ArcaMax

All kids love Halloween season. These new books will give them spooks and shivers, and most definitely happy thrills.

"Creepy Pair of Underwear" by Aaron Reynolds; pictures by Peter Brown; Simon & Schuster; 42 pages; $17.99.

At first I thought the title of this black and white and glowing green book was a bit odd, but upon perusing it fully,...Read more

Monsters have expanded their appeal and come out to scare more often than just Halloween. These new books star monsters that are gentle, frightening and especially funny.

"I Want to Be in a Scary Story" by Sean Taylor; illustrated by Jean Jullien; Candlewick Press; 48 pages; $15.99.

The purple Little Monster agrees to be in a scary story but...Read more

Children absorb stress. They know about political uneasiness, weather tragedies and racial issues. One of the best ways to combat their stress is for parents to read empowering, positive, thoughtful books to them. Here are a few.

"Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace" by Harris J.; pictures by Ward Jenkins; Simon & Schuster; 32 pages; $17.99.

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Tales of strong women and girls should be required reading for children. These new books introduce innovative women of medicine, an activist pro-immigrant lady named Jane, a young teen who travels to Cuba in 1961 to teach reading, and soccer star Abby Wambach.

"My Brigadista Year" by Katherine Paterson; Candlewick Press; 208 pages; $15.99.

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These new picture books should help young children ease back into a routine and look forward to the first weeks of school.

"Sarabella's Thinking Cap" by Judy Schachner; Dial Books/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99.

Judy Schachner's magnificent "SkippyJon Jones" series, "The Grannyman," "Bits and Pieces" and "Dewey Bob" are some of the most ...Read more

These new reads remind youngsters of the joys of the Fourth of July, the teeming wildlife in ponds and the refreshing feeling of an outdoor nap.

"Blue Sky White Stars" by Sarvinder Naberhaus; illustrated by Kadir Nelson; Dial Books/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99.

Painted with detailed love by Kadir Nelson, this ode to America's majesty and ...Read more

Graphic and comic-style books are all the rage with kids of all ages. These are a few new innovative tales.

"The Great Art Caper" by Victoria Jamieson; Henry Holt & Co., 63 pages; $15.99.

For early elementary school readers comes "The Great Art Caper," following "The Great Pet Escape." Second-grade class hamster GW slams poetry and does ...Read more

These new picture books are creative and unique and make for fantastic storytime, even on vacation.

"Max and Bird" by Ed Vere; Puffin; 32 pages; $17.99.

From The New York Times best-selling creator of "Max the Brave" comes kitten Max's latest adventure. This black ball of energy with huge, expressive eyes longs for a friend but also wants a ...Read more

"Choose to Matter" helps kids be "courageously and fabulously" themselves. Other new children's books offer a few anti-bullying tips and aim to strengthen and empower youngsters in every realm.

"Choose to Matter" by Julie Foudy; espnW/Disney Publishing; 300 pages; $17.99.

Julie Foudy, a 13-year captain of the U.S. women's national soccer ...Read more

Music relaxes, inspires and excites. These new children's music CDs are lovely, wacky and fun. Prices vary due to sales outlets and digital downloads versus CD options. All are available on iTunes and Amazon, but I always try to promote smaller vendors, and independent sellers and stores.

"Camp Songs with Ella Jenkins & Friends" from ...Read more

These new chapter books will certainly interest boys ages 8 to 12. They include dog tales, a hiking adventure and a plea from a Navy Seal to work harder. Don't forget how important it is for kids to keep reading, especially during the summer.

"The Trail" by Meika Hashimoto; Scholastic Press; 229 pages; $16.99.

Meika Hashimoto's action-packed...Read more

It's pretty nice that many children's book creators have figured out that they can make books to please the palates of both kids and parents. These new books for tots and preschoolers are witty, creative, smart and zesty.

"Triangle" by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen; Candlewick Press; 46 pages; $15.99.

The first in the dynamic duo's new trilogy...Read more