Oona in the Arctic 

By Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa 

New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Raissa Figueroa continue the adventures of Oona the mermaid in the third installment of their Oona series, “Oona in the Arctic.” When Oona helps a lost baby beluga whale find its way home, they meet kind strangers and make new friends. Their journey through the arctic sea shows how a little kindness goes a long way. Ages 4-8. 

A Kids Book About Anxiety

by Ross Szabo 

Between the pandemic, holidays and typical growing pains, there is a lot to feel anxious about. But if we aren’t used to talking about mental health, experiencing anxiety can be scary or confusing. Ross Szabo, Wellness Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA, tackles the important conversation around mental health in “A Kids Book About Anxiety,” which is meant to be read together, adult and child. Through simple text and visuals mimicking a heartbeat, “A Kids Book About Anxiety” shows what anxiety can feel like and how we can live with it. 

Very Good Hats 

By Emma Straub, illustrated by Blanca Gómez 

Bestselling author and bookstore owner Emma Straub released her first children’s book. “Very Good Hats” is a colorful and joyful look into the different ways we can see ordinary objects. Acorns make perfect hats for fingers and bubbles make great temporary hats. Not only does it inspire us to look at the world in a new light, the charming illustrations remind us of the limitless imagination children bring to this world. Ages 2-5. 

This Little Kitty 

By Karen Obuhanych 

In “This Little Kitty” debut author-illustrator Karen Obuhanych uses rhyming text and playful illustrations of cats doing very cat-like things, like grooming, sitting in a box for hours and clawing the chair. The humorous picture book will make both kids and adults giggle as they read along. Ages 3-7. 

Love Without Wings: an Adoption Fairytale

By Adam Swain Ferguson, illustrated by Veronica Stanley-Hooper 

L.A.-based writer, producer and director Adam Swain Ferguson adapts his own true story of becoming a father in this modern fairytale. “Love Without Wings” tells the story of two kings who dream of becoming fathers. One day the two kings and a beautiful fairy wished upon the very same star. The fairy wished she could find the perfect family for the baby boy growing in her belly. This touching story weaves together the challenges of adoption with the magic of dreams coming true.  

Shine Bright

by Kheris Rogers, illustrated by Michal Renee Roe 

16-year old multi hyphenate Kheris Rogers adds children’s book author to her list of accomplishments with “Shine Bright.” In her debut picture book, Kheris pulls from her own experience of getting bullied for her dark complexion. The protagonist Imani loves meeting new people until one day a group of kids make fun of her for looking different. Imani turns to her sister who reminds her of all the reasons she shines bright. This uplifting book is filled with affirmations that remind us all the ways we shine bright, too. 

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