Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Advertise
    • Mentorship
    • Editing Services
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    Best New Kids Books | December 2015

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze10 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Best Kids Stories Book Lists Teens: Young Adults
    Best New Kids Stories | December 2015
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The Children’s Book Review | December 1, 2015

    Hot New Release Kids Books & Popular Kids Stories

    After taking a look at our selection of hot new releases and popular kids’ books … it’s more than likely we’re suckers for picture books about love, kindness, and compassion. Take a gander and let us know which titles and covers catch your eyes …

    Here Comes Valentine CatHere Comes Valentine Cat

    Written by Deborah Underwood

    Illustrated by Claudia Rueda

    Publisher’s Synopsis: The New York Times bestselling Cat is back just in time for Valentine’s Day—but he’s not interested in giving a valentine to any old dog. This homage to classic comic strips is perfect for fans of Pete the Cat, Bad Kitty, Mo Willems’s Pigeon books, and of course, Cat’s two previous capers, Here Comes the Easter Cat and Here Comes Santa Cat.

    Cat does NOT like Valentine’s Day. It’s much too mushy, and no way is he making anyone a valentine—especially not his new neighbor, Dog. Dog refuses to respect the fence: He keeps tossing over old bones and hitting Cat in the head! But just as Cat’s about to send Dog an angry “valentine” telling him exactly what he can do with his bones, Dog throws a ball over the fence. What is Dog playing at? Cat is in for a hilarious—and heartwarming—surprise in this story about being perhaps too quick to judge.

    Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Dial Books | Dec. 22 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0525429159

    The Red HatThe Red Hat

    Written by David Teague

    Illustrated by Antoinette Portis

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Billy Hightower spends his whole life alone in a skyscraper high above a big city. Then one day, a skyscraper is built next door and a girl moves in. Could she be a friend? But every time Billy tries to reach out to her, the wily Wind gets in his way! Can Billy find a way to outsmart the Wind and make a new friend, or will he be swept away?

    Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Dec. 8 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1423134114

    Groundhog's DilemmaGroundhog’s Dilemma

    Written by Kristen Remenar 

    Illustrated by Matt Faulkner

    Publisher’s Synopsis: After Groundhog announces six more weeks of winter, half his animal friends are disappointed, while the other half are excited. Each animal asks Groundhog to make his prediction in their favor the following year. Rather than being truthful about the fact that he just “calls it like he sees it,” he leads them to believe he can control the weather, accepting their gifts of food and favor. On the next Groundhog Day, he finally admits he made promises he couldn’t keep because he was trying to please everyone and makes amends.

    Matt Faulkner’s rich illustrations are packed with hilarious details that will delight readers of all ages. No matter what weather the Groundhog predicts, curling up with this fun book is a great way to spend the winter.

    Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Charlesbridge | Dec. 1 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1580896009

    How to Mend a HeartHow to Mend a Heart

    Written and Illustrated by Sara Gillingham

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A charming arts-and-crafts approach to dealing with first moments of heartbreak. Be it caused by a lost pet, a friend’s moving away, or even simple childhood injustice, Sara Gillingham (How to Grow a Friend) understands the gentle touch needed to soothe a sore heart. Her fresh and whimsical design makes an enticing vehicle for her advice.

    Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | Dec. 22 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0553510935

    Mimi and Shu in I'll Race You!Mimi and Shu in I’ll Race You!

    Written by Christian Trimmer

    Illustrated by Melissa van der Paardt

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Mimi and Shu are in a race to make history (and dessert) in this inventive and fun reimagining of the origins of the Chinese zodiac.

    Shu the mouse has his eyes set on making history. His best friend Mimi the cat, on the other hand, has her eyes set on cupcakes. When Emperor Jade invites Mimi, Shu, and a bunch of their animal friends to his big race for a spot in the Chinese zodiac—and a big plate of cupcakes—Shu and Mimi are determined to win. But with their eyes set on different prizes, can Mimi and Shu work together to win Emperor Jade’s great race? Or will the lure of sweet (and sugary) victory come between them for good?

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers | Dec. 15 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1481423304

    I Love You Already!I Love You Already!

    Written by Jory John

    Illustrated by Benji Davies

    Publisher’s Synopsis: From the creators of Goodnight Already!, Jory John and Benji Davies, comes another standout hilarious picture book about Bear and Duck. Bear can’t wait to spend a pleasant day by himself. His persistent next-door neighbor, Duck, wants to take a morning stroll . . . with Bear. He just wants Bear to like him already. . . .

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: HarperCollins | Dec. 22 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062370952

    the only child guojingThe Only Child

    Written and Illustrated by Guojing

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A New York Times Best Illustrated Book

    Like Shaun Tan’s The Arrival and Raymond Briggs’s The Snowman, this gorgeous and imaginative 100-page graphic picture book is utterly transporting and original.

    A little girl—lost and alone—follows a mysterious stag deep into the woods, and, like Alice down the rabbit hole, she finds herself in a strange and wondrous world. But… home and family are very far away. How will she get back there?

    In this magnificently illustrated—and wordless—masterpiece, debut artist Guojing brilliantly captures the rich and deeply-felt emotional life of a child, filled with loneliness and longing as well as love and joy.

    Ages 5-9 | Publisher: Schwartz & Wade | Dec. 1 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0553497045

    Long Road to Freedom (Ranger in Time #3)Long Road to Freedom (Ranger in Time #3)

    Written by Kate Messner

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training. In this adventure, he goes to a Maryland plantation during the days of American slavery, where he meets a young girl named Sarah. When she learns that the owner has plans to sell her little brother, Jesse, to a plantation in the Deep South, it means they could be separated forever. Sarah takes their future into her own hands and decides there’s only one way to run — north.

    Ages 7-10 | Publisher: Scholastic Press | Dec. 29 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0545639200

    The Secret Files of Fairday MorrowThe Secret Files of Fairday Morrow

    Written by Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson

    Illustrated by Roman Muradov

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Fans of the classic detective/spy story as well as the popular THE SECRET SERIES will adore this highly illustrated debut middle-grade adventure featuring three young sleuths!

    Fear Not the Unexpected.

    Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom.
    As if leaving New York City and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad (DMS), weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past.
    Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a strange picture of a red-haired lady are the first in a series of clues that takes the members of the Detective Mystery Squad on an amazing adventure.

    Ages 10+ | Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers | Dec. 1 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0385744713

    The Art of Star Wars- The Force AwakensThe Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

    Written by Phil Szostak

    Foreward by Rick Carter

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Step inside the Lucasfilm art departments for the creation of fantastical worlds, unforgettable characters, and unimaginable creatures. The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will take you there, from the earliest gathering of artists and production designers at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco to the fever pitch of production at Pinewood Studios to the conclusion of post-production at Industrial Light & Magic—all with unprecedented access. Exclusive interviews with the entire creative team impart fascinating insights in bringing director J. J. Abrams’s vision to life; unused “blue sky” concept art offers glimpses into roads not traveled.

    Bursting with hundreds of stunning works of art, including production paintings, concept sketches, storyboards, blueprints, and matte paintings, this visual feast will delight Star Wars fans and cineastes for decades to come. The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the definitive expression of how the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga was dreamed into being. 

    Ages 10+ | Publisher: Abrams | Dec. 10 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1419717802

    Star Wars- The Force Awakens Visual DictionaryStar Wars: The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary

    Written by Pablo Hidalgo

    Publisher’s Synopsis: The definitive guide to the characters, droids, aliens, and creatures of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Beautiful photography and clear, authoritative text by Lucasfilm insider Pablo Hidalgo names and explains all the details of costumes, weapons, and accessories. Includes three exclusive, specially commissioned cutaway models produced by Industrial Light & Magic model maker John Goodson.

    Ages 10+ | Publisher: DK Children | Dec. 18 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1465438164

    Breakthrough by Jim MurphyBreakthrough!: How Three People Saved “Blue Babies” and Changed Medicine Forever

    Written by Jim Murphy

    Publisher’s Synopsis: In 1944 a groundbreaking operation repaired the congenital heart defect known as blue baby syndrome. The operation’s success brought the surgeon Alfred Blalock international fame and paved the way for open-heart surgery. But the technique had been painstakingly developed by Vivien Thomas, Blalock’s African American lab assistant, who stood behind Blalock in the operating room to give him step-by-step instructions.

    The stories of this medical and social breakthrough and the lives of Thomas, Blalock, and their colleague Dr. Helen Taussig are intertwined in this compelling nonfiction narrative.

    Ages 10-12 | Publisher: Clarion Books | Dec. 8 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0547821832

    not if i see you first by eric lindstromNot If I See You First

    Written by Eric Lindstrom

    Publisher’s Synopsis: The Rules:

    Don’t deceive me. Ever. Especially using my blindness. Especially in public.

    Don’t help me unless I ask. Otherwise you’re just getting in my way or bothering me.

    Don’t be weird. Seriously, other than having my eyes closed all the time, I’m just like you only smarter.

    Parker Grant doesn’t need 20/20 vision to see right through you. That’s why she created the Rules: Don’t treat her any differently just because she’s blind, and never take advantage. There will be no second chances. Just ask Scott Kilpatrick, the boy who broke her heart.

    When Scott suddenly reappears in her life after being gone for years, Parker knows there’s only one way to react-shun him so hard it hurts. She has enough on her mind already, like trying out for the track team (that’s right, her eyes don’t work but her legs still do), doling out tough-love advice to her painfully naive classmates, and giving herself gold stars for every day she hasn’t cried since her dad’s death three months ago. But avoiding her past quickly proves impossible, and the more Parker learns about what really happened–both with Scott, and her dad–the more she starts to question if things are always as they seem. Maybe, just maybe, some Rules are meant to be broken.

    Combining a fiercely engaging voice with true heart, debut author Eric Lindstrom’s Not If I See You Firstilluminates those blind spots that we all have in life, whether visually impaired or not.

    Ages 14+ | Publisher: Poppy | Dec. 1 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0316259859

    For more of the best new kids stories and popular books for kids, follow along with our tag for Popular Kids Stories.

    What to Read Next:

    1. Best New Kids Books | August 2016
    2. 34 of the Best Picture Books of 2019, so Far
    3. Best New Kids Stories | June 2015
    4. Best New Kids Books | February 2016

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Abrams Books Antoinette Portis Atheneum Books for Young Readers Benji Davies Best Books for Kids Best New Kids Books Charlesbridge books Christian Trimmer Clarion Books Claudia Rueda David Teague Debbie Ridpath Ohi Deborah Underwood Delacorte Books for Young Readers Dial books Disney-Hyperion DK Children Eric Lindstrom Guojing Jessica Haight Jim Murphy Jory John Kate Messner Kristen Remenar Matt Faulkner Melissa van der Paardt Pablo Hidalgo Phil Szostak Poppy Books Popular Kids Stories Random House Books for Young Readers Rick Carter Rob Sanders Roman Muradov Sara Gillingham Scholastic Press Schwartz & Wade Stephanie Robinson
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleJennifer Longo, Author of Up to this Pointe | Speed Interview
    Next Article 9 Excellent Jewish Kids Books for Hanukkah Gifts and Beyond
    Bianca Schulze
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • LinkedIn

    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • 10 Must-Read Chapter Books with Adventure, Humor, and Imagination
    • The Bangle Bombers Blast Banks | Dedicated Review
    • 5 Award-Winning Teen Audiobooks for Ages 12 and Up
    • The Chubby Bubbies: Trip to the Museum | Dedicated Review
    • Flora and the Jazzers, by Astrid Sheckels | Dedicated Review
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Professional Resources

    Book Marketing Campaigns

    Writing Coaches and Editing Services

    Mentorship

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Policies
    • Advertise
    • TCBR Buzzworthy Mentions
    • About TCBR
    © 2025 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.