Must Read Children’s Books of 2017
If you are looking for a new favorite new book for your young readers, you have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of our most anticipated and must read children’s books of 2017 for ages 0-12. It was quite a difficult task as there are hundreds of titles to be excited about. These recommendations are based on popular authors we know and love that always produce quality and engaging titles, as well as a couple up and comers.
Must Read Children’s Books of 2017
The children in your life are sure to enjoy these new release books. With each title, we list the recommended age and date it will be available so you can add these to your wish list now! 🙂 Once you have your books, click HERE for some fabulous ideas for make your reading time engaging and fun for even the most reluctant readers. You can also follow up by combining literacy fun with teaching kids to cook HERE.
The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires
If you read “The Most Magnificent Thing”, you know best selling author Spires will encourage the little girls in your life to never give up while entertaining them with the endearing and brave characters. Available on pre-order now and released in May 2017. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
“Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. Lou and friends build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals.” But one day, when they’re looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou’s friend has an idea: “Up there! The tree can be our ship!” “Ummm …” says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she’s sure she can’t do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game.
Ultimately, Lou faces her fear, and although she fails, the effort empowers her, encouraging a growth mindset. All the while, Lou’s friends model compassionate friendship by offering to teach her how to climb and then moving the game. This book makes a perfect choice for a character education discussion about courage or resilience, or a life-skills lesson on facing challenges. The story also promotes the joy of imaginative play in the outdoors.” (Amazon)
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold
This fantastic book is going to be the first book in a new series from acclaimed author Elana K. Arnold. A Boy Called Bat stars an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum. This book is available for pre-order and will be released in March 2017. Appropriate for ages 7-12.
“Bixby Alexander Tam, or Bat, has autism. He has a high need for structure; anything out of the ordinary causes him anxiety. When his mother, a vet, is late coming home from work one day, Bat is panicked. His mother explains she has a good reason, and tells him about the baby skunk she has brought home. The mother skunk did not survive a car accident, but Bat’s mom was able to save the kit, and they will raise him at home for a month until he is old enough to be released to a wild animal shelter.
Santoso’s illustrations, appearing about once a chapter, add warmth. Short chapters and a straightforward plot make this a good candidate for reluctant readers. VERDICT The challenges faced by kids like Bat are often underrepresented in children’s literature; this is a refreshing depiction. Readers will appreciate this funny and thoughtful novel.” (Review from School Library Journal)
You Can Read by Helaine Becker
This book is on my own personal wish list as it encourages our tiniest pre-readers that books are awesome and so are the people who read them. This is a perfect title to read aloud while snuggled up on the couch this winter. Helaine Becker is the bestselling author of more than seventy books for children and young adults.
She also has many fun rhyming and song books such as Little Jack Horner: Live from the Corner, Mama Likes to Mambo, and Ode to Underwear. Available for pre-order now, and to be released in February 2017. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
“In this fun and funny celebration of literacy, kids of all ages will discover that the act of reading is a daring adventure that can take you anywhere! You can read at the playground, under the sea, at the opera and even in outer space! It turns out you can read everywhere! And when you do, you open yourself to a universe of adventure. Presented in light-hearted, rib-tickling verse that’s perfect for reading aloud.” (Amazon)
Bear With Me by Lara Gardarsdottir
If you are looking to branch out to a popular Icelandic author, this book perfectly reflects the refugee crisis happening across the world. Although a more serious subject, this book is very appropriate for explaining the current events to young children with questions about what we see every day on the news. Available for pre-order now and being released in July 2017. Appropriate for ages 3-7.
“A beautiful children’s book by Icelandic author Lára Garðarsdóttir on a couple of polar bears forced to flee their home will be published in the US this coming summer. The story, Bear with Me, orignally titled Flökkusaga in Icelandic received great reviews in Iceland. It’s intended for children aged 3- 7 and tells the story of a mother polar bear and her little cub who encounter difficulties in a new homeland across the sea, after a long and perilous swim.
The story reflects a number of issues facing western society today and shows children how important it is to be kind to those dealing with sorrow and prejudice following great change, and to help them adapt to a new environment. (Iceland Monitor Review)
Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney
Anna Dewdney, a New York Times bestselling author-illustrator who brought you the wonderful and very popular Llama Llama series books sadly passed away this year, but her legacy lives on as she inspired so many parents to read with their children. Her final book offers wonderfully unique pictures that follow her signature rhyming text. The illustrations of endearing Little Excavator are guaranteed to capture the attention of the little ones in your life. Expect to read this book over and over again when the book is released in June, 2017. Appropriate for ages 0- 4.
“Here come the BIG RIGS
rolling down the street.
Thumpa-thumpa
bumpa-bumpa
BEEP! BEEP!
There’s Loader and Dump Truck, Backhoe and Crane. They’re ready to transform a vacant lot into a neighborhood park. And who wants to help most of all? Little Excavator! But are there any jobs for someone so small?” (Amazon)
Hogwarts Library by J.K. Rowling
Rowling needs no introduction as she is one of the world’s most premier authors. Her newest treasury of books will be released in May, 2017. If you read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (The Original Screenplay) or watched the movie in November you have whet your appetite for what you know will be a wonderful set of books. A perfect gift for any Hogwarts enthusiasts to add to their collection. Appropriate for ages 8 and above.
“Inside readers will find books treasured by users of the great library at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander’s master work on magical creatures; Quidditch Through the Ages, a comprehensive history of the game and its rules; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, with an introduction and illustrations by J.K. Rowling and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. This boxed set is an essential addition to the collection of any Harry Potter fan, and a beautiful gift to cherish.” (Amazon)
Dingus by Andrew Larsen
Canadian author Andrew Larsen also wrote The Imaginary Garden and Bella and the Bunny which are picture books for ages 3-6. I love his story; Larsen is a stay at home dad, and as his own children have grown, he continues to write books his own children would read. This title is available for pre-order now and released May, 2017. Appropriate for ages 9 and up.
“Summer vacation is starting, and soon-to-be-sixth-grader Henry is facing two months with nothing to do. He can sadly feel himself “being pulled by the gravitational force of nothingness.” His best friend, Max, who may not even be his best friend anymore, is going away to chess camp. And all Henry’s stay-at-home father has planned for him and his toddler brother, Sam, is something called a “staycation”. Things start looking up, however, when he finds out they’ll be dog-sitting his grandfather’s dog, Rupert.
With believable dialogue and touching scenes of everyday family life, this story feels honest and true. It would make a perfect summer reading choice. It could also easily spark discussions about growing up and developing a sense of self.” (Catalist)
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
Zoboi releases her first novel in February, 2017, and the excitement about this book is real. The story weaves vodou culture with the hardships of immigration that is sure to encourage young adults to sit down and curl up with this book. Appropriate for ages 10-12.
“American Street is an evocative and powerful coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Everything, Everything; Bone Gap; and All American Boys. In this stunning debut novel, Pushcart-nominated author Ibi Zoboi draws on her own experience as a young Haitian immigrant, infusing this lyrical exploration of America with magical realism and vodou culture.
On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie—a good life.But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detroit’s west side; a new school; and a surprising romance, all on her own.
Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?” (Harper-Collins Publishing)
I Got This: To Gold and Beyond by Laurie Hernandez
If you watched the Olympics, you know gymnastics was one of the most exciting and thrilling sports of the summer. This book will inspire the young ones in your life to reach for their dreams, no matter how lofty they seem. You do not have to wait long for this book as it is being released in January, 2017. Appropriate for ages 10 and up.
“At sixteen years old, Laurie Hernandez has already made many of her dreams come true—and yet it’s only the beginning for this highly accomplished athlete. A Latina Jersey girl, Laurie saw her life take a dramatic turn last summer when she was chosen to be a part of the 2016 US Olympic gymnastics team. After winning gold in Rio as part of the Final Five, Laurie also earned an individual silver medal for her performance on the balance beam.
Poignant and funny, Laurie’s story is about growing up with the dream of becoming an Olympian and what it took to win gold. She talks about her loving family, her rigorous training, her intense sacrifices, and her amazing triumphs. Be prepared to fall in love with and be mesmerized by America’s newest sweetheart all over again.” (Amazon)
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker
Any little ones in love with all things that go have read Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site until it has fallen to pieces. To everyone’s delight, in February 2017 Rinker is releasing the newest book of the series. I recommend buying at least 2 copies as your truck lover will devour this book as well. Appropriate for ages 0-4.
“At last—here from the team behind the beloved international bestseller comes a companion to Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. All of our favorite trucks are back on the construction site—this time with a focus on team-building, friendship, and working together to make a big task seem small!
Down in the big construction site, the crew faces their biggest job yet, and will need the help of new construction friends to get it done. Working as a team, there’s nothing they can’t do! The millions of fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site are in for a mighty good time!” (Amazon)
Big Nate: What’s a Little Noogie Between Friends? by Lincoln Peirce
Even the most reluctant readers will love the newest in the Big Nate series. Scheduled to be released in February 2017, this book should be on your pre-order wishlist. Peirce has been entertaining both kids and adults with his Big Nate comic for over 20 years, and this is a great read aloud book for your older readers at dinner or bedtime. Appropriate for ages 8-12.
“Big Nate is in a class by himself. This feisty 11-year-old holds the school record for detentions, but that doesn’t stop him from dreaming big!Nate Wright’s a winner–in his own mind, anyway. So when things go wrong, he’s at a loss to explain why. How does his soccer team manage to lose to a school with a sixty-game winless streak? What’s he doing at the movies on a Friday night . . . with GINA? And why, oh why is one of his classmates (hint: she’s Nate’s dream girl) suddenly moving 3,000 miles away? It’s all enough to make a sixth-grade superstar feel . . . well, not so super.
But you can’t keep a good man down, and Nate’s still got pals like Teddy, Francis, and Chad to cheer him up. Sure, their methods aren’t always warm and fuzzy, but Nate doesn’t mind. After all, what’s a little noogie between friends?” (Amazon)
Place Value by David Adler
If you have ever tried to teach a child the concept of place value either as an educator or as a parent helping with homework, you know this is one of the most difficult tasks. Adler’s book uses adorable monkeys and baking cupcakes to help young readers learn mathematical concepts through literacy. Avoid the frustration of math and use this book to teach what can be a more tedious concept. Available for pre- order now and set to be released in January 2017. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
“Introducing readers to the concept of place value, this text follows the monkeys of the Banana Cafe at 306 Monkey Lane as they bake a Colossal Banana Cupcake. Adler begins by establishing a connection between numbers and letters: similar to the alphabet, our numerical system is made up of a specific set of pieces (digits) that are used to make numbers. However, some letters, such as A, can stand by themselves as both a letter and word, and the same goes for numbers. As the monkeys begin to gather and combine the ingredients for the cupcake, Adler explains that the value of a digit is determined by its place in a number.
Miller’s vibrant digitally created illustrations add humor, and the endpapers depict a brightly colored, eye-catching chart. This fun and simple explanation of place value provides a strong introduction for young readers.” (School Library Journal)
I am Jim Henson by Brad Meltzer
This will be the newest in the best selling biography series from Brad Meltzer. Jim Henson is the creator of our childhood favorite Kermit the Frog. In this book, he shows children how to see the good in people no matter what their circumstances. Available for pre-order now and released in January, 2017. Appropriate for ages 5-8. While you wait, be sure to check out the other titles in the series such as I am Martin Luther King Jr., I am Helen Keller, etc. I am Rosa Parks is our personal family favorite.
“This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great. These are traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Jim Henson, for example, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people.
Henson was a born performer with a terrific sense of humor. He used those talents to help create two of the most beloved programs in television history. (The Muppet Show and Sesame Street.) Through his Muppets, Henson showed the world that there’s nothing more beautiful than imagination. This is especially true when accompanied by laughter and kindness.
Each book in this series tells the story of one inspiring individual through lively text and art. Even the youngest nonfiction readers will enjoy this biography.” (Amazon)
Happy Easter Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
This is one of most favorite series for young readers. Celebrating Easter with the beloved Pout-Pout Fish will certainly be a splendid adventure. This is a short and lovely read aloud is being released in January, 2017. There are many books in this series available for a fantastic addition to any home library. Appropriate for ages 0-4.
“Hippity-hoppity, the pout-pout bunny is on his way! Toddlers will love swimming along with the pout-pout fish this Easter as he turns little pouts into big smiles.
Just one line of text per page in this simple, twelve-page board book. Diesen and Hanna’s beloved Pout-Pout Fish will flip and swish into the hearts and minds of very young children.” (Amazon)
Nielsen has cultivated quite a loyal fan base with the first two books in the series, and this third book in the trilogy is bound to follow that pattern. While you wait for the release in January 2017, be sure to read (or reread) the first two books; Mark of the Thief and Rise of the Wolf. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
“Trouble has a way of seeking out Nicolas Calva, and it’s not likely to leave him alone any time soon. With Caesar’s magic bulla, the Malice of Mars, all the powers of Rome are circling Nic. He’ll have to maneuver his way through scheming government officials and reawakened magical beasts to save the Empire.
Can he manage to keep his friends and family safe, claim his own freedom and rescue the Empire? Can he do it before the magic gets the better of him?
With twists and turns on every page, author Jennifer Nielsen weaves an epic, action-packed conclusion to this trilogy.” (Amazon)
Hope you can find your newest book thrill from this list! Be sure to comment with other titles our readers would love as well!
For a FREE eBook “The Importance of Reading Aloud: A Parent’s Guide”, click HERE. Included are crazy helpful tips for reading to different ages, as well as ensuring a solid reading foundation! There is also a list of over 5oo of my favorite multicultural books to read for kids 0-5. Checklists and questions to ask while reading will skyrocket your child’s reading progress. You cannot afford to miss out on this free offer!
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03/02/2017 @ 8:53 pm
Mighty, Mighty Constructions Site was one of my kids favorites when they were little, I believe we still have it. I’m also excited for the Hogwarts Library to come out.
There are a few here I’ll have to see if my kids are interested in as well. Great picks!
03/02/2017 @ 9:00 pm
Hope you and the kids find a few you like!! Thanks for commenting! Cheers!
12/21/2016 @ 8:38 pm
Saving and checking all of these out!!
12/22/2016 @ 2:08 am
Awesome!! Hope you find a couple you love!
01/09/2017 @ 6:00 pm
Let me know how you like them if you decide to buy! They are on my Amazon pre-orders too.:) Cheers!