10 of the Best New Childrens Books Being Released in January

This board book introduces babies and toddlers to the family from Kim’s other books, Where’s Joon? and Where’s Halmoni? In it, Grandma Halmoni talks to her grandchildren about the beauty of life around them, and the art is lovely and bright.

This book beautifully emphasizes how everything is connected, using limited text and mixed media illustrations to show scenes from around the world—people eating noodles in Japan, penguins waddling in the Arctic, and African dancers at a celebration. For something with no story and few words, it manages to be both uplifting and visually engaging.

This is a picture book biography about Patrick Kelly, a Black designer who made a huge splash in the fashion industry before passing away too young from AIDS. Wright’s mixed-media art utilizes buttons and fabric scraps to accentuate the boldness of Kelly’s designs, and Pritchard’s text offers insight into a public figure who exemplifies individuality, originality, and creativity.

This is more poetic than purely educational, reading like an ode to Black culture. It showcases historical figures, cultural icons, holidays, and traditions. More of a primer than a deep dive, it will appeal to young kids who want to learn more. Plus, biographies of the people being showcased follow the main text.

This graphic nonfiction will be a big hit with robot fanatics. Exciting illustrations and cool facts will keep kids engaged as they learn about the scientists and engineers who are creating new machines. Research and breakthroughs are celebrated as readers learn about potential game-changing science discoveries.

This easy chapter book features numerous pictures and is divided into just three chapters—all of which make it perfect for younger readers just beginning to enjoy longer stories. It introduces the Hmong language and culture through the eyes of a little girl named Eliana as she helps with preparations for her family’s special New Year dinner.

This chapter book is designed for early and emerging readers, featuring numerous images and concise chapters. Willow has an unexpected best friend: a fairy named Lily. Willow is supposed to perform at her school’s Spring Day, but when stage fright hits, Lily and her fairy friends try to help by heading over to the school. This is an easy and pleasant read for kiddos who love fairies and maybe who want to get past their own stage fright.

Santat’s second book in his Sidekicks series brings on another adventure that kids will love. Data breaches, long-lost relatives, and revenge are all on the table in this exciting story focusing on Captain Amazing and his fellow hero friends. Santat’s books are always full of charming characters, and this one is no different.

Bel the cat and Zeb the dog live in an apartment with their human, Josephine. When Payton Parakeet goes missing during a magic show rehearsal, Bel finally gets to become a detective with a real case! Bel teams up with Zeb to suss out the various suspects in their building—à la Only Murders in the Building. Eventually, the animal duo’s escapade takes them into the outside world, where their close relationship makes them a formidable team. This is a funny adventure that kids will enjoy reading.