It was 75 degrees here in Michigan yesterday and I am feeling summerish. So summerish, in fact, that I decided to sift through the 8oo some odd children’s books publishing in June, July, and August and pick 10 that I am especially excited about.
Picture Books
A Normal Pig by K-Fai Steele
June 4 | Balzer + Bray | Grades K-3
After the incredible Noodlephant, I’m excited to read K-Fai Steele’s debut author/illustrator book.
My Teacher is a Robot! by Jeffrey Brown
June 25 | Crown | Grades K-2
I thought Jeffrey Brown did a pretty great job with the first few books in the Jedi Academy series, and this book has the makings of a fun read aloud.
Chapter Book
Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective: The Case of the Missing Hippo by Laura James, illustrated by Emily Fox
August 6 | Bloomsbury | Grades 1-3
Give me a heavily illustrated chapter book any day of the week. Especially if it’s a mystery that reminds me of the Digby O’Day series.
Middle Grade
A Small Zombie Problem by K.G. Campbell
June 4 | Knopf | Grades 3-7
Picture book maker and Flora & Ulysses illustrator K.G. Campbell is trying something new – middle grade fiction. I have high hopes for this new series about a boy who brings home a zombie.
King of the Mole People by Paul Gilligan
August 27 | Henry Holt | Grades 2-5
How to balance school, friends, and being king of the Mole People? This is the problem facing Doug Underbelly in this illustrated novel.
Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya
August 6 | Kokila | Grades 5 and Up
I’m looking forward to this story about a girl trying to reconnect with her father after he returns from deployment.
Graphic Novel
Best Friends by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
August 27 | First Second | Grades 3-7
The first time Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham teamed up for a graphic novel memoir, the result was something special. The story continues here and I can’t wait.
The Dam Keeper: Return from the Shadows (Dam Keeper, Book #3) by Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi
July 2 | First Second | Grades 3-6
I loved the first two books in this epic graphic novel series based on an Oscar-nominated animated short film.
Nonfiction
Look! I Wrote a Book! (And You Can Too!) by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Neal Layton
July 23 | Schwartz & Wade | Grades K-3
There are plenty of “how to write” books. But how many of them are fun to read? Not a lot. This one looks like one of the good ones.
Birthday on Mars! by Sara Schonfeld, illustrated by Andrew J. Ross
June 4 | Penguin Workshop | Grades K-2
Get to know Mars through the eyes (cameras?) of the Curiosity rover. A nonfiction picture book about the robot’s one-year birthday back in 2013.
About Travis Jonker
Thanks as usual, for helping me build my order. I had no idea there was a Shannon Hale sequel! I’m reading Each Tiny Spark right now and loving it.