Publishers are reissuing existing books for young readers, in some cases because they gain new relevance in today’s headlines. Read on to reacquaint yourself with these older favorites.
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali
The two-time Newbery Honor winner’s biography of legendary boxer and Olympic gold medalist Muhammad Ali is reissued for a new generation of fans. Including details about Ali’s ban from boxing because of his conscientious objector status, this volume will certainly resonate against the headlines of NFL players protesting the national anthem to draw attention to police brutality.
Baseball Saved Us (25th anniversary edition)
Originally published in 1993, this picture book tells the true story of a group of Japanese-Americans, interned in camps during World War II, who form a baseball league to make life more bearable during their incarceration.
Mary Poppins (illustrated gift edition)
With the December 19 release date of Mary Poppins Returns around the corner, several new editions of the 1934 novel about the magical nanny abound. This one, in a paper-over-board format, features full-color illustrations from Sardà.
The American Boy’s Handy Book: What to Do and How to Do It
This volume, originally published in 1882 and an immediate bestseller, was written by a founder of the Boy Scouts. Full of how-tos on everything from flying a kite to fishing, the redesigned book offers an antidote for restless kids.
The Big Green Book
This novel by I, Claudius author Graves, and an early book from Sendak, is now back in print for the first time since 1985. The book follows a boy named Jack who makes magic happen after discovering a spell book.
The Adventures of Anatole
Originally published in 1974, Newbery winner Willard’s trilogy is here collected in one volume, now available in paperback. The series follows a child through fantastical adventures, alongside pen-and-ink illustrations by McPhail.
Baby Says
Releasing at the new year is a new board book edition of Steptoe’s 1988 picture book about a boy who gets a new baby brother.
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
Steptoe’s retelling of “Cinderella,” set in Zimbabwe, gets re-released alongside two other titles by the Caldecott Honoree and Coretta Scott King Illustration award winner.
Stevie
Steptoe’s first book, published in 1969, is here reissued to coincide with the 50th anniversary of its release. The picture book follows the story of a boy who is annoyed by another boy his mother is watching. The volume includes a new foreword from Steptoe’s daughter.