The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Children

Where I Grew by Jashar Awan

Where I Grew is a love letter and celebration of the immigrant story, and how we come to the places we call home for generations. Poetry-esque writing dances across the pages, coupled with illustrations of the sunsets, seas, and plains you may cross to find yourself at your new home. Deeply tender and gentle, and absolutely essential for our current time and for years to come.

Where I Grew by Jashar Awan, (List Price: $18.99, Norton Young Readers, 9781324016618, March 2026)

Reviewed by Grace, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

Where I Grew by Jashar Awan Read More »

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh

A stunning, heartbreaking, story that was well-performed by the voice actor on the audiobook. Every line seemed to tug my heartstrings, and yet this story felt grounded. Beautiful.

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh, (List Price: $19.99, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 9781250896704, November 2024)

Reviewed by Nyawira Nyota, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh Read More »

What to Do When It’s Time to Calm Down by Cara Goodwin

By night, I am a bookseller, by day I am a special education teacher and a certified developmental specialist. I love this “Big Feelings Books for Toddlers” series, and I enjoyed this book about learning how to emotionally regulate when you need to calm down. Big feelings can be mad/angry emotions and also excited/happy emotions, but learning to calm down and regulate is essential for children. My only complaint is that I wish there were a bigger picture version of these instead of just the board books. I also wish that they were not just toddlers in the images, but also older children, as elementary and middle school-aged children need to learn to regulate their emotions as well.

What to Do When It’s Time to Calm Down by Cara Goodwin, (List Price: $9.99, Callisto Kids, 9798886081541, March 2026)

Reviewed by Kait, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama

What to Do When It’s Time to Calm Down by Cara Goodwin Read More »

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga

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

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga Read More »

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

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

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

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier

A not-so-serious book about reading “very serious books.” Messier does a wonderful job of “explaining” to young readers how to read a “serious book” and how to look serious while doing it. There are instructions on how to look “deep in thought”, how to make sure you’ll be seen reading your serious book to impress people, and how to drink tea and “ponder” when you are finished. Because serious books have boring covers, no pictures, and lots of tiny words. Unlike this delightful book, whimsically illustrated by Kelly Collier. What a clever way to show us all that we can choose to read for fun, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier, (List Price: $18.95, Owlkids, 9781771476584, March 2026)

Reviewed by Kelly, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier Read More »

The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita

If the Isle of Forever put you on the edge of your seat, just wait until you read Jen Calonita’s The Curse Breaker. Be sure to sit comfortably in your chair and hold on!

The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita, (List Price: $16.99, Sourcebooks Young Readers, 9781728277066, March 2026)

Reviewed by Judith, Octavia Books in New Orleans, Louisiana

The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita Read More »

Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg

As a pizza lover, I was drawn to this book when it mentioned a “pizza adventure,” and this book did not disappoint! Gunnar the Viking is a cute story about a conqueror who is missing something and finds his missing piece when he tries a slice of pizza! The illustrations are hilarious: the snake with the knife, the pizza disaster, the wave of tomato sauce and the Viking boat on an actual wave scene is amazing. I wish the Raven was featured more, especially since he is named a supporting character in the beginning, but that is just me being a fan of ravens and wanting more pet action.

Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg, (List Price: $18.99, duopress, 9781464233630, April 2026)

Reviewed by Kait, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama

Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg Read More »

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman

Judgy Bunny will steal your heart with her cuteness, even though she’s very, VERY grouchy. She insults everything and wants no part of the fun other kids are having on the beach, but it turns out that an unrelentingly cheerful friend can pull even the judgiest bunny out of the grumps. Adorable, relatable, with bright, fun illustrations that are sure to turn any sour mood around. Perfect for a read-aloud!

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781728296722, March 2026)

Reviewed by Amanda, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman Read More »

Loops by Jashar Awan

Loops is such a cute story about a child learning how to become a “big kid” and the importance of not losing their shoe. I loved how the book gently teaches kids how to tie their shoelaces in a fun, simple way. The title is extra funny because the story itself goes into a loop, which kids will enjoy noticing. This is a great, sweet book for toddlers who are growing up, learning new skills, and starting to take on little responsibilities.

Loops by Jashar Awan, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665974943, March 2026)

Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, Georgia

Loops by Jashar Awan Read More »

Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder

Gorgeous, and a helpful context for young readers about anxiety and worry. How do we do big things when we feel small? How do we shore ourselves up when the occasion demands it? Snyder, as always, provides gentle, reflective solutions to hard questions.

Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, (List Price: $18.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797200729, April 2026)

Reviewed by Amelia, Long Story Books in Atlanta, Georgia

Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder Read More »

Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams

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

Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams Read More »

Bartleby by Matt Phelan

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

Bartleby by Matt Phelan Read More »

A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj

A Year of Kites is an informative book about the role kites play in traditions around the world. Replete with beautiful illustrations, it would be a nice addition to elementary classrooms, allowing teachers to combine multiple subjects in their lesson planning: the history of kites, following the directions to use artistic skill to create individual kites, and assessing proper wind conditions needed for kite flying. Sounds like a fun afternoon to me as the kids also will get a few steps in as they let ’em soar!

A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj, (List Price: $18.99, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 9781547612246, February 2026)

Reviewed by Barb, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj Read More »

Book Buzz: Lion’s Run by Sara Pennypacker

ad

Sara Pennypacker, photo courtesy the author“When I learned about the Lebensborn, many years ago, I had a hard time believing this could be true. When I was able to confirm it, I was deeply appalled and knew I had to write about it. And I felt a book about this subject could only be for adults…the strong feelings I had about the Lebensborn never left me. Even back then, I felt girls should know about this terrible aspect of that war…It wasn’t until I learned, later, that children as young as 11 were working as couriers for the Resistance that the first seed for The Lions’ Run was planted. I began to wonder if those 11-year-olds were aware of how courageous they were. I think a lot about courage in kids; they are often confused about what it means to be brave.”
  ― Sara Pennypacker, Interview, Publisher’s Weekly

Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker

What booksellers are saying about Lion’s Run

  • 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.
      ― Susan, M Judson, Booksellers, Greenville, South Carolina | BUY

  • In this story of World War II and the French Resistance, a gentle boy is driven by his conscience fo join the resistance, which culminates in an impulsive act that threatens his life, but could save another. Lucas is a quiet hero. An excellent story of courage and friendship in the face of danger
      ― Amy, The Snail on the Wall, Huntsville, Alabama | BUY

  • In 1944 German occupied France, Lucas, an orphan, contemplates the meaning of bravery, even as he rescues kittens, helps a local girl hide her racehorse from the Germans, joins the Resistance, and begins to hatch a daring plan to rescue a baby from the Nazi run Lebensborn maternity home. A great read!
      ― Mary, The Little Bookshop, Midlothian, Virginia | BUY

  • A beautiful tale of an orphaned boy who must choose between a world of safety and what he’s known and doing what is ultimately right. This book had me completely in pieces at the end with tears streaming down my face. A wonderful story of bravery, love, empathy, and fighting for what is right.
      ― Shree, Hills & Hamlets Bookshop, Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia | BUY

About Sara Pennypacker

Sara Pennypacker is the author of the New York Times bestselling Pax and Pax, Journey Home; the award-winning Clementine series and its spinoff series, Waylon; and the acclaimed novels Summer of the Gypsy Moths, Here in the Real World, and Leeva at Last. She divides her time between Cape Cod and Southern California. You can visit her online at sarapennypacker.com

 

ad

Book Buzz: Lion’s Run by Sara Pennypacker Read More »

Scroll to Top