Upcoming Teen and Children’s Books: February 2023
Get ready for a thrilling lineup of new releases in February! Diverse voices and captivating stories await readers young and old.
February 4
ABC’s of Kindness by Patricia Hegarty, illus. by Summer Macon (Random House/Rodale Kids): A charming introduction to kindness with vibrant illustrations.
- Alberta and Little Red Riding Wolf by Margaret Sturton (Andersen USA): A delightful twist on a classic tale.
- All Better Now by Neil Shusterman (Simon & Schuster): A powerful story about resilience. (500,000 copies)
- All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson (Bloomsbury) (150,000 copies)
- Anticipation by Neil Taylor (Neem Tree)
- Astro by Manuel Marsol (Transit Children’s Editions)
- Australia: Blue’s Planet Book 1 by Lucy Robert, illus. by Alisha Monnin (Sweet Cherry)
: The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor (Holt) (60,000 copies)
Bird of a Thousand Stories by Kiyash Monsef (Simon & Schuster) (200,000 copies)
_Woof Door– by Kaz Windness (Simon & Schuster): A heartwarming (50,000 copies)
"A Burning in the Bones" by Scott Reintgen (McElderry) (75,000 copies)
Bunny’s Easter Basket by Danna Smith, illus. by Kathryn Selbert** (Little Simon) (
Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur *by Brenda S. Jones and Colleen A. Patterson, illus. by John Joseph (APA/Magination)
- Capitana by Cassandra James (Quill Tree) (100,000)
Cranky Makes a Friend by Phuc Tran, illus. by Peter Oswald**
- (HarperCollins) (100,000 copies)
- Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe, illus. by Erica Harrison (Helping Tree)
- Dinosaur Day by Diana Murray, illus. by Luke Flowers (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
(50,000 copies)
- **The Edge of the Silver Sea by Alex Mullarky
(Floris/Kelpies)
- Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook, illus. by
Zelma Firdauzia (Nosy Crow),
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)(75,000 copies)
- Fluffy by Wendy Mass (Walker Australia) (50,000 copies):
_Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Flower Fairies by Megan McDonald, illus. by Lenny Wen (Candlewick) (75,000 copies)
- Frog Trouble
by Sandra Boynton
- The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay by Mary Averling (Putnam)
**(Putnam)(50,000 copies)
- Goodnight Moonchild by Amy Dunjey, illus. by Soiree (Little, Brown)
**.
Gus by Liz Murray, illus. by Contributing (50,000460,000 copies)
Hap-Pea Easter by Keith Baker (Beach Lane)**
- Happy Father’s Day From the Crayons by Drew Daywalt, illus. by Oliver Jeffers
**(Philomel) (100,000 copies)
(Philomel)-(100, vaccines)
F
- Happy Together by Chloe Douglass (APA/Magination)
(Hashtag Crowns)
- _The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share’ by Steve Small
(Simon & Schuster) (50,000 copies)
- Hope in a Jar by Deborah Marcero (Putnam)
(
(Putnam)
(75,000 copies)
- How to Draw a Secret
**(Allida)
**(Simon & boil) (
Interview between Time.news Editor and Children’s Literature Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Sinclair, an expert in children’s literature. With February just around the corner, there’s a buzz in the literary world about upcoming releases for kids and teens. Emily, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Sinclair: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss new books, especially when they carry such diverse voices and stories.
Editor: Absolutely! There are so many titles being released this February. What are some of the standout books you’re excited to see?
Dr. Sinclair: One that particularly caught my attention is ABC’s of Kindness by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Summer Macon. This book not only introduces young readers to the concept of kindness through vibrant illustrations, but it also promotes social-emotional learning, which is crucial for their development.
Editor: That sounds wonderful! Kindness is such an essential theme for children. What about some of the other titles?
Dr. Sinclair: Another one that stands out is All Better Now by Neil Shusterman. It’s a powerful story about resilience and has a whopping 500,000 copies in circulation. Shusterman is known for his ability to tackle deep themes in a way that’s accessible to younger readers.
Editor: Wow, that’s impressive! And I noticed Bird of a Thousand Stories by Kiyash Monsef is also highly anticipated with 200,000 copies slated for release. What can you tell us about that book?
Dr. Sinclair: Bird of a Thousand Stories dives into themes of imagination and the power of storytelling. It’s particularly relevant in today’s world, where children’s own voices and creativity need nurturing. It taps into cultural narratives and personal storytelling which can resonate deeply with readers.
Editor: Speaking to that point, representation in literature is crucial. Do you see that reflected in the February list?
Dr. Sinclair: Absolutely! Many of the upcoming books showcase diverse protagonists and stories. For instance, Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook celebrates a cultural event while providing a relatable narrative. Such books help children from various backgrounds see themselves reflected in literature, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Editor: It’s fantastic that publishers are focusing more on diversity. In addition to those themes, I see light-hearted stories like Cranky Makes a Friend by Phuc Tran. How important is humor in children’s books?
Dr. Sinclair: Humor is a vital ingredient! Books like Cranky Makes a Friend can teach valuable lessons about friendship and empathy through laughter. When children find joy in reading, they’re more likely to engage with the material and develop a lifelong love for books.
Editor: With so many exciting titles to choose from, how can parents and educators curate these reading experiences for children?
Dr. Sinclair: It’s important to match books with children’s interests and developmental stages. Engaging them in discussions about themes and characters can enhance their understanding and enjoyment. Visiting local libraries or bookstores to explore new titles together can be a delightful way to introduce them to these upcoming releases.
Editor: That’s great advice! Before we wrap up, is there any final thought you’d like to share about this month’s book releases?
Dr. Sinclair: February is a brilliant month for new narratives. Whether it’s stories of kindness, adventure, or resilience, these books support the growth of empathy and understanding in our young readers—something our world certainly needs more of today. I encourage everyone to check out these new titles!
Editor: Thank you, Emily, for sharing your insights! It’s clear there’s a wealth of literary treasure waiting to be discovered this February, and we’re excited to see how these stories inspire both children and their families.
Dr. Sinclair: Thank you for having me! Happy reading!