Spring Children’s Preview
52 PUBLISHERS WEEKLY FEBRUARY 2, 2026
Little, Brown/Ottaviano The Bats on the Bus by Alison Jackson (July 21, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-316-58418-0). When Halloween tricksters who aren’t quite what they seem gather after dusk, they sing a silly- spooky version of “The Wheels on the Bus.” Ages 3–6. Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko (Feb. 17, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-316-57063-3) spotlights the childhood of this trailblazing author. Ages 4–8. The Girl Who Changed Little League: The True Story of Maria Pepe and Her Battle to Play Ball by Maria Pepe and Jean L.S. Patrick, illus. by Sarah Green (Mar. 3, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-316-46423-9). Pepe reveals how in 1972, at age 11, she paved the way for girls being officially allowed to play Little League baseball. Ages 6–8. The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl by Kit Brooks (May 5, $8.99 paper, ISBN 978- 0-316-60185-6), kicks off the Epic Axolotls middle grade fantasy series, featuring an axo- lotl named Ace who struggles to survive both human and animal predators. Ages 8–12. A Scar Like a River by Lisa Graff (Feb. 3, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-316-57080-0). Thirteen- year-old Fallon struggles to keep the secret behind the mysterious scar on her face as everything in her life gets more complicated. Ages 8–12. Birdy by N. West Moss (Feb. 17, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-316-44641-9). After the death of their mother, 11-year-old Birdy and her younger brother Mouse are forced to start over while discovering where they belong. Ages 10–14. In the Blood by April Henry (May 12, $19.99, ISBN 978-0-316-58621-4). When 17-year-old Tessa takes a DNA test to find her biological parents, she unknowingly puts herself in the crosshairs of a serial killer. Ages 13–17. Little, Brown/Patterson Skunk Goes Potty by James Patterson, illus. by Joe Kulka (June 16, $8.99 board book, ISBN 978-0-316-60165-8). With encourage- ment from friends and family, Sam the Skunk learns to leave his diapers behind. Ages up to 3.
Macmillan The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile by Julia Donaldson, illus. by Lydia Monks (Apr. 14, $9.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-4472-8444-4). When the tooth fairy sets off to collect jungle animals’ teeth, all goes well until she tries to take the tooth of a crocodile, who wakes up and decides that she looks like a tasty snack. Ages 3–7. Six Queens: An Illustrated Guide to the Iconic Queens of Henry VIII by Lydia Monks (Mar. 3, $18.95, ISBN 978-1-5290- 9528-9) compiles illustrated biographies of the six wives of this king. Ages 7–12. Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui Sit, illus. by David Dean (June 9, $9.99 paper, ISBN 978- 1-0350-4031-5). Puffin Lau has two prob- lems: her scientist mother barely speaks to her and a mythical wildcat depends on her for its survival. Ages 9–11. You Can Do It with a Broken Heart by Ana Sampson (May 12, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-0350- 7898-1) collects poems about the angst that comes with crushes, love, and heartbreak, written by legendary and modern poets. Ages 12 and up. Series Moominhouse presents In the Moominhouse: A Lift-the-Flap Moomin Story by Tove Jansson (Mar. 10, $9.99 board book, ISBN 978-1- 0350-4256-2), ages 3–6. Macmillan/Balzer + Bray Call Me Moby by Lars Kenseth (Feb. 10, $18.99, ISBN 978-1-250-40874-7). A white whale tries to make new friends with amus- ing results in the debut picture book by New Yorker cartoonist Kenseth. Ages 3–6. Dad by Christian Robinson (May 12, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-250-39704-1) pays loving tribute to all kinds of fathers. Ages 3–6. Kitty Caterpillar by Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White, illus. by Brigette Barrager (Feb. 24, $18.99, ISBN 978-1-250-39289-3), introduces a hero who is part kitty-cat, part caterpillar. Ages 3–6. Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please! by Ed Vere (June 2, $18.99, ISBN 978-1-250- 43967-3). Grumpy/sunshine duo Waffles and Julius star in a tale about friendship and respecting each other’s differences. Ages 4–8.
The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker, illus. by Jon Klassen (Feb. 3, $18.99, ISBN 978-1-250- 39281-7). In Nazi-occupied France, orphan Lucas discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance. Ages 8–12. The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga (Mar. 3, $18.99, ISBN 978- 1-250-38718-9) tells the story of a newly orphaned cheetah cub who forms a friend- ship with a rescue dog. Ages 8–12. Augusta Pine Does Not Exist by Emily Lloyd-Jones (July 7, $20.99, ISBN 978-1- 250-41052-8). A teen criminal hacker turned secret operative must outwit a band of cyber- terrorists. Ages 14 and up.
Macmillan/ Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Bartleby by Matt Phelan (Mar. 3, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-374-39355-7). A dapper polar bear learns the power of staying true to him- self. Ages 3–6. Vampurr by Justin Colón, illus. by Lenny Wen (July 7, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-374-39280-2). This tale of a vampire kitten who longs to be adopted into the perfect home celebrates those who love you just the way you are. Ages 4–8. Breakout by Christina Wyman (Mar. 10, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-374-39335-9). In this novel by the author of Jawbreaker and Slouch , a girl with chronic acne figures out how to feel good in her own skin. Ages 8–12. Dante N. Ferno Is Not a Loser by Brian Gordon (Feb. 3, $14.99, ISBN 978-0-374- 39501-8). Dante has a plan to shed his uncool reputation, despite the bullies and fiends at school, in this illustrated novel featuring twists on mythology and legends. Ages 8–12. The Blue Dress by Rebecca Morrison (Mar. 24, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-374-39360-1). In this story inspired by the author’s life, an Iranian American girl navigates complicated relationships with her mother, her best friend, and her body image. Ages 10–14. Together We See by Ari Tison (June 16, $20.99, ISBN 978-0-374-38951-2). Set in Costa Rica, this novel about environmental justice and the fight for retribution centers on a Bribri American teen searching for the
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