Spring is in the air! These new and upcoming releases will help keep young ones occupied when spring break rolls around.
Preschool Picture Books
By Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Julia Seal
Television personality and author Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s second children’s book is a celebration of artists and their artworks. Here, the young characters view many famous paintings by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. But nothing compares with the greatest “Artist” and his greatest masterpiece—you, me, and everyone else, with our unique features and personalities.
A great introduction to famous artworks (pick a favorite!) and an affirming reminder that we are all special the way we were created.
WaterBrook, 40 pages, March 25, 2025
By Peter Curtis
This fun interactive life-the-flap book is perfect for little fingers and children who are just crazy about dinosaurs. Each page presents a clue about the pictured dinosaur, with interesting trivia and additional information under liftable flaps. Children who are already familiar with these prehistoric reptiles may call out their guesses and check if they’re right. Words like “herbivore,” “armor,” and “frills” will be added to their dinosaur vocabulary.
A great way to present to and engage young readers with “dino” facts.
Simon Spotlight, 16 pages, April 15, 2025
School-Age Stories
By Stacy McAnulty and Elizabeth Baddeley
Young readers can hop in and follow along on this bumpy ride across America. From San Francisco to New York, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewall Crocker, along with Bud—a bulldog they picked up along the way—made history as the first people to ever make a cross-country trip in a horseless carriage. With no windshields, seat belts, or gas stations, the challenge was very real. Dirt roads and the elements meant constant wear, tear, and repair on their vehicle, causing their journey to take longer. Can this pioneering trio make it within the three-month deadline?
A fun great read on the American trailblazing spirit!
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 48 pages, March 18, 2025
By Jane Kurtz and Claire Messer
In the 1700s, the Dutch East India Company set up trading posts in India. Clara, an orphaned Indian rhinoceros, was taken in by a kind Dutch merchant. But as it grew too big to be a house pet, a Dutch sea captain decided to take it on a trip back to Europe. After all, not many have seen a live rhino before, and it could help dispel any misconceptions about these exotic creatures. As Clara trotted the globe, endearing itself to kings and queens, young and old, rich and poor alike, it gave opportunities for scientists to learn more about its species. Clara even became a muse for many European artists.
This picture book pays tribute to one of the gentlest giants the world has ever known.
Beach Lane Books, 40 pages, April 8, 2025
By Jenny Andrus and Julie Downing
Growing up as a child in Vienna, Austria, Elsa loved chess. When threats of war loomed, the family moved to North America, along with Elsa’s trusty chessboard. In a new country, she struggles to adapt until she learns that the language of chess helps build bridges with her adoptive community. As Elsa marries, has children, and her children have their own children, chess also becomes instrumental in helping her bridge the gap between her family’s generations.
Written by her granddaughter, “Elsa’s Chessboard” is a heartwarming story on how finding common ground can be the trick to winning the game of life.
Neal Porter Books, 48 pages, April 29, 2025
Independent Reads For Holy Week
By Judith Bouilloc and Sarah Ugolotti
The story of the apostle Paul is told from the point of view of Clement, a slave of a Roman centurion. As he boards the ship with his master to journey back to Rome from their military outpost, he meets Paul. His teachings about Jesus had angered influential leaders in Judea, and he was to be tried in Rome. While on board, Clement spends some time with the prisoner, who continues to speak about his faith and hands out simple, practical advice to the young slave. As Clement questions whether God can truly release him from his bondage, will Paul be able to explain what it truly means to be free?
This beautifully illustrated chapter book is based on Paul’s epistles to the different Christian communities found in the New Testament. Readers will be able to empathize with young Clement as he tries to grapple with some truths about God and faith.
Magnificat-Ignatius Press, 72 pages, March 21,2025
By Paul Karensa and Anglika Dewi Anggreini
Few biographical sketches published in this day and age focus on the faith stories of famous people, but Starshine Books hopes to answer that need.
Containing biographical sketches of John Newton (composer of “Amazing Grace”), Thomas Barnardo (founder of a charity for orphans), and Wangari Maathai (2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner), it also features more recognizable names like George Washington Carver and Rosa Parks. Each sketch includes their backstories and achievements, and at the end of each profile is a famous quote attributed to the person, as well as some reflection questions, a Bible verse, and a short prayer.
Starshine Books, 160 pages, April 22, 2025
By Matt Mikalatos and David Shephard
The story takes place after Jesus’ tomb is discovered to be empty. As travelers, including children Rachel and Moshe, trudge to Emmaus, they are joined by a “stranger” who shares stories, reminding them of God’s love and faithfulness.
Shared through the popular graphic novel medium, well-known stories from the Bible are brought to life through colorful illustrations, helping readers imagine the landscape during Jesus’ time. The nonlinear storytelling of Christian author and speaker Matt Mikalatos provides a creative way to show how one Old Testament story connects with a New Testament one.
Readers who are already familiar with the stories will find this format refreshing.
WaterBrook, 256 pages, April 1, 2025
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]
