Happy book birthday to these new releases by SCBWI members! These books include independently- and traditionally-published books in every genre by authors and illustrators from around the world. Support your peers, bookstores, and quality children’s lit, and scroll through to see which books are being released this month. Happy reading!
CHAPTER BOOKS | MIDDLE GRADE | PICTURE BOOKS | YOUNG ADULT
CHAPTER BOOKS
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Marlow Brown: Magician in the Making
by Kesta Fleming, illustrated by Marjory Gardner
Marlow Brown dreams of becoming a top-class magician but how can she achieve her goal when chaos reigns and Dad won’t stop laughing?
Release Date: June 1, 2021
MIDDLE GRADE
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The Particle
by Rose Somer
When happens when three kids deliver a package, hidden away in one of their knapsacks? They enter a convent and a realm of dark forces, in Paris.
Release Date: June 1, 2021
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Much Ado About Baseball
by Rajani LaRocca
In this companion novel to Midsummer’s Mayhem, math and baseball combine with savory snacks to cause confusion and calamity in the town of Comity.
Release Date: June 15, 2021
PICTURE BOOKS
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A Brief History of Underpants
by Christine Van Zandt, illustrated by Harry Briggs
Facts with fun! Fast-paced with hilarious illustrations. The cover has an interactive turning wheel. STEM elements include the Industrial Revolution, technological innovations and inventions, archaeology.
Release Date: June 1, 2021
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Adventures of Pierre the Munchkin
by Dr. Kat
A whimsical dive into the secret life of an outdoor kitty.
Release Date: June 1, 2021
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Illegal Beagle
by Sandra Ourique, illustrated by Nelli Aghekyan
Illegal Beagle is a children’s picture book so full of adventure, laughs, and rhyming fun… it should be illegal!
Release Date: June 1, 2021
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When Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children
by Janie Reinart, illustrated by Morgan Taylor
Publisher’s profits from When Water Makes Mud are donated to UNICEF, celebrating 200,000 refugee children at Bidibidi settlement. Children without toys – yet children who play.
Release Date: June 1, 2021
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Birds Go Boho
by author-illustrator Alison Jane Rice
Flock to the seaside in this rhyming intro to eighteen quirky birds as they find love and support boho style. Depart their magical world a-twitter!
Release Date: June 5, 2021
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”E” is for Eucharist: A Catholic ABC
by Claudia Cangilla McAdam, illustrated by Anna-Maria Crum
Through an engaging rhyming text and gorgeously rendered illustrations, this alphabet book introduces kids to some of the unique aspects of the Catholic faith.
Release Date: June 8, 2021
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Sassafras and Her Teeny Tiny Tail
by Candice Marley Conner
With her bristly tail, Sassafras is teased right off her tree branch. But when danger strikes, what makes her different might just save the day.
Release Date: June 8, 2021
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Sean Moses is Martin Luther, the King Jr.
by Moses D. Powe, illustrated by Angelina Valieva
Sean Moses is ready to give the young royals in your life a lesson on Black history like none you’ve ever heard!
Release Date: June 8, 2021
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The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures
by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Roberta rescues small beings that are stranded or struggling. When a swarm of baby spiders gets into the classroom, she shows everyone how wondrous those tiny creatures really are.
Release Date: June 8, 2021
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Dino-Gro
by Matt Myers
Cole is excited about his new Dino-Gro toy, but it just keeps growing!”
Release Date: June 15, 2021
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How to Spot a Best Friend
by Bea Birdsong, illustrated by Lucy Fleming
Do you know how to find a best friend? Find out in this wonderful celebration of kindness and friendship!
Release Date: June 22, 2021
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How to Wear a Sari
by Darshana Khiani, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
A spirited young Indian girl dresses up in her mother’s sari in hopes of showing her family she’s not so “little.”
Release Date: June 22, 2021
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Obi’s Mud Bath
by Annette Schottenfeld, illustrated by Folasade Adeshida
Young rhino Obi sets off in search of a cool, Joey, gooey, mud bath and discovers the power of perseverance, friendship, and believing.
Release Date: June 22, 2021
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I Want a Boat
by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Kevan Atteberry
A young child uses their imagination to conjure up a boat, a sea, and an adventure. And that’s just the beginning. ~Kirkus
Release Date: June 24, 2021
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Brielle’s Birthday Ball
by Once Upon a Dance, illustrated by Stella Mongodi
Brielle’s Birthday Ball, the 5th Dance-It-Out creative movement story ready for kids’ imagination stage, is a beautiful was-it-just-a-dream adventure packed with movement concepts and subtle life lessons.
Release Date: June 28, 2021
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Yadira: The Beloved Friend
by David Chapman, illustrated by Brittany Cicchesse
This book is inspired by the beauty in Nature, with the hope that children’s imagination will lead them into that magical world.
Release Date: June 28, 2021
YOUNG ADULT
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The Existence of Bea Pearl
by Candice Marley Conner
When orders came to evacuate due to rising floodwaters, Bea Pearl followed her brother down to the river. Only she returned.
Release Date: June 15, 2021
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The Tragedy of Dane Riley
by Kat Spears
In this contemporary twist on Hamlet, 17-year-old Dane Riley struggles with depression after his father’s death. A modern tale of an existential crisis… ~Kirkus
Release Date: June 22, 2021
To submit your new release to Happy Book Birthday, read our guidelines here. Deadline to submit for July’s Happy Book Birthday is Thursday, June 24, 2021. Visit here for more promotional opportunities.