Every June, there are over 100 Usborne Books & More New Releases!! It’s my favorite time of year since we also have convention and get to see the new books, enjoy the authors doing live story times, and celebrate the previous year! For these new releases, there are so many amazing options that it can be hard to choose the ones to focus on. After much agonizing, here are five of my favorites:
Leo and the Octopus for ages 5+. Do you have a reader with autism? Leo & the Octopus is a heartwarming story of friendship and navigating life. Illustrator Chris Nixon (Lights-Out, Leonard) magically brings this picture book to life by showing us the world as seen through the eyes of others. Did you know octopuses change colors based on how they’re feeling? This book is perfect for children with autism or for anyone who might see the world a bit differently.
Explore! America’s National Parks for ages 7+. This was created with a real park ranger and is a wealth of info. Packed with 96 pages of facts, you’ll be able to discover specifics about each park, tidbits on things to do/bring/be aware of (e.g., the Grand Canyon spread mentions the high AZ heat). It also has packing tips, hiking tips, and features both illustrations as well as actual photographs of not-to-miss landmarks. This will be a big seller and definitely is impressive to see in person! You can see inside pics here!!
Escape Room – Can You Escape the Museum? for ages 8+. We also have Escape the Video Game! This title is very unique. It’s basically an at-home escape room with a series of progressively harder challenges (there are hint cards in the back for the younger kiddos, but it keeps it difficult for the older ones!). There are objects you need to put together in the back to help solve the puzzles and escape the room. See some inside pics here.
Table Manners for Tigers for ages 2+. This book has it all. It’s funny, rhyming, and tackles a topic pretty much every parent wants their kids to understand … table manners! It connects with our Miss Molly series (the tigers go to Miss Molly’s School of Manners!) and is simply delightful. Your kids will laugh each time the tiger “accidentally” eats a guest (so rude!!)
School of Monsters by Sally Rippin for ages 4+! Oh my gosh I LOVE this series and so does my almost 4 year old!! This is a bridge between picture books and the Hey Jack/Billie B series (by the same author). First readers start by reading only the brightly colored last word on every line and work up to reading the whole story. It has simple rhyming text yet is still a thoroughly enjoyable and funny story! I ordered this whole series right away and I’m so glad I did. In addition to the story, every book at the end has a spread for new words to learn plus step by step drawing instructions for the main character!! And some notes for the parents to help use this series for practicing reading skills. This is a fabulous pairing with our First Reading Library!
Psst – are you working with your child to teach them how to read?? Check out my post or watch my Youtube video to see my other faves!
While you’re checking out the new books, summer is a great time to revisit old faves!! I got my daughter Anne of Green Gables to read along with her!
This is a complete and unabridged, gorgeously illustrated version of the classic!!
Need an approachable take on some classics? Our graphic novels are ideal introductions!! Check out The Three Musketeers, Dracula, Adventures of Thor, and nine more!! You can find more classics by clicking here.
Which of these Usborne Books & More New Releases is your favorite?? Would your top 5 include mine or did you discover some others that are higher on your list? Let me know in the comments!
