Happy Summer!
We here at YA Books Central are looking to help you keep cool. We’ve teamed up with wonderful publishers to organize a great giveaway to make it happen!
Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. – Jenny Han
Author: Pooja Makhijani
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books
Release Date: 6/23/26
Asha becomes a big sister and a big help to her parents when Mama struggles to find energy after the baby’s birth. This touching and meaningful story will reassure families who are experiencing the hardship of postpartum depression.
Asha loves baby Maya, and she’s so happy to be a big sister. But Mama seems sad. Asha hears her whisper to Papa, “I can’t do this.” And hears Papa on the phone to Dadi and Nani, asking them to come. The next day, the two grandmothers arrive, ready to tidy and cook and comfort. “Will Mama feel better?” Asha asks Nani. “I believe she will,” Nani answers. “Especially with our help.”
This honest and empathetic story sheds light on a common challenge, providing young children and their parents with the knowledge and reassurance they need.
Title: My First Seek and Learn: At Home / Mi primer busca y aprende: en casa
Author: Workman Publishing
Publisher: Workman Kids
Release Date: 6/9/26
The first book in a series for eager learners, My First Seek & Learn: At Home is a bilingual vocabulary-building picture book with the fun of “seek and find” combined with learning important first words in English and en español.
My First Seek & Learn: At Home helps preschoolers build their bilingual vocabulary about their favorite topic: themselves and their environment! Featuring 12 full-color scenes from inside and around the home, kids search for 10 or more items per page while learning essential everyday words in English and Spanish. Kids practice key vocabulary words inside the kitchen (la cocina), the bathroom (el baño), the living room (la sala), and in lots of other places throughout the family’s adorably illustrated home.
El primer libro de una nueva serie para estudiantes entusiastas, Mi Primer Busca Y Aprende: En Casa es un libro ilustrado bilingüe que desarrolla vocabulario con la diversión de “buscar y encontrar” y el aprendizaje de las primeras palabras importantes en español y en inglés.
Mi Primer Busca Y Aprende: En Casa ayuda a los niños de preescolar a desarrollar su vocabulario bilingüe sobre su tema favorito: ¡ellos mismos y su entorno! Con 12 escenas a todo color del interior y alrededor de la casa, los niños buscan 10 o más objetos por página mientras aprenden palabras esenciales del día a día en español y inglés. Los niños practican palabras fundamentales del vocabulario dentro de la cocina (the kitchen), el baño (the bathroom), la sala (the living room), y en muchos otros lugares de la casa familiar.
Title: Whiz Kids: Human Body
Author: Ellen Philpott
Publisher: Workman Kids
Release Date: 8/25/26
Get hands on with STEM! Filled with surprises that keep young learners engaged, this interactive novelty board book explores the fascinating world inside the human body.
What’s going on inside our bodies? How do we move, eat, think, and breathe? Curious toddlers will love looking inside the human body to discover the answers with this engaging novelty board book.
Seven novelty spreads, plus a novelty element on the cover, help satisfy children’s curiosity about how their bodies work. Lift the flap to explore the digestive system, spin the wheel to move the skeleton, pull the lever to reveal the nervous system, and more!
With bright, colorful illustrations and sturdy moving pieces, this book is a perfect gift and a valuable addition to a child’s library.
Title: Actual Factual Files: Outer Space
Author: Ali Adams
Publisher: Workman Kids
Release Date: 6/16/26
Dig into the this exciting book and become an expert on everything astronomy, from planets and constellations to stars and space travel. Clever design, engaging text, and easy-to-understand explanations will make amateur astronauts out of any elementary reader.
Actual Factual Files: Outer Space, the second book in a new series, helps elementary readers become know-it-alls about outer space. This friendly, fascinating, and full-of-facts book has supportive features to make learning about space accessible to any kid who loves reading non-fiction, is looking for a source for a school or book report, or wants an engaging series they can’t put down.
With short chapters, informative illustrations, and a glossary in the back, kids will stay engaged as they learn all about planets, galaxies, black holes, astronauts, the future of space travel, and more.
Author: Michael Slack
Publisher: Tundra Books / Penguin Random House Canada
Release Date: June 9, 2026
Meet the Funjeepups, three curious and adorable woodland critters, in this “first comic” picture book series from the creator of Kitties on Dinosaurs!
In this story, Button, Dot and Dollop get a music lesson from a feathery friend!
Button, Dot and Dollop love exploring the magical forest they live in. They love vine swinging. They love guppie bumping. They love making nature art. But what they love most is returning home after an exciting day of adventuring.
When out on a morning walk, the Funjeepups spot a friendly bird who sings them a beautiful song — which inspires the Funjeepups to create their own song. But unfortunately, they can’t play any instruments! Thankfully, their feathery friend is there to lend a helping wing.
Young readers will be inspired to create their own song alongside the Funjeepups in this light and funny picture book series by Michael Slack!
Order link: Funjeepups: A Beautiful Song by Michael Slack, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®
Title: Feeling Good! (Cabin Head and Tree Head, Book #2)
Author: Scott Campbell
Publisher: Tundra Books / Penguin Random House Canada
Release Date: August 4, 2026
HELLO AGAIN, READER HEADS! Cabin Head and Tree Head are BACK in this second volume of the lovable, laugh-out-loud graphic novel series about a best friend duo like no other! It’s Frog and Toad meets Bill and Ted for a new generation of readers — and best buddies of all ages.
Book 2 includes 6 hilarious adventures in a wonderfully off-the-wall universe where everyone has something on their head! Includes bonus content: Storytime with Library Head, Notable Spots with Tour Bus Head and Sandcastle Building with Sandcastle Head.
Cabin Head and Tree Head return for some “sunny day relaxing” and are ready to experience the joys of the beach, alone time, getting in strong shape, rewarding their accomplishments (like breathing) and other important activities (like posing and lying down).
Yes, they are feeling good! And so are their equally unforgettable buddies — Pool Party Head, Little Brick Head, Gym Head — and so many more! Let’s go feel good with all the Heads!
Order link: Feeling Good! (Cabin Head and Tree Head, Book #2) by Scott Campbell, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®
Title: Toad on the Go
Author: Jashar Awan
Publisher: Tundra Books / Penguin Random House Canada
Release Date: June 16, 2026
Hop back on the road with Toad! In this fun-fueled follow-up to the Geisel Honor award-winning picture book Towed by Toad, from Caldecott Medal honoree Jashar Awan, Toad discovers that everyone makes mistakes, even tow truck drivers! For fans of Little Blue Truck and Frog and Toad.
Little ones. Big ones. Everyone makes mistakes . . . even Toad!
Toad and his tow truck are on the go, racing to the rescue of anyone who needs help on the road. But still, Toad always obeys the rules and NEVER makes mistakes. He waits patiently for the green light. Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . GO! . . . Uh oh.
What happens when Toad does make a mistake? After all, everyone makes mistakes — what really matters is how you fix them!
Order link: Toad on the Go by Jashar Awan, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®
Title: David’s Diary #1: The Summer Camp Disaster
Author: Bunmi Laditan
Publisher: WaterBrook Children’s
Release Date: Jun 30, 2026
Meet David Jesse King, a precocious nine-year-old whose first time at church camp is turning out to be not-so-fun, in this hilarious, highly illustrated new chapter book series from bestselling author Bunmi Laditan.
David is absolutely thrilled to be at a real, honest-to-goodness, actual sleepaway camp! He can’t wait to jump into the lake, climb an oak tree, see a brown bear, fly down the mountain on the zip line—it’s going to be the best week of David’s life!
But when another kid dumps a huge bowl of chocolate pudding on him, David’s first time at church camp is ruined. Can he fix things by getting revenge? Or is there another way for David to still have a fun week?
The Summer Camp Disaster is the first book in the new David’s Diary series, starring a neurodivergent kid whose good intentions often get him into trouble! Written in diary entries, each title will include engaging four-color illustrations on almost every page.
And don’t miss book two in the David’s Diary series, The Science Fair Sabotage, set to also release on June 30, 2026!
Title: Chichi and Didi Find Their Gifts
Author: Peace Amadi and Ndidi Amadi
Publisher: WaterBrook Children’s
Release Date: Jul 28, 2026
A heartwarming picture book that encourages exploration, patience, and the joy of finding one’s true passion from the team behind Chichi and Didi Love Their Names.
Summer is here and Chichi and Didi are off to piano class! But while Chichi plays beautifully, Didi has trouble finding her groove. Playing piano is boring—she wants to move!
With the help of her family, Didi goes on a quest to figure out which activity she’s perfectly designed and gifted to do. But what if she’s not good at anything?”
Inspired by the childhood experiences of real-life Nigerian American sisters Peace Amadi and Ndidi Amadi, Chichi and Didi Discover Their Gifts will teach readers:
- how exploring different interests can help them understand their own likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses
- to be patient with themselves and to understand that it’s okay if they don’t find their perfect fit right away
- the joy and satisfaction that comes from discovering something you are passionate about
Title: When I Thank God
Author: Matthew Paul Turner
Publisher: Convergent Children’s
Release Date: Aug 18, 2026
A vibrant, adventurous exploration of how thanking God and others brings wonderful gifts to our own lives, from the bestselling author and illustrator of When God Made You
I’ll ask God to help me see
What being thankful really means.
To help me know how gratitude grows
And in my life is seen.
Written in Matthew Paul Turner’s signature rhyming style, When I Thank God helps kids understand the benefits of showing gratitude to God and others. Not only does it recognize everything God gives us and show love to the people God sends to bless us, but it does beautiful and amazing things in our own lives and hearts.
’Cause when I thank God
A change happens in me,
And I might get a glimpse of all I can be.
Title: Tajin and the Twelve Thunders
Author: Magaly Morales
Publisher: Abrams Books
Release Date: 6/2/26
A mischievous boy tricks the 12 thunder gods in order to create the first hurricanes in Magaly Morales’s debut author-illustrated picture book, a retelling of a Mexican folktale
Tajín is a fun-loving child full of energy and mischief. When his antics prove too rough for even the monkeys of the forest, he’s sent to the pyramid of Los Nichos.
There live the Twelve Thunders, who, with their sweeping capes, thunderous boots, and flashing swords, make the weather. For a time, the boy is on his best behavior while in their service . . . but all too soon, he yearns to join the Thunders in the sky.
Based on a popular Mexican myth, Tajín and the Twelve Thunders is the origin story of how the first hurricanes were created—with the help of one mischievous little boy.
Title: SHY
Author: Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrator- Eva Byrne
Publisher: Abrams Books
Release Date: 8/11/26
From New York Times bestselling mother-daughter duo Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton and bestselling illustrator Eva Byrne comes an empowering tale of finding your voice—starring a shy puppy who discovers the magic of music
Shy is the smallest and quietest pup at the shelter. The world feels big, loud, and a bit scary to her sweet and gentle soul.
But when a man with kind eyes brings her home, she feels safe with her new best friend—and keeps him company while he practices at his piano. Beautiful, unfamiliar sounds dance in the air when the piano man plays, and something inside her begins to stir.
The piano man has an important performance ahead—but it may be a performance no one, especially the piano man, ever expected.
Inspired by Julie Andrews’s real-life “singing” dog, this uplifting picture book invites readers to find their voice and share their talents with the world.
Title: Princess in Black Trick or Treating Trouble
Author: Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: 7/7/2026
Where is the real Princess in Black? A case of hilarious costume confusion leads some neighborhood trick-or-treaters to discover their inner heroes thanks to the power of a good disguise.
It’s a dark and silly night, and Princess Magnolia is wearing her Princess in Black cape and mask over her clothes—just enough to pass as a Halloween costume in a hurry. She can’t wait to go trick-or-treating! This year, Princess in Black costumes are popular, and so are monster disguises, like the little orange guy with horns yelling “GOAT!” as the kids shout “trick or treat!” When the little monster devours an onion, however, along with an eraser and a bar of soap (not to mention a rock), and as he politely asks for a goat at each door, it’s clear to Princess Magnolia that something isn’t quite right. And—oh no—the next house is Duff’s goat shack! With half of her monster-fighting outfit at home, who can come to the poor critters’ rescue? Halloween hijinks meet high-spirited heroics in a special Princess in Black adventure that’s a treat all around.
Title: Monsters Play… Hide and Seek!
Author: Flavia Z. Drago
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: 7/14/2026
Come out, come out, wherever you are! A monstrously sweet lift-the-flap book from the acclaimed creator of Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is perfect for Halloween—or any day.
One, two, three, four, five! Buster, are you hiding behind the plant pots? No, it’s Jack O’Lantern, watering his mandrakes! Are you hiding under the bed? No, it’s Max the monster, looking for his lost yellow sock! Kids will happily lift the flaps to peek in the window, look in the shower, open the closet, or spy in the fridge and be surprised by friendly characters going about their day. With a fun interactive element and bright, cheery illustrations, Flavia Z. Drago weaves in cameos by characters from prior books to make this a memorable game of hide-and-seek for old fans and new friends.
Title: Off the Wall
Author: Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle
Publisher: Holiday House Press, Neal Porter Books
Release Date: 8/4/2026
A story about art, collaboration, and happy accidents from your favorite duo of Caldecott Honorees, Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal.
Best friends Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle know a thing or two about collaborative art. After teaming up to illustrate Julie Fogliano’s I Don’t Care, they set out to explore what it takes to make stuff together!
Off the Wall is a joyful celebration of that very process. The day begins with one little girl, alone with a wall and a bucket of chalk. Then a friend comes along to play tic-tac-toe. Before you can say “look out!”, there are five friends, a cat, a dog, and a splattered ice cream cone. Chalk is flying, hands are getting dirty, and the art on the wall gets bigger and, more importantly, better.
Little artists and creative types of all ages will delight in the messmaking of a story that builds and builds to reveal what true friends make when they create together. Off the Wall reminds readers of the magic that happens when we play, experiment, and welcome the unexpected.
Title: The Thing About Pie
Author: Amy Hest
Publisher: Holiday House Press, Neal Porter Books
Release Date: 8/25/2026
As homey as its subject, a sweet tribute to America’s favorite dessert and the love that gets baked into it.
This is just about the perfect day: a morning in the kitchen baking, a bike ride across town with a fresh pie in the basket, and Grampa waiting to share warm slices in the park.
Three-time Christopher Award winner Amy Hest narrates in the second person, allowing young readers to identify with the protagonist’s burgeoning independence—taking the lead in the kitchen and center stage at a picnic.
Illustrator Christopher Thornock renders these simple joys, unplugged and screen-free, in warm, sunlight-washed tones. The Thing About Pie is the perfect book to share at bedtime, circle time, or in the park with a snack.
Title: Allie and the 100 Percent Perfect, Frustration-Free Day!
Author: Megan Wagner Lloyd
Publisher: Peachtree Press
Release Date: 7/28/2026
Allie is a little alpaca with big dreams: to make sure that each day is absolutely perfect in absolutely every way. That doesn’t seem too much to ask . . . does it?
Allie greets each day with a grin. This, she tells herself, is a NEW day. A promising day. And it will be a 100 PERCENT PERFECT, FRUSTRATION-FREE day!
Too bad reality doesn’t cooperate. Determined to master multiple skills, from tying her shoes to drawing an amazing picture to baking incredible cookies, Allie fails again and again, stomping and groaning and grumbling and moaning. Intent upon perfection, Allie misses a lot of fun along the way. Fortunately, little brother Alfie is there to remind her to laugh at herself and enjoy the process of getting to be pretty good. But not perfect.
Sometimes finding the funny can make everything feel just a little more sunny. And some days can feel just about perfect, regardless of what happens.
*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*
One winner will receive a copy of each title from the Summer Buzzworthy Book Giveaway 2026 (Kids)! ~US ONLY
*Click the Rafflepress link below to enter the giveaway*
