2025 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL HOT OFF THE PRESS PICK A playful board book for gaming families, filled with classic gaming references, famous game designers, and more Eat. Sleep. Game. Repeat. Raise those squeakers right with all the gaming references and terminology they need to be goated. Introducing 100 First Words for Little Gamers, a primer for gamer kids learning their first words from gamer and designer Carlos Guerrero. Forget apple and dog. Your little gamers are ready to move from ABC to CPU and other gaming-specific words like console, nerf, and the Duke (if you know, you know). Filled with Easter eggs every gamer should know, 100 First Words for Little Gamers is the perfect primer for gaming families. Those little n00bs will be pros before you know it!

Newly updated to include The Fantastic Four, Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Ms. Marvel, and more, readers can take a super-powered tour through the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this chunky, oversized deluxe edition of Marvel Alphablock! This deluxe, jumbo-sized edition features die-cuts on every sturdy page, gatefolds, and a large, hefty trim size that is perfect for any collector’s library. Featuring thrilling scenes and fascinating characters from A to Z, this interactive board book is perfect for the youngest Marvel fan as well as seasoned collectors. With illustrations in Peski Studio’s bright, graphic style, Marvel Alphablock encourages the smallest Marvel fans to manipulate the alphabet in a whole new way and is a must-have ABC book. ​From its highly original characters to its stunning locations, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is recognizable and beloved across the globe.

A breathless, lively, and gripping nonfiction graphic novel recounting the true tale of a race between two fearless female journalists, one of the most famous publicity stunts ever attempted! In the 1800s the newspaper is king and female journalists are few and far between. Intrepid reporters Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland are pitted against the clock and each other in a madcap publicity stunt that the whole world is watching—read all about one of the first viral news stories reported on and starring these two journalists in the race of their careers. Everyone knows about Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, but what about a real-life mad dash around the world in less than 80 days? This is the challenge that journalist Nellie Bly tackles in 1889—her mission is to beat the famous fictional record set by Phileas Fogg, the main character of Jules Verne’s famous novel. Whether or not the stunt is successful, it will mean big sales for the paper she writes for, the New York World. But as Nellie Bly sets off on her journey, up-and-coming competing newspaper Cosmopolitan decides to send another woman, Elizabeth Bisland, on the exact same journey, turning an already challenging publicity stunt into a competition that pits the two women against each other on the world stage. As the press coverage heats up, the world watches and the public pressure intensifies. Bly and Bisland are embroiled in a race against time, with sexism and prejudice to contend with to boot.

Pokémon: Let’s Cruise! is a unique interactive, accordion-fold board book, featuring die-cut windows to peek through and flaps to lift on every page. Join Pikachu, Bublasaur, Chramander, Squirtle, and their Pokémon friends as they set off on a thrilling cruise! Slide down the waterslide, bounce in the sandcastle, ride the playtime express train, and even visit the engine room. Don’t miss all the details and things to find as you explore the whole ship with your Pokémon friends! Sail along on the Pokémon cruise ship with Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Togepi, Charizard, and their friends. All aboard: let's cruise!

When a young witch apprentice loses her home and mentor to witch hunts, can she awaken her druid-like powers and flee to safety? Humankind and nature are at odds in volume 5 of this epic Ghibli-esque fantasy manga, perfect for fans of Princess Mononoke , Nausicaä , and Witch Hat Atelier! In a world devastated by humankind and forsaken by plants and animals, only witches have the power to communicate with nature. After their encounter with Aster, a former soldier living alone in a witches’ former refuge, Pili, Karen, and Oak continue their journey to Eden. Unfortunately, the young girls no longer sense the voice of the amurds, who seem to have completely deserted them. Suddenly, a faint whisper reaches their ears! To the great surprise of the three companions, it comes from a ruined city. The wolf has a sense of foreboding, and the discovery of plants unearthed in a crude manner proves him right. It was a trap set by witch-hunter Zakum! Pili and Karen manage to escape, but Oak is captured. Will they be able to save him from the clutches of the malevolent kingdom?

New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Gabriela Epstein returns with another original action-packed graphic novel based on the hit Nickelodeon animated series, where Danny will have to reckon with past ghosts and past grudges. After the events of Danny Phantom: A Glitch in Time, Danny Phantom is public enemy number one, and Casper High School has revamped its curriculum as they believe that ghosts are once again a danger to the town. While Danny struggles to find a way to implement his new knowledge of what ghosts are to help them, Valerie Gray is thriving as the best ghost hunter at school. But when Wulf, Danny’s old ghost friend, arrives looking for another ghost wolf cub, Danny and the gang must help track down this cub before their ghost hunting classmates get to it first. Can Danny help protect these ghosts before they get caught, or will his past grudge with Valerie result in his end? This all-new original graphic novel from New York Times bestselling illustrator Gabriela Epstein continues the Danny Phantom story with this canon story that will satisfy both new and old fans of the Nickelodeon franchise.

New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Gabriela Epstein returns with another original action-packed graphic novel based on the hit Nickelodeon animated series, where Danny will have to reckon with past ghosts and past grudges. After the events of Danny Phantom: A Glitch in Time, Danny Phantom is public enemy number one, and Casper High School has revamped its curriculum as they believe that ghosts are once again a danger to the town. While Danny struggles to find a way to implement his new knowledge of what ghosts are to help them, Valerie Gray is thriving as the best ghost hunter at school. But when Wulf, Danny’s old ghost friend, arrives looking for another ghost wolf cub, Danny and the gang must help track down this cub before their ghost hunting classmates get to it first. Can Danny help protect these ghosts before they get caught, or will his past grudge with Valerie result in his end? This all-new original graphic novel from New York Times bestselling illustrator Gabriela Epstein continues the Danny Phantom story with this canon story that will satisfy both new and old fans of the Nickelodeon franchise.

Character Design Quarterly (CDQ) is a lively, creative magazine bringing inspiration, expert insights, and leading techniques from professional illustrators, artists, and character art enthusiasts worldwide. Each issue provides detailed tutorials on creating diverse characters, enabling you to explore the processes and decision making that go into creating amazing characters. Learn new ways to develop your own ideas, and discover from the artists what it is like to work for prolific animation studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks. The cover for issue 34 is by Simone Ferriero (aka Simz), a freelance comic-book artist and illustrator from Italy who has a huge 431K followers on Instagram. Simz is known for his drawings of ghost cats and modern-day witches, with a style inspired by Japanese cartoons and comics. He takes us through the creation of his cover, then we interview him about his career and his current creative plans. Also featured in this issue is Tom Booth (335K followers on Instagram) an art director, illustrator, and author, based in Brooklyn, New York. He has created characters for Simon & Schuster, Netflix, Random House, and is known for his extensive work in children's literature. He talks to us about creating the video game Pine, for which he served as the artistic and narrative lead.

The rules are simple: you're either a fox or a bunny. Foxes oppress and devour, and bunnies suffer and die. Everyone knows their place. Everyone's satisfied. So what happens when a secret desire puts you at odds with your society? Starting from a simple premise — and without using a single word — Fox Bunny Funny leads the reader on a zigzag chase in and out of rabbit holes and through increasingly strange landscapes where funny animals have serious identity problems. The tale swerves from slapstick to horror and back again before landing at the inevitable climax, in which all the old rules shatter. When you emerge, you'll find yourself gazing at our fragmenting society with new eyes.

This manga explores a shattered superhero’s dream—where power corrupts, morality crumbles, and one boy’s journey from hero to villain will leave you questioning what it means to be a true hero, or dark hero... In a world where superpowers are a gift to protect the weak and fight evil, Suou Kouki has always dreamed of becoming a hero. But when his moment of despair awakens a hidden power, his dream quickly turns into a nightmare. Now, armed with a dangerous ability, Suou finds himself on a path he never expected—one where the line between hero and villain is perilously thin. The Raven Dark Hero is a gripping manga that explores the dark side of power, ambition, and morality, as Suou’s journey forces him to confront the consequences of becoming the very thing he once sought to destroy. Created by the elusive Tonkye, known for his work in crafting complex, character-driven narratives, and brought to life by artist Akira Mitsuya, The Raven Dark Hero delivers intense battles, emotional depth, and a fresh take on the superhero genre. Mitsuya’s dynamic artwork perfectly captures the raw conflict within Suou as he struggles with his newfound abilities. With stunning visuals and a morally complex story, this manga will keep you questioning: what does it truly mean to be a hero?

The first graphic novel in the award-winning series, rereleased in a deluxe hardback. When her temporal abilities began to tear her apart, Max Caulfield must return to Arcadia Bay to confront her past. The first graphic novel following the events of the original Life is Strange videogame, and the ending where Max sacrificed the town of Arcadia Bay to save Chloe. A year after making her fateful choice and forgoing her powers, building a new life in Seattle away from the trauma of her past, Max’s temporal abilities begin to return - beyond her control. Pulled between timelines without warning, she and Chloe leave Seattle to return to face the ruins of Arcadia Bay. Haunted by the past, and by her uncontrollable flickering between realities, Max must fight to find a timeline where she belongs. Can Max and Chloe find the answer in the ashes of Arcadia Bay – or must Max sacrifice even more for her future? Life is Strange vol 1: Dust Deluxe Edition collects the Life is Strange comic issues #1 – 4 in a new hardcover binding, plus never-before-seen art from the development of the series, and a new and exclusive short prose story by author Emma Vieceli!

While one woman attempts to flee the kingdom that killed her family, she winds up stranded in a curious mansion with a man who can help her escape. Will they remain at odds or warm up to one another? A steamy, full-colour romance webtoon/manhwa that will get you heated! Lysithea Hilenaire Del Arman is a woman on the run. After a dangerous revolt claimed the lives of her family, Lysithea employs the broker, Taron Cardis, to help her escape the kingdom before she meets the same deadly fate. But Taron isn’t exactly the easiest man to work with, and the two spend most of their transactional relationship with plenty of bickering and arguing. That is, until an unexpected snowstorm leaves them stranded in an eerie, abandoned mansion. Now, Lysithea and Taron must put their differences aside to survive the cold and continue their escape. As the temperatures outside drop, things inside the mansion heat up as burning desire ignites between Lysithea and Taron. Will they resist the pull towards each other or will temptation lead them down a more dangerous path? Experience the flames of passion in this sexy, full-colour webcomic!

Rebellion is proud to present Alan Moore and Ian Gibson's breathtaking and revolutionary feminist space opera in an ultimate full colour omnibus edition, including a new introduction and bonus material. The ultimate edition of Alan Moore and Ian Gibson's feminist space opera! Halo Jones is bored. Trapped in The Hoop, a futuristic world where jobs are scarce and excitement non-existent, Halo sets out to see the galaxy any way she can and to rewrite her destiny. From drudge work on a glamorous cruise liner, to serving in a brutal war zone, Halo experiences love and loss and she grows up into the woman who will change the course of the galaxy's history. Radical and revolutionary, Rebellion is proud to present Alan Moore ( Watchmen, V for Vendetta ) and Ian Gibson’s ( Star Wars: Boba Fett Adventures ) ground-breaking feminist space opera and science fiction classic in a full colour omnibus for the first time. A cultural icon and a high mark for British science fiction, this timeless tale of one woman’s endurance amidst a sea of dead-end and deadly jobs remains one of Alan Moore’s most beloved sagas. Restored and lovingly coloured by Barbara Nosenzo, and featuring a new introduction and bonus content, The Ballad of Halo Jones remains essential reading.

Humanity is on the brink in this atmospheric space-noir from hit comics duo Dan Abnett and INJ Culbard. In the late 21st century the remains of the human race are crammed into the Habitats: vast artificial space stations; hotbeds for crime and madness policed by private security firms. When a routine drug bust goes wrong, no-nonsense Investigator Bridget Kurtis finds herself in a life or death struggle with a new sect of cultists. But evidence begins to point to something far more sinister going on behind the scenes... The first series of the new atmospheric, sci-fi thriller from Dan Abnett and I.N.J. Culbard.

Ratatouille meets the magic of Studio Ghibli as a lonely raccoon who secretly lives inside a fine French restaurant and yearns to be a chef must venture into the woods for the first time to help a baby crow find its home. The Night Chef has never had a family—only a dream. She''s spent years living inside the walls of a human restaurant, honing her cooking skills. She knows she can fry an omelette with the best of them-- but she also knows that humans will never accept her. And so she keeps to herself, hidden and alone. Then, one evening, when Night Chef cracks an egg open for her dinner, a baby crow named Ichi falls out! Despite being reluctant to leave her home, Night Chef steps into the wilds in order to reunite Ichi with his family. And along the journey, she might just find a family to call her own, too.

Ratatouille meets the magic of Studio Ghibli as a lonely raccoon who secretly lives inside a fine French restaurant and yearns to be a chef must venture into the woods for the first time to help a baby crow find its home. The Night Chef has never had a family—only a dream. She''s spent years living inside the walls of a human restaurant, honing her cooking skills. She knows she can fry an omelette with the best of them-- but she also knows that humans will never accept her. And so she keeps to herself, hidden and alone. Then, one evening, when Night Chef cracks an egg open for her dinner, a baby crow named Ichi falls out! Despite being reluctant to leave her home, Night Chef steps into the wilds in order to reunite Ichi with his family. And along the journey, she might just find a family to call her own, too.