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“Connection is really the thing that we’re leaning into with this batch of picture books,” says Mary Kate Castellani, publishing director at Bloomsbury Children’s Books. “Connection to the past, connection across cultures, and that deep human connection.” Read on to see how the connection theme runs through other publishers’ new picture books, too.

Why should Christmas in July get all the summer holiday glory? This list of Halloween board books and picture books is perfect for those who want to get into the spooky spirit despite the summer heat.

The author/illustrator's work shines a light on Latinx icons who haven't always appeared in our history books. Here we celebrate Menénedez's illustrations in the Spanish and English editions of the excellent poetry collection Hopeful Heroes by Margarita Engle.

This month, a poetry collection by Margarita Engle, a new middle grade novel from Dan Gemeinhart, and a nonfiction title about the Erie Canal stand out, along with other great books.

With every book, Jashar Awan comes a little closer to establishing himself as the chronicler extraordinaire of what most people see as childhood's mundane moments, and it's magic.

Bestselling author Rory Power’s new YA novel Kill Creatures is a tour de force of teenage friendship, crushes, and revenge. Here, she discusses it with SLJ. 

Finding Spanish-language books for older readers continues to be a challenge, but we’ve curated this list that includes translations of Jason Reynolds and Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles and a Spanish-original YA about an undocumented teen.

Learn how author Hà Dinh's own experiences shaped Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-Up, a chapter book that beautifully explores diversity, empathy, and the importance of welcoming new friends with open hearts.

This year, we awarded dozens of books a prestigious star—and among this distinguished group, several clear commonalities shine bright. From fresh approaches on topics like grief to specific recurrences, such as characters taking on another person’s identity, here are the key trends among 2025's starred books.

 AI-generated booklists are possible—and even published. So what is the value of human curation?

The July issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December. SLJ reviews editors stand back to take a look at a beautiful, blossoming list of notable books.

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.

These six titles show that good things come in small sturdy packages. Board books, for the pre-literate and newest readers, continue to surprise and delight in equal measure, and fly off the shelves for story hours.

From Pakistan to Spain to ordinary neighborhoods, the power of books has never been more visible than in these 65 gems plucked from the mines of picture books published in the first half of 2025. 

New readers will feel proud of their ability to read these fun, outstanding stories on their own.

From rollicking fantasy to heartbreaking realism, these excellent additions to the middle grade and hi-lo genres will have something for every tween to enjoy.

Spanning genres from fantasy to thriller to romance and everything in-between, these titles for teens are sure to delight.

Ranging from heartfelt to hilarious, these remarkable graphic novel and manga titles are sure to leave a lasting impression that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.

The accolades keep coming for nonfiction picture books that dare to offer facts and true stories to elementary-aged readers. We cannot wait for autumn, when it's time for a whole other harvest of titles that keep children reading and learning.

From picture book biographies to the Spanish-language edition of Jason Reynolds’s Lu, these picks are just-right for Spanish readers.

Whether they want to read one good poem or delight in a collection of good works, these titles offer something for all young readers.

In these two titles, librarians will be inspired by reading about the good work of colleagues and motivated to help young readers through the use of bibliotherapy.

These audiobooks for kids, tweens, and teens offer stories of resilience, hope, and joy.

From video games and documentaries to anime and tabletop RPGs, these standout stars shine at the top of their categories.

Our starred middle and high school nonfiction offerings for the first half of 2025 are sure to keep readers engaged and informed.