Check it Out
February 2026
New and notable items from the Children's Department
Highlights of new and exciting titles for caregivers, educators and children birth-twelve.
 
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Picture Books
If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall
If We Were Dogs
by Sophie Blackall

Two children navigate their friendship as they imagine what it would be like to be dogs.
Robot's First Snow by Billy Sharff
Robot's First Snow
by Billy Sharff

All day in the factory, Robot sorts and stacks and dreams of playing when he is done, until one day it snows, and he ventures out, discovering the joy of snowy fun.
Can I Keep It, Please? by John Sullivan
Can I Keep It, Please?
by John Sullivan

In an attempt to find the perfect pet, Evie soon realizes her plain old cat Sasha unknowingly fits the bill.
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)
by Corey R. Tabor

All the animals think Crow is just cranky, but there's more to his actions than meets the eye.
The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers
The Monster in the Lake
by Leo Timmers

Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He's heard there's a monster in the lake, but his friends don't believe a word of that old story Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure. This large-format picture book features a detailed, fold-out, underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who's nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.
Fiction and Graphic Novels
The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene
by Corey Ann Haydu

In this poignant, magical tale by the acclaimed author of Eventown, two girls find themselves dropped into each other's world--and must face down dragons they've only imagined. Auden Denny Greene is happiest with her friend Runa, creating stories set in their imaginary land of Sorrowfeld, where princesses rule and cursed dragons are a constant danger. But now that they are turning twelve, Runa seems ready to give up on the magic of Sorrowfeld just when Denny needs it the most...Princess Auden is the last remaining princess of Sorrowfeld--and on her twelfth birthday, she will be expected to vanquish the dragons that took her family. Only, when a swarm attacks her birthday celebration, all she can do is run...But suddenly. Auden is in Denny's world. And Denny is in Auden's.The two Audens have switched places. No one but them has any idea. And now, each girl must come into her own power in order to fight the other's dragons. The magical beasts of Impossible Creatures meet the body-swap of Freaky Friday, set in a world as fantastical as Wicked's Oz!
One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen
One Wrong Step
by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Twelve-year-old Atlas Wade has been climbing mountains for years, but after being forced to stay behind as his father joins a team of Mount Everest climbers, he sees an avalanche trapping his father's expedition, then--along with their Sherpa Chodak and an American girl, Maddie--Atlas begins a perilous journey to rescue the team.
The Great Mouse Escape: A Word of Mouse Tail by James Patterson
The Great Mouse Escape: A Word of Mouse Tail
by James Patterson

The talking mouse takes an epic cross-country road trip to save his mouse friend Mikayla, and both make new friends and have adventures along the way.
A Waffle Lot of Love! (a Narwhal and Jelly Book #10) by Ben Clanton
A Waffle Lot of Love! (a Narwhal and Jelly Book #10)
by Ben Clanton

Dive into three new stories with best buds Narwhal and Jelly! It's Palentine's Day and Jelly gives Narwhal a whaley nice card - but now Narwhal has no idea what to give him! One card isn't nearly enough, and soon Narwhal is flooding Jelly with gifts galore: waffles, a song about Jelly, more waffles, a book about Jelly . . . MORE waffles! Jelly is grateful, but would prefer the present of Narwhal's presence more than all of Narwhal's over-the-top displays of friendship. Can Narwhal realize what true friendship means before they go off the deep end trying to please their pal?--
Gabby Torres Is the Best Winner Ever by Angela Dominguez
Gabby Torres Is the Best Winner Ever
by Angela Dominguez

Gabby has a new idea: now that she's finally learned how to not burn her cookies, she will become the best baker the world has ever seen. The local grocery store's baking competition is the perfect opportunity to show everyone what she's made of: winner material! All she needs to do is buy books for research and baking supplies--and more baking supplies--and more baking supplies--oh, dear. What will happen when her money, and her parents' patience, runs out?
Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper
Wrong Friend
by Charise Mericle Harper

What happens when your BFF is no longer forever? A fresh and honest graphic novel about friendships lost and found. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier! Charise and Casey have been best friends for years. It never mattered that Casey was older by two years--until she started high school. Now, the two barely talk, and Charise is on a mission to get a new best friend. But can she find that perfect person while navigating long-distance friendships, guinea pig allergies, and the embarrassing quirks of her family?
Non-Fiction
Matisse: Magician of Color by Derek Desierto
Matisse: Magician of Color
by Derek Desierto

From New York Times-bestelling illustrator, Derek Desierto, here is nn inspiring, exquisitely illustrated picture book biography of Henri Matisse, who overcame hardship to create masterpieces. A lovely homage.
Minecraft Atlas of the World: Create the Real World in Minecraft with 60+ Inspiring Builds by Craig Jelley
Minecraft Atlas of the World: Create the Real World in Minecraft with 60+ Inspiring Builds
by Craig Jelley

Filled with marvelous ideas, tips, and tricks for creating your own Minecraft builds, this educational Minecraft book for kids is inspired by real-world locations and natural wonders. Full of fun facts about locations, objects, and animals from around the world, this is more than just an atlas - it's a treasure trove of exciting Minecraft build ideas inspired by the real world!
Weirdest Animals on the Planet by National Geographic Kids
Weirdest Animals on the Planet
by Jennifer Szymanski

Meet the most unusual, most fantastical, creepiest, and--yes--grossest creatures that call Earth home in this lively, fact-filled guide to the world's oddest animals.
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