Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles, including a graphic novel mystery about a missing girl, a meta picture book, a tale about a child contending with grief, and the story of two unlikely friends.

Grimoire Noir by Vera Greentea, illus. by Yana Bogatch. First Second, $24.99; ISBN 978-1-62672-598-0. In this YA graphic novel, Bucky Orson’s sister Heidi is missing, and his mother’s despair has caused torrential rains that are flooding their small, mysterious town.

Look! I Wrote a Book! (and You Can Too!) by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illus. by Neal Layton. Random/Schwartz & Wade, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-399-55818-4. Lloyd-Jones (Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!) and Layton (Danny McGee Drinks the Sea) offer a straightforward how-to in this picture book that’s less about imagination as a precious jewel and more “get all your crayons in a row.”

My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon by Angie Lucas, illus. by Birgitta Sif. Sounds True, $17.95; ISBN 978-1-68364-184-1. Told in the voice of a child navigating the loss of his mother, this picture book depicts grief as an invisible dragon, not scary and ominous so much as big and present.

Penny and Penelope by Dan Richards, illus. by Claire Almon. Imprint, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-250-15607-5. In this picture book, two seeming opposites learn that one of the greatest joys of play is trying on different roles.

Skulls! by Blair Thornburgh, illus. by Scott Campbell. Atheneum, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-5344-1400-6. This entertaining disquisition in picture book form reminds readers that things that seem frightening at first (like skulls) can become quite wonderful once you get to know them.

Clever Little Witch by Muon Thị Văn, illus. by Hyewon Yum. S&S/McElderry, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-4814-8171-7. Văn (In a Village by the Sea) sets this magical caper on Mãi Mãi Island, where Little Linh shows readers the items every witch needs (a broomstick, spell book, and winged mouse), then presents her problem: “Do you know what a clever little witch does not need? A baby brother.”

Stop! Bot! by James Yang. Viking, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-425-28881-8. The action in this urban interlude unfolds in front of a city apartment building whose narrow shape is echoed by the book’s tall, thin trim size.

For more children’s and YA titles on sale throughout the month of July, check out PW’s full On-Sale Calendar.