10 to Note: Winter Preview 2022

As I sometimes like to do, I recently surveyed the upcoming children’s book landscape. Lotta books on that landscape. Here are 10 books that I’m excited to see in December, January, and February.

Picture Books

Even Robots Aren’t Perfect by Jan Thomas

January 4 | Beach Lane Books | Grades K-2

I feel like I owe Jan Thomas money. Every time I read one of her books with kids, everyone has a blast. Her latest book is a three-parter about a couple of robot pals, and I’m into it.

My Parents Won’t Stop Talking! by Emma Hunsinger, illustrated by Tillie Walden.

February 8 | Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan) | Grades K-2

I didn’t expect the superb graphic novelist Tillie Walden to illustrate a picture book, but I am very excited she is. This story, about a seemingly never-ending conversation between grown-ups, looks hilariously relatable.

Early Reader

Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell

January 4 | Little, Brown | Grades K-2

Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell, trying something new here with an early reader about a pair of odd-couple mice. Strong Frog & Toad friendship vibes.

Chapter Book

Teeny Houdini (#1): The Disappearing Act by Katrina Moore, illustrated by Zoe Si

January 4 | Katherine Tegen Books | Grades 1-4

Magic: all well and good, until the class pet disappears. This is the first book in an illustrated chapter book series about a teeny girl with big dreams. I’m always on the lookout for illustrated chapter book series and I’m looking forward to this one.

Middle Grade

Freewater by Amina Luqman Dawson

February 1 | Little, Brown | Grades 3-7

A debut historical fiction novel about two kids and their escape from slavery to a secret community – and freedom.

Northwind by Gary Paulsen

January 11 | Farrar, Straus and Giroux | Grades 3-6

R.I.P. to the master of the wilderness adventure. Gary Paulsen takes us back a couple hundred years to a boy fleeing his fishing village and braving the elements.

Graphic Novels

Housecat Trouble by Mason Dickerson

February 22 | Random House Graphic | Grades 2-5

A scaredy cat attempts to defend his house from monsters in this new graphic novel series. Very high cuteness levels never hurt shelf appeal, and this one has that in spades.

The Odds by Matt Stanton

January 4 | HarperAlley | Grades 3-7

A quiet girl’s life is rendered less quiet when her favorite book, television, and game characters begin coming to life. This is the first book in a new graphic novel series from Aussie Matt Stanton.

Nonfiction

Dragon Bones: The Fantastic Fossil Discoveries of Mary Anning by Sarah Glenn Marsh, illustrated by Maris Wicks

February 15 | Roaring Brook Press | Grades K-3

Mary Anning is one of the most important figures in paleontology, but until recently, she wasn’t given her due. This book tells her story of discovery. With Maris Wicks illustrating, I’m extra excited.

Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

December 7 | Little, Brown | Grades K-3

I love a good true story about an invention (see?). This book about the creation of the so-ubiquitous-you-don’t-even-think-about-it traffic light is right in my wheelhouse.

Filed under: Previews