Every Day with April & Mae

Publishing in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023: Every Day with April & Mae

A new beginning reader series by Megan Dowd Lambert, illustrated by Briana Dengoue and Gisela Bohórquez

April and Mae are not the same.
But April and Mae are friends.

Best friends.

And their pets are best friends, too.

The first four books in the series debuted on October 18, 2022. Order here!

  • April & Mae and the Tea Party: The Sunday Book (Included on the NYPL Best Book for Kids 2022 list!)
  • April & Mae and the Book Club Cake: The Monday Book
  • April & Mae and the Soccer Match: The Tuesday Book
  • April & Mae and the Talent Show: The Wednesday Book

Many thanks to my friends at Diverse BookFinder for this wonderful cover reveal post featuring art by series illustrator Briana Dengoue.  They conclude the post with suggestions for book discussion prompts, writing:

Though of course it’s fine for children to just read and enjoy these or any books (and as early readers, these are more likely to be read independently), a conversation about the stories can help illuminate the power of its Cross Group friendship. Librarians, educators, and parents might ask questions such as:

  • How are April and Mae different? How are they the same?

  • What do they like to do together?

  • How do they complement and support each other?

  • What’s one of the most fun things they do together?

  • If April and Mae were your friends, what would you like to do with them?

    The reviews are in, and they’re terrific!

April & Mae and the Tea Party

  • A NYPL Best Book for Kids 2022 title!
  • “For children learning to adapt to change, this book offers a reassuring message about how to successfully manage breaks in routine. In addition to being helpful for teachers seeking to promote socioemotional development in early childhood classrooms, this book will appeal to children with its warm, festive full-color illustrations and action-driven plot. Its short sentences, simple language, and onomatopoeia makes it an accessible and engaging easy reader. Embracing unity in diversity and guiding children in problem-solving, it is an endearing, joyous book to encourage kindness and forgiveness in young students.” —Children’s Literature
  • “Following this celebration of friendship and feelings, early readers will want to know what April and Mae do next.” —School Library Journal

April & Mae and the Book Club Cake

  • “A lively celebration of friendship and compromise perfect for readers advancing beyond picture books.” —Children’s Literature
  • “With short sentences and repetitive vocabulary, this sweet early reader is augmented with digital illustrations that provide some foreshadowing clues to the narrative. April and Mae are strong friends who problem-solve effectively. A simple, charming tale of friends who work through concerns together.” —Kirkus Reviews 

April & Mae and the Soccer Match

  • “This is a welcome book that highlights skills of accepting mistakes and supporting friends through disappointment. Perfect for early elementary-aged readers advancing beyond picture books.” —Children’s Literature
  • “With brief sentences and a simple yet delightful plot, this early reader, enhanced with digital illustrations, continues to highlight the caring and sympathetic relationship between two companions who work through the ups and downs of everyday life. […] A sweet tale of two true winners who navigate their expectations together with a healthy attitude.” —Kirkus Reviews

April & Mae and the Talent Show

  • “Altogether, this is a wonderful story about friendship and helping each other while respecting individuality. This is a perfect series for readers advancing beyond picture books.” —Children’s Literature

The next three books in the series published on March 14, 2023. Order here!

  • April & Mae and the Animal Shelter: The Thursday Book
  • April & Mae and the Sleepover: The Friday Book (with illustrations by Gisela Bohórquez in the style of Briana Dengoue)
  • April & Mae and the Scary Movie: The Saturday Book (with illustrations by Gisela Bohórquez in the style of Briana Dengoue)

Here’s the series announcement from the Publisher’s Weekly Rights Report, February 1, 2021: