Reading Corner / Our Kidlit Picks for October

Lori Orlinsky

Autumntime brings the turning of leaves, costume-filled festivities, and noticeably shorter daylight—leaving readers feeling cozy, kooky, and a tad bit spooky. With the transformation of nature and kids turning into superheroes, one thing that is consistent is the slew of eccentric, excellent children’s books this fall season from a host of brilliant writers. Whether you’re looking for an established voice or a sparkling new talent, these books will help you navigate this tricky season. 

Below are five new titles worth looking out for this autumn.

Kloe’s New Start
By K.M. Selvidge

Kloe can’t wait to get started at her new school… but when her brother Wreny starts acting out, will she end up stuck in his shadow? Or will she be able to make her own way and make others see her for who she truly is? A heartwarming tale that teaches kids about making friends, feeling included and learning to be your own person. 

Kloes New Start

The Legend of the Serpent Witch
By F.P LaRue

Perfect for middle grade audiences and just in time for Halloween, tweens can solve mysteries alongside the book’s main characters, Ollie, Mellie and Scotty. In this Scary Shivers Mystery edition, the trio encounter clothing left behind in the woods and realize they belong to two boys who went missing. Nothing is as it seems when they confront an evil witch with snakes as pets who casts scary spells and wicked curses on the whole town!

SerpentWitch Web Retail copy


Sophie and the Swans
By Holly Peppe

Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully, but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake. A sweet children’s book that tackles important themes of kindness, empathy, and bullying prevention.

Sophie Cover copy

Belly Rise
By Jill-Lynnette Piazza

The unpleasant physical sensations that come with panic and anxiety can be debilitating and scary. Belly Rise aims to teach children that their thoughts and feelings are valid. Rooted in the practice of mindfulness, the book offers practical tips for coping with “belly rise” moments and discussion questions for adults on how they can support children in conversations about mental health.

BellyRise Cover Retail copy

Escape from the Mutt Motel
By Deann Benedict

The Mutt Motel used to be a ritzy place, but it’s now a stinky, dirty, cobweb-filled spot where Weezy, Lucy, and Boomer wish nothing more than to go home the minute their paws pass through the door. When they realize things are not as they appear at the Mutt Motel, the trio find themselves in a fight against time. If they want to stay together, they must escape from the Mutt Motel! A great book to inspire children to become advocates for their furry friends.

EscapeFromTheMuttMotel Cover Retail copy

Lori Orlinsky copy
Lori Orlinsky
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This collection of books was gathered by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky, an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author and industry expert who lives and breathes children’s books.

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