If you're looking for more books to add to your ever-growing TBR pile (You never really look for books; they just seem to find you, don't they?) or if you need some suggestions in order to push through your GoodReads goal for the year (there's only 11 weeks to go!), we put together another Fall Books Preview. Below is a mix of picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and nonfiction books that will be hitting our shelves in October and November. Your GMPL librarians are always ready to help you find your next favorite book.
Jeremy Worried About the Wind by Pamela Butchart
Jeremy is a worrywart. He worries about everything! He worries about old socks, spotty bananas, evil squirrels (especially evil squirrels), burnt toast, untied shoelaces, even dinosaurs and the wind. His friend Maggie doesn't worry about anything; she's fearless! When Maggie wants to play outside on a very windy day, will Jeremy discover that a little courage can lead to exciting adventures? Books published by Nosy Crow are always a hit, such as Open Very Carefully and There's a Bear on My Chair, for their silly, colorful nature. Quirky and sharing a reassuring message, this title is sure to be a favorite too.
Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham
Prepare to be hungry. This picture book is a celebration of traditions, love, and delicious food. On Sundays, everyone gathers at Granny's for soul food. For the first time, Granny's grandson is old enough to help prepare the meal and she teaches him everything from grating cheese to cleaning greens to prepping meat for the grill. When Granny says the meal is ready, her grandson decides to make his own contribution, sweetening the family tradition and furthering it for years to come.
Dumpling Day by Meera Sriram
If you're still hungry, take a look at this rhyming celebration of one of the world's most beloved foods: dumplings. Ten families cook dumplings in preparation for a neighborhood potluck. Dumplings are added to plates one by one, offering a fun opportunity for counting. Authentic recipes for dumplings and a map are included. India, the United States, China, Nigeria, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Syria, Russia, and Italy - what dumplings will be your favorite?
There's a Mouse in My House by Ross Collins
Librarians rejoice! (And readers everywhere). There's finally a sequel to the hilarious, rhyming There's a Bear on My Chair. The tables have turned and this time it's Mouse that's making a commotion in Bear's house. He's eating all the food, listening to loud music, even spilling bathwater all over the floor, but when there's an unexpected knock at the door, Bear decides that perhaps mice are rather nice. Get ready to use these two picture books side by side at storytime.
Stretchy and Beanie by Judy Schachner
Our handsome butterscotch boy is back again. Seriously, is there any cat cuter than Stretchy McHandsome? Stretchy has found a loving home with fierce, ginger-haired Beanie, but Beanie decides she should train Stretchy into being the most magnificent pet. Beanie's lessons really curl Stretchy's whiskers and when hiding from Beanie isn't even enough, he has to take a big leap to show Beanie how important it is to be an accepting friend.
The Swag is in the Socks by Kelly J. Baptist
Perfectly content to play his Switch and look out his bedroom window, Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. For his birthday, however, Xavier receives a pair of funky, loud socks from his great-uncle Frankie and a challenge to get into the Scepter League, an elite after-school club that only admits the most confident and suave boys. His new socks are already getting attention. Does that mean it's time for Xavier to come out of the shadows? Baptist received rave reviews for her coming-of-age tale Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero. Her second book is highly anticipated.
Tidesong by Wendy Xu
If you're a fan of Studio Ghibli and The Tea Dragon Society, you'll want to check out this magical graphic novel. Sophie is pressured by her mother and grandmother to attend the Royal Magic Academy, the best magical school in the realm, even though her magic is... well, shaky at best. To prepare for the entrance exams, Sophie is sent to live with relatives she's never met. Instead of helping her practice though, Sophie's cousin and great-aunt give her chore after chore, leading her to clumsily attempt magic on her own and accidently entangle her magic with a water dragon named Lir. Lir is incredibly skilled at magic and just might be able to get Sophie into the Royal Magic Academy... but at the expense of his memories. What should Sophie do?
What Can You Do with a Rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller
You can skip a rock. You can paint a rock. You can sort rocks and you can share rocks. What else can you do with a rock? This picture book speculates about all that can be done with a variety of rocks found in a multitude of places. Back matter includes how to identify the three main types of rocks, suggestions for organizing a rock collection, and more resources to learn about rocks. A fantastic title to inspire young readers to look at the ground a little more and with wonder. Sure to be a hit with teachers.
Amos McGee Misses the Bus by Philip C. Stead
It's been ten years since we were introduced to Amos McGee, a friendly zookeeper who is very considerate and always on time. In this new adventure, Amos McGee is tired after spending a late night planning a surprise for all his friends. He's so tired that he falls asleep during breakfast and misses his bus to the zoo! Even worse, he won't have time now for the surprise he planned. Unbeknownst to Amos, everyone agrees to pitch in and help their sleepy friend. Heartwarming and humorous, Amos McGee Misses the Bus is a triumphant return.
Battle of the Butts: The Science Behind Animal Behinds by Jocelyn Rish
The fastest way to get a young reader's attention? Talk about poop, farts, and butts! From wombats to beetles to sea cucumbers, this book is packed with facts about ten animals, their habitats and behaviors, and their "terrific tushies." Butts are used for breathing, eating, swimming, talking, and more. Which animal has the coolest butt power?