MacKids Books

Here's a bit of hope. We have received an offer to publish DOGTOWN in the Ukraine.

Makes me cry every time I think about it. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @kaaauthor.bsky.social

Did you know that every sea otter in my novel ODDER was inspired by a real story from the otter surrogacy program at @montereybayaquarium.org? 🦦💙

Odder herself is a composite—I needed bits and pieces of a couple backstories. But each part of her story is very much real. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

Book giveaway for The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker Nov 03-Nov 30, 2025 Enter to win one of 50 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Nov 03-Nov 30, 2025. Enter for a chance to win an advance galley of THE LIONS' RUN by S...

My new middle grade novel, THE LIONS' RUN, is coming February 3, 2026.

@mackidsbooks.bsky.social is holding a giveaway of advance galleys of the book over on Goodreads. I hope you'll check it out! bit.ly/3WiDx3Y

Sharing another great @charlessantoso.bsky.social illustration from POCKET BEAR. Charles's art adds so much to the text. I'm a lucky author, indeed. 💛🧸

@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit

"An emotionally centered picture book about the Indigenous concept of 'walking on'" - Publishers Weekly, starred review Art by Rafael Lopez

"Stunning and essential" - Kirkus, starred review Art by Rafael Lopez

"This book has universal appeal for anyone coping with a loss." - Booklist, starred review Art by Rafael Lopez

A moving story about hope after loss from Fry Bread author Kevin Noble Maillard & acclaimed artist Rafael Lopez

The stars have truly aligned for AND THEY WALK ON-a moving and superbly illustrated picture book about loss and hope by Fry Bread author Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by acclaimed, award-winning artist Rafael López 💫

YouTube video by Lily Williams I wrote and illustrated a banned book

Lily Williams, author of the middle grade graphic novels GO WITH THE FLOW and LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, chats about banned books and how they adversely affect kids in this powerful must-watch video that expands upon a speech she gave in defense of the Freedom to Read.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi3F...

Book: We Spy Fungi: Search and find mushrooms, cacti, and other fascinating plants by Rebecca Donnelly, illustrated by Francisco Fonesca Ages 6-10 Plants that look like rocks! A fungus that looks like a nest! It's a weird world out there, and you'll find some of the weirdest plants and fungi in this book!

Book: Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka Con La Papa Ages 4-8 Go on the hunt with Alberto Salas for wild potatoes before they go extinct in this playful picture book biography

Book: Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Shawna J.C. Tenney Ages 4-8 Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients, helps fight off infections, and so much more. So grab Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink and a pineapple-spinach smoothie, and find out why blood is such a fabulous fluid.

We know it can sometimes be hard to get young readers interested in nonfiction, which is why we've compiled a list of SIX engaging history and science nonfiction titles for all ages 🧑‍🔬🔬 Swipe 👉 to dive into stories about fun fungi, the importance of blood, the history of pirates, and more!

Explore the fun of nonfiction through history and science

Book cover: A Compendium of Curious Contraptions by Neon Squid Ages 8-10 An illustrated guide to some of the most bizarre objects from history by archaeologist Anna Goldfield

Book: Tales of Pirates by Neon Squid Ages 8-10 Set sail on the seven seas with this book about the most fearsome pirates the world has ever seen from Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle

Book: Bomb by Steve Sheinkin and Nick Bertozzi Ages 10-14 The fascinating and frightening true story of the creation of the atomic bomb from new york times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin

We've compiled a list of SIX engaging history and science nonfiction titles for all ages! 🧑‍🔬🔬 Swipe 👉 to dive into stories about fun fungi, the importance of blood, the history of pirates, and more!

Cover art from WE SPY FUNGI, illustrated by Francisco Fonesca

Cover of book shows silhouette of bear made of sketchy words emerging from open book. The bear reaches his paw up toward a smiling boy with green galoshes sitting high in a tree. The trunk of the tree features a green door. Text reads: How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration That Creted Winnie-the-Pooh, words by Annette Bay Pimentel, pictures by Faith Pray. In the corner of the image is a round gold seal that says "JLG Gold Standard."

Thrilled that HOW A BEAR BECAME A BOOK got named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Libraries are a huge part of my life, and I appreciate this library-related seal of approval! Coming March 31, 2026.

@jrlibraryguild.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @faithpray7.bsky.social

YouTube video by Viva Kids Films The Pout-Pout Fish – Official Movie Trailer | In Theaters Nationwide March 20

The Pout-Pout Fish just splashed down! 🐟 'Sea' Nick Offerman with Jordin Sparks & Amy Sedaris as Mr. Fish and friends in theaters March 20, 2026! #ThePoutPoutFish #thepoutpoutfish #NewMovie #TrailerDrop @MacKidsBooks @MacmillanUSA @VivaKidsFilms @ThePoutPoutFishMovie www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhQf...

We are looking for kidlit influencers! Apply now! bit.ly/mackidsinfluencer (link in bio)

We are looking for kid lit influencers! If you love all things picture books to middle-grade, apply to our Mac Kids Content Creators program at the link! Applications close 10/27/25. bit.ly/MacKidsInflu...

#books #influencers #kidlit #reading

"At Second Chances, Pocket had always been one of the tiniest toys.

Certainly, he was by far the littlest bear."
🧸💛🧵
#PocketBear
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
📷: @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

Amber McBride Talks with Roger The Leaving Roomdoesn’t start with much—a girl in a room talking to herself. But I knew, from interviewingAmber McBrideaboutGone Wolf, to trust that nothing was necessarily as it seemed.

Amber McBride #TalkswithRoger about The Leaving Room: www.hbook.com/story/amber-... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social

Donate Your Time Plenty of groups are doing the work to fight back against book bans at a state and local level Florida Freedom to Read or the Texas Freedom to Read Project are two examples.

Attend Meetings Attend local school board and library board meetings. Being informed is the best way to protest book banning and so attending and speaking up at community meetings are vital for making change.

Donate Money Donating money helps these state and local organizations continue to fight for the freedom to read. Even a small amount of support goes a long way to the continuation of these organizations.

Join the Fight Join your local Friends of the Library group. These groups are important in advocating for literacy, library funding, and many other issues but they are also a great place to meet other lovers of the library!

Starting local is the first step to fighting for your freedom to read, but it can be a daunting process. Here are some ways to work it into your own life! #BannedBooksWeek

Why You Should Get Involved with Local Organizations, & How to do it:

YouTube video by EveryLibrary Finding Your Voice: Friendship, Love, and Identity with Charlotte Sullivan Wild and Katherine Locke

What a great conversation with @katherinelocke.bsky.social and #GigiHoward of @drinksinthelibrary.bsky.social about the power of LGBTQIA+ picture books! Thanks to @everylibrary.bsky.social for hosting! #kidlit

YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVTX...

Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/11842...

Did you know that ODDER was inspired by a real-life conservation success story from @montereybayaquarium.org?

By the early 1900s, central CA's population of southern sea otters was down to 50. Today, there are close to 3,000.

Conservation measures work. 💙🦦 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit

YouTube video by EveryLibrary Finding Your Voice: Friendship, Love, and Identity with Charlotte Sullivan Wild and Katherine Locke

I can't wait for this FREE conversation with my SCOTUS Book Club pal @katherinelocke.bsky.social and #GigiHoward of Drinks in the Library!

Oct. 7 @ 7PM Eastern
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVTX...

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@everylibrary.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

We have a very important message for you this #BannedBooksWeek: Get involved! All week long we'll be sharing tips on books to read and how to join the fight for the freedom to read. ⁣
⁣
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans #BannedBooks #ReadBannedBooks

A book cover. Mama Moon by Noah Grigni. Ages 4-8 The story of a child who muses that their mother is like the moon—ever changing, sometimes blue, sometimes bright.

A book cover. Return to Sender by Vera Brosgol Ages 8-12 Oliver’s dreams are finally within his grasp… but what happens when he discovers that his wishes don’t come for free?

Celebrate all types of families with these nine titles that center family relationships ❤️ (part 3 of 3)

A book cover. Fa La La Family by Scott & Mark Hoying, illustrated by Steph Lew. Ages 4-8 Light up the season with this ode to the diverse ways families celebrate Christmas

A book cover. Remixed: A Blended Family by Arree Chung Ages 4-8 Celebrating the strength and resilience of remixed families and the beauty of chosen families, showing how even after change, or loss, love can thrive.

A book cover. We Are American, Too by Kristen Mei Chase and Jieting Chen Ages 4-6 An exquisitely illustrated and beautifully penned picture book about Asian American history, identity, and pride.

A book cover. Finding Forgiveness by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Diana Mayo. Ages 4-8 A loving, heartwarming picture book about empathy, sisterhood, and finding the courage to ask for forgiveness

Celebrate all types of families with these nine titles that center family relationships ❤️ (part 2 of 3)

Celebrating all types of families

A book cover. Oddbird's Chosen Family by Derek Desierto Ages 2-5 Oddbird has always been on his own. And he’s managed pretty well. But that’s changing – now, he wishes for a family.

A book cover. Let's Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo. Agse 3-6 A lush and lyrical picture book celebrating special moments—big and small—shared with a child.

A book cover. My Parents Won't Stop Talking! Ages 3-6 A child's plans are ruined when her parents have the gall to stop to talk to the neighbors

Celebrate all types of families with these nine titles that center family relationships ❤️

Cover art is from REMIXED: A Blended Family by Arree Chung

A book cover. Los Fantasmas De Rancho Espanto by Adrianna Cuevas Ages 8-12 As punishment, a boy is sent to work on a New Mexico ranch, but strange things keep happening in this middle grade mystery. Now available in Spanish.

Book cover. My Cat is a Secret Agent by Daniel J. Mahoney. Ages 3-6 A fun and charming tale of a girl who tries to convince her parents that their cat is really an undercover spy.

A book cover. A Compendium of Curious Contraptions: A Guessing Game About History's Most Unusual Artifacts by Anna Goldfield and Paula Zamudio. Ages 8-10 A new nonfiction illustrated guide to some of the most bizarre objects from history by archaeologist Anna Goldfield.

A book cover. Wolf Club by James Bird Ages 9-12 Three kids ditch detention to search for an elusive white wolf, who may have the magical powers they need to face their challenges and heal their hearts.

New book Tuesday🎉

We have a TON of new books for you to explore both in English and Spanish this week.

Swipe 👉 to see what's out now!

@adriannacuevas.bsky.social @jamesbirdbooks.bsky.social @neonsquidbooks.bsky.social

#newbooks #booksky #kidsbooks #booksforkids #middlegrade

New Pages to Explore Books out today! Check mark, A ton of exciting board books Check mark, A winter wonderland picture book Check mark, Spanish language editions Check mark, magic-filled middle grade Check mark, exciting middle grade mystery At the bottom of the page, an elephant in a winter hat and a man in a green coat walk together. Art is from A Snow Day for Amos McGee

A book cover. The title is buenas Noches Granja Ages 1-3 Toddlers can gently fall asleep to this Spanish-language edition of Night Night Farm by Priddy Books

Book cover. A Snow Day For Amos McGee, written by Philip C Stead, illustrated by Erin E Stead Ages 3-6 Amos and his familiar companions are back for this delightfully snowy tale-the latest follow-up to the Caldecott Medal winner A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Two board books: Baby Words: Shake Shake Shake and Baby Farm Shake Shake Shake. Ages 1-2 Babies will love to shake the colorful rattle while learning some first words and farm animals in these fun shaped board books.

New book Tuesday🎉

We have a TON of new books for you to explore both in English and Spanish this week.

Swipe 👉 to see what's out now! Cover art from A SNOW DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE #newbooktuesday #bookhaul #newbooks #booksky

Another month of new releases in the books 📚😍 Swipe 👉 to put names to faces and celebrate the creators behind September's MacKids releases ❤️

Another month of new releases in the books 📚😍 Swipe 👉 to put names to faces and celebrate the creators behind September's MacKids releases ❤️

Another month of new releases in the books 📚😍 Swipe 👉 to put names to faces and celebrate the creators behind September's MacKids releases ❤️

What can you expect from the latest middle-grade from @dangemeinhart.bsky.social? Theft, trespassing, gambling, a broken nose, grand theft auto, a federal prison, and a police chase - among other things 👀

BUSTED is coming to a bookstore near you on 10/7!!
#Busted #BustedBook #DanGemeinhart

THE LAST EMBER by is the first installment in an action-packed fantasy adventure about a powerful creature, those who seek to exploit it, and those who are willing to protect it at all costs 🔥⚔️ Learn more at the link in our bio!

Book cover: Robots Ages 8-10 The future is here. Explore the world of robots and artificial intelligence in this kids’ STEM book

Book cover: A Sicky History of Medicine Ages 5-8 WARNING: NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED. This revolting history of medicine through the ages is full of blood, guts, and gore!

Book: Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka Con La Papa Ages 8-10 What can a potato do? To Peruvian scientist Alberto Salas, they have the power to change the world.

Encourage kids to get interested in STEM topics with these informative, yet digestible, science books for every reader! Swipe 👉 to browse our recommendations 🪐🔬🦠 (pt 3 of 3)

Book cover: Disgustology by Teresa Robeson and Anna-Maria Jung Ages 8-12 The MOST Disgusting Middle Grade Book EVER! And All Completely True

Book cover: The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledgre: 250 of the coolest, weirdest, and most unebelievable science facts you won't be taught in school Ages 8-12 An encyclopedia of mind-bogglingly random science facts that will lodge in your brain and refuse to leave.

Book Cover: The Tree of Life Ages 5-8 A lift-the-flap book about the animals, plants, and fungi that live in trees, written by pioneering tree scientist Nalini Nadkarni.

Book cover: The Secret Life of a Sea Turtl by Maddelena Bearzi and Alex Boersma Ages 4-8 Follow the captivating yet perilous life of one sea turtle in this dazzling nonfiction tale

Encourage kids to get interested in STEM topics with these informative, yet digestible, science books for every reader! Swipe 👉 to browse our recommendations 🪐🔬🦠 (pt 2 of 3)