New Year, New Books to Enjoy!

Letters to Live by: An Alphabet Book with Intention 

by Lisa Frenkel Riddiough (Author) Asa Gilland (Illustrator)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

A social-emotional concept picture book that teaches readers the power of setting intentions and embracing mindfulness in our everyday lives. Appreciate art, become brave and choose compassion. Pairing big ideas like generosity, respect and joy with the letters of the alphabet, Letters to Live By is a beautiful picture book that encourages children to make the most of each day and leave their mark on the world.

I Will!: A Book of Promises (I Will!)

by Juana Medina (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

Series: I Will!

A picture book with bold, playful illustrations and simple text full of affirmations dedicated to being entertaining while building self-worth and improving communication skills for kids, and adults, of all ages. What do you promise to do to help make the world a better place?

Anzu the Great Listener (Anzu the Great Kaiju) 

by Benson Shum (Author) Benson Shum (Illustrator)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

Series: Anzu the Great Kaiju

In this follow-up to Anzu the Great Kaiju, created by Walt Disney Studios animator Benson Shum, we follow sweet and well-intentioned Anzu as he learns a valuable lesson about patience and empathy in the face of sadness–perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened.

Anzu the kaiju loves to tend to his bonsai.

Whenever he feels overwhelmed or unsettled, it helps him pause and reminds him to just . . . breathe.

One day, when Anzu hears crying in the distance, he’s eager to help! The flower-power that makes his bonsai bloom has a way of making others smile.

But when Anzu’s flowers seem to lose their power, hurting more than they help, he’s not sure where to turn–until he remembers some valuable lessons he learned from his bonsai tree.

In Anzu the Great Listener, creator and Walt Disney Studios animator Benson Shum illustrates the importance of patience, empathy and, above all, taking the time to listen.

Words of Wonder From Z to A 

by Zaila Avant-Garde (Author) Keisha Morris (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

An inspiring picture book from Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde, filled with her favorite motivational words from Z to A. Perfect for your little book lover and spelling ace!

When 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde became the first Black American student to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021, the world took notice.

Now, this extraordinary speller, writer and basketball champ celebrates the world of words, with 26 of Zaila’s favorite words, such as KINDNESS, HOPE, and RESILIENCE, alongside Zaila’s encouraging and poetic thoughts. Each bright and busy page also includes an inspiring quotation from a famous thought leader. And an afterword to the book details the fascinating origins of each word.

It’s an uplifting picture book packed with motivation, learning and fun, from one of America’s most promising, unique and accomplished young people.

The Invisible Web: A Story Celebrating Love and Universal Connection (The Invisible String) 

by Patrice Karst (Author) Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Series: The Invisible String

From the author of the picture book phenomenon The Invisible String, which has sold half a million copies to date, comes a moving companion title about our connections to each other, to the world and to the universe.  All of our strings to one another are interconnected in The Invisible Web.

It breathes as we breathe, pulsating all over our Earth, the single heartbeat of life and love. And do you know what that makes us all? One Very Big Family! This uplifting, inspirational title for all ages puts the concept of six degrees of separation into a new context that urges readers to recognize, respect and celebrate their infinite, unbreakable bonds with the entire human family.

Be Strong (Be Kind #2) 

by Pat Zietlow Miller (Author) Jen Hill (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Series: Be Kind

A picture book about finding strength in unlikely places from the team behind the hugely popular New York Times bestseller Be Kind. When her gym class must face the school rock-climbing wall, Tanisha is discouraged. Her muscles are weak, and she knows she’ll never reach the top like Cayla. But maybe strength is about more than just muscles. With help from her family, Tanisha learns that by showing up, speaking up and not giving up, she can be strong, too. And that people are the strongest when they work together and trust each other. Award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller has reunited with illustrator Jen Hill for Be Strong, another unforgettable story sure to inspire kids and adults alike.

Absurd Words: A Kids’ Fun and Hilarious Vocabulary Builder for Future Word Nerds 

by Tara Lazar (Author)

Reading Level: 4th – 5th Grade

Why use boring old words when you can expand and build your vocabulary–and have fun doing it! A user-friendly, engaging book about the power of words–perfect for educators, parents and future word nerds. Build confidence and become a stronger reader, writer and communicator! This fun and hilarious vocabulary builder includes over 750 high-level, wondrous and wacky words! With sample sentences and word history that help new words make sense! Bright and fun illustrations make learning new words fun! Allows readers to search by category, so new word choices are easy to find! Kids with strong vocabularies are better readers, better writers and even feel more confident tackling math and science. When a kid wants to learn a new word, we often send them to the dictionary or a thesaurus. But dictionaries only work if you know exactly the word you want. This dictionary-thesaurus hybrid is organized by theme and puts words in context with fun, engaging and hilarious sentences, pictures and fun facts. You’ll learn what words mean and then actually use them!

Playing The Cards You’re Dealt  

by Varian Johnson (Author)

Reading Level: 4th – 5th Grade

“With a deft hand, Johnson shows us there’s no such thing as too young when it comes to questioning big ideas like manhood, or even family.” -Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author of Look Both Ways and Stamped

Literary powerhouse and Coretta Scott King Honor- and Boston Globe / Horn Book Honor-winning author of The Parker Inheritance Varian Johnson explores themes of toxic masculinity and family legacy in this heartfelt, hopeful story of one boy discovering what it really means to be a man.

SECRETS ARE ALWAYS A GAMBLE

Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which means he’s finally old enough to play in the spades tournament every Joplin Man before him seems to have won. So, while Ant’s friends are stressing about fifth-grade homework and girls, Ant only has one thing on his mind: how he’ll measure up to his father’s expectations at the card table.

Then Ant’s best friend gets grounded, and he’s forced to find another spades partner. And Shirley, the new girl in his class, isn’t exactly who he has in mind. She talks a whole lot of trash — way more than his old partner. Plus, he’s not sure that his father wants him playing with a girl. But she’s smart and tough and pretty and knows every card trick in the book. So Ant decides to join forces with Shirley — and keep his plans a secret.

Only it turns out secrets are another Joplin Man tradition. And his father is hiding one so big it may tear their family apart…

Mini Games to Make and Play (Mini Makers) 

by Rebecca Felix (Author)

Reading Level: 4th – 5th Grade

Series: Mini Makers

It’s a great time to start new traditions! How about hosting a game night? Think mini!

Craft a bitty bowling alley for marble bowling balls. Create a deck of petite playing cards. Then, play your games with family and friends. Easy instructions and step photos will help you become a miniature game master. Tiny games are tons of fun!