New and Notable KidLit

The best new and upcoming books for young readers

As kids head back to school, it's a great time to get them excited about new books. Reading (and being read to) has been shown to help alleviate stress and improve focus. Stories also help readers of all ages think about and understand other experiences besides their own, instilling empathy. Here's a roundup of some of the best new and upcoming kid lit titles we're excited about right now. Plus, peruse some of the most giftable kids' books for the upcoming holiday season.

Available now

Anything by Rebecca Stead

A father and daughter move into a new apartment in this poignant story about change and the power of an honest wish. The tender tale is beautifully illustrated by Gracey Zhang. (Ages 3–5)

A Cup of Quiet by Nikki Grimes

When the world gets too noisy, Grandma gets thirsty for a cup of quiet. So she and her granddaughter venture into the garden to collect the calming sounds of nature. (Ages 3–6)

Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli

From the award-winning author of The Watermelon Seed, this giggle-inducing early reader kicks off a new series featuring two unlikely friends. (Ages 4–8)

Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat by Julien Chung

The classic alphabet chant from Chicka Chicka Boom Boom gets a Halloween twist and there's a spooky surprise in store for everyone's favorite letters (Ages 4–8)

Growing Home by Beth Ferry

An unlikely team of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use newfound magical abilities to defend their family in this instant NYT bestseller. (Ages 6–9)

Hansel and Gretel by Stephen King and Maurice Sendak

The haunting tale of two brave children lost in a dark and dangerous forest is reimagined by two literary legends in an all-new picture book. (Ages 6 and up)

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo

Ten-year-old Callie is desperately homesick after moving to Northern Ireland from London. Then a magical house crash-lands in her backyard. (Ages 7–10)

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories: Deluxe Collector's Edition by Jeff Kinney

Grab a flashlight, crawl under the covers, and dive into the twisted, unexpectedly hilarious world of Rowley Jefferson's imagination in this Diary of a Wimpy Kid spinoff series. (Ages 8–12)

Big Nate: No Harm Done! by Lincoln Peirce

It's back-to-school time for the sixth-grade renaissance man, and this just might be the best year ever as Big Nate stirs things up in his own distinctive can-do style. (Ages 8–12)

J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft

In this hilarious, illustrated story by two bestselling authors (who happen to be rivals), two talented fifth-grade storytellers go head to head in a competition for the ages. (Ages 8–12)

Dream by Barbara O'Connor

The highly anticipated follow-up to Wish follows a small town girl who discovers that anything is possible with your best friends and an adorable pup by your side. (Ages 8–12)

I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

I'm Tom's dog, and he's my human. We belong to each other. The Letter for the King meets The Incredible Journey in this story of one dog's quest to save his human. (Ages 9–12)

Candace, the Universe, and Everything by Sherri L. Smith

This speculative middle grade novel tells the story of three generations of girls connected across time and space through a wormhole in their school locker. (Ages 10 and up)

Coming soon (available for preorder)

Llama Llama: A Gift for Mama by Anna Dewdney

Christmas is approaching fast and Llama Llama wants to get the perfect gift for Mama. He checks every store, but nothing seems quite right. (Ages 2–5)

Bluey: More 5-Minute Stories

A collection of six stories you can read in five minutes or less, featuring Bluey, Bingo, and the whole gang from the wildly popular Disney+ show. (Ages 3–5)

Mom's Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern

An inspiring and heartwarming book about the relationship between a working mom and her daughter by the former prime minister of New Zealand. (Ages 3–7)

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb

Buffalo Fluffalo has had enuffalo when his quiet prairie life is turned upside down by the arrival of Puffalo, his new sibling, in this sweet and funny story. (Ages 4–8)

If I Built a Town by Chris Van Dusen

It's been twenty years since If I Built a Car was published, and now here's a new joyful and inventive addition to the beloved series! (Ages 4–8)

What Makes You Happy by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Avery loves to make people happy. But sometimes she forgets about her own needs. For her upcoming birthday, will she be able to ask for what she wants? (Ages 4–8)

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake by Devin Elle Kurtz

Running a bakery is no cakewalk for a tiny dragon with a big sweet tooth. Tummy rumbles turn to belly laughs in this feel-good follow-up to The Bakery Dragon. (Ages 4–8)

I'm Very Busy by Oliver Jeffers

A poignant—and laugh-out-loud funny—story about our busy lives and how we can fix our mistakes to show our friends how much we care. (Ages 4–8)

Dory Fantasmagory: Center of the Universe by Abby Hanlon

Dory is on her first soccer team with best friends, Rosabelle and George in this freewheeling story about confidence, competition, and . . . the cosmos. (Ages 7–10)

Dragonborn by Struan Murray

The secret world of dragons is waiting for you in this new fantasy series. The soaring, action-packed adventure takes flight with plenty of twists and surprises. (Ages 8–12)

The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell

Return to the magic of the Archipelago and the bestselling Impossible Creatures series with this new fantasy adventure involving castles, dragons, and revenge. (Ages 10 and up)

Highly anticipated holiday giftables for kids

It's never too early to start your holiday shopping. Here are some of the titles we're most excited about wrapping up for our littles this holiday season.

Point & Play: Trash Trucks

For toddlers and preschoolers who adore garbage trucks, this board book invites readers to move their bodies and engage with the story in fun and creative ways. (Ages 2–4)

We Are Shiz: Ultimate Fan Edition by Mary Man-Kong

Wicked fans of all ages will love this deluxe, glittery Little Golden Book featuring Elphaba and Glinda—plus 22 bonus pages of stickers, activities, and more. (Ages 3–6)

The Humble Pie by Jory John and Pete Oswald

Pie likes to give others the spotlight. But he learns that letting your voice be heard always takes the cake in this addition to the bestselling Food Group series. (Ages 4–8)

War Is Over! by Sean Ono Lennon, Brad Booker, and Dave Mullins

Inspired by one of the most important songs of the twentieth century, this picture book is a stirring reminder of the human connection that binds us all. (Ages 4–8)

Dog Man: Big Jim Believes by Dav Pilkey

In # 14 of this hilarious, heartfelt graphic novel series, join the journey as our heroes discover the importance of truth, goodness, and believing in themselves. (Ages 7–9)

Partypooper by Jeff Kinney

In the 20th book of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is planning the ultimate party—for himself. And you're invited to the chaos. (Ages 8–12)

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon