39 New Release Kids’ Books for Spring 2022 to Love

Ollie’s Hug by Olivier Dundrea- March 1

A bold, graphic board book celebrating all types of hair.
With striking, colorful graphics and simple alliterative text, this board book features poufy hair, wavy hair, Afro hair, hair covered in a hijab, and more. A surprise mirror at the end encourages young children to reflect on their own characteristics. The message is clear: no matter what you look like, you are beautiful, valued, and welcome everywhere.

Hello, World! Planes and Other Flying Machines by Jill McDonald– March 1

The latest in the hit Hello, World! board book series teaches toddlers all about planes and other machines that fly—with easy-to-understand facts about the many different ways humans can soar like birds.

Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms (“The first people to fly a plane were the Wright brothers. They built their plane out of wood”) and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. It’s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.

My Grandma Is Great! (A Hello!Lucky Book) by Sabrina Moyle, illus. by Eunice Moyle – March 8

From Hello!Lucky, the creators of My Mom Is Magical! and My Dad Is Amazing!, comes this joyful tribute to everything that makes grandmothers great!

Is your grandma more fabulous than a flock of flamingos?
More magical than a million mermaids?
More adventurous than a pack of pirates?
 
Celebrate all the things that make Grandma great with this bright, humor-filled board book!

Llama Llama ABC by Anna Dewdney– March 29

Anna Dewdney’s New York Times bestselling series continues with a new Llama Llama board book that takes you from A to Z. 

A is for alphabet
B is for books we read

Join Llama Llama as he makes his way from A to Z in this colorful ABC  board book illustrated in the classic Anna Dewdney style. From crayons to ice cream to kisses, Llama Llama introduces you to all of his favorite things!

Look After Us by Rod Campbell– April 1

A first board book about endangered animals by Rod Campbell, creator of the bestselling preschool classic Dear Zoo: lift the flaps to meet elephants, tigers, orangutans and more!

Babies and toddlers will love lifting the sturdy card flaps to discover five different endangered animals in their natural habitats. With a special fold-out ending that shows the difference conservation efforts have made to whales, Look After Us has a positive message about the importance of looking after our world and the animals that live in it.

Grumpy Monkey Are We There Yet? by Suzanne Lang, illus. by Max Lang– April 5

aIn this original board book that tackles a common toddler problem, the bestselling character finds that waiting is never easy, but sometimes it is necessary.
 
Jim Panzee is faced with something everyone hates… waiting…and waiting…and more waiting. Jim tries to be patient but he’s even impatient waiting for patience. It doesn’t happen right away, but eventually, Jim realizes that some things are worth waiting for.

A simple text and humorous artwork offer parents the perfect funny book to help their toddler with waiting, even when they really don’t want to.

Thank you, Mama by Linda Meeker illus. by Sandra Eide– April 5

We all want to raise happy eaters who enjoy eating new foods, mealtimes with family, and being thankful. That’s why so many parents love Linda Meeker’s charming videos of her son Grey saying “Thank you, Mama!” With colorful illustrations that capture a child’s daily snacks and mealtimes, Thank You, Mama will delight parents and kids alike.

Grab Your Pillow, Armadillo by Haily Meyers and Kevin Meyers – April 5

Get your blankie and snuggle up for a bedtime story of fun animal rhymes and colorful lift-the-flap illustrations with 10 charming ways of saying sweet dreams as you tuck in your little one for the night.

Multiple studies have shown the value of bedtime reading with your child. Nightly stories help to strengthen memory and concentration, promote command of language, boost imagination, expand horizons, teach morals and ethics, foster parent-child bonding, and ensure that children feel loved. What better way to say “I love you” than a cozy lap, a hug, and a story just as you whisper goodnight to your toddler? This lift-the-flap book will engage children with the sweet illustrations and animal rhymes that might just become a part of your nightly bedtime conversation.

The Hair Book by LaTonya Yvette and illus. by Amanda Jane Jones– April 12

A bold, graphic board book celebrating all types of hair.
With striking, colorful graphics and simple alliterative text, this board book features poufy hair, wavy hair, Afro hair, hair covered in a hijab, and more. A surprise mirror at the end encourages young children to reflect on their own characteristics. The message is clear: no matter what you look like, you are beautiful, valued, and welcome everywhere.

Wonderful You: With the Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

From the amazing World of Eric Carle comes an inspiring, brand-new book, Wonderful You! Perfect for fans of Dr. Seuss’sYou Are Kindand Jamie Lee Curtis’s Today I Feel Silly.

Celebrate exactly what makes you YOU in this new book that champions self-expression and self-love. Whether silly, curious, sad, or glad, Wonderful You! reminds kids to be proud to be themselves, and to embrace the many faces of YOU.

With beautiful artwork featuring an array of kids and lovely text, this book will encourage the youngest of readers to celebrate what makes them unique every single day.

People Are Wild by Margaux Maganck March 1

An inviting and inventive classic-in-the-making about learning to have compassion for every living thing, gorgeously illustrated by a rising star in the picture book world.
Wild creatures come in all shapes and sizes. They can be playful or loud or smelly or curious or cute—just like kids!
People Are Wild turns the tables and asks what animals think of us. We may not always see eye to eye, but the more we understand each other, the better we’re able to live in harmony.
Readers who loved They All Saw a Cat or Don’t Let Them Disappear will appreciate this unique perspective on the animal kingdom.

Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale, illus. by LeUyen Pham – March 8

From the bestselling superstar duo Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham, creators of Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn, comes another positively delightful kitty and unicorn story that celebrates the magic of friendship—and the beauty of imperfection

Unicorn is perfect.
Everybody thinks so.
He yearns to look the way everyone thinks he should.

Stella Keeps the Sun Up by Clothilde Ewing, illus. by Lynn Gaines – March 8

In this incandescently fun, hijinks-filled picture book, a young girl schemes to keep the sun up in the sky so she never has to go to bed.

If Stella had her way, she would stop sleeping on her sixth birthday. Because sleep is boring. And there are so many better things you could be doing. And Stella is tired of being tired. So she comes up with a plan. People only have to go to bed when it gets dark, and it only gets dark because the sun goes down. If she can keep the sun in the sky, she and her best friend, Roger, can stay up for a hundred years!

Reach for the Stars by Emily Calandrelli and illus. by Honed Jang– March 15

From Emmy-nominated science TV star and host of Netflix’s hit series Emily’s Wonder Lab Emily Calandrelli comes an inspirational message of love and positivity.

From the moment we are born, we reach out. We reach out for our loved ones, for new knowledge and experiences, and for our dreams!

I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared by Seth Meyers and illus. by, Rob Sayegh– March 15

When you’re a bear who is easily scared, it’s hard to have friends. Fortunately, Bear has one: Rabbit, who is very brave. One day, Rabbit urges Bear to face his fears and embark on an adventure together. However, things don’t entirely go as planned, and the two friends learn the true meaning of bravery.

This Book Will Get You to Sleep! by Jory John, illus. by Olivier Tallec March 15

ATTENTION, READER: This book is going to MAKE YOU TIRED! It will CALM YOU DOWN! Yes, this book WILL PUT YOU TO SLEEP! How? Easy.

There are monster trucks dashing across the pages. There are sheep being chased by dragons. There are electric guitars wailing throughout. Plus so MUCH MORE! Yep. All the typical stuff that makes you sleepy. So … are you asleep yet? No? Hmm … let’s try something else …

There’s a rock concert in my Bedroom by Kevin Jonas and Danielle Jonas, illus. by Courtney Dawson March 29

A rip-roarin’ rock ’n’ roll picture book, adapted for audio, by international music star Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle Jonas, about the joy of music, the power of family, and facing your fears.

Emma loves music.She loves the boom, boom, boom of a good bass beat.She loves the stomp, stomp, stomp her feet make when she dances.She loves to rock out with her mom, her dad, and her little sister.And she loves to twang, strum, and thrum on her guitar.

So when the sign-up sheet for the school talent show is posted, she adds her name right away! But the more Emma hears about the amazing talents her classmates will bring, the more nervous she gets. What if her guitar playing is more of a plink, plonk, squeak? 

She’s suffering from a bad case of stage fright, and it’s up to her family to show her that performing can be fun, too, and that she’s already a star.

A Gift for Nana by Lane Smith– April 5

Two-time Caldecott Honor author/illustrator Lane Smith tells a whimsical story about a little rabbit searching for the best gift for someone very special.

A thoughtful little Rabbit sets out to find the perfect gift for his Nana. He knows she will love anything he brings her but Rabbit wants this gift to be extra special. As he travels on his quest, Rabbit encounters an assortment of creatures-a crow, a smiling full moon, a stickler (whatever that is), a big fish, and a volcano. Each is certain they offer the best advice but nothing they suggest seems right for his Nana. It’s not until Rabbit reaches the highest peak, that he finds exactly what he’s been searching for.

I Color Myself Different by Colin Kaepernick, illus. by Eric Wilkerson -April 5

An inspiring story of identity and self-esteem from celebrated athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick.When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.

I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin’s life that is perfect for every reader’s bookshelf. It’s a story of self-discovery, staying true to one’s self, and advocating for change… even when you’re very little!

Princess Charming by Zibby Owens, illus. by Holly Hatam – April 19

Princess Charming can’t quite seem to find her “thing.” She’s tried everything from cooking to hip-hop, and hasn’t been able to perfect either. Even her cartwheels are subpar. But when the castle hosts a superstar for a special event, Princess Charming finally finds her time to shine.
Princess Charming is about a brand-new princess character filled with fun, humor, and girl power. With a modern look and can-do attitude, Princess Charming is the perfect gift for all young readers who never give up!

You’re Always Enough: And More Than I Hoped For by Emily Ley illus, by Romina Galotta– May 10

“Emily Ley, bestselling author, founder of Simplified^® planners, and mama of three, knows how perfectionism and anxiety can take a toll on anyone, especially children. Emily’s first picture book, You’re Always Enough: And More Than I HopedFor, is a special parent-child book that builds self-confidence in children by filling them with love, offering grace, and inviting them to find their own way to become who they’re meant to be”.

The Heart of the Storm: A Biography of Sue Bird by Sharon Mentyka, illus. by Ellen Rooney– March 1

This picture book biography of accomplished and celebrated basketball player and activist Sue Bird follows her journey from an energetic yet shy young girl to one of the most versatile and inspirational athletes of our time and a leader whose legacy extends off the court.

Anne’s Tragical Tea Party: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables by Kallie George illus. by Abigail Halpin– March 15

The fourth book in an early chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she hosts her very first tea party with her kindred spirit, Diana, to disastrous results.

Anne loves having pretend tea parties by herself. She even decorates her room with branches and colorful leaves for the occasion. Marilla Cuthbert, who adopted Anne in the last year, wishes Anne would act a little more sensibly. One day, Marilla comes up with a plan to keep Anne out of mischief — Anne can host her very own tea party and invite her kindred spirit, Diana Barry! Anne is thrilled, and sets out to host the most lovely and grown-uppish tea party she can muster. But when she makes Diana sick by accidentally giving her the wrong drink, Diana’s mother is furious. Can Anne be forgiven? Will she ever be allowed to play with Diana again?

Doggo and Pupper Save the World by Katherine Applegate, illus. by Charlie Alder March 22

The second book in #1 New York Times-bestselling–author Katherine Applegate’s fun new series.

Doggo likes routine: napping, eating, and more napping. Life is good.
Life is good for Pupper, too, even though he worries a lot, about things like giant squirrels. If he were braver, he might even be a hero. Maybe even a hero who can fly! But heroes aren’t afraid of giant squirrels . . .

The Bad Seed Goes to the Library by Jory John, illus. by Pete Oswald March 29

The Bad Seed borrows an awesome book from the library in this Level One I Can Read by the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald!

The Bad Seed is in a good mood…for once. That’s because there’s a really cool book at the library available for checkout. The Bad Seed reads, and reads, until the book can’t be read anymore.

But suddenly, he gets bad news: The book must be returned to the library so another seed can enjoy it. Will the bad seed return to his baaaaaad ways and keep the book? Pick up this really cool book to find out!

Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs, illus. by Stacy Curtis– March 1

Join New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs in this first book in a hilarious, highly illustrated new middle grade series about a peasant boy who wants to be a knight, perfect for fans of Max & the Midknights.

Tim is just a peasant, but he dreams big. He wants more out of life than to grow up to be a woodsman like his father. Unfortunately, the only route to success in the kingdom of Wyld is to be born a prince. Still, Tim is determined. He is brave and clever and always tries to do the right thing—even though he rarely gets the credit for it.

New from Here by Kelly Yang– March 1

From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a poignant middle grade novel about courage, hope, and resilience as an Asian American boy fights to keep his family together and stand up to racism during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus.

When the coronavirus hits Hong Kong, ten-year-old Knox Wei-Evans’s mom makes the last-minute decision to move him and his siblings back to California, where they think they will be safe. Suddenly, Knox has two days to prepare for an international move—and for leaving his dad, who has to stay for work.

Troublemaker by John Cho– March 22

Troublemaker follows the events of the LA Riots through the eyes of 12-year-old Jordan as he navigates school and family. This book will highlight the unique Korean American perspective.

12-year-old Jordan feels like he can’t live up to the example his older sister set, or his parent’s expectations. When he returns home from school one day hoping to hide his suspension, Los Angeles has reached a turning point. In the wake of the acquittal of the police officers filmed beating Rodney King, as well as the shooting of a young black teen, Latasha Harlins by a Korean store owner, the country is at the precipice of confronting its racist past and present. 

Once Upon Another Time by James Riley– April 6

Storybook characters collide in this first book in a new trilogy of twisted fairy tales from New York Times bestselling author James Riley, set in the world of his popular Half Upon a Time series—perfect for fans of Fablehaven and Chris Colfer’s A Tale of Magic series!

Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein– May 3

Before Mr. Lemoncello became everyone’s favorite game maker, he was a kid who liked to roll the dice . . .Discover the origins of what James Patterson calls “the coolest library in the world” in this PREQUEL to the New York Times bestselling Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.

Go back to the START and meet thirteen-year-old, PUZZLE-obsessed Luigi Lemoncello!
     Luigi has a knack for games and puzzles. But sometimes it feels like the cards are stacked against him.  UNTIL a carnival arrives in town and Luigi gets the CHANCE OF A LIFETIME—the opportunity to work for the world famous Professor Marvelmous–a dazzling, banana-hat-wearing barker who puts the SHOW in SHOWMAN!

Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis– March 1

Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis’s Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie.

Cinder & Glass by Melissa de la Cruz -March 8

New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz pens a lush, swoon-worthy retelling of “Cinderella” set in lavish Versailles. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton and The Selection!

1682. The king sends out an invitation to all the maidens in France: their presence is requested at a number of balls and events that will be held in honor of the dashing Prince Louis, who must choose a bride. 

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin – March 29

Judy I. Lin’s sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.

I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, “These are the hands that buried my mother.”

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it’s her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her―the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.

Shinji Takahinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl by Julie Kagawa– April 26

The first book in a globe-trotting middle-grade adventure, Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl combines high-tech wizardry, old-world legends and a little bit of magic from the internationally renowned best-selling author, Julie Kagawa.

Shinji Takahashi is just an ordinary kid. An ordinary homeschooled smart-alecky orphan kid being raised by his globe-trotting aunt Yui. But when a magical guardian decides to use him as a conduit to awaken its power, Shinji’s life takes a turn for the anything-but-ordinary. Captured by the menacing Hightower Corporation, which is bent on using the guardian’s magic for its own nefarious purposes, Shinji must team up with a brilliant young tech whiz named Lucy and her robot mouse, Tinker, in order to escape.

Miss Quinces: A Graphic Novel by Kat Fajardo– May 3

Rising star Kat Fajardo’s debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera! A funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about navigating the expectations of family and cultural tradition.

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir– March 1

Genre: YA Fiction

Plot: “From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir comes a brilliant, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching contemporary YA novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.”

The Rumor Game by Dhonielle Clayton and Son Charaipotra– March 1

Genre: YA Fiction

Plot: Rumors have the power to ruin lives. Bryn is well aware of this as she used to have it all. One mistake took it all aways and now that she is at a new school, will it start all over again?

Sense and Second-Degree Murder by Tirzah Prince– April 5

Genre: YA Mystery

Plot: This is a fun Jane Austen re-telling of sense and sensibility with a little bit of murder added to the mix. The Dashwood sisters try and combine their talents to solve their fathers murder.

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor– April 5

Genre: YA Fantasy

Plot: For fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, this decadent and darkly enchanting YA fantasy, set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel, follows seventeen-year-old Jani as she uncovers the deeply disturbing secrets of the legendary Hotel Magnifique

Blood to Poison by Mary Watson– April 14

Genre: YA Fantasy

Plot: This YA Fantasy is a story about discovering magic in the mist of rage and love. Savannah was born into a curse passed down through all the women in the bloodline. Hella’s girls are all cursed to die young. Savannah now must save herself.

Flirting with Fate by J. C Cervantes– April 19

Genre: YA Romance

Plot: This is a story of fate, family and finding love where you least expect it. Ava arrived to her beloved Nana’s deathbed too late to receive her mythical blessing.

But that doesn’t mean that Nana didn’t give the blessing, it just landed on the wrong wrong person. Ava is determined to retrieve her blessing from the boy it landed on.

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart– May 3

Genre: YA

Plot: This book if a prequel to the amazing We Were Liars that will take you back to the story of another generation. The same private island, an ocean of secrets and more betrayal and mistakes. The Sinclair family were always Liars.

Rivals (American Royals III) by Katherine McGee– May 31

Genre: YA Fiction

Plot: The third book in the American Royal Series. Beatrice is queen and everything is going to change for the American royal family. Monarchs are meeting and everyone’s loyalty to the crown will be tested.

Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean– May 31

Genre: YA Romance

Plot: This book is the follow up to Tokyo Ever After, Reese’s YA pick. Izumi became a princess overnight. Now, her parents have rekindled their romance for it to come to a sudden halt. I cannot wait to read this follow up. You can check out our list of Royal Reads as well.