Anh’s New Word: A Story About Learning a New Language
by Hanh Bui; illustrated by Bao Luu

In a Vietnamese refugee camp, a child named Ánh struggles to speak their first English word. With support from their teacher, Miss Mary Ellen, and grandmother, Ánh finds courage to say "thank you." Inspired by the author’s childhood, this heartwarming picture book beautifully captures the challenges and hope of learning a new language.

 

Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now
by Claudette Colvin & Phillip Hoose; illustrated by Bea Jackson

This picture book tells the courageous story of Claudette Colvin, who, nine months before Rosa Parks, refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on November 12, 2024, it highlights her pivotal role in the civil rights movement.

 

Clever Crow
by Chris Butterworth; illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill

This charming picture book reveals the surprising intelligence of crows. From using tools to playful antics and clever food hiding, crows show remarkable smarts. With engaging text and beautiful illustrations, it invites young readers to appreciate these common but clever birds.

​

José Feeds the World: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions in Need
by David Unger; illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

This true story follows chef José Andrés, who founded World Central Kitchen after responding to Haiti’s 2010 earthquake. Using food to aid disaster victims, his organization has fed over 200 million people affected by crises worldwide. Beautifully illustrated, the book celebrates his mission to nourish and support those in need.

 

Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds
by Jessica Stremer; illustrated by Bonnie Pang

This picture book follows a girl who rescues a lost sparrow confused by city light pollution. Inspired, she leads a movement encouraging people to turn off their lights at night to help migrating birds. Based on the real Lights Out movement, it shows how small actions can make a big difference.

​

Luigi: The Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten
by Michelle Knudsen; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

From the creators of Library Lion, this heartwarming story follows Luigi, a big spider who is mistaken for a kitten. As he enjoys kindness and comfort, he tries to be a kitten but soon learns the importance of being true to himself and being loved just as he is.

​

Mavis the Bravest
by Lu Fraser; illustrated by Sarah Warburton

This funny story follows Mavis, a timid chicken who hates adventure, as she bravely chases to save her friend Sandra the sheep from a thief. With determination and some clever tools, Mavis shows she can be a true hero.

​

Prunella
by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Claire Keane

This whimsical picture book tells of Prunella, a girl with a purple thumb who grows a spooky garden of poisonous plants. While her garden keeps others away, a surprising new friendship challenges her to let kindness grow.
 

Tricky Chopsticks
by Sylvia Chen; illustrated by Fanny Liem

Jenny Chow struggles to master chopsticks before her cousin’s birthday party and the family’s chopsticks challenge. Using creative STEAM problem-solving, she tackles the tricky utensils with determination and humor.

​

The Yellow Bus
by Loren Long

This tender story follows a yellow bus that loves driving children to important places. As time brings new drivers, routes, and passengers, the bus eventually stops but continues to find joy and new beginnings in the world around it.