With the school year winding down and summer break just around the corner, it\u2019s the perfect time to stock up on new and exciting reads for your kiddos! Keep them occupied with creative picture books from beloved creators, magical adventure novels, and light-hearted beach reads. Here are the best children\u2019s and YA books hitting bookstore shelves this month.<\/p>\n
yes no Picture Books 9780593900758 Don\u2019t Lose Mr. Cuddles <\/i> by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt <\/p>\n
When his favorite stuffie goes missing, Chip the dog frantically searches everywhere while secretly suspecting Mittens the cat was behind the disappearance. This hilarious and heartwarming story gives children a peek into a dog\u2019s life. Check out Chip\u2019s other stories, Don\u2019t Eat Bees<\/a><\/i> and Don\u2019t Trust Cats<\/a><\/i>.<\/p>\n 9780593694251 Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name<\/i> by Luvvie Ajayi Jones, illustrated by Joey Spiotto <\/p>\n Luvvie\u2019s first day at a new school gets off to a rough start and gets worse by the minute. But when a boy makes fun of her name, she retaliates. Thankfully, Luvvie has a kind teacher and a loving parent who help her make amends (and become friends) with the boy. <\/p>\n 9780736445634 Disney Stitch Story Collection <\/i> by RH Disney, illustrated by The Disney Storybook Art Team <\/p>\n Growing readers will love this collection of five stories featuring their favorite alien. These Step 2 leveled reader stories feature simple vocabulary and easy-to-follow plots. Whether your child is an avid Disney fan or you\u2019re looking for a kid-approved gift, this book is the perfect choice.<\/p>\n 9780593406076 See Marcus Grow <\/i> by Marcus Bridgewater, illustrated by Reggie Brown <\/p>\n Marcus and Grandma head outside to explore the garden together. There, Marcus discovers the wonders and beauty of the garden. Young readers will gain an appreciation for gardens, how plants grow, and how many similarities plants have to humans. This book is an excellent read for kids who enjoy being outdoors or who want to plant a garden.<\/p>\n 9780593462003 Next to Me <\/i> by Daniel Salmieri and Sophia Haas <\/p>\n Celebrate childlike wonder and curiosity with this uplifting picture book. A child walks home from school and points out the things they notice. From clouds next to airplanes to neighbors next to the front stoop, the child takes notice of large and small details every step of the way.<\/p>\n 9780593571828 The Bi Book<\/i> by A.J. Irving, illustrated by Cynthia Alonso <\/p>\n This picture book tackles a big concept through engaging text and beautiful illustrations. Readers of all ages will learn that \u201cbi\u201d usually means two of something, from bicycle wheels to binoculars. However, a \u201cbi\u201d identity has a more complex meaning. This gentle introduction to bisexuality is perfect for LGBTQ+ families and anyone who wants to learn more.<\/p>\n 9780593693988 Papa\u2019s Coming Home <\/i> by Chasten Buttigieg, illustrated by Dan Taylor <\/p>\n Vibrant, cheerful illustrations and a slice-of-life story make this book a delight. Daddy, Jojo, and Rosie prepare to pick up Papa from the airport. They pick flowers, make a cake, and wear their favorite outfits. But they pack the car so full that Papa might not fit inside!<\/p>\n 9798217039616 Gymnastica Fantastica! <\/i> by Briony Stewart <\/p>\n Gymnastics enthusiasts will love this energetic picture book about a child putting on an impromptu show. The young gymnast bends, balances, stretches, and squats while their adorable dog looks on. Vibrant <\/p>\n yes no Chapter Books & Middle Grade 9780593807255 Sweet Valley Twins: The New Girl <\/i> by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Knack Whittle, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger <\/p>\n Jessica\u2019s and Elizabeth\u2019s adventures continue in the latest installment in the Sweet Valley Twin graphic novel series! A new girl moves into town, and the twins are excited to become friends with her. But when she turns out to be the meanest girl they\u2019ve ever met, they decide to find out if there is a reason behind her cruelty. Series fans will love this story that tackles friendship and mean girls.<\/p>\n 9780593810507 The Grim Adventure<\/i> by Fern Forgettable, as told by Piper CJ <\/p>\n Young readers who love spooky fantasy novels will eagerly return to Fern\u2019s School for Wayward Fae for another hair-raising adventure. Between dodging attacks from a \u201cliving\u201d statue, dealing with evil mushrooms, and exposing a plant killer, Rosemary looks forward to celebrating her 13th birthday. This series is perfect for kids who like stories about magic, friendship, and mystery. <\/p>\n 9780735230613 Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel <\/i> by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder, illustrated by Nilah Magruder <\/p>\n Nora loves her picture-perfect life. But when her mom gets a new job, Nora becomes the new kid in a rural area and must adjust to life in a small town. Thankfully, the kids at her new stable welcome her, and she discovers a world filled with friendship and adventure. This heartwarming graphic novel is perfect for readers who love horses and slice-of-life stories. <\/p>\n 9780451479754 A Hero\u2019s Guide to Summer Vacation <\/i> by Pablo Cartaya <\/p>\n This book has everything young fantasy readers could want: family, magic, and a road trip! Gonzalo\u2019s grandfather wrote a children\u2019s fantasy series, and Gonzalo\u2019s mother is sending them both on a cross-country book tour. But when demons start attacking them, Gonzalo learns that his grandfather\u2019s books are based on reality rather than imagination. <\/p>\n 9780593810880 An Immense World (Young Readers Edition)<\/i> by Ed Yong, illustrated by Rebecca Mills <\/p>\n Kids will love diving into this fascinating look at the animal kingdom, adapted from the bestselling adult book by the same name. Readers will learn fascinating facts, pore over full-color illustrations, and immerse themselves in animals\u2019 perspectives.<\/p>\n 9780593699225 Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship<\/i> by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel <\/p>\n When Amina moves with her family from Syria to Indiana, she comes up with the perfect formula to make friends at her new school. But starting over in a new place is more difficult than she anticipated. Young readers will love this heartwarming new chapter book series about a STEM-loving girl and her adventures in America.<\/p>\n 9798217002405 The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls<\/i> by Judith Rossell <\/p>\n After being labeled a troublemaker, Maggie gets sent to a detective school disguised as an institute for delinquent girls. Before long, Maggie has a new group of friends and receives her first case to solve. Black and white illustrations, a fast-paced plot, and informative pages with real-life skills for kids to learn make this an entertaining and engaging read. <\/p>\n yes no YA 9780593809143 Snowglobe 2 <\/i> by Soyoung Park, translated by Joungmin Lee Comfort <\/p>\n