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
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
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
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
Lane Smith Cover Reveal: Recess!
Morgana & Oz, Vol. 1 | Review
Goodbye for now
When Book Bans are a Form of Discrimination, What is the Path to Justice?
Take Five: February 2025 Middle Grade Graphic Novels
ADVERTISEMENT