The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Children

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz

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The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz
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I want to crawl inside this book, eat LOTS of bread, curl up with a dragon next to a cheerful fireplace, and take a long nap. Devin Elle Kurtz’s glowing illustrations and cozy, atmospheric storytelling make The Bakery Dragon an instant cold-weather classic.

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz, (List Price: $18.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780593710968, October 2024)

Reviewed by Talia Smart, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman

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Open Me...I'm a Dog by Art Spiegelman
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Is this really a book, or is it actually a dog? Find out what happens when a dog chases a rabbit, gets lost in the woods, and is cursed by a witch. For kids who love dog stories and adventure and for parents who love adult humor in children’s books.

Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman, (List Price: $18.99, TOON Books, 9781662665486, October 2024)

Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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My Friend LeVar by Ezra Edmond

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My Friend LeVar by Ezra Edmond
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As a 90s kid who LOVED Reading Rainbow, this book sparked a lot of nostalgia for me. LeVar Burton is a true inspiration and the story behind the book is very cute.

My Friend LeVar by Ezra Edmond, (List Price: $17.99, Charlesbridge, 9781623543174, October 2024)

Reviewed by Annastasia Williams, The Bottom in Knoxville, Tennessee

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Lefty by Mo Willems

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Lefty by Mo Willems
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As a lefty in a world that wasn’t made for me, I love this. It’s so cute, fun, and perfect for kids trying to embrace their “left-handedness.” (Luckily, I’ve never had to put up with much other than the smudging of words on paper and fitting in desks weird.)

Lefty by Mo Willems, (List Price: $24.99, Union Square Kids, 9781454951483, December 2024)

Reviewed by Niamh Kenny, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Frostfire by Elly MacKay

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Frostfire by Elly MacKay
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Those etchings you see on frozen windows, that’s frostfire — snow dragon breath — you know. Of course they live in snowbanks and happily dine on pinecones, and if you’re quiet and if you believe, maybe you’ll see one. I am absolutely in LOVE with this magical snowy title, and if you believe, maybe you should invite a snow dragon onto your bookshelf.

Frostfire by Elly MacKay, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9780735266988, October 2024)

Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina

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Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri

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Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri
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Beautifully illustrated, this is a compelling story of a boy with a very important question he needs to know the answer to. Loss, grief, bravery, and love are a staple here. Sometimes we just need to “know.”

Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri, (List Price: $19.99, HarperAlley, 9780063277168, October 2024)

Reviewed by DM Capriola, Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia

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Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer

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Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer
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Well, that was one of the most whimsical things I’ve read in a bit, which is saying something. Absolutely stunning art with a heartwarming story to match of a wee Bansheenie who, through happenstance, doesn’t truly bond with her human, and so shenanigans ensue. In the vein of fairy tales, this one deals with death and possibilities and love. More suitable for older children due to the more complex storyline and themes, but a feast for the eyes and ears.

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, (List Price: $17.99, Candlewick, 9781536240665, November 2024)

Reviewed by Lauren Brown, The Story Shop in Monroe, Georgia

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Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré

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Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré
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Cozbi Cabrera’s beautiful illustrations really make this poem by Leslé Honoré sing! This will be a book that all ages can enjoy; as a read aloud for littlest listeners, as a shared read for older kids who can also enjoy the details in the artwork, and as a lovely gift for adults.

Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316314039, November 2024)

Reviewed by Johanna Hynes, McIntyre’s Books in Pittsboro, North Carolina

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Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu

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Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu
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Dive, Dive into the Night Sea opens vertically. I mean, physically, the book’s orientation is 90 degrees from typical; which was delightful to discover! A lone diver, cloaked in darkness, plunges into the night sea. Together we descend, down, down, to where hidden creatures and their dwellings are revealed. Cleverly illustrated pages buoy the children’s story along with flaps that open to offer the science behind the scene. Thea Lu’s beautiful, monochromatic book shines light into the inky depths, a blend of picture-book storytelling and engaging non-fiction. Great for children with an interest in the ocean and its creatures or science in general. Or anyone with a strong sense of curiosity!

Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu, (List Price: $19.99, Candlewick Studio, 9781536234152, October 2024)

Reviewed by Tracy Billing, Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky

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Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson

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Molly's Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson
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It’s picture day at school, and Molly doesn’t want to wear the dress her Mom picked out; it doesn’t even have pockets! I loved this picture book that celebrates personal expression and the importance of being your true self. Bright, playful art with a wonderful message, Molly’s Tuxedo is a picture book winner!

Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson, (List Price: $18.99, little bee books, 9781499813142, June 2023)

Reviewed by Caleb Masters, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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The Secret Dead Club by Karen Strong

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The Secret Dead Club by Karen Strong
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A girl named Wednesday who can see ghosts tasks herself with helping a restless soul cross over while also trying to fit in at her new school. This is a lovely story about friendship, grief, and starting over. I appreciated the level of diversity in this book, as well as the portrayal of what a modern family can look like. The paranormal aspects were a bit intense at times, but I think it’s perfect for readers who are interested in ghost stories.

The Secret Dead Club by Karen Strong, (List Price: $17.99, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665904506, August 2024)

Reviewed by Becca Naylor, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Umami by Jacob Grant

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Umami by Jacob Grant
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Super cute picture book that introduces the five tastes — salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and umami! Umami the Penguin loves food and wants to liven up her continent’s diet of cold fish (ew). Her adventurousness is delightful, and I loved that this is such an unconventional take on a “getting kids to be more curious about food” theme. Plus, it’s just good fun!

Umami by Jacob Grant, (List Price: $18.99, Viking Books for Young Readers, 9780593624067, October 2024)

Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Bert, the Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson

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Bert, the Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson
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Bert the Bowerbird is just the sweetest little guy. All he wants is a wife to share his bower with. But Annette, the bird he’s set his sights on, is demanding, and never satisfied with Bert’s efforts to win her affection. He journeys far and wide to find more offerings for Annette, but always ends up hurt by her lack of interest. Can Bert find a bird who loves him for who he is? With adorable rhymes from Julia Donaldson (author of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom) and gorgeous illustrations by Catherine Rayner, Bert, the Bowerbird is a wonderful tale of bird-based romance and self-acceptance. Don’t settle, Bert!!!

Bert, the Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson, (List Price: $18.99, Boxer Books, 9781915801845, December 2024)

Reviewed by Charlie Marks, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

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Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré

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Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré
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Brown Girl, Brown Girl deserves a permanent spot on every family’s bookshelf. A powerful message with beautiful illustrations.

Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316314039, November 2024)

Reviewed by Jessica Nock, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina

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Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows

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Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows
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Being invisible and lonely is better than being seen and ridiculed, right? Warmth, caring, and cozy were all knit together to make this book. Middle school relationships are hard and are often made that much worse with miscommunication. Meadows handles it in a way that I think anyone can relate to and appreciate. Not to mention me giggling and kicking my feet at how sweet this romance is.

Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows, (List Price: $18.99, Holiday House, 9780823456383, November 2024)

Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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