New Kids' and YA Books: Week of December 4, 2023

Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles including a debut YA romance about the sons of rival families, a picture book highlighting the importance of familial encouragement, a picture book inspired by a viral song, and more.

Caught in a Bad Fauxmance by Elle Gonzalez Rose. Joy Revolution, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-64579-6. Devin Báez navigates feelings for Julian Seo-Cookes, the son of the Báez’s rivals, as their families compete in a competition.

I Drew a Heart by Gillian Sze, illus. by Naoko Stoop. Little, Brown, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-316-34957-4. A child finds inspiration, encouragement, and an affirming sense of self in his loving family’s interpretations of his creations.

If I Were a Fish by Corook and Olivia Barton; illus. by Mike Curato (Feiwel and Friends, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-250-35172-2). Inspired by the creators’ viral song “If I Were a Fish,” this picture book addresses the struggles with online visibility.

Laolao’s Dumplings by Dane Liu, illus. by ShinYeon Moon. Holt/Godwin, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-2507-7819-2. During a visit with Laolao, young narrator Millie tries her hand at a cultural culinary tradition. The picture book received a starred review from PW.

The Last Slice: A Three Kings Day Treat by Melissa Seron Richardson, illus. by Monica Arnaldo. Little, Brown, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-31643-629-8. A child finally old enough to have her own slice of La Rosca de Reyes is worried about swallowing the Baby Jesus figurine inside. The picture book received a starred review from PW.

Make Me a Liar by Melissa Landers. Disney-Hyperion, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-368-09838-0. Seventeen-year-old Tia Dante faces accusations of murdering the town’s district attorney after someone uses her ability to transfer her consciousness to others against her.

The Ruined by Renée Ahdieh (Putnam, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-9848-1264-3). In the series conclusion of The Beautiful Quartet, war has broken out between the Sylvan Vale and the Sylvan Wyld, and Celine and Bastien struggle to rebuild their alliances and find one another.

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