Manu Montoya

Ross is worried about Lord Jeffry. His tiny pet woodlouse will not wake up, no matter how much Ross hopes he will. With help from his big sister, Ross begins to understand that Lord Jeffry has died. That sounds final and strange and sad, so the two children head to the library to look for answers to a very big question: where do living things go when they are not here anymore? Gentle, curious, and surprisingly lighthearted, this picture book gives young readers a safe way to think about loss. Ross’s questions are honest, his sadness is real, and the story leaves space for comfort, wonder, and the different ways families may imagine what comes next.

The day after Christmas is no fun when you are an ornament. One minute you are glittering on the tree; the next, you are headed back into a box for eleven long months. This year, the ornaments have a plan. They are leaving home and escaping to the North Pole, where Christmas never has to end. A year-round holiday sounds perfect: lights, treats, sparkle, and no dusty storage closet. But when the family cat gets tangled up in their big getaway, the ornaments’ adventure takes an unexpected turn. Playful and warm, this festive picture book mixes Christmas mischief with a cozy message about belonging. Young readers who love holiday stories, funny escapes, and lively illustrated characters will enjoy this cheerful reminder that the best part of Christmas is being together.

High in the rainforest canopy, a brown-throated sloth and her baby are on the move. Very, very slowly. Their mission may look simple, but for a sloth it is risky business. Along the way, you will discover why sloths hang upside down, how algae and tiny moths help them hide, why digestion takes so long, and how staying still can be a clever survival trick. The journey is funny, smelly, surprising, and full of real animal science. Written with warmth and lively detail, this nonfiction picture book turns one sloth’s slow adventure into an engaging look at rainforest life. Back matter adds more facts about sloth species and ways people can help protect their shrinking habitat, making it a strong choice for young animal lovers and nature readers.

A free country can sound like a simple idea, but the First Amendment gives it real meaning. This clear, friendly introduction explains the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment: religion, speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government. Through examples from history and everyday life, readers see how these rights help people speak up, share ideas, ask questions, gather together, and make their voices heard. Designed for elementary readers, Free for You and Me makes a big civics topic understandable without talking down to young learners. It is a helpful nonfiction choice for classrooms, libraries, and families who want to explore American government, rights, responsibility, and the ways children can begin to understand what freedom means in daily life.

The brilliant misfits of the Mysterious Benedict Society are back for their most dangerous mission yet! It has been a while since Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance have teamed up for a major adventure. They are older now, and things have changed, but their unique talents are needed more than ever. A terrifying new threat has emerged, forcing the legendary quartet to reunite and welcome a brand-new member into their ranks. The villainous Mr. Curtain has returned, and he has brought his fearsome Ten Men with him. Even worse, this formidable enemy possesses a mystifying new ability to track the Society's every move, making it nearly impossible to stay hidden. To protect the world from Mr. Curtain's sinister schemes, the friends must solve a series of page-turning puzzles, outsmart treacherous foes, and rely on their unbreakable bond. Step back into this beloved world and join the junior sleuths as they tackle mind-bending brain teasers and face their greatest challenge yet.

Every big idea begins with one small question. In this thoughtful picture book, two girls let curiosity lead the way. They notice the world around them, ask why things are the way they are, and discover that questions can point toward problem solving, action, and care for the planet. Instead of treating curiosity as something quiet, the story shows it as a spark that can help children think, connect, and make a difference. Warm illustrations and an encouraging tone make this a gentle invitation for young readers to look closely at nature and their communities. It Starts with a Question is well suited for children who wonder how things work, why problems happen, and what they can do next.

Leopold the goat knows books. In his cozy bookstore, he can find the perfect story for almost anyone: an adventure for one customer, a funny book for another, and something feathery for someone who loves birds. Then a new goat walks in. Leopold offers book after book, but this customer has a very different idea of enjoying them: he eats them. Pages, covers, everything. Leopold is horrified, but he does not give up. Somewhere in the shop, there must be a book this hungry visitor will want to read instead of chew. Funny, charming, and full of bookish joy, this picture book celebrates reluctant readers, patient helpers, and the special moment when the right story finally finds the right reader.