Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles, including a queer YA romance taking center stage on a sci-fi show, a picture book guide to a variety of birds, an illustrated lesson on manners, a new middle grade take on classic fairy tales, and many more.
Acting the Part by Z.R. Ellor. HarperTeen, $17.99 (288p) ISBN 978-0-06-315788-0. When their character is threatened to be killed off a hit sci-fi show, Lily engages in a fake relationship with their co-star in hopes of amping up audience engagement with the show. Meanwhile, through anonymous online gameplay, Lily also begins exploring their gender identity, and gains confidence to confront homophobia both on and offline.
The Bird Book by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, illus. by Steve Jenkins. Clarion, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-35-832569-7. Young readers can discover a variety of bird species in this colorful avian guide.
Blurp’s Book of Manners by Cindy Derby. Roaring Brook, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-2508-1035-9. In the midst of an etiquette lesson, Ms. Picklepop unleashes her most unruly student yet and is reminded of the core tenet of etiquette: kindness. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
The Broken Mirror by Melissa de la Cruz. Roaring Brook, $16.99; ISBN 978-1-250-82725-8. In the third entry in the Chronicles of Never After series, the Never After crew venture off in search of a league of powerful warriors to save the kingdom from a terrible prophecy.
Dark on Light by Dianne White, illus. by Felicita Sala. Beach Lane, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5344-8789-5. When three children learn their dog has gone missing in the middle of the night, they head outside with a flashlight to find it. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
Little Owl’s Love by Divya Srinivasan. Viking, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-20404-7. In the sequel to Little Owl’s Night, Little Owl flies through the night showing appreciation to all the things it loves about nature.
Lumara by Melissa Landers. Disney-Hyperion, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-368-07656-2. Granted entry to a magical wedding of the century, nonmagical Lumara is accused of murder when a guest dies, and she must prove her innocence.
Ode to a Nobody by Caroline Brooks DuBois. Holiday House, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-823451-56-2. Grappling with the aftermath of a devastating tornado, 13-year-old Quinn Nash finds solace in a class poetry assignment. The middle grade novel in verse received a starred review from PW.
The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford. Inkyard, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-335-91580-1. After disobeying the rules of the magical island of Endla by rescuing an outsider, Leelo discovers that true danger may lurk within the boundaries of the only home she has ever known.
Polar Bear by Candace Fleming, illus. by Eric Rohmann. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-8234-4916-3. This companion book to Fleming’s Honeybee follows a mother bear and her two cubs on a dangerous journey back to the Arctic after hibernation.
For more children’s and YA titles on sale throughout the month of December, check out PW’s full On-Sale Calendar.
