From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Just Ask! comes a sweet and powerful story about being true to yourself and shining your brightest. How will you help people shine?There once was a little girl who grew up in Puerto Rico with an incredible ability—she was able to make everyone around her shine. She listened, she understood, she worked hard, and she brought out the beauty in each person she met. In a story inspired by her mother’s ability to help people see their own brilliance, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shows readers how helping others shine makes the whole world brighter.With art by award-winning illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara, Just Shine will help readers find their own inner glow—and recognize that glow in those around them.

This riveting, “visually stunning” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book biography tells the true story of Rose Valland’s valiant efforts to save thousands of works of art during World War II by becoming a spy in her own museum.Rose Valland loved art. When the Nazis invaded Paris during World War II and took over her beloved museum, Rose could have fled. But who would save the artwork? So, Rose remained and saw how she was underestimated by the soldiers for being a quiet, unassuming woman. She knew it was the time to act. And Rose had a secret weapon: she could speak German. She listened, kept track of all the stolen art, and saved what she could. Rose became a spy. And in the end, she saved thousands of works of art.

Soar into the tender true story of how one airman inspired a movement by airdropping little parachutes of candy to kids trapped in occupied Berlin in this nonfiction picture book ode to everyday acts of kindness.How far can a small kindness reach? How much of a difference can two sticks of gum make? Colonel Gail Halvorsen was a pilot in the United States Air Force delivering supplies to West Berlin when it was blockaded by the Soviets. One day he approached children gathered outside the airport with two leftover sticks of gum. One day, he approached children gathered outside the airport with two leftover sticks of gum. After sharing the gum through the fence, he watched in surprise as they passed the wrappers around so everyone could sniff the minty smell. Inspired by the children’s kindness and sympathetic to the way blockades were cutting off their access to simple pleasures like sweets, Halvorsen began airdropping candy, using his own rations and wiggling his wings to alert the kids below that it was time for treats. When a package of chocolates literally dropped on a reporter’s head, news quickly spread of “Uncle Wiggly Wings” or “the Berlin Candy Bomber.” Soon, Halvorsen’s Operation Little Vittles—born of one man’s courage to be kind—grew to include other pilots and donations from American families and ended up dropping over twenty tons of candy to the children of war-torn Berlin.

Get ready to be inspired by this biography of one-of-a-kind diplomat and activist, Christiana Figueres, whose fight to protect our planet isn’t over yet.Raised in the mountains of Costa Rica surrounded by lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife, Christiana always had a deep love for the natural world. From the shimmering quetzal birds to gleaming golden toads, the biodiversity of Costa Rica was truly a sight to behold. However, with deforestation on the rise and increasing pollution, the dazzling species that defined the rainforest began gradually going extinct as Christiana grew up. Thus began Christiana’s journey to becoming a diplomat and eventually one of the most influential voices in the realm of environmental activism on a mission to save the planet from losing any more precious species of wildlife.Christiana Figueres, Friend of the Rainforest is a story of perseverance sure to inspire readers from all over to take a stance in protecting our special planet.

A coming-of-age story for middle grade readers, set among the Mbororo people of central and western Africa. Thirteen-year-old Adi lives in west Cameroon, where she loves swimming in the river, making dolls for her little sisters, and writing new words in her notebook at school. But one day Adi’s hands start to shake with terror. Uncle Amadou–the most powerful member of her family–has declared that Adi is old enough to get married. Mom cries softly under her hijab, but Dad whispers: “Don’t worry.” He knows a place where Adi can live and learn without fear… Translated from the original French by the author, Adi of Boutanga is a memorable portrait of a girl and her family forging a path toward a brighter future. This richly illustrated book will open lasting conversations about gender equality, family relationships, and the liberating power of education. In the back matter, readers can explore an author’s note, a glossary of cultural terms, and other resources about the real Adi and her experiences.

Learning new words and phrases has never been so fun–and funny! Taro Gomi introduces toddlers to first words in unforgettable ways: From flowers to a face, to greetings and games, this one-of-a-kind collection not only provides first-word basics but a fresh and fun-filled approach all while letting the youngest of readers “travel” to Japan through its pages. At once a first word and phrases primer and an introduction to new people and places, this content-rich collection will be treasured by kids and caregivers alike. A STAND-OUT GIFT: Just right for birthdays, baby showers, and any giving occasion! A one-of-a-kind art style and unique take on a first-words book for toddlers and babies make this collection a must-have as well as a treasured keepsake. TARO IS THE BEST TEACHER: From Everyone Poops to I Know Numbers!, kids love learning from Taro Gomi! With quirky and expressive illustrations paired with first words and phrases, young children will build their vocabulary while learning about the exciting world around them. PACKED WITH HUMOR: With Taro Gomi’s attention to detail, each page captures countless laugh-out-loud moments sure to make this book a fan favorite. FOCUS ON FIRST WORDS AND FEELINGS: This book is a powerful and important springboard, modeling first words and providing important social-emotional learning by allowing kids to talk about their emotions and inner life. Perfect for: Fans of Taro Gomi’s Everyone Poops and other bestselling children’s books Gift givers seeking a book for babies and toddlers who are starting to learn new words Teachers and librarians looking for fun, engaging books that teach children a wide variety of words Readers of Richard Scarry books, First 100 Words, and other popular alphabet and early learning books for kids

Like The Rabbit Listened and The Color Monster, this bighearted, stunningly illustrated book helps children to acknowledge and confront their most difficult emotions.After a girl’s best friend moves away, she starts seeing two creatures everywhere she goes: a gray crocodile who weeps for hours, and a loud crocodile who breaks things and creates all kinds of chaos. Nobody else seems to see them, though, and when they even follow her to her family’s beach vacation, the girl decides she needs to talk to them. It turns out she has a lot in common with both of these creatures: She has been feeling sad and angry too.

FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! Beautifully illustrated with a cloth-like spine, this imaginative picture book shares an Inuk child’s experience with gratitude and celebrates family connections from the newest siblings to cherished Elders.A young boy, Kalluk, leaves his camp to tell his grandmother that his mother is about to have a baby. Along the way, Kalluk meets different animals and he asks them why they are so happy. The rabbits say they love to be fast enough to outrun the fox and clever enough to know when to hide. They are happy to protect each other from the winter wind: “I’d give you my tail if I could!” they say. A mother fox tells the boy her pups make her happy (and her pups say their mother makes them happy: “We would give her our tails if we could!” they say. Even the river and the wind have reasons to be happy. Kalluk’s encounters with nature make him reflect on his gratitude for all it provides.On the trip back, Kalluk and his grandmother talk about happiness, peace and choices. They speak to the ravens and get a lift from the wind right to Kalluk’s doorstep. And waiting inside is a new baby sister! Holding her in his arms, Kalluk discovers a new reason to be thankful.

A stunning account of the Sacred Stone Camp’s first day, where Indigenous activist LaDonna BraveBull Allard gathered water protectors to protest the Dakota Access PipelineThe land is sacred to the people. The people are sacred to the land.As Water Protectors gather to defend the water and protect the land against a black snake that threatens the rivers that millions of people depend on, a young girl looks to her Unci LaDonna and Lala Miles who are leading the way to the camp.Although she’s nervous about what might happen next, she finds strength from her family and the strangers all coming together to stand up for what’s right. Written with love by Rae Rose, who shares many memories with LaDonna, this is a deeply moving tribute to LaDonna’s work and impact with stunning watercolor illustrations by Aly McKnight.

A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .Family secrets that can’t stay buried . . .A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.For Gemma’s whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking things: the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.There’s just one major problem: to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather’s home in Taiwan. And the only way Gemma can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, she finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it’s about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.