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Blessings are all around in these gentle picture books that exalt sharing and gratitude in a manner accessible to children.

Since our July 2025 Stars So Far ­issue, SLJ has starred over 300 additional titles, reviewed in print and online from June through ­December. From board books and ­holiday titles to professional reading and manga, this list highlights must-have ­selections for every collection need.

These two adventurous novels center Black youngsters traveling across space and time to protect their loved ones, save planets, and achieve their dreams.

Comic adaptations of well-known children’s books were all the rage in 2025. Here’s a roundup of our favorites, from Junie B. Jones to A Wizard of Earthsea.

A mix of board books, picture books, one graphic novel, and one middle grade novel make up this roundup of Christmas-focused titles for young readers.

One title is for young readers and the other is for middle grade, but both books share the importance of the cultural holiday that begins on December 26 and has been celebrated since 1966.

These three titles focus on intriguing, shocking, under-explored disappearances throughout history.

Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.

These two titles explore the drama, the excitement, and the endless moving parts involved in the world of theater.

From a lushly-illustrated story of the wildflowers that inspired Emily Dickinson to vivid narratives of firefighters, researchers, and policy makers confronting climate change, these books show people engaging with the world as explorers, observers, and protectors.

These picture books that celebrate found families, friendship, and connection are great choices for holidays shelves.

The books that shine here, including the latest from Leslie Patricelli and Mo Willems, keep it simple, are all heart, and let babies be babies and preschoolers be preschoolers.

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated in November, celebrates the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and stories of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Share these four YA titles, all with Indigenous protagonists, with young readers in time for NAHM and anytime during the year.

This month's notable titles include works from our fiction edition of the Series Made Simple supplement, featuring the latest entries from Kate DiCamillo and Axie Oh.

There can never be too many Halloween books! Check out these recently reviewed board books and picture books to round out Halloween displays and programs. 

The game is afoot! Give these chapter book and middle grade capers to fans of whodunits and thrillers.

Baker & Taylor (B&T), the largest library wholesaler in the country, is shuttering. At a town hall on October 6, CEO Amandeep Kochar told staff that B&T would cease operations.

There’s not a dull moment in these transitional books for the main characters and their siblings!

Celebrate Diwali, Mid-Autumn Festival, and a wedding with these fun fall titles!

From a personal immigration story to the latest picture book from Sonia Sotomayor, these works for young people highlight the accomplishments and history of Latine people.

In time for Latinx Heritage Month and the publication of Fall of the Fireflies, García McCall presents a guide to the supernatural gods, monsters, and fiends from the Aztec Pantheon that appear in her new series.

Here’s a look at manga that feature short chapters, perfect for a quick, fun read—whether to dip in for just a few minutes or to get hooked and binge.

Chuseok is a Korean harvest festival on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on October 6. Share these two books with little ones to teach them about Chuseok and celebrate the holiday.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, and over the last half-decade, YA adaptations have brought even more excitement to her work.

Whether it’s ballet or the tinikling, dancing is fun for humans and animals alike!

Young chefs and bakers will gobble up these cookbooks that run the gamut from spooky sweets and fake cakes to activism-inspired family recipes!

This roundup of active nonfiction features forays into nature, hands-on science experiments, and SEL guidebooks.

Here’s a look at seven graphic novels for a range of ages, in which monster tales are reimagined as stories of empathy, identity, and the unknown.

This fantasy-themed TTRPG roundup features games perfect for library programming, where players can step into the boots, paws, or claws of adorable animals and outlandish creatures to work together and save the day.

For more than 60% of children in the U.S., walking into a school or library represents their first encounter with books. If we make that experience as welcoming as possible, we're giving them fuel for success.

The first Sunday in August is designated as National Sisters Day, a time to celebrate the bond between and with sisters. These selections offer something for children of all ages and might just inspire a deeper appreciation for the sisters in their own lives.

From silly snouts to social-emotional smarts, this season’s board books are big on charm, heart, and purpose. Along with ABCs and animal antics, these titles foster empathy, celebrate identity, and reflect a wide range of families, cultures, and abilities.

Why should Christmas in July get all the summer holiday glory? This list of Halloween board books and picture books is perfect for those who want to get into the spooky spirit despite the summer heat.

This year, we awarded dozens of books a prestigious star—and among this distinguished group, several clear commonalities shine bright. From fresh approaches on topics like grief to specific recurrences, such as characters taking on another person’s identity, here are the key trends among 2025's starred books.

In these two titles, librarians will be inspired by reading about the good work of colleagues and motivated to help young readers through the use of bibliotherapy.

In this golden age of anime, these beginner-friendly films and series provide librarians with a strong starting point for introducing the format to new audiences.

From figure skating dreams to dungeon crawler adventures, these seven popular manga titles with recent anime adaptations offer something for every taste and age.

These recent, incredible titles cover under-explored events, figures, regions, and even creative literary approaches that warrant a spotlight in the WWII literary canon.

Whether they are going to school for the first time or facing the beginning of another academic year, the start of the school year can be a time of high emotions for little ones. Share these titles to help them prepare.

Seven recent graphic novels that feature family stories of love, loss, and lineage.

Authors and illustrators have become evermore adept at hooking readers with fantasy and humor while providing solid details like bait to hook their continuing curiosity. These five fishy tales prove it.

Grab your towel, sunscreen, and snacks, and head out in the sunshine to enjoy some summertime stories. These 16 YA romances celebrate love and everything summer, from camp and vacation drama to days spent at jobs and on creative pursuits.

For collection development or year-around displays, this celebration of joy and all things Jewish takes readers around the world. There’s a Sukkot in Uganda, a seder in Depression-era Washington, DC, and another set in COVID-19-era Jerusalem. Family is the thing, and from the personal to the universal, the gamut of human experience runs through these picture books.

With these manga, choose the right format for the right story.

Cascarones are empty eggshells that are decorated, filled with confetti, and sealed. A Latinx Easter tradition involves breaking them over loved ones’ heads. Join in the fun with these two picture books.

From fish farts to how animal poop helps fight the climate crisis, these STEM books will inform and satisfy readers who enjoy supercool titles about the slimy and disgusting.

As board books continue to evolve, they’re cleverly expanding to meet the needs of readers even as they approach early school age.

From conservation and recycling to a simple appreciation of nature, these books provide a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

As we mark five years since COVID-19 emerged in the United States and consider the lasting impacts of the global pandemic, this list of books for young readers of all ages features representations of anxiety, grief, coping techniques and, most of all, hope.

In these titles, young readers will attend Seder meals on the side of the road and Mount Everest, follow the Sarajevo Haggadah throughout history, search high and low for the afikoman, and more.

This video game roundup features Mario and Luigi, Astro Bot, and more to boost collections and keep players of all ages entertained.

These starred YA debuts released during the first three months of 2025 feature propulsive, thought-provoking plots from authors we’re sure to see more of in the future.

Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more vital than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 and all year round.

It’s romance! It’s fantasy! It’s romantasy: A fan favorite category for manga. Here are seven recent romantasy manga releases.

Two exemplary titles explore activism from distinct perspectives for young readers.

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu festival celebrating spring. Young readers will enjoy these colorful picture books about the holiday.

Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates events told in the biblical Book of Esther. Hand these titles to young readers so they can share in the parties, costumes, and food that are all part of the festivities.

Reading about the determination of these women, both in sports and in life, may encourage young readers to similarly face any challenges in front of them. Share these titles for Women's History Month and all year.

Three middle grade titles explore climate change through a thrilling science fiction lens.

In uncertain and scary times, these recent audiobooks for kids, tweens, and teens can inspire much-needed resilience and joy.

Following a devastating year of violence against children, our deepest hope is that these 40 outstanding international titles, and the words within them, can inspire bridges of understanding and peace. Download the full list here.

Our latest batch of board book reviews are quite the treasure chest for little lap-sitters and other pre-readers! From basic concepts and to understanding emotions, this collection celebrates inclusion and is perfect for sparking conversation and imagination.

From board books with kids and dogs sharing Valentine's wishes to YA novels about Valentine's dances and do-overs, these titles will warm young readers' hearts this holiday season.

Young readers of all ages can enjoy the various activities involved with Lunar New Year as they read these titles.

Every year on January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the 1945 liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year marks the 80th anniversary. Share these graphic novels with young readers leading up to the day and all year long.

From ready reference to encyclopedias, these titles will spark curiosity in baseball, ancient times, and dragons, while also providing research resources on Black women's history and space travel.

Are your young readers sad that the holiday season is over? Point them to these titles, featuring holidays celebrated throughout the year around the world.

The recently revamped Diverse BookFinder is a ­beneficial collection development ­resource for librarians and educators who are dedicated to encouraging diversity and ­inclusivity in children’s literature.

New planets, secret headquarters, extraterrestrial creatures, and other cosmic delights fill the pages of these works for elementary through high school readers. 

These three chapter books feature lovable, quirky animal sleuths solving wacky mysteries and getting into plenty of high jinks along the way.

Cree, Sioux, and Ojibwa are featured in these picture books across fiction and nonfiction categories. Among them are an old favorite, vastly updated, plus a biography about the hero of the drum.

With these titles, young readers can see some of the many different ways people celebrate Christmas around the world.

These coauthored narratives offer readers the opportunity to experience a novel from multiple perspectives, expanding worldbuilding, character development, and plot lines, proving that there are always two (or sometimes three or four) sides to every story.

From puppy love to the latest collection from fan-favorite Junji Ito, these 10 new manga releases are bound to be a hit with readers of all ages.

Diverse books to encourage conversation during National Adoption Awareness Month.

This roundup of 2024 books centering Native American stories offers something for every reader to enjoy this November and all year long.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, occurs this year on October 31 through November 1. Share these titles about the holiday with young readers.

These guides compassionately provide support, resources, and coaching for young people navigating death and loss.

In these 18 YA horror titles, inclusivity across race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, mental health, physical ability, and more are highlighted, reflecting the diverse lives and needs of young adults.

Librarians responding to our 2024 Transitional Books Survey had a lot to say about their favorite series. Here's why "Fly Guy," "Mercy Watson," and others stand out to them. 

These titles will help readers learn about and celebrate Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead festival that honors ancestors and others who have passed.

Early chapter books? Easy readers? Whatever you call them, transitional books are key for young students, librarians say.

This great resource for readers of all ages who are interested in comics, graphic novels, and manga, has just added more picture books to its collection.

These seven works range from spin-offs of classic Japanese manga to completely original stories rendered with manga-style storytelling.

This video game roundup features an assortment of sequels and remakes, perfect for catching gamers up on beloved, long-running series they may have missed or revisiting revamped favorites.

There's something for everyone in this roundup of active nonfiction. Some books teach readers how to go fishing, bird-watch, and get in touch with their mystic powers, while other offerings cover affirmations, puberty, and career readiness. 

Librarians pitch current favorites, from breathtaking escape stories to heartwarming yarns. 

Featuring holiday and pop culture themes, sweet and savory delights from around the world, and more fun recipes, these cookbooks have much to offer budding chefs. 

Physical books that play narration can increase students' reading confidence. Parents also like the format as an alternative to digital devices.

Activities, books, and online tools address issues including the impact of pet waste on water systems, measuring water footprints, and how activists raise awareness about conservation.

From multiplayer matches to couch co-op adventures, sometimes two (or more) heads are better than one. Here are six multiplayer video games to add to your collection for building community in the library and at home.

Board books just keep getting better, and we've rounded up all our favorites. These are the starred board books of 2024.

From miniature biographies of icons Selena and El Chavo to more adventures about Juana Martinez-Neal's beloved Alma, these board books will put smiles on little ones' faces.

Conservation, intergenerational bonds, joy, concepts of home, and other standout themes in this year’s standout titles.

As the world prepares for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, here are a few nonfiction titles about the Games and some of the inspiring athletes who have competed in them.

Two picture books take on the magic of trees springing up from mere seeds in stories with redemptive themes as well as teaching moments.

In these stories, some grandparents are kind and loving, others carry the trauma of their past. Often, kids turn to them when they feel their parents won’t understand.

Stories of children with parents behind bars are as diverse as the millions of real-life kids familiar with the experience. These 19 fiction and nonfiction titles may offer an empathetic, metaphoric hand for young readers to hold.

From wind to wildlife, bring a touch of nature into kids' reading selections with these books about the natural world.

These titles take a look at two traditions around the Muslim holiday that commemorates the story of Ibrahim (Abraham).