Looking for a great new book for young readers? Check out these new books by authors and illustrators from the Western Washington region. You can see us all talking about the books, and play trivia and win fabulous prizes by joining us all November 13 at the SCBWI-WWA Fall 2022 Inside Story, register today, it’s free!

The Panda Cub Swap, Written by Beth Bacon, illustrated by Anne Belov

It takes a lot of work to bring a panda cub into the world. They are born with delicate pink skin, they’re unable to see, unable to walk—and even unable to go to the bathroom without help! It’s so much work that panda mamas can only take care of one cub at a time. So when Zoo Atlanta’s beloved giant panda, Lun Lun, surprised everyone by having twins, the zoo staff had to pitch in.Histria Kids. Beth: www.bethbaconauthor.com Anne: www.yourbrainonpandas.com

A Person Can Be… Written by Kerri Kokias

A one-of-a-kind book that shows how naughty and nice (and other opposite qualities!) can describe the same person — at the same time! This deceptively simple book uses children’s everyday experiences to explore the complexities of human nature. Kerri Kokias has crafted a unique and thoughtful picture book that gives children the vocabulary to identify the emotions, attributes, and personality traits of complicated humans everywhere. Kids Can Press www.kerrikokias.com

The Trainbow Written and Illustrated by Nina Laden

Look what is coming down the track. It’s the Trainbow! Readers fold out this accordion shaped book to reveal the most colorful train you’ve ever seen, making Trainbow perfect for story time and playtime. All aboard! Chronicle Books www.ninaladen.com

Patchwork Illustrated by Corinna Luyken

In profound, uplifting verse and sumptuous artwork, Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken explore the endless possibilities each child contains: A young dancer may grow into a computer coder; a basketball player might become a poet; a class clown may one day serve as an inspiring teacher; and today’s quiet empath might be tomorrow’s great leader. A profound and uplifting new classic with an empowering message for readers of all ages: Your story is still being written. GP Putnam www.corinnaluyken.com

Owl and Penguin Written and illustrated by Vikram Madan

Owl likes peace and quiet. Penguin likes to SING OUT LOUD. But best friends don’t need to be the same. Sometimes it’s good to disagree! Owl and Penguin celebrate their differences and solve their problems with creative play. From ice cream mishaps to rainy day chills, there’s nothing these pals can’t get through together. Holiday House www.VikramMadan.com

Bobo & Pup-Pup: The Funny Book Written by Vikram Madan

A super funny book has Pup-Pup literally laughing out loud!! Bobo wants to read it so he can laugh too, but he must wait till Pup-Pup is finished. But the more Pup-Pup laughs, the harder it is to wait! All kids know that waiting is not easy!! What happens when Bobo’s patience runs out and he takes matters into his own hands? Random House Kids www.VikramMadan.com

Where Do Diggers Take Vacation? Written by Brianna Caplan Sayres

Where do you go on vacation? Do you visit family? Go to the beach? How about a road trip? For sure! Follow diggers, fire trucks, fork-lifts—and more—on their vacation travels. Hard working trucks need to get away, relax, and play, just like you do! Children who can’t get enough of trucks will love all the books in the bestselling Where Do…series. Random House Books for Young Readers www.briannacaplansayres.com

A Curse on the Wind, Written by Joni Sensel

A would-be actress, a good-looking gravedigger, and a cemetery haunted by an invisible power
collide with the unintended consequences of a curse. This YA historical fantasy features 17-year-old Gethsemane, who gives in during a weak moment and casts a dramatic curse against someone who wronged her. In 1909 Ohio, buzzing with modern machines and inventions, she never expects it to work. When the spirit of the Wind delivers her curse and expects her to marry it in return, she has to somehow escape its unwanted attention or give up the chance to ever be loved. Only by facing her own shadow and trusting an unlikely ally can she outsmart the Wind to find true love instead.   The Wild Rose Press www.jonisensel.com

Namaste is a Greeting Written by Suma Subramaniam

Discover namaste’s many meanings in a simple, lyrical text, paired with a charmingly detailed visual narrative about a little girl’s kindness. Namaste calms your heart when things aren’t going right Namaste is saying “You matter.” Candlewick Press www.sumasubramaniam.com

When Your Daddy’s a Soldier Written by Gretchen McLellan

For one young boy and his family at home, the days pass slowly. That’s because when your daddy’s a soldier and he’s away at war, you can’t wait for him to come home so you can be together again. This poignant and impactful story, inspired by the author’s lived experiences, captures the essence of the daily heartache, fear, joy, and uncertainty that a child whose parent has gone off to war must live with. Viking www.gretchenmclellan.com

Starring Steven Spielberg: The Making of a Young Filmmaker Illustrated by Craig Orback

Before Steven made films, he watched them. As the only Jewish boy in his neighborhood, he was often bullied and felt the sting of antisemitism. Films and the magic they contained became a necessary escape. From his younger years to his first days on a movie set, this biography captures the unique ways Steven’s memories influenced his career and helped him to become the celebrated filmmaker that he is today. Little Brown and Co. www.Craigorback.com

School is Wherever I Am Written and Illustrated by Ellie Peterson

Is school only one place? Are there other classrooms? Different teachers? New Lessons? In this charming, thoughtful audiobook, author-illustrator Ellie Peterson explores learning, adventure, and the thousands of the things you can discover outside of a classroom—about the world, about your family, about yourself. Because school is truly wherever you are. Roaring Brook Press www.elliepetersonart.com

She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change Written by Suma Subramaniam

M.S. Subbulakshmi was a powerful Indian singer who advocated for justice and peace through song. In early 1900s India, girls were not allowed to perform for the public. Her fascinating odyssey stretched across borders, and soon she was no longer just a young prodigy. She was a woman who changed the world. www.sumasubramaniam.com

Birthday of the World Illustrated by Rachell Sumpter

In the beginning, there was only darkness, and then a great ray of light ended the darkness and the world was born, the world of a thousand thousand things. It was filled with light. Then something unexpected happened, and the light of the world broke into millions of sparks of light. These sparks fell everywhere. They fell into everyone and everything. This is why you were born and I was born, and why everyone was born — to find the light and change the world. Cameron Kids www.rachellsumpter.com