Children's

Learn about the inspiring story of Oprah Winfrey, the trailblazing entertainer and businessperson who became a global icon.

Discover the incredible story of Oprah Winfrey, the trailblazing entertainer, businessperson, and global icon. From a young girl living in poverty to becoming one of the most influential celebrities in the world and the first Black female billionaire, Oprah's journey shows the power of dreaming big. Inspiring and insightful, Little People, BIG DREAMS: Oprah Winfrey teaches children the power of empathy, ambition, and determination.

Growing up between Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Tennessee, little Oprah loved reading and performing poems and Bible verses at church. Sadly, life at home was very tricky, but Oprah didn't let this hold her back. She worked hard to achieve a scholarship to university, and by age nineteen she was a news anchor on television! Oprah went on to do so many incredible things in her life, and is still one of the most powerful voices in media today. From the bestselling series Little People, BIG DREAMS, this title is the perfect gift for little storytellers and budding entrepreneurs. 

This powerful book features quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Oprah's life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
 
This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Select praise for the New York Times Bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series:

“…cute and quirky…”—USA Today, in praise of Dolly Parton
“…address[es] not only setbacks but also their strength to persevere and reach their goals.”—Buzzfeed, in praise of RuPaul
“…introduc[es] kids to important figures in Latinx history.”—Good Housekeeping, in praise of Frida Kahlo
“…[an] extraordinary series…”—TheEverymom, in praise of Mindy Kaling
“…a fabulous way to teach little ones about the extraordinary lives of influential people…”—Town & Country, in praise of Vincent Van Gogh
“...handled in an age appropriate way…”—Parents.com, in praise of Amanda Gorman
“…particularly great for this age…”—NY Magazine, in praise of Prince
“…encourages kids to dream big to ‘achieve incredible things.’”—Rolling Stone, in praise of Kamala Harris

NYT Bestselling author of The Guncle brings us a heartfelt story about grief and family.

After the loss of their mom, siblings Grant and Maisie have come to visit their Guncle who they call GUP (for Gay Uncle Patrick) in Palm Springs. GUP can’t bear how sad they all feel, and he tries everything he can think of to make them happy. But swimming pools and milkshakes and new animal friends are only temporary fixes. It isn’t until one quiet night, under the stars, that they come to realize what they’ve been searching for has been with them all along.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle comes a moving exploration of the lessons we learn as we journey through hard times together, and the importance of family—in all its unexpected forms.

A charming picture book about unconditional love from New York Times bestselling author Chasten Buttigieg, perfect for families who love each other the whole year through.

Jojo and Rosie's papa has been away on a trip, and they can't wait to welcome him home! They make signs, they pick flowers, and with Daddy's help, they bake a cake and pack the car with absolutely everything Papa might have missed while he was away.

When Papa's plane arrives, they give him a huge hug—but when they bring him to the car, they realize there's one small problem: Where will Papa sit?

Delightfully illustrated by Dan Taylor, this charming story filled with love celebrates dads and familial bonds. Chasten Buttigieg shines a beautiful light on the humorous musings of toddlers and a parent’s unconditional love for their child.

By: Blue Jaryn (Author), Xochitl Cornejo (Illustrator), 2022, Hardcover, Children's Book

“I’m not sure I’m a boy… so maybe he is not best for me.”

Payden has always used he/him pronouns, until one day Payden realizes those words might not fit. Payden’s parents promise to throw a big party to introduce whatever pronouns Payden chooses―but which pronouns are the best match? On a colorful quest, Payden talks to friends about a rainbow of possibilities: he, she, they, ze, and so many more! The right pronouns are just waiting to be tried on.

Put on your party hats and learn about the magical variety of pronouns in this thoughtful story that imagines a world of unquestioning support for gender exploration, celebrates all the different ways a person can present, and provides a blueprint for people of any age who are pondering what gender means to them.

By: Jonathan Van Ness (Author), Gillian Reid (Illustrator), 2020, Hardcover

Jonathan Van Ness, the star of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, brings his signature humor and positivity to his empowering first picture book, inspiring readers of all ages to love being exactly who they are.

Peanut Goes for the Gold is a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a gender nonbinary guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare.

Peanut just has their own unique way of doing things. Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life. So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut.  

This upbeat and hilarious picture book, inspired by Jonathan’s own childhood guinea pig, encourages children to not just be themselves—but to boldly and unapologetically love being themselves.

Jonathan Van Ness brings his signature message of warmth, positivity, and self-love to this boldly original picture book that celebrates the joys of being true to yourself and the magic that comes from following your dreams.

Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance―ballet, Pow Wow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and just how special he is.

Based on the childhood experiences of her son, Phoenix, Marty Wilson-Trudeau demonstrates the difference that a loving and supportive family can make.

By Rob Sanders, 2018 Hardback

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rainbow Pride Flag with the very first picture book to tell its remarkable and inspiring history!
In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders's stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable - and undertold - story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.

by Daniel Haack, hardback

[Little Bee Books] This follow-up to Prince & Knight is an inclusive, modern fairy tale for young readers! Praise for Prince & Knight: "Victorious . . . the premier queer-friendly fairy tale." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review "An illuminating fairy tale for young readers to be able to see that not every prince would like to marry a princess." -School Library Journal "A colorful and entertaining tale exploring sexuality, acceptance, and young love." -Booklist Have you heard the thrilling tale of the prince and his dear knight? Their love for one another inspired everyone in sight. Our brave and dashing heroes, the prince and the knight, are happily married and their kingdom is prospering, but soon, a fog of darkness that blocks the sun spreads across their land. They get word that the cause of this is a dark and mysterious Shadow King, and they rush off to find and stop him, but encounter many obstacles along the way. Will they be able to restore the light to their

By: Michael Hall (Author, Illustrator), 2015, Hardcover, Picture Book

A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times–bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone.

Funny, insightful, and colorful, Red: A Crayon's Story is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way. Red will appeal to fans of Lois Ehlert, Eric Carle, and The Day the Crayons Quit, and makes a great gift for readers of any age!

Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries!

Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue!

From beloved picture book creator Katie Yamasaki: an idyllic river trip and a celebration of connections―to family, community, and the natural world.

A young girl and her Aunty set sail on their river raft, basking in each other’s company and in the beauty of the world around them―the sun sparkling on the water, the birds soaring over the mountains, the frogs and butterflies that gather in the reeds. Along the way, they pass friends and families engaged in caring for one another―sharing food, tending wounds, celebrating birthdays, and telling stories―who ultimately join them in cleaning litter and trash from the river.

Celebrated artist Katie Yamasaki’s newest picture book is a nuanced, lyrical celebration of our connections to each other and the environment. With electric, eye–catching illustrations, Ripples reminds us of the value of care and the ways we can perform it―for each other, and for the world around us.

full color throughout

Featured on Literary Hub's Most Anticipated Children's Books of 2025 list!

"Brilliant colors and dramatic contrast burst from the pages of this age-appropriate primer on the history and power of protests in the United States." – Foreword Reviews

Throughout our long history, when something's unfair
When rights need expanding, or wrongs need repair
Americans argue. We march and we cheer.
We write songs and speeches. We go volunteer.

From the Boston Tea Party to the Capitol Crawl, inspire young activists in this bold nonfiction picture book that explores 25 moments of protest, resistance and revolution throughout American history. In a powerful celebration of the United States' 250th birthday, teach kids how we campaign and vote. We challenge tradition. Protest is American by definition! 
 
* Lyrical text inspires young readers to make change in the world
* Info boxes on each page support learning
* 14 pages of endmatter includes a timeline and map of the 25 protests, and dives deeper into each event to further learning beyond the book

Seven years before Brown v. Board of Education, the Mendez family fought to end segregation in California schools. Discover their incredible story in Separate Is Never Equal, a picture book from award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh.

Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Winner * A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book * A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

STARRED REVIEW *“Masterfully combines text and folk-inspired art to add an important piece to the mosaic of U.S. civil rights history.” ―Kirkus Reviews

When her family moved to the town of Westminster, California, young Sylvia Mendez was excited about enrolling in her neighborhood school. But she and her brothers were turned away and told they had to attend the Mexican school instead. Sylvia could not understand why—she was an American citizen who spoke perfect English. Why were the children of Mexican families forced to attend a separate school?

Unable to get a satisfactory answer from the school board, the Mendez family decided to take matters into its own hands and organized a lawsuit. In the end, the Mendez family’s efforts helped bring an end to segregated schooling in California in 1947, seven years before the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education ended segregation in schools across America.

Author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh writes in his notes, “My hope is that this book will help children and young people learn about this important yet little known event in American history. I also hope that they will see themselves reflected in Sylvia’s story and realize that their voices are valuable.”

Using his signature illustration style and incorporating his interviews with Sylvia Mendez, as well as information from court files and news accounts, Tonatiuh tells the inspiring story of the Mendez family’s fight for justice and equality, a fight that is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago.

Discover what it means to become a US citizen and how the process unfolds in this illuminating picture book about immigration and naturalization.

What does US citizenship look like? Some of us are citizens by birth. Some of us are born beyond the United States and gain citizenship through immigration and naturalization. With lyrical prose and luminous mixed-media artwork, this nonfiction book outlines the process by which some of us—spanning every age and background—travel to the United States to live, work, study, and contribute to the fabric of our new communities. After years, without relinquishing who we are or where we came from, if we are fortunate, we can choose to become naturalized citizens. We can become American.

This insightful story honors the many different paths to citizenship and celebrates all people who enrich our country by striving to participate in our democracy. This book belongs with classrooms and parents who love: Grace for President, Areli Is a Dreamer, and What Can A Citizen Do?

May/June Kids' Indie Next List 2025