Following a plucky protagonist, who faces challenges with wry humor and surprising nuggets of wisdom and maturity, the story is sprinkled with insightful moments into Lenny’s emotional state as he manages his grief, allowing readers to see reflections of their own hardships. By highlighting the value of friends, family, and emotional transparency, Lenny’s story is a gentle reminder that vulnerability does not equate to weakness, and that building connections and asking for help are vital steps in paving the way for healing.
This uplifting novel about new schools, unexpected friendships, and overcoming loss is perfect for back-to-school reading as well as Social Emotional Learning for middle-grade readers!
I loved the characters and how unique they are! Highly recommend this one, and it is available now.
From Matthew Forsythe, the creator of the acclaimed and beloved Pokko and the Drum, comes a surprising and pleasing picture book about rules. And sharing. And an epic game of tic-tac-toe.
Aggie is very excited to live on her own—until she finds out her new house is haunted. But no fear, the situation is nothing that can’t be fixed with a carefully considered list of rules: No haunting after dark. No stealing socks. No eating all the food.
But the ghost doesn’t like playing by the rules and challenges Aggie to an epic game of tic-tac-toe—winner gets the house.
This is a fun and engaging book!
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Matthew Forsythe is the author-illustrator of Pokko and the Drum, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, a recipient of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book. He is also an illustrator for animated films and television. His credits include Adventure Time, The Midnight Gospel, and Robin Robin, a stop-motion animated musical from Aardman Animations and Netflix. He lives in Los Angeles. Visit him at ComingUpforAir.net.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A WISH by Jennifer Adams and illustrated by Sara Gillingham (ISBN: 9781949480382)
Jump into this lyrical and empowering picture book about the many ways children can make a wish and how they can make their wishes, even the tough ones, come true.
This is a delightful story that young children will love!
JUST ONE WAVE by Travis Jonker ( ISBN: 9781419773716)
A hilarious celebration of summertime, curiosity, and outdoor play in this companion to Just One Flake in which Liam realizes if he can’t find a wave, he’ll just have to make one himself. I read this with one of my youngest reviewers (she is 5) and she loved it! We couldn’t stop laughing.
IT’S BUSY DOWN IN THE WOODS TODAY (BROWN BEAR WOOD) by Rachel Piercy and illustrated by Freya Hartas ( ISBN: 9781419777004)
Enter the charming world of Brown Bear Wood and discover how the animals spend their days while searching for over 100 hidden things. It is sure to hold the attention of young readers and create an immersive, cozy world that encourages them to step into imaginative play.
I love how engaging this book is for young children!
THE LUCKY DAY (SEASHELL KEY #3) by Lourdes Heuer and illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao (ISBN: 9781419767524)
Perfect for fans of Princess in Black and Mercy Watson, the third book in The Seashell Key series explores the adventures of a diverse community of kids living in a beautiful seaside town, filled with lots of spring fun.
LOST IN A BOOK by Chris Britt ( ISBN 9781949480542)
An interactive, playful picture book about getting lost in a book- literally! Two best friends, Chad and Oliver, take a leisurely stroll through a book, but when Oliver disappears, they soon find out that some books can be an adventure. This is a really entertaining book!
MARYA KHAN AND THE DISASTROUS CLASS PROJECT by Saadia Faruqi and illustrator Ani Bushry ( ISBN: 9781419774959)
Perfect for fans of Ivy & Bean and Stella Diaz, this charming chapter book series by the author of the successful Yasmin series follows a Pakistani American third-grader whose plans may backfire, but whose persistence and heart are inspiring.
KITTY CAMP by Drew Brockington ( ISBN: 9781419771965)
For cat lovers everywhere, this charming picture book is a laugh-out-loud twist on the classic fish-out-of-water tale in which a girl accidentally finds herself at a summer camp for kitties. If you have a child who loves cats, this book is a must-read!
Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature. Cover images were also provided.
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