The Best Children’s and YA Books of February 2019
by the Brightly Editors
We’ve rounded up some of February’s best new releases for picture books, middle grade, and YA readers. From picture books all about birthdays to moving tales of friendship to a thrilling murder mystery, there’s a lot of great reading to pack into such a short month.
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Picture Books
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Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Available from:Did you know that The Very Hungry Caterpillar turns 50 this year? Filled with colorful images of presents, cake, and balloons in Carle’s signature collage style, this delightful little board book is the perfect gift to give to any little ones celebrating their own big day.
(On sale: 2/5/19)Also available from: -
Hello, World! Ocean Life
The Hello, World! series uses simple facts and cheerful illustrations to teach babies and toddlers all about the world around them. This particular book focuses on ocean life, perfect for little beach-goers. Also check out How Do Apples Grow? for a fun take on every tiny tots favorite fruit.
(On sale: 2/5/19) -
I Am Billie Jean King
Available from:This latest installment in the Ordinary People Change the World series introduces young readers to female tennis champion Billie Jean King. King played tennis star Bobby Riggs in a match that became known as the Battle of the Sexes. As an advocate for gender equality, her victory made her an important figure in the history of women’s sports.
(On sale: 2/5/19)Also available from: -
Wordy Birdy Meets Mr. Cougarpants
Available from:Everyone’s favorite bird is back and just as talkative as ever. Wordy Birdy is very excited for a camping trip with friends, but they quickly become exasperated by her nonstop chatter. It isn’t until she talks a cougar out of eating them for dinner that they learn to appreciate her gift for gab.
(On sale: 2/5/19)Also available from: -
Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish
Available from:It’s important to celebrate a birthday properly and this menagerie of animals is here to show you how! A fun and hilarious book that’s sure to become a part of your family’s birthday traditions.
(On sale: 2/12/19)Also available from:
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Midde Grade
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Song for a Whale
Available from:Written by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly, Song for a Whale follows a twelve-year-old girl's struggles as a deaf person. When she learns about a whale unable to communicate with the rest of its species, she becomes determined to help him be heard.
(On sale: 2/5/19)Also available from: -
The Bridge Home
Available from:For runaway sisters Viji and Rukku and homeless boys Muthi and Arul, life in Chennai, India is dangerous and unforgiving. Even so, they find happiness in their freedom from corrupt and abusive grown-ups. When illness strikes the group, Viji must decide if it's worth risking everything to get them medical help.
(On sale: 2/5/19)Also available from: -
President of Poplar Lane
Available from:The Poplar Kids are back in this sequel to Payback on Poplar Lane and this time it’s to compete for class president! The candidates: Clover O’Reilly, the second oldest of five sisters who just wants to be heard, and Mike the Unusual, an exuberant comedy magician hoping to make his father proud. With a mix of silly situations, relatable characters, and timely humor, readers will love following the campaigns of these kid candidates.
(On sale: 2/12/19)Also available from: -
Marsh and Me
Joey loves music and would like nothing more than to have someone to talk about it with, but his shyness sometimes gets in the way. He escapes to a secret place on a hill, when one day, he discovers a girl, who he calls Marsh, has built a fort that looks like a spaceship where she is creating her imaginary world. The world lets them be themselves and together, they form an unlikely friendship that just might be the thing to break Joey out of his shell.
(On sale: 2/19/19)
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YA
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Lady Smoke
Theodosia has escaped from the Kaiser, taken back her title of Queen, and is now looking for a way to get her kingdom back for her people. To do this, she'll need an army big enough to take on the Kaiser, but to build an army she'll have to take a husband. With engrossing characters and an explosive ending, this second installment of the Ash Princess series does not disappoint.
(On sale: 2/5/19) -
Four Dead Queens
Available from:When Keralie, the best thief in Quadara, finds herself in possession of crucial information about the murder of the four queens, she teams up with stoic and logical Varin to uncover the killer. Filled with suspense and intrigue at every turn, nothing is as it seems in this enthralling fast-paced murder mystery.
(On sale: 2/26/19)Also available from: -
Rayne and Deliliah's Midnite Matinee
Available from:Meet Delia and Josie, two best friends, who host a TV show together every Friday night. With high school winding down, Josie must choose between leaving the comfort of home and going to a big university. Meanwhile, Delia is holding on to the TV show hoping it will help reunite her with her father. Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, Jeff Zentner's latest book on growing up and growing apart is a must-read.
(On sale: 2/26/19)Also available from:
