Warren County Library System: Books for Kids and Tweens: December 2025

Recent Releases

Absolutely Everything: A Graphic Novel
by Damian Alexander

Lately, life feels like a lot for Marcella. Sixth grade seems complicated on purpose. Marcella keeps forgetting her homework or getting distracted while she's doing it. Plus, her bestie has new friends, and her parents even want to move apartments. She's trying to keep track of the changes--but absolutely everything is stressing her out! In this funny, thoughtful graphic novel, author-artist Damian Alexander tells a story of growing up, ADHD, and focusing on what makes you who you are. (Ages 9-14.)

Bad Badger: A Love Story
by Maryrose Wood

Septimus is not good at being a badger. He adores the sunset. He dreams of going to Venice. And he lives alone in a charming cottage by the sea. He's not unhappy with his tidy, solitary life, but there are times when being so bad at badgerdom makes him wonder if he's even a badger at all. When a gull of very few words lands on the windowsill, Septimus leaps at the possibility of friendship. However, his new confidant soon goes missing and Septimus is bereft. Determined to find his best--and only--friend, he ventures into new territory and encounters a cast of surprising characters. Can Septimus be as brave and bighearted as he'll need to be to find Gully? Or is he really a bad badger after all? (Ages 7-10.)

Fooled
by Susan Haas with Lexi Haas

Along with the other disabled kids at her unsupportive middle school, wheelchair-using fantasy fan Lil Evers is used to being sidelined. But after some wizard school roleplaying accidentally convinces people that she and her friends can do magic, Lil is suddenly getting a lot of attention -- both good and bad. Likeable, authentic characters anchor this own voices story. (Ages 8-12.)

Winging It
by Megan Wagner Lloyd; illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter

Twelve-year-old Luna doesn't want to move across the country with her dad, especially not to move in with the strict grandma she hardly knows. But after discovering old nature journals from the mom she never knew, Luna finds unexpected connections to her new home. Cartoony art and honest emotions make this graphic novel a strong choice for realistic fiction fans. (Ages 8-12.)

Night Chef
by Mika Song

Night Chef is a raccoon cook who lives inside the walls of a fancy human restaurant. When she meets baby crow Ichi, Night Chef ventures out of her safe home in search of the hatchling's family. Illustrated with watercolor art and set in a cozy animal-centric world, this graphic novel will appeal to both foodies and fantasy fans. Read-alike: Rutabaga the Adventure Chef by Eric Colossal. (Ages 6-10.)

Chapter Book Roundup

Amy Looks Before She Leaps
by Callie Barkley

After finding a stray kitten who is blind, Amy learns how to take extra care of her, soon discovering little Sherlock can do lots of things on her own, and is ready for the Critter Club to find her a loving forever home. (Ages 5-9.)

Backstage Fright
by Andy Nonamus

On opening night, a very unlucky kid's stage fright puts the play in jeopardy, but an unlikely friend helps save the show. (Ages 5-9.)

Big Changes for Plum!
by Matt Phelan

When the Athensville Zoo undergoes renovations, Plum, a peppy peacock, initially feels overwhelmed by the changes, but eventually discovers that embracing them can lead to even greater things. (Ages 8-12.)

Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales: Troubling Tonsils!
by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Peter Brown

Blending humor and horror, this series starter stars Charlie Marmot, who's supposed to have his tonsils removed -- except his tonsils seem to have a mind of their own, as well as a thirst for revenge! Told in the eerie style of an old-school black-and-white TV show, this illustrated chapter book will keep you guessing until the end. (Ages 6-9.)

Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship
by Shifa Saltagi Safadi; illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Third-grader Amina and her family have just moved from Syria to the United States, and Amina's got a scientific plan for making friends at school. But even the best plans can fall through, especially when English is SO confusing. Thankfully, friendship finds Amina in unexpected ways in this heartfelt series starter. Next in the series: Amina Banana and the Formula for Winning. (Ages 7-10.)

Contact your librarian for more great books!