Books: Best picks this month

Books: Best picks this month Title: Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins Author: Lincoln Peirce Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books Max didn't expect knight school to be so tough. Luckily, she has her best friends--the Midknights--at her side. But when Byjovia is under attack, the Midknights will have to face beastly creatures, powerful spells, and their greatest foe yet--themselves? Title: Exploring the White House: Inside America's Most Famous Home Author: Kate Andersen Brower Publishers: Quill Tree Books Have you ever wondered what exactly goes on inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Sure, the president of the United States works and resides there, but do you know who helps keep this historic house running? It’s no simple task, especially when there are important state events and foreign dignitaries—in addition to presidential pups, mischievous children, and even a couple of ghosts. And its Residence workers and first ladies make sure everything is in check and running smoothly. Title: A Wolf for a Spell Author: Karah Sutton Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers The Girl Who Drank the Moon meets Pax in this fantastical tale of a wolf who forms an unlikely alliance with Baba Yaga to save the forest from a wicked tsar. Meanwhile, a young village girl named Nadya is also seeking the witch’s help, and when she meets Zima (in Baba Yaga’s form), they discover that they face a common enemy. With danger closing in, Zima must unite the wolves, the witches and the villagers against an evil that threatens them all. Title: Ritu Weds Chandni Author: Ameya Narvankar Publisher: Yali Little Ayesha is all excited for her favorite cousin Ritu's wedding. She can't wait to dance in the baraat ceremony! But not everyone is happy that Ritu is marrying her girlfriend Chandni. Some have even vowed to stop the celebrations. Will Ayesha be able to save her cousin's big day? This vibrant book sets the story of a same-sex couple struggling to gain acceptance against the colorful backdrop of an Indian wedding. Title: A Year of Everyday Wonders Author: Cheryl B. Klein Illustrator: Qin Leng Publisher: Harry N Abrams From first haircut to first ice-cream cone, each year brings a new cycle of experiences . With each new year come countless little wonders. From the highs—first snowfall, first new umbrella, first beach trip—to the lows—first missed bus, first lost umbrella, first sunburn—every year older means another cycle of everyday experiences. In their clever, playful, observant picture book, author Cheryl B. Klein and illustrator Qin Leng explore many truths of childhood through a calendar year of small moments that, all together, comprise what it is to be a kid.