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!
To submit your new release to Happy Book Birthday, read our guidelines here. Deadline to submit for June’s Happy Book Birthday is May 25, 2020. Visit here for more promotional opportunities.
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Boo Loves Books
by Kaye Baillie and Tracie Grimwood
Some dogs are shy and anxious and so are some children. Can Boo and Phoebe turn their fears into a positive experience?
Release Date: 5/1/2020
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BUTTERFLY SUMMER: Quest to Save the Monarchs
by Siri DiSavona
Skylar Maroni discovers monarchs could soon disappear from North America forever. Follow her quest to save the monarchs and make a difference in the world.
Release Date: 5/1/2020
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Honeycake: A Circle of Trust
by Medea Kalantar
Nala learns that trust takes a long time to build and can easily be destroyed in a split second!
Release Date: 5/1/2020
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Jack and the Lean Stalk
by Raven Howell, illustrated by Sarah Gledhill
Jack gathers his courage for a mysterious, spooky midnight meeting to find out what – or who – is ruining the family’s bean supply.
Release Date: 5/1/2020
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Tavi Tails: The Diary of a Dog
by Lisa Richman
Explore the world and its ups and downs through the eyes of a dog – a unique, touching, and humorous perspective.
Release Date: 5/1/2020
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Walter the Worried School Bus
by Robert Herrick
When Julie doesn’t show up for school, her school bus decides to go looking for her. Ages 4-8.
Release Date: 5/1/2020
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Worse Things
by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Sarah Davis
A novel in verse about connections, the ways they are made, and what happens when they are lost or elusive.
Release Date: 5/1/2020
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Bedtime for Cranky Crab
by Cristina Ergunay, illustrated by Heather Gross
Sea creatures are drifting off to sleep – except for Cranky Crab. What will help him stop fussing and finally fall asleep?
Release Date: 5/5/2020
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Good Guys, Bad Guys
by Joanne Rocklin, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
A hilarious tribute to children’s imagination, and conquering fears through play.
Release Date: 5/5/20
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Lola and Grandpa
by Ashling Kwok, illustrated by Yvonne Low
Lola loves spending time with Grandpa. But what happens when Grandpa is no longer there? A story about love, loss, and the value of memories.
Release Date: 5/5/2020
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Bad Caterpillar
by Suvi Chisholm
It’s easy to be grumpy when you can’t see our beautiful world. The little ones in your life will love this story of Bad Caterpillar’s transformation.
Release Date: 5/8/2020
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Call Me Floy
by Joanna Cooke, illustrated by Zeke Peña
In this coming-of-age novel, a headstrong girl persists against expectations, following her dream in nineteenth century Yosemite.
Release Date: 5/12/2020
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Nita’s Day: More Signs for Babies and Parents
by Kathy MacMillan, illustrated by Sara Brezzi
This heartwarming story, with its interactive slide-open format, teaches ten essential American Sign Language signs to bring families together all day long.
Release Date: 5/12/20
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The Diary of Asser Levy: First Jewish Citizen of New York
by Daniela Weil
In 1654, the first group of refugee Jews, fleeing persecution, arrived in America from Brazil. In New Amsterdam, they began a legal fight for religious and civil rights that helped shape the character of modern-day New York. Here middle grade readers will be introduced to the real-life figure of Asser Levy, through imagined diary entries about his experiences.
Release Date: 5/12/2020
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Lone Wolf
by author-illustrator Sarah Kurpiel
Maple the husky loves being the Parker family’s dog, but strangers always seem to think she’s a wolf! What if they’re right?
Release Date: 5/19/2020
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Summer at Meadow Wood
by Amy Rebecca Tan
Will Vic’s dreaded summer at Meadow Wood break her – or make her into the person she was always meant to be?
Release Date: 5/19/2020
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The Farm That Feeds Us
by Nancy Castaldo and Ginnie Hsu
This engagingly illustrated guide to sustainable farms and the things that live and grow on them has a Richard Scarry “busytown” kind of vibe.
Release Date: 5/19/2020
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Book Monsters Beach Vacation
by author-illustrator Kristin Winovich
The Book Monsters are going on vacation! Join 18 Koobville characters as they each find a special place to read at Boko Beach. This book introduces resourcefulness and teamwork to solve a problem with Puzz gets homesick. Fall in love with reading with this new Koobville adventure.
Release Date: 5/20/2020
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Hello from Renn Lake
by Michele Weber Hurwitz
Twelve-year-old Annalise takes a risk to save the lake in her small Wisconsin town after it’s closed due to a harmful algae bloom.
Release Date: 5/26/2020
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Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures
by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian
Newcomer Khalil and old Mr. Hagerty love the backyard they share – but neither ever expected to find treasure there! A starred review from SLJ.
Release Date: 5/26/2020