Jolly Fish Press, 2297 Waters Drive, Mendota Heights, MN (2026)

01/07/2026

“Told with humor and compassion, THE CASSETTE TAPE SECRET is the uplifting story of two young sleuths who join forces to solve a decades-old mystery in their small Nebraska town. Herzog’s introspective 13-year-old protagonist Alex Bennett provides a firsthand look at the challenges that a young kid with OCD faces in nearly every aspect of life—and the powerful impact that an accepting friend can have in overcoming those challenges. From the very first chapter, readers will be rooting for this perfectly imperfect duo, Alex and Ida May, as they piece together clues that lead to unexpected discoveries about their community, their families, and themselves. This well-told and inspiring story exemplifies how finding the right friend makes navigating life’s twists and turns a whole lot easier and way more fun.” —Erin Fry, author of JOEY THE GOOD

THE CASSETTE TAPE SECRET by Danielle Herzog is available now! 💚

https://northstareditions.com/the-cassette-tape-secret/

01/05/2026

"Straightforward, school-day-focused plotting by Mather centers Winter as she navigates painful and relatable emotions while her cringe-worthy bullying behavior fosters tension. Magno’s digital black-and-white illustrations pepper short chapters relayed via spare, approachable language and large, eye-catching font." —Publishers Weekly

FRIENDS FOR A SEASON is available now! 💙

Characterized by exciting, fast-paced plots and age-appropriate themes, Lighthouse’s Hi-Lo books are both engaging and easy to read. Short chapters, simple sentence structures, and an accessible format make these books perfect for lower tween reluctant readers. Lighthouse books are written at a 1st- to 2nd-grade reading level with an interest level of ages 7 and up.

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/lighthouse/

01/02/2026

“As if plucked from dreamscapes, the swirling paint illustrations of this picture book will sweep children away into a magical tale about the power of books.” — Foreword Reviews, starred review

THE BEAR AND HER BOOK by Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O'Connor is available now! 🐻

“The world is big and there’s much to see, and a bear must go where she wants to be. And a bear as curious as me longs to gaze at the starlit sea!”

A book-loving bear sets off to see the world. She takes one special thing—her Bear’s Big Book of Being Wise. But when she meets different creatures, each needing her help, she discovers that books aren’t just brilliant at fixing problems–they can also help you make new friends. And if you’re lucky, books can take you to a very special place indeed . . .

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/the-bear-and-her-book/

12/31/2025

“This is a powerful middle grade adventure with delightful characters and so many heartfelt moments! Young climate activists will love reading along as this group of determined kids fight to save the world from climate change and those causing it. WE THE FUTURE is the story I wish I could have had as a kid!” —Michelle Mohrweis, author of THE TROUBLE WITH ROBOTS

WE THE FUTURE by Cliff Lewis is available now! 🌏️

"I’m from the future. We need you."

Ever since he learned about climate change, twelve-year-old Jonah has dreaded a weather-beaten future where not even his asthma medication can save him. Luckily, a girl from that future arrives just in time to throw Jonah a lifeline. Sunny traveled back to the 2020s with a mission: help Jonah launch a climate strike big enough to rewrite history. To do it, he’ll have to recruit his entire school before Halloween. Why so soon? Sunny won’t say. But how can Jonah win over 600 classmates when the only thing he dreads more than the end of the world is talking to other kids?

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/we-the-future/

12/29/2025

“Deeply compelling and meticulously researched to illuminate the effects of World War II on children and families in the Dutch East Indies. Emmy, based on the author’s grandmother, will capture young readers’ hearts and have them rooting for her survival and her song in this powerful coming-of-age story.” —Melissa Hart, author of DAISY WOODWORM CHANGES THE WORLD and AVENGING THE OWL

THE SONGBIRD AND THE RAMBUTAN TREE by Lucille Abendanon is available now! 📕

After sabotaging her only chance to evacuate before the Japanese army invades Batavia in 1942, eleven-year-old Emmy is confined in the Tjideng prisoner-of-war camp, where she must overcome a tragedy from her past to find her voice and truly be free.

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/the-songbird-and-the-rambutan-tree/

12/26/2025

“Tailor-made for sparking animal study and lively discussions.” — Kirkus Reviews

THE MOST IMPORTANT ANIMAL OF ALL by Penny Worms and Hannah Bailey is available now! 🐅\

When seven children are asked about which is the most important animal of all, they learn about the key roles different animals play on Earth.

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/the-most-important-animal-of-all/

12/24/2025

“Renderings . . . have watercolor-like layers and cut-paper effects that add dimensionality to otherwise simplistic snowy vistas of animals and people making their way ecstatically and patiently through the season.” —Publishers Weekly

IN THE WINTER by Lauren Kukla is available now! ❄️

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/in-the-winter/

12/22/2025

ALL MY FRIENDS ARE RICH is now available to request for early review on NetGalley and Edelweiss+!⁠

Mason’s family is not rich like all the other families in his neighborhood. But Mason doesn’t care about money. He cares about having fun with his best friends. This includes playing two-on-two basketball on a public court.

Then a new gym opens up in the neighborhood. It has spotless indoor courts . . . and a very high membership fee. Mason’s friends eagerly take their games indoors. And Mason is left with one question: How can he maintain his friendships when all his friends are rich?

Characterized by exciting, fast-paced plots and age-appropriate themes, Lighthouse’s Hi-Lo books are both engaging and easy to read. Short chapters, simple sentence structures, and an accessible format make these books perfect for lower tween reluctant readers. Lighthouse books are written at a 1st- to 2nd-grade reading level with an interest level of ages 7 and up.

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/lighthouse/

12/12/2025

STREETLIGHTS IN THE DARK is now available to request for early review on NetGalley and Edelweiss+!⁠

Lili lives with her family in Paris, France. She plays piano. She argues with her little brother. And she watches German soldiers round up families on the street. All the while, World War II rages across Europe.

Then a secret message arrives for Lili’s parents. It says the whole family must flee. But soldiers capture her parents on the journey. The two siblings must use all their wits to avoid the soldiers and find their way to safety. But can Lili protect her brother as she promised?

Characterized by exciting, fast-paced plots and age-appropriate themes, Lighthouse’s Hi-Lo books are both engaging and easy to read. Short chapters, simple sentence structures, and an accessible format make these books perfect for lower tween reluctant readers. Lighthouse books are written at a 1st- to 2nd-grade reading level with an interest level of ages 7 and up.

NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/689881

Edelweiss+: https://www.edelweiss.plus/?sku=1635831210&g=4400

12/08/2025

“Erin Fry’s JOEY THE GOOD got me in my feelings from the opening page. Dealing with the different ways people deal with life, grief, friendship, obstacles, and challenges, this is an important book for anyone, but it is particularly important for middle grade boys who are still figuring out how to be good amid a cacophony of unhealthy messages. Thankfully, Joey the Good offers plenty to learn from.” —T. L. Simpson, author of STRONG LIKE YOU and COPE FIELD

JOEY THE GOOD is available now! ⛰️

Synopsis:

Twelve-year-old couch potato Joey’s summer goes awry when his older cousin shows up with a ridiculous plan: to climb Mt. Whitney to honor their late grandfather. But there are two big obstacles. First, the cousins’ relationship fell apart after they witnessed their grandfather’s death. And second? Joey’s cousin has been diagnosed with a disease that makes climbing a mountain not just difficult, but dangerous.

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/joey-the-good/

12/04/2025

HOME PLATE BOUND is now available to request for early review on NetGalley and Edelweiss+!⁠

Hector is the star pitcher for the West Creek Wildcats. He loves standing on the mound and sending pitches over home plate. But then a new kid joins the team. Her name is Darcy, and she can pitch just as well as Hector, if not even better. Can Hector overcome his pride for the sake of his team?

Characterized by exciting, fast-paced plots and age-appropriate themes, Lighthouse’s Hi-Lo books are both engaging and easy to read. Short chapters, simple sentence structures, and an accessible format make these books perfect for lower tween reluctant readers. Lighthouse books are written at a 1st- to 2nd-grade reading level with an interest level of ages 7 and up.

https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/lighthouse/

12/02/2025

“A testament to the power of friendship over fear, THE CASSETTE TAPE SECRET is a welcoming mystery with a heart of gold and plenty of playful banter that’s sure to make you smile. Danielle Herzog has crafted a story of understanding, clever solutions, and sweet blossoming friendships.” —Kate DeMaio, author of FIONA AND THE FORGOTTEN PIANO

THE CASSETTE TAPE SECRET by Danielle Herzog is available now! 💚

Synopsis:

When thirteen-year-old Alex discovers a decades-old secret buried in his front yard, propelling him into the center of a local mystery, he’s forced out of the safe routine he built to accommodate his OCD and challenged to solve the mystery, embrace a new friendship, and explore the complicated history of his community.

https://northstareditions.com/the-cassette-tape-secret/

Jolly Fish Press

01/07/2026

01/05/2026

01/02/2026

12/31/2025

12/29/2025

12/26/2025

12/24/2025

12/22/2025

12/12/2025

12/08/2025

12/04/2025

12/02/2025

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