Young readers can close out the year with new stories featuring their favorite characters, including a picture book about rival holiday mascots, a graphic novel about a tween baker, a graphic novel series closer following a scientist with a devious alter ego, and more.
Picture Books
Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out by Dolly Parton, illus. by MacKenzie Haley (Penguin Workshop, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-593-75502-0). When Billy lands a gig opening at Dolly Parton’s Doggy Dance Pawty, he enrolls in dance lessons and hopes to impress his beautiful teacher in the latest installment in the Billy the Kid picture book series.
Groundhog vs. Cupid by Todd Tarpley, illus. by Stephanie Laberis (Little, Brown, Dec. 9 $10.99; ISBN 978-0-316-58448-7). In the fourth installment of the Festive Feuds series, two February holiday mascots must learn to share the spotlight.
A Stickler Valentine by Lane Smith (Random House Studio, Dec. 2 $18.99; ISBN 979-8-217-02535-0). Stickler learns how to prioritize his friends’ needs when he begins giving out Valentine’s Day presents in this new addition to A Stickler Story.
Valentines Are the Worst! by Alex Willan (S&S, Dec. 30 $19.99; ISBN 978-1-665-96261-2). Gilbert the goblin attempts to outrun a group of cupids that are determined to help him find love in the latest picture book in The Worst! series.
Illustrated Novels and Graphic Novels
An Archive of Romance by Ava Reid (Harper, Dec. 9 $21.99; ISBN 978-0-06-346222-9). Reid returns to the A Study in Drowning universe in this novella that features letters, poems, and art, along with an epilogue.
A Better World by Rodney Barnes, illus. by Selina Espiritu (Oni Press, Dec. 9 $19.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-63715-898-2). In the third graphic novel of the Quincredible series, newly minted superhero Quinto West struggles to find a way to balance his life and find the confidence to match his powers.
Face Forward by Megan E. Bryant (Penguin Workshop, Dec. 30 $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-22655-1). In the second book in the Abby in Between series, the titular star prepares for plenty of changes, including graduation, a birthday, and puberty.
Gabby Torres Is the Best Winner Ever by Angela Dominguez (Roaring Brook, Dec. 2 $12.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-250-90139-2; $19.99 hardcover; ISBN 978-1-250-90138-5). In an effort to be the best baker at a local competition, Gabby begins buying a slew of new supplies in the second installment of the Gabby Torres graphic novel series.
Keeper of the Lost Cities The Graphic Novel Part 2: Volume 1 by Shannon Messenger, illus. by Valeria Tenaga Romanazzi (Aladdin, Dec. 2 $17.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-534-46339-4). Tween Sophie acclimates to life as an elf in the Lost Cities and questions accuracy of her memories in the second installment of the Keeper of the Lost Cities graphic novel series.
The Glass Scientists Volume Three by S.H. Cotugno (Putnam, Dec. 2 $17.99 paper; ISBN 978-0-593-52453-4). Dr. Jekyll struggles to keep control over his mind and body as his alter ego Mr. Hyde grows more powerful in the conclusion to the Glass Scientists trilogy.
Novels
Better in Black: Ten Stories of Shadowhunter Romance by Cassandra Clare (Knopf, Dec. 2 $24.99; ISBN 979-8-217-22570-5). Clare returns to the world of her bestselling Shadowhunters series with this collection of short stories highlighting beloved pairings from across the series.
The Rebel and the Rose by Catherine Doyle (McElderry, Dec. 2 $21.99; ISBN 978-1-665-95514-0). In the second book of The City of Fantome series, Sera grapples with her growing powers as a rebellion rises and she has no choice but to return home to Fantome, where her lover and rival Ransom awaits.
