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These eight forthcoming board books and picture books will be available long before December. Turn on some Christmas tunes, grab a Santa hat, and peruse these holly, jolly offerings.
A touching story, replete with cultural detail and built-in curricular extensions.
PREMIUM
Embarrassed Ferret
A wonderful addition to classroom and library shelves that will help teachers and children engage in conversations about compassion and helping one another out during inevitable moments of embarrassment. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Ai & Aiko and the Little Curve
Readers may enjoy Draw’s animations, and adults may admire his philanthropy, but those looking for the nuance and sensitivity in this picture book will be disappointed. An optional purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
We Match!
Though the subject matter will speak to devoted dog lovers, the execution is more for the young-at-heart than for the actually young.
PREMIUM
Best Buds
Spirited Spencer and his many plants will encourage other young readers to find friends and make connections in ways that feel right to them. Recommended.
PREMIUM
On Our Way with Mr. Jay
Essential for building universal respect for the school bus drivers who pour their hearts into the work they do each day, this book will find a place on most shelves.
PREMIUM
The Moving Book
An appealing family story, well-suited for both one-on-one and large-group read-alouds.
Younger audiences, as well as teachers and librarians on the lookout for quick indoor stretches that are fun and safe, will go bananas.
A must-have for early reader collections and an excellent continuation of the series.
Not essential but a merry addition for libraries seeking more holiday board books with charm, color, and a playful twist.
PREMIUM
The Rise of Nicholas the Noble
This one may have a hard time finding its audience, but is a good purchase where Elf on the Shelf is popular.
A rich and visually layered book that encourages readers to see their voices as part of the American story.
PREMIUM
Trash Truck’s Christmas
A cheerful addition to holiday collections, offering familiar characters and a reminder of the joys of the season.
PREMIUM
Imposter
Reluctant readers, especially girls in middle and high school who are interested in STEM, will appreciate this tenacious heroine who believes in herself and doesn’t give up when faced with discrimination.
PREMIUM
When Devils Sing
A darkly atmospheric supernatural horror perfect for fans of Rory Power or Trang Thanh Tran.
PREMIUM
A Girl Walks into the Forest
A dark fairy tale about the exploited environment fighting back for fans of folktales and horror.
PREMIUM
Orris and Timble: Lost and Found
Children will be charmed by a gentle story of an unlikely friendship, seemingly lost yet ultimately saved through the timeless magic of rebuilding trust through the sharing of stories. Recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
The Dreams I’ll Dream Tonight
A great bedtime read-aloud that’s not essential to collections, but a winsome take on a childhood problem.
Short list this title for middle grade library collections and recommend to readers, reluctant or not, with an interest in pirates, history, bodies of water, or atypical family structures.
A real humdinger of a story told by master storyteller; this title will appeal to tweens seeking high-stakes, high-fun realistic fiction.
PREMIUM
Seabird
A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.
Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library. An essential purchase for all middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Steel & Spellfire
With a Regency-style setting, likable protagonists, romance, plot twists, and complex worldbuilding, this magical mystery story will appeal to readers who enjoy their historical romance laced with strong fantasy elements.
PREMIUM
Pretty Girl County
A funny, emotional glimpse into the unique Black social system of Prince George’s County; readers will be rooting for Sommer and Reya to achieve their dreams.
PREMIUM
Rosa by Any Other Name
A powerful coming-of-age story about passing, resistance, and self-discovery. Recommended for YA collections.
PREMIUM
Codebreaker
This book will appeal to tween and teen readers seeking an engrossing, adrenaline-packed mystery. Recommended for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Jackson, and Kayvion Lewis.
PREMIUM
This Book Might Be About Zinnia
Full of heart, this book is recommended for libraries where Elizabeth Acevedo’s Clap When You Land is popular.
PREMIUM
Water in Her Veins
A potential town-wide conspiracy and links beyond the veil combine for a chilling mystery sure to keep readers eager to unearth the truth.
PREMIUM
Soul of Shadow
The first in a new YA romantasy series, this novel is perfect for readers of Holly Black, Lauren Roberts, and Stephanie Garber and mythology lovers who enjoy Rick Riordan and Joanne Harris.
PREMIUM
A Spell to Wake the Dead
Fantasy fans may want more explanation to the magic as it’s glossed over; the true reward in this novel is the mystery. Overall, this is a fun, spooky read that will keep readers hooked until the end.
PREMIUM
Soulmatch
A quick standalone read for teen fans of the “enemies to lovers” trope with some mystery and thriller set against the backdrop of dystopian science fiction.
Great for fans of F.T. Lukens and those who enjoy cozy fantasy and standalones.
These three titles feature tweens with parents navigating incarceration and detention in the United States.
PREMIUM
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Readers who love fantasy and adventure will be drawn to Feather and the dangers of a menacing and destructive Forest and crave more details about the communities Feather encounters.
PREMIUM
Another
A robust horror title that deftly utilizes the uncanny valley while drawing on real-life recent events. Highly recommended for youth horror shelves.
PREMIUM
Mooncussers
A charming and original sequel that will take readers on a magical adventure in an alternate 19th century. Recommended for dark fantasy lovers and fans of the first installment.
PREMIUM
A Beautiful and Terrible Murder
Recommended; hand this book to strong readers who like a complex mystery entwined with Victorian culture set in the center of the Sherlock Holmes universe.
A comfort read for anyone who is drawn to romances set in the Regency and Victorian eras.
PREMIUM
Sky on Fire
Recommended for libraries with fans of Aetherbound or Johnston’s “Star Wars” novels, but its uneven pacing and lack of background context limits its wider appeal.
PREMIUM
Shape Pet
A visually dynamic choice for toddlers who enjoy hands-on, sensory-driven experiences.
A cozy, classic addition perfect for inspiring big dreams in small readers.
A vibrant bilingual addition ideal for libraries growing early literacy collections.
PREMIUM
Laila Tov, Grover!
A soft, reassuring bedtime book that gently weaves Jewish tradition into a universal nighttime routine.
PREMIUM
Pumpkin Spice
A lightly enjoyable seasonal pick that will find a place in fall displays but may not stand out among more cohesive titles.
A reassuring pick for little ones facing new beginnings, perfect for school readiness shelves.
PREMIUM
An Eggcellent Book of Kindness
A joyful addition to baby and toddler shelves focused on kindness, empathy, and emotional growth.
A stylishly strange little spell of a book, perfect for Halloween displays or literary-curious collections.
PREMIUM
The Birds of Christmas
An additional purchase, appropriate where Christian faith-based books are popular.
PREMIUM
It’s Time for Christmas
A charming and developmentally attuned Christmas title that blends sensory delight with early literacy skills. A welcome addition to holiday board book collections.
This story about acceptance and kindness is a change of pace from many holiday picture books, and the humorously detailed illustrations provide plenty of added appeal.
PREMIUM
The Heart of Winter
A beautiful picture book about friendship that will be enjoyed all year, but especially during winter and Christmas.
PREMIUM
Meowy Christmas!
A great holiday addition for any library, focusing on a mischievous cat rather than the holiday itself.
PREMIUM
The House at the Edge of Magic
Those who love puns and magic filled with quirks and idiosyncrasies will enjoy Nine’s journey as the reluctant hero of this extraordinary house.
PREMIUM
The Memory Spinner
In the vein of classic fairy tales like Rumplestiltskin and Sleeping Beauty, Cornwell’s latest is ideal for striving readers or those seeking heartfelt fantasy without complicated worldbuilding.
This charming book about a girl navigating new situations belongs in every collection.
PREMIUM
The Good Night Airport
This book misses the very point it was trying to make, and with all the vehicle books out there, is not recommended.
PREMIUM
Rembrandt’s Blessing
This little-known slice of history embellished with an engaging kid-friendly storyline is a worthy addition for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Children’s Favorite Arabic Stories: Fables and Folk Tales from Across the Arabic Speaking World
An inviting and accessible addition for any folktale collection
PREMIUM
Bringing the Beach Home
Recommended with reservations; a child learns about the pleasures of a day at the beach, but caregivers will want to provide some context and caution regarding the unsafe behavior modeled.
The pitch-perfect Spanish/English dual-language edition will resonate with almost-independent readers who are still learning to manage their big emotions and are ready to graduate from Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie.
Purchase for curricular tie-ins and where there are gaps in collections.
PREMIUM
Criaturas isleñas
Teens will be inspired by Engle’s young lovers and their dedication to serve and protect all who are endangered; purchase this for all Spanish-language YA collections.
PREMIUM
Cats at Night
While cats certainly can be sneaky and mischievous, this title does not connect well in its illustrative style nor in rhyming language. Not recommended.
PREMIUM
The Great Birthday Surprise!
Young readers will enjoy this story and look forward to the next installment.
PREMIUM
Little Ghost House Hunts
A great fall and Halloween read aloud that is not scary but sure to be entertaining. This will put little readers into the spooky spirit.
PREMIUM
Two-List Thanksgiving
A must-have for libraries serving Korean American communities, and a heartfelt addition to any library seeking to broaden its Thanksgiving collection.
A great book to showcase fall and Halloween, especially for explaining the different events that happen during this time.
PREMIUM
Vampire Jam Sandwich
A perfectly silly book to add to all Halloween or spooky book collections.
PREMIUM
Make Way for Harriet and May
A tender story of sensory sensitivity and connection that may resonate with kids who color outside the lines.
In these stories, tween and teen protagonists with a range of abilities face real and fantastical challenges, from time loops to dust storms to going viral. Share these titles with readers in time for Disability Pride Month in July, and all throughout the year.
The winners of the 2025 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards are I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely, illus. by Matt James; Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay; and Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming.
A vivid world forms a backdrop to traditional Filipino tales and a positive realization of working for the greater good instead of self.
PREMIUM
The Blossoming Summer
Calmer than a typical WWII story, this is well suited for fans of cozy historical fiction, such as Anne of Green Gables.
PREMIUM
The Wish Switch
A fun read and an escape from the ordinary. A first purchase for libraries seeking a fusion of many genres in one story.
Mata’s book will appeal to students entering a new school as well as to anyone who has felt like an outsider. It’s sure to be a hit.
This is an excellent book to teach young children about safety, sacrifice, putting service before self, and staying focused on a task until it is successfully completed.–Laura Ellis
PREMIUM
Sunny Wants to Play
An excellent look at what it feels like to be an only child, this is a good choice for any library’s picture book collection.
A beautifully told and illustrated story about resilience, identity, and the power of encouragement. A thoughtful addition to classrooms and libraries alike.
This book’s positive message, colorful illustrations, creative problem-solving activity, and culinary fun make it an enjoyable addition to a library’s holiday collection.
Comforting illustrations and an uplifting message, but it may be too sophisticated for the younger picture book crowd.
A Christmas-themed look into Indigenous culture tradition that encourages further exploration.
This is an enjoyable addition to story time collections, especially as a part of the Christmas holiday season.
PREMIUM
A Cowpoke’s Christmas
Heartwarming and thoughtful, this picture book is a charming addition to the canon of Christmas tales for young children.
PREMIUM
Lone Wolf Goes to the Library
A funny, charming addition to early chapter book collections that’s sure to delight young readers.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Leon Egan shares about Lover Birds in this latest installment.
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