Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles including a podcast spinoff picture book, a middle grade book about an AI takeover, a picture book about polar opposite siblings, and more.
A Is for Alfie by Randy DuBurke, illus. by Derick Brooks. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-374-39029-7. This cheerful, series-starting podcast spin-off from DuBurke and Brooks follows young Alfie and babysitter Quentin as they take their alphabet adventures to the page.
The AI Incident by J.E. Thomas. Levine Querido, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-6461-4508-9. Twelve-year-old Malcolm Montgomery finds an unexpected helper in AI program FRANCIS, but grows concerned as FRANCIS is becoming increasingly independent, manipulating Malcolm’s classmates to infiltrate their computers.
Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman, illus. by Sarah Rebar. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, $14.99; ISBN 978-1-4642-3790-4. The titular salamander sibs of this picture book’s title couldn’t be more different, and when Axolotl’s exuberance goes too far, and she inadvertently wrecks Axolittle’s in-progress painting, their relationship devolves into squabbles.
An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros and Magic by Sarah J. Mendonca. Quill Tree, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-33501-288-3. After the corrupt Ministério dos Monstros informs tween Rosa Coelho and her family that they have two weeks to pay a seemingly insurmountable debt or lose their magic Encantadora shop, Rosa joins an infamous group of thieves. The middle grade book received a starred review from PW.
Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry, illus. by Charles Santoso. Roaring Brook, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-250-80421-1. A “mystery pet” provides a plucky, green-haired sorceress with an embodied experience of patience in this polished picture book. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
Everyday Bean (Tiny Bean’s Big Adventures, Book #1) by Stephanie Graegin. Tundra, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-77488-620-5. Hedgehogs Bean and Grandma star in an agreeable series kickoff from Graegin featuring 10 brief tellings that present the characters and their cozy world. The early reader received a starred review from PW.
The Gingerbread Monster by Dan Gemeinhart, illus. by Hugo L. Cuellar. Holt, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-2508-9225-6. Kid mad scientist Frank N. Stine craves a gingerbread person and accidentally creates a hot mess of a cookie with a life of its own.
Into the Bewilderness by Gus Gordon. HarperAlley, $24.99 hardcover; ISBN 978-0-06-324612-6; ISBN 978-0-06324-611-9. Furry BFFs leave behind their idyllic forest habitat to experience the hustle and bustle of the city in this graphic novel, a solo debut from Gordon.
Island Creatures by Margarita Engle. Atheneum, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-66595-995-7. Engle melds young love, endangered wildlife, and Cuban political history in this sensitively rendered verse novel.
Love Spells Trouble by Nia Davenport. Bloomsbury, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-5476-1296-3. Cayden Maya Jackson lives on the outskirts of witch society, so her sudden romantic connection with Khy goes down in flames when she discovers he’s a part of the witch royalty that exiled her family.
Mao Mao’s Perfectly Imperfect Day by Laan Cham. Random House, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-71004-3. The arrival of a new student challenges panda Mao Mao’s narrow quest for perfection in this expressive picture book.
Mirror Town by Daniel Nayeri, illus. by Liz Enright. Little, Brown Ink, $24.99 hardcover; ISBN 978-0-7595-5642-3; $12.99 paper ISBN 978-0-7595-5643-0. In this double graphic novel debut, a series opener, Newbery Medalist Nayeri spins tales of passing strange originating from a magical marketplace boasting enchanted wares.
Narwhal vs. Kindergarten by Vanessa Roeder. Dial, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-85850-9. A narwhal named Hugo navigates classroom life with a “BIG, TALL” tusk in Roeder’s lightly comedic animal story.
Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith. Delacorte, $19.99 hardcover; ISBN 978-0-593-81431-4. London-raised Lara Williams spends her unexpected gap year working on an Estonia-bound luxury train. When estranged bestie (and unrequited crush) Rhys joins the staff, Lara’s past proves impossible to outrun. The YA book received a starred review from PW.
Sarang Saves the School by Korena Di Roma Howley, illus. by Joowon Oh. Candlewick, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-3231-8. In an uplifting authorial picture book debut, Di Roma Howley introduces a spirited protagonist whose innovative idea helps forestall the closing of the school in her seaside South Korean village. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
Seven Skies All at Once by Ted Kooser, illus. by Matt Myers. Candlewick, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-2900-4. In lusciously stroked spreads, Myers paints two children on the rooftops of facing brick buildings, a clothesline strung between them, and when it’s taken down, reveals a tapestry of clouds. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
For more children’s and YA titles on sale throughout the month of July, check out PW’s full On-Sale Calendar.
