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!
CHAPTER BOOKS | MIDDLE GRADE | PICTURE BOOKS | YOUNG ADULT
CHAPTER BOOKS
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Sir Frederique von Turtlestein
by Amanda Geers, illustrated by Vincent Stevens
In the Royal Kingdom of the Ponds, a turtle and a hummingbird join on a quest to defeat the dragon and their own inner foes.
Release Date: September 7, 2021
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The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek
by Judy Bradbury, illustrated by Gabriella Vagnoli
It begins with a plastic bottle and a couple of ducks and ends with a big fish and a couple of new friends. Together, we can make a BIG difference.
Release Date: September 15, 2021
MIDDLE GRADE
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Snow Globe Travelers: Samuel’s Legacy
by K.A. Cummins
A twelve-year-old girl discovers a link between the father she’s never known and a mysterious shop where the snow globes open portals to other worlds.
Release Date: September 2, 2021
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Bad Sister
by Charise Mericle Harper & Rory Lucey
Meet Charise. She’s energetic, helpful, a model pet owner, and full of inventions. But she’s also a bad sister. When she goes too far and breaks little brother Daniel’s tooth, can she redeem herself?
Release Date: September 14, 2021
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The Wolf’s Curse
by Jessica Vitalis
In a twist on grim reaper mythology, The Wolf’s Curse features a seven-hundred-year-old Great White Wolf searching for someone to take her job.
Release Date: September 21, 2021
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Friends to the End
by Cherie Colyer
Zach doesn’t believe in ghosts… but he should.
Release Date: September 27, 2021
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101 Hilarious Pranks and Practical Jokes
by Theresa Julian, illustrated by Pat Lewis
The ultimate prank book is filled with hilarious pranks and teaches essential skills for pulling the perfect family-friendly prank. Includes tips for comedic acting and timing!
Release Date: September 28, 2021
PICTURE BOOKS
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Katie Spector the Art Collector
by Lisa Cloherty, illustrated by David A. Rodriguez
Katie Spector creates art everywhere she goes. She makes lions from lint balls and snakes from straw wrappers. Mom tells Katie to pick her favorites and get rid of the rest. Katie decides to stash her creations in the closets and crannies of her house. What will happen when a summer storm blows the lid off her sneaky secret?
Release Date: September 1, 2021
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Meow!
by author-illustrator Leah Ingledew
A thought-provoking tale about segregation and forbidden friendship.
Release Date: September 1, 2021
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Robo-Motion: Robots That Move Like Animals
by Linda Zajac
NONFICTION. Skitter, scuttle, grip, and glide. In this STEAM title about biomimicry, color photographs of animals are paired with the amazing robots that mimic their motion.
Release Date: September 7, 2021
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Drover
by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Sarah Anthony
Drover is the true story of an important pioneering woman in Australian history.
Release Date: September 8, 2021
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Pip Pip Toodle Doo
by Lisa Sobiek, illustrated by Paula L. Robison
When Pinky sets out from her solitary tree, a string of friendships with new and unique creatures gathers in her wake of exuberance.
Release Date: September 9, 2021
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I’m a Figure Skater!
by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Nina Mata
A delightful, rhyming introduction to figure skating lessons and a first skating competition.
Release Date: September 14, 2021
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May Your Life Be Deliciosa
by Michael Genhart, illustrated by Loris Lora
Every year on Christmas Eve, Rosie and her mama, tia, sister, and cousins all gather together in Abuela’s kitchen to make tamales and to tell stories.
Release Date: September 14, 2021
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The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
by Christina Furnival, illustrated by Katie Dwyer
When a child encounters her first frenemy, she isn’t sure what to do. After at first trying harder, she learns what’s really needed: a boundary.
Release Date: September 14, 2021
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The Proud Button
by Danette Richards, illustrated by Annelies Vandenbosch
An inspiring story about believing in a magical button and, more importantly, about believing in yourself. For children ages 5 and up.
Release Date: September 14, 2021
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Barefoot Books WATER: A Deep Dive of Discovery
by Christy Mihaly, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa
A friendly water droplet character guides readers in exploring the magic and power of water. Beautifully illustrated, and includes stories, maps, and learning activities.
Release Date: September 17, 2021
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Squirrel’s Sweater (Woodland Friends #3)
by Laura Renauld, illustrated by Jennie Poh
When Squirrel’s sweater doesn’t fit, she comes to learn that letting go of something special doesn’t mean forgetting.
Release Date: September 21, 2021
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BEHÜTET (PROTECTED)
by Kerstin Has, illustrated by Sonja Wimmer
Someone is protecting you. You’re never alone. This book reassures us that our paths and fates are in the hands of a great YOU.
Release Date: September 27, 2021
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Elijah Goes to Cleveland
by Mark Darden, illustrated by Anh Bui
Elijah is in Cleveland visiting his grandparents when he finds out that his favorite band will be performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The tickets are free but there is a catch. With the help of his grandparents, will Elijah be able to secure tickets to see his favorite music band?
Release Date: September 27, 2021
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Baby’s Opposites
by Nancy Raines Day, illustrated by Rebecca Evans
Follow baby from day to night – around town and home again – and discover opposites aplenty!
Release Date: September 28, 2021
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The Christmas Light
by Claudia Cangilla McAdam, illustrated by Igor Kovyar
The Bethlehem innkeeper’s daughter brings fire for warmth to the couple in her family’s stable, encounters the newborn Jesus, and finds her life forever changed.
Release Date: September 28, 2021
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Funny Fani’
by Wiley Barnes, illustrated by Lokosh
Funny Fani’ (fuh/NEE’) is a squirrel who loves animals. When she goes on a special trip to the zoo, Fani’ imagines making friends with all of the animals, big and small! Learn animal facts and Chickasaw words for every animal she encounters.
Release Date: September 30, 2021
YOUNG ADULT
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The Monster Belt
by Ruth Estevez
In the Monster Belt, discoveries are made. Some good, some bad, some life changing. ‘Bold, beautiful, and scary.’
Release Date: September 2, 2021
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Code Name Badass: The True Story of Virginia Hall
by Heather Demetrios
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Steve Sheinkin says: “A ripping spy story with a generous side of stand-up comedy – a fresh twist on history.”
Release Date: September 7, 2021
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The Red Fletch
by Margaret McNellis
This Robin Hood retelling stars an asexual female protagonist who becomes a spy bent on vengeance, only to question if she chose the wrong side.
Release Date: September 18, 2021
To submit your new release to Happy Book Birthday, read our guidelines here. Deadline to submit for October’s Happy Book Birthday is Friday, September 24, 2021. Visit here for more promotional opportunities.