Archives for August 12, 2026

Tim Probert’s award-winning Lightfall series continues with its fourth installment, LIGHTFALL: A Place Between (came out this past Spring) is where readers will be in lockstep adventure with Bea and Cad in the ancient land of Irpa. Perfect for fans of Amulet and Avatar, this series sheds light on why we carry on in times of darkness and how we navigate anxiety and imposter syndrome. A starred Kirkus review lauds this series as a “richly layered adventure with a modern yet timeless emphasis on emotional intelligence, courage, and empathy.”  

Later in April, we return to Siannerra, the fictional Italian Renaissance, queernormative city-state at the center of Marieke Nijkamp and Sylvia Bi’s Ink Girls and its new standalone companion: CLOCK HANDS . While Ink Girls (a 2023 Kids’ Indie Next List pick) highlighted the value of a free press, CLOCK HANDS is an age-appropriate crash course on the labor movement. The story follows Vale, a kid who dreams of being a metalworker’s apprentice and helps to build the city’s first astronomical clock. When injustice strikes, Vale fights to bring fair wages and labor protections to their city. Complete with intricate artwork from Sylvia Bi, CLOCK HANDS is as immersive as it is powerful. 

A teen travels to Jamaica hoping to answer questions about her absent mother, only to discover more about her queer identity than she could have ever expected—and find herself caught up in an unexpected love triangle—in this dazzling young adult coming-of-age novel by award-winning author DeAndra Davis.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Here’s what we do know: there was another infamous barn party at the McClain family farm last night, and things went horribly wrong. By the end of the night, there were two dead bodies in the old barn: seventeen-year-old Sadie Cooper and her killer, Mason Vreeland. The murder was heartbreakingly witnessed by Sadie’s twin sister, Jayne, and Sadie died in her arms. Mason was killed by Sadie’s boyfriend, Ben, in an attempt to save Sadie. Aside from figuring out Mason’s motive, it should be an open and shut case. But it’s not. The story unfolds just after the murders, and Jayne, Ben, and Sadie’s best friend, Liz, are telling the cops what transpired at the party and the events leading up to it. But little details don’t match. And those little details start to add up to big discrepancies. But who’s lying, and why? The shocking truth is revealed in the third act, when the POV shifts to victim Sadie herself, in the days leading up to the party. Witness exactly what happened—and see if you can piece it all together. Because poor Sadie totally missed what was right in front of her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rachel Peterson graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a degree in English and creative writing. Born and raised in Ohio, she started her career in advertising before spending nearly a decade in New York City as a marketing executive for technology companies. An avid traveler, Rachel now splits her time between Manhattan and the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, Ken, their dog, Olive, and horse, Hope.

For the wacky readers who love to laugh: I USED TO BE A DINOSAUR by Casey Lyall, illus. by Laurie Keller – A mama hen demands respect for herself and her chicks—after all, they used to be dinosaurs! This laugh-out-loud picture book about farmyards, self-esteem, and evolution is perfect for fans of Interrupting Chicken and Are You a Cheeseburger?

For the young readers who love to fix things: TURTLE WITH A TOOLBOX by Beth Ferry, illus. by Dudolf– The first book in an early readers picture book series — perfect for little builders, tool lovers and fans of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site!  Kirkus raves that it’s  “Just what the toddler ordered.” I dare you to not read this one aloud!

For the curious readers who are always asking “how?”: STUBBY: A Pencil’s Journey by Sydra Mallery, illus. by John Hare (out 6/30) – A humorous and informational account of a pencil’s journey from cedar tree to classroom is told by a stubby little pencil himself. Anyone who has used a pencil to its stubby end will appreciate this story of how a pencil is made. 

INSPIRED BY IRISH LORE: As a dual citizen of Canada and Ireland, Amanda drew loose inspiration from ancient Irish lore around the extinction of the wild wolf in Ireland, the Irish Viking Age, the Christianization process, and the legend claiming St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland.  

·       WRITTEN BY AN AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST: Amanda’s background covering international politics, including issues around foreign policy, national security, and gender equality, brings an added layer of authenticity to the novel’s power struggles, shifting alliances, and high-stakes conflicts.

·       TIMELY STORY ABOUT POWER AND RESISTANCE: At its core, The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is a story about who gets to wield and control power – and the unfailing courage and strength of those who defy attempts to silence them. But it is also a deeply human story about sacrifice, courage and love in the face of overwhelming odds that can inspire a spark of hope as we face increasingly dark times in our world.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A humorous and touching tale of the unexpected friendship that blossoms between a peaceful skeleton and a persistent cat. Told in five short and charming stories that will remind you of Frog and Toad.

Skeleton lives alone in lonesome bliss. She reads books, drinks tea, and tends to her garden. It’s simple and peaceful. Until, one day, a cat knocks on Skeleton’s door…

“Can I come in?” asks the Cat.

Readers and cat lovers of all ages will adore this surprising duo who is sure to convince you that skeletons are gardeners, cats tell good-ish jokes, and, together, they make the best of friends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandon James Scott is an award-winning Canadian artist who works in animation and illustrates books.He is the illustrator of over 10 picture books, including The Dog Who Wanted to Fly,a Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens of 2018, and A Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish, which was selected for the 2024 Society of Illustrators’ Original Art Exhibition. He is also an Emmy Award–nominated creator of the Canadian preschool television series Justin Time and is an animation director with over ten years’ experience in the animation industry. The Skeleton and the Cat is based on his original Dead Cat art series, which has garnered wide attention on social media. Brandon lives with his family in Toronto, Canada.

Looking for something to keep the kids busy on the last days of Summer?

The Book of Cultures ($27.99) and their newest release, The Book of Maps ($17.99) would be the perfect way to keep them entertained with no screens!

Worldwide Buddies

Price: $13.99+Also available on Amazon

Through Worldwide Buddies products, young readers discover both the differences that make our world special and the similarities that connect us all, encouraging cultural awareness from an early age. It’s an easy, interactive, and fun way to teach kids about the world in a way that will resonate with them and is digestible!

• Creators of beautiful stories of cultural diversity that promote love and acceptance. 
• Offers nearly 40 products designed to make learning about the world fun, engaging, and interactive.
• Each beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story follows a buddy from a different country and highlights unique aspects of their culture, traditions, and daily life

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature for this week. Cover images were also provided.