A boy says farewell to a loved one as he imagines her walking on into her next journey, a moving and superbly illustrated story about loss and hope by Fry Bread author Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by acclaimed, award-winning artist Rafael López. When a young boy’s grandmother walks on, he wonders where she’s gone.Did she go to the market to buy ripe melons? Or maybe she’s in the garden, watering her herbs?It feels like she’s somewhere far away, so the boy finds new ways to share stories about his day, hoping she can hear him.Even her house feels like it’s waiting for her return. Then as the boy approaches the kitchen, the scent and memories of her cooking assure him that no matter where she is, her love will always be close by.Because when someone walks on, they stay with us. They grow in our hearts and guide us as we walk in their footsteps.Award-winning author of Fry Bread, Kevin Noble Maillard, breathes life and love into this intimate picture book about loss, with illustrations from renowned, best-selling artist, Rafael López.

The child is scared, but will not be afraid. She believes in a higher power watching over them, keeping them safe–her astronaut. As she narrates, readers get a tender glimpse into a life on the front lines, one filled with love and trauma, fear and hope. A much needed perspective from Ukrainian author and illustrator.

How does a bear go to the ballet? A polar bear escapes into New York City in this heartfelt picture book from award-winning Afro-Latino artist Eric Velasquez. A wordless story of unlikely friendship that celebrates art and its ability to connect us. However, this picture book also opens a conversation about alienation and empathy. Who is kept out of the theater? How can we welcome them in? A deeply personal story, author Eric Valqueuez sees himself in this tale. When dancers have a photoshoot at the Central Park Zoo, a young, African American ballerina and a polar bear form a special friendship. When his new friend leaves her scarf behind, the polar bear must venture through Central Park and out into Manhattan to return it before her performance at the Lincoln Center. However, the theater goers eye the strange bear with suspicion. When the ushers won’t let him inside, the ballerina comes to his rescue and welcomes him in. The polar bear has dreamed of seeing the ballet, and now he gets to be a part of it in the most surprising way. The wordless narrative is told through expressive and detailed oil paintings. On the endpapers, readers learn more about these loveable characters with illustrations of zoo signage about polar bears and a magazine article about the young ballerina. Eric Velasquez, author-illustrator of Bank Street Best Book of the Year Octopus Stew, brings a dream-like magic to this tale of empathy and kindred spirits.

In the vein of Grumpy Monkey and Unicorns Are the Worst!, this hilarious picture book introduces the adorable quokka, who—despite his ever-present smile—is definitely not as happy as he looks!With its bright eyes, puffy cheeks, and beaming smile, the quokka is clearly the happiest animal on earth. Or is it? This quokka is here to tell you…he is not happy! At least not all the time. Just like everyone else, he can be sulky, or sorry, or sad; but you’d never know from the look on his face! So, what’s a moody marsupial to do when he’s being misunderstood? Teach every other animal from kangaroos to koalas not to judge a critter by its cover!

While baking a special cake with her granddaughter, a Maltese grandmother revisits her memories of survival, hope, and life under siege during World War II.Every year, a young girl visits her Nanna on the tiny Mediterranean isle of Malta, and together they bake a cake. As they mix, stir and ice their chocolate confection, Nanna explains why the cake is so special: when she was a girl, she made it to celebrate the end of a WWII bombing campaign against her small country.As they talk, Nanna looks back on the layers of her life: the underground shelters, the bombs, the hunger—and the hope that helped her through her hardest times. Her granddaughter learns about Malta’s enduring traditions, her family history—and her grandmother’s recipe for happiness.Sharing the little-known history of the ‘Siege of Malta,’ this gentle picture book celebrates all who dream of peaceful futures during times of war and uncertainty, and encourages readers to share family stories and memories—even the difficult ones.A note in the back shares the author’s inspiration from her visits to her own Maltese Nanna and the real history of the of ‘Siege of Malta’, along with a recipe for Nanna’s memory cake.

Why can’t Aisha go on colorful, faraway vacations like her friends? A bighearted, universal story about living in the moment and seeing the beauty on your own doorstep. Every year on vacation, Aisha and her parents take the same trip from their home in Jakarta to Grandma’s village in the countryside. This year, Aisha wants to see something different! Like the crunchy white snow her friend Jennie will explore (sort of like that white frozen treat Aisha enjoys on the road). Or the blue swimming pool that Dismas is floating in (almost as blue as the sparkling sea that Aisha can see out her window). And those tropical fish her neighbor saw at the aquarium–were they like the rainbow kites Aisha sees soaring in the sky? In both words and light, airy illustrations, first-time author Nabila Adani brings home an appreciation of the simple beauties around us–and the special warmth of family that welcomes you with open arms.

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.

Yoomi wants her baby cousin to be happy-on her 1st birthday and for the rest of her life. Can Yoomi help? The whole family is gathering to celebrate baby cousin’s 1st birthday. They will do the doljabi! Dasom’s mommy will assemble a microphone, a ball, money, yarn, a paintbrush, and other things. Dasom will pick something, and that will decide her future. If she picks a ball, she will be an athlete. If she picks a paintbrush, she will be an artist. Yoomi is worried. What if Dasom picks a paintbrush and doesn’t want to be an artist? Grandma assures Yoomi that Dasom can become whatever she wants-but maybe she will be a creative person, just like an artist. But Baby Dasom’s choice surprises everybody–and reminds us that friends and family are what’s important! Yoomi’s concern displays empathy, and her questioning shows a girl exercising her critical thinking muscles in this delightful story about family customs and relationships. YOOMI FRIENDS AND FAMILY is a picture book series about a Korean girl, her loved ones, and her culture. Other books in the series are No Kimchi for Me!, a Junior Library Guild selection and a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Let’s Go to Taekwondo: A Story About Persistence, Bravery, and Breaking Boards, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and Sunday Funday in Koreatown, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

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

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.