Archives for January 3, 2025

New Year, New Reads! Get started on that resolution to read more in 2025 with these bookishly fun new releases filled with wonder, new adventures, and sweet friends.

Sofia in Rome by Maria Castellucci Moore

Readers will love following Sofia on this epic journey through Rome as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to discover new things and appreciate the smaller things than in the Eternal City? This second book in this traveling mindfulness book series unites curiosity and wonder through exploring new places. Sometimes it’s the littlest things that bring you the greatest joy.

Mia and the Woodlands Mystery by Scott Haas

Deep in the heart of the woods, an exciting mystery is afoot! Join a lovable bear, a wise old owl, and many of their other forest friends on an inspiring adventure filled with friendship and teamwork. As they unravel the mystery surrounding the people-family living at the bottom of their mountain, they show young readers that when we work together, we can accomplish anything. Readers will love this enchanting tale filled with animals, nature, and the power of friendship.

Let it Glow by Marissa Meyer

When Aviva Davis and Holly Martin meet at the holiday pageant tryouts for their local senior’s center, they think they must be seeing double. While they both knew they were adopted, they had no idea they had a biological sibling, let alone an identical twin! The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families. Readers will enjoy this charming tale of sisterhood, family and holiday cheer as two virtual strangers swap homes causing lots of havoc.

Petit Pierre and His Wild Adventure By Johnette Downing

Petit Pierre has made a home for himself on the coast where Louisiana meets Mississippi, and now it is time for him to learn how to plunge-dive. Brown pelicans typically pick up this behavior by watching others do it. Will a new friend help Pierre learn how to dive? Young readers will follow his progress and, along the way, find out more about Gulf of Mexico marine life. Parents will love lessons on perseverance!

Happy New Year!

As you know, I am a big Snoopy fan! One of the biggest! So, I am thrilled about this first book!

LOVE FROM SNOOPY (on-sale now): Say I heart you with the world’s most loveable dog—the one-and-only Snoopy—in this uplifting and heartwarming picture book perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day of the year! Snoopy is a beagle with a heart of gold. Even when he’s soaring through the sky or having fun with other escapades, he has so much love for the rest of the Peanuts gang. Show your loved ones how much they’re adored with help from Charlie Brown’s best friend!

This would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift! One of my favorite pages in the book has Snoopy surfing and it simply says in response to Love…. “helps you catch that wave.”

LET IT GLOW  is a middle grade collaboration novel about twins separated at birth and adopted into families that celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas, from multi-New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer and award-winning author Joanne Levy. The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families at a pageant. 

Two virtual strangers swapping homes and holidays — what could possibly go wrong?

Here is a fun, sweet as sugar plum and satisfying as a latke story with a message about being open and curious to how holidays are celebrated by different faiths and cultures.

Happy January!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this post. Images and information were also provided.