Gather ’round, everyone. It’s time to wish these new releases by SCBWI members a very happy book birthday. These books include self- and traditionally-published work by authors and illustrators from around the world. Support your peers, check out these books, and happy reading!
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A House of Mud
by Sophie Masson, illustrated by Katrina Fisher
With warmth, sensitivity and liveliness in words and pictures, this book recreates the fun – and work! – of a special family experience: building your own unique house.
Released August 1, 2020
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An Old Man and His Penguin: How Dindim Made João Pereira de Souza an Honorary Penguin
by Alayne Kay Christian, illustrated by Milan Reardon
True story of an unusual friendship. An old man rescues a dying oil-covered penguin, lovingly nurses him back to health, and becomes an honorary penguin.
Released August 1, 2020
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Before Your Birth Day
by Teresa Joyelle Krager, illustrated by Thalita Dol
BEFORE YOUR BIRTH DAY is a celebration of life. The rhyming picture book traces the miraculous milestones of development of the pre-born in the womb.
Released August 1, 2020
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Gerome’s Rainbow
by Stephanie Logsdon, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann
GEROME’S RAINBOW is a story about acceptance. Gerome the Giraffe shows how all colors are beautiful and important.
Released August 1, 2020
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Shoo You Crocodile!
by Katrina Germein, illustrated by Tom Jellett
Oh no! A crocodile has escaped in the museum. Chomp! Chomp! Chomp! A fun, raucous romp for imaginative young readers and small brave adventurers.
Released August 1, 2020
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The Light of the Dust Mites
by Will Wescott
Tensions rise when different dust mites meet, each thinking only they know the truth. After a shared experience, they discover unity in their diversity.
Released August 1, 2020
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The Secret Notebook
by D.A. D’Aurelio
Riley and her friends must protect the lost notebook of Nikola Tesla from falling into the hands of thieves who want the dangerous invention inside.
Released August 1, 2020
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The Very Last Leaf
by Stef Wade, illustrated by Jennifer Davison
Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest leaf student, but will he conquer his fear of falling when the time comes for his final exam?
Released August 1, 2020
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The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Grand Canyon National Park
by Jeff Alt, illustrated by Hannah Tuohy
Tommy “Bubba Jones” and his sister, Jenny “Hug-a-Bug,” uncover amazing facts about Grand Canyon while on a time travel mission to solve a park mystery.
Released August 3, 2020
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A Very Big Problem
by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, illustrated by Annie Bowler
In the world’s first garden diverse characters compete for God’s love until they’re reminded that God’s love is big enough for everyone.
Released August 4, 2020
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Built for Speed: A Branches Book (Layla and the Bots #2)
by Vicky Fang, illustrated by Christine Nishiyama
Layla and the Bots create awesome inventions! in this book, they build a fantastic go-kart for Tina, a girl who uses a wheelchair.
Released August 4, 2020
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Terry Fox and Me
by Mary Beth Leatherdale, illustrated by Milan Pavlović
The inspiring story of the real-life friendship between activist and hero Terry Fox and Doug Alward — two ordinary, basketball-obsessed boys who together achieved the impossible.
Released August 4, 2020
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Traveling with Grandma to San Francisco
by Jody Brady
Grandma takes her five grandchildren into the city. They ride the subway, BART into downtown, then ride a Cable Car, walk through Chinatown, climb up to Coit Tower and down to Pier 39. They learned a lot. It was a GREAT day.
Release Date: August 6, 2020
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Kingshackle: The Conjurer Fellstone, Book Three
by Marjory Kaptanoglu
Tessa, Ash, and Calder embark on their most challenging adventure in the final chapter of the award-winning Conjurer Fellstone Trilogy that began with DREADMARROW THIEF.
Release Date: August 8, 2020
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Little Tony’s Worldly Adventures
by Nadine Faustin-Parker, illustrated by Julian Thomas
Travel with Little Tony abroad and let him introduce you to the beauty of places far away! He’ll take you to Switzerland, Paris, China, Brazil, and Australia.
Release Date: August 13, 2020
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Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations
by Laura Perfew, illustrated by Katie Mazeika
Learn how lemurs settle arguments and how earwax helps a whale’s sense of hearing, along with a host of other deliciously strange-but-true tales!
Release Date: August 13, 2020
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Bobby Babinski’s Bathtub
by Judy Young, illustrated by Kevin Barry
A father goes to humorous lengths to entice his son into the bathtub including building a water slide and adding aquatic critters to the mix.
Release Date: August 15, 2020
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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos, Oh My!
by Moira Donohue
African animals come alive in this Sleeping Bear Press book illustrated by students from John Platt’s African art program, How to Draw a Lion.
Release Date: August 15, 2020
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Baby Loves the Five Senses: Smell
by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
Baby loves the smell of freshly baked bread. How does her nose help her detect its aroma? Discover the science behind our sense of smell! Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby’s sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well.
Release Date: August 18, 2020
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Baby Loves the Five Senses: Taste
by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
Baby loves trying new foods. How does she taste their flavors? Discover the science behind our sense of taste! Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby’s sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well.
Release Date: August 18, 2020
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Baby Loves the Five Senses: Touch
by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
Baby loves his cozy sweater. How does his skin help him feel its warmth and softness? Discover the science behind our sense of touch? Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby’s sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well.
Release Date: August 18, 2020
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Sweet Potato Jones
by Jen Lowry
When life gets tough, sometimes all you need is a little music, Soul food, and Southern hospitality.
Release Date: August 18, 2020
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A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India
by Meera Sriram, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa
In this #OwnVoices book, a girl explores the vibrant rainbow of delights in an outdoor market in India as she searches for a gift for her mother.
Release Date: August 21, 2020
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Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars
by Gary Golio, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
How the haunting song of a blind black guitarist from rural Texas ended up on the Voyager space probe’s Golden Record after he died.
Release Date: August 25, 2020
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Happy Tails Lodge: Fort Builders Inc. 2
by Dee Romito, illustrated by Marta Kissi
The enterprising kids of Fort Builders, Inc., are at it again. This time, they use their creativity and construction know-how to build a pet palace!
Release Date: August 25, 2020
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The Assignment
by Liza Wiemer
Inspired by true events, this riveting novel explores discrimination and antisemitism, revealing their dangerous impact while reminding readers they can make a positive difference.
Release Date: August 25, 2020
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The Whatifs
by Emily Kilgore, illustrated by Zoe Persico
Cora is constantly worrying about everything. Because of this, the Whatifs love her. Will she be able to change her worry-filled thoughts into hopeful ones?
Release Date: August 25, 2020
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Alina: A Song for the Telling
by Malve von Hassell
Alina, an aspiring musician from Provence, travels to Jerusalem, where she is embroiled in political intrigue, theft, and murder, and finds her voice.
Release Date: August 27, 2020
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Bear in Space
by Deborah Abela, illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall
Bear was different. When he dreams of going into space, The other bears laugh. In space he feels at home, but also alone, until something extraordinary happens. A story about finding friendship in the most unusual places.
Released August 2020
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Mountain Mutts: Joy’s Tale
by Julie Stephens
MOUNTAIN MUTTS: JOY’S TALE is the story of unconditional love, determination, and bravery; shown through the eyes of an adorable puppy named Joy.
Released August 2020
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The Pirate Princess
by Alva Sachs, illustrated by Patricia Krebs
Madison and her friends Jonah, Sofia, Jackson, and Hannah were going to play outside. But it was raining. Somehow, this rainy day turned into an exciting adventure! Join us, “matey,” for an amazing journey on the high seas. “Land ho!” Let’s follow the map and search for buried treasure! Surprises await you as you become part of the pirate crew!
Released August 2020
To submit your new release to Happy Book Birthday, read our guidelines here. Deadline to submit for September’s Happy Book Birthday is August 24, 2020. Visit here for more promotional opportunities.