- The Lonesome Puppy
- by Yoshitomo Nara,
(Chronicle, $18)
All over the world, adults line up to see Yoshitomo Nara's anime-inspired paintings and sculptures of expressive little girls and sweetly cartoonish dogs. In this—the pop artist's first picture book for children—he uses his familiar tropes to flesh out a tale of alienation and acceptance. No one notices the title canine—but not for any of the reasons you'd think. The dog is so gargantuan that he's literally part of the landscape for everyone at his feet. And he would probably remain a lonesome puppy forever, if not for one little girl who decides to pay attention to the world around her. She's got a long way to climb to reach the puppy's nose and get a good look into his eyes—but once she makes that effort, the two become fast friends. Readers of all ages will fall in love just as quickly.—Ages 2 to 7
- It's Not Fair!
- by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld,
(Harper Collins, $17)
This stealth message book is about life's inequities. Kids will relate to some (getting the smaller cookie); others offer perspective (a ringless planet griping about Saturn having rings).—Ages 2 to 7
- McFig & McFly: A Tale of Jealousy, Revenge, and Death (with a Happy Ending)
- by Henrik Drescher
(Candlewick, $18)
Yes, this is one dark fable. But there's also a wonderful absurdity to the story of competitive home-improving neighbors and their baffled children. —Ages 5 to 9
- Dragon Pizzeria
- by Mary Morgan,
(Knopf, $17)
Each time this eatery gets a call, readers are challenged to guess the fairy-tale customer based on the order. A porridge pie? An oversize magic-bean pizza? Kids can't resist shouting out the answers.—Ages 2 to 7
- The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
- By Trenton Lee Stewart
(Little Brown, $17)
Last year's hit novel brought together four orphan prodigies to save the world. In this arguably superior sequel, the clues are tougher and the interpersonal dynamics more entangled as they become a makeshift family. — Ages 5 and up
- Savvy
- By Ingrid Law
(Dial, $17)
Here's a coming-of-age story about a girl whose growing pains stem from fledgling, hard-to-control superpowers. Despite its mystical bent, the kids in this drama are real and relatable, thanks to Law's skillful first-person narration. — Ages 5 and up
- My Dad's a Birdman
- By David
Almond
(Candlewick, $16)
Lizzie always stands by her eccentric father, but even she has trouble when he says he can fly. Almond, who writes like a less-dark Roald Dahl, provides a suspenseful, uplifting journey as Lizzie joins her dad in a Human Bird contest. — Ages 8 and up
