New Releases by Julie Fortenberry

Hold onto your juice boxes—everything floats in outer space! Set out for the stars in this warmhearted picture book ode to the transportive power of imagination. Fern and Rosie are astronaut sisters, ready to sail miles above the clouds. They slip on their boots (space boots). They strap on their helmets (space helmets). They pretend the swingset can launch them into the stars, and they lie on the grass gazing up at the real ones. A big space station isn’t the only thing up there—while Fern and Rosie sleep in their rocket ship sleeping bags, their astronaut mom soars through the skies on her way back to earth. They’re more than astronaut sisters. They’re a whole astronaut family! Julie Fortenberry’s Astronaut Sisters is both a heartfelt family tale and tender celebration of just how far our imaginations can take us, pairing warm and whimsical artwork with a sweet sibling relationship. The sisters’ touching reunion with their mother is sure to leave children and parents alike starry-eyed.

In this heartwarming intergenerational story, Grandpa Bear introduces his grandson Jake to a very special place—the library! "Let''s turn the TV off," says Grandpa to Jake. "There''s some place I''d like to show you... a place my Grandpa took me when I was your age." As the two of them walk through the busy town, Grandpa shares the favorite places he and his own grandpa went together . . . and Little Jake keeps guessing where they are going. The movies? The baseball park? The beach? "Not this time," says Grandpa, and has Jake close his eyes before going into . . . the library!

A gently reassuring picture book about the milestone of a first sleepover, for fans of The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Wemberly Worries by Kevin Henkes. Every night at home, Darcy brushes her teeth with strawberry toothpaste; she snuggles in bed with Little Cat; and she falls asleep to the sound of her dad washing the dishes. But tonight, Darcy is having her very first sleepover! Even though it’s at her cousin Kayla’s house, it still feels a little daunting. Kayla has peppermint toothpaste, a baby bear named Charlotte, and howling winds outside her window. Darcy misses her dad and her own cozy bedroom. Should she ask her aunt to take her home? This rewarding tale celebrates the excitement of new experiences and the power of quiet growth. Backmatter also included shedding light on steps parents can take when helping kids prepare for their first sleepover! Christy Ottaviano Books

Pearl loves to dance! But will she love preschool, too? Pearl loves attending dance classes at her mother’s ballet school. Even though Pearl is the youngest and smallest ballerina, she knows how to count her poses and follow along. When her mom suggests that Pearl try going to preschool, Pearl has a lot of questions: What will she learn? Will there be dancing? A sweet and reassuring story about trying something new that’s perfect for young children with separation anxiety — or who just love to dance!

Armed with a vivid imagination and her trusty cat mask, Lily can take on anything--even a new school... But when her teacher tells her no masks allowed in class, Lily worries, can she make friends without it? Anyone who has been daunted by a new experience, or struggled to put on a good face, will relate to Lily. Whimsical art brings Lily, her father, and her new classmates to life, with text that begs to be read aloud. Perfect for Father''s Day, back to school, and even Halloween--Lily and her grinning cat mask are sure to make you smile back.

When a bad-tempered king punishes Daphne, a young artist, he soon realizes that he has met his match. For Daphne turns her punishment, a dunce cap, into a fashionable and regal hat and now every villager wants to wear one. Daphne''s caring, creative spirit may just be what the kingdom and the king has needed.