By Megan Ciskowski, Assistant Publicist
Check out October new releases from Lerner Publishing Group!
Picture Books
The Most Beautiful Thing written by Kao Kalia Yang and illustrated by Khoa Le
Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this heartfelt picture book offers a window into the life of a family with little money and a great deal of love.
Praise for The Most Beautiful Thing
“Richly colored mixed-media illustrations feature beautiful, intricate patterns as a backdrop to this tale of a close-knit, multigenerational family.”—Booklist
★”A deep and moving reflection on enduring hardship and generational love. . . . Poignant storytelling with stunning visuals.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
A Garden in Your Belly: Meet the Microbes in Your Gut by Masha D’yans
Your belly is full of tiny creatures! Striking watercolors and lively text teach kids about the garden of microscopic flora growing inside them, how it keeps them healthy, and how they can help it thrive.
Praise for A Garden in Your Belly
“A Garden in Your Belly‘s colorful world helped me wake up this morning. This book is as powerful as it is beautiful and that’s the minimum!” —Eric Carle
“[Has] vividly colored, wildly imaginative, and joyful artwork . . . A lively introduction to a vital element in human health.”—Booklist
“A gentle look deep inside.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A good addition to collections looking to update their biology section.”—School Library Journal
Graphic Novels
Mega-Dogs of New Kansas written by Dan Jolley and illustrated by Jacques Khouri
Meet the mega-dogs: massive pooches helping the human settlers of a faraway planet. When an official threatens the mega-dog program, Sienna Barlow sneaks away with her dog, Gus, and begins an adventure across New Kansas.
Praise for Mega-Dogs of New Kansas
“An inventive intergalactic romp.”—Kirkus Reviews
“[An] adventure to keep readers turning pages. . . . dog fans will be pleased.”—School Library Journal
Nonfiction
Calm Monsters, Kind Monsters: A Sesame Street ® Guide to Mindfulness by Karen Latchana Kenney
Breathing, positive self talk, and calming down—mindfulness includes all this and more. Sesame Street characters present big emotions readers have likely faced alongside simple solutions like belly breathing to help kids cope with what they’re feeling.
Crayola ® Out-of-This-World Space Colors by Laura Hamilton Waxman
From red planets to blue stars, space is full of color! Introduce young readers to the sun, moon, planets, stars, and more in this high-interest look at the myriad colors of space.
Praise for Crayola ® Out-of-This-World Space Colors
“A visually enjoyable work that is different from other space books in circulation. Add this picture book to solar system units for its artistic flair.”—School Library Journal
Bionic Beasts: Saving Animal Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs, and Beaks by Jolene Gutiérrez
What happens to a goose with no beak or a turtle with one flipper? Using innovative designs and technology such as 3-D printing, humans are helping animals in need. Discover amazing true stories of animals thriving with prosthetic body parts.
Praise for Bionic Beasts
“Scientifically inclined readers will enjoy this in-depth application of STEM to disabled animals.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Examining environmentalism, animal rescue, and technological possibility, this science-filled book for upper-elementary to middle school readers entertains in many forms.”—School Library Journal
Living Fossils: Survivors from Earth’s Distant Past by Rebecca E. Hirsch
In the history of life on this planet, 99.9 percent of all species have gone extinct. But a few have survived almost unchanged. Readers are introduced to six living fossils as well as a comprehensive explanation of evolution and extinction.
Praise for Living Fossils
“An informative book for readers drawn to strange and amazing animals.”—Booklist
“A satisfying selection of nature’s survivors for readers intrigued by the animal world.”—Kirkus Reviews
Cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain Revolution: Bitcoin and Beyond by Brendan January
Since 2009, Bitcoin has become the face of a tech revolution in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Explore what cryptocurrencies offer, their limitations and potential pitfalls, security issues, and how they may affect government and financial regulations in the future.
Praise for Cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain Revolution
“There’s a lack of information on this topic for young readers; this useful book fills a void.”—Booklist
“A balanced, reputable reference.”—Kirkus Reviews
“[T]his fascinating title presents a strong introduction to a complex topic.”—School Library Journal
How to Do It Now Because It’s Not Going Away: An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done by Leslie Josel
Packed with practical solutions and tips to stay on top of homework, develop a sense of time, manage digital distractions, and create easy-to-follow routines, this guide will help teens stop procrastinating and get their tasks done.
Praise for How to Do it Now
“[The] peppy ‘just do it’ approach treats procrastination, disorganization, and similar difficulties as simple matters of technique, practice, and willpower, which many will find inspiring . . .”—Kirkus Reviews
“[D]irect, jovial, and nonjudgmental. . . . A solid purchase for high school and college collections.”—School Library Journal
“Listen up, parents! With real-life examples, tons of practical tips and strategies, and a super-readable format, How to Do It Now will transform the homework situation for high school and college students alike!” —Amy McCready, author of The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World
“Hey Guys! This book is the easiest and fastest way for you to learn how to help yourself. If your parents are constantly on you about school stuff, how you manage your time or things like that you’ll definitely want to use this book.” — Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW (ADHD Dude)
Undecided, 2nd Edition: Navigating Life and Learning after High School by Genevieve Morgan
This updated and revised edition gives teens a comprehensive overview of the choices available after graduating high school, from going to college to joining the workforce, with advice on how to follow each path.
Praise for Undecided, 2nd Ed.
“A useful and comprehensive handbook for teens contemplating life after high school.”—Kirkus Reviews