Booklists

Titles featuring construction equipment and other big machines are evergreen favorites with the preschool set, and these new offerings do not disappoint. Whether told in infectious rhyme, reinforcing concepts, or building vocabulary, these active, irresistible narratives filled with vibrant art and awesome sound effects address early literacy skills and get the job done in style.

A trio of new titles that offer realistic themes—bullying, health issues, family troubles—with a hint of the fantastical.

SLJ recently spoke with Holinstat about her and her father's book, an SLJ Popular Pick.

SLJ is ringing in the New Year with this January Popular Picks list! This month includes a story about a badger who realizes his obsession with cleanliness has gone too far; the return of Aaron Blabey's "Bad Guys"; a stunning graphic novel about Artemis, the goddess of the hunt; and an autobiography by soccer star Carli Lloyd, recently voted FIFA's Best Women's Soccer Player.

Ben Clanton, author of Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, an SLJ popular pick, discusses this new graphic novel series, why narwhals are having a moment, his love of puns, and more.

In need of programming ideas?

With red herrings, suspects, and plenty of clues, mysteries hold tons of appeal for readers of all ages. These novels have all the twists and turns that make the genre so captivating, but all are tween-friendly. From the latest “Glimmer Girls” installment to the tale of a mystery prankster to a book about a disappearing toddler, these are intriguing yet age-appropriate stories that are bound to inspire budding gumshoes.

The stage life isn’t all glamour, as the teens in these diverse titles discover. Whether they’re performing for a few spectators at a high school auditorium or for thousands of screaming fans at a stadium-size arena, these young singers and actors learn to balance everyday concerns about family, friends, and romance with the high-stakes drama of life in the spotlight.

There’s something magical and transformative about a winter storm, whether you live in a city or in a more rural locale. Weeks of gray skies and nippy weather mean nothing to kids as long as they can hold out hope for at least one blissful humungo snowfall to enjoy with their friends.