Children’s Book Corner Blog

Safe Harbor
by Padma Venkatraman; Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025; For Geetha, new to the United States, it is music, the seaside, and efforts to save an injured seal that become catalysts for growth and acceptance in the midst of school and home challenges.

40 Poems for 40 Weeks
by David L. Harrison and Timothy V. Rasinski; Routledge Eye on Education, 2025; 40 POEMS FOR 40 WEEKS offers educators a handy resource of poetry suited for middle graders.

Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero
by Carol A. Foote, illustrated by Larry Day; Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025; Tucker doesn’t mean to make trouble: he just loves to play. Channeling his energy, a wise trainer helps Tucker become a respected—and happy—conservation dog.

I’m Sorry You Got Mad
by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon; Dial Books for Young Readers, 2024; Told through a series of notes, I’M SORRY YOU GOT MAD is both heartfelt and funny as it explores the art of sincere apology.

A Little Like Magic
by Sarah Kurpiel; Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2024; Building confidence, stepping outside your comfort zone, ice sculptures, and magical moments come together in a recommended read aloud for young listeners.

A Cozy Winter Day
by Eliza Wheeler; Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2024; Welcome to Acorn Village and its cast of charming characters who spend a winter day chasing the chill away with a variety of activities from quiet reflection to rousing romps.

Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better
by Mylisa Larsen; Clarion 2024; Quagmire Tiarello bluffs his way through peer relationships, hiding behind a detached facade while struggling to maintain his home life as his mom’s mental health spins out of control.

A Star Shines Through
by Anna Desnitskaya; Eerdmans; 2024; A girl and her mom find a way to make their new place in a new country feel a little less strange and a little more like home.

This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation
by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, illustrated by Kayla Harren; Dial Books for Young Readers, 2024.
Bursting with colorful scenes of children and adults with a range of abilities and disabilities engaged in exuberant play, this picture book offers an ideal entry into a discussion about disabilities and enjoying relationships despite differences.

I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared: Finding the Brave You
by Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Hannah George; Sourcebooks Kids, 2024.
An accessible, affirming picture book, I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared offers gentle advice for meeting and overcoming fears to children in Grades K-3.