CountingWinter
September 8, 2026
978-0-80285-662-3
Board Book
6.8 in H | 6.8 in W
26 Pages $10.99
Juvenile Fiction
Count the wonders of the tundra from 1 to 12 in this stunning celebration of an Alaskan winter
One red fox walks on snow—stalking winter. Two ravens croak and gurgle—talking winter. Three snowshoe hares hop—tracking winter. Wherever you look, another animal is making its mark on the coldest time of year.
Inspired by her years living in Alaska, Nancy White Carlstrom celebrates the tundra with dynamic poetry, counting winter’s wonders from 1 to 12. Claudia McGehee’s stunning scratchboard art was influenced by her own snowy surroundings and vibrantly brings the text to life. This sturdy board book edition of Counting Winter is adapted for the youngest reader and a perfect read aloud for chilly days, whether winter is just beginning or just starting to melt into spring.
KEYSELLINGPOINTS
A BELOVED HARDCOVER, NOW IN BOARD BOOK: The awardwinning hardcover of Counting Winter has been a great success and favorite among librarians and booksellers.
SIMPLIFIED, YET LYRICAL TEXT: Simplified text makes this book accessible to a younger audience.
IDEAL FOR PRESCHOOL AND PREK CURRICULUM: Fits perfectly into multiple units of preschool and preK study-weather, environment, winter, habitats, animals.
POETIC TEXT, GORGEOUS ART MAKE A MEANINGFUL
STORYTIME: McGehee's stunning scratchboard art and White's award-winning text make for a cozy laptime experience with babies and toddlers.
Nancy White Carlstrom has written over sixty books for children, including Before You Were Born (Eerdmans), Mama, Will It Snow Tonight? (Boyds Mills Press), and the bestselling Jesse Bear series (Scholastic). Counting Winter was shaped by the nineteen years Nancy and her family called Alaska home. She currently lives in the Seattle area and enjoys seeing Alaskan wildlife—and her grandchildren—on trips back to the state. Visit her website at nancywhitecarlstrom.com.
Claudia McGehee is the illustrator and sometimes author of many picture books, including Begin with a Bee, Creekfinding (both University of Minnesota Press), and My Wilderness (Little Bigfoot). In starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, Claudia’s scratchboard art has been praised as “meticulous” and “striking.” Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Claudia now lives in Iowa City, Iowa. Visit her website at claudia-mcgehee.com or follow her on Instagram @claudia.mcgehee.
TheAdventuresofOdysseus
October 27, 2026
978-0-80285-663-0
Hardcover Picture Book
8.3 in H | 5.5 in W
196 Pages $21.99
Juvenile Fiction
The classic Greek myth of Odysseus comes alive for a new generation with this vibrant graphic novel adaptation for middle grade readers.
Now that the Trojan War is over, Odysseus can’t wait to reunite with his family. He sets sail and expects to be home in just a few weeks—but over ten years of adventure lie ahead! Can the hero and his crew survive singing Sirens, escape witches and nymphs, outwit a man-eating Cyclops, and make it home to Ithaca at last?
Author Nicolás Schuff and illustrator Mariana Ruiz Johnson transform Homer’s epic adventure for a new, younger generation in their spirited, action-packed graphic novel adaptation. Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, this playful edition includes a fresh artistic interpretation, including bold graphics and engaging side panels introducing Athena, Poseidon, and other Olympians alongside their appearances in the story
Translated from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel.
Nicolás Schuff is an Argentinian author of many books for children, including adaptations of classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Frankenstein, and Treasure Island. The picture book How to Reach the Moon (Amazon Crossing Kids), his English-language debut, received a starred review from Horn Book Magazine, and its Spanish edition was named to the New York Public Library Best Books in Spanish list. He lives in Buenos Aires. Follow him on Instagram @pajarofantasma.
Mariana Ruiz Johnson has created or co-created over a dozen books for children, including The Book that Kibo Wrote (Eerdmans), While You Are Sleeping (Chronicle), Run, Little Chaski! (Barefoot), and I Know a Bear (Schwartz & Wade). Mariana lives in Argentina, where she teaches illustration at the University of Buenos Aires. Follow her on Instagram @marianaruizjohnson.
Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 300 books, including Niños, 9 Kilometers, and the Batchelder Honor Book Different (all Eerdmans). He is also the translator of Nicolás Schuff and Ana Sender’s How to Reach the Moon (Amazon Crossing Kids)and of Mariana Ruiz Johnson’s The Book that Kibo Wrote (Eerdmans) Lawrence’s works have received many awards, including three PEN Translates Awards, two SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards, and two Américas Award Honors. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Bluesky @lawrenceschimel.bksy.social. KEYSELLINGPOINTS
COMING ON THE HEELS OF A SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER
MOVIE: Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated film adaptation (July 2026) will spur fresh appetites for the classic Greek myth.
A MORE PLAYFUL EDITION FOR YOUNGER READERS : This graphic novel adaptation, lively and action-packed, will be ideal for middle grade fans of Percy Jackson as well as reluctant readers.
A MUST FOR MYTHS, FABLES, AND LEGENDS CURRICULUM: The graphic novel format is a perfect introduction for and supplement to upper elementary and middle school myths, fables, and legends curriculum.
THE TROJAN WAR COMING IN SPRING 2027: The creators of The Adventures of Odysseus will return in Spring 2027 with their adaptation of another Greek myth, The Trojan War
TheBoyBehindtheWardrobe
October 20, 2026
978-0-80285-516-9
Hardcover Picture Book 11 in H | 8.5 in W
56 Pages $19.99
Juvenile Nonfiction
A lonely, imaginative boy becomes the world-renowned author of The Chronicles of Narnia.
Once a boy was born to make stories: C.S. Lewis. He insisted on being called "Jack" and loved to write and draw with his older brother. But after his mother died, he was shipped to boarding school, where he longed for real friends and sought refuge in books. And words and stories would strengthen him during World War I, connect him to bookish friends like J.R.R. Tolkien, and drive him toward his destiny as a world-renowned author
With lyrical words from debut author Suzanne Poulter Harris and lush, fantastical art from Mira Miroslavova, The Boy Behind the Wardrobe goes beyond the traditional picture book biography to explore the history and emotional trajectory of a child who struggled to fit in, yet created books beloved by millions around the globe. Backmatter includes an author's note, timeline, bibliography, and more.
KEYSELLINGPOINTS
C.S. LEWIS EXCITEMENT WILL BE AT FEVER PITCH WITH UPCOMING MOVIE: Greta Gerwig's much-anticipated "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" movie releases on Feb 27, 2027.
DEBUT AUTHOR HAS AUTHENTIC TIES TO LEWIS' HOME IN IRELAND: Suzanne Poulter Harris was born and raised in Northern Ireland and taught high school geography two miles from Lewis's childhood home in Belfast.
MEANINGFUL SEL THEMES RUN THROUGHOUT THE BOOK: This book focuses on Lewis' emotional trajectory—his solitary childhood, his struggle to fit in, and his journey of hope through his fantastic imagination.
BACKMATTER includes author's and illustrator's notes, timeline, bibliography, and more.
BOOK IS AIMED AT UPPER ELEMENTARY READERS: This picture book is aged for readers 6-12, the ages of many first-time Narnia readers.
Suzanne Poulter Harris was born and raised in Northern Ireland, like C.S. Lewis, and taught high school geography two miles from Lewis’s childhood home in Belfast. She traded her classroom to travel the world as a United States air force spouse, living in Italy and South Korea before settling in Washington, D.C. The Boy Behind the Wardrobe is her first picture book. Suzanne currently works as a literacy tutor, supporting reading and learning for middle grade students. Follow Suzanne on X @SuzannePoulterH.
Mira Miroslavova has created art for many picture books and novels, including Night of the Deer (Sleeping Bear), The Birds of Christmas (Eerdmans), and a cover for National Book Award Finalist The Ogress and the Orphans (Algonquin). Her work has been called “elegant” and “eye-catching” by Kirkus Reviews and has been selected for the Society of Illustrators “The Original Art” show. Raised near Sofia, Bulgaria, Mira now lives in Manchester, England. Follow her on Instagram @miramiroslavova.
ConsidertheNightSky
September 1, 2026
978-0-80285-564-0
Hardcover Picture Book
8 in H | 8 in W
32 Pages $18.99
Juvenile Fiction
Explore the wonder of God’s love and celestial creations in this lyrical astronomy primer from Jennifer Grant and Julianna Swaney
Consider the sun, moon, stars, planets, and constellations—God calls each one by name. Guess what? God knows your name and sees how brightly you shine, too!
Inspired by Isaiah 40:26, Psalm 147:4-5, and Matthew 6:26-34, the third book in the Consider series invites children to learn about outer space and the wonder of God’s love. Gentle text from author Jennifer Grant and endearing art from #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Julianna Swaney will encourage readers to stop and look up to the skies with awe. Set on a snowy evening, Consider the Night Sky is a cozy, inspiring read aloud for bedtime devotions and chilly winter days.
Jennifer Grant is an award-winning author of books for children and adults, including Consider the Birds, Consider the Lilies (both Eerdmans), and Maybe God Is Like That Too (Beaming). She lives in Chicago, where she enjoys exploring nature and reading about science—including astronomy! Learning about space both humbles Jennifer and fills her with awe, and she hopes this book will encourage families to discover new things outside after dark. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jennifergrantwriter and visit her website at jennifergrant.com.
Julianna Swaney is the illustrator of over a dozen books, including the previous titles in the Consider series (Eerdmans) and the #1 New York Times bestsellers The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be and We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines (both Thomas Nelson). She lives in Portland, Oregon, in a craftsman bungalow where she enjoys breadmaking, gardening, and carving the occasional wooden spoon. Follow her on Instagram @julianna_swaney and visit her website at juliannaswaney.com.
FINAL BOOK IN THE CONSIDER SERIES: This is the third and final title in the Consider series, making it a perfect three-book gift set for the holidays.
THEME IS PERENNIALLY POPULAR: Astronomy and space are beloved topics to explore with children, and this title opens it up to an even younger toddler audience.
ACCLAIMED CREATORS: Award-winning author Jennifer Grant has a strong fan base that continues to grow, paired with #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Julianna Swaney (The Wonder You See, The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be)
ART IS SUPERB, FRAME-WORTHY: Julianna Swaney's enchanting artwork has been a consistent focus for reviewers; its charm is equally present in Consider the Night Sky
A MUST FOR PAROCHIAL PRESCHOOL NATURE/SPACE STUDIES
ThisIsHowtoSpotAnimals!
Bear schools readers in animal spotting in this hilarious read-aloud picture book
October 6, 2026
978-0-80285-661-6
Hardcover Picture Book 11 in H | 8.3 in W 40 Pages $18.99
Juvenile Fiction
Shhh! Don’t move! Bear is spotting animals. One day he hopes to find a rare red-breasted goose. A beautiful animal! And very rare. But today he has no luck. There is nothing to see. Spotting animals is not easy. But he’s good at it and will tell you how it should be done.
Dramatic irony ensues as Bear leads readers through a day of wildlife watching. He insists there’s nothing to see, but readers will be delighted as animal after animal appears—a snail, a bird, a fox, even the rare redbreasted goose. Aline Portman’s story of awareness and preoccupation pairs with charming illustrations in orange, teal, and gray for a fun, silly, and sure-to-be engaging read aloud experience.
Translated from Dutch by three-time Batchelder Award winner Laura Watkinson.
KEYSELLINGPOINTS
A FUNNY AND ADORABLE ANIMAL-THEMED READALOUD:
Dramatic irony, a lovable Bear hero, and laugh-out-loud illustrations make for a perfect story time pick.
GREAT FOR PRESCHOOL AND PREK CLASSES: Great for reading aloud during studies of animals, zoos, wildlife, and more.
MINDFULNESS AND AWARENESS THEMES ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY: Today's young readers struggle with attention; this title is a fun way to explore those challenges.
AWARD-WINNING TRANSLATOR: Dutch translator Laura Watkinson is a three-time Batchelder Award winner
Aline Portman started writing this book on the tram, where she was surrounded by people looking at their phones and missing out on the world around them. She developed the idea into This Is How to Spot Animals! and illustrated it with pencils, soft pastels, and markers. This book is Aline’s English-language debut. She lives in Ghent, Belgium. Follow her on Instagram @alineportman.
Laura Watkinson translates books for children and adults from Dutch, German, and Italian. Her translations have received numerous honors, including three Mildred L. Batchelder Awards, two Mildred L. Batchelder Honors, and the Vondel Translation Prize. She is the founder of the Dutch chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SBCWI). Laura lives in Amsterdam. Visit her website at laurawatkinson.com.
September 22, 2026
978-0-80285-615-9
Hardcover Picture Book 11 in H | 8.5 in W
52 Pages $19.99
Juvenile Nonfiction
God’s creation is celebrated in a radiant, poetic retelling of the biblical story
At the beginning of all things, God spoke, and a family tree sprouted in the dust. Adam and Eve were the first branches, but soon this beautiful tree came to include Noah, Abraham, Jesse, King David, and eventually Jesus…
Rebecca Janni’s Branch retells our journey from sin to salvation through stirring poetry and a wonderfully accessible metaphor of trees, gardens, and plants. Luminous art from Michelle Carlos overflows with striking Old and New Testament imagery, which is explained further in back matter notes from the author and illustrator Whether readers are hearing this story for the first—or hundredth—time, they’ll find something new to discover on this expansive journey from Genesis to Revelation. Branch is an unforgettable book to share during all seasons, especially around Christmas and Easter
KEYSELLINGPOINTS
A MAGNIFICENT RETELLING OF THE BIBLE STORY: Janni's beautiful poetry is paired with Carlos' sweeping art for an aweinspiring read.
A PERFECT READ ALOUD FOR FAMILIES: Lyrical text and compelling art make this book an appealing, enlightening read aloud for families discussing the Bible with children.
INTRIGUING BOOK CLUB READ FOR WOMEN OF FAITH,
DISCIPLESHIP: Captivating art and text lead to discussions about origins, family lines, and the meaning of "we are the branches."
STUNNING ART AND PACKAGING MAKE A GO-TO GIFT: The beauty of the art and poetry make this a perfect gift for women of faith.
A MUST FOR HOMESCHOOLS AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS: Young readers will be drawn to the book's magnetic art and poetry, introducing the Bible story and creating conversation.
Rebecca Janni is the author of Spin (Grosset & Dunlap), Jammy Dance (FSG), and the Cowgirl picture book series (Dutton). Branch began as a poem she wrote for her church’s Easter celebration. As research for the story, Rebecca examined the role of trees in the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—and read various biblical translations, looking for every mention of trees, branches, vines, and seeds. A native of Iowa, Rebecca recently moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she lives with her family. Visit her website at rebeccajanni.com.
Michelle Carlos is a Filipina artist based in Stuttgart, Germany. She has illustrated almost a dozen books for children and young adults, including The Roach King of Raleigh (Blink), Past Watchful Dragons (Word on Fire), A Little Bit of Everything (Sleeping Bear), and Nikki Grimes’ Lullaby for the King (Beaming). Michelle’s work for Branch draws from her Catholic upbringing, her interest in the universe’s origins, biblical trees and birds, and other subjects. Follow Michelle on Instagram @misheru_does_art and visit her website at michellecarlos.com.
StillWater
August 18, 2026
978-0-80285-659-3
Hardcover Picture Book
11.4 in H | 9 in W
64 Pages $18.99
Juvenile Nonfiction
The vital ecosystems of ponds, puddles, swamps, and more come alive in this gorgeously illustrated exploration of wetlands.
Human beings love babbling brooks and rushing rivers—but when we see water that stands still, we’ve historically called it unsafe, unhealthy, and even useless. Yet still water ecosystems like wetlands are teeming with life—and they’re critical to our planet’s survival. How? And why?
Still Water is a lushly illustrated journey through still water ecosystems, inviting readers to learn about their makeup, their inhabitants, their importance, and their future.
Translated from Italian by Batchelder Award winner Sylvia Notini, Still Water includes backmatter with a glossary of terms and a link to the creators’ bibliography. It is ideal for field trips to natural history museums and local ponds, as well as celebrations of Earth Day, World Wetlands Day, and World Wildlife Day. Part of Eerdmans’ Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series.
KEYSELLINGPOINTS
STILL WATER ECOSYSTEMS ARE ENDANGERED AND MISUNDERSTOOD, YET IMPORTANT: The topic's widespread importance makes it a must for classrooms and libraries.
FITS EASILY INTO NATURAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM: Wetlands are routinely taught in elementary and middle school science courses. This book is an ideal supplemental text.
A READILY ACCESSIBLE TOPIC: While wetlands might be misunderstood, they're common and accessible to children (e.g., most kids can explore puddles wherever they live).
BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK BOOSTS THE BOOK'S EFFECTIVENESS: Gottardi's welcoming art with pops of color is pleasing to the eye and engaging.
BACKMATTER features a glossary of terms and a link to the creators' bibliography.
CREDIBLE CREATORS: Authors are science- and educationfocused; translator is a Batchelder winner
Valentina Gottardi has pursued her dual passions of art and nature since childhood. At Cocai Books, she serves as artistic director and designer for all projects, including this book, Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans), and The Tomorrow Tree (Phaidon).
Danio Miserocchi is a coauthor of The Tomorrow Tree (Phaidon) and Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans). He is an Italian naturalist and teacher who works with museums and community organizations on conservation and biodiversity initiatives. Follow Danio on Instagram @daniomiserocchi.
Maciej Michno is an editor at Cocai Books, which creates educational, scientifically verified books focused on often-overlooked natural subjects. His previous titles include Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans) and The Tomorrow Tree (Phaidon).
Sylvia Notini has translated over 200 titles from Italian into English, including Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans) and Sea Wonders (Princeton Architectural). Her translation of Just a Girl (HarperCollins) won the 2023 Mildred L. Batchelder Award, and her translation of Chickenology (Princeton Architectural) was a finalist for the AAAS Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Sylvia lives in Castenaso, just outside of Bologna, Italy. Visit her website at sylvianotini.com.
PumaConcolor
September 29, 2026
978-0-80285-660-9
Hardcover Picture Book
8.5 in H | 11 in W
48 Pages $18.99
Juvenile Nonfiction
Join a BBC Earth documentary crew as they film wild pumas in the mountains of Patagonia
At the southernmost tip of South America lives the world’s densest population of wild pumas—including a female named Rupestre and her four cubs. Join noted wildlife filmmaker René Araneda and his team as they follow Rupestre and her family. Witness them play, hunt, and learn to survive in the wild—through some of the toughest circumstances, even the freezing cold winter
Bold, graphic illustrations from Julio Antonio Blasco join with sidebars and infographics to bring Patagonia and its pumas to life. Readers will discover puma anatomy, the wider feline family, local conservation efforts, and more. Perfect for cat fans, aspiring biologists, and wildlife fans.
Translated from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel, Puma Concolor was shaped by the footage of Rupestre and her cubs Araneda and his team filmed on location in Patagonia. The content aired as episode 1 of the BBC Earth docuseries Dynasties II, narrated by David Attenborough.
KEYSELLINGPOINTS
AUTHOR IS A GLOBALLY KNOWN WILDLIFE
DOCUMENTARIAN: René Araneda is an Emmy-nominated documentarian whose work has aired on Animal Planet, Discovery, and NatGeo, and been narrated by Barack Obama, David Attenborough, Pedro Pascal, and others.
BOOK'S CONTENT ORIGINALLY AIRED ON BBC EARTH: Puma Concolor is based on episode 1 of the BBC Earth docuseries Dynasties II, narrated by David Attenborough.
BOLD ART + INFOGRAPHICS AND SIDEBARS: The book's dynamic art, paired with infographics and sidebars, pulls the reader in for engaging study
BIG CATS AND WILDLIFE ARE WINNING TOPICS: Big cats and wildlife are always popular subjects for young readers.
René Araneda is a naturalist and Chilean filmmaker specializing in wildlife documentaries. A founder of the Jane Goodall Institute Chile, his work has been nominated for Emmy Awards, has aired on channels including Animal Planet, Discovery, and NatGeo, and has been narrated by figures including Barack Obama, David Attenborough, and Pedro Pascal. Follow him on Instagram @renearaneda.
Julio Antonio Blasco has worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for almost two decades. His fifty-plus books include Animal Architects (Laurence King) and Top Secret: The Book of Spies and Agents (Little Gestalten), and his work has been selected for the White Ravens catalog. While illustrating this book, he spent countless hours with photos and videos of the pumas and the Patagonian landscape. Julio lives in Valencia, Spain. Follow him on Instagram @julioantonioblasco and visit his website at julioantonioblascolopez.com.
Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 300 books, including The Children of the Sun, Niños, 9 Kilometers, and the Batchelder Honor Book Different (all Eerdmans). His works have received many awards, including three PEN Translates Awards, two SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards, and two Américas Award Honors. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Bluesky @lawrenceschimel.bksy.social.
