
Anastasia
Get ready to dip your toes into this fun, adventurous beginner book with The Inflatables! Follow Cactus, Flamingo, Watermelon, Donut, and Lynn as they travel through the waterpark and help Flamingo reach his stardom! Filled with humor and puns, this book is sure to be a hit while lounging by the pool all summer long.
Jess
Mystery and etymology go hand in hand in the first book of an adventurous new series perfect for fans of Magic Tree House. Eddie and MJ are having a perfectly normal, fun, sleepover when they get to wondering—where did the word “pajama” come from, anyway? Their curiosity leads them to the Awesome Enchanted Book, and before they know it, they are transported across the world and into the middle of a treasure-hunting mystery!
Claire
After years of being left in Anne the librarian’s box, Ivy is reluctant to be borrowed and becoming the newest member of the book buddies where kids can borrow a toy for two weeks. But when Fern is pushed to bring ivy home she learns that being borrowed isn’t so bad after all. In this charming new series, readers learn how Ivy and Fern can lean on one another and adapt to their changing worlds.
Jess
Tola is small but mighty! This series of three stories about Tola’s life in the megacity of Lagos, Nigeria with her brother, sister, and Grandmommy are utterly adorable. Is she too small to carry home the shopping with her Grandmommy? What will Tola do when the water and electricity go out again before she needs to go to school? How will Tola’s impeccable measuring skills come in handy when her neighbor has an accident right before Eid? Iwu’s illustrations and Atinuke’s uncomplicated language make this an accessible and engaging book for emerging readers.
Kara
Perfect for fans of Elephant & Piggie and Narwhal & Jellyfish, this action-packed graphic early reader is charming and hilarious from cover to cover. Squirrels Belly and Norma devise a plan to steal a fresh donut from a local food truck. Song’s watercolor illustrations are silly and perfectly express the squirrels’ abundant mishaps and culinary detours.
Kara
As a kid, I devoured any book about caring for animals, especially mythical ones, and I know child-me would have loved The Fabled Stables. Full of humor and adventure, the first book in this series has Auggie, the stable caretaker, rushing headlong into a swamp to rescue a new creature. Auxier has brought to life a cast of endearing characters, and I can’t wait to see what new animal calls the stables home.
Anna
For children and their grown-ups, beginner books often seem boring, but not this romp of a reader. When the book (actually a character) attempts to tell a cat story, the dog that is pictured (there is no cat) feels offended. It learns the power of words by inserting its own to change the outcome of the story with hilarious effect. See the cat? No! See the fully engaged little reader.
Carmelle
Pea, Bee, and Jay are three unlikely friends living on a farm. Although the trio often gets into trouble (who knew raspberries could be rude?), they always get through it if they stick together. Smith combines running gags and clever wordplay with his bright illustrations to create a new series that will leave you wanting more, bee-lieve me!
Anna
Until now, Zoey had no idea she could see magical creatures or that her scientist mother could see them too; not only this, the barn in their backyard is where these creatures come to when they need a helping hand. Zoey and Sassafras are witty, critical thinkers who encourage curiosity, compassion and problem-solving, spreading wonder for the natural and scientific worlds right from their own backyard.
Beth
Spare, simple language makes this book perfect for newly independent readers, without skimping on quality content. These three stories follow Snail and Worm throughout the course of a day, with dialogue characterized by delightfully droll humor. Together, Snail and Worm celebrate their friends' successes, save a turtle from itself, and write their own bedtime story. Kügler’s illustrations perfectly complement each hilarious story and establish Snail and Worm as genuinely genial and kind creatures.
Kara
Prepare yourself for an adventure story to rival any action movie out there. Join Douglas, our daring hero, on her journey across town to the movie theater she calls home. Watch as she leaps through open windows. Gasp when she narrowly avoids a swinging broom. Hold your breath while she swings perilously from a clothesline. Douglas will keep you on the edge of your seat. And leave you wanting popcorn.
Anna
A little white dog (Lucy) roams the streets, always in search of food and shelter, revisiting her former life only in dreams. A little girl (Eleanor) notices the dog and dreams of befriending her. The girl’s father (Sam) juggles brilliantly at home, but cannot get past his stage fright to complete a public performance. Told in four ‘acts’, the story unfolds gracefully and ends with all parties getting their fondest wish in a perfect storm of magic and memory.
Collette