On Shelves Now: MITZI TULANE, PRESCHOOL DETECTIVE IN WHAT'S THAT SMELL by y Lauren McLaughlin

32 p.
Ages: 2 to 5

Mitzi Tulane may be only three years old, but she sure knows how to follow a trail of evidence and solve tough mysteries. From the strange happenings in the kitchen to the sudden arrival of every family member she’s ever met, Mitzi pieces together the clues and (finally) realizes that she’s…in the middle of her own surprise birthday party!

Kids and parents will laugh along as Mitzi sorts through not-so-subtle hints and comes to her conclusions. Readers will love figuring out the surprise ahead of the private-eye protagonist! Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s bouncy illustrations bring an extra layer of fun to Lauren McLaughlin’s clever story.

Amazon | B & N | Book Depository | IndieBound

On Shelves Now: REAL SISTERS PRETEND by Megan Dowd Lambert

32 p.
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers
Ages: 2 to 5

This warm, engaging story, which unfolds entirely through the conversation of two adopted sisters, was inspired by the author's own daughters, whom she overheard talking about how adoption made them "real sisters" even though they have different birth parents and do not look alike.

"I liked how they took care of one another in their pretend-play scenario about climbing a mountain," Lambert says, "and I loved how they also took care of one another's feelings as they talked about adoption. Real Sisters Pretend captures these interactions perfectly and movingly.

Amazon | B & N | Book Depository | IndieBound

On Shelves Now: HAPPY IN OUR SKIN by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Lauren Tobia

32 p.
Publisher: Candlewick
Ages: 2 to 5


Is there anything more splendid than a baby’s skin? For families of all stripes comes a sweet celebration of what makes us unique—and what holds us together.

Look at you!
You look so cute
in your brand-new birthday suit.

Just savor these bouquets of babies—cocoa-brown, cinnamon, peaches and cream. As they grow, their clever skin does too, enjoying hugs and tickles, protecting them inside and out, and making them one of a kind. Fran Manushkin’s rollicking text and Lauren Tobia’s delicious illustrations paint a breezy and irresistible picture of the human family—and how wonderful it is to be just who you are.