I so enjoyed this retelling by Mac Barnett of a story I often forget is rather complex. But here he adds his particular wit which pairs so well with Ellis’ illustrations that transport you into another world.
Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett, (List Price: $19.99, Orchard Books, 9781338673852, February 2026)
Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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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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Rita is really, really bored. When her many boredom-fighting tactics don’t work (eating, stretching, jumping up and down in front of a mirror, etc.), she gets lost in her boundless imagination! I love a book about boredom with no mention of technology, and the illustrations are dramatic and amazing! Great for kids ages 4 to 8 who struggle with boredom and need a creative boost. It’s also hilarious and Rita is very relatable, rendered perfectly in various states of despair.
Bored by Felicita Sala, (List Price: $18.99, Neal Porter Books, 9780823461141, January 2026)
Reviewed by Julia Lewis, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia
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An adorable, imaginative escapist read for children and adults alike. Written by poet and essayist Maria Popova, this little book about a lonely creature who seeks solace in a cozy spot in space does not condescend to its young readers but gently introduces them to new words and themes. Perfect for ages 5 to 8, this book supposes that the cure to loneliness is the happiness and creativity found in solitude. Enchanting, otherworldly, and so beautifully illustrated!
The Coziest Place on the Moon by Maria Popova, (List Price: $19.99, Enchanted Lion, 9781592704378, November 2025)
Reviewed by Julia Lewis, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia
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The Old Sleigh is a tale of family, a celebration of movement, a story of changing and staying the same. Beautiful illustrations highlight a delightfully cozy tale.
The Old Sleigh by Jarrett Pumphrey, (List Price: $18.99, Norton Young Readers, 9781324054122, November 2025)
Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee
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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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“I’ve moved a lot, including back and forth across the country three times! When I moved to the Washington, DC, area, I learned about luna moths—beautiful and short-lived moths who can only be found on the eastern side of the country. This helped me realize that there would be special and unique things about my new home. Since so many kids deal with the difficult experience of moving, I thought this might be the beginning of a new story idea.”
― Megan Wagner Lloyd, Creator Q & A, Discussion Guide
What booksellers are saying about Winging It
About Megan Wagner Lloyd
Megan Wagner Lloyd is the co-creator, with Michelle Mee Nutter, of Allergic and Squished, both instant bestsellers. Megan is also the co-creator, with Abhi Alwar, of the Super Pancake graphic novel series and is the author of Haven, a novel, and several picture books. She lives in the Washington, DC, area. Visit her online at meganwagnerlloyd.com.
Michelle Mee Nutter is the co-creator, with Megan Wagner Lloyd, of Allergic and Squished, both instant bestsellers. Michelle graduated with a degree in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, 3×3, Creative Quarterly, and more. Michelle lives in Boston. Visit her online at michellemee.com.
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Vida is a joyful celebration of art bringing a community together. Tonatiuh’s vibrant illustrations capture the colors and whimsy of fantastical alebrije sculptures, an art form made famous in Mexico. As the title suggests, this picture book captures the life of a community through its art, language, and traditions. A joyful treasure of a book. Alegre!
Vida by Duncan Tonatiuh, (List Price: $18.99, Abrams Books for Young Readers, 9781419764592, November 2025)
Reviewed by Laura Hoefener, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia
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Stunning. The cadence of only a few words, combined with brilliant illustrations, conveys so much and evokes so many memories and feelings.
Tea Is Love by Adib Khorram, (List Price: $18.99, Dial Books, 9780593618530, November 2025)
Reviewed by Jennifer Sauter-Price, Read Early and Daily (READ) in Arlington, Virginia
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A unique bedtime story for the space explorer and the feline-lover. This is a story about a little girl being told a story about the Moon Cat. She gets to join Moon Cat as it moves through the night and space, sharing so much of the quiet glittering world with her. The illustrations took my breath away. This is not one I’ll be forgetting soon.
Moon Cat by Casi Cole, (List Price: $19.99, Paw Prints Publishing, 9781223189239, November 2025)
Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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With magical prose and a fun cast of quirky characters, middle-grade readers are sure to be swept away by this heartfelt adventure story.
The Last Ember by Lily Berlin Dodd, (List Price: $19.99, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 9780374393120, November 2025)
Reviewed by Cindy Otis, The Stacks Bookstore in Savannah, Georgia
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Go on Luna’s journey of self-growth as she navigates a life-changing move across the country with her father, surviving a new middle school while still mourning her long-deceased mother and getting to know her seemingly aloof grandmother, along with her very rigid rules. I devoured Winging It by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter in one sitting because the character development was so good that I was instantly invested in Luna’s well-being, relationships, and her nature-hunting ways. Beautiful illustrations, great storyline, and a satisfying feel-good ending! Now I’m off to search for the ever elusive Luna Moth…
Winging It: A Graphic Novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd, (List Price: $14.99, Graphix, 9781338818529, October 2025)
Reviewed by Barb Rascon, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina
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Absolutely loved this. What a great twist for readers who love dragons but are moving on to books with heavier themes and twists. Loved the strong female lead and the perfect balance of being the new girl and learning about yourself. Honestly, probably a great read for friends who loved KPop demon hunters (I can’t think of higher praise than that!). Female lead, family secrets, welcoming the darkness within.
Dragonborn by Struan Murray, (List Price: $19.99, Dutton Books for Young Readers, 9798217113217, October 2025)
Reviewed by Stacey Sanford, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi
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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 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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