With school finishing up soon and summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to brush up on the most exciting new releases in children’s literature. May 2025 has quite a few much-anticipated titles from both debut authors and perennial favs that are perfect for filling up summer reading logs, featuring classic summertime themes like spending time with extended family, connecting with nature, and just maybe having a magical adventure or two. Get ready to dive into some of our picks for the can’t-miss new releases coming up next month!
Picture Books
New by Niña Mata (May 6th)
Geisel Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling creator Niña Mata makes her picture book writing debut with this sweet story about a young Filipina who ponders the meaning of being “new” on her first day at a new school. Tackling both the fear and excitement of newness — and offering a child’s perspective of the immigrant experience, Mata’s book is perfect for helping kids who will be adjusting to a new school experience in the coming fall.
I Am NOT a Vampire by Miles McKenna, Illustrated by Riley Samels (May 6th)
Actor, advocate, and YouTube star Miles McKenna makes his picture book debut with this delightfully creepy yet warmly affirming tale of identity and acceptance. In the spooky hamlet of Pumpkin Valley, everyone in Arlo’s family has already grown into their true vampire selves — except him. Despite his family’s assurances, he hates feeling different, something made all the more concerning when Arlo finally does transform… not into a vampire, but a werewolf!
Where Are You, Brontë? by Tomie dePaola, Illustrated by Barbara McClintock (May 6th)
The final completed manuscript of beloved Strega Nona author dePaola is brought to life with the help of illustrations by the award-winning McClintock. A deeply personal story based on the life of dePaola’s beloved pet Airedale Terrier, Brontë, the gentle text and heartwarming illustrations celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives, even beyond the pain and grief of losing them.
Papa Doesn’t Do Anything! by Jimmy Fallon, Illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez (May 13th)
The latest in Fallon and Ordóñez’s extremely popular series, which playfully celebrates family love through the eyes of very young children, this title puts grandfathers in the spotlight. While it may seem like Papa doesn’t do much other than sit in his chair, this couldn’t be farther from the truth! Papas enjoy all sorts of adventures and activities, especially when they get to spend time with their little ones (pst — this one is a perfect title to send along for visits to the grandparents).
Welcome Home, Esmerelda by Daniela Ramirez, Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga (May 13th)
While Esmerelda is technically from the United States, she’s never lived there! Her Papa’s job with the military has taken their family all over the globe, and now they’re moving “home” to San Antonio, Texas. While Esmerelda has a lot of family there, she’s not sure a place she’s never been can truly feel like home, but with a little help from her abuela, she’ll find that home isn’t a place — it’s people. This picture book debut from Ramirez is sure to pull the heartstrings of readers big and small.
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith (May 20th)
Featuring absolutely stunning art by best-selling picture book author-illustrator Smith, this gorgeous title examines the origins of humankind — the explorers, the artists, the healers, and more — from our beginnings as a species on the continent of Africa. Centering Black people in the origin story of humanity, Smith beautifully ties the earliest developments of the human race to the continent that birthed us all, a shared history that illuminates all that we had in common with our shared ancestors.
Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg, Illustrated by Dan Taylor (May 20th)
The picture book debut of Chasten Buttigieg, best-selling author, teacher, and husband of politician Pete Buttigieg, this precious tale follows a family as they prepare for the return of Papa, who has been away on business. With Daddy’s help, Jojo and Rosie work to make everything perfect for their Papa’s return… yet forget one small detail that will leave readers with a smile. If you’re looking for a slice-of-life LGBTQ+ family story, this one is a can’t-miss: it’s adorable, funny, and full of heart.
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca, Illustrated by Huy Voun Lee (May 27th)
What does it mean to be a U.S. citizen? Written and illustrated by the team of LaRocca and Lee — both of whom have gone through the process of naturalization — this insightful and powerful nonfiction title looks at the many ways in which people arrive in the United States to live, work, learn, and contribute to their communities. A realistic yet age-appropriate look at the complex and lengthy process of naturalization, this is a civics lesson that should find a place in every classroom.
Cousins! by Laura Lavoie, Illustrated by Luisa Leal (May 27th)
There’s a big family barbecue at Grandma June’s house today, which can mean only one thing: cousins! No matter their age, style, or personality, the cousins in this raucous crew are sure to make the day exciting and unexpected. A wildly funny and colorful adventure that bursts with humor, heart, and — for older readers from big families — nostalgia, this one is a must-read for kids who have their own cohort of cousins to catch up with over the summer.
Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han (May 27th)
After a noisy day in a busy city, Lewis is relieved to be heading home. Yet when their bus pops a tire on the way back, Lewis finds himself on a quiet country road with the other passengers, marveling at the quiet sights and sounds of nature in the evening. A peaceful bedtime read that encourages youngsters to slow down and enjoy the natural world that surrounds them, this one makes for a great camping or vacation read.
Middle Grade Books
Return to Sender by Vera Brosgol (May 6th)
What if all your wishes could come true? For Oliver, who is having trouble adjusting to his new school and dealing with personal tragedy, it feels like a reward for all that he’s been through… until he finds that granted wishes typically come with a price. Filled with phenomenal illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Brosgol and a story that will make readers laugh, cry, and get lost in the possibilities, this humorous yet powerful tale should top kids’ summer reading lists.
El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda (May 6th)
Kai Sosa used to be the best swimmer on his elite invitational team, but after losing his sister, Cali, two years ago, he’s been… off. Something is holding him back, and it’s not just the dreams of Cali or the fact that he hasn’t yet fulfilled her final wish. After discovering a book at the library that Cali had checked out again and again — one that tells of a mysterious underwater realm — Kai’s world starts to become a blend of fact and fantasy.
Where There Be Monsters by Alby C. Williams (May 6th)
Glory Brown is desperate to break away from her family’s traditions, who have spent generations acting as stewards of the Light Inn, a sanctuary for those traveling through a monster-filled land called the Seam. When opportunity arrives in the form of Marcus, a student of a school that trains kids to become explorers of the Outersphere, Glory sets off on an adventure that puts the fate of the worlds in her hands. Debut author Williams offers an expansive world full of danger and magic that young fantasy lovers will adore.
Weird Sad and Silent by Alison McGhee (May 6th)
For those who loved McGhee’s heartbreaking and soul-stirring Telephone of the Tree last year, her newest middle grade novel is not to be missed. Daisy’s been through a lot recently: living with her mother’s violent ex, being targeted by bullies at school, and silently struggling with anxiety. So she’s been working on “invisibilizing” herself, i.e., keeping a low profile. However, two new friends — one human, one fuzzy — may help her focus on thinking about the future, instead of disappearing from the present.
Growing into You! by Melissa Pintor Carnagey, Illustrated by Brianna Gilmartin (May 6th)
While there are a lot of books that help kids navigate the challenges of puberty, ones that are inclusive of all gender identities are few and far between. In this fun, enlightening, and affirming guide, kids are given a crash course on all the ways their bodies may be changing as they grow into themselves, regardless of how they identify or present their gender, in a presentation free of judgment or shame.
Malcolm Lives! by Ibram X. Kendi (May 13th)
Written by the author, historian, and anti-racist activist Kendi, the narrative biography of the often-misunderstood civil rights leader Malcolm X delves into his life from birth to untimely death by assassination. Stunningly researched and filled with archival documents and photographs, this may well prove to be a modern classic of X’s life, and of the civil rights movement as a whole, giving a dynamic and immersive look at a critical time in U.S. history.
The Garden Just Beyond by Lindsey Leavitt (May 20th)
When your entire family is exceptional, it’s easy to feel like… well, like the exception. For Magnolia Gartner, a member of the magical Gartner family of Humble Hollow, it can be tough balancing a love of tradition and family heritage with the feeling that she is not living up to all that is expected of her. But when a stranger comes to town and threatens her family’s magic — and secrets — Maggie must find the enchantment within herself in this absurd yet heartwarming tale.
So Over Sharing by Elissa Brent Weissman (May 20th)
Hadley and Willow don’t have much in common, but they do have one thing: both of their mothers are influencers who share every detail of their daughters’ lives with an audience of millions. In a biting and incredibly timely look at the pitfalls of growing up in an influencer family, Weissman sheds light on the often uncomfortable and sometimes devastating effects of growing up under a microscope — without consent — and the journey to reclaiming one’s digital identity.
Going Overboard by Caroline Huntoon (May 27th)
When it comes to moms, nonbinary middle schooler Piper Shapiro couldn’t ask for a better one. Ze and her mom are practically inseparable until the night her mom introduces her girlfriend Gwinny… who happens to be the mother of Piper’s classmate — and former enemy — Colton. Appalled by their mothers’ relationship intentions, Colton and Piper join forces to break the couple up, reverse Parent Trap-style. Filled with amusing antics, this is a great summer poolside read for middle graders.
Growing Home by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by The Fan Brothers (May 27th)
Teaming up again for the first time since The Scarecrow (a personal favorite of this writer’s), children’s book superstars Beth Ferry and The Fan Brothers bring young audiences this audaciously entertaining tale of a goldfish, a spider, and two houseplants who suddenly develop magical powers. With houseplants Ivy and Ollie battling it out for favorite flora, Toasty the goldfish being extra-salty, and arachnid Arthur trying to keep the peace, can this unlikely team band together in time to save the day from the sinister purple-shoed man? (p.s. — this book is a riot).
That’s our picks for the can’t-miss reads dropping next month! Be sure to check them out and add them to your family’s TBR lists, and happy reading!
For more of our favorite children’s books that explore diverse and inclusive themes, check out our article 10 Picture Books on Diversity to Build a Better, More Inclusive World.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
