Best BOOKS

These are just some of the wonderful books for children we have come across this month. We hope to share with you some you have not seen before and also introduce others being released in the near future. Enjoy.

And Then Comes School

by Tom Brenner

Cooler mornings, cicadas buzzing, apples ripening . . . Can shopping for school supplies be far behind? The evening before the first day means laying out your outfit, loading up your backpack, and filling a lunch box with your favorite things. When the alarm goes off, there’s Dad’s extra-special breakfast (and, of course, some picture-taking), then the feeling of bubbly excitement as you and your friends climb onto a bus, ready to see your new classroom and meet your teacher. Whether the reader is a child who is eager to return to school or a younger one trying to imagine what school is like, this upbeat and lyrical ode—the fourth in the And Then Comes series—holds sure appeal for returning students and firsttimers alike.

Ages 4 yrs - 8 yrs candlewickpress.com

A Bed of Stars

by Jessica Love

Going to bed each night can be dark and scary. The night sky stretches out endlessly, making one sensitive child feel small in comparison. So Dad comes up with a plan: a night of camping out in the desert. Together, the two load up Darlin’, the old pickup truck, and drive over the mountain with the radio on, stopping to shoot the breeze at a junkyard before setting up camp, jumping in sand dunes, and lying back to name all the birds they can see. After sunset, when the young thinker feels tiny against the vast sky, Dad knows just what to ask—and just what to say—to soothe away fears. Maybe this night spent under the stars (and a surprise from Mom and the baby later) are just what is needed to show that the universe is a friendly place. From acclaimed author-illustrator Jessica Love comes a story of small moments between father and child that affirms the comfort of finding one’s place in the world.

Ages 4 yrs - 8 yrs candlewickpress.com

Arthur, the Always King

by Kevin Crossley-Holland

As Brave as a Lion

by Erika Meza

No matter how fast I go, or where I end up, my brave lion sticks with me—my lion’s always there!

When she and her lion are together, one little girl feels like she can do anything. Whether she’s afraid of the dark, or too shy to speak and in need of finding her voice, her big, bold companion always looks out for her. But one day, the inseparable pair decide to climb the new, dizzyingly high rocket slide at the playground together, and the girl discovers that even lions sometimes get afraid. Can she summon the strength to be his lion when he needs her? Joyful, expressive artwork glowing with bright primary colors brings to life the story of a special bond—and a child’s discovery of unexpected courage.

Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs candlewickpress.com

Translated, adapted, told, and retold, the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have captivated imaginations across time. Now comes a lavishly illustrated, masterful retelling sure to enthrall a new generation of readers. From the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to the quest for the Holy Grail, stories both familiar and unfamiliar are woven into a vivid tapestry of Arthurian lore that spans from the king’s conception to his final battle. Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and other timeless characters come to life as complex men and women in a rich and atmospheric feat of storytelling that feels at once historical and fantastical, otherworldly and fully human. A compelling collaboration between internationally acclaimed author Kevin Crossley-Holland and three-time Kate Greenaway Medal winner Chris Riddell, this beautiful volume is sure to be treasured by readers of all ages.

Ages 10 yrs and up candlewickpress.com

A Is for Australian Reefs

by Frané Lessac

Along the Australian coastline, underwater reefs are bustling with the most amazing sea creatures living on the planet. What can blow bubble rings and swim through them? What has teeth on its eyeballs? What creature makes itself nearly invisible to predators by using camouflage? What poops out sand? More than 25 percent of all sea creatures live in coral reefs, also called “rain forests of the sea.” This book introduces readers to everything from playful dolphins to deadly Irukandji jellyfish, leafy sea dragons to brainy octopuses, and walking sharks to whimsicallooking zebra seahorses. With gorgeous patterns and colors and substantial entries exploring each creature’s anatomy, diet, threats to survival, and more, Frané Lessac brings us a truly fascinating undersea exploration of the awe-inspiring Australian reefs.

Ages 5 yrs - 8 yrs candlewickpress.com

A Brave Bear

by Sean Taylor

It is a hot, hot day. Dad Bear says, “I think a pair of hot bears is probably the hottest thing in the world.” So Little Bear suggests they go to the river to cool down. Along the way, Little Bear tries to impress Dad Bear by doing a big jump from one rock to another, but he falls over. When he picks himself up and keeps going, his dad says, “I think a brave bear is probably the bravest thing in the world.” For very young children just beginning to dare to do new things and their supportive and loving parents, this gentle read-aloud might just be the best thing in the world.

Ages 0 mos - 3 yrs candlewickpress.com

100 First Words: Nature illustrator: Edward Underwood

With bold, easy-to-lift card flaps, this stylish first words book is full of objects for children to recognize in nature. Every word is brought to life with charming artwork by home-ware designer Edward Underwood. And with flaps to lift on every page, little ones will enjoy exploring this book over and over.

Ages 0 mos - 3 yrs candlewickpress.com

Animal Atlas

by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Lift the flaps in this quirky 3D atlas as illustrator Ingela P. Arrhenius takes the youngest of readers around the globe, introducing an enchanting selection of animals. Did you know that flamingos hide their heads while they sleep? That a Galápagos tortoise can live for a hundred years? That baboons have pink bottoms? Or that a peacock’s tail is used to impress potential mates? With interactive flaps and a central pop on each colorful spread, this is a stand-up gift for small children who love animals of all stripes.

Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs candlewickpress.com