News & Media
The Stars are Sparkling at Astra in 2026!
With over 30 starred reviews (and counting!), it’s been a dazzling 2026 for Astra Books for Young Readers. From extra-special picture books to stunning stories for older kids, we have highly-rated books for every kind of reader. Check out our star-studded reads below!
From international picture book star Beatrice Alemagna comes an enchanting new fairy tale set in a mucky, magical underground world where the Mud Princess rules.
★ “A truly inventive, empathetic tale acknowledging that all big feelings—even the murky ones—have their place.”—Booklist, starred review
★ “It’s an inventive, reassuring modern-day fairy tale replete with evocative art, clever humor and poetic language that fans of Alice in Wonderland, Where the Wild Things Are, and Shibu’s Tail will especially appreciate.”—BookPage, starred review
★ “An imaginative, deeply satisfying odyssey.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
With lyrical verse and dazzling illustrations, this joyful ode to Black hair will empower readers ages 4–8 to celebrate the historical, cultural, and emotional significance of their natural hair.
★ “Myriad books have explored Black hair; this one is among the very best. This testament to Black beauty is destined to be a classic and a favorite; everyone needs this book.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A must-purchase for all elementary collections in need of a beautiful ode to Black hair that weaves poetry and history in a meaningful way to educate and empower.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Celebrate Latino sports history in this inspiring, stunningly illustrated baseball book for kids ages 7-10, from an award-winning baseball reporter and a Pura Belpré Honoree.
★ “Lavish, visually rich illustrations by Parra are done in a folk style with flat colors and figures that appear almost like cutouts… beautifully presented, written with deep admiration; recommended for elementary libraries, especially where baseball is popular.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Plants have secret skills. They are water wizards, finding water in the driest landscapes. They are a community, sending underground messages—and even food and water!—to other plants. And yes, they can hear without ears.
★ “A delightful, humorous journey that will have youngsters regarding flora with a newfound respect.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Through persistence and hard work, Louisa May Alcott goes from a little girl writing in her “Imagination Book” to the world-renowned author of Little Women. This nonfiction picture book will inspire creativity and spark interest in writing for kids ages 7–10.
★ “Fans of Little Women will enjoy the appended section comparing facts from Louisa May Alcott’s life with parallel experiences from Jo March’s life in Little Women.”—Booklist, starred review
★ “Over and above offering helpful guidelines for fledgling authors, this introduction to Alcott and Little Women will prime yet another generation of readers and listeners to fall in love with a perennial classic.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Hungry as always, Bear finally feasts on DONUTS in his third picture book adventure. With delightful art, perfect rhyme, and the series’ indelible screwball appeal, A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van will have everyone in stitches and demanding repeat readings!
★ “It’s a joy-inducing, humorous tale that’s sure to be a favorite reread at bedtime, storytime or any time donuts are served.”—BookPage, starred review
★ “Cleverly rendered rhymes and repetition encourage pre-readers to memorize the words and beginning readers to shine, while the art will tickle their funny bones. Short and utterly sweet.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Told from dual perspectives, this remarkable true story for YA readers recounts the tale of two individuals—a Ukrainian teen in the early 2010s and a Jewish boy in hiding during WWII—whose lives are entwined through a box of letters.
★ “A remarkable creative nonfiction story of courage and survival that satisfyingly comes together like a jigsaw puzzle… Powerful, heroic, and inspiring.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Entrepreneurship leads to friendship in this hilarious tale of stuffed-animal loving Moose, who starts a Stuffie Stand that’s so successful, he’s forced to partner with his annoying customer and competitor, Mabel.
★ “Little kids obsessed with their stuffed animals will be drawn to this lively, read-aloud friendly picture book, which nicely emphasizes the importance of asking for help and the benefits of creative partnership.”—Booklist, starred review
Here is the inspiring story of the woman who kept alive the Ukrainian art of pysanky Easter eggs and brought it to America. Award-winning creators Sandra Neil Wallace and Evan Turk team up for a richly illustrated picture book biography for kids ages 7–10 who love arts and crafts.
★“A gorgeous tribute to this unique art form and its North American promoter.”—Booklist, starred review
★ “[A] timely, accessible piece of nonfiction.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
★ “This heartfelt biographical picture book exemplifies art as a form of resistance.”—Foreword Reviews, starred review
★ “A proud and meticulously wrought ethnography.”—Kirkus Reviews,starred review
★ “[A]n immersive tribute to a figure and a traditional art form.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “A visually resplendent, culturally grounded portrait that affirms artistic heritage as enduring identity, resilience, and communal stewardship.”—School Library Journal, starred review
This riveting found poem for kids based on Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Street Sweeper” speech is creatively interpreted in this nonfiction picture book written by acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan, accompanied by gorgeous artwork by award-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis.
★ “It’s a work poised to offer crucial guidance on how to build a meaningful life and contribute to the world.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “The Dream Builder’s Blueprint is a model for writing with precision and intent, and a tribute to a man who knew the power of words—by an author who clearly does as well.”—Booklist, starred review
★ “This creative and moving interpretation of a famous speech deserves a spot in all libraries.”—School Library Journal, starred review
★ “This book is a librarian’s or teacher’s dream–a creative and educational take on a subject that is an important part of children’s education.”—Youth Services Book Review, starred review
New York Times-bestselling author David Sedaris offers a hilariously twisted take on selfishness and greed in this picture book featuring funny (and demented!) illustrations by New Yorker artist Bob Staake that will delight readers and parents alike.
★“’The selfish sister, pronoun ‘she,’ // only thinks of / me me me!’ A green-skinned, one-toothed little tyrant, complete with her own tiny crown, terrorizes one and all with her insufferable greed and many demands. Yet Sedaris’ deft rhymes make listening to her mandates an utter treat… A lesser artist might quail at the sheer variety of objects, concepts, and even seasons that this little despot lays claim to, but Staake is more than up to the challenge. Inventive stylings in pen and ink give this retro-looking tale some visual panache and a particularly contemporary bit of brazen appeal.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Stephen Sondheim learns to assemble musicals like the pieces of a puzzle on his way to becoming an American theater icon in this inspiring nonfiction picture book on the creative process for kids ages 7–10.
★ “A brilliant glimpse at a musical genius, imbued with a profound truth: Creativity is truly about the journey.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A focused introduction to Sondheim for budding young creatives.”—The Horn Book, starred review
★ “Emphasizing process over life-writing, this incisive biography focuses firmly on Sondheim’s gift for assembling the pieces.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “This is an inspiring biography that not only teaches kids who Stephen Sondheim is but also emphasizes the importance of their own curiosity.”—School Library Journal, starred review
In this riveting middle-grade fantasy, New York Times bestselling author David Elliott and E.M. Elliott tell the story of a forest-dwelling boy forced to confront the mysteries of his life.
★ “Friendship and family emerge as themes as plot threads come together in surprising ways, but the visceral descriptions, entertaining pickpocket parlance, and original folklore are what make the story unforgettable.”—Booklist, starred review
★ “Darkly thrilling; will keep readers turning pages until every riddle has been solved.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Spend a day with composer John Cage—hear what he hears, see what he sees, and get caught up in the music he weaves from his experiences. A nonfiction picture book perfect for kids ages 7–10 who love music and exploring the world of sounds around them.
★ “A conceptually ambitious and visually arresting biography that encourages attentive listening and frames curiosity as a disciplined intellectual stance.”–School Library Journal, starred review
This collection of previously unpublished poems by masterful children’s book author Karla Kuskin (1932-2009) will delight readers ages 4-8 who love animals and their distinct personalities.
★“[A]n entertaining and stimulating work.“—Publishers Weekly, starred review
Is a hidden diary the key to an unsolved secret from the American Revolution?
★ “A lively, genre-blending mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical intrigue, clever puzzles, and a strong-willed heroine.”—School Library Journal, starred review