With books bans occurring at an alarming rate these days, we’ll take any opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that books and authors have on our world. So on April 23rd, you’ll most likely find us posting our favorite books on social media, attending an author signing, or simply curled up with a good read. That’s because it’s World Book Day.
Not just for adults, World Book Day was organized by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing, and copyright back in 1995. Since then, it’s a day when local libraries host special story times, young readers are encouraged to participate in reading challenges, and—if you live in the UK—every student gets a voucher to spend on a new book of their choosing. The day also tends to coincide around exciting new releases, like these chapter books, coming soon to a bookshelf near you.
Rabbit & Bear
The Rabbit & Bear series follows eponymous characters along with other silly animals as they go about their lives in the woods. Each of these early chapter books teaches a valuable life lesson disguised within a hilarious story (did we mention occasional poop jokes?) in which different species work together to achieve peace and harmony in their forest community. Author Julian Gough’s latest paperback, A Bad King is a Sad King, features Icebear—a wannabe king who’s big and scary. The more kind and understanding the valley animals are toward him, the meaner he becomes. Will Rabbit, Bear, and friends find the solution within themselves, or will they need to ask someone else for help? Find out in this hysterical addition to the beloved series.
Pick-a-Story: A Pirate, Alien, Jungle Adventure
Pick a Story: A Pirate, Alien, Jungle Adventure brings readers on an interactive journey where, at the end of each page, kids get to decide the story by picking which page to turn to next. Should Vincent join the pirates? Should he travel to the aliens’ home planet? Should he meet the orangutan king in the jungle? With hilarious characters and super-silly scenarios on every page, readers will be howling with laughter as they decide what happens next in this interactive adventure. Packed with exciting stories, fun prompts, and bold illustrations, kids will find hours of fun choosing their own adventures every time they pick up this brand new book.
Rainbow Magic
With the best-selling Rainbow Magic series, independent readers can follow along with best friends Kirsty and Rachel as they help a team of magical fairy sisters deal with all the age-appropriate drama in Fairyland. While the series is pretty low stakes, we appreciate the way all of the fairies are diverse in terms of interests, style of dress, and personalities. New this May, readers will meet Joy the Summer Vacation Fairy and Brianna the Tooth Fairy. Preorder now and don’t miss Rainbow Magic’s Pet Fairies series too!
