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Another new year, another list of new children’s book releases being published in January. Reading new books in the winter feels essential, and these ten upcoming titles are the perfect cozy way for kids to pass some time while hibernating till spring. So get your fave kiddo, unfold your snuggliest blanket, and hunker down for a warm winter filled with new children’s books.
Regardless of if you are looking for picture books, nonfiction, or middle grade novels and comics, there are titles for all levels and interests. Therefore, I’ve chosen ten new children’s book releases that I’m most excited about and have split this list into sections by type. There are new picture books by Joyce Wan, Monique Truong, and the wonderful Amanda Gorman: the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. My nonfiction picks include animal facts, American history, and battling dinos. Plus there are some fantastic new middle grade titles by powerhouse authors Lisa Yee, Dan Santat, Remy Lai, Tamika Burgess, and Stephen Shaskan. These new children’s book releases will have kiddos excited and ready to read.
New Picture Books: January 2025
Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman and Loveis Wise (Releases January 7, 2025)
Wise’s vibrant illustrations accompany Gorman’s new poem. Right now, being a woman in the world feels very demoralizing, but Gorman has written a rallying ode to girlhood and a reminder that uplifting other girls is the best way to move forward. It’s a message I definitely welcome hearing right now and will be happy to share with my daughter as she grows.
Mai’s Áo Dài by Thái Nguyễn, Monique Truong, and Dung Ho (Releases January 7, 2025)
It’s the morning of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, and Mai is getting ready to visit her grandmother. She imagines herself attending the holiday celebration in a beautiful dress, but her dad suggests she wear an áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese outfit, instead. Mai isn’t very happy about that until she’s told the story of her grandmother, who designed and created popular áo dàis back in Vietnam. Written jointly by literary fiction author Truong and fashion designer Nguyễn, it’s a beautiful story about heritage and love.
Be My Yummy ABC by Joyce Wan (Releases January 14, 2025)
Best-selling book author and illustrator Wan’s adorable kawaii art is always a delight. In her new alphabet board book, she introduces readers to delicious foods from around the world—perky empanadas, smiling ravioli, and cheerful wontons abound. The vibrant colors and simple text make this a must-read with your littlest little ones.
New Children’s Nonfiction: January 2025
Our Differences Make Us Stronger by La June Montgomery Tabron and TeMika Grooms (Releases January 14, 2025)
This is authored by La June Montgomery Tabron, the President and CEO of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. The story is based on Montgomery Tabron’s own and teaches kids about the white flight, a time in the 1950s-’60s when white families left their homes as Black families moved into their neighborhoods. La June is Black, and her best friend Jenefer is white; one day, Jenefer’s family moves away suddenly, leaving La June confused and lonely. Increasingly segregated at school, La June doesn’t understand why she has to sit exclusively with the other Black kids. After a kind teacher brings the class together by allowing them to sit and talk in a healing circle, La June begins to appreciate her classmates’ differences.
Who Would Win?: Ultimate Pterosaur Rumble by Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster (Releases January 7, 2025)
This nonfiction series is hugely popular: kids can’t get enough of these books and their battling creatures. Therefore, I don’t imagine that this epic dinosaur tournament will be any different. Featuring 16 types of Pterosaurs, readers are given insight into each one’s qualities and behavior.
Oh No They Aren’t: Nature by Eric Huang and Sam Caldwell (Releases Jan 21, 2025)
Part of the Oh No They Aren’t series, this nonfiction guide provides myth-busting facts about nature—including topics like dinosaurs, insects, fungi, plants, and animals. Overall, the book’s illustrations and accessible text make learning fun and will keep kids enthralled.
New Middle Grade Books: January 2025
A Copycat Conundrum by Lisa Yee and Dan Santat (Releases January 7, 2025)
The second Misfits book by Lisa Yee and Dan Santat has arrived. Olive and her crew of misfits are back working for the secret agency NOCK (No One Can Know) and trying to solve a new case. First, their classmate Zeke is being mysteriously threatened. Then, San Francisco is rocked by earthquakes and priceless art keeps going missing—is everything connected? Yee is a prolific children’s author, a Newbery Honoree, and a National Book Award finalist, and this latest title is well paired with Santat’s expressive art.
Coolest Club Ever! (Pizza and Taco #9) by Stephen Shaskan (Releases January 7, 2025)
Pizza and Taco is a popular graphic novel series that incorporates chapters to help expand the abilities of reluctant readers. In this latest story about Pizza and Taco’s adventures, they start a club. However, in a twist the two friends didn’t see coming, everyone joined Cheeseburger’s video game club instead. Maybe these two anthropomorphic foods need to check out Cheeseburger’s club, too? This is a funny graphic novel that kids will love.
Chickenpox by Remy Lai (Releases January 14, 2025)
Abby is the oldest of five and she is done with being stuck with her siblings. Unfortunately, they all have a case of chickenpox and are at home quarantined together, so she’s stuck. Plus, it’s technically Abby’s fault for bringing the germs home from her best friend. How can she survive the next two weeks? Lai’s graphic novels are always charming, and this one is no different, mixing a heartwarming story with tons of humor.
Danilo Was Here by Tamika Burgess (Releases January 21, 2025)
Set in the years following Operation Just Cause, the U.S.’s invasion of Panamá, this story follows Danilo as he struggles to make sense of his upended world. Initially, his father left to find work in the United States. In the ensuing hard times, Danilo gave up baseball to focus on helping his family as they tried to avoid relocating to a refugee camp. But then he’s given the opportunity for baseball training in California—not far from his father. Should he go and find his father to get extra money? Readers will learn about Operation Just Cause while following characters that will resonate with them deeply.
These books will help keep you distracted as you get warm and toasty against the frosty January weather. For even more recent children’s books, check out the Best Children’s Books of 2024 and the best new children’s books out last month.
As always, you can find a full list of new releases in the magical New Release Index, carefully curated by your favorite Book Riot editors, organized by genre and release date.