From heartwarming stories of friendship and love to spooky mysteries, sports adventures, and laugh-out-loud graphic novels, this month’s bookshelf offers something for every young reader. Whether your child loves picture books, graphic novels or middle grade reads, these standout titles are worth adding to your family’s reading list.
Love Finds A Way
By Vern Kousky
A sweet, gently humorous picture book about an anxious little bird who tries to avoid love–only to discover it in an unexpected friendship with a loyal dog. With warm mixed-media illustrations and a heartfelt message, this Valentine’s-perfect story celebrates companionship, acceptance, and the many ways love shows up in our lives. Ages 3-8.
The Secrets Below
By Camilla and Viveca Sten
The first book in the series, The Secrets Below follows twelve-year-old Tuva on a frozen island where classmates begin disappearing and something dark seems to be stirring beneath the sea. As she teams up with a new friend to uncover what’s really happening, the story blends eerie folklore, mystery and adventure into a chilling middle-grade page-turner. Ages 8-12.
Decoy Saves Opening Day
by Shohei Ohtani and Michael Blank
Decoy Saves Opening Day follows baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s lovable dog, Decoy, as he races to retrieve his forgotten lucky ball in time for Opening Day’s first pitch. It’s a fast, fun picture book filled with ballpark energy, heart, and plenty of puppy charm. Ages 3-8.
Pizza and Taco Go Viral!
By Stephen Shaskan
This silly book follows two best friends, Pizza and Taco, as they try to become StewTube stars by creating funny videos and go viral–even borrowing a neighbor’s dog to help capture the perfect footage. Full of humor, bold illustrations and chapter-style storytelling, this upbeat graphic novel is ideal for early readers looking for laughs, friendship and plenty of foodie fun. Ages 6-8.
The Dancing Lumpia
By Carlos Cabaneros
The Dancing Lumpia celebrates Filipino food, family and holiday traditions through joyful text and colorful illustrations. The story follows a child’s excitement and connection to culture as they help prepare lumpia and other favorite dishes, making it a warm, delicious read for young children and families exploring heritage and togetherness. Ages 3-8.
This collection of books was curated by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky, an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author and industry expert who lives and breathes children’s books. She is the author of the Being Me series, including her 2025 book, Being Middle.
