The Best Children’s and YA Books of April 2019
by the Brightly Editors
Spring has officially sprung, graduates are preparing to graduate, and readers of all ages are in for a treat with this month’s new book releases. From silly and educational picture books to a middle grade memoir and YA reads both romantic and real, we’ve rounded up sixteen of our favorite children’s and YA books appearing on shelves this month.
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Picture Books
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Carl and the Meaning of Life
Why do earthworms burrow through the dirt? Carl the earthworm needs to know. He sets out on a journey to meet all the forest animals he can find, each of whom seems to understand their role in this great, wide planet. By the end, Carl discovers that every creature — big and small — plays an important part in our ecosystem.
(On sale: 4/2/19) -
Don’t Let Them Disappear
For nature- and animal-loving readers, Chelsea Clinton offers an accessible and helpful introduction to endangered species around the world — and the steps we humans can take to keep them from disappearing for good. Full of fascinating facts and engaging illustrations, it’s an important primer for all Earth-dwelling families.
(On Sale: 4/2/19) -
Little Taco Truck
Little Taco Truck has long been a favorite on Union Street, but when Miss Falafel and Gumbo Jumbo show up with their food truck friends, Little Taco Truck loses his parking spot! A sweet story about making room for everyone’s unique flavors, this one’s a great addition to the read-aloud repertoire.
(On Sale: 4/2/19) -
The Night Library
On the eve of his birthday, a young boy goes to bed with the disappointing knowledge that his imminent birthday gift is a book. That’s when Patience and Fortitude — the stone lions who guard the New York Public Library — pull their best Peter Pan and whisk the boy away to reveal the magic of libraries and the wonder of books.
(On Sale: 4/2/19) -
High Five
Perfect for restless readers and high-spirited groups, High Five is a rhyming, rambunctious ode to the art of high fiving from the creators of Dragons Love Tacos. With stretches, tips, and increasingly silly challenges, your kids will be clamoring for second and third (and fourth and fifth...) reads.
(On Sale: 4/16/19) -
Animalicious
The creators of the Llama Llama series bring their creativity and wit to an ABC book you’ve not seen the likes of yet. We all know C is for cow and Z is for zebra — but what about the lesser known Anonymouse? The not-so-polite Kangarude? Imaginary animals abound in this quirky compendium.
(On Sale: 4/23/19) -
Love the Fur You’re In (Sesame Street)
Are you as excited as we are to celebrate Sesame Street’s fiftieth anniversary? We thought so! This beautiful hardcover is bursting with wise and amusing life advice — “Don’t hide your light under a trashcan” — and full-color illustrations that look back on five decades of Sesame Street book art. This heartwarming compilation is a delightful gift for readers of all ages (including new grads!).
(On Sale: 4/23/19) -
You're Missing It!
It’s happened to the best of us: we’re glancing down at our phone when our child cries, “You’re missing it!” A passing butterfly, a cloud in the shape of a pirate ship — children never fail to miss life’s everyday wonders. This cheerful, colorful book is an important reminder to enjoy the little things together.
(On Sale: 4/30/19)
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Middle Grade
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Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself
Matthew Gray Gubler of "Criminal Minds" fame has created an absurdly charming character in the form of Rumple Buttercup, a lizard-like fella with five crooked teeth, three strands of hair, and skin of the freshest mint green. Along with his imaginary friend Candy Corn Carl, Rumple Buttercup learns a thing or two about the perks of individuality — and of belonging, too.
(On sale: 4/2/19)
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Trevor Noah: Born a Crime
We’re so excited that Trevor Noah’s coming-of-age story based in South Africa during and after apartheid is now available for middle grade readers! In this phenomenal memoir, Noah delves into growing up mixed-race under a racist government and persevering through countless obstacles — with encouragement from his tenacious mother — toward a brighter future.
(On Sale: 4/9/19) -
The Line Tender
Lucy was seven when her marine biologist mother died while on a research trip. Twelve now, Lucy lives in a sleepy Cape Cod town with her depressed father when a great white shark makes an unlikely appearance. Determined to complete her mother’s research and reconnect with her father, Lucy taps into her well of resilience and ingenuity.
(On sale: 4/16/19) -
The Unicorn Rescue Society: The Chupacabras of the Río Grande
The dynamic duo behind the Unicorn Rescue Society are back on the case — and this time, their mission is to save a new mythological creature: the chupacabras that live on the U.S.-Mexico border. With the help of two local kids and their parents, Elliot and Uchenna work together to save the chupacabras and reunite a community.
(On sale: 4/16/19)
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YA
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All for One
Readers fell in love with the story of young Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, and the trilogy’s finale is the perfect crescendo. The couple’s household is expanding — Eliza’s brother has come to stay, as well as an orphaned teenage girl — and while sparks fly between those two, Alex’s newest legal case threatens to upend everything they’ve worked so hard to build.
(On sale: 4/9/19) -
How to Make Friends with the Dark
There’s nothing out of the ordinary about the day Tiger Tolliver’s mother dies, but every day afterward feels wrong without this crucial presence in Tiger’s life. A raw and fearless meditation on grief, loss, and navigating through the darkness into the light, How to Make Friends with the Dark will stick with readers far past the final page.
(On sale: 4/9/19) -
The Sun Is Also a Star
Soon to be an unmissable film starring Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton, Nicola Yoon’s exhilarating novel captures the twists of fate, dashed hopes, and starry-eyed wistfulness between two young people who had more important things to do than fall in love. Teen readers will appreciate this movie tie-in edition, featuring photos from the film.
(On sale: 4/16/19) -
If I'm Being Honest
In this whip-smart follow-up to the wildly popular Always Never Yours, Cameron Bright decides it’s time to tone down her mean-girl persona. The first stop on her amends tour is Brendan, whose social life she may have played a teeny, tiny part in wrecking beyond all hope. Forgiveness is a slow burn, as are the sparks that start flying between them.
(On sale: 4/23/19)
