Poetic and heartwarming, Geisel Honorwinning and #1 New York Times bestselling creator Niña Mata’s first authored picture book stars a young Filipina on her first day of school as she discovers the true and layered meaning of “new.”

In the big city, everything feels new.

School is new. The people are new. And the glares and stares you get for being different are new.

But new can also mean new beginnings . . .

A child’s-eye view of the common immigrant experience of adjusting to an unfamiliar place, Mata’s picture book debut is a delightfully illustrated masterpiece that will resonate with any child who embarks on a new adventure.

ISBN: 9780063318250
Imprint: HarperCollins
On Sale: Apr 29, 2025
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 32
Trim Size: 9.350 in (w) x 10.350 in (h) x 0.450 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emigration, Immigration & Refugees
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / New Experience
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Asian American & Pacific Islander
BISAC 4:
BISAC 5:
BISAC 6:

Niña Mata

Biography

Niña Mata is a children’s bookmaker and New York Times bestselling illustrator. Her books include She’s Got ThisI Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots; I Promise and I Am More Than (both by LeBron James); and the Ty’s Travels series, including the Geisel Honor Book Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom! New is her authorial picture book debut. Visit her at ninamata.com. 

Poetic and heartwarming, Geisel Honorwinning and #1 New York Times bestselling creator Niña Mata’s first authored picture book stars a young Filipina on her first day of school as she discovers the true and layered meaning of “new.”

In the big city, everything feels new.

School is new. The people are new. And the glares and stares you get for being different are new.

But new can also mean new beginnings . . .

A child’s-eye view of the common immigrant experience of adjusting to an unfamiliar place, Mata’s picture book debut is a delightfully illustrated masterpiece that will resonate with any child who embarks on a new adventure.

ISBN: 9780063318250
Imprint: HarperCollins
On Sale: Apr 29, 2025
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 32
Trim Size: 9.350 in (w) x 10.350 in (h) x 0.450 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emigration, Immigration & Refugees
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / New Experience
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Asian American & Pacific Islander
BISAC 4:
BISAC 5:
BISAC 6:

Niña Mata

Biography

Niña Mata is a children’s bookmaker and New York Times bestselling illustrator. Her books include She’s Got ThisI Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots; I Promise and I Am More Than (both by LeBron James); and the Ty’s Travels series, including the Geisel Honor Book Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom! New is her authorial picture book debut. Visit her at ninamata.com.