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Books for Kids and Tweens May 2026 |
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| A Fishboy Named...Sashimi by Dan SantatBarely disguised in a damp hoodie, fishboy Sashimi is "undercover," posing as a human sixth-grader at Barnacle Bay Elementary School. He’s there to investigate the legendary Beast of Barnacle Bay, but winds up finding unexpected friends. This graphic novel series opener pairs slapstick humor with a sincere search for belonging. Next in the series: Sashimi and the Field Trip of Doom, on bookshelves in September 2026. (Ages 6-10.)
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| Rialto by Kate MilfordOn vacation in Rialto, Missouri, sisters Dahlia and Ivy make friends with grieving local Remy, and all three are drawn into the magic surrounding an abandoned amusement park that was swallowed by a forest overnight. With an accelerating pace, memorable characters, and layers of folklore and mystery, Rialto offers a deep dive into a satisfying puzzle. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm by Philip SteadAfter her friend Perseverance the turtle is imprisoned, goatkeeper Bernadette sets out on a rescue mission, aided by a memory-impaired magician and a Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes. This illustrated fantasy -- in which the chapters are out of order and the author can't control the characters -- is witty, whimsical, and hilariously weird. Read-alikes: Matt Phelan's Knights vs. Dinosaurs; Kate DiCamillo's The Beatryce Prophecy. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Olive Oakes and the Haunted Carousel by Kalynn BayronHer cousin Eli calls her nosy, but observant 11-year-old Olive can’t help seeing mysteries everywhere. And with its rumors of ghostly children at a creepy carnival, the town of Whispering Woods is perfect for her next investigation. Pairing retro Goosebumps vibes with a gripping plot, this fast-paced read is sure to grab mystery fans. (Ages 7-11.)
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Prehistoric Creatures and Ancient Civilizations
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| Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker by Heidi HeiligCincinnati Lee's great-great-great grandfather was a famous archeologist, but some of the ancient artifacts he "discovered" were actually stolen, and now their family is cursed. The Spear of Destiny could right her family's wrongs -- if only Cincinnati and her friends can survive the dangerous, globe-trotting quest to find it. For fans of: the TV show Curses! (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Big Tree by Brian SelznickIn a danger-filled prehistoric world, sycamore seed siblings Louise and Merwin search for a safe place to grow. Told through dramatic writing and hyper-detailed pencil drawings, Big Tree provides an up-close look at the little seeds as well as a cosmic view that might make you think about your own place in the universe. (Ages 8-13.) |
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| Egg Marks the Spot by Amy Timberlake; illustrated by Jon KlassenOdd-couple roommates Badger and Skunk are on a camping trip so that scientist Badger can do some Important Rock Work. They're searching for a Spider Eye Agate, but they find something much more fascinating: a preserved dinosaur egg. This 2nd Skunk and Badger book boasts quirky characters, unexpected twists, and charming, old-timey illustrations. Next in the series: Rock Paper Incisors. (Ages 8-12.) |
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Contact your library for more great books! |
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