The Children’s Book Review | October 1, 2015
Hot New Releases & Popular Kids Stories
We think our list of the best new kids books for October is sensational! It highlights some amazing books from many different genres: non-fiction, reality fiction, and fantasy. Take a gander and let us know which titles and covers catch your eye …
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear
Written by Lindsay Mattick
Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Publisher’s Synopsis: Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie.
In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war.
Harry Colebourn’s real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey–from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England…
And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin.
Here is the remarkable true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh.
Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Oct. 20 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0316324908
Thank You and Good Night
Written and Illustrated by Patrick McDonnell
Publisher’s Synopsis: An homage to classic bedtime stories and their creators, from a Caldecott Honor recipient and bestselling artist!
Patrick McDonnell’s first bedtime book captures the magic of a sleepover with friends, and reminds us to cherish life’s simplest pleasures. During a fun pajama party, three animal friends dance and play, but at last everyone is getting sleepy. Is it time for bed yet? Not before taking the time to say thank you for the day, the night, and good friends.
Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Oct. 6 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0316338011
Lenny & Lucy
Written by
Illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Publisher’s Synopsis: Peter and his father are moving to a new house beyond the dark unfriendly woods. When they arrive at their new home, Peter wants to turn back. Fortunately, he has Harold for company, but Harold is just a dog and can’t help Peter. Scared of the things hidden in the woods, Peter makes a tall pile of pillows. He stiches and sews. He pushes and pulls. And when he is done, he has Lenny, Guardian of the Bridge, to protect him and Harold.
Lenny is a good guard but Peter worries that Lenny will get lonely out by the woods all by himself, so he makes Lucy, who is a good friend. Together, Lenny, Lucy, Peter, and Harold discover that this new place isn’t so scary after all.
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Roaring Brook Press | Oct. 6, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1596439320
The Whisper
Written and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Publisher’s Synopsis: Step inside the pages of a little girl’s magical book as she discovers the profound and inspiring notion that we each bring something different to the same story. Two-time Caldecott Honor artist Pamela Zagarenski debuts as an author in this tender picture book about the joy of reading.
Ages 4-7 | Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers | Oct. 6, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0544416864
Beyond the Pond
Written and Illustrated by Joseph Kuefler
Publisher’s Synopsis: A stunning picture book about the power of imagination, perfect for fans of Extra Yarn and Journey, from debut author-illustrator Joseph Kuefler.
Just behind an ordinary house
filled with too little fun,
Ernest D. decides that today will be the day he explores the depths of his pond.
Beyond the pond, he discovers a not-so-ordinary world that will change him forever.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Balzer + Bray | Oct. 6, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062364272
Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues
Written and Illustrated by James Dean
Publisher’s Synopsis: Join Pete the Cat in a story about bedtime in Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues by New York Timesbestselling authors James and Kimberly Dean! Pete the Cat and his friends are having so much fun playing and surfing in the sun, they don’t want the day to end. Pete has an idea—how about a sleepover? Groovy! As the night gets later, it’s time for bed. This cool cat needs to catch some ZZZs, but Pete’s friends aren’t ready to go to sleep just yet. Then Pete has another idea. . . . Will it work? Free door hanger included inside!
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: HarperCollins | Oct. 6 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062304308
Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book
Publisher’s Synopsis: From the creator of the worldwide bestsellers Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest, a beautiful new coloring book that takes you on a magical journey beneath the waves
With Lost Ocean, Johanna Basford invites color-inners of all ages to discover an enchanting underwater world hidden in the depths of the sea. Through intricate pen and ink illustrations to complete, color, and embellish, readers will meet shoals of exotic fish, curious octopi, and delicately penned seahorses. Visit coral reefs and barnacle-studded shipwrecks, discover intricate shells and pirate treasure. Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest fans and newcomers alike will welcome this creative journey into an inky new world.
Ages 5-101 | Publisher: Penguin Books | Oct. 26 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0143108993
The Story of Diva and Flea
Written by
Publisher’s Synopsis: Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery.
For as long as she could remember, Diva lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea also lived in Paris, France-but at no fixed address. When Flea fl neurs past Diva’s courtyard one day, their lives are forever changed. Together, Diva and Flea explore and share their very different worlds, as only true friends can do.
Ages 6-8 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Oct. 13 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1484722848
I Really Like Slop! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems
Publisher’s Synopsis: Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
Ages 6-8 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Oct. 27 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1484722626
Great LEGO Sets: A Visual History
Written by Daniel Lipkowitz
Publisher’s Synopsis: Packed with stunning photography and fascinating facts, Great LEGO® Sets: A Visual History explores the history of LEGO sets in magnificent detail. The guide offers an expansive overview of the most significant, popular, and interesting play sets, featured in chronological order from 1955 to the present day.
Great LEGO Sets: A Visual History features the most beloved sets in the LEGO Group’s long history, including much-loved classic 1980s LEGO Space and LEGO Castle sets and the latest stunning licensed themed sets, such as LEGO® Star Wars®.
Created in full collaboration with the LEGO Group and with profiles and quotes from LEGO designers, this captivating new book also comes with an exclusive retro-style LEGO set for readers to build.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2015 The LEGO Group.
Produced by DK Publishing under license from the LEGO Group.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: DK Childrens | Oct. 6, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1465436665
TodHunter Moon, Book Two: SandRider
Written by
Publisher’s Synopsis: Tod’s story races on in this second book in the TodHunter Moon trilogy, a spinoff of the popular Septimus Heap series. Fans of Septimus as well as fantasy readers new to the world of Magyk will enjoy this next installment in the series ALA Booklist calls “warm and inventive.” Full-page illustrations by renowned fantasy artist Mark Zug begin each section and add to the magic!
Great for readers of Harry Potter or Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series, TodHunter Moon offers something for every reader, regardless of gender or age. SandRider is also a dynamic pick for parents reading aloud to younger children before bedtime.
Taking place seven years after the events of the original Septimus Heap series, TodHunter Moon tells the story of Alice TodHunter Moon, a young PathFinder who comes to the Castle with a Magyk all her own. In this second book, Tod sets out for the Desert of the Singing Sands to retrieve the Egg of the Orm—a journey that will test not only her Magykal and PathFinding skills but her friendships, too.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books. | Oct. 13, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062272485
Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection
Written by and Illustrated by Stephan Pastis
Publisher’s Synopsis: Some surprising news sends Timmy Failure on a hilarious caper as the New York Times best-selling series continues.
Behold! You are all about to be witnesses to greatness.
In this fourth volume of Timmy Failure’s memoirs, Timmy is forced to hit the road in a cross-country trip that includes Timmy’s mom, Total the polar bear, Doorman Dave, and smells-like-a-tangerine criminal mastermind Molly Moskins. It’s a world gone mad, where good becomes bad, and Timmy Failure is a condemned man.
Someone call the authorities. . . .
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Candlewick | Oct. 6 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0763680923
The Nest
Written by Kenneth Oppel
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Publisher’s Synopsis: Steve just wants to save his baby brother—but what will he lose in the bargain? This is a haunting gothic tale for fans of Coraline, from acclaimed author Kenneth Oppel (Silverwing, The Boundless) with illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.
For some kids summer is a sun-soaked season of fun. But for Steve, it’s just another season of worries. Worries about his sick newborn baby brother who is fighting to survive, worries about his parents who are struggling to cope, even worries about the wasp’s nest looming ominously from the eaves. So when a mysterious wasp queen invades his dreams, offering to “fix” the baby, Steve thinks his prayers have been answered.
All he has to do is say “Yes.” But “yes” is a powerful word. It is also a dangerous one. And once it is uttered, can it be taken back?
Celebrated author Kenneth Oppel creates an eerie masterpiece in this compelling story that explores disability and diversity, fears and dreams, and what ultimately makes a family. Includes illustrations from celebrated artist Jon Klassen.
Ages 10+ | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | Oct. 6 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1481432320
The Tournament at Gorlan (Ranger’s Apprentice: The Early Years)
Written by John A. Flanagan
Publisher’s Synopsis: From John Flanagan, author of the worldwide bestselling Ranger’s Apprentice—the first in a new prequel series featuring one of our favorite Rangers, Halt!
When Halt and Crowley discover that the ambitious Morgarath has been infiltrating the Rangers in order to corrupt the Corps, the young Rangers travel north to find Prince Duncan, seeking a royal warrant to stop Morgarath before it is too late. By weakening the Rangers, the most powerful force in support of the King, Morgarath plans to steal the throne.
Yet when Halt and Crowley arrive in Gorlan, they discover just how close Morgarath’s scheme is to success. Morgarath has a plan to discredit the Prince and alienate him from his father. At the same time, the Baron of Gorlan has been conspiring to win the trust and admiration of the Council of Barons to further his plan. If the young Rangers are to prevent the coup from succeeding, they will have to tread a dangerous path, which leads them to a thrilling climax at the annual tournament at Gorlan, where a series of bitter duels must be fought and won.
This origin story brings readers to a time before Will was an apprentice, and lays the groundwork for the epic battles that will culminate with The Ruins of Gorlan and The Burning Bridge—Books 1 and 2 of the Ranger’s Apprentice series.
Ages 10+ | Publisher: Philomel Books | Oct. 6 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0399163616
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer
Written by Rick Riordan
Publisher’s Synopsis: Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he barely knows-a man his mother claimed was dangerous. Uncle Randolph tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .
Ages 10-14 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Oct. 6, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1423160915
The Rose Society (A Young Elites Novel)
Written by Marie Lu
Publisher’s Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes the second book in the exhilarating Young Elites series
Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.
Adelina Amouteru’s heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers who nearly killed her.
But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?
Bestselling author Marie Lu delivers another heart-pounding adventure in this exhilarating sequel to The Young Elites.
Ages 12+ | Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers | Oct. 13 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0399167843
Illuminae
Written by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Publisher’s Synopsis: For fans of Marie Lu and James Dashner comes the first book in an epic new series.
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
Ages 14+ | Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | Oct. 20 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0553499117
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Written by Patrick Ness
Publisher’s Synopsis: A new YA novel from novelist Patrick Ness, author of the Carnegie Medal- and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning A Monster Calls and the critically acclaimed Chaos Walking trilogy, The Rest of Us Just Live Here is a bold and irreverent novel that powerfully reminds us that there are many different types of remarkable.
What if you aren’t the Chosen One? The one who’s supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death?
What if you’re like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again.
Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week’s end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.
Even if your best friend is worshipped by mountain lions.
Ages 14+ | Publisher: HarperTeen | Oct. 6 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062403162
Carry On
Written by Rainbow Rowell
Publisher’s Synopsis: #1 New York Times bestselling author!
Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen.
That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.
Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here–it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.
Carry On – The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story – but far, far more monsters.
Ages 14+ | Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin | Oct. 6 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1250049551
Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes Series)
Written by Sara Raasch
Publisher’s Synopsis: Game of Thrones meets Graceling in this thrilling fantasy filled with shocking twists and heart-pounding action, the highly anticipated sequel to Snow Like Ashes. This action-packed series is perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.
Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans on using the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?
Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Jannuari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken Kingdom and protect them from new threats?
As the web of power and deception is woven tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter but for the world.
Ages 14+ | Publisher: Balzer + Bray | Oct. 13, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062286956
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