The Write Stuff: The Best Fall Books For Kids From NYC Authors

by Mimi O'ConnorSeptember 26, 2021

This is a literary town, and not just for adults. NYC is home to not only many amazing children’s book authors and illustrators, but also spirited independent bookstores that sell — and support — their work. Read on to see some of the new fall releases for kids from local writers and illustrators we’re excited about. And don’t forget!: The Brooklyn Book Festival returns as a hybrid event with in-person and online programming from September 26 to October 4. Children’s Day is October 2, and is packed with events at which kids can meet authors and artists for kids of all ages—even some of the people below!

Major Makes History: From the Shelter to the White House

From the mind that brought you New York Times best-selling bunny Marlon Bundo (and other animals advocating things like kindness and equity) comes the tale of President Biden’s friendship with his German shepherd, Major, the first shelter dog in the White House. Written by Jill Twiss and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, the book is told in Major's voice, and is filled with Twiss’ signature humor and heart. Bonus: this picture book for ages four to eight also includes back matter about past presidential pets and information on adopting shelter animals.

Release date: Sept. 28, 2021
$18.99
Buy it!

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone

G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Queens-based author Traci N. Todd and renowned illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) have collaborated on the first-ever American picture book biography of legend Nina Simone. This vibrant and illuminating book tells the story of little Eunice who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy.

Release date September 14, 2021
$18.99
Buy it!

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish

The latest in the New York Times best-selling series from Karina Yan Glaser, this book for kids ages eight to 12 follows a Harlem family as they try to find the perfect 40th birthday present for dad. Along the way, they learn a lot more about their mysterious grandparents. The fun and funny tale all goes down in Harlem, the NYC neighborhood Glaser calls home.

Release date Sept. 21, 2021
$16.99
Buy it!

Make Meatballs Sing

Writer Matthew Burgess and illustrator Kara Kramer (both Brooklyn residents) tell the story of artist, nun, educator and activist Corita Kent in this biography for ages six to 12. Made in close collaboration with the Corita Art Center, it includes reproductions of her colorful works, a chronology, and author and illustrator notes.

Release date Sept. 7, 2021
$18.95
Buy it!

KALEIDOSCOPE

Brian Selznick (author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck and more) is back with Kaleidoscope, a story of two people bound to each other through time and space, memory and dreams. At the center of their relationship is a mystery about the nature of grief and love which will look different to each reader. Selznick brings his masterful storytelling ability to the book, illuminating how even the wildest tales can help us in the hardest times. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Release date: September 21, 2021
$19.99
Buy it!

Vampenguin

On a Saturday morning, baby Dracula visits the zoo with his family, where baby Penguin lives with hers. But these intrepid young adventurers are not content with staying in their proper places. Baby Dracula slips into the Penguin House to spend the day eating, swimming, and hanging around, while baby Penguin waddles into the stroller to explore the rest of the zoo. Dracula’s family doesn’t even notice the switch—will they bring the right baby home?

Release date July 2021
$17.99
Buy it!

Pony

Author of the smash hit Wonder R. J. Palacio's latest is Pony, a coming-of-age adventure that explores what it means to be courageous. After a harrowing night, a boy sets out on a quest to rescue his father, with only a ghost as his companion and a mysterious pony as his guide.

Release date September 28, 2021
$17.99
Buy it!

Frankie & Bug

Set in the summer of 1987, this coming-of-age story is the debut middle-grade novel from best-selling author Gayle Forman. Bug's looking for someone to hang out with, but mom's busy and her brother is down on the boardwalk with his friends. The only one around is her neighbor's nephew Frankie, and she's less than thrilled. Over the course of the season, two become friends, helping each other learn about family, friendship, allyship, and finding your way in a complicated world. (P.S. the audio book is narrated by Stockard Channing!)

Release date: Oct. 12, 2021
$17.99
Buy it!

The Grandmaster's Daughter

For the kids who spend a lot of time at the dojo (or watching Cobra Kai), check out this story of imagination and determination from Dan-ah Kim. A picture book featuring a young, female black belt, The Grandmaster’s Daughter is a celebration of teamwork and friendship for fans of The Three Ninja Pigs and Hello, Ninja.

Release date November 9, 2021
$18.99
Buy it!

Have You Seen Gordon?

The narrator wants to play hide and seek with Gordon and the reader, but kooky Gordon just wants to stand out. This madcap, fourth-wall–breaking picture book from writer Adam Jay Epstein and illustrator Ruth Chan is packed with humor and full, zany spreads with details kids will love to point out time and again. Recommended for kids ages four to eight.

Note: Chan will be participating in the Brooklyn Book Festival's popular illustrator draw-off event, which is always a good time!

Release date September 28, 2021
$17.99
Buy it!

Looking for A Jumbie

Do you believe in jumbies? Naya does, and she sets out to go find one. In this picture book for kids ages four to eight, New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste takes readers on a fun, creepy romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore. Amber Ren provides illustrations.

Release date September 9, 2021
$17.99
Buy it!

— Mimi O’Connor

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Ho-Ho-Holiday Sets Are Arriving at LEGO & We’re Okay with That

by Karly WoodAugust 19, 2021

LEGO is gearing up for the holiday season and after the last year and a half, we’re ok with that. The brick maker just launched another addition to its festive lineup, Santa’s Visit. It includes a light up Christmas tree and a chimney that Santa can slide right down!

Like the rest of the holiday sets, it will launch October 1 and it features tons of fun details. From the cozy table where the whole family enjoys a meal by candlelight, to Santa’s chair with milk and cookies by the fire, this set will definitely get you and your family in the Christmas spirit. Although it’s meant for adult builders, your kids will have a blast setting the scenes once it’s complete.

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, you’ll have a hard time choosing between these cute kits. The Polar Bear & Gift Pack ($9.99) is great for kids seven and up and comes with 142 pieces.

Mini builders will love constructing the adorable polar bear that comes with a scarf, gift box with movable ribbons and cute “with love to” sticker. Did we mention these make the perfect ornaments?

The LEGO Christmas Penguin ($14.99) is also bringing whimsy, with the ability to rotate, move its wings and stand next to a Christmas tree and three presents.

The penguin set is perfect for kids eight and older and comes with 244 pieces. Both sets will launch on Oct. 1 at LEGO.com and at LEGO stores.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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Nutella is Bringing Breakfast to the Zoo & You’re Invited

by Sarah ShebekJune 9, 2021

Do your kids dream of eating pancakes with a penguin? Or breakfast burritos with a brown bear? Nutella is partnering with zoos across the country for a “Breakfast With Animals” series and it could be coming to a city near you this summer!

Ten zoos will be participating in the event, which begins with a special breakfast featuring Nutella, followed by private chats with zookeepers at various animal habitats. Most zoos will also feature animal ambassadors at the breakfasts, so you’ll be able to interact during the meal and learn what specific creatures eat to start the day!

The following locations will offer tickets to purchase:

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (June 19, July 17, 31 and August 7, 28)
Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City, UT (June 26 and July 10)
Oklahoma City Zoo (July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, 28)
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, SC (July 17 and August 14)
Memphis Zoo (July 17 and August 14)
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park (July 17 and August 14)
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (July 24 and August 21)
Pittsburgh Zoo (July 25 and August 8)
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago IL (August 21 and September 25)
Phoenix Zoo (September 25 and 26)

Nutella is committed to bringing families together and wants to facilitate more family time and memories together with the creation of this event. And we all know hazelnut spread is a hit with kids at any breakfast! Visit the listed zoo’s individual websites to get tickets and learn more about their specific events. But don’t move like a tortoise because they’re sure to sell out!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Ferrero Group

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Hilary Duff’s New Children’s Book Is the Perfect Empowering Read

by Sarah ShebekMay 4, 2021

Hilary Duff knows a thing or two about dreaming big. The former child star (Disney’s Lizzie McGuire) is also a singer, businesswoman, mother and New York Times best-selling author!

A mother of three, including recent addition Mae, Duff just released a new book, My Little Brave Girl ($11.73). It’s a sweet bedtime read encouraging young girls to reach high, dream bigger and approach the world with their hearts wide open. Published through Penguin Random House, it’s Duff’s first foray into the world of children’s books.

Like many good children’s books, this one is inspired by Duff’s own experience as a mother as she considers all the ways her daughter is brave. It’s a timely message of empowerment and confidence and it’s beautifully illustrated with diverse characters. Although it’s marketed for children ages 3-7, its messaging will resonate with any girl or woman facing a new challenge or opportunity.

My Little Brave Girl is available everywhere that books are sold and would make a perfect last-minute Mother’s Day Gift. It’s also available as an audiobook from the Listening Library, read by Duff herself. Pick a copy up and get ready to feel inspired!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Penguin Random House

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Llama Llama Day Is Coming & There’s a New Book to Celebrate!

by Erica LoopApril 26, 2021

Llama Llama Day is May 1—and Penguin Young Readers wants to help your young reader celebrate. The beloved book series is back with new titles, including the cute character’s first push-and-pull tabbed book.

Llama Llama Seasons of Fun is an all-new adventure for your kiddo. Not only is this kid lit pick a chance for your child to enjoy one of their fave literary characters all over again, it’s also awesomely interactive.

Photo: Penguin Random House

The push-and-pull tabs of Llama Llama Seasons of Fun ($12.99) give your busy kid a way to get hands-on and interact with the book as you read the tall tale with them. This new Anna Dewdney book debuts Jun 29 but if your kiddo can’t wait until June, Llama Llama Meets the Babysitter launches May 4 and Llama Llama Loves His Mama is available right now!

Along with the new books, celebrate Llama Llama Day with a few fun-filled family activities. Little Gym will host Llama Llama playdates at 175 locations throughout the country, starting May 1. You can book a 30-minute private playdate that’s filled with Llama Llamap-themed games and more.

As if three new books and private playdates aren’t enough, there’s still more fun to be had for Llama Llama Day. Share pics of your littles and their favorite Llama Llama books and enter the Fan Photo Contest (starting May 1). Follow the Penguin Kids Instagram page for more info and to see pics.

—Erica Loop

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Raffi Greets the New Day with His Children’s Book “Rise and Shine”

by Erica LoopMarch 31, 2021

Raffi is back with a brand-new children’s book! The beloved musician is known for his kiddo lit pick Everything Grows—and now he’s adding another storybook board book to the series.

Rise and Shine is Raffi’s newest board book and it drops in stores and online starting May 4 with a suggested retail price of $7.99.

photo: Penguin Random House

The new children’s title is based on Raffi’s song of the same name and will feature illustrations from artist Sydney Hanson. Rise and Shine tells the tale of animals waking up in the forest and starting off on their adventurous days. Your tot can follow the forest animals and learn more about the ways to greet the new morning.

This perfect pick for kiddos ages zero to three is more than a book to read. Your littles can sing along with the story, adding a magical musical element to Rise and Shine!

You can preorder the book now for $7.99 on Amazon.

—Erica Loop

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Paul McCartney’s “Hey Grandude!” Just Got a Sequel

by Erica LoopMarch 18, 2021

Music icon Paul McCartney is about to become a children’s book author—again! the Beatle’s book Hey Grandude! garnered plenty of acclaim. Now McCartney is back with a new title that is another can’t-miss for the kiddos.

Random House Children’s Books in the United States and the UK’s Penguin Random House Children’s Books recently announced the sequel to Hey Grandude!, Grandude’s Green Submarine. The new book continues the adventure McCartney started in Hey Grandude!, telling the tale of a magical grandpa and his grandchildren.

photo courtesy of Penguin Random House

The sequel follows Grandude and his grandkids as they search for Nandude!, the music-loving grandmother. McCartney said of the book, in a press release, “I’m really happy with how Hey Grandude! was received, as this was a very personal story for me, celebrating Grandudes everywhere and their relationships and adventures with their grandchildren. I love that it has become a book read to grandkids at bedtime all around the world.”

The musician/children’s book author continued, “I always said if people liked the first book and there was an appetite for more, I would write some further adventures for Grandude—so he’s back and this time with his special invention, Grandude’s green submarine!”

Grandude’s Green Submarine ($18.99) will make its grand debut on Sep. 2, 2021. McCartney’s book is available for pre-order right now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and from Penguin Random House.

—Erica Loop

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Kristen Bell’s New Book Now Has Matching Diapers

by Erica LoopMarch 17, 2021

Kristen Bell just inspired a new line of diapers! That is, the actress’s The World Needs More Purple People book is the real inspiration behind Hello Bello’s newest diaper style.

Bell’s best-selling children’s book celebrates what makes people special. According to the publisher Penguin Random House, Bell and co-author Benjamin Hurt’s The World Needs More Purple People is, “A hilarious and joyous read-aloud that offers a wonderful message about embracing the things that bring us together as humans. This book will inspire a whole generation to paint the world purple!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMQepniAieH/

Now you can do more than just page through the book. Bell recently posted her own reading of The World Needs More Purple People on Instagram! Watch the clip on HelloBello’s Instagram page here. As if that’s not enough, you can also outfit your littlest The World Needs More Purple People fan in diapers with the purple-y book theme.

Along with the IG clip and diapers, you can also do some good with Hello Bello’s “Purple People Challenge.” Bell’s IG post explains, “In the spirit of feeling Purple, we’d like to introduce the Purple People Challenge. Throughout the month of March, post a pic in your feed of your kiddo in their Purple People diapers with the hashtag #HBPurplePeople. Every photo submission = a donation of $1 to the Children’s Reading Foundation. Help us support @reading_foundation, a national nonprofit with community-based reading foundation chapters and early childhood education programs across the country.”

Find Hello Bello’s new diapers on the brand’s website here. Simply select a bundle type (diapers, training pants, or both) and pick a size!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Hello Bello

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12 Books That Will Make Your Kids Better People

by Amber GuetebierFebruary 23, 2021

Children are naturally empathetic and show amazing capacity for wanting to change the world. They also are kids, and sometimes forget that their actions can have consequences. The following books are excellent ways to show kids how they can make a difference, whether that’s kindness on the playground, showing compassion toward those who need our help or passing on a smile. Click through the gallery to get inspired to change the world, one story at a time!

This post is sponsored by HarperCollins and the book Mel Fell, which follows the ups and downs of a bird taking a leap of faith.

Thank You, Bees

Helping our pollinator friends is a hot topic lately, and this just-released book by author and illustrator Toni Yuly offers a gentle reminder of gratitude for the preschool crowd: wool comes from sheep, honey comes from bees, clouds bring rain. With sparing text and paper-collage art, this is a perfect little book about appreciating life’s simple gifts.

Ages: 2-5
Cost: $15.99.
Buy your copy here.

Partner

Mel Fell

If your little one is going to change the world, they'll need to be ready for some bumps along the way! Teach your kiddo perseverance and resilience with the help of Mel Fell, a book from HarperCollins that follows a bird Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight. While your young reader turns the book in every direction to follow Mel's journey, they'll learn about self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.

Ages: 4-8

Cost: $17.99.

Buy your copy here.

The Hand Me Down Toy Shop

Warning: you may find yourself crying a little while reading Susan Murray’s new book, but don’t let that stop you from buying a copy right now. This incredibly moving book about a little seven-year-old living in poverty and her relationship with the village schoolteacher is really the story of a small town struggling with poverty and wealth. It’s a story of generosity and it is sure to teach your children the beauty of empathy, giving and kindness. Based in the 1950s, just after World War II, this U.K. author’s book is now widely available in the U.S.

Ages: 4 and up
Cost: $11.96.
Get your copy here.

Children in Our World: Refugees and Migrants

What does it mean to be a refugee or a migrant? These words are in the news a lot but kids have lots of questions about what it means. For starters, why would someone want to leave their home? Empower your kids (and yourself) with the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a refugee or a migrant with this new release from Barron’s Children in Our World series. It answers big questions, offers reassurances and lets kids know what they can do to help. Written by Ceri Roberts and illustrated by Hunane Kai.

Ages: 6-10
Cost: $9.99
Get your copy here.

Children in Our World: Poverty and Hunger

One of the two new releases in Barron’s Children in Our World Series—books for kids, aimed at tackling big, global and social issues—Poverty and Hunger helps answer the questions: What is poverty? What is hunger, and how does it affect people all around the world? Educate your kids without scaring them on the topic and give them the power to learn how to help. Written by Louise Spilsbury, illustrated by Hunane Kai.

Ages: 6-10
Cost: $9.99
Order it now.

photo courtesy Barrons

Malala's Magic Pencil

As if Malala Yousafzai isn’t accomplished enough, the 20-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner is about to release her first children’s picture book! This is the story of Malala’s Magic Pencil, based on Malala’s own childhood wish to have a magic pencil that would “make everyone happy,” and could “erase the smell of garbage from her city.” As she grew older she learned that she would need more than a magic pencil to initiate change, and this book explores every person's power to change the world through strength of character and determination. Illustrated by Kerascoët Kerascoët.

Ages: 5-8
Cost: $9.99
Order a copy.

World Pizza

Written by Cece Meng and illustrated by Ellen Shi, this picture book is full of laughs but packs a major message. Mama wishes on a shooting star for world peace, but she sneezes and instead ends up wishing for world pizza! And world pizza comes, to the valleys and the desserts, smallest towns and to the homeless, pizza rains from the sky. Pizza changes the heart of the bully, it is the great equalizer of cultures and palates, everyone agrees, pizza is the best! Does mom get her wish after all? A very relatable and unique way to get kids to think globally.

Ages: 3-8
Cost: $14.95.
Buy it here.

I Am Gandhi

The latest release in Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Who Change the World series, and I Am Gandhi, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos, takes us back to when Gandhi was a child. "Today, people call me strong...I wasn't always that way." Shy, introverted, and not even a great student, his sense of justice was strong. Eventually, he learned to change the world, in spite of all the obstacles in his way. A beautiful story and a reminder of compassion in the season of giving.

Ages: 5-8
Cost: $11.99
Order it here.

Come with Me

How do you talk to your kids about tragedy, especially one as big and scary as a terrorist attack? Inspired by her own experience after 9/11, New York-based author Holly McGhee felt the fear and confusion of the nation all around her. Her friend, illustrator Pascal Lemaitre, an artist living in Brussels, became her confidant. And then in 2016 Brussels, where Pascal lives, had a terrorist attack. Together, these two artists joined forces to help kids in the aftermath of a big tragedy. How? “Come with me,” says a papa to his little girl, and they explore the neighborhood and meet people from different walks of life. “Come with me,” says a mama to her daughter as they head to the grocery store where they meet people of different cultures. “Come with me,” says a little girl to the boy across the hall, as they head out to walk the dog together. A story of bravery, kindness, and compassion—the true answer to terrorism.

Ages: 5-8
Cost: $11.57
Get yours here.

Pass It On

"When you see something terrific...smile a smile and pass it on." This precious picture book by Sophy Henn has a clear message: happiness is contagious. From giggles to hugs to an awesome new discovery, the illustrations are as cheerful as the words. A perfect read and reminder that a kid can change the world with one little smile.

Ages: 3-7
Cost: $16.99
Learn more.

This post is sponsored by HarperCollins and the book Mel Fell, which follows the ups and downs of a bird taking a leap of faith.

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Will you read any of these books to your kiddos? What inspires you?

—Amber Guetebier

Mel Fell

copy copy copy

Bette Midler to Read Audiobook Edition of Her New Children’s Book

by Karly WoodFebruary 15, 2021

Bette Midler isn’t just an actress, she’s an author, too. The renowned performer is getting ready to drop a brand new children’s book––and she’s reading the audio version!

The Tale of the Mandarin Duck goes on sale Feb. 16 and features an afterword by photographer Michiko Kakutani. Midler was inspired to write the modern fable based on inspiration from a mandarin duck that appeared in Central Park in 2018, and it celebrates the connections people make with each other.

Midler is a conservationist, founder of the New York Restoration Project and participates in Two-Thirds for the Birds, a project that helps revive bird populations. She shares that “Reading the book out loud was a challenge for me, because I’m used to being loud in big spaces, and this is a relatively intimate story. I didn’t want to scare the kids by yelling at them. At the same time, it’s a New York Story, and New York is LOUD….!”

You can shop the new book on Amazon starting Feb. 16 for $18.99.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Penguin Random House

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KALEIDOSCOPE

Vampenguin

Pony

Frankie & Bug

The Grandmaster's Daughter

Have You Seen Gordon?

Looking for A Jumbie

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