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Two distinctive artists are presented in a similar formats but each illustrated in a style that reflects the times when each artist lived. Original work by the artist is integrated into the narrative to add context. Paintings and source notes conclude these appealing and attractive introductions to art and artists. The second title is Portrait of an Artist: Claude Monet: Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces (opens in a new window) by Lucy Brownridge, illustrated by Caroline Bonne-Müller.

He’s small, a bit rough around the edges but he’s got a big heart and big friends. Meet Bob of dubious heritage; “…some Chihuahua, with a smidgen of Papillon…”  His best friends are a gorilla named Ivan, a small elephant named Ruby, and a girl named Julia. The sequel to the Newbery-winning book, The One and Only Ivan (opens in a new window), this new story can stand alone with its unique verve and charm. Spot illustrations and a glossary of dog terms add humor and emotion.

Can rescue dog, McTavish, help his Peachy family with vacation plans? His human family needs his guidance and patience — again. Whether revisiting the Peachys (Good Dog, McTavish (opens in a new window)) or meeting them for the first time, this charming, recognizable family is sure to charm readers of all ages.

Mango and Brash right the wrongs created by “crime, corruption, and confusion.” They are the InvestiGators, with an emphasis on gators, for Mango and Brash are alligators. Fast-paced and slightly goofy, this clever tale is sure to delight graphic novel and mystery aficionados alike.

Can Iggy Peck use his architectural prowess to help Ada Twist’s Aunt Bernice from losing the house she inherited? Iggy, Ada, and the other Questioneers come together to solve the mystery of the missing antiques and acquire a bit of history along the way in this latest story in the Questioneers series.

Fox and Rabbit, unlikely friends with very different personalities, visit a fair, go to the beach, start a garden, and more in five stories. Charming and gently humorous, this is the first in a new, engaging graphic novel series.

Is the object that Brain finds an eyeball or is it an egg, as Chick says? Can Chick — or anyone — convince him otherwise? Silliness abounds in image and word in this graphic novel by the creator of Newbery Honor winning El Deafo (opens in a new window).

No one is shocked by the six-eyed alien strolling around the Universal backlot. The tourists just think he’s part of the show. It doesn’t take long for Buddy to land a role on a popular TV show, playing (of course) an alien. He becomes an overnight heartthrob and is suddenly faced with legions of adoring fans, rides in glamorous limos, and appearances at red carpet parties. But can Buddy maintain his secret identity while in the spotlight? Winkler and Oliver keep readers laughing while slipping in a lesson — accept everyone as they are, even if they have suction cups for feet.

Her mother disappeared when Matilda “Tilly” Pages was just a baby. Since then she has lived with her grandparents in their London bookstore, Pages & Co. At the start of the midterm break, Tilly discovers a special talent: she is a bookwanderer which allows her to meet characters from her favorite books like Anne (of Green Gables) and Alice (in Wonderland). In this riveting, well-told tale, other characters from classics come alive. The conclusion is satisfying while pointing to forthcoming stories.

Could the Mac B growing up in the 1980s really have been a spy before he became an author? Who gets called to England to help the Queen? Not likely, but it sure makes a good adventure. Amusing line drawings use limited color to add to the humor in the start of a new series. Fun and adventure with Mac B continue in Mac B. Kid Spy: The Impossible Crime (opens in a new window).

Never heard of the black and rufous sengi? How about Brainville’s beaked whale? Lions, and tigers and giraffes are all familiar, but in this humorously illustrated and informative volume you’ll find out about even more less-well-known animals. As in the first book in the series, Lesser Spotted Animals (opens in a new window), readers meet unfamiliar animals, where they are found, what they eat, and if they are thriving. After all, “how can we help something survive if we don’t even know it exists?”

Peter and Ernesto and other sloths lose their tree homes — destroyed by a hurricane. Their search for a new home is fraught with danger — alligators, jaguars, and more (oh my!). Finally they find a new home with a surprising roommate. Limited text and cartoons tell a raucous, silly adventure, the second story in this series. (See also: Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths (opens in a new window))

Mac and Mac, empty-headed noodle brothers, want to fill their heads with knowledge. But how? Start at the library, of course! Traditional “noodlehead” tales are reimagined here quite literally and presented in comic book format. Filled with jokes and slapstick, humor abounds throughout each of three chapters. A note for adults about traditional story sources ends this latest addition to the Noodleheads.

A bit of information about familiar birds, butterflies, and other things found in the natural world is presented followed by different activities. From finger puppets to mobiles, from cookies to prints each craft includes easy-to-follow instructions and helpful illustrations. An equally effective format is used in The Ocean Craft Book (opens in a new window).

When you can’t stop moving, we say you have “ants in your pants.” That’s because ants always are moving! Fascinating facts are presented in a generously illustrated, humorous but factual format — including what ants eat and what eats ants. This is a worthy addition to the author’s fascinating and accessible series.

Though they’re quite different, calm and patient Fox remains friends with Chick. Unlike Fox, Chick tends to worry and fret in each of three short tales told through illustration and conversation bubbles. Newly independent readers will appreciate the accessible comic book format and relatable emotions expressed in text and image.

Simple concepts are presented in straightforward language in both Spanish and English. On each sturdy double page is a crisp illustration that uses simple line and flat form. The result is a precise, highly accessible look at the basic concepts of near and far. You may also want to share Lejos / Far (opens in a new window).

The science behind sound and vision is presented in accessible illustration and straightforward text. The language used includes sophisticated terms (e.g., cochlea, vibration) which will likely familiarize younger children and their adults with the science vocabulary. You may also enjoy Baby Loves the Five Senses: Sight (opens in a new window).

1942, the United States is reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Army Air Corps joins forces with the Navy to create a top secret plan, a bombing raid unlike any raid ever planned. Sixteen bombers set out. How many will return? (Book 7 in Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series)

Araminta Ross was born a slave in Delaware. After years of backbreaking labor, she escaped and traveled north to freedom. Follow in the footsteps of one of the most daring leaders of the Underground Railroad. (Book 5 in Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series)

With help from Rapunzel (and her trusty braids), a pixie from Jack’s past, and a man with inventions from the future, they just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of good people. This graphic novel is a follow-up to Rapunzel’s Revenge.

The story of John Wesley Powell, the one-armed geologist who explored the Grand Canyon with 10 other men in 1869. Equal parts gruesome and hilarious, this latest installment in the bestselling series takes readers on an action-packed adventure through American history. (Book 9 in Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series)

The story of Nathan Hale, who was an officer and spy for the American rebels during the Revolutionary War. This lively, rigorously researched, visually engaging graphic novel highlights the unusual and just plain unbelievable truth of the historical Nathan Hale. (Book 1 in Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series)

Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach, but eventually returns to school, where she’s dealing with the usual highs and lows. It soon becomes clear that Raina’s tummy trouble isn’t going away…and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What’s going on? In this autobiographical graphic novel, Telgemeier gives young readers an honest and compassionate look at one girl’s struggles with anxiety.