THE TROUBLE WITH GIRAFFES by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
Beach Lane Books/ Paula Wiseman Books| on sale 9/16/2025 | Ages 4 to 8 | 9781665962766
About the book: A girl knows having a pet giraffe poses some difficulties, like finding a way to take walks together with legs very different in length. And her giraffe doesn’t fit into the clubhouse door for Pet Club. But the Pet Club members come together to find a way for him—and everyone—to be included. Because that’s what friends do. Strictly No Elephants has been sold around the world and is heralded as a pitch-perfect book about inclusion. Now, readers can celebrate the importance of both inclusivity and accessibility in this new companion that is full of new friends to love.
This is such a fun story to read!
About Lisa Mantchev: Lisa Mantchev is the author of many picture books, including the internationally acclaimed Strictly No Elephants and The Trouble with Giraffes, both illustrated by Taeeun Yoo; Remarkables, illustrated by David Litchfield; and Someday, Narwhal, illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Lisa lives on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Learn more at LisaMantchev.com.
About Taeeun Yoo: Taeeun Yoo has twice received the prestigious New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award. She has illustrated many books, including Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, which has been published in fourteen countries. The New York Times called it a “sunny, smart, tongue-in-cheek tale.” She is also the illustrator of Kitten and the Night Watchman by John Sullivan, which received five starred reviews and was named a best book of the year by many publications. Her other books include So Many Days and Only a Witch Can Fly, both by Alison McGhee, and Round by Joyce Sidman. Taeeun was also the recipient of the Ezra Jack Keats Award and the Society of Illustrators’ Founders Award. She lives in South Korea with her family.
With its storied stage, legendary performances, and deep cultural roots, the Grand Ole Opry has long been the beating heart of country music. Now, just in time for its 100th anniversary in 2025, a lively new picture book is giving young readers a front-row seat to the magic of this country music landmark. Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry (on-sale: September 16) is a joyful, interactive introduction to the Opry — told through the eyes (and voice!) of the iconic building itself.
In the spirit of The Philharmonic Gets Dressed and School’s First Day of School, in Howdy! the Grand Ole Opry is personified as a warm, welcoming narrator, guiding readers on a behind-the-scenes journey full of lights, laughter, and line dancing. Featuring a foreword by country music superstar and Opry member Lainey Wilson, this book also has quotes from some of country’s biggest icons (Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini, Lauren Alaina, and Scotty McCreery) who share their experiences of debuting on the iconic Opry stage. Howdy, also features collages paired with illustrator Susanna Chapman’s vibrant artwork, including real archival photographs of legendary Opry performers including Taylor Swift, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Little Big Town, and more! This book will definitely be a hit!
FRIDA KAHLO’S FLOWER CROWNby Nydia Armendia-Sánchez, illustrated by Loris Lora (ISBN: 9781949480351; Ages 4-8)
- Told through the language and imagery of the native Mexican flowers and plants comes the life of acclaimed and beloved artist Frida Kahlo. Like a flower, Frida blossomed, wilted, was crushed, survived, and thrived, growing into one of the most celebrated Indigenous painters.
INVENTIONS TO COUNT ON by Dana Marie Miroballi, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud ( ISBN: 9781419769962; Ages 3-5)
- From forgotten innovators like Anna M. Mangin to well-known inventors like James West, this picture book is a celebration of Black history and inventors with a unique counting rhyme and charming art.
REBELS, ROBBERS, RADICALSby Teri Kanefield ( ISBN: 9781419768262; Ages 10-14)
- Meet the rebels, robbers, radicals, determined teenagers, and ordinary Americans who shaped our constitutional rights. With full-color illustrations and thought-provoking text, the story explores how our rights evolve as the nation grows and changes.
COOKING UP CHANGEby Michael Platt, illustrated by Alleanna Harris ( 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.
THE MUSIC INSIDE USby James Howe and illustrated by Jack Wong ( ISBN: 9781419755217; Ages 4-8)
- From a bestselling and award-winning team comes a moving, gorgeously illustrated picture-book biography of one of the greatest cellists of all time, Yo-Yo Ma, and his lifelong passion for using music to unite people in harmony and joy. This biography will inspire readers to discover the gifts inside us all.
THE ATLAS OF LANGUAGESby Rachel Lancashire and illustrated by Jenny Zemanek ( ISBN: 9781419766831; Ages 8-11)
- Where did the word “banana” originate? What is the world’s most secret language? This beautifully illustrated book answers all these questions and more, taking the reader on a journey across the globe to explore the complexity, beauty, and variety of languages.
This next one is great read for middle-schoolers!
About the Book
When a category three hurricane hits Miami Beach, it uncovers a body buried at the renowned Moroccan Hotel. The body is identified as the man who served as the hotel’s bell captain sixty years ago…and the presumed culprit of the million-dollar jewel heist that took place just before his disappearance.
Since the bell captain clearly didn’t take off with the goods as had been long believed, the Sherlock Society sets their sights on uncovering the real culprit of the theft. But when the thief may also be implicated in the bell captain’s murder, even sixty years later, there are people who want the truth to stay buried.
About the Author
James Ponti is the New York Times bestselling author of four middle grade book series: The Sherlock Society following a group of young detectives; City Spies, about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan. His books have appeared on more than fifteen different state award lists, and he is the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. James is also an Emmy–nominated television writer and producer who has worked for many networks including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, History, and Spike TV, as well as NBC Sports. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida.
In The Official Lore Olympus Watercolor Book (Walter Foster Publishing, September 2025), series creator Rachel Smythe takes you behind the scenes for an in-depth exploration of the characters and how to recreate them in the expressive medium of watercolor. This must-have companion offers:
- 20 painting projects featuring your favorite characters and scenes from Lore Olympus, with full-color reference art, a supply list, a color palette, and techniques for each one, including tips for mastering even the smallest details.
- A high-quality watercolor pad with 20 preprinted scenes to use in completing the corresponding painting projects.
- Watercolor essentials, including an overview of tools and materials, basic painting and mixing techniques, and an introduction to color theory.
- Detailed profiles of the series’ main characters—Persephone, Hades, Artemis, Eros, Hecate, Hera, and Hermes—covering their backstories and personality traits, the nuances of their appearance and dress, and the color palettes for their skin tones.
- And more!
Far beyond just a watercolor instruction book, The Official Lore Olympus Watercolor Book is an expansive exploration of the Lore Olympus characters and the world of webcomics—perfect for series fans, budding watercolorists, and aspiring illustrators alike. I had so much fun with this one!
Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature. Cover images were also provided.
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