children’s / ya
A Trophy for the Jackal (NorthSouth, 2026)
by Jule Wellerdiek
All Jackal has ever wanted is to win a fancy trophy. But when Goose wins the best hairdo competition, he decides that it’s time he take matters into his own paws. Jackal very quickly discovers that awards aren’t that special when everyone gets one . . .
A laugh-out-loud story about competition and sportsmanship that will speak to every reader’s innermost desire to win.
“A mischievous take on sportsmanship, participation trophy culture, and the perils of being a sore loser.” – Kirkus Reviews
At the Summer Lake (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2026)
by Daniela Kulot
It's the heat of the summer, and Squirrel is sure he knows how to cool off: Jump into the lake! The others hesitate and don't want to get wet, but Squirrel has already jumped off the shore with a splash. Just one problem. He can't figure out how to get back out!
Not to worry. Fox, Crow, and Mouse know what to do. The summer day ends with a wonderful surprise for everyone.
A friendship-driven social-emotional picture book about taking care of one other and appreciating nature's gifts.
In the Autumn Forest (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2025)
by Daniela Kulot
When a storm is imminent, the animals debate whether something bad is brewing or not. Fox feels it. Crow sees it. And Mouse listens. But Squirrel insists there's no need to panic.
What happens when the sky clouds over and the wind whips across the land? Is there any benefit to a storm after all?
“A boldly illustrated tale with a well-delivered takeaway.” – Kirkus Reviews
In the Winter Woods (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2024)
by Daniela Kulot
Winter has left Fox, Mouse, and Raven hungry as they search for food to fill their stomachs. After overhearing Squirrel talking about his stockpile of reserves, they ask him to share. After refusing, Squirrel forgets where he hid it. Only by working together can everyone fill their empty bellies.
Beyond the Blue Border (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2021)
by Dorit Linke
How far would you go for freedom?
Hanna and Andreas have got to get out of East Germany. Stuck in dead-end factory jobs after being expelled from school for "agitating against the state," they've got no guarantee of safety and no chance at a better future.
The teens hatch a daring plan: swim over forty miles across the Baltic Sea from their hometown of Rostock to the West German town of Fehmarn. Their grueling twenty-five hour journey is unspeakably dangerous. Hypothermia, exhaustion, jellyfish, a violent summer storm, and the constant threat of being caught by Soviet patrols. Will they find the freedom they so desperately seek, or will the weight of their past drag them under?
Click here for a reading from Beyond the Blue Border.
★ STARRED REVIEW “A compelling look at Germany’s recent past.” – Kirkus Reviews
Jacob’s Fantastic Flight (Blue Dot Kids Press, 2020)
by Philip Waechter
Jacob has a special gift: he can fly!
When his parents plan a trip to the sea, Jacob says he will fly there himself. Along the way, he meets new friends and has wonderful adventures. And when his bird friends need help, Jacob and the flock work together to rescue their friend and outsmart the nefarious birdcatcher.
★ STARRED REVIEW "High-flying humor and heart.” – Kirkus Reviews
My Favorite Memories (Blue Dot Kids Press, 2020)
by Sepideh Sarihi, illustrated by Julie Völk
A young girl is moving to a new country, and there’s so much that she wants to bring. As she begins to pack her small suitcase, she comes to understand that while we cannot always carry things with us physically—maybe they can travel with us in other ways.
Click here for a short reading from My Favorite Memories.
Winner of BolognaRagazzi Award 2020 (German edition)
My Life as Lotta: How Lamb Is That? (Sterling Publishing, 2019)
by Alice Pantermüller, illustrated by Daniela Kohl
Lotta's life has been exciting since starting middle school—but the fun is just beginning!
It's official. Lotta and Cheyenne are surviving and maybe even thriving in middle school. Sure they have to deal with Bernadette, a snobby classmate who's formed the exclusive Glam Girls--a club that almost every girl in class has been asked to join, except Lotta and Cheyenne and a few others. The two bffs don't care all that much about the Lamb Girls (their code name for Bernadette's club). At least they've scored invitations to Bernadette's overnight birthday camping party! Maybe they can impress the Glam Girls with a few pranks.
So Light, So Heavy (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2018)
by Susanne Strasser
Elephant is so heavy, and all the other animals are so light. How will the seesaw ever go up and down?
Toddlers will be drawn in by repetition, opposites, humor, and an unexpected twist in this board book story about Elephant's quest to get the seesaw to teeter. A cast of friendly animals—who are all so light—try to help move the seesaw, but Elephant's side won't budge. He's so heavy. Then what happens when a child swoops in with other plans? Short, simple, and memorable, this board book offers a satisfying story arc.
★ STARRED REVIEW “Such a heavyweight for such a light little book—delightful.” – Kirkus Reviews
So Far Up (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2018)
by Susanne Strasser
Bear can't reach the cake he's after—it's so far up, and he's so far down!
Will his friends be able to help?
Toddlers will be drawn in by repetition, opposites, humor, and an unexpected twist in this board book story about Bear's quest to reach a cake on a windowsill that is so far up! A cast of friendly animals—who are all so far down—try to help bear reach the desired cake. But what happens when a child swoops in with other plans? Short, simple, and memorable, this board book offers a satisfying story arc.