• Night Chef by Mika Song (Graphic Novel)

Ratatouille meets Studio Ghibli in this multiple-starred-review graphic novel for readers ages 7–10. A lonely raccoon who secretly lives inside a French restaurant and dreams of being a chef must venture into the woods for the first time to help a baby crow find its way home — and might just find a family of her own along the way. A Kirkus and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.

• Asterwood by Jacquelyn Stolos (Chapter Book / Middle Grade Fantasy)

For readers ages 8–12, this portal fantasy adventure follows ten-year-old Madelyn, who discovers a magical forest world hidden behind her home — one whose people somehow already know her name. Packed with family secrets, friendship, and environmental themes, it's a rich and immersive debut.

• Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town by Li Chen (Graphic Novel)

The world's cutest cat detective is back in this laugh-out-loud graphic novel for beginning and early readers! Featuring 33 short, standalone mysteries — from a missing cookie to a bear convinced the moon is made of cheese — this Kirkus-praised series is perfect for reluctant readers and cat lovers alike.

• Sophie: Wags to Wishes by Brian Anderson (Graphic Novel)

Based on the beloved syndicated comic strip Dog Eat Doug, this middle-grade graphic novel (ages 8–12) follows Sophie the chocolate lab as she appoints herself protector of her ever-growing household — a baby, scheming cats, and some very opinionated squirrels. Reminiscent of Calvin & Hobbes, it's hilarious for kids and adults alike.

• Ruby Maps Her World by Jane Yolen (Picture Book)

A STEM-focused picture book by the legendary Jane Yolen (Owl Moon, How Do Dinosaurs). On her first solo adventure, young Ruby grabs her journal and maps her neighborhood — bikers on the trail, deer in the meadow, and all the small wonders in between. Kirkus says it will "most certainly inspire young cartographers to chart their own worlds."

• Forests by Nell Cross Beckerman (Picture Book / Nonfiction)

The acclaimed team behind Caves (three starred reviews!) returns with this lyrical nonfiction picture book exploring ecosystems from Amazon rainforests to kelp forests on the ocean floor. Beckerman's poetic language and Kalen Chock's stunning, atmospheric illustrations make this a perfect science read-aloud.

• This Is Not a Sleepy Bear Book by Brian Gehrlein (Picture Book)

A Kirkus starred-review read-aloud for ages 4–8 that turns the classic hibernation bedtime story on its head — with disco balls, DJ sets, jazz flutes, and a very flustered owl. Perfectly paced, wildly funny, and full of heart, this is a guaranteed storytime hit.

• How to Grow a Family Tree by Bea Birdsong (Picture Book)

A tender, multiply-starred picture book for ages 4–8 about a girl who dreads presenting her sparse family tree at school — until she realizes her chosen family of neighbors has been there all along. A beautiful, inclusive story about found family that earns high praise from School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus.