Temperatures are rising, the school year is winding down, and summer is just over the horizon, which means we’re ready to look at new children’s books. With the change of seasons and upcoming holidays like AAPI Heritage Month, Father’s Day, Pride, and Independence Day, it’s a great time to brush up on what’s hitting shelves next month!

May’s releases are filled with perfect picks for summer break reading, from fireside spooky stories ideal for camping trips, coming-of-age tales for poolside reading sessions, and heartfelt picture books to share over family vacations, plus much more.

Picture Books

The Story of Everything: The Story of You! by Kara Newhouse, illus. by Kate Cosgrove (May 5)

In the beginning, there was a Big Bang… then began an eons-long dance of solar systems, continents, dinosaurs, and eventually, you! Drawing inspiration from Debra Frasier’s classic picture book, On the Day You Were Born, readers explore how the universe beautifully wove itself together over billions of years to result in one cosmically incredible event: their existence in it.

Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend by Joy Michael Ellison, illus. by Nabi H. Ali (May 5)

Kicking off Candlewick’s new Rainbow History series, this picture book biography explores the life and art of Willi Ninja, the iconic dancer known as the godfather of vogue, star of Paris is Burning, and the mother of the House of Ninja. With explosively dynamic art by Ali, Ellison details how Willi brought innovation and passion together to revolutionize the New York ballroom scene.

Where Do Stories Live? by Meenal Patel (May 5)

Avni loves her new journal; however, she wonders what she could put into it that would be worthy of its crisp blank pages. What is worth writing, or drawing, or imagining? Where does one find stories, or the inspiration for them? Part ode to the anxiety and joy of creating, part meditation on the everyday wonders that surround us, this peaceful tale is sure to offer new considerations (and perhaps a bit of artistic encouragement).

Dad by Christian Robinson (May 12)

We’ve already talked a bit about our love for the latest title from the marvelous Christian Robinson, but this beautiful ode to the ups, downs, imperfections, and constants of fatherhood is worth revisiting again and again. A perfect balance of parental appreciation that embraces all aspects of fatherhood, this lovely read is a warm, reassuring hug for both little ones and their dads.

Sixteen Games of Hide and Seek by Stephen Barr, illus. by Steve Teare (May 12)

Ro loves to play hide and seek with Dad, which is really exciting (and sort of scary) but tons of fun. However, Dad has to follow ALL the rules, even the ones that Ro makes up on the spot. But when Dad is taking a long time to find his really awesome hiding spot, Ro can’t help but be a little nervous about the loud storm rolling in. Will Dad find him before the storm does?

My Papi’s Hands by Melissa Seron Richardson, illus. by Edel Rodriguez (May 12)

As the young narrator of this title explains, her Papi’s hands can do amazing things. In addition to cooking, playing silly games, and pulling Mami in for a dance, Papi’s hands have built homes, buildings, and cities, brick by brick. And through that labor, he has provided for their family and community, inspiring her to do the same, in this gorgeous tribute to Latine laborers and fatherly love.

The River of Caregiving by Jocelyn Chung, illus. by Sarah Gonzales (May 19)

In the multigenerational family at the center of this book, everyone takes care of one another. Just as A-ma once helped Mama dress and get ready for school as a child, Mama now helps the elderly A-ma get ready for the day in the same way. Each expression of care—between young family members and old ones, those in the house and those far away, and even those living and those who have passed—forms a river of love flowing in all directions.

We Are Mighty: 12 Ordinary Americans Who Did the Next Needed Thing by Sharon McMahon, illus. by Susanna Chapman (May 19)

Adapting her best-selling adult title, The Small and the Mighty, into picture book form, “America’s Government Teacher” McMahon introduces young readers to a dozen ordinary folks who, when faced with extraordinary events, rose to the challenge. Featuring diverse figures such as Ida Lewis, Gouverneur Morris, and María de López, these largely lesser-known tales of courage, cleverness, and compassion are sure to inspire.

Spendin’ Time by Gary R. Gray, Jr., illus. by Rahele Jomepour Bell (May 26)

During a visit to his Nan and Granddad’s house, Nan sends the two out to pick up some ingredients for dinner. However, Granddad doesn’t seem to be in a rush to do the shopping: he takes the boy on a leisurely day of picking berries and fishing for trout, and even sneaks him an ice cream treat. After all, they’ll make it to the market and back home in time for Nan’s apple pie; for now, they’re spendin’ time.

Kindergarten Gets Ready by Naomi Danis, illus. by Pete Oswald (May 26)

Plenty of little ones will be spending this summer getting ready for their very first day of kindergarten… but do they know that kindergarten is getting ready for them, too? Readers of this cozy picture book follow Mr. Bee as he meticulously prepares an empty classroom over the course of a week, giving soon-to-be kindergarteners a preview of the kinds of things to expect from their own future classroom: learning, fun, and most importantly, a place where they are safe and everyone is welcome.

Middle Grade

Opting Out by Maia Kobabe and Swati “Lucky” Srikumar (May 5)

Kobabe, the celebrated author of Gender Queer, returns for a collaboration with debut creator Srikumar for this empowering and affirming middle grade exploration of gender. As Saachi enters seventh grade, there seems to be a schoolwide influx of crushes and new relationships, as well as physical changes that leave the young writer filled with uncertainty. A thoughtful and relatable portrayal of gender identity outside the binary in adolescence, this graphic novel is a must-read.

Styx and Stones by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge (May 5)

After thousands of years (and tens of thousands of escape attempts), the Simon of Athens finally breaks free of the Underworld… only to arrive in a middle school bathroom without any clothes on. Still in the teenage body of his life in ancient Greece, he is ecstatic to resume life among the living—until, of course, Hades comes calling. Co-authored by two multi-award winners, this sharply humorous and endlessly charming adventure is sure to win over any reader, but especially fans of Greek mythology.

We Need to Talk About Cancer: An Important Book for Patients, Family, and Friends by Dr. Sanjay Juneja, illus. by Anna Shepeta (May 5)

Cancer can feel like an impossibly difficult subject to talk about, especially with young audiences. However, the fact is that one in five people worldwide is diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, a diagnosis that not only affects the individual but their loved ones as well. Written by oncologist Juneja, this candid yet thoughtful guidebook walks readers through the basics of cancer: what it is, how it is treated, how to manage a diagnosis, and how to help others who are battling their own.

Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles (May 5)

When her favorite local blogger and YouTuber breaks the news that her favorite teacher was accused of sexual harassment at his previous school, seventh grader Calla Howard isn’t sure who she can believe: Mr. Chavis, his accusers, or even herself. Disturbed by community reactions to the story and reexamining her own interactions with Mr. Chavis, Calla decides to do what she can to amplify the voices of her fellow girls in this nuanced yet powerful novel of agency and empowerment.

The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly (May 12)

Two-time Newbery medalist Entrada Kelly offers up another heartbreakingly hopeful middle grade novel set in a not-so-distant dystopian future. When Zuzu Santos, an impoverished preteen who despises robots and the monolithic corporation that produces them, inherits a first-gen Secure Network Android Processor (SNAP), she’s eager to be rid of it. That is, until Snap begins to show very un-robotic behaviors: kindness, friendship, and loyalty. Yet without a recharging station, Snap’s battery inevitably begins to die, leading Zuzu to race against time in order to save her friend.

Roar by Varsha Bajaj (May 12)

Young Rohan is thrilled to be visiting his grandparents in India, especially because that means visiting the tiger sanctuary where G-Pa works. However, while many in the area are committed to safely co-existing with the endangered big cats, poachers and a proposed mining project are putting their habitats and lives in danger. Interspersed with chapters from a tiger’s-eye view, this is a powerful tale of conservation led by a winning protagonist on his own journey of self-confidence.

A Wish with Wings by Sarah Guillory (May 19)

To twelve-year-old Evelyn “Evan” Calais, a perfect day is running wild through the mud and marshes of her small Louisiana town. Yet when a salt mine collapse sends shock waves through her community and leaves forty-eight miners—including her father—trapped, free-spirited Evan is weighed down by guilt; she had prior knowledge of the potential disaster, and suspects that her best friend’s father, a supervisor at the mine, may be covering up that same information. In a layered and moving tale, Evan must find the courage to reveal the truth, even as lives and livelihoods hang in the balance.

My Name Is Harriet Mansoor (NOT Hairy Man Suit!) by Dr. Haleh Massey, illus. by Rashin Kheiriyeh (May 26)

Hangameh Mansoor is used to being different; after all, her first American teacher dubbed her “Harriet” after deciding that her Iranian first name was “too hard.” However, puberty has been particularly trying, especially after newfound body hair inspired her bully to give Harriet the cruel nickname “Hair Man Suit.” Using an engaging mix of comedy and pathos, this highly relatable tale of third culture adolescence offers assurance that finding belonging doesn’t mean fitting into a box.

Bonebag by E. M. Elliott and David Elliott (May 26)

The only life that Bonebag has known is in the Scura min Scurse, a perpetually dark forest and home to his unrepentantly cold and distant mother and father. Yet when the discovery of a locket leads him to uncover his true origins, Bonebag must uncover a way to escape the curse that binds him to the Scura, his monstrous parents, and possibly his doom. Fair warning: this legitimately creepy mix of horror and fantasy is not for the faint of heart!

Berserkers by M. A. Larson (May 26)

Goonies fans, look no further for your next summer read: this eccentric adventure is filled with all the mystery, mayhem, and middle school madness that any lover of the 1985 film classic could hope for. When a group of friends learns that their favorite teacher has gone missing while hunting for treasure, they fearlessly descend into the caves below their Minnesota town to rescue him, navigating darkness and danger. Hilarious, tender, and exciting until the final page, this is a perfect summer pick for readers of any age.

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We hope that you and your young readers check out the books on this list! If you’re looking for more amazing reads, be sure to check out our picks for the best new books of last month!