The premise is simple: one season, ten books. I sifted through (let me check) 2,542 books publishing in September, October, and November (I’m not kidding) to bring you this group of books that most caught my eye.
Picture Books
Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel
November 5 | Candlewick | Grades K-2
Every year or two, Kenneth Kraegel puts out a new picture book. They’ve all been just lovely. Do you remember Green Pants from 2017? This is a long-format picture book about a mother’s journey to find a cure for her ailing son.
Early Readers
Chapter Books
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison, illustratd by Jenny Lovlie
September 10 | Greenwillow | Grades 1-3
A new chapter book series about a girl with catlike superpowers? I like the sound of it.
AstroNuts Mission One: The Plant Planet by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Steven Weinberg
September 10 | Chronicle | Grades 2-4
This book is as wild as you would hope. A group of hybrid animals set out to find alternate planets to inhabit. A full color comic/chapter book mashup.
Dory Fantasmagory: Tiny Tough by Abby Hanlon
October 8, 2019 | Dial Books | Grades 2-4
If nothing else, the goal of this blog is to be your personal “There’s a new Dory Fantasmagory book coming out soon” alert system. The alarm has been triggered by this book about a lost friendship bracelet that turns into a pirate-y treasure hunt.
Mia Mayhem vs. the Mighty Robot by Kara West, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
November 26 | Little Simon | Grades 1-4
I usually like to let you know about series early on. Get in on the ground floor, I say. Well I’m late to the Mia Mayhem party and I don’t want you to miss out, so I’m here sharing book 6 in this wonderful series about a robot gone haywire.
Middle Grade Fiction
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds, illustrations by Alexander Nabaum
October 8| Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books | Grades 4-6
You guys, I have to tell you about this great author I know. His name is Jason Reynolds and . . . nope, can’t do it with a straight face. One of the best writers going has a new one coming out and boy is it good.
Graphic Novels
Livi and Nate by Kalle Hakkola, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu, translated by Owen Witesman
September 17 | OwlKids | Grades 1-3
I’m a sucker for lower elementary comics. Also, books that are kind of weird. This book about a brother and sister and their wild dreams scratches both itches nicely.
Hilda and the Mountain King by Luke Pearson
September 10 | Flying Eye Books | Grades 3-6
Post-Netflix series, Hilda is a bonafide celeb in my book. I’m happy to see that Luke Pearson has another adventure to share.
Nonfiction
So You Want to be a Viking? by John Haywood, illustrated by Takayo Akiyama
September 3 | Thames & Hudson | Grades 3-6
Heavily illustrated and filled to the brim with Viking-y information, this new series is perfect for readers who like some funny with their facts.
The End of Something Wonderful: A Practical Guide to a Backyard Funeral by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic, illustrated by George Ermos
September 10 | Sterling | Grades 2-6
Sometimes you come across a book that talks about something you haven’t seen before. Sure there’s the excellent picture book The Dead Bird, but I can’t say I’ve seen the idea of a pet funeral explored in a nonfiction book.
About Travis Jonker
Aahhh! I knew there were tons of books out in September and October, but I have to worry about November, too? I need a fundraiser!
Good picks here, Travis! I’ve seen some — I need to buy the backyard funeral one for the grandkids who lost their cat recently.
Thanks for the post!