Welcome to the Spotlight

Here you’ll find some of our favorite new books. Be sure to check back often for new recommendations!

Tell us what you think! Use our Paw Scale to rate the books from 1 – 5 paws and enter your beary own review!

Weird but True, by National Geographic, National Geographic Children’s Books

Did you know that peanut butter can be converted into a diamond? That the world’s oldest pet goldfish lived to be 43 years old? These and countless other weird-but-true facts await you in this nifty new book.
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GOOD BOOK
KARA, age 9
this a weird book but true!
Leigh, age 10
I love weird but true fact. They are very hard to believe but I know that they are true.
Aniya, age 12
I really liked this book because i LOVE learning about weird but true facts!
Amanda, age 13
Love it!!!
Elenie, age 12
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The Prince of Mist, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

From international bestselling author, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, comes this atmospheric, adventurous ghost story. During World War II the Carver family decides to move to a small coastal village to avoid the dangers of the city. But from the minute they arrive in town, strange things begin to happen, and their new house has a dark history. Max and Alicia Carver, with the help of their new friend Roland, begin to investigate the mystery and discover the existence of a being called the Prince of Mist – a diabolical creature who has returned to collect on a debt from the past.
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IT WAS AMAZING
JADE, age 11
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One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science!, by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder, Platypus Media

A collection of fun and interesting mysteries that allow kids to apply their critical thinking skills while covering an array of science topics: earth, space, life, physical, chemical, and general science.
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it has many short mysteries you can solve using science.
Hannah, age 9
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One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, Amistad/an imprint of HarperCollins

In a compelling story about three sisters who go to Oakland, CA, in 1968, to meet the mother who abandoned them, acclaimed author Rita Williams-Garcia writes with insight and humor about family, politics, and identity.
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Freaksville, by Kitty Keswick/Illustrator Val Cox, Leap Books

Trapped in a haunted theater on the night of a full moon, Kasey and her friends must battle irate ghosts and hungry werewolves if they hope to get out alive.
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Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret, by Liz Kessler, Candlewick

Follow the siren call to Emily’s magical new adventure! Can the spunky half-mer girl pass Neptune’s test—and help humans and merpeople get along?
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I read all the books, love them!
Gracie, age 0
Super good!
Nicole, age 10
This book is amazing!I think girls who love mermaids shouldread this.
Emily, age 10
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Cayman Gold: Lost Treasure of Devils Grotto, by Richard Trout, Pelican Publishing Company

This first novel in the MacGregor Family Adventure Series involves sinister pirate forces, strange sea creatures, hospitable native Caribbean people, and issues of environmental management and endangered species. Suddenly faced with the task of saving a lost Spanish treasure embedded in protected coral reef, four enterprising teenagers rely on their courage and scuba-diving skills as they explore and investigate the exotic waters and beaches of the Cayman Islands.
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The Boneshaker, by Kate Milford/Andrea Offerman, Clarion

Set in 1914 in Arcane, Missouri, The Boneshaker is a richly textured novel about courage and the necessity of looking evil directly in the face in order to conquer it. It is the story of an ordinary child called upon to perform an extraordinary act, to save her family, and the entire town.
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Bamboo People, by Mitali Perkins, Charlesbridge

Two teenage boys on opposing sides of the conflict between the Burmese government and the Karenni people are forced together. Enemies in a war neither understands, they have to make difficult choices about loyalty, friendship, and honor. An adventure in the bamboo forests of contemporary Burma.
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Where's Waldo? The Ultimate Travel Collection, by Martin Handford, Candlewick

Now Waldo can wander everywhere his fans do, thanks to a compact bind-up of five classic adventures.
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13 Treasures, by Michelle Harrison, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Tanya tries to ignore the evil fairies that are invisible to everyone else but her, but when their torments become impossible to cover up she is sent away to her grandmother’s isolated countryside manor for the summer. There is much to explore and fear in the woods surrounding the estate, and Tanya soon finds herself entangled in a mystery that could trap her in the fairy realm forever.
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Spy Recruit, by Erin Osborne/Illustrator Bethany Simmons, Pelican Publishing Company

When summer arrives for thirteen-year-old Tobey Freeman, he looks forward to long days of laser tag and adventures on the bayou. However, an unexpected invitation into the world of espionage interrupts his plans. Soon secrecy and suspense replace his carefree days, and he must make some difficult decisions in order to protect his friends and family.
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National Geographic Kids Almanac 2011, by National Geographic, National Geographic Children’s Books

352 pages of the perfect browsing fun for summer! Cool photos, countless incredible facts, more than 50 puzzles, projects, and cool experiments, and much, much more!
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Island Sting, by Bonnie J. Doerr/Illustrator Joanna Britt, Leap Books

When city girl Kenzie Ryan moves to a Florida wildlife refuge, she plunges straight into an eco-mystery. Kenzie trades New York streets for Keys pollution cleanup, and now, instead of hailing cabs, she’s tracking down a poacher of endangered Key deer. But will she survive when the killer turns from stalking deer to hunting humans?
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If My Mom Were A Platypus, by Dia Michels/Illustrator Andrew Barthelmes, Platypus Media

This book explores how fourteen different mammals are born, eat, sleep, learn, and mature.
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Very funny book!!!
Jessica, age 13
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Dormia, by Jake Halpern/Peter Kujawinski, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (Sandpiper paperbacks)

Alfonso Perplexon is an unusual sleeper. He climbs trees, raises falcons, and even shoots deadly accurate arrows, all in his sleep. No one can figure out why.
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Candy Bomber, by Michael O. Tunnell, Charlesbridge

After World War II the U.S. and Britain airlifted food and supplies into Russian-blockaded West Berlin. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. To lift their spirits, he began dropping chocolate and gum by parachute. To the children, he became “Uncle Wiggly Wings.”
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Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, by Lincoln Peirce/Illustrator Lincoln Peirce, HarperCollins

The New York Times bestselling Big Nate is the first in a hilarious 6-book series featuring Nate Wright: 6th grader, class clown, self-described genius, and the all-time record holder for school detentions! With black and white illustrations, comics, and doodles throughout, fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid will love Big Nate!
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Waggit Forever, by Peter Howe/Illustrator Oman Rayyan, HarperCollins

Desperate times call for desperate measures! In this third installment in the Waggit series, Waggit and his team must leave Central Park for a new home--but traveling the city streets is dangerous! Can the team survive the journey?
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Smells Like Dog , by Suzanne Selfors, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Homer Pudding is an ordinary farm boy who dreams of going on treasure-hunting adventures like his famous uncle. When his beloved uncle goes missing, leaving Homer with a droopy dog with no sense of smell, Homer has no idea that his wish for grand adventure is about to come true!
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Portuguese Man-of-War: Floating Misery, by Natalie Lunis, Bearport Publishing

In Portuguese Man-of-War: Floating Misery, kids will learn all about the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of this dangerous sea creature. Spectacular, full-color photos and a narrative format will keep readers turning the pages for more.
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One Big Rain, by Rita Gray/Illustrator Ryan O’Rourke, Charlesbridge

Sometimes a rain shower is welcome during a long, hot summer. This collection of twenty poems about precipitation is perfect for one of those rainy days. Poets such as Lilian Moore, Carl Sandburg, and Robert Frost celebrate getting wet.
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Oceans: Dolphins, Sharks, Penguins, and More!, by Johnna Rizzo, National Geographic Children’s Books

The oceans are filled with living creatures, and this brilliantly illustrated new book will introduce you to 60 of them!
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Ocean Commotion: Sea Turtles, by Janeen Mason, Pelican Publishing Company

This saltwater adventure begins as a sea turtle hatchling makes a ninety-second mad dash from the nest to the water’s edge. At times suspenseful and always entertaining, this twenty-five-year journey follows the hatchling as she grows into a three-hundred-pound swimming machine. Illustrations dripping in a cool pallet of ocean blues and greens plunge you deep into the abyss as the turtle migrates from her Florida home to the Mediterranean Sea and mysteriously back to Florida, where she builds a nest for her own hatchlings. Determination and cleverness help the turtle mature from a playful adolescent to a wise adult.
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Nature Explorer, by , DK Publishing

Nature Explorer allows readers to learn about rocks and minerals, birds, insects, weather, and more, with spectacular photography and illustrations serving as an informative backdrop. Easy-to-do activities help teach kids about the world around them.
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Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald/Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, Candlewick

Judy and Stink co-star in their second full-color adventure — crawling with pirates and puzzles, carbuncles and chuckles.
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Love it!
Nicole, age 10
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Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2), by R.L. LaFevers/Illustrator Kelly Murphy, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Nate Fludd, Beastologist, is back in the camel saddle in hot pursuit of a missing, deadly Basilisk—the King of Serpents. Pack your goggles, rue, and an extra pair of gloves and join Nate on another unbelievable adventure—there’s no rest for the world’s youngest beastologist-in-training!
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101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science, by Dia Michels and Nathan Levy, Platypus Media

Perfect for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of how science impacts everyday life.
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Zig and Wikki in Something Ate My Homework, by Nadja Spiegelman/Illustrator Trade Loeffler, TOON Books, a division of RAW Junior, LLC

Zig and Wikki land on a planet full of strange creatures like flies, frogs, and raccoons, just when it seems to be lunchtime! In their hilarious search for a pet, the two friends go on adventures that are out of this world, and young readers learn about nature in our world thanks to the fascinating facts woven into every twist of the exciting plot.
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Race Day!, by Gail Tuchman, National Geographic Children’s Books

We’re off to the (racecar) races in this exciting “Pre-Reader” from the popular National Geographic Readers series.
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I love Race cars.
Michael, age 13
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Rabbit's Song, by S.J. Tucker & Trudy Herring/Illustrator W. Lyon Martin, Magical Child

In the time before time, Trickster searches among all the animals for a teacher of man. One by one, he examines and dismisses Bear, Cat, Tiger, Dog and Wolf as being too frightening. Trickster at last settles on the humble and unimposing Rabbit with his companions, Coyote, Raven and Crow as the very beasts to teach the Way of Laughter. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey of warmth and humor full of visual delights and details reminiscent of the worldwide Trickster tales which sparked the story’s inspiration.
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Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink, by Victoria Kann/Illustrator Victoria Kann, HarperFestival/an imprint of HarperCollins

One hot summer day, Pinkalicious gets an idea that is simply pinkeriffic—a pink lemonade stand! Pinkalicious shows off her pluckiness, pizzazz, and penchant for pink in this fun 8x8 storybook!
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this book is fantastic I also have pinkalicious and purpllicious they are all so funny and great
Anai, age 9
great
Anai, age 9
So cute! My little sister loves this book even more than I do ! :D
Savannah, age 10
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Nathan Saves Summer, by Gerry Renert/Illustrator Carrie Anne Bradshaw, Raven Tree Press

Join Nathan the hippopotamus whose lifelong dream is to become the lifeguard for a small pond and the neighboring animals who vacation there each summer. Concerned that Nathan may be too big for the small pond, the other animals come up with an array of excuses why Nathan can’t serve as the pond lifeguard. A twist of fate leads the animals to a new, idyllic swimming spot, turning Nathan into the local hero.
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This is a 5 paw book but your website only let me chose one paw! I love this book!
Marcello, age 4
A great summer read to remind children about water safety!
Diane, age 44
My 3 and 5 year old grandchildren absolutely love Nathan. The 5 year old definitely identified with him and was so glad there was a "happy ending." The story and illustrations are delightful!
Joanne, age 65
Nathan Saves Summer is a fun story with an important message. Nathan the hippo is a great role model for kids as he shows them if they persevere, they can achieve their dreams. Since he wants to be a lifeguard, the story´s also about the importance o
Geoff, age 48
This is a nice story about a hippo who wants to be a lifeguard but all the other animals think he´s to big. Poor Nathan is so sad but he ends up saving summer and everyone is happy. I like that he became their hero.
Saul, age 9
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Jay and the Bounty of Books, by Randall Ivey/Illustrator Chuck Galey, Pelican Publishing Company

Jay’s mom pulls the plug on the TV and sends him outside to play. Jay soon becomes bored, so mom drives him to the library and introduces him to the wonder of books. Jay begins reading as much as he can, but as he soaks up newfound knowledge, his body starts growing to extraordinary heights. Can anyone help shrink the boy who read himself large back to normal size?
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Lola Loves Stories, by Anna McQuinn/Illustrator Rosalind Beardshaw, Charlesbridge

Lola loves getting new books at the library. In the evening, she and Daddy read them together. The next day, Lola is inspired by the stories and she lets her imagination run free as she acts out the adventures she’s read about.
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Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!, by Grace Lin, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Whether they are making dumplings, practicing magic tricks, or getting their hair cut, identical twins Ling and Ting like to stick together – but their different personalities always shine through. In a new format for award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin, Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! is a charming series of interconnected short stories. Combining Lin’s vivid and inviting artwork with easy-to-follow, engaging text, it is a perfect choice for those just learning to read on their own.
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Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country), by Kathleen Krull/Illustrator Stacy Innerst, Harcourt

This unusual biography of Lincoln highlights his life and presidency while focusing on what made Lincoln's sense of humor so distinctive—and so necessary to surviving his tough life and times.
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I Was Born to Be a Sister, by Akalea S. Michels-Gualtieri/Illustrator Marcy Dunn Ramsey, Platypus Media

A special kind of story that conveys the balance between increasing independence and family harmony, and what it is like to become a sister when a new baby arrives!
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HOT CHA CHA HOT CHA CHA, by Josephine Nobisso/Illustrator Joan Holub, Gingerbread House

Children stand up to dance and cheer when HOT CHA CHA is read aloud. Here’s a rousing masterpiece of storytelling, using “The 5 W's and How,” answered both literally and figuratively, in straight and slant rhyme, and all the while employing impeccable meter. A discussion-provoking interview about writing poetry is printed on the underside of the jacket.
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Flanimals Pop-Up, by Ricky Gervais/Illustrator Rob Steen, Candlewick

They're grotesque. They're absurd. They're so ugly they're cute - and they could only be spawned by the mind of award-winning comedian Ricky Gervais.
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Bug Zoo, by Nick Baker, DK Publishing

“Bug Zoo” shows children how to turn backyard bugs into fascinating pets and create a “zoo” of insects, spiders, worms, and other common creepy-crawlies. Children will learn to build an ant farm, spider house, bee box, wormery, and more!
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it was cool
victorya, age 20
loved it
madison, age 9
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Build-A-Bear Workshop extends a special thank you to First Book and The Children's Book Council, Inc. for their partnership and support of Bearemy's Book Club.

The Children's Book Council, Inc. is the nonprofit trade association of United States publishers and packagers of trade books for children and young adults and is the official sponsor of Children's Book Week.