Welcome to another edition of Must Read Monday! This feature is where I spotlight older, recent, or upcoming releases I am looking forward to. The lists will include all genres I like to read, everything from picture books to comics, children’s lit to adult fiction!

This week: a new children’s title from popular authors/illustrators Mo Willems and Tony DiTerlizzi and the latest children’s novel from author Michelle Cuevas. The Story of Diva and Flea is one book I have been so looking forward to. Many of Willems’ picture books are personal favourites and most all are wins for storytimes! DiTerlizzi’s work is not as familiar to me, but I know that his illustrative work is just stunning. I cannot wait to see the melding of these two greats. I recently finished reading Michelle Cuevas’s Beyond the Laughing Sky and absolutely adored it- I would highly recommend it for fans of Kate DiCamillo. or. I was initially drawn to the title because I had read that another favourite Julie Morstad illustrated the book; happily, I was taken in both the art and the gorgeous writing. Immediately after finishing Beyond the Laughing Sky I knew I would have to read the author’s latest, Confessions of an Imaginary Friend.

The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems, illus. Tony DiTerlizzi
Publication: October 13, 2015 by Disney-Hyperion

Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery.

For as long as she could remember, Diva lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea also lived in Paris, France-but at no fixed address. When Flea flaneurs past Diva’s courtyard one day, their lives are forever changed. Together, Diva and Flea explore and share their very different worlds, as only true friends can do.

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend by Michelle Cuevas
Publication: September 8, 2015 by Dial Books

Jacques Papier has the sneaking suspicion that everyone except his sister Fleur hates him. Teachers ignore him when his hand is raised in class, he is never chosen for sports teams, and his parents often need to be reminded to set a place for him at the dinner table.

But he is shocked when he finally learns the truth: He is Fleur’s imaginary friend! When he convinces Fleur to set him free, he begins a surprising, touching, and always funny quest to find himself—to figure out who Jacques Papier truly is, and where he belongs.