Books for Kids and Tweens
May 2026
Recent Releases
Olive Oakes and the Haunted Carousel
by Kalynn Bayron

Her 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.)
You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast
by Andy Griffiths; illustrated by Bill Hope

As they fall into a series of deep, dark plot holes, adventurers Me and You journey through outlandish settings and encounter bizarre creatures -- including a fearsome beast with a powerful hunger for peanut butter. This sequel to You and Me and the Land of Lost Things is equally zany, hilarious, and bursting with comics-style illustrations. For fans of: Dav Pilkey. (Ages 7-10.)
Rialto
by Kate Milford

On 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.)
A Fishboy Named...Sashimi
by Dan Santat

Barely 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.)
A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm
by Philip Stead

After 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.)
Prehistoric Creatures and Ancient Civilizations
Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker
by Heidi Heilig

Cincinnati 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.)
Lost Time
by Tas Mukanik

After a time travel experiment gone wrong, 12-year-old Evie is stuck in the Cretaceous period. Her only hope of rescue lies far across the wilderness. But with help from the huge flying pterosaur she befriends, Ava might have a chance. If you want thrilling action alongside accurate facts about dinosaurs, don't miss Lost Time. (Ages 9-13.)
Dinomighty!
by Doug Paleo; illustrated by Aaron Blecha

When Dinotown is threatened by a duo of evildoers, there's only one team of crime-fighters who can save the day: the Dinomighties! Teri-Dactyl (a pterodactyl), Dave (a Triceratops), T-Lex (a T. rex), and Bach (a chicken) leap into action in this graphic novel filled with silly puns and exaggerated, cartoony artwork. Next in the series: The Heist Age. (Ages 7-10.)
Big Tree
by Brian Selznick

In 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.)
Egg Marks the Spot
by Amy Timberlake; illustrated by Jon Klassen

Odd-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.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!