Catch Up with Beloved Characters This Summer
As summer unfolds, young readers have a fresh batch of sequels to explore, from whimsical tales to gripping adventures. This month's lineup showcases an intriguing array of picture books and graphic novels designed to engage and entertain. Whether at a poolside, on the beach, or in the backyard, these stories promise to captivate and excite.
Featured Picture Books
The Day the Basketballs Stopped Bouncing by Jayson Tatum and Sam Apple, illustrated by Parker-Nia Gordon (Abrams, July 7, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-7147-7) continues the charming adventures of Baby Dunks-a-Lot as he investigates the mysterious phenomenon causing basketballs around the world to stop bouncing. Tatum, an NBA champion, lends his unique voice to this delightful narrative aimed at engaging young sports enthusiasts.
I Want Everything! by Sophy Henn (Beach Lane, July 14, $19.99; ISBN 979-8-347-10187-0) offers a humorous companion to the previous title, I Hate Everything!. This story features a ghost obsessed with collecting items who learns to treasure the things he already possesses, promoting valuable lessons about appreciation.
Mysterious Things by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller (Chronicle, July 14, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-797-23988-0) invites readers to ponder the enigma of various phenomena, ranging from dreams to the unfathomable depths of the ocean. The latest edition in the Invisible Things series engages the imagination by exploring life's wonders and mysteries.
Graphic Novels and Illustrated Series
Autumn Antics! by Paige Walshe (Flying Eye, July 7, $12.99; ISBN 978-1-838-74353-6) depicts Froggy’s concerns as winter looms, fearing loneliness when friends hibernate. This engaging follow-up in the Froggy series resonates with themes of friendship and seasonal change.
The Best Present by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang (Random House, July 14, $5.99; ISBN 978-0-593-70937-5) captures the challenges Jim Panzee faces while trying to express his genuine feelings about a birthday gift he doesn’t like, demonstrating the nuances of social interactions among friends.
Camping in the Clouds by Ana Punset, illustrated by Diana Vicedo (Candlewick, July 14, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-5228-6; $6.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-5362-5229-3) takes readers on a whimsical journey with Claudia, Pippa, and Sara as they venture into the skies, tackling the challenge of overcoming fears along the way.
Choose Your Own Adventure Cryptid Chronicles: Chupacabra by Cristin Bishara, illustrated by Sofia Cavallari (Chooseco, July 21, $9.99; ISBN 978-1-937-13320-7) places readers in the middle of a hurricane in San Juan, urging them to navigate through choices and challenges, enhancing interactive storytelling.
Heartstopper #6 by Alice Oseman (Scholastic/Graphix, July 7, $19.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-546-10244-1) concludes the beloved Heartstopper series as Charlie and Nick grapple with their relationship's future amid graduation pressures, resonating with themes of love and growth.
Hikaru in the Light! (Volume 4) by Mai Matsuda (Scholastic/Graphix, July 7, $11.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-546-14107-5) signals the final chapter for K-pop hopeful Hikaru as she faces her last competitive showdown, blending the excitement of performing arts with relatable youth experiences.
Jazzy and the Witch in Friend Fiasco by Jessixa Bagley (S&S, July 14, $14.99; ISBN 978-1-665-92235-7) finds Jazzy entangled in a prank war with a new rival, exploring themes of friendship and rivalry in humorous fashion.
The Princess in Black and the Trick-or-Treating Trouble by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Candlewick, July 7, $16.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-3410-7) sees Princess Magnolia creatively solve problems while navigating a Halloween adventure, emphasizing quick thinking and bravery.
Travis Daventhorpe Gets a Life! by Wes Molebash (First Second, July 21, $16.99; ISBN 978-1-250-80147-0; $22.99; ISBN 978-1-250-80146-3) explores the challenges of balancing ordinary life with impending heroic battles, ensuring humor and action go hand in hand.
Unico: Lost (Volume 3): An Original Manga by Sam Sattin (Scholastic/Graphix, July 7, $12.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-546-11121-4) follows Unico as she seeks refuge with a fey queen, captivating manga fans with its enchanting storytelling.
Yarn Is Everything! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown (S&S, July 14, $13.99; ISBN 978-1-665-96114-1) dives into the charmingly eerie narrative of young Winona, whose newfound crochet talent comes at unforeseen costs, blending creativity with cautionary themes.
New Novels on the Horizon
July 2026 also introduces an exciting roster of novels that promise to keep readers enthralled:
Dragon Dreams by Angela Cervantes (HarperPop, July 28, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-06-324594-5) calls Ollie and Garen to action as they delve into an intriguing realm to rescue their absent loved ones, enhancing the excitement of the Anomalies 53 series.
The Frog Princess and Peter Pan (or Wendy Darling and the Secret Prince) by Kim Bussing (Random House, July 7, $17.99; ISBN 979-8-217-11782-6; $9.99 paper, ISBN 979-8-217-11781-9) crafts a magical crossover, blending fairy tales as Princess Lissie hops into a Peter Pan adventure, while Wendy faces threats in a new setting.
The Gilded Blade (The Grandest Game #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Little, Brown, July 14, $21.99; ISBN 978-0-316-59308-3) wraps up the Inheritance Games saga, merging competitive drama with high-stakes rewards.
Royalslinger by Graci Kim (Disney Hyperion, July 21, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-368-10484-5) centers on Aria, a Dreamslinger student tasked with recovering a stolen family relic, exploring themes of mystery and royal lineage.
Ruinous Ends by I.V. Marie (Delacorte, July 14, $21.99; ISBN 978-0-593-89884-0) forms the second installment of the Souls of Blackwood Academy, as characters confront dire challenges stemming from a treacherous competition.
Shadow over the Pumpkin Queen by Megan Shepherd (Random House/Disney, July 7, $20.99; ISBN 978-0-736-44725-6) immerses readers in Halloweentown, as Sally and Jack navigate the sinister aspects of mystery and disappearance.
Tides of Fortune by Lauryn Hamilton Murray (Roaring Brook, July 21, $20.99; ISBN 978-1-250-34817-3) showcases Blaze's perilous journey to retrieve a priceless weapon, marking another thrilling installment in the Storm Weaver series.
These sequels reflect not only beloved characters returning but also an array of fresh narratives and experiences that will keep young readers returning for more. As these titles hit the shelves, they promise to spark joy, curiosity, and engagement among their audiences.