Aladdin; Onsale 6/2/26; $14.99; Paper Over Board; Ages 8 – 12 ; ISBN: 979834710399
Fans of Dork Diaries will love the first installment in this hilarious diary-style middle grade series from award-winning author/illustrator Maddie Frost, featuring color-lined pages with black and white illustrations. In REALLY RUBIE ( Ages 8-12), readers are introduced to Rubie Fox, an eleven-year-old who has to face her first time at sleepaway camp without her BFF! Rubie deals with being a fish out of water at camp, making new friends, having her first crush, and being away from home for the first time, all in one summer. Packed with relevant themes and firsts, this is a book that all middle grade readers can relate to.
Hello, summer! Rubie Fox can’t wait to go to sleepaway camp for the very first time. She and her best friend Riley Swisher will go away for an entire month TOGETHER, and they’ll even be able to spy on Riley’s crush Owen, who will be across from Camp Pineview, over at the boys’ camp, Moose-Ridge. But when Riley drops a bomb—she can’t go to camp because she broke her ankle—Rubie has to go by herself. Which sort of makes her feel RAGE…how can she go to camp without Riley?! But her mom has already paid for it, so she’s stuck with her plushie chicken Jim the Duck and a cabin full of girls she doesn’t know.
But Rubie just might make another BFF, break out of her shell, and even meet a boy…all without Riley. Camp might be more eventful than Rubie ever thought it could be—with more drama than she ever imagined!
Maddie Frost is an award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator. She has been praised as a “powerhouse creator,” making over a dozen books for kids. You might recognize some of her books like the WOMBATS! series, Cats on Cats on Cats, and Little Boo. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and daughter. Really Rubie is her first middle grade novel. For more about Maddie, visit her website at Maddie-Frost.com. Or on Instagram @HelloMaddieFrost.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy never imagined that dusty old puppets and a mysterious book would launch them into a time-traveling adventure. But when they discover their aunt has treasures belonging to Pura Belpré, the trailblazing Latina librarian and storyteller, they’re transported back to 1930s New York City. Their mission? Race against time to return Pura’s puppets and a signed first edition of her book, proving their aunt isn’t a thief.
The past is full of danger, though. A powerful woman will stop at nothing to steal the book, the cousins’ nosy neighbor is snooping around, and the hardship of the Great Depression is all around them. Luckily Jorge, Camila, and Siggy meet Antonia, a fierce Puerto Rican girl fighting injustice against her community.
The cousins will need courage, quick thinking, and a little help from history to protect Pura Belpré’s legacy, clear their aunt’s name, and make it back home. Can they pull it off before time runs out?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Emma Otheguy is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture books A Sled for Gabo and Martina Has Too Many Tías, the bilingual picture book Martí’s Song for Freedom, and the middle grade novels Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene, Cousins in the Time of Magic, Silver Meadows Summer, and, with Adam Gidwitz, The Madre de Aguas of Cuba, part of the Unicorn Rescue Society series. Visit her at EmmaOtheguy.com.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Poly Bernatene was born in 1972 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has been drawing ever since. He graduated from Buenos Aires’s art school, where he developed a great interest in managing different techniques in his work. He has worked in advertisement, animation, and comics. During the last fifteen years, he has established an exciting career as a professional illustrator, having published more than sixty children’s books in eleven countries.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Milton is a curious little pug who loves adventure—especially when it involves snacks, stinky smells, and playing with his dog friends. He’s heard that some dogs go off to live with forever families… but that kind of adventure feels a little too big for Milton.
So when Milton finds out he’s moving to a new home of his own, he packs his tiny suitcase (stuffed toy included) and does his best to be brave. He’s surprised to find that his new human friend, Jonathan, seems nervous too! But as Milton settles into his new home, he and Jonathan will learn that being brave means giving new things, and new friends, a chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jonathan Graziano is a Rochester native who currently resides in New York City. His eternal muse, Noodle, continues to inspire him each and every day. It is Jonathan’s hope that through this story he can continue Noodle’s legacy of spreading joy and kindness and encourage others to adopt and/or rescue a senior pet next time they’re looking to add a new member to their family. You can find Jonathan on TikTok and Instagram.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Dan Tavis is an illustrator living in New Hampshire. He has been doodling ever since his first math class in elementary school! He is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Noodle and the No Bones Day, Common Critters,and Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion, among other projects.
By Workman Publishing, illustrated by Brooke O’Neill
Do you know a fan of K-Pop? This one
Just in time to celebrate the return of BTS and a summer of new music, I’m excited to introduce the Unauthorized Ultimate K-Pop Fanbook: Boy Group Edition (On Sale 6/16/26; $9.99; Workman Kids). This unique fanbook features 32 pages of puzzles, games, activities, fun facts, lists, and more in a fully mixed bag of boy band content featuring all your favorite performers. Plus, 16 sheets of adorable, illustrated stickers to show off your K-Pop loyalty!
See if you can match the hair to your bias, help them find their way through a maze, or identify them using tricky crossword clues. This book is packed with Easter eggs for the K-Pop listeners in your life, including iconic hairstyles, music video references, and more. And don’t worry, girl group fans – the Girl Group Edition is coming this fall!
Tiny Tiger Says Why Can’t I? by Smriti Halls and illustrated by Steve Small | S&S – Beach Lane Books
This first book in a new picture book series explores big feelings with humor, heart, and a loveable main character kids will instantly connect with. Tiny Tiger has a long list of things they want to do —make cookie dough, drive a car, maybe even live on the moon—but every idea is met with a resounding no. What’s a Tiny Tiger to do? This iconic author illustrator duo is back together for a read-aloud that’s full of expression, emotion, and international appeal.
Mission Milestone – First Day of School & Visit to the Doctor by Derek Shun; illustrated by Benson Shum | S&S – Simon Spotlight
Earning Star Scout badges for every accomplishment, Ollie the panda and his friend Sid the alien are ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. And first up? The first day of school! Ollie and Sid will take on this new adventure with courage, curiosity, teamwork, and friendship as they learn that school isn’t scary – it’s a place to meet new people and learn all new things. Next, Sid and Ollie learn the importance of caring for your body and mind in Visit to the Doctor. Checkups aren’t scary; they’re an adventure in staying strong and healthy!
Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this featured book post. Images were also provided.
Speak Your Mind