At YA Books Central we hope that your spring is off to a great start!
We are looking to help you enjoy reading Children’s books once again in the warmer weather and teamed up with wonderful publishers to organize a great giveaway to help it happen!
ONE DAY THIS TREE WILL FALL
Author: Leslie Barnard Booth
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: 3/26/24
Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem in this lyrical nonfiction picture book for fans of Because of an Acorn and A Stone Sat Still.
When a tree falls, is its story over?
There are many ways a tree’s story could end: Gobbled up by a bird as a tiny seed. Damaged by wind or ice or fire. Chopped down and hauled away. But some trees—this tree—survives. And grows old. Riddled with scars, cracks, and crevices, it becomes a place creatures large and small call home.
One day, after standing tall for centuries, this tree will fall. But even then, is its story over? Or will it continue to nurture the forest and its creatures for many years to come? Complete with additional information about the role trees play in a forest ecosystem, this sweeping story invites readers of all ages to celebrate the incredible life cycle and afterlife of trees.
THE QUIET FOREST
Author: Charlotte Offsay
Publisher: Paula Wiseman Books
Release Date: 3/12/24
When a small action creates a snowball effect that disrupts the peace of the animals, the forest and a bear cub restore order once more in this delightfully funny picture book.
A mischievous mouse wanders alone in a quiet, nothing-to-do forest. Until one small mishap snowballs into a chain of outrageous events, causing the whole forest full of animals to have a very loud day indeed. Can they find a way to bring calm and quiet back to their home?
Hocus and Pocus and the Spell for Home
Author: A. R. Capetta
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: May 28, 2024
From award-winning author A. R. Capetta comes a new first-chapter-book series delivering plenty of puppies, magic, and charm.
Puppies Hocus and Pocus are still waiting to be adopted from the Shelter for Slightly Magical Pets. Even though Hocus can see two minutes into the future and Pocus can turn bad feelings into bubbles (which he eats!), nobody seems to want them. This could be because the two keep causing mischief so they won’t be separated. When Jinx the witch uses a “spell for home” potion to help a color-changing tortoise find his match, the puppies know what to do: sneak both their hairs into the mixture to ensure they get adopted together. But with these two, anything can happen—from a shrinking spell to giant bees! Can the puppies, along with Jinx and her young apprentices—witch Archer (he/him), wizard Ofelia (she/her), and warlock Tam (they/them)—fix the magical mess? And will they finally find a home, maybe even right under their noses? This adorable new series takes readers to a vibrant world full of magic, community, surprises, and welcoming homes.
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Oh, Are You Awake?
Author: Bob Shea
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: April 2, 2024
For anyone who has ever craved sleep—and anyone too full of energy to settle down—a comedy from Bob Shea, creator of the popular Dinosaur vs. series, and singular illustrator Jarvis.
It’s sleepy time for Lion and Penguin. Correction: it should be sleepy time for Lion and Penguin, but Lion’s eyes aren’t tired, and his ears would like a story. Penguin, however, is tired and nods off into sweet candy dreams—until a noise wakes him. “Oh, are you awake?” asks Lion sweetly, seated before a drum set. “Let’s have that story, then!” “Not now. It is time to close your eyes and dream dreams.” And so it goes, with an ever-more-disgruntled Penguin trying to nod off while an exuberant Lion innocently practices his drumming, bounces on his squeaky trampoline, and munches on his crunchy chips. Will Penguin need to resort to extreme measures to get his friend to sleep, or has the answer been there all along? Bob Shea’s signature wit, delivered only in dialogue, and Jarvis’s unassuming, retro art and knack for visual humor are sure to delight young readers—and their caregivers—whether at naptime, bedtime, or anytime.
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Just Like Millie
Author: Lauren Castillo
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: April 23, 2024
In a gentle story from Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, a shy young girl finds exploring her new city and making friends overwhelming—until a rescue dog helps her uncover the bravery that was always in her.
A young girl and her mother move to an apartment in a new city. Despite her mother’s efforts to take her out, the girl would rather play by herself in their cozy home—she feels just fine on her own. Introductions to children her age have her hiding behind her mother’s legs, and invitations to group activities have her in tears. That is, until she meets Millie, a rescue dog who is not too big, not too small, and kisses her arm when the girl nervously reaches out. With Millie, saying hello to new people isn’t so scary . . . and maybe making a friend isn’t either. Through emotionally honest prose and soft, expressive illustrations, Lauren Castillo explores one girl’s shyness and anxiety—and how one dog’s love helps her open up—in a warm picture book that reminds readers of how the right companion can make the world feel like a less frightening place.
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Orris and Timble: The Beginning
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: April 30, 2024
From beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes the first book in a warm and funny early-reader trilogy about a misanthropic rat and a naive owl—and the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech. A small owl has gotten caught in a trap in the barn. Can Orris “make the good and noble choice” (as the king on his prized sardine can might recommend) and rescue the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies? And if he does, will he be ready for the consequences? With humor and tenderness, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo brings us this first of three tales celebrating unlikely friendship and the power of sharing stories and doing the right thing—a soon-to-be classic brought to expressive life by the full-color illustrations of Carmen Mok.
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The Soil in Jackie’s Garden
Author: Peggy Thomas
Publisher: Feeding Minds Press
Release Date: May 29, 2024
Join Jackie and her garden friends in this charming picture book as they discover the wonders of gardening, soil secrets, and the magic of composting. Jackie and her garden friends embrace the joys of planting a garden, nurturing and harvesting their own food, and recycling scraps to compost, ensuring that the magical cycle of growth and sustainability continues anew. Science facts about soil, plants, pollinators, decomposers, and more are included on every spread. A fantastic book to engage young readers in becoming environmental stewards, learning how to care for a garden, understanding a plant life cycle, discovering the power of pollinators and the importance of composting. Written in the cumulative style of “The House that Jack Built,” this playful celebration of how things grow, return to the earth, and grow again will inspire young readers to try their hands at gardening and composting. Back matter includes information on the soil cycle and how to make a compost pile.
Kailani’s Gift
Author: Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
Publisher: WaterBrook
Release Date: April 16, 2024
A picture book celebration of family, Filipino heritage, and dance that showcases the value of patience, perseverance, and blessing others with your gifts and talents.
As Kailani watches her siblings practice a traditional Filipino dance for their grandparents’ anniversary party, she longs to join them. But keeping up with the rhythm and hopping in time with the beats of the tinikling is much harder than Kailani imagined!
With Daddy’s help, Kailani practices the motions of the dance step by step. But will she be able to learn the tinikling in time to surprise her Lolo and Lola?
Illustrator Lynnor Bontigao’s work pairs exquisitely with Dorina Gilmore-Young’s storytelling to celebrate Filipino culture and traditions. Also included is a glossary of Tagalog terms used throughout the book.
What Color is God’s Love?
Author: Xochitl Dixon
Publisher: WaterBrook
Release Date: March 19, 2024
This playful rhyming picture book invites young readers to discover all the ways God’s love can be displayed through a rainbow of colors.
All the colors displayed in this world that God made—
every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade—
show how good God is and will always be.
But what is the color of love? Come and see!
God created all the colors in the world, and in each one, we can discover how great His love is for us and how we can let that love shine to others! With each turn of the page, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple—and explores a different attribute and expression of love through its many shades.
A playful celebration of untamed nature, from the award-winning creator of The Night Walk, a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book.
The Prickletrim family are very proud of their pristine garden, with its razor-straight edges, regulation-height lawn and perfectly shaped topiary. They LOVE nature – just so long as it is well ordered and properly managed. Then one day their long-suffering gardener can’t stand their suffocating rules any longer and quits.
Free at last, the Prickletrim’s garden explodes upwards and outwards, spilling into their house and every corner of their lives. The family realise they cannot control nature. Can they learn to live in their wild garden?
Quirky imagination and gentle humor weave their way through this delightfully distinctive picture book from Marie Dorleans, award-winning creator of 2021 New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book The Night Walk.
Pauloosie loves his pet rock, Miki Rock. Pauloosie’s Anaana, his mother, tells him a bedtime story about what Miki Rock sees, hears, and feels in his Arctic home. As part of the land, Miki Rock sees char and beluga, listens to chirps and howls, and feels the snow and sun.
Through lyrical text and ethereal landscape illustrations by Pelin Turgut, readers are taken on an Arctic journey from the point of view of a most unlikely object–a child’s pet rock.
The Monkey, the Cow and the Wolf: The Song Book
Author of the best seller song-book Allah Made Everything. This is Zain Bhikha’s fourth book.
The Monkey, the Cow and the Wolf, the song book, is based on the lyrics of the well-loved children’s song by renowned singer and songwriter Zain Bhikha. This poem in rhyming verse is a retelling of a combination of three sahih hadith’s (strong sayings) from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
My favorite book.
I carry it with me
wherever I go.Meet the child who loves books in this lyrical tribute to the joys of books and reading by Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park and featuring the jubilant illustrations of celebrated Caldecott artist Chris Raschka. My Book and Me invites us to reflect on beloved books which are friends we hold dear; books we read over and again; books that may take us to places afar to experience the world in different ways, and books that comfort and reassure us. This jubilant paean to literature is a celebration of our favorite authors, characters, and stories; those that we cherish the most and are friends for life . . . which books are your favorite? My Book and Me features a diverse group of children, all enjoying their favorite books.
Have you ever pondered the mysteries of the future? The authors of this book dared to envision it. They promise us this: the future is a wonderful place where nature is our home and holds all the amazing dreams we can imagine.
Future takes young readers on a fun and clever journey of wonderment, exploring the uncertain yet exciting possibilities of tomorrow. Through whimsical prose and charming illustrations, this silvery book introduces children to enchanting, otherworldly ideas by incorporating a touch of science fiction with robots, rocket ships, and other fantastical concepts that may await them. Highlighting the limitless power of imagination, the authors foster a bright outlook on the future and world we live in. Future captivates as it celebrates creativity, instills hope, and underscores the boundless potential each child possesses as they carve their unique path in this world.
Future marks one more thrilling venture with the award-winning Chilean author, Maria José Ferrada, and the brilliant Mexican illustrator, Mariana Alcántara. Their first collaboration was the compelling book Swimmer, and with Future, they gift us another stunning tale. Maria José’s poetic narrative and Mariana’s magical illustrations create an extraordinary atmospheric journey brimming with imagination. Additionally, Future holds a special place in our hearts at Tapioca Stories, as it is the inaugural title we’re publishing in both English and Spanish.
Tala Learns to Siva
Author: Kealani Netane, illustrated by Dung Ho
Publisher: Orchard Books
Release Date: May 07, 2024
A lovingly empowering story about finding courage and strength in your family, history, and community through a traditional and cherished Samoan dance, taualuga. Written by debut author, Kealani Netane, and illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator, Dung Ho.
Tala wishes that she could dance the traditional Samoan dance, the taualuga, just like her Aunty Sina. But Tala’s legs are too bouncy, her arms are too stiff, and she doesn’t have Aunty’s ‘glow’ when she dances. When Tala prepares to perform at her Grandma’s birthday, she freezes on the stage. Will she find the strength and inspiration to help her dance?
Newcomer Kealani Netane crafts a heartwarming story about finding your inner strength through the love and guidance of your family. New York Timesbestselling illustrator Dung Ho’s cheerful colors and sweet characters bring this loving story to life, making this the perfect gift for little ones who are learning how to follow their hearts and make their own paths.
Moo Hoo
Author/Illustrator: Audrey Perott, illustrated by Ross Burach
Publisher: Orchard Books
Release Date: April 16, 2024
Grab your tissues and meet Milton, a bawling bull who learns to embrace his tears and all his big feelings in this relatable read-aloud perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey, The Day the Crayons Quit, and The Story of Ferdinand.
Milton has a wonderful life.
But he cries . . . A LOT.
He cries when he’s sad. Obviously.
And also when he’s happy,
and scared, and nervous, and frustrated,
and, well, you name it.
Milton’s friends are baffled by his tears, which only makes him cry more.
Until Milton meets Wanda.
This warm-hearted, rib-tickling read-aloud will make you laugh yourself to tears as it gently affirms feeling all your feelings and embracing exactly who you are.
We Who Produce Pearls
Author/Illustrator: Joanna Ho, illustrated by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
Publisher: Orchard Books
Release Date: April 16, 2024
From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Joanna Ho, comes an uplifting call to action that highlights Asian American history, paired with vibrant and colorful illustrations by artist and activist, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya.
In Joanna Ho’s true classic style, she creates a poetic ode that celebrates Asian American communities and their history. We Who Produce Pearls, is an anthem for Asian America that celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of our self worth, our legacy and most of all, our destiny. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s signature bright and bold palette brings to light the strength and power within us all, creating a mesmerizing, stunning, and magical masterpiece that proves how we can shape our pain and struggle into one of joy and power. Together, Joanna and Amanda remind readers to rise up, speak out, and step into power.
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More Dung! A Beetle Tale
Author: Frank Weber
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: May 14, 2024
For You, I Will
Author: Elle Duncan
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: March 26, 2024
I will wrap my arms around you, so you will know comfort.
And when you’re ready to leave, I’ll be brave enough to let you go.
I will stand steady while you find your footing.
I’ll walk tall while you find your stride.
For you, I will.
Inspired by Elle Duncan’s contribution to The Undefeated’s “Love Letters to Black Women” segment, For You, I Will is an intimate yet universal celebration of growing up. The poetic text and heartwarming illustrations depict a mother teaching her daughter how to be confident, how to be a part of a community, and, ultimately, how to be unapologetically herself.
Perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, and baby showers, For You, I Will‘s tender message expresses all the feelings that come with parenthood and watching your little one grow up.
~ Giveaway Details ~
One winner will receive a copy of each book from the Kids Spring Buzzworthy Giveaway ~US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
What an amazing giveaway!
So many great books, my kids will love them!
Wonderful selection!!
These look fun to read.
This is a great collection of spring books for young readers!