Joanne Levy’s Book of Elsie is heart-warming, fun and unapologetically Jewish from the start. Elsie is a Jewish pre-teen who is focused on one thing: her Purim costume of Queen Esther. One day when she goes to temple, however, Elsie is greeted with the bad news: the synagogue is closing, and the Purim party is canceled for financial reasons. … More The Book of Elsie by Joanne Levy
Sanei’s illustrations highlight the diversity of beings that the little girl appreciates throughout her day. Charming creatures like wandering geese, watchful sparrows, and a playful dog add whimsy and a sense of connectedness. The natural environment is depicted through an abundance of greenery, from light to dark. The brightness of Sanei’s palette makes the illustrations sparkle with animation. … More Head Full of Clouds by Joanne Schwartz, illus. Afsaneh Sanei
Emilio, another Cuban kid whose family owns the bike shop across the street from La Rosa Blanca, has always been in Clary’s life. And despite Clary’s insistence that she hates him, it is evident they know each other inside and out, from what food the other likes and dislikes, inside jokes, and clever and funny banter that kept me wanting more. … More With Love, Echo Park by Laura Taylor Namey
The story captures the challenges of being a new high school student, the transition from childhood to adolescence—marked by Lia getting her period for the first time and dealing with cramps—and the complexities of starting over as a tween in an unfamiliar country. … More The New Girl: A Graphic Novel by Cassandra Calin
As we head towards slightly sunnier days, Young Adulting is back with a quick wrap up on January, a look ahead to February, and exiting industry news that’s come our way! And as always, we are looking for new authors to share their first pages with us for our First-Page Features (drafts are highly encouraged!). … More YAing News: Week of February 3rd, 2025
Allister Thompson spent his youth dividing his time between working as an editor for Toronto-based publishers and touring with a rock band. He is also the author of an alternate history sci-fi novel, The Music of the Spheres. … More 5 Questions for Allister Thompson
The story is a unique twist on classic alphabet books, adding excitement and whimsy to learning the alphabet with an adult fan of the Hip. … More The Tragically Hip ABC Book by The Tragically Hip and illus. by Clayton Hanmer, Julia Breckenried, Monika Melnychuck, and Bridget George
Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider is a great tool to help readers with their arachnophobia as it provides a how-to guide to ease readers fear and learn about the eight-legged creatures. … More Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider by Megan McDonald, illus. by Peter H. Reynolds
Mom and Dad Mumford live a peaceful life, listening to classical music and crocheting, when they bring home Metal Baby.
Depicted in a black baby blanket and wearing white face paint, kohl-lined eyes and wild black hair, Metal Baby appears as a chaotic love child between Alice Cooper and KISS. … More Metal Baby by Stephen W. Martin, illus. by Brandon James Scott
While life and happiness might be defined differently for every reader, this story encourages observation and patience, and will inspire readers to reflect on their own connections to life, food, time, and care. … More I Would Give You My Tail by Tanya Tagaq, illus. by Qavavau Manumie
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