Happy book birthday to these new releases by SCBWI members! These books include independently- and traditionally-published books in every genre by authors and illustrators from around the world. Support your peers, bookstores, and quality children’s lit, and scroll through to see which books are being released this month. Happy reading!
BOARD BOOKS | CHAPTER BOOKS | MIDDLE GRADE | PICTURE BOOKS | YOUNG ADULT
BOARD BOOKS
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Moose on the Move
by Sally Randich, illustrated by Melissa Randich
Moose on the Move is the second book in the Moose-A-Paloosa series. Another book full of M alliterations and silly Moose but this time with a focus on transportation: cars, buses, and planes. This fun, colorful board book is sure to delight young kids and adults.
Release Date: August 1, 2021
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Rosh Hashanah with Uncle Max
by author-illustrator Varda Livney
A festive board book introduction to the Jewish New Year, featuring food (of course), a shofar, a dreamy sunset, a quirky uncle, and a birthday cake.
Release Date: August 1, 2021
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Can’t Do It!
by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Pau Morgan
A toddler overcomes the seemingly impossible task of learning to ride a scooter. With compassion and humor, “can’t” quickly becomes “can.”
Release Date: August 5, 2021
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Can’t Sleep!
by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Pau Morgan
A toddler wrestles with falling asleep. With kindness and encouragement, “can’t” quickly becomes “can.”
Release Date: August 5, 2021
CHAPTER BOOKS
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Ruth: The Story of Glops, Short Story 6A
by Betty M. Reeves
Glops are with Ruth, a princess in Moab, when she lovingly goes with Naomi, her widowed mother-in-law, to live in Bethlehem, Judah.
Release Date: August 3, 2021
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Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day
by Tonya Duncan Ellis
Sixth-grader Sophie Washington and friends learn lessons about entrepreneurship, team work, and friendship when they sign up for a city-wide, Lemonade Day event in this entertaining, illustrated chapter book for kids ages 8-12.
Release Date: August 1, 2021
MIDDLE GRADE
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Aquí era el paraíso/Here Was Paradise
poems by Humberto Ak’abal, illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling
Poems that evoke a childhood in and around the Maya K’iche village of Momostenango, Guatemala. A Junior Library Guild Selection. Spanish/English edition.
Release Date: August 1, 2021
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Psychology for Kids: The Science of the Mind and Behavior
by Claire A.B. Freeland & Jacqueline B. Toner
(NONFICTION) This exciting new book introduces kids to the science of psychology, with chapters on the brain, personality, intelligence, emotions, social relationships, and more.
Release Date: August 3, 2021
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Detours
by Amy Bearce
When one psychic diva clashes with another, sparks fly and threaten to ignite an uncontrollable blaze that could destroy everything Parker and her friends love.
Release Date: August 10, 2021
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The Renegade Reporters
by Elissa Brent Weissman
The Social Dilemma meets sixth grade in Baltimore City when a team of young journalists discovers what’s happening with their personal data.
Release Date: August 10, 2021
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Miles from Motown
by Lisa Sukenic
Twelve-year-old Georgia copes with her family’s move and her brother’s deployment to Vietnam by hanging on to her hopes of winning “The Spirit of Detroit” poetry contest.
Release Date: August 21, 2021
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Gloppy
by Janice Laakko, cover designed by Kevin Stone
Dee seeks revenge against Samantha and gets herself in big trouble! Can she find her way out? Gloppy is a heartwarming tale of friendships and forgiveness.
Release Date: August 24, 2021
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Legend Keepers: The Chosen One
by Karla Clark, illustrated by Jeff Ostberg
Three stories of triumph combine to empower young readers to look infrared for strength and create their own definition of bravery.
Release Date: August 24, 2021
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Big Little Voice Behind the Smile
by M.G. Vaciago
When you realize the prettiest smiles are hiding the biggest secrets, be the one person that puts a genuine smile on their face.
Release Date: August 28, 2021
PICTURE BOOKS
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Mommy: What’s a Safe House? A True Story & Heart Conversation
by M.F. Renée & Layken Davey
Pierre’s mother works at a safe house. “What’s a safe house?” He wonders. In a real-life conversation with his mother, eight-year-old Pierre finds answers to difference. This story brings a difficult, global topic to a child’s level in a heartfelt conversation between a parent and child.
Release Date: August 1, 2021
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The Boy of Many Colors
by Marci Renée & Layken Davey
Pierre was born with two different colors. As he travels the globe, the bright and beautiful colors of the world become a part of his fabric. The Boy of Many Colors will leave parents and children ready and excited to explore the world, collect their own bright colors, and share them with others.
Release Date: August 1, 2021
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Frankie and the Fossil
by author-illustrator Jess McGeachin
A sweet and funny picture book for anyone who loves dinosaurs, friends, and cheese sandwiches, by the acclaimed creator of Fly and the Lost Library.
Release Date: August 3, 2021
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My Dad Thinks He’s Super Funny
by Katrina Germain & Tom Jellett
A highly anticipated, hilarious new addition to the best-selling ‘My Dad Thinks He’s Funny’ series. If you enjoyed the first two, you’ll love this.
Release Date: August 4, 2021
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What Do I See By the Sea?
by author-illustrator Endreketta
A children’s picture storybook suitable for ages 3 and up that celebrates the beautiful sights and sounds of a visit to the seaside.
Release Date: August 5, 2021
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Frog and Ball
by author-illustrator Kathy Caple
A frog, a magic spell book, and one big, angry yellow ball. What could go wrong? Everything in this hilarious early reader comic.
Release Date: August 10, 2021
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Emma’s Dilemma
by Molly McCluskey-Shipman, illustrated by Valerie Bouthyette
Have you ever felt like others would think that you’re different? Emma is certain her class won’t understand about her adoption. Can she solve her dilemma?
Release Date: August 14, 2021
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Monday
by Lucy Branam, illustrated by Kevin M. Barry
Everyone knows Monday’s the worst. Even when he tries to be like other days, he just Monday-fies everything! But what happens when Monday doesn’t show up one week?
Release Date: August 15, 2021
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The Universe and You
by Suzanne Slide, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
While you dream each night, a beautiful celestial dance with whirling planets, stars, and galaxies is taking place in our universe.
Release Date: August 15, 2021
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Animals Go Vroom!
by Abi Cushman
With a nod to Richard Scarry, this interactive picture book with die-cut windows challenges readers to guess what goes Roar, Hiss or Honk.
Release Date: August 17, 2021
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Clovis Keeps His Cool
by Katelyn Aronson, illustrated by Eve Farb
A reformed hothead, Clovis the bull inherits his granny’s china shop and begins to feel calmer… until old rivals come back to heckle him relentlessly.
Release Date: August 17, 2021
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Unraveled
by Leanne Hatch
When Cole’s favorite hand knit baby blanket comes unraveled, he makes a big decision to give it up. But Mama has another idea.
Release Date: August 17, 2021
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Baby Loves Angular Momentum on Hanukkah
by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
Young readers of all faiths will learn about Hanukkah and its fun traditions, including the science behind the dreidel game.
Release Date: August 24, 2021
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Baby Loves Electrical Engineering on Christmas
by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
Young readers of all faiths will learn about Christmas and its fun traditions, including the science behind what makes holiday lights twinkle.
Release Date: August 24, 2021
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Three Ways to Be Brave: A Trio of Stories
by Karla Clark, illustrated by Jeff Ostberg
Three stories of triumph combine to empower young readers to look infrared for strength and create their own definition of bravery.
Release Date: August 24, 2021
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Goodnight Ganesha
by Nadia Salomon, illustrated by Poonam Mistry
A gorgeously illustrated and rhythmically written goodnight story that celebrates the nighttime rituals of two young children visiting their grandparents in India.
Release Date: August 31, 2021
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Three Lines in a Circle: The Exciting Life of the Peace Symbol
by Michael G. Long, illustrated by Carlos Vélez
Three Lines in a Circle tells the history of the peace symbol and how it became a powerful icon used in marches and movements around the world.
Release Date: August 31, 2021
YOUNG ADULT
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A Dragonbird in the Fern
by Laura Rueckert
To save her family from her sister’s bloodthirsty ghost, dyslexic Princess Jiara marries a young, foreign king to hunt her murderer in his country.
Release Date: August 3, 2021
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Edie in Between
by Laura Sibson
A modern day Practical Magic about love, loss and embracing the mystical. When 17-year-old Edie becomes infected with a corrupted spell, she must embrace the family magic she’s rejected… before it consumes her.
Release Date: August 24, 2021
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Dark and Shallow Lies
by Ginny Myers Sain
When her friend vanishes from a bayou town known as The Psychic Capital of the World, Grey digs up long-buried secrets to find the truth.
Release Date: August 31, 2021
To submit your new release to Happy Book Birthday, read our guidelines here. Deadline to submit for September’s Happy Book Birthday is Friday, August 27, 2021. Visit here for more promotional opportunities.