We have new books coming in all the time with them on display right as you enter the Trove.  Here’s some of our recent favorite new titles!

For Wee Ones

Trains by Johnny Dyrander
(Birth to 3 Years-Old)
Library Catalog

“Okay, I’m getting nitpicky now. Why include this year’s “Make Tracks” title by Johnny Dyrander Trains and not Trucks? I can’t believe I have to say this out loud since it’s so obvious, but come on people! The choo choo sound! Look, I know the truck makes a very nice “Rrrr Rrrr” sound, and I don’t want to disparage that. But is there even any competition out there to the “chugga chugga” and “choo choo” sound of a train? Let me tell you, when my kids were littles I killed, killed I say, with my chugga chugga rendition of Freight Train by Donald Crews, thank you very much. And now here we have a train that a kid can actually move within a book on a little track? You’re gonna tell me there’s not gonna be some SERIOUS chugga chugga action going on there? And yes, pedants, I know that the freight train in this book doesn’t actually say chugga chugga. Who the heck cares? I’m making the freight train, the steam train, the subway train, AND the high speed train all say it! Who’s gonna stop me? No one, that’s who. So for true chugga chugga action, this is the book to get. Nuff said.” -Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

What is Baby Wearing? by Flowerpot Press
(Birth to 3 Years-Old)
Library Catalog

“Flowerpot Press returns. You can see my previous statement about crediting and creators (or lack thereof) Written for the youngest of readers, this has LOTS of faces for babies to stare at and enjoy. There’s a nice mix of different kinds of people and photos, photos, photos. What’s not to love?” -Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

Let’s Make Music by Alexandra Penfold
(Birth to 3 Years-Old)
Library Catalog

“This is one of several books in Penfold and Kaufman’s ‘All Are Welcome’ board book series (not to be confused with the picture books as well). It can be difficult to find board books that are appropriate as readalouds but that aren’t just adaptations of nursery rhymes and songs. This particular book is ideal storytime fodder. It includes instructions to the listening kids on what to do. ‘Let’s make music! Hear that beat. / Clap your hands. Tap your feet.’ Better still, when the book asks the listeners to ‘Feel your feet go tap tap tap,’ you don’t need to worry that kids unable to use their feet will be left out since on the next page it says ‘Now your hands go clap clap clap’ and one of the kids is in a wheelchair. It’s nicely inclusive, but also has clever little lines like, ‘Take a turn on the kalimba. / Grab the mallets. Play marimba.’ That’s probably my favorite rhyme in a board book this year. Too fun to be ignored.” -Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

For Younger Readers

Slippery, Spicy, Tingly: A Kimchi Mystery by Yangsook Choi
(Preschool to 2nd Grade)
Library Catalog

“An eccentric grandmother whips up a special treat. Korean American Keo is startled when Halmoni (Grandmother) bursts through the door; she lives far away and typically visits only in the summer. Apparently she’s here to spend time with him, but Keo’s suspicious: ‘Behind her smiley face, she could be as slippery, spicy, and tingly as kimchi.’ Besides, Halmoni has tons of interests—Keo doesn’t think she has time for him. Still, his imagination is sparked as Halmoni cleans a gigantic jar. He observes her digging a hole in the backyard and concludes she’s preparing her grave. But this ‘super senior’ isn’t dead yet; Halmoni cackles and announces that they’re making kimchi. Soon after, Halmoni leaves early one morning. Time passes, and Keo digs up the jar to find some delicious kimchi. ‘Natural storage makes kimchi taste best,’ as Keo’s mother explains. Later, he discovers a note in the jar from Halmoni—proof positive that his grandmother loves him after all. Relying on simple pastel hues and textures, Choi depicts characters with quirky expressions, bringing out Halmoni’s personality and portraying Keo’s roller coaster of emotions. The phrase ‘slippery, spicy, and tingly’ is repeated throughout, including in the songs Halmoni sings. And though the tale is darkly humorous at times, it’s infused with real warmth as Keo realizes the depth of his grandmother’s feelings for him. A slippery, spicy tale that tingles with wit and whimsy. (pronunciation guide, author’s note, more about kimchi)” -Kirkus Reviews

A Song for Nolan by Rushie Ellenwood & Sally Chen
(Preschool to 2nd Grade)
Library Catalog

“Wearing a carefully chosen outfit (suspenders and a feather boa), brown-skinned, pink-haired Nolan, who is nonbinary, arrives at a friend’s skating-rink birthday party. Following an incident of misgendering, getting stuck on the rink during a binary ‘boys’  skate session interrupts Nolan’s carefree dance under the colorful lights, and leads to a tumble and feelings of distress (‘DO I EVEN BELONG HERE?!’). But Nolan makes a request to the DJ that both saves the day and results in an invite for everyone to skate. Chen’s thin-lined, saturated artwork is an ideal partner to Ellenwood’s characterization in this uplifting tale about making room for oneself—and all. Background characters are portrayed with various abilities, body types, and skin tones.” –Publishers Weekly 

Pockets of Love by Yamile Saied Méndez & Sara Palacios
(Preschool to 3rd Grade)
Library Catalog

“It’s Mami’s first birthday without Grandma Monona. Sebi and Star want to help Mami have a wonderful day, even though they all miss Monona, who’s recently died. Younger sibling Sebi suggests they make empanadas for Mami while she’s at work, just like Grandma Monona used to do. The kids and Papi crack open the recipe box and get started but are stumped when the recipe reads ‘a pinch of this’ and ‘a dash of that’ and then refers to a mysterious ‘secret ingredient.’ Hoping that a shopping trip will inspire them, they walk to the market. A friendly neighbor calls the empanadas ‘pockets of love’ and explains to Star that every country has its own version of a stuffed-dough comfort food. Even though the form and filling differ, they’re all ‘filled with love and a taste from home.’ The family members finish their shopping and start cooking, and Mami’s delighted by the homemade empanadas. The family realizes that the secret ingredient was love all along. Cozy illustrations feel like a big hug, full of delicious details such as examples of other cuisines from around the world. The heartwarming tale beautifully depicts how love and tradition can create new memories, even in the face of loss. Sebi and Star, as well as their family and most neighbors, have brown skin and brown hair; the use of Spanish cues the family as Latine. A celebration of family, culture, and the healing power of homemade empanadas. (author’s note, recipes)” –Kirkus Reviews

Fiction

Thea and the Mischief Makers by Tracy Badua
(Grades 4-6)
Library Catalog

“After accidentally destroying the home of magical Filipino tricksters, Thea must find a way to make amends. With her wins in Brazilian jujitsu, Thea Torres is finally the ‘popular sporty kid’—she’s even attending Junior Stunt Warrior summer camp with some of her cool new friends. But her self-image is threatened when she struggles with some of the obstacles and when Evan Rodriguez, a Mexican American friend from her old school who’s embarrassingly clumsy and geeky, shows up. Hoping to improve her skills, Thea decides to make a practice course in her backyard. Ignoring her father’s warnings about the goblinlike duwendes, Thea cuts a branch from the calamansi tree her late grandfather brought from the Philippines. That night, she’s awakened by a pair of angry duwendes who are tearing apart her room. Threatening to destroy her neighborhood next, they tell Thea she has to make a ‘true apology’ within seven days: She must be sincere in her ‘words, heart, and offering.’ As the damage escalates, Thea enlists Evan and her new friends to help. But the stresses of camp, saving her home, and keeping up her cool, fearless image might be too much. Infused with Filipino folklore and culture, this romp includes tricks, stunts, and an exploration of friendship. Thea’s struggles will resonate with many readers as she wrestles with her reputation, others’ expectations, and just being herself. A heartfelt and fun-filled story full of action, adventure, and mischief.” –Kirkus Reviews

Black Girl Power: 15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood edited by Leah Johnson
(Grades 4-6)
Library Catalog

“A mighty collection of 15 tales of Black girlhood from titans of kid lit. The entries run the genre gamut, deftly tackling common tween concerns such as bullying, identity, and first-day-of-school jitters through prisms of tongue-in-cheek fantasy, heartfelt realism, and even a touch of horror. An incumbent seventh-grade class president works hard to correct her big mistake in Sharon G. Flake's ‘Fake President,’ while an aspiring opera singer takes one step closer to her dream (despite her parents' skepticism), with the help of her sister in Tolá Okogwu's ‘An Aria for Abi.’ Prevalent throughout is the theme of Black girls tackling big life changes, and realizing they possess the inner strength to weather their respective storms. Also emphasized is the power of friendship, family, and community; most of the protagonists succeed thanks to unexpected allies or supportive loved ones. Highlights include Amerie's ‘The House Downstairs’—a delightfully unnerving horror story of two sisters battling a sinister dollhouse that wants them to stay, forever—and Reneé Watson's ‘Black Girl, Be,’ a lyrical beckoning for Black girls to delight in everything they are and all they can be, even (and especially) when the world does not. Readers will enjoy dipping into these bite-sized stories of complex characters finding their footing. VERDICT An anthology that beams with heart and hope, especially for young Black girls. Recommended for all middle grade collections.” –School Library Journal

Weirdly Walter by Julia Walton
(Grades 4-6)
Library Catalog

“Fifth grader Walter copes with his father’s sudden departure, life with Grandpa, and the challenges of a new school. ‘All great moments start with a choice.’ The book opens with Walter expounding on this quotation from his father, written in a journal that Walter’s filled with Dad’s words of wisdom. But Walter also directs readers’ attention to Dad’s advice on avoiding constipation—which sets the tone for this candid, reflective, and wildly funny novel. Up until now, Walter’s enjoyed a nomadic existence with his musician father, but for some reason, he can’t accompany Dad on his latest gig and must stay with his reserved, routine-loving grandfather. On his first day at his new school, Walter seizes the opportunity to make new-and-improved announcements over the intercom system. Because this is a performing arts school with an understanding principal, Walter’s catapulted to fame rather than shame. He’s soon cast as the lead in the school production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. New friend Filomena provides encouragement as Walter leans into his dad’s advice to ‘be weird,’ ‘be kind,’ and ‘find the music in life.’ Meanwhile, phone calls from Dad prove enigmatic until Walter finally learns the real reason why he’s been gone. Though some supporting characters are one-dimensional, collectively they offer insight into the adolescent experience. The novel skillfully weaves together lighthearted plot threads and more serious issues, including alcoholism, coming to a heartwarming—if somewhat predictable—conclusion. Walter is cued white; there’s some diversity among the cast. Entertaining and wise.” –Kirkus Reviews

Nonfiction

A Treasury of Traditional Tales: Retold by Authors from Around the World by various authors, art by Teo Georgiev
(Grades 1-4)
Library Catalog

Meet brave princesses, kind giants, magical elves, and vengeful serpents in this beautifully illustrated collection of traditional tales from around the world. From African animal fables to Native American trickster tales, curious readers will find 20 spellbinding retellings of ancient stories from across the continents. Take a peek into the memories, fears, and dreams of the people who first told these stories hundreds – or even thousands – of years ago. – Publisher Marketing

Mummies Unwrapped: Discover the World of Ancient Egyptian Mummies by Victoria England, art by Tom Froese
(Grades 2-5)
Library Catalog

What is a mummy? How exactly were they made? Is there really such a thing as a mummy's curse? And find out why mummies were unwrapped in modern times.  Find out the answers to these questions (and many more!) in this engrossing guide to the mummification process. Filled with grisly detail, you'll uncover secrets of the embalmers, tales of the tomb robbers, and even what happened when pets were mummified! Meet some famous mummified remains from around the world, from Tutankhamun to the “unlucky mummy,” and find out what happened when archaeologists discovered mummified remains thousands of years after they were buried. And young art historians will appreciate the illustrations of hand-carved sarcophagi, hand-painted inner coffins, gilded burial masks, and the cleverly positioned characters that nod to traditional hieroglyphs and Egyptian friezes. – Publisher Marketing

History as it Happened: A Map-by-Map Guide by DK
(Grades 4-8)
Library Catalog

Dive back in time to discover the unbelievable stories of the past through an exciting new map-view of world history. History as it Happened breaks down history into simple, manageable chunks. Watch the rise and fall of great empires and kingdoms, see how physical geography influenced the course of history, and learn how lucrative trade routes of spices and silk have all changed the way our world looks today in this fascinating guide. Hundreds of specially commissioned maps guide children through critical moments in history or show how things changed over time, like ancient Rome's journey from its beginnings as a small kingdom to the growth of its power as a republic and its greatest glory as a continent-spanning empire.  Historical photographs throughout bring the maps to life, alongside clear, bite-sized text that makes it easy to follow the story of humankind. With this piece-by-piece inclusive approach to investigating history and global content, this is a children's history atlas like no other! – Publisher Marketing

Graphic Novels

Wait a Minotaur by Jefferey Ebbeler
(Grades K-2)
Library Catalog

It's the start of the school year and Nick is worried about finding his classroom at Icarus Elementary. Gus the minotaur is also new, and he has a plan. Taking Nick by the hand, Gus charges full speed into the school. They are going so fast they actually miss the welcome sign for them, and Gus ends up with the torn banner stuck to his shirt without even noticing. The daring duo zoom through the science, music, PE, and art classes; the cafeteria; and finally the basement. When they climb the stairs, they find themselves in a different school populated by high schoolers and Nick realizes that they have to retrace their steps. Armed with various items picked up on the way, they charge back in reverse. End paper maps cleverly show their routes. In this graphic novel that is low on dialogue but high on action, the art takes center stage. Full-color panels are easy to follow and full of humorous details that will invite multiple readings. Nick presents as Caucasian, while the school's population is more diverse. Gus is the only mythological creature. Ebbeler's I'm Ogre It and Kraken Me Up also team up a kid with a mythological creature. VERDICT A lighthearted read for any child nervous about the start of school. – School Library Journal

Melowy series by Cortney Powell, art by Ryan Jampole
(Grades 2-5)
Library Catalog

For fans of My Little Pony and Phoebe and Her Unicorn. When flying unicorns called Melowies turn fourteen they go to school at Destino, a legendary castle hidden somewhere in the clouds. Here they develop their special power, which lies dormant in them until they finish school and discover their place in the world. What lies ahead for the impressive group of Electra, Selene, Kora, Maia, and Clio, each destined for their own paths? Dreams, adventure, and friendship around every corner! – Publisher Marketing

Chickenpox by Remy Lai
(Grades 3-6)
Library Catalog

Starred Review. “Honest, atmospheric, and full of heart. – Kirkus Reviews

Fresh Start by Gale Galligan
(Grades 3-6)
Library Catalog

Putting down roots isn't easy when you've spent your whole life on the move. Seventh grader Ollie Herisson has lived all over–France, Singapore, and Thailand (where her mom's from), to name just a few places–thanks to her white American dad's diplomat job. She loves the fresh start that each relocation brings: Why worry about bad first impressions or embarrassing moments when you can count on eventually fleeing the country? This knowledge empowers her to fully embrace her goofy, anime-obsessed side, unabashedly immersing herself in imaginary worlds. But when her parents suddenly announce their plans to stay in Virginia for the foreseeable future, Ollie must learn to adjust to American culture and navigate friendships for the long term. Will she be able to survive without her usual escape plan? Galligan translates some of their own childhood experiences into this contemporary story, imbuing it with an authentic energy that shines through the nuanced characters. Realistically imperfect parents, heartfelt moments of sibling solidarity, an identity crisis around race and gender expression, and misguided attempts at friendship all make for a well-rounded and appealing coming-of-age tale. The exaggerated manga-inspired illustrations and impeccable comedic timing create a pitch-perfect portrayal of the ebullient highs and mortifying lows of middle school. Anyone who's ever engaged in fandom will undoubtedly see themselves and their friends reflected in the pages. A hilarious and undeniably endearing tale of tweenhood. – Kirkus Reviews