**May Staff Picks**

By Caroline O'Connor | April 25 2022 | AdultsPop CultureChildren'sGeneralAllGift

 

April showers bring May flowers and also tons of amazing new books! See all of our May favorites HERE!


 

Mi Cocina
Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico: A Cookbook
978-0-593-13870-0
An enticing, regional, and stunning exploration of Mexican cuisine from beloved food writer and host of the Babish Culinary Universe show “Pruébalo” on YouTube and Food52’s “Sweet Heat” series, Rick Martínez.
$35.00 US
May 03, 2022
8-1/4 x 10
Hardcover
304 Pages
Clarkson Potter

The Cook You Want to Be
Everyday Recipes to Impress [A Cookbook]
978-1-9848-5856-6
One of Bon Appétit's favorite talents shows you how to define and develop your individual cooking style—and become the cook you want to be—in 120 recipes.
$35.00 US
May 24, 2022
8 x 10-1/2
Hardcover
336 Pages
Lorena Jones Books

The Book of Hops
A Craft Beer Lover's Guide to Hoppiness
978-1-9848-6004-0
The first fully illustrated guidebook for craft beer drinkers, pairing hyper-detailed photography with profiles of fifty of today's most sought-after hop varieties.
$27.50 US
May 31, 2022
7-1/2 x 9
Hardcover
256 Pages
Ten Speed Press

My America
Recipes from a Young Black Chef: A Cookbook
978-0-525-65960-0
A BON APPETIT BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • What is American food? In his first cookbook, Kwame Onwuachi (“the most important chef in America” —San Francisco Chronicle), the acclaimed author of Notes from a Young Black Chef, shares the dishes of his America; dishes that show the true diversity of American food.“A must-have for anyone who wants to be a better cook. Each recipe is an insight into Kwame’s family, travels, and time spent in some of the best kitchens in the world.” —David Chang
$35.00 US
May 17, 2022
8 x 10
Hardcover
304 Pages
Knopf

Eitan Eats the World
New Comfort Classics to Cook Right Now: A Cookbook
978-0-593-23536-2
“The twenty-year-old culinary darling [who] taught millions stuck at home during quarantine how to cook.”—The New York Times 85 fresh comfort food recipes highlighting the enthusiasm, creativity, and foolproof techniques of the cooking prodigy beloved from TikTok to The Drew Barrymore Show.
$29.99 US
May 03, 2022
8 x 10
Hardcover
240 Pages
Clarkson Potter

Nothing to See Here
An Outrageous Storytelling Game for Adults
978-0-593-23460-0
Nothing to See Here is the hilariously naughty party game you've been missing—use your cards to come up with a "believable" story to explain your way out of any number of outrageously compromising positions.
$20.00 US
May 10, 2022
5-1/2 x 3-1/2
Game
163 Pages
Clarkson Potter

Tinseltown Tarot
A Look into Your Future Through the Golden Age of Hollywood
978-1-922417-79-4
Visit the glamorous past to peek into the future. 
$24.95 US
May 10, 2022
3 x 4-2/3
Other Formats
78 Pages
Smith Street Gift

Spell Bound
A new witch's guide to crafting the future
978-1-922417-64-0
Peer past the veil into the modern witch’s world. 
$24.95 US
May 03, 2022
6-5/7 x 8-1/4
Hardcover
248 Pages
Smith Street Books

Heartthrob Affirmations
Swoonworthy, Uplifting Thoughts from Our Favorite Gents to Get You Through Each Day
978-1-922417-77-0
When you’re feeling down, these men with lift you up with their beautiful words (and faces). 
$16.95 US
May 10, 2022
3-5/16 x 4-2/3
Other Formats
50 Pages
Smith Street Gift

Mindful Sketching
How to Develop a Drawing Practice and Embrace the Art of Imperfection
978-1-63217-419-2
Develop a visual mindfulness practice—and enjoy the mental health benefits of mindful drawing! Embrace imperfection and express your own unique creativity by learning how to stay in the moment as you draw with this how-to guide to mindful sketching.
$21.95 US
May 17, 2022
7-1/2 x 9
Paperback
176 Pages
Spruce Books

Northwest Know-How: Beaches
978-1-63217-408-6
Entertaining, educational and highly giftable, Northwest Know-How: Beaches showcases the majestic, quirky, and unique beaches of the Washington and Oregon coastline through facts, history, legend, and lovely illustrations.
$16.95 US
May 17, 2022
4-1/2 x 6
Hardcover
144 Pages
Sasquatch Books

Welcome to the Jungle
Rare Tropical Houseplants to Collect, Grow, and Love
978-1-9848-5994-5
Graduate from ordinary houseplants to extraordinary ones with these 50 highly sought-after, dramatic, stunningly photographed plants and expert information on how to obtain, grow, and propagate them.
$29.99 US
May 31, 2022
7-7/16 x 9
Hardcover
224 Pages
Ten Speed Press

Star Wars I Am Your Father
Lessons for Parents, Protectors, and Mentors
978-0-7440-5520-7
Acknowledge the father figure or Star Wars fan in your life with this collection of lessons in parenting from a galaxy far, far away.
$12.99 US
May 31, 2022
5-1/16 x 7
Hardcover
64 Pages
DK

The Rugged Life
The Modern Guide to Self-Reliance: A Survival Guide
978-0-593-23519-5
A modern guide to self-sufficiency, homesteading, and building an independent life, from New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and survival skills expert Clint Emerson.
$20.00 US
May 10, 2022
7-3/8 x 9-1/8
Paperback
272 Pages
Rodale Books

Possums Are Not Cute!
And Other Myths about Nature's Most Misunderstood Critter
978-1-68369-299-7
Possums may steal your garbage…but with this book, they’ll also steal your heart!
$14.99 US
May 10, 2022
6 x 7
Hardcover
128 Pages
Quirk Books

The Dungeons & Dragons Tarot Deck
A 78-Card Deck and Guidebook
978-1-9848-2466-0
Featuring all-new illustrations and a short guide to tarot, this 78-card deck aligns iconic Dungeons & Dragons characters and creatures with the Major and Minor Arcana of tarot.
$24.99 US
May 24, 2022
4-3/4 x 6-3/8
Cards
78 Pages
Clarkson Potter

Pride playing cards
Icons of the LGBTQ+ Community
978-1-922417-80-0
This deck celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s most iconic sisters, brothers and gender nonconforming friends. 
$12.95 US
May 31, 2022
2-1/2 x 3-1/7
Other Formats
54 Pages
Smith Street Gift

The New Design Rules
How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book
978-1-9848-2648-0
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Styled, here is Emily Henderson's masterclass on interior design.
$32.50 US
May 10, 2022
8 x 9
Hardcover
336 Pages
Clarkson Potter

Change: A Journal
My Plan to Save the Planet
978-0-593-23412-9
An immersive, interactive journal that encourages kids to unleash their creativity to protect our planet. With Wee Society’s signature silliness, wit, and eye for design, it’s a learning tool disguised in fun.
$15.99 US
May 10, 2022
6-1/2 x 9
Hardcover
64 Pages
Clarkson Potter
Age 7-11 years

Little Ellen
978-0-593-37860-1
What makes you unique? Find out with Little Ellen, the creative and lovable star of Ellen DeGeneres's debut picture book, based on her new animated series!
$18.99 US
May 03, 2022
9-1/2 x 10-1/2
Hardcover
32 Pages
Random House Books for Young Readers
Age 4-8 years

Where's the Doctor?
978-1-5362-2399-6
Five beautifully illustrated spreads show a series of people you might see in a hospital that include a nurse, a paramedic, an orderly, and a doctor all hiding behind bright felt flaps. With a mirror on the final page, this is the perfect book to share with very little ones.
$8.99 US
Apr 20, 2022
7-1/16 x 7-1/16
Board Book
10 Pages
Candlewick Press
Age 0-3 years

Big Truck Little Island
978-1-5362-0393-6
That big truck is stuck! How will the island residents get where they’re going? A tale of community and ingenuity from the celebrated Chris Van Dusen, inspired by a true story.When a big truck and its big load get stuck on a narrow road, traffic on the little island comes to a halt. Some cars need to go south and some have to travel north. How will Meg get to her swim meet? What about Barry’s ballet class? Luckily, the kids come up with an ingenious solution: why not just swap cars? Inspired by an incident that happened on Vinalhaven, Maine, Chris Van Dusen tells a fun tale of resourcefulness and community through clever, rhyming wordplay and whimsical illustrations, sprinkled with plenty of cars and trucks for transportation-loving readers.
$17.99 US
May 03, 2022
9-3/4 x 11-5/16
Hardcover
32 Pages
Candlewick
Age 3-7 years

Good Night Dolphins
978-1-64907-040-1
Young marine biologists will adore this charming and educational board book as they explore the fascinating world of dolphins, including dolphin species, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, spinner dolphins, pink dolphins, feeding habits, colors, unique dolphin facts, and more. This book is part of the bestselling Good Night Our World series, which includes hundreds of titles exploring iconic locations and exciting themes.
$9.95 US
Jun 14, 2022
6 x 6
Board Book
20 Pages
Good Night Books
Age 0-3 years

Scratch-Off Hidden Pictures Animal Puzzles
978-1-64472-675-4
Puzzle, scratch, and draw! The perfect gift for animal lovers, this 64-page activity book offers a unique experience—combining the thrill of scratch art with Hidden Pictures puzzles, as well as mazes, doodle pages, jokes and more. Kids ages 6-9 will love to find over 350 hidden objects and express their artistic talents in the scratch-off pages with bursts of color beneath.
$14.99 US
May 03, 2022
6 x 9
Spiral Bound
64 Pages
Highlights Press
Age 6-9 years

Uncle John's City Garden
978-0-8234-4786-2
How does this city garden grow? With help from L’il Sissy and her siblings--and love, love, love! A celebration of nature, family, and food.
$18.99 US
May 03, 2022
7-3/4 x 11
Hardcover
32 Pages
Holiday House
Age 4-8 years

The Comet
978-1-83874-065-8
A picture book touching on the impact of moving away from home that teaches coping skills for kids struggling with relationships and sense of belonging, while also holding space for the places they come from. For fans of The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl.
$17.99 US
May 03, 2022
9 x 10-5/8
Hardcover
32 Pages
Flying Eye Books
Age 3-7 years

Our Earth, Our Home
The Essential Japanese Green Living Handbook for Kids
978-1-952692-11-6
Beautifully illustrated, energetic guide from Japan for forward-thinking kids and parents on how to live in harmony with our earth—contains sections on DIY crafts, design thinking, mindfulness, gardening, eating, permaculture, and more
$23.95 US
May 03, 2022
7-1/4 x 9-1/2
Paperback
144 Pages
Plum Blossom
Age 8-12 years

Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country
978-0-593-46305-5
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang comes a gorgeously illustrated picture book about Asian American changemakers doing everything they dreamed of and inspiring all of us to reach for new heights!
$18.99 US
May 03, 2022
9 x 11
Hardcover
40 Pages
Dial Books
Age 4-8 years

She Persisted: Patsy Mink
978-0-593-40290-0
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Patsy Mink!When Patsy Mink won her seat the House of Representatives as a Democrat from Hawaii, she became the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman elected to Congress. A co-author of the Title XI amendment of the Higher Education Act, she was a champion of rights for women, children, immigrants, and minorities throughout her twenty-four years in Congress. She helped paved the way for many other women to succeed.In this chapter book biography by bestselling and Newbery award-winning author Tae Keller, readers learn about the amazing life of Patsy Mink--and how she persisted.  Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Patsy Mink's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Sonia Sotomayor, Margaret Chase Smith, and more!Praise for She Persisted: Patsy Mink:"A propulsive narrative moves quickly through Mink’s life . . . The book is decidedly inspirational in tone, yet the text includes brief, accurate, and age-appropriate explanations of the laws, people, and ideas that contributed to structural racism and oppression . . . A concise yet stirring biography." --Kirkus Reviews
$5.99 US
May 03, 2022
5-5/16 x 7-5/8
Paperback
80 Pages
Philomel Books
Age 6-9 years

Babies Love Nature
978-0-593-40348-8
An accordion-shaped board book created specifically for tummy time for babies--and families--who love nature!
$6.99 US
May 03, 2022
6 x 6
Board Book
18 Pages
Philomel Books
Age 0-3 years

Who Is Colin Kaepernick?
978-0-593-51940-0
Learn about the inspiring life and career of professional football player and activist Colin Kaepernick in the new Who HQ Now format featuring newsmakers and trending topics.
$4.99 US
May 03, 2022
5-5/16 x 7-5/8
Paperback
56 Pages
Penguin Workshop
Age 8-12 years

Most Perfect You
978-0-593-42694-4
Jazmyn Simon's debut is a moving love letter to children struggling to accept themselves inside and out—exactly as they are. This gorgeous picture book was inspired by a conversation between the author and her daughter.
$18.99 US
May 03, 2022
9-1/2 x 10-1/2
Hardcover
40 Pages
Random House Books for Young Readers
Age 4-8 years

Goddess of Thunder! (Marvel Thor)
978-0-593-31025-0
An all-new heroine will wield the mighty hammer of the Marvel Avenger Thor in this Little Golden Book!
$5.99 US
May 03, 2022
6-5/8 x 8
Hardcover
24 Pages
Golden Books
Age 2-5 years

Disney/Pixar Lightyear Little Golden Book
978-0-7364-4291-6
This Little Golden Book is based on Disney/Pixar Lightyear—in theaters summer 2022!
$5.99 US
May 03, 2022
6-5/8 x 8
Hardcover
24 Pages
Golden/Disney
Age 2-5 years

The Blur
978-0-593-37746-8
Meet a child with superhero-like abilities . . . and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picturebook about the blur of childhood, from the award-winning creators of Drawn Together.
$18.99 US
May 03, 2022
8-1/2 x 11
Hardcover
40 Pages
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Age 3-7 years

Larry Gets Lost in the USA Activity Book
978-1-63217-418-5
A companion book to the bestselling ​Larry Gets Lost​ series titles, Larry and Pete return in this exciting activity book that includes more than 50 puzzles and activities covering every region of the country.
$14.99 US
May 17, 2022
8 x 10
Paperback
72 Pages
Little Bigfoot
Age 3-7 years

Baby Squeaks
978-0-7352-6909-5
A baby mouse says their first word, and their second, and then many, many more in this hilarious and relatable parenting moment by Geisel Honoree Anne Hunter. 
$17.99 US
May 31, 2022
9 x 9-1/2
Hardcover
40 Pages
Tundra Books
Age 3-7 years

Twas the Night Before Pride
978-1-5362-1343-0
A glittering celebration of queer families puts Pride gently in perspective—honoring those in the LGBTQ+ community who fought against injustice and inequality.Pride’s . . . a day that means “Together, we are strong!”This joyful picture-book homage to a day of community and inclusion—and to the joys of anticipation—is also a comprehensive history. With bright, buoyant illustrations and lyrical, age-appropriate rhyme modeled on “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” it tackles difficult content such as the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS marches. On the night before Pride, families everywhere are preparing to partake. As one family packs snacks and makes signs, an older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of the family. Reflecting on the day, the siblings agree that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself. Debut author Joanna McClintick and Pura Belpré Award–winning author-illustrator Juana Medina create a new classic that pays homage to the beauty of families of all compositions—and of all-inclusive love.
$17.99 US
May 03, 2022
9-5/8 x 10-5/8
Hardcover
32 Pages
Candlewick
Age 4-8 years

A Day for Sandcastles
978-1-5362-0842-9
A dazzling wordless picture book celebrates creative problem-solving, teamwork, and the sun-splashed wonder of a day at the beach.The creators of the acclaimed Over the Shop evoke a perfect summer beach day—and themes of creativity, cooperation, flexibility, and persistence—all without a word in this sun-warmed, salt-stained delight of a story. A busload of beachgoers spills out onto the sand for a day of fun and frolic. Three siblings begin work on a castle, patting and shaping the sand as the sun arcs over the sky. Time and again, their progress is halted: a windswept hat topples their creation; a toddler ambles through it; the tide creeps close, and then too close. Meeting each demolition with fresh determination, the builders outdo themselves time and again, until the moment arrives to pile back into the bus for home. An authentic portrait of sibling cooperation—and glorious inspiration for creative people of all ages—A Day for Sandcastles channels the thrill of surrendering expectations on the path to infinite possibility.
$17.99 US
May 10, 2022
8-1/4 x 11
Hardcover
48 Pages
Candlewick
Age 4-8 years

I Believe in Me
978-1-5362-2390-3
I believe in me.There’s nothing I can’t do.That’s what you have taught me,and I believe in you!I Believe in Me by Emma Dodd is a heartwarming and uplifting book with a message about having faith in oneself. The story features a baby crocodile who discovers all the things they’re capable of when they have someone cheering them on.
$15.99 US
Jun 07, 2022
7-7/8 x 7-7/8
Hardcover
24 Pages
Templar
Age 2-5 years

Old Wood Boat
978-1-5362-1658-5
Raise the sails and follow the wind across the green sea in this captivating marriage of lyrical prose and intricate illustrations from a renowned West Coast artist.Old wood boat remembers the wind. Dilapidated and parted from the sea, she remembers and waits as her mast cracks and blackberry vines creep across her deck. But one day, a family tows her home. Scraped, scrubbed, sanded, and varnished, she is made beautiful and seaworthy again. After libations have been poured out, the family casts off, and old wood boat embarks on adventure once more.In this love letter to sailing, heralded artist Nikki McClure tells the story of a restored boat in timeless and reverent prose that perfectly accompanies her stunning cut-paper illustrations. At once delicate and bold, each page is masterful, rendered from a single sheet of black paper with precision and care that is sure to enthrall readers from coast to coast.
$18.99 US
May 10, 2022
10-5/8 x 8-7/16
Hardcover
48 Pages
Candlewick
Age 4-8 years

The Met Louise Bourgeois
She Saw the World as a Textured Tapestry
978-0-7440-5469-9
See how iconic artists like Louise Bourgeois were influenced by their environments in this beautiful series produced in collaboration with The Met.
$14.99 US
Jun 28, 2022
7-11/16 x 10-1/16
Hardcover
56 Pages
DK Children
Age 7-9 years

The World Belonged to Us
978-0-399-54549-8
Two children’s book superstars—#1 New York Times bestseller Jacqueline Woodson, the author of The Day You Begin, and Leo Espinosa, the illustrator of Islandborn­—join forces to celebrate the joy and freedom of summer in the city, which is gloriously captured in their rhythmic text and lively art.
$18.99 US
May 10, 2022
8-1/2 x 10-1/2
Hardcover
32 Pages
Nancy Paulsen Books
Age 5-8 years

I'm a Mermaid
978-0-593-30889-9
From the author and illustrator of I'M A UNICORN and I'M A DRAGON comes a Little Golden Book all about a playful mermaid!
$5.99 US
May 10, 2022
6-5/8 x 8
Hardcover
24 Pages
Golden Books
Age 2-5 years

The Sandcastle That Lola Built
978-0-593-48010-6
A summery spin on the classic The House That Jack Built, in which a young girl's day at the beach leads to new friends and a giant sandcastle.
$8.99 US
May 10, 2022
9 x 9
Paperback
32 Pages
Dragonfly Books
Age 3-5 years

The Best Bed for Me
978-1-5362-0715-6
From the creator of Jabari Jumps and Jabari Tries, the tale of a stalling child with a lively imagination—and a passion for animal facts—makes for the best kind of bedtime story.Mama and Mommy would like Sweet Pea to settle into bed, but it’s not quite time. Even though the bed is fluffy, it’s not as snuggly as curling up like a pig in the mud, or as spacious as sleeping in the wide ocean like a blue whale. It’s not as fun as sleeping high up in a tree like a koala, or hanging upside down like a bat. And it’s definitely not as relaxing as sleeping standing up, like an emperor penguin. But after mimicking all the ways different animals rest, this little one concedes that a comfy bed, a soft pillow, and a good-night wish offer the best way to fall asleep after all. Gaia Cornwall brings us a loving, humorous story for even the most energetic of bedtime listeners.
$17.99 US
May 17, 2022
10-5/8 x 9-7/16
Hardcover
32 Pages
Candlewick
Age 3-7 years

Good Night Like This
978-1-5362-0903-7
From the creator of A Kiss Like This and Say Hello Like This! comes a third adorable animal story to share — this one for bedtime.Filled with dreamy, colorful art, this is the perfect soothing bedtime book for little children. The rhythmic text is just right for gently lulling them to sleep while cuddly rabbits, bears, dogs, and even a dragonfly each take turns tucking in their little ones. The gentle pacing and sweet pictures will be sure to elicit lots of oohs, aahs, and . . . zzzzzzs! Featuring novelty elements such as cut-away pages and foil effects, this is a cozy and delightful bedtime book for parents and children to share.
$9.99 US
May 17, 2022
6-1/8 x 6-11/16
Board Book
30 Pages
Candlewick
Age 0-3 years

Everywhere with You
978-1-5362-1497-0
The heartwarming friendship between a girl and the dog next door tenderly evokes the power of stories to bring—and keep—us together.Two houses stand side by side: one is home to a dog, the other to a young girl. Though a fence divides them, girl and dog build a sweet and sturdy friendship rooted in make-believe . . . and are lonely no more. Paired with moving illustrations and based on a true story, this endearing tale from the author of I, Cosmo testifies to the transformative power of creativity and inter-species friendship.
$18.99 US
May 24, 2022
10-1/4 x 11-13/16
Hardcover
40 Pages
Walker Books US
Age 4-8 years

Sunday Pancakes
978-0-593-40663-2
This warm, feel-good tale of friends working together to make delicious pancakes is the ultimate comfort food from Geisel Honor creator Maya Tatsukawa
$17.99 US
Jun 28, 2022
8 x 10
Hardcover
40 Pages
Dial Books
Age 4-8 years