It's A Mitig! Written and illustrated by Bridget George. D&M Kids. 2026. $14.95 ages 1 and up

 

"This bark-covered giant grows 
tall and thick, 
covered in branches, 
it's a mitig!

What animal's toothy 
and plays with a stick? 

It swims in the river, 
it's called an amik."

This book, written in English with Ojibwe vocabulary, has just recently been published as a board book. Dedicated to her son Noah, Ms. George wanted him to have books that help him learn his native language, just as his mother was learning that same language. 

There is much to see on its pages and simple words to learn from start to finish. The rhyming couplets concentrate on nature and start with the sunrise. Ojibwe words are larger and written in bold font, allowing readers sharing this book with little ones to give emphasis to the new language being learned. The details in the artwork provide context for understanding. 

As the day moves forward, listeners will learn new words for sun, fish, porcupine, snake, bird, squirrel, tree, beaver, river, bee, acorn, and moon. Artwork is colorful and encourages discussion as the pages are turned. There is much to like about this book for little ones. It is my understanding that the original publication (D&M, 2020) ended with a pronunciation page that acted a bit like a dictionary for the new words shared. I don't think that is needed in this board book edition. 

I do hope you will enjoy hearing Bridget read her book in the attached video. 

https://youtu.be/D5T6Xu21J2E?si=qCP2qFYwp54zLIVH

Nose to Nose, written and illustrated by Thyra Heder. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2024. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"Toby checked the local postings
to get a better sense of the 
neighborhood. 

Maybe there was a chance
to make a friend. 

But it was hard not knowing anyone."

Dog lovers, take note! This is a book you are going to love and want to share with those you know and love. Open the cover and feast your eyes on the images Ms. Heder has provided to invite you in ... filled with familiar dog breeds exhibiting their personalities through thoughtfully drawn sketches, on their own or with owners. You'll want to get to know them. 

Their story opens with Toby, a scruffy black and tan newcomer who quickly makes his presence known by leaving his mark on a wall, a light post, the sidewalk, and a post box. The resident dogs don't even notice he is there. They are busy visiting, walking, and enjoying time together with friends. Toby waits every day for some type of message from a dog that might become a friend. 

The dogs leave messages for each other, but not for Toby. Toby keeps checking until he reads about a party at the stick pit. He is keen to join; yet reluctant when he knows no one. The discovery of a terrible-smelling ball makes for a welcome addition to his growing collection. OOPS! A message at the wall the next morning reveals information about said ball, and the sadness that 'Pancake' is feeling over its loss. Toby does his best to let them know he has it. No dog understands his message. 

He leaves another; this time it is a longer one. 

"Dear Pancake, 

I am Toby. I'm new! So sorry I took your ball, it was a mistake! 
It was not my intention to steal! I know how sad you must be. 
(It's delicious!) Fear not! I will meet you at the park soon."

By the time, the message gets through to the other dogs, it has been changed by the rain. They all panic! Toby has no idea what is going on; in his mind, the problem will soon be remedied. Poor Toby, messages the following day let him know just what the other dogs are thinking. There he stands, completely alone and facing a wall of angry mutts, when he reaches the park. His solution is perfect ... and typical. 

It's tough being new in a neighborhood, for dogs and people. Gorgeous watercolor artwork, characters not soon forgotten, and a story line that inspires new kids to find a way to friendship. The telling is mainly shared in the full, detailed spreads that are sure to delight any child who has ever longed for a dog of their own. 

Please don't miss the endpapers that finish this full-of-charm picture book. 
                                                                               

Our Air, written and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Plants and animals have learned 
to adapt to my many climates
and harness my energy to thrive. 

What am I, exactly? I am made up
of a mixture of gases. 

I am the perfect combination of 
nitrogen and oxygen for life on 
Earth."

Air is its own narrator in this uncomplicated introduction to what it is and how it has been part of life since a child's birth. Most of the time, no one pays much attention to it. In fact, how can we be sure it is there at all times? It can't be seen, smelled, or heard; it certainly can be felt. 

Our bodies feel air when it moves around us. It carries moisture like rain, snow, sleet, or fog, while helping to determine how plants and animals survive or don't. What it carries is vast and consequential; ask someone who is allergic to pollen. We count on it to spread seeds that grow new and necessary plants, and bring rain for those who depend on moisture to ensure needed sustenance for many. 

Captioned maps of both western and eastern hemispheres help readers see and understand how air affects temperatures around the world. Adaptation to air's climates needs to be controlled in order for much that happens to people and in places everywhere. 

Air offers protection from fluctuations in temperature and the harmful rays of the sun. It is not in space; it is where we are. We all share the air we breathe. It is up to us to protect that which protects us. 

An author's note provides further information, shared simply.                                                                                      

A Place for Us: A Story in Pictures, by James E. Ransome. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House.2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"This book doesn't offer solutions on how we 
might fix this devastating national crisis, but
it shows readers that it's a problem that affects 
so many of us."

There is such beauty in this story told with no words. None are needed. James Ransome has created a story that will live long in the memory of those who share it. It begins with a note from the author: 

"My hope is that this book sparks readers to ask: in a country of vast resources, what is our responsibility to those without access to the basic necessities?"

Young children will see this story of a mother and son and the love they have for each other. School is done for the day, and Mama arrives to meet him as he says goodbye to a friend. Happy to see each other, they chat together as they head toward a nearby fast-food restaurant for dinner. Following that, as darkness begins to set in, they make their way through busy streets to the library where both work on homework and reading. As the librarian flashes the lights to let them know the library will soon close, they pack their bags and head out into the darkness. 

The glow of a streetlight and a quiet pathway lead them a park bench, where they sit and talk together. It isn't long until the boy tucks up under his mama's sweater and lays his head on her knee. Quiet animals look on from the darkness: an owl, a fox and a raccoon. Mama keeps a quiet watch over her son as he gets the rest he needs for school tomorrow. Once awake, he finds a clean shirt in her bag, and prepares for the new day. The two return to school, where they wave a warm goodbye before parting. 

Wonderful mixed-media illustrations fill the book's pages with the poignancy of their homeless life, while also brimming with the love the two share. Though life is not easy, they have joyful moments when they are together. Sharing the book with an older audience will surely encourage discussion and further learning about what can be done to help those who need the help that this family (and so mnay others) deserves. 

Bird Brothers: A Delhi Story, written by Rina Singh and illustrated by Barkha Lohia. Orca Book Publishers, 2025. $21.95 ages

"As we grew older, Delhi become more crowded. 
More people. More cars. 

The sky turned a muted gray and remained like 
that for months. Eye-burning smog blanketed 
the city, swallowing monuments, streets and 
traffic for days. 

But what did not change was the black kites.
Abundant as ever, they faithfully swirled and 
swooped as if watching over us."

An author's note shares the true story of two brothers whose life in Delhi, India (one of the world's most populous cities) led them to notice that birds very important to the ecosystem of their city were injured every year by the nylon thread on paper kites, as well as other threats to their existence. 

Ms. Singh wanted to tell their story for young readers, and here it is. 

The two young boys loved to watch the raptors in Delhi skies. They were everywhere and the beauty of their flight was hypnotic. Their father would throw raw meat in the air and the black kites would dive down to catch it. Their father insisted it brought good luck. When kite flying season began, the birds had to fight for space in the skies above Delhi. The glass-coated threads used for the kite battles caused death for many birds. 

When the boys watched a bird fall from the sky, they rushed to where it landed. A thread had cut its wing. They gathered it up and took to a bird hospital where nothing could be done; they did not have the food they needed to keep it alive. The boys watched the bird die. 

As the city grew bigger and the sky grew smoggier, the birds continued to take up their space in the sky. Through the years, the boys watched without knowing how to help them survive the many accidents that befell them. Finally, they took one to a vet who was able to teach them how to care for the birds they so loved. In fact, one stayed with them for twelve years. They were consumed with caring for them and learned all they could to help them survive. No one loved those birds; the two brothers did. Their work continues today, with an NGO called Wildlife Rescue. Bravo to Nadeem and Mohammad!                                                                                 

Bob the Vampire Snail, written and illustrated by Andrea Zuill. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Fun or not, flying made him even more 
hungry and tired! It was time to find a 
dark, cool place to get some rest.

It took a while to get comfortable, but
once he did, Bob went right to sleep.

Vampires like to sleep hanging upside down,
like a bat, or in a coffin."

I admit that I am always keen to see a new story by the witty and wonderful Andrea Zuill. She always makes me laugh out loud. To that end, I was keen to meet Bob and to discover all I could about vampire snails. I had no idea! 

First thing to learn is that all snails are named Bob. It simplifies their lives. It doesn't surprise them that they are never considered the life of any party. One night things changed for Bob, the main character of the story I am about to share. 

A series of loud and terrifying noises surrounded him, and a POOF caused distress. Luckily, he was alive at the end of the many changes to his body; first, wings, then fangs, then feelings of hot and cold, and finally a dollop of confidence that was very unusual to his personality. Asking for help from his friends, he was met with uncertainty and a reluctance to be near him. 

He quickly discovered the unsettling differences that followed his transformation. He could not see his reflection in a nearby pond; he didn't like the food he always ate; and his new fangs were definitely a problem. It was impossible for him to find any food that would alleviate his hunger. When he realized he could fly, he expressed great glee, only to be followed by more hunger and unbearable fatigue. 

A close call with a bear sent him speeding through the sky. During that flight he happened upon a field of juicy red tomatoes ... most delicious! The resolution to his predicament with old friends who no longer trusted him leads to an auspicious ending and a brand new friendship! Perfect!   

Ms. Zuill's quirky and hilarioous mixed-media art has much to offer interested listeners. The eyes! Oh, those eyes! Along the way, she provides plenty of learning about vampires through the voice of a benevolent beetle. It's basically a nighttime story which just adds to the allure and enjoyment.  

 “BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.”                                                                                           

My Home Is in My Backpack, written by Eugenia Perrella and illustrated by Angela Salerno. Translated by Sally Polson. Floris Books, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I think my special home is my family, Coco, drawing, 
and thinking about my best memories. "Everyone's 
special home is different," says Mama. "If you look 
carefully, you can see them lighting up the darkness."

I decide to ask our friends what they love doing and
draw their answers in my notebook."

A family and their dog Coco are forced to leave their home in search of a safer place to live. Leaving behind the place they love and their nights together watching for shooting stars, they pack their belongings and start a long journey with many others. Many have travelled before them. 

The going is tough, and fraught with dangers, both seen and unseen. Papa does his best to bring a lightness to the sadness they are feeling by explaining that their home stays with them wherever they go. Clara is not sure she understands what he is telling them. 

""We have left our house behind," he explains, "but our 
home is special. It is made from the people we love and 
the things we love doing.""

Taking that lesson to heart, Clara considers what is most important to her, and knows that other travelers will have different things they love doing. She asks her friends to tell her about themselves and collects their answers in her notebook: Juan loves singing, Eva and her parents talk about bright colors, baking and completing homework, Sofia loves fireflies, Maria likes stories, and Tomas plays dominos. Clara has much to think about as she drifts off to sleep. 

The following day, rain forces everyone to seek shelter in a nearby cave; it is decided to suspend travel for a day to allow children a break and a chance to play again. When they return to their camp, they pack up their gear and travel on. Perhaps, they will find a new and safe home in coming days. 

The story is told simply, and with empathy for the plight of so many in the world today. Ms. Salerno uses graphite pencil on heavy watercolor paper to allow readers a chance to see that, while the migration is long and dangerous at times, it does have lovely moments. Her palette of green, gold and blue offers a clear look at the events of their journey and the passage of time. It is a reminder to children who hear the story that they have much in common with children of the world, despite their differing circumstances.