The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Animals

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga

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The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga
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A delightful tale of rescue dog Finnegan and cheetah cub Chase. Finnegan’s new family includes zookeeper Basma. When she needs a friend for the cheetah cub she’s training, Finnegan accompanies her to the zoo, finding friendship in an unlikely place. This is a story of soaring hope and kindness.

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga, (List Price: $18.99, Balzer + Bray, 9781250387189, March 2026)

Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole (illus.)

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And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole (illus.)
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So glad to see a new edition of this classic at such an important time for diverse stories to be told widely.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole (illus.), (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9780689878459, June 2005)

Reviewed by Alissa, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, North Carolina

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Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro

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Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro
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Calling all royal dreamers, explorers, and butterberry pancake lovers! This whimsically illustrated picture book tells a charming tale of friendship and the cozy joys of home. Prince Ruthie leaves their beloved queen behind to explore the kingdom beyond their castle. As journeying into the unknown is not without its dangers, Ruthie soon finds themselves missing the comforts of home and mostly, their loving queen. Ruthie may just have to rely on the help of their loyal subjects (or newfound friends?) to once again return home to their queen. The gentle humor and warmth of the story shine through the softness of Shapiro’s illustrations. Share this delightful story with your favorite friend over a slice of three-year-old cake.

Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9781774885659, March 2026)

Reviewed by Laura, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

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Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams

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Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams
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Everything Alicia D. Williams does is gorgeous, and this picture book is no exception. The illustrations are phenomenal, and the message of a young girl’s strength and the power of music and community is exceptional. Loved it!

Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams, (List Price: $19.99, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665914222, February 2026)

Reviewed by Alissa, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, North Carolina

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Bartleby by Matt Phelan

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Bartleby by Matt Phelan
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I love this story. Bartleby marches to his own drum, and his class gives him room to be himself and welcomes him on his own terms when he is ready to show warmth to them in his own way. Compelling and told through conversation, storytelling, and through the color scheme of the pictures to convey feelings, this book is a winner!

Bartleby by Matt Phelan, (List Price: $18.99, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 9780374393557, March 2026)

Reviewed by Kimberly, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina

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If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall

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If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall
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This book is a celebration of creativity when the narrator imagines what life would be like as a dog. It’s a delightful romp as well as a display of acceptance of other ideas.

If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316581721, September 2025)

Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker

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The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker
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There are so many ways to be brave. In a Nazi occupied village full of secrets and fear, Lucas discovers his own way to be a hero. I loved this exciting story of how to be a friend in time when fighting for freedom comes with a high cost.

The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker, (List Price: $18.99, Balzer + Bray, 9781250392817, February 2026)

Reviewed by Susan Williams, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

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Glitter Kittens by William Joyce

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Glitter Kittens by William Joyce
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Glitter Kittens is unlike anything you’ve ever read. Imagine a world where kittens aren’t just cute, they’re practically disco balls on paws! These ‘glitter kittens’ are so blindingly shiny, they actually feel sorry for their ‘best best friends’ who, bless their non-sparkly hearts, just aren’t as ‘cool.’ But when a monster with a craving for all things that shimmer shows up, things get real. Will friendship conquer fabulousness? Or will these glittery felines become monster munchies? This book is a wild, hilarious ride that will leave you questioning the true meaning of friendship… and maybe reaching for some glitter of your own.

Glitter Kittens by William Joyce, (List Price: $19.99, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665959902, October 2025)

Reviewed by Kimberly Todd, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi

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Don’t Eat Eustace by Lian Cho

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Don't Eat Eustace by Lian Cho
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Lian Cho is such a talent! Her art’s personality can be seen from a mile away, with Eustace trying to desperately convince his captor that he should NOT eat him! The storybook panels and Eustace’s creativity make this the type of fable where you can’t predict what is coming next. The script was flipped way before you even realized it. (Bear is such a cutie I want 20 of him please, “Bear Town Party” next?)

Don’t Eat Eustace by Lian Cho, (List Price: $19.99, HarperCollins, 9780063321847, October 2025)

Reviewed by Jamie Kovacs, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Cat Nap by Brian Lies

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Cat Nap by Brian Lies
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Cat Nap is probably the most artistically creative book I have ever seen! Lies did a spectacular job at balancing their respect for the original art and the fun storytelling of Kitten. The amount of effort and dedication that went into recreating these pieces was massive, and adding Kitten while staying true to the original? That’s talent.

Cat Nap by Brian Lies, (List Price: $19.99, Greenwillow Books, 9780062671288,September 2025)

Reviewed by Jamie Kovacs, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb

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Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb
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This book’s organization and illustrations are a 10/10. Love it! And the message is precious! I honestly think this would be a great book to get to for a child who is about to become a big sibling!

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb, (List Price: $18.99, Random House Studio, 9780593810309, September 2025)

Reviewed by Samantha Steele, Plenty Downtown Bookshop in Cookeville, Tennessee

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Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

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Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate
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As a kid who felt deeply that all my stuffed animals had distinct personalities and interests, this book really brought that to life. This is a story about the Second Chance Home and how it helps lost and abandoned stuffed animals find another home. We have our bold leader, the small but mighty Pocket Bear, and his friend and ally Zephyrina — a feline friend! But when a new stuffed animal finds its way into the home, Pocket Bear faces a difficult choice of what to do to help Second Chance and protect this new addition. Perfect for fans of Toy Story meets Puppets of Spellhorst!

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, (List Price: $17.99, Feiwel & Friends, 9781250904362, September 2025)

Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer

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If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer
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If you make a call on a banana phone, a gorilla will probably answer. What will happen next??? Well, over a long, happy day of telling jokes, asking questions, and sharing secrets, you might learn that a friend can be made across ANY distance. A sweet little fable about how to approach others with kindness and curiosity, this book is silly, warm, and beautiful to look at!!!

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer, (List Price: $19.99, Clarion Books, 9780063375222, September 2025)

Reviewed by Charlie Monroe, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

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A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
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Amos McGee is back in this winter picture book! Amos is so excited about the first snow, so he knits all of his animal friends various accessories to prepare for the cold. A delightful and heartwarming read that I can’t wait to read to my kids for winters to come!

A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, (List Price: $19.99, Roaring Brook Press, 9781250324733, September 2025)

Reviewed by Claire McWhorter, River & Hill Books in Rome, Georgia

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Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman

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Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman
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You know what I love? Puns and Axolotl’s! Filled with vivid pictures and a cute story about siblings who are so different but tease each other and make some silly, silly moves. Axolotls are so popular right now that I know this will be a one-of-a-kind book to share with storytime.

Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman, (List Price: $14.99, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781464237904, July 2025)

Reviewed by info page158, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

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