This month’s book roundup includes stories that empower young people to make a difference in the world with actions big or small, and inspire them to use their creativity to find fun at home with everyday objects or in the great outdoors.

I Can’t Wait to Vote

by Tiffany Lanier, Illustrated by Olika Nikolskaia

“I Can’t Wait to Vote” follows 6-year-old Autumn who joins her parents at the polls on election day. During the car ride to their polling place at the library, Autumn imagines all the issues adults get to vote on. Nikolskaia’s cheerful illustrations depict the little girl in each scenario—Autumn as a councilgirl at City Hall or as a local judge. Lanier’s book aims to inspire other young citizens like Autumn to realize the importance of voting.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Changemakers

By Rebel Girls

The global empowerment brand for kids, Rebel Girls, releases the fifth volume of their “Good Night Stories” book series, “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Changemakers.” The inspiring book features notable figures like Taylor Swift, Zendaya, Greta Thunberg and more, all under the age of 30, in addition to original artwork by more than 60 young female and nonbinary artists. Ages 6 and up.

P.S. – We Made This! Super fun Crafts That Grow Smarter and Happier Kids

By Erica Domesek, Illustrated by Steph Stilwell

Los Angeles-based DIY expert, Erica Domesek, worked with Dr. Laurel Felt, who has her PhD in Childhood Development and Play, to identify the ways kids can thrive from each project in “P.S. – We Made This!” The colorful and easy-to-follow book is filled with creative projects, like Brick Oven Pizza (made from cardboard boxes) or Squeegee Artwork (using shower squeegees), that encourage kids (and parents!) to step away from their screens and build self-confidence through creating and crafting. Available Oct. 25.

Can You Spot the Leopard

Written and illustrated by Karen B. Winnick

Author, illustrator and President of the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, Karen B. Winnick’s latest children’s book “Can You Spot the Leopard,” pairs her full-color paintings with short poems about each animal spotted on a Jeep ride through the African savanna. The book is filled with real facts about animals from aardvarks to zebras before finally spotting the leopard. Recommended for ages 7-9. Available Oct. 25.

Finding Free Fun

By Yogi Roth, illustrated by Roxanne Rainville

On-air college football analyst, TV host, coach, filmmaker and author Yogi Roth believes in the power of sports and story. Inspired by his father who taught him to seek out fun through the outdoors and by his 7-year-old son, Roth wrote “Finding Free Fun.” A children’s book about discovering the ways, big or small, to enjoy the world around us, the protagonist Zayn learns that free fun is everywhere, from “a quiet moment under the waves” to “the wind blowing through your hair on a bike ride.”

Blue’s Clues & You

By Nickelodeon, National Eczema Association and Understand AD

Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues & You,” National Eczema Association and Understand AD, which aims to empower people living with atopic dermatitis, join forces for Eczema Awareness Month this October with their new E-book “Blue and Frida Felt Become Ecz-tra Special Friends.” The educational storybook about Blue and her new friend, Frida Felt, who has eczema, explores the power of friendship and how to embrace what makes each of us unique.

One of our favorite local children’s book authors, Seth Fishman, has a new book coming out Oct. 25 from a Penguin Random House / Penguin Workshop. This fun book is called “Bad Drawer” and it encourages to embrace creativity without being limited by perfectionism. Kirkus Reviews calls it a “creative story with a sound message: If at first you don’t succeed, ask a friend for help.” 

For more book suggestions, check out our September Book Corner.