Archives for July 2025

COOKING UP CHANGEby Michael Platt, illustrated by Alleanna Harris (On sale May 27; ISBN: 9781419778889; Ages 8-12) In the eagerly awaited sequel to teen chef and food justice advocate Michael Platt’s Recipes for Change, Platt journeys through a year in Black history with a little help from his beloved grandmother as he retells 12 important historic events and shares a recipe inspired by each one.

Liza Tully channels the perfect mix of feel-good vibes and suspense in her newest mystery, THE WORLD’S GREATEST DETECTIVE AND HER JUST OKAY ASSISTANT (Berkley | Hardcover | July 8), a delightful whodunit following a famous detective and her new and possibly less-than-ideal assistant—but before they can unravel the latest murder, they’ll need to solve the mystery of why they can’t seem to work together.

Tully combines the humorous cross-generational workplace antics of Hacks with the enigmatic familial dysfunction of Knives Out in this uniquely clever, twisty murder mystery. The novel is laugh-out-loud funny, with a protagonist in Olivia Blunt who is at once quirky and relatable as she juggles bold career aspirations with “real life.”

Olivia doesn’t want to be an assistant detective for the rest of her life, and after weeks of admin work, investigator Aubrey Merritt, renowned as much for her professional prowess as her breezy, pragmatic attitude, finally agrees to bring Olivia along on her new case. Victoria Summersworth, a wealthy, healthy, happy woman, fell to her death on the evening of her sixty-fifth birthday party, and the police have ruled it a suicide—but Victoria’s daughter thinks it was murder.

Olivia realizes she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing, but she’s resolved to prove her investigative skills to her boss. Still, Summersworth family drama is complicated, to say the least, and Olivia quickly realizes she’s unraveling a mystery far more complicated than anyone anticipated.

Author Liza Tully is an alternate pen name for Elisabeth Elo (for dark thrillers) and Elisabeth Panttaja Brink (for literary fiction). 

Through all moments of the day, both large and small, a boy prepares for a Day of the Dead celebration, in this picture book from Pura Belpré Honor–winning author-illustrator John Parra.

A single day in a boy’s life is filled with family, love, and inspiration as he prepares for the Día de Muertos celebration and remembers that all moments are special. Each moment reminds us of our family and those who have gone before us. Today holds a special promise, una promesa especial.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

John Parra’s illustrations for Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown, earned the book a New York Times Best Illustrated Book designation. He also illustrated Green Is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors by Roseanne Thong, which received a Pura Belpré Honor and the Américas Book Award: Commended; Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner, which won the Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration and was a Bank Street Best Book of the year; and Hey, Wall, by Susan Verde, which School Library Journal called “a must-purchase” in a starred review. Learn more at JohnParraArt.com.

For the first printing only! This hardcover features sprayed edges while the special edition supply lasts.

A stunning debut middle grade fantasy about a girl caught between the realms of the living and the dead who gets lost in the Underworld—perfect for fans of Greenwild and Rick Riordan.

Senka lives between the realm of the Living and the realm of the Dead. As ward to Charon, the Ferryer of the Underworld, Senka assists in ferrying recently departed souls across the river and into their afterlife. Although Charon has taught her many Rules about life in the Underworld, there is much he avoids telling her. Though she doesn’t understand why the Rules are so important, she listens—she must heed them in order to become an official Ferryer, just like Charon.

Then a Living girl, Poppy, enters the Underworld to plead for help in finding the ghost of her brother. Poppy’s grief tugs at Senka’s heart—but helping Poppy goes against the very Rules Senka is so desperate to follow. When Poppy is yanked away by the river’s current, Senka leaps to save her, and she and Poppy are swept downriver, far from everything Senka has ever known.

Lost in the Underwild, Senka and Poppy encounter malevolent spirits of lore and eccentric ghosts—and not all are willing to let souls slip through their grasp. Senka knows the Living can’t stay in the realm of the Dead for long, and if Poppy isn’t returned home soon, she will risk becoming lost to the Underworld forever. But as Senka travels deeper into the Underwild, she discovers there are secrets her guardian has kept from her, including the mystery surrounding her own existence. As Poppy and Senka dodge angry demigods, hungry wraiths, and terrifying dragon chimera, Senka gets closer to learning the truth of her own past. Soon, Senka won’t just need to save Poppy’s life—she’ll also need to save her own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shana Targosz writes about magical girls, budding friendships, ghosts who may or may not be friendly, and fiercely held hope. She is an Oregon Literary Fellow and the 2021 recipient of the Edna L. Holmes Fellowship in Young Readers Literature. River of Spirits is her debut novel. When not writing or reading through a stack of books, she spends her time playing Zelda with her son, designing solo journaling games, walking her domesticated monster disguised as a Labradoodle, and dreaming up different worlds.

It’s August 1994, and Charlie Stewart begins his final year at St. Mark’s Episcopal School, a prestigious all-boys school in Richmond, Virginia. Charlie, an undistinguished student by St. Mark’s standards, faces tough odds as he seeks to rekindle his relationship with Katy Hendricks, a beautiful tennis star, and gain admission to a highly selective state university.

Through it all, Charlie relies on Beau Miller, his best friend and the top student athlete in their class. Despite Beau’s movie-star looks and infectious charm, he has a darker side, which becomes more apparent as the year progresses.

Charlie endures his trials with wry determination and ultimately emerges with a renewed sense of purpose. Charlie-Man is both a heartrending but hopeful story and a lyrical homage to the classic coming-of-age novels of years past.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas Cullen is a federal trial judge and former U.S. attorney in Virginia. He is also an accomplished writer, regularly publishing op-eds and essays for national and regional media outlets over the past decade. Thomas graduated near the top of his class from William & Mary Law School and was recently honored as its 2024 Carter O. Lowance Fellow. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Thomas studied history and ran track at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, which recently awarded him an honorary doctorate. Charlie-Man is his first novel.

The book to look for! When You Go To Dragon School.

In this hilarious debut picture book, the human school is full, but don’t worry — a spot at the local dragon school is waiting for you! This is a wonderful book about diversity and about accepting differences in others!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature as weekly book options, and all are recommended. Images were provided.

Written in the Stars

All school year long, Quinn couldn’t wait to get to summer camp. She’s so excited to see her summer besties! But then things get turned inside out when a really cute new camper named Harry arrives. He just moved from London, and he and Quinn have so much in common. But it looks like she’s not the only one lovestruck by Harry. She thinks her frenemy, Kayla, secretly likes him, too! What will Quinn do now?

Meet Me at Sunset

This is going to be the summer Julie finally catches the attention of her crush, James! She has the perfect outfits, ice-breaking jokes, and a list of places she can oh-so-casually run into him. At least that was the plan until Julie’s parents decided to surprise her by inviting a friend to their beach house for the next three weeks.

Honestly, Julie’s not even sure she would call Sophia a friend, but one thing is for sure: having to play nice with Sophia who is always hanging around was not on the agenda. Now, Julie has no idea how this summer is going to go—especially since she’s unexpectedly feeling flutters around a new friend, Liam…and she thinks he might like her, too.

 THREAT OF THE SPIDER by Michael P. Spradlin

While there are many books about World War II and the atrocities committed by the Nazis, the Web of the Spider series focuses on events before the war—demonstrating how the Nazis rose to prominence and the tactics Hitler used to gain support and power. Starting in the 1920s, kids can learn about the circumstances that directly led to another war. The main characters of this series are a group of friends who oppose the Nazis and are inspired to intervene as the Party takes root in their community. Though readers will know they cannot stop the eventual war, their actions demonstrate the importance of everyday acts of defiance against tyranny and standing up for what you believe in.

In this story, we see how attacks on the press and the control of news is a telltale tactic of rising fascism. The parallels between 1930 Germany and America today are as prevalent as they are chilling. By starting the series before World War II, this series aims to show kids how fascist ideologies take root and gives readers the context to understand what is happening in our current political landscape.

RIGHT BESIDE YOU by Tucker Shaw (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), Ages 14-18): In this fresh, speculative blend of queer romance and coming-of-age, Eddie meets Theo in present-day New York and Francis in a New York of the past… torn between eras and his heart, he must make a decision that will change his life forever.

This one is for the younger kids!

RANDY RAINBOW AND THE MARVELOUSLY MAGICAL PINK GLASSES by Randy Rainbow; illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon (Feiwel & Friends, Ages 4-8): Randy’s debut picture book, Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses, follows a young Randy who’s gifted a deeply fabulous pair of pink glasses by his granny in hopes that they’ll take his day from lackluster to blockbuster. The glasses give him the encouragement he needs to have the best, most magical day.

 Carrying on the late Bob Marley’s legacy of fostering joy and connection, Ziggy – an eight-time Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musician, producer, and humanitarian – transforms iconic lines from his father’s beloved song “Jamming” into a bouncy, bedtime read-aloud about a family’s fun-filled pajama party. The result is a rollicking roadmap for screen-free family time, complete with Letícia Moreno’s exuberant illustrations inspired by Ziggy’s own multicultural family.

New Picture Book “Bringing the Beach Home” Shows How Creativity and Nature Help Children Navigate Change.

This summer, award-winning author Laura Atkins invites young readers on a journey from the shore to home in her latest children’s book, Bringing the Beach Home, a heartwarming story about resilience, creativity, and the power of nature. With lyrical prose and lush illustrations, this touching picture book follows a young child learning to find comfort in life’s transitions, especially the challenge of moving between two homes.

Rowan is tired of going back and forth between Mom’s and Dad’s house until a special trip to the beach with Dad sparks something magical. Overwhelmed by the loud waves and bright sun at first, Rowan soon discovers peace by connecting with nature. Inspired, Rowan and Dad craft a wind chime from seashells, a stick, and pebbles, bringing the magic of the beach home with them. This simple yet powerful act of creativity offers solace, showing young readers how they, too, can hold onto special places and moments through artistic expression.

The book also embraces inclusivity, with Rowan depicted as a gender-neutral and possibly neurodiverse character, allowing families to engage in meaningful conversations about identity, emotions, and resilience.

“With Bringing the Beach Home, I wanted to explore how children can find comfort and a sense of belonging even in moments of uncertainty,” Laura says. “Art and nature are powerful tools for healing, and this story encourages young readers to embrace creativity as a way to navigate change.”

Bringing the Beach Home resonates with children and families experiencing transitions, particularly those adjusting to life in divorced households. Rowan’s journey highlights the emotional challenges of splitting time between two homes while offering an uplifting and empowering perspective.

In addition to its moving narrative, Bringing the Beach Home features supplemental materials, including instructions for creating a wind chime from found beach materials. The book also provides back matter on ecological sensitivity, reinforcing the importance of environmental awareness and hands-on creativity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Atkins is a children’s book author, editor, and creativity coach, with over thirty years in the children’s book world. She also collects sea glass and creates sculptures and mobiles from shells, pebbles and driftwood. Laura has loved the beach all her life, especially the Bay Area beaches near her Berkeley, California home. She is the co-author of the first two books in the Fighting for Justice series for middle grade readers, Fred Korematsu Speaks Up and Biddy Mason Speaks Up, co-author of the call-to-action picture book, Calling All Future Voters! and author of the light-hearted picture book, Sled Dog Dachshund.

This summer parents can nurture young readers with the new line of Brain Quest Phonics Workbooks  ($10.99) based on the science of reading, written and vetted by literacy experts. Brain Quest is America’s #1 educational bestseller and has been making learning fun for over 30 years!  

With editions for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade, Brain Quest Phonics Workbooks are uniquely designed to help children develop reading skills through hands-on activities that reinforce essential phonics concepts. Studies show that understanding phonics, the process of matching the sounds of spoken English with individual letters and groups of letters, is essential for children learning to read. 

Brain Quest makes learning to read oodles of fun with engaging bonus content like pull out practice readers, mini-smart cards, stickers, and a progress poster! Aligned with national and state standards and using research-proven methods based on the science of reading these Phonics Workbooks set up children and parents for success.  

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

Coming-of-age can be difficult, but is always more bearable when you have someone who connects with you on a cellular level. Shari Lewis – a children’s television pioneer before Fred Rogers, Jim Henson, and others – was one of those people. She was a dancer, singer, and magician, but was best known as the ventriloquist behind sock puppets Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy and, of course, Lamb Chop. This heartfelt and entertaining doc charts the life, loves, and career hits and misses of the spunky perfectionist who forever changed the face of children’s television. Featuring ventriloquists she inspired and nostalgia-laden clips, this upbeat portrait brims, like Lewis, with warmth and charm.  Shari and Lamb Chop is the tonic we all need to reconnect with our inner children, and celebrate pure imagination.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “Shari & Lamb Chop is a joyful, nostalgic, and deeply inspiring documentary that honors a true pioneer of children’s entertainment. Director Lisa D’Apolito captures not only Shari Lewis’ incredible talent and groundbreaking contributions to television, but also her resilience, creativity, and the heartfelt connection she maintained with generations of children.” See her full review and interview with the director and Shari’s daughter, Mallory below.

Shari & Lamb ChopBy Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 21

Shari & Lamb Chop is a joyful, nostalgic, and deeply inspiring documentary that honors a true pioneer of children’s entertainment. Director Lisa D’Apolito captures not only Shari Lewis’ incredible talent and groundbreaking contributions to television, but also her resilience, creativity, and the heartfelt connection she maintained with generations of children. This documentary isn’t just a tribute; it’s a celebration of imagination, perseverance, and the enduring magic of storytelling.

What I love most about Shari & Lamb Chop is how it dives beyond the surface of fame to explore the personal journey of a multi-talented performer. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and rare home movies, the film shows how Shari Lewis redefined what it meant to connect with young audiences, on her own terms and in a male-dominated industry. The documentary balances entertainment and emotion in a way that feels honest and unforgettable.

This documentary is a must-see for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling and the legacy of pioneers who paved the way for joy and imagination. The film tells the story of Shari Lewis, a Bronx-born performer who overcame a career-ending dance injury by channeling her creativity into ventriloquism. With her iconic sock puppet Lamb Chop, and other characters like Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy, she rose to national fame as one of the earliest stars in children’s television. The film follows her journey through the highs of early success, the disappointment of cancellation, and her incredible resurgence in the 1990s when she once again captured the hearts of a new generation.

The interviews are a major highlight. Ventriloquists and performers, who were inspired by Lewis, as well as her daughter Mallory Lewis, offer touching insights and personal stories. The archival clips of Shari’s performances are charming and delightful, full of wit, warmth, and timeless energy. One of my favorite parts is seeing Shari backstage, meticulously working on her characters and pushing herself to be better, not for fame, but because she believed in children and what they deserved from entertainment.

The message of this documentary is powerful: women can lead, innovate, and inspire, even in industries that underestimate them. It also reminds us of the value in treating children as intelligent and imaginative individuals, something Shari Lewis always believed in. There is no inappropriate content, and it promotes creativity, curiosity, and perseverance, making it perfect for families and classrooms.

I give Shari & Lamb Chop 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults who grew up with Lamb Chop or are discovering her magic for the first time. It opens in theaters on July 18, 2025 and will also be available digitally and on home video. Trailer:

Zed and Addison discover the warring worlds of Sunnyside and Shadyside on a summer road trip after their first year of college, encountering two new groups of monsters.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “I absolutely love Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires – it takes things to a whole new level with the arrival of mysterious vampires and daywalkers, challenging the community to once again embrace unity and acceptance. It’s packed with catchy songs, incredible new characters, and powerful messages about being true to yourself. This is one of my favorite Zombies movies.”  See her full review and interviews at the premiere below.

Zombies 4: Dawn Of The Vampires
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, Age 11

I absolutely love Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires – it takes things to a whole new level with the arrival of mysterious vampires and daywalkers, challenging the community to once again embrace unity and acceptance. It’s packed with catchy songs, incredible new characters, and powerful messages about being true to yourself. This is one of my favorite Zombies movies.

The story follows Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly) as their summer road trip takes an unexpected turn, landing them at a summer camp caught between two rival monster groups: the daywalkers and the vampires. Tensions flare as the groups clash and Zed and Addison, along with their friends Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Willa (Chandler Kinney), become counselors in an effort to bring peace. They must convince the daywalker leader, Nova (Freya Skye), and the vampire leader, Victor (Malachi Barton), to unite their worlds to prevent an even greater threat from endangering everyone. This film continues the franchise’s theme of overcoming differences and promoting unity, this time focusing on the conflict and eventual harmony between daywalkers and vampires.

Trailer: