The Kidlit Bookshelf: 7 New Children’s Books Released in August 2026
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The Journey to Kidlit Bookshelf is our monthly pick of new children’s books worth studying if you’re writing for kids. Each month, we round up new releases across categories and share a writer’s lens: one thing to study in them for your own manuscript.
Are you trying to write a children’s book? One of the best things you can do as a writer is to stay current with what’s being published in the children’s book market. Recent books can serve as valuable mentor texts to study for craft, while also helping you build a list of potential comp titles for your own work.
To help you keep up, I’ve rounded up a selection of new children’s books published in August 2026, spanning across three children’s book categories. Check out this month’s roundup below! 👇
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New Children’s Books Released in August 2026
These children’s books were all released in August in picture books, middle grade, and YA. I definitely recommend checking them out as they’re a great representation of what’s being published today.
Picture Books
I am Not Grumpy by Caroline L. Perry, illustrated by Sydney Hanson (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
A funny and heartwarming picture book about a black rain frog who insists she’s perfectly happy, even though her permanently grumpy-looking face says otherwise. This is a playful story about friendship, appearances, and not judging others by their looks. Ages 4–8. Read more here.
Billy and the Hole by Jessica Goecke (Flamingo Books)
A darkly funny story about a boy who discovers a mysterious talking hole in the ground, only to find that its increasingly demanding requests come with a cost. A clever tale about friendship and learning to set boundaries. Ages 4–8. Read more here.
I Am Murphy and I Am Waiting by Dan Yaccarino (Henry Holt and Co.)
A hilarious and heartfelt story about Murphy, a lovable French bulldog who struggles when his boy leaves for the first day of school. A story for young readers experiencing the first day of school jitters and separation anxiety. Ages 4–8. Read more here.
Middle Grade and Young Adult
No Place on Earth by Andrea Beatriz Arango (Random House Books for Young Readers)
In this moving and magical middle grade novel from a Newbery Honoree, two boys begin to encounter each other in their dreams. As challenges arise in their real lives, they must figure out how to be there for each other beyond the realm of dreams. 256 pages. Ages 10+. Read more here.
Creepy Kid: A Funny, Creepy Book about a Boy Who Moves into a Haunted House by Caleb Roehrig (HarperCollins)
In this story that is both funny and spooky, twelve-year-old Poe and his parents move into a creaky old house that he soon realizes is haunted. Poe has to team up with the annoying twelve-year-old ghost who haunts his bedroom in order to defeat an even more evil presence in their home. 240 pages. Ages 8–12. Read more here.
Local Gods by Melinda Salisbury (Sarah Barley Books/S&S)
In this suspenseful, supernatural, darkly romantic young adult tale, high school senior Sylvie struggles to deal with the consequences of her father’s recently discovered crimes, while also forming a bond with the mysterious monster who lives in the woods. When the monster tells her of an upcoming disaster that would affect her whole town, Sylvie must choose whether to save the neighbors who have shunned her family. 384 pages. Ages 14+. Read more here.
Graphic Novels
Middle School Monsters by Robin Easter (Little, Brown Ink)
Seventh-grader Jamie is a new kid in town who falls in with a popular group of girls, but prefers to hang out with goth outcast, Vera. The pair share a love for vampires and werewolves and enjoy writing fan fiction together. When some of their stories get leaked, Jamie has to decide whether to stand up for her real friend or fit in with the larger crowd. 224 pages. Grades 3–7. Read more here.
This Month’s Writer’s Lens: Comp Titles
If you’re working on a children’s book right now, make time to study these books!
As you read:
- Take notes on what stands out and consider how you might apply what you learn to your own writing.
- Pay attention to things like story structure, voice, pacing, character development, themes, and how the book meets reader expectations.
Reading with a writer’s eye can help you discover valuable insights for your own work, and maybe even uncover a potential comp title along the way.
Need Help Finding Your Comp Books?
Get the step-by-step process to find the right comp books, so your query shows a publisher there’s a market for your story without another hour of guessing.
More from the Kidlit Bookshelf
Catch up on every month of new releases on the Journey to Kidlit Bookshelf. A new roundup comes out every month.
Looking for more? Check out these other articles:
- 30 of the Best Children’s Books for Mentor Texts
- The 6 Best Writing Books to Make You a Better Writer in 2025
- The Best Guide to Comp Books and Why You Need Them
