Kids Fall Preview
I’m no stranger to squealing into my computer screen while combing through frontlist catalogs (listings from publishers sharing their upcoming new releases with book buyers) from my home, but I admit to a lot more squeals–maybe even some dances around the kitchen–while I was working on placing orders for fall 2022. This fall is going to be EPIC for kids books! If your kids have favorite series or beloved authors, chances are very high they’re going to see them in the coming weeks and months. In fact, if you’d like to reserve copies of some of this fall’s buzziest titles (Vanderbeekers! Witches of Brooklyn! Diary of a Wimpy Kid! Illustrated Harry Potter!), check out our pre-order list here. With the publishing industry continuing to struggle with printing challenges and supply chain issues, pre-ordering books not only ensures you’ll lay hands on a book as soon as it’s out, but it helps bookstores, publishers, and authors gauge interest and plan accordingly. (You can select to pick up books in-store when they arrive, or we’ll ship them to you.)
Today, I’m highlighting a few fall releases that may not qualify as buzzy, but that I’m especially excited about.
By Julie Falatko, illus. Ruth Chan
Ages 4-8
I normally don’t like showing my cards too early, but this book is so darling (and funny) that I’m thinking about putting it on our Gift Guide this December. That said, it would also be brilliant as a back-to-school read! It’s illustrated by one of my favorite contemporary cartoonists, Ruth Chan, and speaks to the adventurer in all of us. For as long as Rick the Rock can remember, he has sat on the Nature Finds shelf in classroom 214, alongside an acorn, some moss, and a piece of bark. But when he overhears the teacher giving a lesson on what rocks can do (explode out of volcanoes, for one), he makes up his mind to hitchhike his way into the Great Outdoors to fulfill his destiny. Readers will never look at their classroom objects the same way again!
by Crescent Dragonwagon, illus. Jessica Love
Ags 4-8
I love a picture book whose language makes better parents out of us. With the last few years being what they’ve been, it’s no surprise that the subject of reassurance has featured prominently in picture books, but few have tackled it with as much nuance and artistry as Will It Be Okay?, a new edition of a classic picture book, written by Crescent Dragonwater (daughter of legendary kid lit creator, Charlotte Zolotow) and refreshed with artwork by the sublime Jessica Love (of Julián is a Mermaid). Framed as an ongoing conversation between mother and child, the book feels like the warm hug it’s meant to be. Each time the child retorts with, But what if…, from bee stings to thunderstorms, stage fright to the loss of a loved one, the mother offers a combination of gentle humor and practical advice to reframe life’s sticky moments as opportunities to connect with our humanity.
Briony May Smith
Ages 4-8
Briony May Smith wrote and illustrated Margaret’s Unicorn, my hands-down favorite unicorn story, about a girl who fosters a baby unicorn until its mother returns. (CUTEST. UNICORN. EVER.) Now, her newest will make the dreams of mermaid lovers come true! With equally lush, transportive illustrations, the picture book tells the story of best friends Merrin and Molly, one of the sea and the other of the land, who spend a magical few hours together under the Mermaid Moon, the one night of the year when mermaids can leave the sea.
Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home
Lauren Castillo
Ages 5-9
If you’ve started to embark on early chapter books, either for your new reader to read on their own or as a read aloud for those not quite there yet, you’re in for a treat, because some of kid lit’s most talented artists are turning their attention to this genre. Matthew Cordell’s Cornbread and Poppy is one store fave, and today I want to highlight Caldecott Medalist Lauren Castillo, whose “Our Friend Hedgehog” series launched a few years ago with A Story of Us and continues this fall with A Place to Call Home. Reminiscent of A.A. Milne’s stories about the Hundred Acre Wood, these books celebrate new and old forest friends, along with the joy that comes from creating a community of acceptance. The cheeriest full-color illustrations decorate every page and make repeat readings an absolute delight.
by Jarrett Dapier, illus. Lee Gatlin
Ages 4-8
Fair warning: I may have gone a bit overboard selecting new Halloween titles for the shop, but this one deserves a special shout out because it’s DC-themed! In 2009, author Jarrett Dapier (of store fave, Mr. Watson’s Chickens) was invited to play the drums at the White House during the Obamas’ first Halloween party. Inspired by Dapier’s experience, this rhyming, rollicking tale introduces children to the Skeleton Drummers, who jam alongside trick-or-treating children and presidential ghosts alike. Along with insights into alleged hauntings at the White House, readers are treated to a host of words and phrases that will improve their musical lexicon.
by James Howe & Andrew Donkin, illus. Stephen Gilpin
Ages 8-12
Ohhhhhhhhhh Emmmmmmm Geeeeeeeee! Do I spy a graphic adaptation of one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time?! (I told you our Halloween game was strong.) James Howe’s classic, Bunnicula, about a pet bunny suspected of vampiric activities by an erudite dog and an “emotionally overwrought” cat, is over forty years old and as funny as ever. (It’s also one of our family’s favorite audio books.) Now, the chills and thrills are brought to life in a graphic novel format, and just look at Stephen Gilpin’s art! It’s bloody perfect.
The Night Before the Nutcracker
by John Robert Allman; illus. Juliana Swaney
Ages 3-7
If you thought our Halloween game was strong, wait until you see December! I love a beautiful telling of The Nutcracker (favorites here and here), but a behind-the-scenes look at a performance of Tchaikovsky’s ballet? YES PLEASE! Created in conjunction with the American Ballet Theater and penned in the style of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” this magical story takes us backstage as young dancers prepare to take their place in a holiday tradition, from auditions to rehearsals to costume fittings to opening night. An absolute must read before you head to the theater this holiday season.
by Faith Erin Hicks
Ages 10-14
Fall always sees an influx of graphic novels, and your Raina Telgemeier fans are going to fall in love with Ride On, inspired by Faith Erin Hicks’ years as a Horse Girl. Victoria has always loved horses, but she doesn’t love how competitive the sport has become as she has gotten older, so she switches to a low-key stable, where she can continue to ride but still pursue other interests. Unfortunately, the move creates a rift between her and her best friend, who sees Victoria’s decision as giving up on her ambition. The novel is full of mucking out stalls, training new horses, and horse shows, but it’s beautifully balanced with new friendships, self-exploration, thoughtful discussions of passion and privilege, and a truly charming (and funny!) cast of supporting characters.
by Muhammad Najem & Nora Neus; art by Julie Robine
Ages 10-15
A few months ago, an ARC showed up at my house for this graphic memoir. My eleven year old, who can always be counted on to spot a graphic novel in a crowd, dove straight for it. Later, she pronounced it one of the best graphic novels she has ever read. She has read it a dozen times, and each time it blows her mind. Now that I have (finally) read it, I can join her in singing its praises from the rooftops. This true story of a fifteen-year-old Syrian boy, who in 2015 used social media and the camera on his phone to convince the greater world to care about the violence befalling innocent civilians in his beloved country, is proof that young people can change the world. Muhammad Najem’s story–with help from CNN reporter, Nora Neus–is delivered straight from the heart, and we quickly become invested, not only in Muhammad’s own well being, but in the that of his entire family, whose courage, community mindedness, and love for one another in the face of war and loss exemplify resilience for young readers.
Melissa LaSalle is the children’s buyer at Old Town Books. She is also the author of WhatToReadToYourKids.com and the Instagram handle, @thebookmommy.