Related
Carolina Ixta joins us to talk about her new book, FEW BLUE SKIES.
Running from mid-February to late-March, the religious holidays are celebrated by Muslim people all over the world. From board books to a graphic novel, there’s something here for every young reader.
There's something for everyone in today's preview. Picture books. Board books. Middle grade fiction. Nonfiction. Books for every possible taste, so we haven't a moment to waste. Let's get into it!
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Club Zodiac #1 from Keenspot Entertainment and Startup Squad One for the Dogs from Philomel Books.
When I began working on The Aftermyth, I wasn’t interested in retelling Greek myths as they’ve always been told. I was interested in what happens after the myth ends.
"Welcome to our library crib!"
Hypergifted by Gordon Korman leads holds this week. Also in demand are new titles by Lauren Tarshis, Katherine Quinn, Petra Lord, and Shannon J. Spann. Amazon releases its editors’ picks for February. ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table announces its inaugural awards winners. The Hans Christian Andersen Award shortlist and the Audie Awards finalists are revealed. People recommends children’s books that celebrate Black History. Plus, bestsellers and interviews with Jeff Kinney, Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, and Melanie Florence and Matt James.
Across the country, school and public librarians are creating their own summer reading programs that not only combat the academic slide and keep kids reading but promote book choice and personal connection.
Today, it's all about the fish. Fish and photography, baby. Flotsam turns 20 years old this year, so we finally have a chance to determine if it's a modern day classic or not.
PREMIUM
La profecía equivocada
This magical boarding school drama with a Greek myth twist would be perfect for Spanish-language fantasy collections.
A must for Spanish-language collections serving tweens, especially where fantasy is popular.
PREMIUM
El porqué de las estaciones
A great purchase for early elementary school collections and curriculum and for communities serving Spanish speakers.
A visually playful introduction to Latin American treats that works best for Spanish-speaking families. While the concept is appealing, stronger Spanish-language board books exist for teaching vocabulary.
Purchase for early elementary school collections and communities serving Spanish speakers and learners.
A lively, educational celebration of mariachi instruments and a strong addition to bilingual board book collections.
An excellent choice for elementary classrooms, young naturalists, homeschooling families, and any child fascinated by animals, ecosystems, or environmental stewardship, filled with sensory language, and captivating images.
PREMIUM
Open: Every Seed Has Its Moment
This would be a good choice for libraries needing SEL books about change and growth, or natural science books about seeds and the needs of plants.
PREMIUM
Hammers, Drills, and Wrenches
This lively overview is straightforward and engaging and will encourage young readers to dream of what they can create.
An inspiring look at architectural, engineering, and community creativity in response to climate change.
An evocative and engaging book that turns deep-sea science into a thrilling exploration. This is an excellent, educational addition to any library and perfect for readers fascinated by the natural world’s greatest mysteries.
PREMIUM
The Shark Book
Whether Shark Week or not, this is a good choice for collections where shark books are popular.
PREMIUM
Because of a Bee
A worthwhile addition to collections where books about bees, gardens, and pollinators are popular, this is sure to spark curiosity about how even the smallest creatures make a big impact.
This is a stunning collection of animals and their nests that will make an ideal addition to any nonfiction picture book collection.
A unique globe-trotting scientific exploration sure to pique the interest of budding young mycologists and naturalists.
A beautiful reminder that America is shaped by many different stories and experiences, and that the goal is to continue expanding who is included in that “we.” Perfect for all libraries.
A necessary purchase, this glorious collaboration between author and illustrator brings the world of jellyfish to unforgettable life.
The evocative language, layered illustrations, and purposeful historical framing make this a meaningful addition to classroom libraries and a valuable anchor text for conversations about history, identity, and contribution.
A visually appealing and browsable offering that will be appropriate for many nonfiction collections.
PREMIUM
Watch Me Grow: Sunflowers
This strong nonfiction picture book is a first purchase for all children’s collections.
Not suitable for a science lesson, but the visual and sonic energy, plus the unusual format, may provide enough oomph for infant and preschool story hours.
Like the best dungeon fantasies, this story is filled with magic, trickery, and surprises, but it also invites readers to think more deeply about the environment and the beasts that inhabit it.
PREMIUM
The Prince’s Keeper, Vol. 1
A stellar pick for romantasy fans, including those who don’t usually read manga.
PREMIUM
Shugo Chara! Jewel Joker, Vol. 1
A solid choice for fans of the original series, but this reads very much like a sequel and may be hard for newcomers to get into.
With a cheery tone and lots of examples to reference, this is a great how-to book for budding manga artists.
This colorful, fast-moving adaptation is an engaging read and a brisk introduction to the original story.
PREMIUM
Akira Failing in Love, Vol. 1
An amiable rom-com that’s a good match for other shonen romances such as “Komi Can’t Communicate,” where the humor stems from awkwardness and misunderstandings.
PREMIUM
Grendizer U: The Inception.
Give this to sci-fi fans, whether or not they are into anime.
PREMIUM
Ghost and Witch, Vol. 1
Hand this to horror fans who aren’t ready for Junji Ito and to readers who enjoy fantasy and Irish folklore.
A great pick for fans of shoujo manga, magical girls, and stories that bring magic into everyday life.
PREMIUM
Corner Kick! A Branches Book
Fans of the “Ballpark Mysteries” and “MVP” series by David A. Kelly will enjoy this informative, accessible soccer story.
PREMIUM
Tough Times: El Toro & Friends
This story of sport and persistence should be a buy for any library.
This charming story will engage new readers, and the colorful illustrations will help them navigate the story. It’s recommended for purchase.
A must-purchase, universally appealing story to build on diversity and social justice in early fiction collections. Neville’s debut is sure to be a hit with fans of the “Jada Jones,” “Jo Jo Makoons,” and “Yasmin” series.
PREMIUM
The Healer and the Phoenix
Recommended for independent readers who enjoy fast-moving fantasies.
PREMIUM
Penelope Positano Sees It All
An energetic girl takes the starring role in a story that young readers will enjoy.
Another sweet tale of friendship from Kat and Mouse, well worth the investment.
PREMIUM
Stick Dog Meets Poo-Poo
This simplified comic story is sure to win over a new, younger generation of Stick Dog fans.
PREMIUM
The Three Wolves
This enthralling book will capture the hearts of animal lovers who will be rooting for the successful release of the wolf pups. Recommended for collections seeking fresh, nature-centered stories.
Contagious fun for elementary–age readers, this series continues to explore how exciting experiences can provide opportunities for emotional growth.
A lighthearted chapter book that honors Cree culture while navigating the complexities of identity, change, and friendship.
As a balm to frenetic, quick-cut storytelling; as a soul-filling friendship tale; as the satisfying conclusion to a beautiful series
PREMIUM
Eres libre
This poetic picture book teaches children about diversity, freedom, identity, and respecting others; it’s a great addition to any SEL collection.
A more fact-driven but engaging introduction to bunnies. Ideal for themed, bilingual story times or early Spanish nonfiction collections.
A charming introduction to read at home or for a themed bilingual story time.
This charming pictorial work will be devoured by budding ornithologists and nature lovers alike. Highly recommended for all nonfiction collections.
PREMIUM
Tay Naja Nitajtaketzki Achtu Tik Nawat: Mis Primeras Palabras en Nahuat/My First Words in Nahuat
A must-purchase for the elementary shelves, offering aspects of under-represented languages and cultures for well-rounded collections.
A delightful, curious, and engaging collection; if there is only one poetry book to add this year, this is it.
PREMIUM
chi miigwech, big thank you
A crisp light text accompanied by compelling graphics, this book will entertain small children and prompt older readers learning about Indigenous culture and language to explore further.
PREMIUM
Magical Girl Dandelion, Vol. 1
A solid magical girl action story for fans of dark supernatural manga like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Gachiakuta.”
PREMIUM
Ichi the Witch, Vol. 1
This Shonen Jump manga will appeal to fans of “One Piece” and other magical stories, while fantasy readers may enjoy the worldbuilding and the variety of characters.
Sometimes an author just works themselves up to the book of a lifetime and you are lucky enough to watch that happen in real time. That’s pretty much what we have here. The kids that get to read this book for the first time are lucky too.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that won ALA Youth Media Awards this year.
The 2026 Award season is officially over, so Heavy Medal will take a break. We'll return with 2027 suggestions starting in March, and Mock Newbery discussions resuming in September.
With (at least) two Little Women reimaginings coming out in 2026, let's see what other retellings there are!
A free global education platform from BBC Studios that features over 1,000 instructional video clips, reading passages, classroom-ready lessons, and activities for students of all age levels and their educators.
Our 2025 Best Books list celebrates the many pages and words that make up the superb works published for children this year. Taking another look at this year’s selections, the editors have highlighted some of the words that ring rung true and have reverberated in hearts and minds.
As we closed out 2025, many books rose to the top, including lots of manga and new offerings from middle grade favorites Gordon Korman and Sara Pennypacker.
We've a mere four titles in today's publisher preview but whatta four it is!
This dedicated page features everything about the awards, including all of SLJ's reporting of the 2026 Youth Media Awards ceremony and recognized titles and creators; a complete list of winners and honor books; plus links to book reviews, author interviews, blog posts, and related coverage.
How many times had I been called too loud? Annoying? Too much? In my original draft, I was unknowingly touching a tender spot in my life that I hadn’t even realized was there.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
