Barber’s rich second collection of writings and teachings from 18th century Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeshitz continues the project of offering the English world its first translations of the work of the storied Kabbalist, but with an inviting twist. This time, demonstrating that it’s erroneous to believe that “the teachings of our great rabbis do not speak and address the issues that we face in the twenty-first century,” the material is arranged for reader accessibility, by topics (alphabetically ordered chapter titles include perennial concerns like “Conflict,” “Honesty,” “Marriage,” and “Punishment”), with Barber taking what he calls “the liberty” to translate with an eye for the “spirit of the ideas” rather than the direct literal translations of the earlier work, while also offering quick, clarifying commentary about how those ideas apply to contemporary life.

The result is illuminating and engaging, a user-friendly collection that’s no less profound than its predecessor but significantly more suited to browsing—and more welcoming to non-expert readers eager to make a connection to one of the great experts on Jewish law. This new approach means the language here is less rich, but Barber’s distillations of the rabbi’s teaching on topics like circumcision preserves the richness and power of the original writing, in prose that’s scrupulously clear and precise: “If Abraham and his descendants needed to be circumcised to reach perfection, why were they not born circumcised? God wanted man to play an active role in bringing himself and the world to a level of perfection.”

Barber’s helpful additions, clearly marked in italics, continue that spirit of lucidity, at times going beyond explanations to offer compelling fresh examples, surprising connections (he draws on Mark Twain in the excellent chapter on Israel), and of-our-age advice, when he notes, sensibly, in the chapter on “Fear” that some debilitating fears need to be treated by professionals. This second collection is companionable, often challenging in its ideas but always rewarding and never obscure.

Takeaway: An inviting collection of insights and teachings from a great 18th century rabbi, freshly translated into English.

Great for fans of: Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeshitz’s Pearls of Wisdom, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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Bashful and prone to daydreaming, Lulu the beaver often finds herself mesmerized by the forest’s lullaby and transported to “la-la land,” where she shares her secret: “I want to be an artist...but I feel stuck being a beaver.” Lulu’s inner voice whispers that beavers aren’t artists, they “chomp trees and build lodges,” but with the help of a few friends, and advice from a kindly stranger, Lulu finds the courage to embrace her biggest dreams in this uplifting and heartwarming tale. Gano’s evocative text, combined with her dynamic and multihued mixed media illustrations, make for an immersive and atmospheric reading experience.

The idea of feeling trapped in an identity—that people (or animals, in Lulu and her friends’ cases) are boxed in by others’ expectations—is a complicated subject to tackle, but Gano handles it deftly, allowing Lulu a leisurely route to self-acceptance while providing supportive friends who help her along the way. The book finds its footing in the message that self-doubt is normal, able to be resolved with a little dose of hope combined with a can-do attitude, and Gano manages a lighthearted, fun tone throughout, with kid-friendly examples like Buttercup and Oscar, two fish who like to play soccer.

Gano’s illustrations, crafted with a variety of media and photographed textures, create a rich and imaginative backdrop to Lulu’s journey, perfectly suited to her artistic and expressive inner world. Rhyming text shimmies its way into the narrative when Lulu slides into la-la land, a small but moving detail that lends the work an appealing sparkle. Gano treats her audience with respect, allowing room for their intuition to guide the story’s lessons, and younger readers plagued by self-doubt—as well as those who are decisively creative—will find this path to confidence and daring to live your wildest dreams encouraging.

Takeaway: This endearing tale of a timid beaver drives home the power of self-acceptance.

Great for fans of: David Shannon’s A Bad Case of Stripes; Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s Spoon.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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Hill (East of Denver) opens the first volume in his Stables Family Chronicles series with the birth of Caution Irrational Stables, the story’s narrator, in the middle of his mother’s onstage fiddle performance. Caution goes on to recount his family history, beginning with ancestral patriarch, Arthur Pascal Lestables, and his murder of local ne’er-do-well Henri Deplouc—which results in his execution and leaves his wife, Annie, and son, Auguste, to face the town alone. Once Annie realizes they’re staring down a dead end, she jumps ship with Euphemie, Henri’s former wife and Annie’s soon-to-be lover.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, Annie and Euphemie eventually realize their dream of escaping to America, thanks to a fateful run-in with a group of Solemnites—a “family” who pride themselves on being “kind without joy” and offer them sanctuary, in hopes of their religious conversion in exchange. As the Lestables try to make a new life for themselves in America among the Solemnite community, young Auguste quotes his father’s philosophical rantings to the acolytes and his newest friend, Pansy, while his mother and Euphemie develop a clandestine love affair. Meanwhile, a rumored three-eared bear begins wreaking havoc on the locals while an upcoming religious festival sets the groundwork for what can only be described as an explosive debate.

Hill’s revelation of youthful curiosity winds throughout, illustrated by Auguste’s tender age, the young-at-heart Annie and Euphemie, and the characters’ hopeful trek to a new start. The narrative is both whimsical and entertaining, even as it crescendos to a shocking conclusion, while Hill offers unsentimental free-falls into the show-must-go-on mood of its characters: “they all partook of the thick air of a tragic winter’s evening” is the general response as the central cast turns away from the finale’s events to embark on yet another new voyage.

Takeaway: Polished characters and satirical musings complete this 19th-century American celebration.

Great for fans of: Christopher Buckley’s The Judge Hunter; Isabel Miller’s Patience & Sarah.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A

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Media mogul Frank Biondi and his daughter, Jane Biondi Munna, recount his professional years as the CEO of heavyweights like HBO, Universal, and Viacom over a 40-year career span in this fascinating memoir. Biondi began penning his story when diagnosed with stage-four cancer, a battle he sadly lost in 2019, prompting his daughter to take up the mantle and complete his unfinished work. Drawing from anecdotes and interviews with Biondi and other major players, Munna puts the finishing touches on a dynamic life in the entertainment and media industry.

The narrative unfolds as more of an oral history than a memoir, covering everything from Biondi’s first stint as an investment banker for one of the earliest emerging cable networks to being hired—and eventually fired—as the CEO of the sprawling media empire that was Viacom. The end result is an anecdotal, and highly entertaining, peek into the innards of a glamorous industry, alongside a spotlight of the man driving many of the financial and business forces behind it. Munna acknowledges the bulk of Biondi’s recollections take place during the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s—a world away from today’s media—but points out that the underlying challenges are eerily similar.

Several chapters are built around Biondi—or Munna’s—learning moments, such as Biondi’s ambition to “do the right thing whether or not anyone was watching,” which feels pedantic in places, but the subject matter quickly reverts to more entertaining line-ups. The stories of Biondi’s work on well-known films—think Star Wars, When Harry Met Sally, Forrest Gump, and more—is absorbing, with amusing tidbits like Biondi’s marketing ideas for the hit movie Babe: “We could roll out Babe roller coasters at Universal Theme Park, Babe stuffed animals, Babe lunch boxes.” Hollywood fans, and those interested in the business behind it, will give this a standing ovation.

Takeaway: An insider’s view of the business—and glamor—driving Hollywood.

Great for fans of: A Story Lately Told by Anjelica Huston; What Just Happened? by Art Linson.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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The fiction debut of Korshak, a professor at Adelphi University, brings vital life to the golden age of Athens, in a story rich with character, romance, striking historical detail, and spirited public debate on topics foundational to our civilization. The novel centers, as the title suggests, on Pericles, the Athenian statesman and orator known for his democratic values and championing of learning, and his Aspasia, the courtesan whom Pericles will risk his position and reputation to love. “Look at the company he keeps, they’ll say of you,” the great sculptor Phidias says to Pericles, “whores, philosophers and sculptors.” But Korshak makes clear, in memorable scenes, that this supportive partnership didn’t just bring them comfort, happiness, and a child: it shaped history.

Epic-length as well as the kick-off to a longer series, Pericles and Aspasia offers rousing speeches, naval battles, passionate embraces, rebellion, and political intrigue as Pericles strives to hold together the allied cities of the Athenian League. But Korshak sets her novel apart through its lively evocation of the civic life, art, culture, and gossip that make cities great. The pages pulse with talk that’s alternately philosophical, lofty, witty, and dishy. Early on, flirting with Aspasia, Pericles ruminates on how a recent comic play called him “our cucumber-headed Zeus.” Much later, he’ll ask “So, Aspasia, since you’ve read Antigone, do you think Sophocles means the autocratic Creon to be me?”

This immersion in Athenian life will thrill readers fascinated with the grain of lives far removed from our own—but still concerned with similar pressing issues of justice and governance. Historic notables (Euripides, Herodotus, Thucydides, Hippodamus) never make mere cameos: they inveigh, debate, even—especially in the case of that ol’ gadfly Socrates—joke. “I could prove you’re more expert, but by winning the argument, I’d lose it,” he says, drawing a clear line from 5th century B.C. to Shakespeare’s clowns to Groucho Marx.

Takeaway: A stellar, epic-length evocation of the golden age of Athens, rich with historical insight.

Great for fans of: Christian Meier’s Athens: A Portrait of the City in its Golden Age, Mary Renault.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A

Click here for more about Pericles and Aspasia

Debut author Bowman tackles gender identity and her child’s transgender experience in this brutally honest memoir. Born Grant, Bowman’s child experiences crippling depression, anxiety, and phobias until she transitions to Grace in her twenties. Bowman is unabashedly frank about the journey that led to her daughter’s transformation, and many parents of trans children will likely identify with the experience. Bowman’s main focus is on the time Grace struggled to become her true self. “He is my son,” she muses as the memoir begins, “This is as clear as day. And for still two decades moving forward she will remain hidden from me.”

This is as much Bowman’s story as it is her daughter’s. Bowman openly chronicles her own confused emotions and overwhelming love for a child she’s working to understand and parent responsibly. That struggle is reflected in her language, as she often uses “Grant” and “he,” rather than “Grace” and “she,” while trying to navigate unfamiliar topography. Bowman is also forthright about her relationship with her youngest, Parker, who understandably felt neglected during Grace’s journey. Her candid approach lays bare her family’s choices—and opens them to potential criticism, as when she and husband Robert follow the advice of their psychologist to enforce “tough love” by consigning Grace to the streets after several years of trying to motivate her to action, in an effort to teach her self-sufficiency.

Bowman is a talented writer, channeling her pain and confusion with compelling prose. She pulls no punches, longing to understand her child but untested in how to move forward—and Grace’s emotions during the process of reclaiming her true identity are heartbreaking for anyone to witness, especially parents. Bowman’s feelings of inadequacy will ring true for parents of children everywhere, and her experience will provide guideposts for other parents navigating similar roads.

Takeaway: An unfiltered memoir of a family’s transgender journey.

Great for fans of: Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt; She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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Jean’s (Rita, Riley, and ‘Rona Anxiety) thriller brims with whimsy and suspense in a well-paced supernatural setting that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. After winning the lottery, Cynthia “Thia” Watkins, with a business degree and background in hospitality management, now has the funds to fulfill her dream of opening her own boutique hotel. She’s found the perfect location in the idyllic Blairmont Manor, a gothic Victorian mansion nestled in a sleepy town near the southern Appalachian Mountains. Right from the start, something is amiss: real estate agent Carol avoids showing Thia much of the house’s inside, previous housekeeper Millie offers to work for free because “I work for the house,” and the front iron gate locks on its own.

Jean briskly builds up the spooks, squeaks, and stomps, and before long Thia starts to wonder what presence in the house is opening drawers and rattling doorknobs. At a town hall meeting, Thia learns that Carol sells the house every couple of years, and the commission goes to the town to maintain the estate, leading her to suspect that someone is trying to scare her off the property so the town can sell it again. As Thia digs into the history behind the mansion, the truth of a past murder in the house seeps out, launching her into a methodical journey through logic, suspicion, and downright fear.

Eventually, Thia decides her business hinges on puzzling out the sinister machinations infesting the house, and she goes to great lengths to do so. Readers will be swept into Thia’s hunt for the truth, and Jean skillfully juxtaposes Thia’s exuberant ambitions with the house’s determination to stay exactly as it is, exclusive of Thia’s meddling plans. The writing is richly detailed and sufficiently creepy, and readers will cheer on the level-headed Thia right up until the shocking conclusion.

Takeaway: A chilling battle between an ambitious woman and a ghost for ownership of a gothic mansion.

Great for fans of: Jaime Jo Wright’s The House on Foster Hill; Darcy Coates’s Craven Manor.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A+
Marketing copy: A

Click here for more about The Bell Lady of Blairmont Manor

Fluffy, a handmade Christmas snowman ornament, learns the joy of discovering his purpose in this delightful holiday read by Page (Climbing the Upside Down Tree). When young Zach puts the finishing touches on his snowman ornament one Christmas, he names him Fluffy—in a nod to his cotton ball middle—and softly tells him “Fluffy, you’re special. You’re one of a kind.” Fluffy immediately takes that message to heart, despite being shunned by the other decorations, and declares his dream is to hang by the star at the very top of the tree one year.

As the years pass, and Fluffy starts to make his way closer to the top, the other ornaments up their bullying. “Cotton Balls thinks he’s better than the rest of us” they taunt, warning Fluffy that eventually he will lose his special place in Zach’s heart. When he finally earns the coveted top spot, Fluffy’s enchanted by the Christmas wonder revealed from his new view—especially the baby in the Nativity scene—and vows “Someday, little one, I’ll bring you a special present.” Unfortunately, the other ornaments prove correct, and soon Zach is grown up and gone while Fluffy lies broken and forgotten at the bottom of the ornament box.

Young readers will be touched by this moving tale, and Fluffy’s tragic fall from grace will be heart-wrenching and intense. All is not lost, however, as Page lovingly gives Fluffy another chance, crafting a unique spin on his eventual comeback. Bazley’s illustrations evoke holiday nostalgia and warmth, with classic Christmas hues and festive details like yuletide treats and stockings dangling over a crackling fire. Adult readers will find the underlying message of self-worth important—“I will give him the best gift of all: myself”—and Christian fans will appreciate the religious undertones to Page’s book.

Takeaway: A snowman ornament discovers his true worth in this festive tale.

Great for fans of: Carol Heyer’s Humphrey’s First Christmas; Karma Wilson’s Mortimer’s Christmas Manger.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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In the fifth installment of Thompson’s Finding Forward series—a collection of novels for reluctant and struggling teen readers—he charts the ups and downs of a troubled young athlete’s high school years. Convinced that he is going to be drafted into the NFL during college, Tennison Sanders cares very little about school. But when he’s caught plagiarizing a report from the internet, he’s forced to start putting in the effort to pass his classes or give up on his dream of playing football. What follows is a tale of cheating, theft, lying, and bad decisions, but in the end, Tennison learns the importance of being honest.

Tennison stands out as a slacker with a know-it-all attitude, smugly certain that he’s got it all figured out, but behind those pretenses is a young man with an abiding passion for football. Tennison’s desire to right his wrongs during the latter part of the story sends a powerful message to young readers: anyone can move past their mistakes, with a little humility, reform, and honesty. Readers will empathize with Tennison as they follow his journey and watch him learn to deal with his past decisions while fighting to become a better person, even if that means giving up what he loves the most. In his own words, “It wasn't fun getting knocked down. But I got up again.”

While Tennison’s decisions can be difficult to comprehend at times, Thompson’s story is well thought out and moving, and the overall message of being honest regardless of the cost is skillfully woven throughout, culminating in an explosive flare of truth-telling that lands Tennison back on the right path. Readers will be invested in Tennison’s outcome, whether that’s in his classes, on the football field, or at home, and ultimately his character trumps his mistakes.

Takeaway: An inspiring sports fiction that teaches the easy way isn’t always the best way.

Great for fans of: Randy Ribay’s After the Shot Drops and Kwame Alexander’s Rebound.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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Brown’s (Sunflowers Beneath the Snow) emotional historical drama calls forth the heartfelt patriotism of a classic American World War II experience. When Jacob Miller, brought up by a widowed, German immigrant mother, falls for the once-wealthy Bonnie Phillips, the resourceful couple works hard to build a happy household, despite the Great Depression poverty threatening their stability. When their son, William, is born, the family feels complete, but war quickly devastates their simple life, sending Jacob overseas to endure the trauma of battle in Europe while Bonnie falls back on their timeless love to survive the hardships at home.

Brown deftly immerses readers in the daily life of World War II through haunting, intimate details—like Bonnie’s vivid grief at bidding Jacob farewell on a train station platform, Jacob’s loneliness in a German foxhole while awaiting enemy fire, and little William’s concern about being “the man of the house” during his daddy’s absence. Alternating perspectives and timeline jumps add relevance to the present day, particularly when an adult William reflects on a life well-lived and dominated by loyalty to his country on Veteran’s Day, 2016. As he struggles with bittersweet memories of a father who returned from war a sterner man, William’s resolve to improve his relationship with his own son will resonate with readers.

Most interesting is Jacob’s inner conflict about his ethnic heritage, to which the title alludes, and his decision to join the military to prove his patriotism, at the risk of losing his family. The pro-Nazi Volksbund movement, its anti-German backlash, and the anxiety it induced in German Americans is seldom addressed in popular literature—and Brown’s depiction of a unique angst within a much-chronicled American era sets this novel apart. History buffs will appreciate the thoughtful salute to those who served our country and their impact on generations of Americans.

Takeaway: A stirring account of a German American family’s joys and sufferings during WWII.

Great for fans of: The Winds of War by Herman Wouk and No Promises in the Wind by Irene Hunt.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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Jim Slaughter (Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track), with original author Jon Ericson, delivers the fifth edition of an intermediate commentary covering the most asked questions of the parliamentary procedure manual, Robert’s Rules of Order. Employing a Q&A format, Slaughter lays the foundation of several fundamental principles, including the order of precedence, the different types of motions as well as their function, and the amending process, eventually moving on to more auxiliary issues such as quorum, voting, and how to handle electronic meetings. The information, though dense, is thoughtfully structured and clearly organized, with full references to further resources as needed, alongside an index to enhance accessibility.

Readers should come with a basic knowledge of Robert’s Rules already in place, as Slaughter recommends some introductory titles but clarifies that his work covers “the most-likely-to-be-experienced procedures” and the “why” behind parliamentary meeting methods. His history of parliamentary procedure, although brief, is helpful in setting the guide’s context, and he includes several charts for quick reference—as well as an exhaustive resource list that identifies organizations for further training and materials for more in-depth study. Slaughter’s clever use of humor enlivens the complex subject matter while still managing to deliver precise, straightforward explanations. Most importantly, he offers readers both sides of difficult scenarios, along with his wisdom and expertise, leaving them the necessary space to draw their own conclusions.

While intended as a commentary rather than a stand-alone volume, Notes and Comments will prove invaluable when combined with Robert’s Rules and other resources. Throughout, Slaughter recognizes the core goal of parliamentary procedure as balancing the rights of the individual in a meeting with the majority right for that meeting to be efficient and productive. Any readers already familiar with parliamentary procedure will find this a helpful guide to sharpen their skills.

Takeaway: An expert guide addressing the most commonly faced issues from Robert’s Rules of Order.

Great for fans of: Robert's Rules of Order in Action by Randi Minetor; The Guerrilla Guide to Robert's Rules by Nancy Sylvester.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

Click here for more about Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition

Githaiga (Ten Thousand Rocks) explores the duality of identity and belonging in this heartwarming story. Jude Wilson, adopted child of Scoutmaster Tom Wilson, grew up in an idyllic childhood overflowing with time spent outdoors, camping, and challenging his father to scouting tasks, while Qadir Mohamed, a Somali living in Kenya, is also adopted—by his uncle Hussein—and desperate to make a life for himself, despite the dangerous prejudice he faces. Their paths inevitably cross when Jude embarks on a quasi-pilgrimage to Kenya (to visit the gravesite of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Boy Scout movement) and runs into Qadir, the manager of his hostel.

Jude’s voyage takes a deadly turn when he rejects Qadir’s offer to help procure a taxi, a decision that leaves him robbed and left to die in the bush. Readers will appreciate Githaiga’s skill at mirroring the two men’s alternating perspectives, prompting reflection on the similarities in their vastly different worlds while driving home the pervasiveness of their discrimination. Jude, the only Black person in his workplace, first experiences racism when his boss targets him on the job, and his reluctance to protest this treatment is vividly portrayed while managing to stay relatable. Meanwhile, Qadir’s exposure to prejudice as a Somali is equally arresting, particularly in the details Githaiga uses of a terror attack on a local mall, and later scenes of Jude visiting a memorial effectively build the case that white men portrayed as heroes may have been misrepresented.

Githaiga chooses to divulge heavyweight secrets in the prologue, which plays down the novel’s surprises and sacrifices tension in favor of setting the scene—however, although some fans may wish for a heftier build-up to Jude’s reveal, the story gains traction when contemplating the men’s separate but intertwined experiences, leaving readers with much to consider.

Takeaway: This warm story explores the interplay between identity and discrimination.

Great for fans of: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini; Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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Balancing the cynical with the compassionate in this eclectic debut collection, Canino weaves a common thread of protagonists facing impossible decisions throughout. In “Holy Sacred Icons,” an elderly man dependent on his abusive niece as a caregiver turns to a desperate act in order to preserve his son’s memory, while a socialite is willing to do whatever it takes to get the one free murder she was promised after saving a hit man's life in “Pound of Flesh.” Canino emphatically portrays his characters and their struggles without sugarcoating their ultimate choices, delicately mirroring the real-life challenge of maintaining integrity in gritty situations.

Canino goes on to highlight different shades of honor when he examines a boxer urged to throw a match by his manager in “Inappropriate Touching.” When the story culminates with his trainer, aptly named Lickety, stepping in to take matters into his own hands, readers will find Lickety’s advice that evil often wins while “good stares at its shoes, like a witness afraid to come forward” both jarring and wise. Canino takes on the sometimes-toxic nature of romance as well, by spotlighting a couple unable to heal the fractures in their relationship in “One to Nothing” and pinpointing the lengths a man is willing to go to in order to impress the woman he loves in “The Way to a Woman’s Heart.”

Despite some general similarity in theme, Canino’s stories offer distinctly varied worlds and styles. The strongest among them radiate ambiguity, allowing readers to form their own judgments, and Canino is careful to infuse warmth and humor where needed: “Morris’s last-ever worry was not about whether God could forgive him, but whether Allie could. Or either one of the Lindas. Women could be hard that way, he thought. Harder than God.” This lightness keeps the jagged edges and moral murkiness less bleak.

Takeaway: A cutting reflection on the ambiguous side to human nature.

Great for fans of: Lauren Groff's Delicate Edible Birds and Other Stories, Julie Orringer's How to Breathe Underwater.

Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: C

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Smith (Miss Meow) entertains with this unapologetically silly picture book for young children, following a comical bunny, Naked Butt, as he learns the value of being unique. Befitting his name, Naked Butt doesn’t care much for clothes, frequently discarding his outfits in favor of the freedom that comes with “the cool breeze in his fur [and] the sunshine on his tail.” Not surprisingly, when his antics carry over to preschool, t-ball practice, and even the grocery store, his mother and the other adults in his life urge him to stay dressed: “Bunnies expect other bunnies to keep their tails covered,” his mother patiently explains.

In true showstopping form, Naked Butt will not be deterred, and the next time his clothes itch and scratch, he quickly finds himself sprinting bare-bottomed through a bustling city square—where his mother promptly loses sight of him in the crowd. Ultimately, she’s able to find him thanks to his furry white backside standing out in a sea of fully clothed rabbits, and, to his surprise, gives up trying to dress him. “I never would have found you if you’d had your clothes on! Thank goodness for naked butts!” she declares. This au naturel celebration may prove confusing to younger readers given the potential for safety concerns to spring up in real life, but thankfully, Smith’s animals quickly point out that “Bunnies don’t need clothes! We’re furry!”

Smith’s colorful, playful illustrations are sure to elicit giggles from most children, particularly when Naked Butt pulls his shirt over his ears in the grocery store’s produce section, and his emotions—ranging from happiness to frustration—are cleverly portrayed, emphasizing his ease when not conforming to others’ standards. Smith also smartly depicts the concern of bystanders over Naked Butt’s unusual hobby, which will spark valuable discussions alongside the book’s central message of accepting, and celebrating, everyone’s quirks.

Takeaway: A young bunny shares a one-of-a-kind way to express himself.

Great for fans of: David McKee’s Elmer; Munro Leaf’s The Story of Ferdinand.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

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Debut novelist Benson’s first offering, a contemporary fiction with hints of romance, is filled with surprises and a delightfully off-beat cast. Julia seemingly has it all—a thoughtful, rich fiancé, a job with purpose, and a coterie of supportive friends and family. But just when everything seems perfect, trouble crops up in the most unexpected places, starting with Byron, the new intern at work, and her fairy tale begins to crumble. Before long, her Swiss castle wedding goes awry, her fiancé, Asher, divulges he’s not who she thought he was, and she’s faced with a very different life than the one she planned for.

Throughout the novel’s events, Julia’s theme of self-discovery and journey to understand her needs independent of the others in her life is carefully nurtured. In returning to her first love, painting, after willingly putting it aside for Asher, she reawakens her artist’s heart, in the process re-evaluating her life’s decisions to determine what suits the woman she’s becoming. None of the answers are easy— including whether she should nourish old hobbies or discard them for the sake of trying something new—and her romantic outcome becomes even more uncertain when past high school friend Sean and close pal David throw their hats in the ring.

Benson’s easy writing style paired with carefully curated descriptions provides for a relaxed, captivating read. Julia’s perspective is richly developed, allowing readers an intimate tour of her mental landscape and an almost-voyeuristic glimpse into the mechanics behind her decisions, and her support network offers appealing viewpoints bolstered by occasional words of wisdom—particularly her best friend, Kat, and her slightly unconventional, quirky sister, Jolene. At times heartbreaking and at others purely entertaining, readers will fall in love with Julia’s story—and the idea that life is a journey, not a destination.

Takeaway: A young woman rediscovers herself after her fairy tale life begins to fall apart.

Great for fans of: Jill Shalvis’s One in a Million; Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A

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PR expert and entrepreneur Kelly sums up her multifaceted public relations (PR) approach to educate fellows in her field and newcomers to the art to be PR superheroes in this polished and inviting second edition. Gifted at making information stick, she offers both useful one-liners ( “funny=money”) and long-haul action plans, while laying out guiding questions and achievable steps at the close of every chapter, not just encouraging success but showcasing the tools to achieve it. Foundational to her advice on social, print, TV, and radio media—essential tenets to any marathon PR strategy—is that “your brand story is ten times more powerful if it includes how you helped someone.” She also recommends putting earned media over paid media and testing different pitches and POVs via social media, both strategies she’s relied on heavily.

Kelly doesn’t shy away from highlighting her professional pitfalls, reminding audiences that there’s a lesson to be learned with every mistake. Specifically when pitching to major media outlets, those aspiring to be PR superheroes should expect minimal responses and some outright rejections—but she’s clear that the relatively few successes are each to be celebrated. Kelly’s advice can be repetitive, though in this case that both reflects the nature of the work, and what it takes to find success with a media hook, all while making the book easy to dip into.

Kelly’s especially good at recommending actionable, relevant tasks and techniques for the development and promotion of memorable hooks. She recommends, in clear and inviting language, many websites, platforms, and strategies, and she backs up her success stories with testimonials that will read persuasively to today’s media-savvy audience. The guide’s title refers to that audience’s attention span, the amount of time a PR pro has to get a message through, and Kelly recommends a tried-and-true path to connecting during that brief window—and achieving higher ROIs for a variety of clientele.

Takeaway: Polished, proven, actionable steps to PR success from an expert in the field.

Great for fans of: Ann Handley’s Everybody Writes, Jennefer Witter’s The Little Book of Big PR: 100+ Quick Tips to Get Your Small Business Noticed.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A

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