Love Makes the World Go ‘Round
The CBC looks for a theme to spotlight in each month’s Hot Off the Press list so that we can alert parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and all children’s book enthusiasts to cool new offerings from our member publishers.
Whether it’s a budding crush, a slow-burning romance, or the sweet, boundless connection between a child and their grownup(s), love is a vital part of the human experience. Wrap yourself in warm fuzzies with these titles from our November Hot Off the Press list that celebrate the many ways we love: romantic love, familial love, friendship love, and sometimes the hardest to attain, self-love.
10 Things I Love About You, by Danielle McLean; illustrated by Grace Habib (Tiger Tales) — Concepts, Social Emotional Learning, Family / Community, ages 0-3.
This adorable board book celebrates the special love between a parent and child while introducing the numbers 1 through 10 and features a touch-and-feel texture on the cover and throughout the book.
In this sweet offering, a young child describes 10 reasons why they love their parent. The most special days feature time spent playing together; the happy smiles that they share; the hugs that are given; the cakes that are baked; the lullabies that are sung before bed; and so much more!
This joyful celebration of a child’s love for their parent features touch-and-feel textures to explore on every page and introduces children to the numbers 1 through 10.
All Mixed Up, by Raj Tawney (Paw Prints Publishing) — BIPOC Characters and Creators, Coming of Age, Immigrant Experience, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, ages 7-12.
New York Times essayist, Raj Tawney, delivers a gripping story of a multi-ethnic American boy who forges a complex friendship with a Pakistani immigrant in the wake of 9/11.
It’s 2002—less than one year after the September 11th attacks—and sixth-grader Kamal Rao is tackling a brave new world of challenges, including figuring out who he really is and how he fits in. Even with New York City in its backyard, the suburban town where he lives is anything but open-minded. That means Kamal—frequently picked on and feeling ostracized—usually spends his time alone, making mud pies in the backyard or cooking recipes with his mom and grandma from his family’s three cultures. Then, one day, a Pakistani immigrant named Jaz arrives at school, entering Kamal’s life and challenging his sluggish movement through the world. As the two boys forge a friendship over their love of exploring the outdoors and eating good food, the newcomer begins to show Kamal how being “different” isn’t a bad thing at all. For the first time, a fire is lit within Kamal—but what will happen when questions of Jaz’s origins and his intentions begin to come into question at school and in their town? Will Kamal—now on the cusp of discovering who he really is and who he wants to be—risk his own safety and his family’s trust help his new friend, someone he barely knows at all? Based on the author’s personal life experiences, an insightful middle-grade novel from a fresh voice in children’s fiction that will be felt long after the last page.
Hedge-Hugs and Kisses, written and illustrated by Sandra Magsamen (Scholastic / Cartwheel Books) — Animals, Family / Community, Kindness / Generosity, ages 0-3.
I’ll hug you close and kiss you on your head.
Now, my little hedgehog it’s time to go to bed.
Cuddle up with your little hedgehog and enjoy this adorable touch-and-feel board book. Babies and toddlers will love holding, touching, and reading this playful board book featuring soft, cozy hedgehog fur. With Sandra Magsamen’s signature message of love and rhyming text, this book makes the perfect read-aloud to snuggle up with at the end of each day!
Hugs and Squishy Kisses, by Danielle McLean; illustrated by Jordan Wray (Tiger Tales) — Family / Community, Social Emotional Learning, Holidays / Seasons / Celebrations, ages 0-3.
A celebration of boundless love with an adorable squishy heart!
My love keeps getting bigger–
it’s been growing since the start.
With every squishy hug and kiss,
you are my beating heart.
This adorable book, full of sweet illustrations and rhyming text, is the perfect way to show a little one just how important they are! From sunny days spent outside among the flowers, to cozy, starlit nights, the love between a child and their special grown-up is forever. Features a soft, squishy heart that shows through the front cover and on each spread.
I Love You Little Kangaroo, by Katrine Crow; illustrated by AtOLOnia (Flowerpot Press) — Animals, Sleep / Dreams / Bedtime, Concepts, ages 0-3.
Tell your little one just how much you love them with this charming rhyming board book.
Each sturdy board page features a beautiful watercolor animal parent and baby as well as simple text, making this perfect for tummy time with baby or bedtime with your growing little one. The final spread features a mirror element as a reminder that YOU are loved too!
I Love You More, by Clare Helen Welsh; illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell aka The Brave Union (Nosy Crow Inc.) — Social Emotional Learning, Family / Community, Animals, Sleep / Dreams / Bedtime, ages 4-6.
A heartfelt celebration of parental love and the beauty of nature.
How much does Mom love her little Rae? More than seal pups and penguins love their icy home, more than dolphins love the boundless sea, or lions love to race and roar, more even than all the stars, the moon and the sun combined. In fact, she loves her more than words can even say . . .
A beautiful, lyrical story which reassures children that the love between a parent and child is unconditional and everlasting, whilst encouraging them to explore and discover, to change and grow.
I’m Still Elody Elizabeth, by Molly McNamara Carter; illustrated by Shahrzad Salehi (Lawley Publishing) — Humor, Friendships, Coming of Age, Romance, ages 7-12.
Elody Elizabeth has had a crush for a hundred years … okay, maybe more like a hundred weeks. The problem is, she is shy—very shy. So, being able to talk to her crush seems impossible. If only talking to her crush was as easy as hanging out with Dean, her best friend and next-door neighbor. But that’s not the only problem. Elody is an incredible pianist and wants to attend a summer music academy; the thing is, she has to create a recorded audition, and after what happened the last time she performed, she is terrified. Can she overcome her stage fright to have a chance at getting into the summer music academy? And what happens when an embarrassing move brings her face to face with the king of her crush castle?I’m Still Elody Elizabeth is a story about friendship, family, and first crushes, but most of all, it is a story about learning to love ourselves and all the unique things that make us exactly who we are.
It’s My Story (Duke the Deaf Dog Series Chapter Book), by Kelly Brakenhoff; illustrated by Caterina Baldi (Emerald Prairie Press) — Disabilities, Social Emotional Learning, Cultural Diversity, Non-English Languages, ages 7-12.
Duke the Deaf Dog discovers that being deaf isn’t a problem to ‘fix’ but a part of what makes him special.
Meet Duke, a fun-loving second grader who loves to draw, play baseball, and explore the world around him. With his hearing aid and American Sign Language, Duke communicates in his own unique way. Through his adventures, Duke learns that being Deaf is a part of who he is, and it doesn’t need to be fixed.
In this heartwarming chapter book, Duke navigates school, friendships, and family life, showing that everyone has their unique way to learn and play. Young readers will relate to Duke’s struggles and triumphs as he embraces his identity and finds his place in both the hearing and deaf worlds. Perfect for ages 6-10, this story celebrates self-acceptance, inclusion, and the joy of discovering what makes us special.
With easy-to-read text and engaging illustrations, this book is ideal for emerging readers eager to explore new perspectives, learn a bit of sign language, and understand that our unique traits are what make us heroes.
The Love Interest, by Helen Comerford (Bloomsbury Publishing / Bloomsbury Children’s Books) — Action / Adventure, Romance, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Humor, Teen.
In this swoony and electric YA rom-com that offers a satirical take on superhero conventions, a teenage girl finds herself reluctantly fake-dating a superhero.
Seventeen-year-old Jenna Ray has just been saved by the world’s newest superhero, Blaze. And, in the eyes of the public, that means one thing: Jenna has been cast as the Love Interest.
Jenna has no interest in being a helpless love interest, kidnapped by villains whenever they want Blaze’s attention. In fact, she disapproves of the whole hero industrial complex on principle. But then an association of villains offers her a chance to find new information about her mom, who has been missing for ten years. All she has to do is get close enough to Blaze to spy on him.
The more time Jenna spends with Blaze, though, the harder it gets to lie to him. And the more she uncovers about the Hero’s Association, the more she realizes that her town is in danger-and she might be the only one who can save it.
Miles Comes Home, by Sarah Brannen; illustrated by Forrest Burdett (Little Bee Books) — LGBTQIA+, Family / Community, Kindness / Generosity, Imagination / Play, ages 4-6.
Miles wakes up on his adoption day feeling excited, nervous, and even a little sad, but when his supportive new dads pick him up from his foster home they bring warmth and understanding. This is a joyful and heartwarming celebration of LGBTQ families, adoption, kindness, and love.
Miles wakes up on his adoption day with butterflies in his tummy. He’s excited, but also nervous and a little scared. His new dads, Teddy and David, bring tender support, and waiting at home is his new big sister Michelle.
She can’t wait to show Miles his room, take him ice skating, and share all the amazing joy that makes their family great. Love takes time, but as they get to know each other better, the kindness of his sister and the dedication of his dads help their bond grow.
Authored by Sarah S. Brannen and gorgeously illustrated by Forrest Burdett, this sweet book celebrates gay parents and the power of family.
My Bright Shining Star, by Fatima Whitbread; illustrated by Rhian Wright (The Quarto Group / words & pictures) — Family / Community, Kindness / Generosity, Social Emotional Learning, Cultural Diversity, ages 4-6.
Introduce young ones to the strength of love and kindness in this touching story about finding hope in the toughest places, authored by Olympic-medal-winner Fatima Whitbread.
North Star, North Star,
Are you near or are you far?
Shining with a twinkling glow,
Please show us which way to go.
Join Little Fatima on a journey to find her forever home, even though it is not as easy as she had hoped. But through this journey, a bright shining star is always there to guide Fatima.
Lots of people look after Fatima and her friends at the children’s home, but Aunty Rae always makes Fatima feel special and loved. Even as the other children leave with their new parents, Aunty Rae encourages and cares for Fatima, filling her life with warmth and hope.
Through the uncertainty and disappointments, Aunty Rae is a constant support. Together, Fatima and Aunty Rae look out at the bright North Star and dream of Fatima’s happy future with a family waiting for her somewhere. But the brightest light in Little Fatima’s life is her Aunty Rae, her bright shining star.
Kindness and love can make you feel safe and strong, no matter your circumstances. All you need is one bright shining star to make you feel better, and this is the central message of this beautiful, powerful picture book. My Bright Shining Star gently demonstrates how important kindness is for children and families everywhere. Acts of kindness can make a true difference in other people’s lives, and this simple message is central to Little Fatima’s story – and is important for families everywhere.
Written by world javelin champion, world record holder and twice Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread, and informed by her own childhood growing up in children’s homes, this heartwarming story will fill readers with hope and love. An inspiring true account of Fatima’s own adoption and successful Olympic career follows the picture-book story, bringing the reality of growing up in care to life for readers in a gentle and comforting way.Paired with richly glowing, whimsical illustrations from Rhian Wright, this is a truly poignant story to be shared over and over again. My Bright Shining Star is a wonderful story of kindness to be enjoyed by all families, celebrating how love and hope shine through all darkness.
A Queen’s Game, by Katharine McGee (Random House Children’s Books / Random House BFYR) — Romance, Historical Fiction, Family / Community, Places / Travel, Teen.
The New York Times bestselling author of the American Royals series invites you to visit 19th-century Europe amid the glamour and intrigue of the Victorian era. In this historical romance inspired by true events, three princesses struggle to find love—and end up vying for the hearts of two future kings.
In the last glittering decade of European empires, courts, and kings, three young women are on a collision course with history—and with each other.
Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter, so she can expect to end up with a prince . . . except that the prince she’s falling for is not the one she’s supposed to marry.
Hélène d’Orléans, daughter of the exiled King of France, doesn’t mind being a former princess; it gives her more opportunity to break the rules. Like running around with the handsome, charming, and very much off-limits heir to the British throne, Prince Eddy.
Then there’s May of Teck. After spending her entire life on the fringes of the royal world, May is determined to marry a prince—and not just any prince, but the future king.In a story that sweeps from the glittering ballrooms of Saint Petersburg to the wilds of Scotland, A Queen’s Game recounts a pivotal moment in real history as only Katharine McGee can tell it: through the eyes of the young women whose lives, and loves, changed it forever.
The Ribbon Skirt: A Graphic Novel, written and illustrated by Cameron Mukwa (Scholastic / Graphix) — LGBTQIA+, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Coming of Age, Cultural Diversity, ages 7-12.
Ten-year-old Anang wants to make a ribbon skirt, a piece of clothing typically worn by girls in the Anishinaabe tradition, for an upcoming powwow. Anang is two-spirit and nonbinary and doesn’t know what others will think of them wearing a ribbon skirt, but they’re determined to follow their heart’s desire. Anang sets off to gather the materials needed to make the skirt and turns to those around them—their family, their human and turtle friends, the crows, and even the lake itself—for help. And maybe they’ll even find a new confidence within themself along the way.
Take It From the Top, by Claire Swinarski (HarperCollins / Quill Tree Books) — Friendships, Art / Performing Arts, Family / Community, Coming of Age, ages 7-12.
Set at a camp over the course of six summers, this novel dives into the falling-out of two girls from different backgrounds who thought they’d be friends forever. Claire Swinarski, Edgar Award nominee of the ALA Notable What Happened to Rachel Riley?, tackles privilege, perspective, and the power of friendship in this page-turning puzzle that readers will devour.
Eowyn Becker has waited all year to attend her sixth summer at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp. Here, she’s not in the shadow of her Broadway-star older brother; she’s a stellar performer in her own right. Here, the pain of her mom’s death can’t reach her, and she gets to reunite with her best friend, Jules Marrigan—the only person in the world who understands her.
But when she gets to camp, everything seems wrong. The best-friend reunion Eowyn had been dreaming of doesn’t go as planned. Jules will barely even look at Eowyn, let alone talk to her, and Eowyn has no idea why.
Well, maybe she does…
There are two sides to every story, and if you want to understand this one, you’ll need to hear both. Told in a series of alternating chapters that dip back to past summers, the girls’ story will soon reveal how Eowyn and Jules went from being best friends to fierce foils. Can they mend ways before the curtains close on what was supposed to be the best summer of their lives?
You Are My Everything, by Kelly Conroy; illustrated by Abigail Hookham (Tiger Tales) — Animals, Family / Community, Holidays / Seasons / Celebrations, Social Emotional Learning, ages 4-6.
A lyrical and heartfelt tribute from a parent to their “everything,” their child.
Following a parent and child elephant on their annual migration to join the herd, this sweet story celebrates all of the ways in which a child is “everything” to their parent, their family, and their community. The pair set off together in the early morning and experience the warm, golden sun, the cool, refreshing water, and finally the cheerful sounds of the rest of the herd when they all join up. As beautiful as early morning sunshine and as warm as a tender trunk embrace, this book is the perfect way for parents and families to say “I love you” to their special little one.
For more great book suggestions, be sure to check out the full November Hot Off the Press list!
List compiled by CBC’s resident book connoisseur, Brooke Pisarsky. Check out other Hot Off the Press Spotlight book lists on our blog.
