In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins—and the Native pride that comes with them. A perfect book for Native American Heritage Month and all year round!

We’re stepping out

and kicking it up.

Wearing beauty on their feet—

as art, as tradition,

with style, with pride—

kids from different Native Nations know

every day is a day to ROCK YOUR MOCS! 

This book contains an author’s note with additional information about moccasins and Rock Your Mocs day, for readers curious to learn more about intertribal pride and the joy found in different Native identities.

An American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book!

In this New York Times bestselling classic, Caldecott Medal-winning artist Kadir Nelson tells the incredible story of baseball's unsung heroes -- perfect for celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Negro Leagues!

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award and Robert F. Siebert Award as well as a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor

Featuring nearly fifty iconic oil paintings and a dramatic double-page fold-out, an award-winning narrative, a gorgeous design and rich backmatter, We Are the Ship is a sumptuous, oversize volume for all ages that no baseball fan should be without. Using an inviting first-person voice, Kadir Nelson shares the engaging story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through its evolution, until after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947.

The story of Negro League baseball is the story of gifted athletes and determined owners, of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship, of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. It is a perfect mirror for the social and political history of black America in the first half of the twentieth century. But most of all, the story of the Negro Leagues is about hundreds of unsung heroes who overcame segregation, hatred, terrible conditions, and low pay to do one thing they loved more than anything else in the world: play ball.

An extended family enjoys a day at the beach filled with sand, sun, splashing, sandwiches, swimming and, of course, sunblock, in an intergenerational tribute to family, friendship, new experiences and summertime fun. Illustrations.

With graceful words as smooth as a song, the poet Langston Hughes celebrates the love between a mother and her baby. This picture book edition is a gift to share.

Award-winning illustrator Sean Qualls's painted and collaged artwork captures universally powerful maternal moments with tenderness. In the end, readers will find a rare photo of baby Hughes and his mother, a biographical note, further reading, and the complete lullaby. Like little love-ones, this beautiful book is a treasure.

"My little dark baby, / My little earth-thing, / My little love-one, / What shall I sing / For your lullaby?"

Follow a day in the life of a young Black child and learn the different ways we experience love every day with this striking illustrated children’s book.

Created in 1993, Black Love Day is celebrated annually on February 13. This holiday was created to demonstrate love, forgiveness, and acceptance among Black people. Throughout the course of a day, a young boy observes and experiences many different kinds of Black love—the romantic love between his parents, the familial love of his siblings and family, the admiration for a teacher at school, the respect for community leaders, and more. 
 
Celebrate Black love, culture, and achievements by implementing the five tenets:

1. Love toward the Creator
2. Love toward Self
3. Love toward Family
4. Love within the Black Community
5. Love for the Black race

Black Joy is an inspiring story showcasing how these tenets can be used every day throughout the year to express love, gratitude, and positivity for everything in life.

A Sikh father and daughter with a special hair bond proudly celebrate and share a family tradition in this charming story perfect for fans of Hair Love and I Love My Hair!

Every morning Papa combs through his daughter's waves like he does his own—parting it down the middle, using coconut oil to get all the tangles out.

Some days he braids her hair in two twists down the side of her face. Other days he weaves it into one long braid hanging down her back, just like a unicorn tail.
 

But her favorite style is when he combs her hair in a tight bun on the top of her head, just like the joora he wears every day under his turban. They call this their hair twin look!

From the creators of Paletero Man and La Guitarrista—Latin Grammy–winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player—comes a rollicking and rhyming story about a boy and his family who have all the right tools to help their community.

No job is too big, no task is too small. We’re the Fix It Familia. We help one, we help all!

Chavo and his family are always there to lend a helping hand. So when the main parade float crashes at a neighborhood fiesta, Chavo has the perfect plan to help his community. With a load of creativity and a truck full of love, nothing can stop Chavo’s ideas from becoming reality! 

This empowering tale of resilience, community, and the power of creativity is perfect for lovers of all things construction tools and trucks. Fans of Saturday by Oge Mora, The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith, and Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy, Theresa Howell, and Rafael López will also love this story.

The book includes Spanish words and phrases throughout and an author’s note from Lucky Diaz about his inspiration behind the story.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: August 19, 2025

Celebrate a Black boy's first haircut in this joyful book from the creator of the popular Princess Hair and Don't Touch My Hair!

Jordan loves his hair: soft like a cloud, regal like a crown. He doesn't want a haircut to change all that.

Jordan’s friends are getting new haircuts for picture day at school. Shape-ups, low fades, frohawks, and more—there are way too many styles to choose from. But when Mama brings Jordan to the barbershop, he sees everyone’s haircuts are like magic.

Can Jordan find a style that’s just right for him?

With her trademark bright colors and expressive characters, Sharee Miller teaches confidence and self-love through the timeless tradition of school picture day.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: May 27, 2025

Discover what it means to become a US citizen and how the process unfolds in this illuminating picture book about immigration and naturalization.

What does US citizenship look like? Some of us are citizens by birth. Some of us are born beyond the United States and gain citizenship through immigration and naturalization. With lyrical prose and luminous mixed-media artwork, this nonfiction book outlines the process by which some of us—spanning every age and background—travel to the United States to live, work, study, and contribute to the fabric of our new communities. After years, without relinquishing who we are or where we came from, if we are fortunate, we can choose to become naturalized citizens. We can become American.

This insightful story honors the many different paths to citizenship and celebrates all people who enrich our country by striving to participate in our democracy. This book belongs with classrooms and parents who love: Grace for President, Areli Is a Dreamer, and What Can A Citizen Do?

May/June Kids' Indie Next List 2025

An ode to being active and dramatic play. For fans of Ruth Krauss’s I Can Fly and Ashley Spires’s The Most Magnificent Thing, this picture book will inspire young readers to getting moving and start imagining!
Simple, engaging rhymes will inspire little ones to jump, run, and explore the limitless possibilities of their imagination in this energizing ode to movement by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: June 3, 2025

A joyful ode to play and boyhood, perfect for readers who loved The King of Kindergarten.

I am a big boy,
Full of big boy joy!

Big boys can climb high and go, go, go! Big boys can smash and crash. They can share and play.

Playtime is the best time--a time of wonder, where big boys can run free, make new friends, and imagine worlds beyond their own. Their big feelings and big energy spread big boy joy for all to share!

Acclaimed author Connie Schofield-Morrison and New York Times bestselling illustrator Shamar Knight-Justice join forces in this exuberant celebration of imagination, play, and big boy joy!

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: May 20, 2025

A Season for Fishin' is a joyous debut picture book by Pamela Courtney full of fishing, summertime traditions, and delicious food – inspired by the author's intergenerational and multicultural Louisiana upbringing.

There’s a rush in the water.
Ripples sway,
back and forth,
back and forth.
Sounds like Fish Fry Friday.

On the first Fish Fry Friday of the year, Cher wakes before sunrise. It’s the start of the fishing season, and her wish is coming true: She’s finally big enough to join her papere on Ol’ Cane River! She can’t wait to catch a mess of bream for Mamere to fry up for the evening feast.

Fishing pole in hand, Cher races to the prized spot down on Ol’ Cane River. Wrigglers wiggle on the line. Cousins giggle as a sign of approval as Cher reels in batch after batch of bream. But when things don’t go as planned, Cher learns the true importance of Fish Fry Friday, and it’s not the big catch . . .

Plates clatter.
Kinfolk gather.
Cher is part of tradition. It’s her season of fishin’.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: June 3, 2025

For fans of School’s First Day of School, this is a picture book about a young girl who is feeling mixed emotions about her first day of school.

Some feelings are so big, one word just doesn’t cut it.    

It’s the first day of school for Afua! There’s no one word to name her feelings. Is she scared? Excited? Oh wait, she’s scarecited! Her own combination of both. Why should she have to choose?

Scarecited on the First Day of School is a charming picture book that reminds us all that having the courage to be our authentic self is always just enough, and you can feel more than one big emotion at the same time. But if there isn’t one word to describe those feelings . . . there’s beauty in making it yourself.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: July 1, 2025

A picture book about the Chinese cultural tradition of commemorating a baby’s "100th Day" and celebrating sibling love.

Anya loves having special days with her mom and dad―rainy days, yellow days, stay-in-the-park for hours days. Then her younger sister is born and Anya finds herself feeling overlooked and forgotten. Why does Hana have to get all the attention? Her family is busy preparing for her younger sister’s 100 Day celebration, a Chinese tradition that commemorates an infant’s 100th day with good luck rituals and customs like the delectable ang ku kueh cakes, red envelopes, and baby’s first haircut.

As the day approaches, Anya learns to appreciate her baby sister, learning that sometimes love comes slowly, in days and moments that creep up on you, and hold onto you tightly―as tightly as a little sister can.

PRE-ORDER. ON SALE DATE: July 15, 2025

Through all moments of the day, both large and small, a boy prepares for a Day of the Dead celebration, in this picture book from Pura Belpré Honor–winning author-illustrator John Parra.

A single day in a boy’s life is filled with family, love, and inspiration as he prepares for the Día de Muertos celebration and remembers that all moments are special. Each moment reminds us of our family and those who have gone before us. Today holds a special promise, una promesa especial.

PRE-ORDER. ON SALE DATE: July 15, 2025

It’s Halloween in this companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and there’s a spooky surprise in store for everyone’s favorite letters!

A told B,
and B told C,
“Let’s sneak to the top
of the creaky old tree.”

The classic alphabet chant gets a Halloween twist as the letters sneak their way up the tree, all donning their spiffiest costumes. But when a witch swoops in, and the letters come tumbling down, will that be the end of their Halloween fun…or just the beginning?

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: August 19, 2025

A young girl contemplates the passing of time and changing of seasons as she looks out on the world from her favorite chair in this heartwarming picture book by award-winning poet and New York Times bestselling author Rio Cortez.

In the morning, a young child opens her eyes, and, after one biiiiig streeeeetch, heads straight for her favorite place in the house: the blue velvet chair. Perched from the chair set by the living room window, the child daydreams about each season of the year and the changes that come with them. A now-snowy roof was once pelted by the slick rain of spring showers. Icy windows will once again transform into conveyors of sunshine and warmth against her skin.

And just as the seasons change, the child will continue to change too. But one thing will always remain the same: the coziness of the blue velvet chair.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: July 15, 2025

A warm and funny picture book about the popular West African dish, from Nigerian author Onyinye Iwu, that shows how things work out best when you do them together.

Jollof is a a delicious, spicy rice, and vegetable dish originating in West Africa and now known and enjoyed world-wide. It’s the favorite food of best friends Kwame and Kamsi. But who makes the best Jollof? “My mom,” says Kwame. “No, my mom,” says Kamsi.

The two boys have a great idea. “Let’s each make our own and see whose is really best!” Carefully they pick their ingredients. But Kwame likes playing tricks on Kamsi, and Kamsi likes playing tricks on Kwame. Kamsi secretly adds nettles to Kwame’s Jollof, and Kwame pops a caterpillar into Kamsi’s. Puddle water, fiery ants and old dry chewing gum follow. What a mess! They’ve both made the worst Jollofs ever.

But in the kitchen their moms are sharing the preparation of a real Jollof rice dish, and call the two sad boys in to help. What a difference! “Alone we make good Jollof,” say the moms. “But together we make the best Jollof ever.” And the boys agree–it’s best to work together (but sometimes they still play tricks on each other).

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: May 13, 2025

Scripps National Spelling Bee champ, New York Times bestselling author, and Sports Illustrated Sports Kid of the Year Zaila Avant-garde shares her love of sports in this level 1 Step Into Reading book. Perfect for children just beginning to read.

Be a soccer star. Kick, kick, score! Bounce a basketball. Bounce, bounce, soar!

New readers will find playful encouragement in this easy reader that sings out about the joy of playing sports. Wth ample rhyme and helpful repetition, Zaila Avante-garde takes readers on a boisterous romp through the wide world of sports, showing cheerful scenes of baseball, swimming, running, gymnastics, and more.

Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: July 1, 2025

An awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from author and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith.

Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their ancestry back to that continent. The History of We celebrates our shared ancestors' ingenuity and achievements and imagines what these firsts would have looked and felt like.

What was it like for the first person to paint, to make music, to dance, to discover medicine, to travel to unknown lands? It required courage, curiosity, and skill.

The History of We takes what we know about modern human civilization and, through magnificent paintings, creates a tale about our shared beginnings in a way that centers Black people in humankind's origin story.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE:  June 10, 2025

Acclaimed authors Zadie Smith and Nick Laird are back with a brand-new picture book about conquering new experiences and enjoying the great outdoors!

Maud—the judo-suit-wearing guinea pig and proud oddball—is off into the wild, as is Kit, her owner. Both are slightly nervous about what they’ll find in the great outdoors, but with a pinch of bravery—and a few Signature Moves—they’ll make new friends and explore new worlds . . .

A warm and endearing story celebrating the quiet power of being yourself.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: July 22, 2025

Here's a humorous picture book that shows the ways in which we are all different... and how that's really cool! The kid-friendly text and vibrant illustrations explore external and internal similarities and differences through comparisons of animals, objects, and people. A perfect gift for children ages 4-8.

Do you know there's something totally cool about each of us? We're different in all kinds of ways... fun and wonderful ways!

We can be different on the outside, like a red apple and a yellow apple. But we can also be as different as apples and dogs, with different shapes, sizes, and colors.

We can be different on the inside too! We can have different emotions, different dreams, and different ways of expressing ourselves.

There are so many ways we can be different. But it’s not only okay… it’s totally cool!

With Camey Yeh’s warm text, comical comparisons, and quirky illustrations, We’re Different and It’s Totally Cool! is the perfect read-aloud book that celebrates everyone's uniqueness and all the ways we are fabulously different—inside and out!

PRE-ORDER: ON SLAE DATE: June 24, 2025

A sequel to Ruby René Had So Much to Say that explores the importance of listening, making new friends, and teamwork.

Ruby René had so much to say…so she got her own segment on the school's morning announcements. But now Ruby’s got a co-host! After an unexpected sick day, Ruby René returns to someone new sitting in her anchor chair–Yanin Luray. Ruby reluctantly agrees to a shared show and is surprised that she loves having an assistant to bounce ideas off of.

But when Yanin refuses to come back to do the show, Ruby René is forced to reflect on how it’s not only important to share her voice, but her ears, too. As the girls learn to listen and talk in equal measure, they discover how to both get their way, as co-hosts.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: July 8, 2025

A free-spirited new student helps a perfectionist panda embrace his more spontaneous side in this charming classroom story.

Mao Mao strives for everything to be absolutely, 100%...PERFECT!
But when Olivia joins his class, Mao Mao realizes that not everyone is this way. Olivia is messy. And noisy. And clumsy.
So, Mao Mao decides to teach Olivia the art of how to be *PERFECT.* How hard could it be?

With speech balloons and kawaii-influenced illustrations by Laan Cham, this relatable picture book celebrates individuality and self-expression and invites little ones to redefine what it means to be "perfect." It also champions embracing differences and learning from one another—an important lesson for any child starting school.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: May 20, 2025

From the award-winning creators of Ice Cream Man and Good Things comes a journey through the mystical world of the Louisiana Bayou. Follow along as a young boy learns about the environment and the history of the bayou while on a boat ride with his grandpa. This stunning picture book features sidebars with fun facts and snippets of a poem woven throughout the narrative.

The bayou’s calling out to me.
“Come back, my son,” it says. “Come see.”
What holds me back, I do not know,
But I promised, and so I’ll go.

While Troy is on vacation in Louisiana, his grandpa has promised to take him down to the bayou. Grandpa explains that the bayou is not only a shallow, slow-moving, muddy river—but also so much more.

When the time finally comes, Troy and Grandpa climb into Uncle Joe’s pirogue and set off on a unique adventure that stirs up Grandpa's memories and Troy's imagination. Grandpa shares stories about their enslaved ancestors who escaped to the bayou, the ghosts who rise from the moss, and a chorus of creatures that sing around them.

At the end of the day, Grandpa gives Troy a notebook so that he can write about everything the bayou has taught him, or even compose beautiful poems like Grandpa’s. Troy discovers that there is so much to learn about the legends, history, flora and fauna, and yourself, down on the bayou.

Award-winning author Glenda Armand's inviting and informational text along with illustrator Alleanna Harris's lush illustrations capture the young protagonist's imaginative perspective, the lovely bond between a grandfather and grandson, the power of poetry, and the beauty and history of the bayou.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: June 17, 2025

Perfect for back-to-school, this empowering and joyous picture book shows kids the importance of loving your name, having pride in your culture, and standing up for yourself.

Nigerian American sisters Chichi and Didi are ready for the first day of school! But after Chichi is teased for her "different" name, she comes home feeling discouraged.

Daddy and Mama tell the sisters the stories behind their names, helping Chichi return to school with her head held high.

Inspired by the childhood experiences of real-life sisters Peace Amadi and Ndidi Amadi, Chichi and Didi Love Their Names will teach readers:

* to be curious about the origin and meanings of their own names
* the importance of identity and saying names correctly
* the beauty in celebrating difference and taking pride in uniqueness

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: August 12, 2025

From an award-winning author comes a vibrant and heartwarming story of the bond between grandmother and grandchild, with a touch of Puerto Rican magic!

My abuela is a bruja.
There is magic in everything she does.

There is nothing more magical than a grandmother's love. But one lucky girl suspects her grandmother has actual magic. It's in the tun-tun-tun of the way she dances salsa, in the warmth of her hugs, and the delicious smell of her cooking. The granddaughter wonders: will I have magic of my own one day?

Follow the magic in this heartfelt picture book that features extensive backmatter that includes two special recipes from Mayra Cuevas and uplifiting illustrations from Lorena Alvarez Gómez.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: July 15, 2025

A touching and joyful celebration of siblinghood, by New York Times bestselling author Derrick Barnes

Rasheed has the best big brother in the world! Anthony has been his hero from day one, making him feel safe during storms and included in all kinds of fun activities. Thanks to Anthony, Rasheed knows all about worms, mud pies, puddles, and how to fly on a swing. And now that Rasheed is getting a little older, Anthony is teaching him how to do big-boy things, like button his own shirt, and ride a bike. And most importantly, that there will be times when Anthony needs his own space and time with his buddies. At first Rasheed feels crushed not to be included full-time with his brother, but fortunately, Anthony reassures him that even when they're not together he still loves Rasheed and nothing will ever change that. And when Momma and Daddy share the big news that soon both of them will be big brothers, Rasheed knows--thanks to Anthony--just what kind of big brother he wants to be.

From celebrated broadcast journalist and talk show host of the Tamron Hall show, Tamron Hall, comes an endearing story about young Moses and his crew, inspired by her real-life son, as they go on an adventure around Harlem’s most iconic spots to deliver jars of honey for their neighbor and learn about the places and people that make Harlem home.

For Moses, Harlem couldn’t be any more different from the Texas he moved away from. He can’t hear the frogs and fireflies at night, and the only friends he has are his dog, Lotus-May and his bird, JoJo. But when his friendly neighbor Laila suggests that he help her deliver jars of honey to the neighborhood, he finally gets the chance to make new friends and see the magic that echoes throughout Harlem. And as he discovers storied landmarks along the way, the place begins to feel inviting and alive.

From Emmy Award–winning talk show host of the Tamron Hall show, Tamron Hall, comes a lively and heartening tale about one of the nation’s most iconic neighborhoods and the places and people that make a place feel like home.

From the duo behind the best-selling If I Had a Dinosaur comes this humorous and imaginative celebration of unicorns.

Have you ever given any thought to what the perfect magical pet would be? Giants are far too big, and dragons are way too hot, but what about a unicorn? It might eat all your ice cream for breakfast, but if you get upset about that, it will feed you cotton candy! It can sprinkle star dust on grumpy siblings, carry you to soccer practice on a rainbow, and make sure you dream nothing but sweet and fluffy unicorn dreams.

In this playful tale, a little girl finds out firsthand what it’s like to have a magical creature as a pet.

Illustrated in color throughout

From the duo behind the bestselling If I Had series, a humorous and entertaining tale celebrating octopuses.

Have you ever thought about what the best aquatic pet would be? It’s an octopus, of course! When a little girl fantasizes about having a crazy smart octopus pet, she pictures jumping rope with its tentacles, practicing different ball games simultaneously, and playing hide-and-seek with her camouflaging friend (just look out for the ink!).

With vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes, If I Had an Octopus is a laugh-out-loud story celebrating friendship between a child and her octopus. From the duo behind If I Had a Dinosaur, If I Had a Sleepy Sloth, and If I Had a Unicorn, Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow’s latest is a charming and imaginative tale about our favorite eight-armed creature.

Illustrated in color throughout