This is a literary town, and not just for adults. NYC is home to not only many amazing children’s book authors and illustrators, but also spirited independent bookstores that sell — and support — their work. The impending autumn has us in a bookish mood, so we checked in with some of the city’s major indie booksellers to find out what works from local scribes and scribblers they’re most excited to see and read. Intrigued? Many authors will be dropping in to read works in person at these stores, and the Brooklyn Book Festival is touching down on September 19 and 20 in downtown BKLYN. Click through to see their picks — and don’t forget: Reading is fundamental!

 

From Powerhouse: Robo-Sauce

Children's Book Buyer Jordan Nielsen at Powerhouse Arena and Powerhouse on 8th in Brooklyn (as well, as, admittedly, pretty much everyone we talked to) is mega-psyched for Robo-Sauce, from the minds behind absurdly fun (and absurd) titles like Secret Pizza Party and Dragons Love Tacos. Manhattan resident and author Adam Rubin and Brooklyn-based illustrator Dan Salmieri return with a tale of a condiment that turns little boys and girls into giant awesome robots. The book, for kids 4 to 8 years old, comes with a warning that it turns into a robot as well — which is true! (So, you know: BUY.)

Release date: October 20

 

What fall release is your family looking forward to reading? Tell us in the comments below!

— Mimi O’Connor