There's still time! Find the perfect Father's Day gift with store pickup | Shop NowThere's still time! Find the perfect Father's Day gift with store pickup | Shop Now
B&N Reads Blog

The Best Kids’ Books of May 2026

Robots, horses and griffins, oh my! This month brings a fun assortment of stories, tales and adventures that kids are sure to enjoy. With graphic novels, picture books, a historical retelling and more, these are the Best Kids’ Books of May.

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Notes From Your Bookseller

In this fun coming-of-age Baby-sitters Club spinoff, Karen is trying out for the school play, but she has a few tricks up her sleeve! This is a fast-paced and relatable graphic novel with gorgeous illustrations.

Wombat Waiting

Katherine Applegate

Hardcover

$16.99

$19.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

This heartwarming story of friendship and compassion follows Wombat, a resilient young pup, who knows there is someone out there looking for her.

Sweet Valley Twins: First Place: (A Graphic Novel)

Francine Pascal

Paperback

$11.24

$14.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

The drama continues in the latest Sweet Valley Twins graphic novel. The school’s mean girl gets a new horse, and horse-lover Elizabeth will do anything to be her friend.

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Notes From Your Bookseller

In Cassandra Calin’s follow-up to The New Girl, Lia navigates life with new friendships, big feelings and even a crush. Filled with humor and charm, this coming-of-age graphic novel is a perfect middle school read.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2027

National Geographic Kids

Paperback

$13.49

$17.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

Discover the newest scientific discoveries and fascinating animal facts in full color and keep the fun going with games and hilarious extras.

Pookie and Bean!

Sandra Boynton

Board Book

$7.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller
Everyone’s favorite, sweet little piglet returns and this time he has a new friend. Get ready for more silliness, rhymes and heart in the new Little Pookie adventure.

The Academy VI: Rise of the Scorpions

T.Z. Layton

3

Paperback

$7.49

$9.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

Leo is back in the game, now on a more advanced team where new challenges await. When an old enemy tries to play dirty, he must do everything he can to help his team win.

All the Ice Cream in the Land

Emmy Kastner

Hardcover

$19.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller
This silly ice cream tale follows a kingdom of subjects who only want ice cream! But what will this baffled princess do to keep everybody happy?

The Unchosen One (B&N Exclusive Edition)

Amy Sparkes

BN Exclusive

$7.49

$9.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller
What happens when the chosen one doesn’t want to be chosen? Follow an epic quest across the land as Tassie discovers her true destiny in this hilarious adventure

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Notes From Your Bookseller
Tiny T. Rex is ready to join the soccer team! But it’s a little bit tougher than he thought. With the help of his teammates and a little hard work, Tiny learns how to score in this fun picture book.

Griffin Speaker

Jan M. Flynn

5

Hardcover

$14.99

$17.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller
After bonding with the last griffin, a young girl must prove herself at an elite academy where she finds an unlikely ally. A perfect fantasy adventure for fans of Impossible Creatures.


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Notes From Your Bookseller
Enter the Zenith Academy for Magical Development, where Sparrow is determined to master her powers in this exciting adventure of magic, friendship and destiny.

Dad

Christian Robinson

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4.6

Hardcover

$19.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller
The perfect gift for baby showers, or Father’s Day, this is a gorgeous celebration of the loving bond between a dad and his child.


The Second Life of Snap

Erin Entrada Kelly

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4.7

Hardcover

$16.99

$19.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller
After meeting a robot with a know-it-all attitude and a limited battery life, Zuzu learns about friendship, change and hope in this unforgettable tale.

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Notes From Your Bookseller
Steve Sheinkin shares the high-stakes true story of the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872 and the men who fled to the West in search of riches.


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Notes From Your Bookseller
No job is too big, too small or too boring for these unicorns! Join the unicorns in uniforms for silly story about working together and community.

 

 

Explore more kids’ books here.