Our Stars of 2024

At Tundra Book Group, we think all our books are brilliant, and it’s nice when others think so too! Congratulations to our authors and illustrators; these are our starred books of 2024!

FIVE STARS:

We Are Definitely Human
By X. Fang
48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774882023 | Tundra Books
“What starts out as a fish-out-of-water comedy becomes a close encounter of straightforward acceptance.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“DEFINITELY a good book.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“Laugh-out-loud lovely.” – Starred Review, Booklist
“A fabulously illustrated, rib-tickling, and affecting picture book in which Mr. Li and his neighbors demonstrate the potential of kindness and cooperative spirit.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness
“This warm and giggle-worthy tale will please young readers – whether human or definitely human.” – Starred Review, BookPage

THREE STARS:

Barnaby Unboxed!
By The Fan Brothers
80 Pages | Ages 5-9 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774882436 | Tundra Books
“In this delightful take on the classic toys-come-to-life story, the text and art – and Barnaby – will surely charm while conveying a reassuring message of the value of being appreciated for who you are.” – Starred Review, Booklist
“A heartfelt and emotional commentary on love and the limits of the human attention span.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
“The story is a poignant delight that seamlessly incorporates striking lessons about pets, responsibility, and furever commitment.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness

Boy vs. Shark
By Paul Gilligan
240 Pages | Ages 10+ | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774880449 | Tundra Books
“An authentic and funny look at masculinity and growing pains that resonates across the decades.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“Gilligan powerfully explores shifting middle-grade friendship, exquisitely illustrating feelings of fear, anxiety, and joy in simple but expressive cartoon artwork.” – Starred Review, Booklist
“This hilarious look into life as a kid in the summer of 1975 is a must-have for any and all middle grade libraries.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

I’m From
Written by Gary R. Gray, Jr.
Illustrated by Oge Mora
40 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774886168 | Puffin Canada
“Poet Gray, making a picture book debut, models the process of, and the power in, learning that “I come from/ somewhere.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“A beautiful, simple look into one child’s typical experience that all readers can learn from and relate to.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
“This beautifully rendered picture book serves as a reminder of the importance of familial and cultural identity and the grounding that it offers in the wider world.” – Starred Review, The Horn Book

Tove and the Island with No Address
By Lauren Soloy
48 Pages | Ages 4-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774883150 | Tundra Books
“The adventure channels the darkly mischievous tone for which Jansson’s works are beloved and re-creates the strange, wild atmosphere of the island in this windblown tribute to the creator’s artistry and sensibility.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“The best part of art is how and what it makes us feel, and a picture book about an artist that skips past the facts of biography and manages to successfully cultivate the feeling of experiencing that artist’s work is a bit of magic worth treasuring.” – Starred Review, Booklist
“This pairing of a strange escapade in the wild with a warm and a cozy welcome home epitomizes the appeal of Jansson’s Moomin books; Moomin fans of all ages will especially enjoy this tale.” – Starred Review, The Horn Book

Viewfinder
By Christine D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka
144 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735268753 | Tundra Books
“Beautiful and precisely depicted, a gentle, generous reflection on civilization and community life.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“Striking a balance between whimsical adventure and wistful contemplation, this title underscores the beauty and fragility of life on our planet. A first purchase for youth graphic novel collections.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
“A gorgeous, digitally sketched and painted picture book debut that welcomes the deeply curious to piece together a surprising and touching tale of what it means to find home.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness

TWO STARS:

Benji Zeb Is a Ravenous Werewolf
By Deke Moulton
304 Pages | Ages 10-14 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774880524 | Tundra Books
“Moulton explores relevant issues surrounding anxiety, faith, prejudice, sexuality, and prioritizing others’ safety over personal comfort in this allegorical creature feature.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“Highly recommended for readers looking for a unique take on the werewolf trope. Readers will root for the gentle and introspective protagonist.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Boy Here, Boy There
By Chuck Groenink
56 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774881064 | Tundra Books
“A contemplative telling that seeds rich conversations about connection across species and time, and about what it means to make art.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“A lyrical and beautifully imagined prehistoric encounter.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

Frostfire
By Elly MacKay
44 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735266988 | Tundra Books
“This tale is magical anytime, but it’s a top choice when seeking a winter story that doesn’t center on a holiday.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“An enchanting outing that will have readers longing to wander a winter wonderland.” – Starred Review, Booklist

Lockjaw
By Matteo L. Cerilli
328 Pages | Ages 14+ | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774882306 | Tundra Books
“Cerilli delivers a stunning debut in this gripping paranormal horror novel about queer teens growing up in a community that doesn’t accept them and the insidious danger of apathy.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“A horrifyingly honest tale with a hopeful ending, this engrossing novel is sure to get hearts racing and leave readers reflecting upon their own place in their communities.” – Starred Review, BookPage

Métis Like Me
Written by Tasha Hilderman
Illustrated by Risa Hugo
40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774881125 | Tundra Books
“A joyful story that encourages empathy and affirms identity.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“Despite the specificity implied in the title, this is a book for everyone. A first purchase for libraries looking to expand Indigenous representation in collections.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

The Lightning Circle
Written by Vikki VanSickle
Illustrated by Laura K. Watson
224 Pages | Ages 12+ | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774882498 | Tundra Books
“This journal-like free-verse novel expertly conjures the essence of the summer camp experience while exploring self-identity and highlighting the importance of friendships.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness
“A richly imagined and deeply felt story that speaks to the power of female friendship, the gift of reinvention, and the perspective-shifting joy of being outdoors.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

Tig
By Heather Smith
160 Pages | Ages 10+ | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735267497 | Tundra Books
“A devastatingly honest novel about foster care, neurodivergence, family, and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
“In the complex, unforgettable Tig, Heather Smith explores the stunning (and sometimes self-sabotaging) resourcefulness children can muster in the face of adversity.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness

Whalesong: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas
By Zachariah OHora
48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774883945 | Tundra Books
“Sweet-tempered illustrations soften difficult moments in this memorable ode to the power of music and the possibilities of communication – a work that also casts quiet doubt on keeping animals in captivity.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“As conservation books for kids go, Whalesong may be the grooviest.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness

ONE STAR:

A Garden Called Home
Written by Jessica J. Lee
Illustrated by Elaine Chen
48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774880470 | Tundra Books
“This heartfelt story beautifully depicts the sorrow that can be felt during the cold winter months, especially when one has come from a completely different environment.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

An Anishinaabe Christmas
Written by Wab Kinew
Illustrated by Erin Hill
48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774883570 | Tundra Books
“A heartwarming and beautifully crafted book that shares the joy of Christmas through the lens of Anishinaabe culture.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt!
Written by Rukhsana Khan
Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774882641 | Tundra Books
“The pairing of the rhythmic text and the vibrant pictures is sure to intrigue readers of all ages to explore a culture and way of life that they may not be as familiar with, or revisit a place where they or relatives have lived.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

I Am Wind
Written by Rachel Poliquin
Illustrated by Rachel Wada
80 Pages | Ages 8-12 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735272187 | Tundra Books
“While the soft yet dynamic and detailed illustrations are the stars of this book, the lyrical writing combined with solid scientific information make it a must-have for upper elementary and middle school library collections” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf
Written by Danielle Daniel
Illustrated by Matt James
64 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774880708 | Tundra Books
“Every worry is addressed and every need is met in this eloquent portrait of the interconnectedness of the living world.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Into the Goblin Market
Written by Vikki VanSickle
Illustrated by Jensine Eckwall
48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
“In this bravura picture book – a mischief-rich, rhyming fairy tale with modern touches – a girl contends with enchanted adversaries and something almost as fearsome: her sister’s terrible judgment.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness

Once Upon a Sari
Written by Zenia Wadhwani
Illustrated by Avani Dwivedi
48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
“Wadhwani shows the young, and reminds the older reader that saris are heirlooms of memory and stories are not just found in books, but also within the walls of our wardrobes.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

Rebel Skies
By Ann Sei Lin
360 Pages | Ages 12+ | Paperback
ISBN 9781774884003 | Tundra Books
“This debut, the first in a trilogy, creates a fascinating world based on Japanese mythology and has a unique magic system . . . The uniqueness of the world created in the story makes this a book adventure fantasy lovers will enjoy.” – Starred Review, Booklist

Shine
By Bruno Valasse
32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774884287 | Tundra Books
“A gentle look at fear, darkness, strength, and light . . . The work’s apt title encompasses both the moth’s journey of self-discovery and the luminous art.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

The Green Baby Swing
Written by Thomas King
Illustrated by Yong Ling Kang
40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735269361 | Tundra Books
“An affecting, supportive portrayal of navigating loss and the ways love and family connection endure.” – Starred Review, Booklist

The Gulf
By Adam de Souza
240 Pages | Ages 14+ | Paperback
ISBN 9781774880753 | Tundra Books
“An evocative tale reminiscent of Jillian and Mariko Tamaki’s This One Summer, this book is a great match for teens searching for community, purpose, and the possibility of existing just for the sake of it.” – Starred Review, Booklist

The Island Before No
Written by Christina Uss
Illustrated by Hudson Christie
56 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735272415 | Tundra Books
“A super fun read, a visual treat and an excellent conversation starter all in one . . . A quirky gem of a tale that’s sure to elicit giggles even as it inspires confidence.” – Starred Review, BookPage

Towed by Toad
By Jashar Awan
48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774883488 | Tundra Books
“A pitch-perfect picture book with broad appeal, ideal for both truck-obsessed toddlers and emerging readers.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Tuesdays with Tundra

Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. These titles are now available in stores and online!

A Face Is a Poem
By Julie Morstad
48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735267565 | Tundra Books
Have you ever stopped and looked, really looked, at a face? Do faces stay the same forever, or do they change? What if we could change faces to see through someone else’s eyes? What if eyelashes were butterflylashes? Julie Morstad guides readers through a playful and fantastical exploration of the unique eyes, noses, mouths, freckles, wrinkles, scars and all those one-of-a-kind marks that make up a face. Embracing commonalities and differences alike, A Face Is a Poem is an ode to the unique beauty of each and every person’s appearance, with an empowering message of love.

Whalesong: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas
By Zachariah OHora
48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774883945 | Tundra Books
Unbelievable but true, this is the story of two whales, two Pauls and two boys. The whales are Haida and Chimo, captive orcas who lived in an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific in the 1970s. The Pauls are Paul Horn, a professional flute musician, and Dr. Paul Spong, a scientist studying the orcas in order to learn more about these mystifying creatures. And the boys are Marlen and Robin, Paul Horn’s sons, who are fascinated with the orcas despite their father’s fear of the giant whales. What follows is the spellbinding story of how the Pauls, through the power of music, learn to communicate with the orcas – and set into motion an entire anti-captivity movement dedicated to protecting these intelligent and majestic animals.

Super Frenemies: Simon and Chester #5
By Cale Atkinson
176 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774880043 | Tundra Books
The worst has happened: Chester has been sucked up by a ghost trap in an attempt to save his best friend Simon, who is a ghost. Chester’s school friend, Amie, blames Simon – after all, if Chester wasn’t trying to save him, he wouldn’t have been sucked up. And Simon blames Amie – after all, if Amie’s dad wasn’t a ghost hunter, there wouldn’t be a trap there in the first place. But these two sworn enemies are going to have to work together to save Chester before the containment unit is emptied . . . into the void! Will they save him in time? Will they change their minds about each other? Will Chester make some new ghoul friends while he’s trapped? Read on to find out . . .

Super Frenemies! is also available today in paperback!

New in Paperback:

Happy Narwhalidays: A Narwhal and Jelly Book #5
By Ben Clanton
68 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback
ISBN 9780735262522 | Tundra Books
Dive into three new stories about Narwhal’s favorite time of the year! It’s the festive season in the world wide waters, and Narwhal is looking forward to cozying up with a good book, singing and partying with pod pals and enjoying some warm waffle pudding. But most of all Narwhal is excited about the arrival of the Merry Mermicorn! According to Narwhal, she’s part mermaid, part unicorn and completely mer-aculous! Jelly is of course skeptical about the existence of the “Mira-Miny-What-A Corn” . . . even when he receives a mysterious present. It must be from Narwhal. Now Jelly has to get the perfect gift, but finding a present for someone as unique as Narwhal is no easy feat, even when you have six tentacles. How will Jelly ever come up with a whaley great gift for a best pal who spreads cheer all through the year?

We can’t wait to see you reading these titles! If you share these books online, remember to use #ReadTundra in your hashtags so that we can re-post.

Tundra Book Group