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Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad

Brandon Reese

The explosive first book in a new middle-grade graphic novel series featuring two heroic but dim-witted frog superheroes, for fans of InvestiGators and Dog Man!

No one ever said it was easy being green! The contaminated swamp where Dr. Kim conducts experiments is overrun with mutants and evil machines like the Hater Gator and the Robot Trash Dolls. That's why she tinkered with amphibian genes to create superheroes Fantastic Frog and sidekick Tad Lad.

In their first adventure, the frogs leap forth to battle the scaly swamp thing terrorizing Sector 1. Will the Hater Gator's tail flails flatten this duo before they discover the truth behind what's gone rotten in their swamp?

And in their second adventure, the duo stumble upon a landfill of disgusting, off-brand toys in Sector 2 . . . which come alive! Outnumbered and totally grossed out, can our heroes defeat these Robot Trash Dolls?

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A Kid Like Me

Norm Feuti

An Amazon February 2026 Best of the Month Pick
A Kids IndieNext Pick

Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and Terri Libensen, A Kid Like Me is a timely exploration about finding your place in the ever-evolving social landscape that is middle school, written and illustrated by award-winning graphic novelist Norm Feuti.

Ethan doesn't want to stand out, he just wants to fit in. But fitting in is tough when your peers call out your ancient cell phone, busted backpack, and discount clothing. To make matters worse, his best friend, Ricky, insists on hanging out with a group of guys who just don't get him . . . they're more interested in playing pranks than playing his favorite card game Bio Battle. Things start looking up, though, when Ethan befriends Aiden, a new kid in school, but it's only matter of time before even that goes sideways.
Can Ethan figure out where he belongs without forgetting who he is and who he wants to be?
 

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Serendipity

Gabbie Benda

Serendipity is the luckiest kid in the world. But what happens when the luckiest kid in the world becomes extraordinarily unlucky, in this debut graphic novel.

Serendipity is your classic overachiever. She's class president, lead in the school play, and star of the basketball team. She's also incredibly lucky, like, wins everything all the time lucky, even random radio raffles.

Which is how she finds herself with free tickets to the town carnival where an accident curses her with bad luck FOREVER.

And just like that Serendipity's luck really does seem to run out. Missed shots, fumbled lines, and a slip in the polls. Can it get any worse? Oh yes it can. Permanent bad hair days.

Serendipity becomes convinced the curse is real. She's definitely not disorganized or spread too thin. Nope, it's all the curse. And she'll have to find a way to reverse it soon.

Hilariously charming and illustrated in sugar pink hues, this graphic novel is a treat for kids who love middle school dramas and adorable, if impulsive characters. It's a perfect story for overstressed overachievers looking for a warm reminder that stepping back doesn't mean stepping down. In fact, sharing the spotlight with good friends is perhaps the luckiest thing of all.

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What a Small Cat Needs

Natalia Shaloshvili

One of LitHub's Most Anticipated Children's Books of 2026! * Sweet, tender, and perfect for the youngest picture book readers, this winning story about a most adorable kitten is an affectionate invitation to identify with and love this small cat.

What does a small cat need? Two little eyes, two little ears, big whiskers, and a tail, to start. What else does a small cat need? Maybe a walk in the flowers, a sip of milk, or a warm spot to laze around in the sun.

But above all else, what a small cat needs is... someone big or little--maybe someone just like you!--with cuddly arms and a huge heart to pet it and hear it purr. Yes, every cat needs that!

This is a tender and universal story through which author-illustrator Natalia Shaloshvili achieves something quite rare: illustrations that are of great artistic quality, and yet succeed in being warm, funny and relatable to children. With beautiful pacing and emotionally astute moments, this small story succeeds brilliantly in structuring an identification between small cat and child that will have young readers returning to this book again and again--to see themselves, while also feeling love and care for this irresistible kitten.

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Don't Do It, Doug!

Maudie Powell-Tuck

A humorous story for children ages 3-7 of a lovable hamster named Doug, who has a penchant for curiosity but absolutely no impulse control.

From the creative team of Hank Goes Honk comes Don't Do It, Doug!, the story of a lovable hamster with a penchant for curiosity--and a serious lack of impulse control. 

Poor Doug. There's not a lever he won't pull or a button he won't push. Will he ever learn to control himself?

Children will giggle at Doug's silly antics and will love watching the unfortunate consequences of his actions unfold, while grown-ups will appreciate the themes of friendship and learning impulse control.

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Bread Is Love

Pooja Makhijani

Join a mother and her adorable children for their weekly baking ritual in Pooja Makhijani’s touching story, with warm, tender art by Lavanya Naidu. Bread Is Love celebrates the act of baking and eating bread, and sharing it with family.

Bread is many things.

Bread is simple. The dough can be made with just flour, salt, starter, and water.

Bread is science. With the right ingredients, in the right amounts, the dough grows and changes.

Bread can be unpredictable. Sometimes it rises, like a soft pillow. Sometimes it’s flat and crunchy.

But bread is always delicious, especially when it is made with love.

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Hummingbird's Big Trip

G. Brian Karas

This triumphant story about a nervous hummingbird who faces his fears of migrating will remind readers that even the biggest challenges can be overcome through perseverance, courage, and self-confidence.

Hummingbirds love summertime, flying and having fun! But when the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, that means one thing – the big trip is coming. All the hummingbirds are talking about the big trip…except for one who can’t help but worry.

While his friends are busy preparing for the journey, this little hummingbird is too anxious. All he can think about are the long days flying alone. What if I get lost? What if my wings get too tired to flap? Will I be able to find my winter home? he wonders. Luckily, his friends are there to reassure him, letting him know that he CAN do it—he has done it before! But when the day finally arrives, the hummingbird has a choice to make: will he stay, or will he spread his wings and fly south?

Young readers will find reassurance in this jubilant story, told in first person, about working through fears that seem impossible. Cheer on this little hummingbird as he discovers that, with patience and encouragement, even the tiniest creatures can overcome big challenges!

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We All Love

Julie Flett


The follow-up to We All Play! An adorable celebration of all the ways that animals and humans show love--from award-winning Indigenous artist/author Julie Flett.

"This book is like a big warm hug that envelops readers ... a first choice for any library's picture book collection."--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Snuggle up! Animals love--like you!

Join baby bears, little ducklings, curious foxes, and many more adorable creatures as they remind us of all the ways, big and small, that we show love and care. We All Love is a poetic and beautifully illustrated reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world--demonstrating how care, protection, and love are experienced by all living things.

We All Love features:
 

  • A glossary of Cree animal names used throughout the text
  • A letter to the reader from Julie Flett


Part of the We Do Too! series, following We All Play, We All Love is a celebration of the love that connects us all--big and small, near and far.

We love too! / kîstanaw mîna

Praise for We All Play
A Best Children's Book of the Year: New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Globe & Mail
Kirkus starred review
Publishers Weekly starred review
Horn Book starred review
School Library Journal starred review, and more!

 

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Bath Time for the Crayons

Drew Daywalt

The hilarious Crayons from the #1 New York Times bestseller The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to make a splash in the bath in this mini hardcover book perfect for bath time, bedtime, or any time! 

Bath time is an adventure for the Crayons! Red likes to relax in the bath. Esteban likes to pretend to be a pirate. And Beige actually prefers a shower! Make bath time the best part of the day with this laugh-out-loud mini hardcover book from the bestselling team behind the international Crayons sensation.

Featuring Drew Daywalt’s giggle-inducing characters and bold, bright illustrations from Oliver Jeffers, Bath Time for the Crayons is squeaky-clean fun that’s sure to keep children—and grown-ups—laughing.

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Kitty Caterpillar

Annabeth Bondor-Stone

Meet Kitty Caterpillar: She is a part kitty-cat, part caterpillar, 100% irresistible. Created by an Emmy-nominated writing duo and illustrated by the New York Times bestselling artist of Uni the Unicorn, this is perfect for fans of Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn and The Bad Seed.

Kitty Caterpillar has the purr-fect life. She’s the queen of her kittydom, where she enjoys gourmet meals, catnaps, and the best hugs from her favorite human, Hazel.

Then one day Kitty Caterpillar discovers an exciting new world: the outdoors! But as thrilling as it is, there’s no place like home – and nothing better than a best friend.

Illustrated with gorgeous jewel-toned art by Brigette Barrager, this is the ideal book for young cat lovers.

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Carlotta's Special Dress

Carlotta Walls LaNier

Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest of the Little Rock Nine, shares the true story about a girl, a dress, and the historic fight to attend an all-white school in Little Rock, Arkansas.



Carlotta can't wait to wear her new dress on her first day of school. But when the moment finally arrives, she isn't allowed to go. The year is 1957, and the people of Little Rock, Arkansas, don't want Black students attending an all-white school and will do whatever it takes to keep them out.

As hate and danger escalate, will Carlotta and her Black classmates, known as the Little Rock Nine, have the strength and perseverance to keep dreaming of a better world? 



This moving picture book autobiography from a Civil Rights pioneer--with extensive back matter including an author's note, comprehensive timeline, and historical photos--introduces a landmark event in the fight for desegregation and demonstrates the world-changing power children have to enact change through bravery and faith.

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Venus! Fierce and Fabulous

Stacy McAnulty

Prepare for a dazzling encounter with the solar system's most glamorous resident in VENUS!—the latest stellar "autobiography" in the OUR UNIVERSE series from the dynamic duo of Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis!

Hello, darling neighbors! It's me, Venus!

Get ready to be utterly charmed as Venus herself spills all her secrets of the solar system in this witty and wonderfully informative picture book. Discover what makes Venus truly unique: from her intensely hot and, yes, a little stinky atmosphere, to her breathtaking, shimmering brilliance in the night sky. Unlike the other planets, Venus dances to her own rhythm – no moons, no rings, and a spin that's all her own!
Inside VENUS!, young readers will:


- Hear directly from Venus: Stacy McAnulty's signature humor shines as Venus playfully shares fascinating facts about herself.
- Marvel at Stevie Lewis's vibrant art: The illustrations bring Venus's dazzling personality and unique characteristics to life on every page.
- Learn about planetary science in an engaging way: Discover key features of Venus in a lighthearted and memorable manner.
- Continue their cosmic journey: Perfect for fans of the Our Universe series, VENUS! is a delightful companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

With its irresistible blend of humor, kid-friendly facts, and stunning illustrations, VENUS! is an out-of-this-world addition to any bookshelf, sparking curiosity and a love for space in young readers. Get ready to fall in love with the sassiest star in our solar system!

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The Claiming (the Last Resort #2)

Jasmine Warga

The next evolution in interactive storytelling is here!

A must-read from New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Warga!

 

For the first time, Teddy is actually excited for the school year to start. His new neighbors, Lila and Caleb, are transferring to his school, which means he'll finally have real friends! But Teddy has a secret he's desperate to protect -- one that explains why none of his classmates have spoken to him in years...

And that's not all. Despite having sent the fire maiden back through the portal, strange things keep happening at the Castle Hill Inn. Teddy's nightmares are back in a big way, and after getting stuck in the portal herself, Lila seems to be... flickering?! Almost as if something, or someone, is trying to summon her from our world into the next.

Teddy will do anything to protect his friends, but he's terrified of repeating the worst mistake of his life. Yet Teddy might be the key to uncovering the fire maiden's evil plans, and in order to stop her, he'll have to face his greatest fears -- the ones he's spent his whole life running from.

 

Enter the world of The Last Resort! Talk to ghosts that come to life and help solve the mystery!

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Unsettling Salad!

Aaron Reynolds

From the team behind the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal–winning Creepy Carrots! and its sequels comes the second entry in a spin-off chapter book series in which Jasper Rabbit tells the story of a badger who discovers broccoli can bite back!

Jasper the Rabbit is back! A little older and wiser, he collects creepy stories to share as cautionary tales. If you’re ready for some chills and chuckles alike, tune in as Jasper weaves the yarn of Thadeus Badger and the sticky situation he found himself in.

Now, Thadeus is a typical badger. He and his best friend, Oliver Possum, love burgers as much as they dislike exercise. And they hate eating veggies even more. But when they make a deal with Oliver’s parents to eat an entire salad…well let’s just say the chompers might soon become the chomped. This is a creepy tale after all and even the healthiest things can turn on you.

Join Jasper and Thadeus in this second Creepy Tale chapter book and learn from Thadeus’s mistakes before it’s too late!

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The House Next Door

Ellen Oh

For fans of Not Quite a Ghost and Ghost Squad, acclaimed middle grade author Ellen Oh of Spirit Hunters and an APALA Honoree delivers a new spooky novel about young hero Rory and the creepy house next door. Filled with scary spirits, mysterious noises, and malevolent forces, the house has tormented many souls, and Rory must do everything he can to prevent the new neighbors from becoming its next victims. We Need Diverse Books cofounder Ellen Oh delivers another heart-pounding story that you won't be able to put down.

Home is where the sinister lives. Rory Parker knows not to step a foot in, on, or around the house next door. He's seen things creeping in the shadows, has had encounters with spirits, and lost a best friend to the house's malevolence. But when his new neighbors, Jack and his lovable family, move into the house next door, Rory makes it his duty to protect them at all costs.

But the vicious forces lying within the house are plotting something evil, something that puts Jack's little sister in extreme danger. Soon, Rory understands he'll need the help of his new friend and some friendly ghosts in order to stand a chance at defeating whatever lurks within its walls for good. But what exactly lives in the house next door, and will Rory and Jack find out in time to save the day, or can its evil never be evicted?

  • Perfect for Halloween reading
  • Features light scares
  • A charming cozy seasonal pick



 

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Hypergifted

Gordon Korman



 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman comes the funny and heartwarming sequel to the word-of-mouth hits UNGIFTED and SUPERGIFTED.

School has never been a problem for twelve-year-old super-genius Noah Youkilis--at least not until he gets an admission letter to the prestigious Wilderton University. The last thing Noah wants is to go straight from eighth grade into college. Will his life ever just be normal!

Meanwhile, Noah's best friend, Donovan, has been looking forward all year to a summer of doing nothing. But when Wilderton allows Noah to bring a friend for the summer term, Donovan's parents jump at the chance. Suddenly, Donovan's summer of slack has turned into hanging with Noah and working as a summer camp counselor for professors' kids.

Once they arrive on campus, Noah's determined to fit in--and to him, that means joining the top-secret Society of the Gavel. But becoming a Gaveler is harder than it seems, and it's made all the harder when Noah and Donovon smuggle Wilderton's mascot, a two-hundred-pound pig named Porquette, into their dorm. Now Noah and Donovan must combine all their middle-school smarts to keep their pig-sized secret, fix a haywire AI program before it pretty much ends the world, and keep track of Donovan's campers.

It's going to be a summer to remember in the newest book from #1 New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman.

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Dante N. Ferno Is NOT a Loser

Brian Gordon

Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets the myth-mashing of Percy Jackson in this fun and highly illustrated book for kids ages 8 and up.

Dante N. Ferno is trying to be a winner. Ever since his pants fell down in front of the entire school, Dante's life has been nothing short of embarrassingly uncool. Never fear, once he starts sixth grade, Dante has a 100% fool-proof plan to become the Most Popular Kid at his new school:

1. Completely reinvent himself.
2. Make a ton of new friends and accept his nomination as their honorary leader.
3. Become good at sports and win all the game things.
4. Rub his newfound popularity in the face of all the haters he grew up with.

Sounds easy, right? Well, think again. Purg Middle School is full of infamous creatures from myths and legends, like the grim-reaper bus driver, Mr. Charon, and Dante’s angelic new friend, Virgil. Many of them won’t let Dante escape his beast of a reputation so easily.

Filled with hilarious black-and-white illustrations by the author, Brian Gordon’s Dante N. Ferno Is NOT a Loser is a madcap adventure that follows a spirited young demon as he wrestles with bullies, fiends, and other middle school monstrosities. It's perfect if you’re looking for: 

● Funny and universal stories for kids ages 8+ or in third grade and up 
● Highly illustrated and easy-to-read books for reluctant readers 
● Fresh twists on classic mythology and legends

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The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Karina Yan Glaser

NEWBERY HONOR-WINNER

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER * INDIE NEXT PICK * FIVE STARRED REVIEWS!

Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, ALA Booklist, Publishers Weekly, BookPage, The Strategist, Book Riot, the New York Public Library, and the Chicago Public Library!

Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people--one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown--on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
"A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!" --Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang'An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York's Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents' restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang'An and financial crisis threatens Luli's family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world--and into danger-filled adventure--to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser's epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
"The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I've read in a long time." --James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
 

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