The Lightning Circle, written by Vikki VanSickle and illustrated by Laura K. Watson. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 12 and up

 

"Happy Endings

I saw Heather
reading every minute 
she could. 

We traded favorites, 
and soon 
we couldn't wait 
to talk about books
over gooey marshmallows. 

We cried through
Walk Two Moons, 
and sighed through 
The Life of Bees. 
Swam through Olive's Ocean,
and ran through Heartbeat.

When things get rough, 
Heather reaches for a book, 
taking comfort in a sunny ending
tied up in a big yellow bow. 

Rarely in life
do things ever really end. 

Let alone 
happily."

Summer camps have come and gone. With September's arrival, all the kids will be back in school and looking forward to the coming year, I hope. The return can be trying for some; hopefully, yours will settle in pretty quickly to being with friends, new learning, and all that a new school year brings. 

I am a year late in sharing this notable look at Camp Cradle Rock in West Virginia in 2006. Nora Nichols is reeling from a breakup just prior to arriving at camp. She hopes that camp counselling will provide the distractions she needs. There are six counselors, and they spend time getting to know one another ahead of the arrival of the campers. During the time they spend together they find support, understanding, listening ears and ways to learn about themselves. The nightly Lightning Circle provides the impetus for their sharing that continues a tradition long held at the camp. 

This verse novel reads like a journal, and makes clear the joy found is community and friendship. As they are learning about themselves, they are also getting to know the younger campers in their charge. They share many important moments as their time together passes. Readers will find solace in details that reflect on the natural setting, the experiences that speak to summer camp life, and the relationships that slowly develop as the counselors and campers spend time together. 

The poems are reflected in Laura Watson's digitally colored pencil drawings, and allow readers to see images of the natural surroundings as well as personal portraits of those in attendance. In the end, Nora takes the learning and perspective she has gained home with her. Her first experience at camp is not likely to be her last. 

“Over time
the details will fade,
like our tans
or the Polaroids
we press into our scrapbooks,

but the summer lives
in our bodies now,
where it will whisper to us
for the rest of our lives.” 

I Got You: A Brother's Promise, written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. Nancy Paulsen Books. Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Whenever a storm came and 
the thunder rattled the windows
and shook the ceiling, my big brother
would make me feel safe by coming
and sitting right next to me. 
He'd lean in really close and say, 
"No matter what, I'll always 
be here for you. I got you.""

As school opens for another year, it's very important to be thinking clearly about the books we share with the children in our classrooms. It's not good enough to choose 'any old' book. Kids need to see themselves and others in these books. Classroom community is built when we read books that resonate with the children who are hearing them. We want them to care about each other; we do that by choosing books that allow them to see life through another's eyes. We cannot live all the experiences that impact our classmates. We can learn to feel empathy and understanding. That happens in all the best classrooms. 

Rasheed has a lasting memory of his big brother, Anthony. As a very young baby, he recalls that Anthony's is the face he saw the first time he opened his eyes. Anthony smiled a brilliant smile, and immediately promised to the big brother Rasheed needed. 

""I got him, Momma," Anthony said. 
"I'll be careful. I promise. He's my 
little brother.""

From that moment on, Anthony was the big brother everyone would want to have. He snuggled, stacked blocks to knock down and build again, sat next to a frightened Rasheed during a thunderstorm, showed him how high a swing could fly, splashed in newly-formed puddles, and taught him every other important lesson needed while growing up. Learning to let go, as Anthony wanted to do things with his friends on his own, was a tough change to accept. Still, Rasheed knew his brother would always be there when he needed him. 

When the two brothers learned that another baby was on the way, they were filled with joy. Rasheed had learned all of the lessons needed to be just the kind of brother that Anthony had always been for him. 

""You're my little brother," I said
as I held him close. "I got you."

Always will."

Rasheed's narration is filled with love and honesty. Collage and multi-media illustrations immerse readers in this family's world, using differences in perspective and textures. This is exactly the kind of book we want to share in classrooms ... it offers warmth, understanding and an opportunity for discussion.                                                                                     

Island Storm, written by Brian Floca and illustrated by Sydney Smith. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"We stand on stones
that lie like great bones, 
weathered and worn
by water and time - 
by storms like the one 
that's headed our way."

Two children look out to see their mother gathering clothes that have blown off the clothesline on a very windy day. It is an exciting sight for the boy who encourages his sister to venture outside together. It is their chance to see what the sea looks like before the storm rolls in. A gravel road leads to the water. Their adventure explores the level of trust they have in each other as they move further and further from home in awe of the coming storm.

They can feel it in their ears, see it as they move forward, and watch the power of the wind as the sky darkens. They have seen such storms before. They are there to take it all in once more. The waves are awesome. They pause to think about moving on. Should they? A neighbor suggests they should head for home, as she is doing. 

Still undaunted, they continue their trek forward. 

"And then we ask, is this enough, or do we try for more?

You pull on me, I pull on you, and we decide to go on."

Tension is building. An enormous BOOM! evokes a panicked RUN! Holding tight to one another, they make their way home in the fastest way possible - the path through the woods. It is dark, gloomy, worrisome; they continue on. Finally, they see a light in the window and the shadow of their mother holding a flashlight as she runs toward them. Home at last. Safe and secure, they ride out the storm. The following morning, the three head back to the water and the beauty of a calm, bright day.

Sydney Smith is a marvel, and proves it again in this thrilling story. His watercolor and gouache artwork (that we have come to admire in previous books) is filled with the strength of the storm and the constantly shifting light as the children move forward. Long panels that run horizontally across full spreads arouse awareness for the distance the two children are travelling. Readers find themselves immersed in the tale told in impressive language, that is fully complemented by glorious images of a raging spectacle of nature.    

Don't miss this glorious book!                                                                            

George & Lenny Are Always Together, written and illustrated by Jon Agee. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"No, George. 
I can't be alone 
if we are together. 

Is that so? Then I 
will be alone too!"

You know I am a big fan of Jon Agee's awesome work. In this new book, he introduces two fine friends who are devoted companions. They like to spend all of their time together. As they swing at the park, they discuss that fact. Lenny has a question: 

"I wonder, George. 
What is it like 
to be alone?" 

George considers the query and thinks it might be both lonely and sad. Lenny is not as convinced. Maybe it would be fine to be alone, and he is going to try it.  George wants to accompany his friend. Lenny is adamant; he wants to be alone. George reluctantly agrees. As Lenny looks for the just-right spot, Geroge follows along hoping it might be big enough for two. 

Really, George? You are not getting the point, are you? Lenny finds the perfect place and encourages George to leave him there alone. Unfortunately, being by himself is not quite as enviable as he had hoped. Too soon, he is thinking about his friend and wondering how he's doing. In the dark, Lenny cannot see George. Oh, dear!

If you are an Agee fan, you will not be shocked at the surprise ending! 

Love the dialogue, love the relationship, love the ending! 
                                                                                 

In the World of Whales, written by Michelle Cusolito and illustrated by Jessica Lanan. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"The free diver moves slowly,
like a merman, 
copying the whales' movements,
graceful,
patient,
allowing the whales to approach. 
He knows he's a visitor 
in their watery world."

Poring over the pages of this wondrous book will leave readers full of admiration for the beauty that is constantly found in the natural world. The sun sparkling on the clear blue water of the title page is just the invitation needed to turn the page and get on with it. 

A red boat with four people aboard is in search of sperm whales. Great good luck has them spotting a clan near the water's surface. There is no clear understanding for what is to come. The boat moves in slowly; one diver with camera slides over the side; he floats cautiously toward the whales after filling his lungs and gliding down into the sea. 

As he watches, he notes that the whales are very close to each other, and also moving calmly. A cloud of blood surges into the water. It gives the diver pause as he wonders about the cause. In fact, it is the birth of a newborn calf. What a marvelous sight it is! Just as the diver must return to the surface, helper whales must help push the calf to the surface for air. 

The whales show awareness for the person in their midst. Will they worry for the safety of the newborn? The man makes no sudden moves, recognizing his newness in their world. More whales arrive. As he returns once more to the surface, the calf does the same. Mama moves her calf toward the other whales ... an introduction to the newcomers. The man watches as the whales' clicks impart their messages. 

Each watch the other. The man kicks up, and then dives once more. Mama moves Baby toward him, allowing him a role in the dance they do. Once the baby is safe to be on its own, the whales all prepare for a deep dive. The diver is left alone and speechless. What a remarkable life-changing day! 

Back matter includes a captioned description of the sperm whale and its anatomy, a note about free diving, more information about whales, a list of resources, and a note from both author and illustrator. The author explains that her story is based on two divers who are the only known humans to have seen the birth of a whale. Her research is vast and precise as shown in her long list of resource materials used. The illustrator did the same, as readers will learn from her included notes.                                                                                

Before I Lived Here, written by Stacy S. Jensen and illustrated by Victo Ngai. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"THIRTY YEARS AGO 

Before the neighborhood, 
planners and developers drew
shapes on paper like a treasure 
map showing where everything 
in the city should be."

The narrator is a young boy who lives in the present. From his house, he can see mountains in the distance. He explains that it has not always been this way. In fact, things looked very different in his city before his house was built there. Before that building boom (3 years ago), much was done to change the landscape to ready it for new houses, streets, homes and schools. His neighborhood became a reality. 

Thirty years earlier, plans had been drawn for the city that would emerge from the land that was there. Long before that time ranchers who owned the land had built housing for themselves and their workers. Further back, the Homestead Act of 1862 allowed settlers to work the land and build a life for their families. Prior to the settlers' arrival, the government had stolen the land from the Indigenous people who had lived there for thousands of years, living off the land that gave them so much. Before it was a prairie (66 million years ago), dinosaurs roamed that same land after leaving the oceans that had been their home until then. 

"ONE BILLION YEARS AGO 

Before the oceans, a mountain 
range burst through the earth, 
cracking and shaping the land 
around it."

Those are the mountains he can now see. 

An author's note explains that this is the story of her own community in Colorado. She encourages readers to do what they can to make discoveries about where they live, and how and when that came to be. I really like that she started from today and worked backwards to allow her young readers to think deeply about the changes that time brings and how it affects the people who have lived where they now live. Mixed-media images offer readers a clear look at the changes made throughout history. Important details invite discussion and careful observation for changes that happen over a long period of time.  

Back matter also includes a glossary of terms used, a resource list, and a list of works cited. 

Chooch Helped, written by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. Levine Querido, Raincoast. 2024. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Chooch isn't really a baby, anymore. 
We just celebrated his second birthday.  

Still, whenever Chooch makes a mess, 
everyone says, 
"He's just usdi. Let him help."

It seems to me, Usdi Chooch
just gets away with everything."

Chooch, at 2, is a helper. No matter the work, Chooch is right there with plans to make a difference. His sister Sissy is not impressed. She sees the help Chooch gives as detrimental to the work being done. Adding streaks to Elisi's mural makes a mess. Interrupting Edudu's guitar playing annoys Sissy. Family members dote on the baby and give him a wide berth while interrupting the work they are doing. With each hint of misbehavior, Sissy is not amused. 

Chooch helps her make a clay pot, and messes it up. Sissy yells, Chooch cries, her parents reprimand, and Sissy goes off to cry in her bedroom. Chooch helps, with a smile and a loving touch to her wet cheeks. The family settles. Her parents apologize for their anger, and offer proof that once Sissy was very much like her little brother - anxious to help. They explain that Sissy is an important teacher for Chooch. With needed help from his big sister, Chooch is able to fashion his own clay pot. Lovely! 

Cherokee traditions are at the heart of every facet of this story. Pronunciation is useful when reading new and unfamiliar words for the story's people. Notes from both author and illustrator, who are members of the Cherokee nation, make the connections between the story and their cultural heritage. The tale's lesson is expertly offered for readers, and the mixed media illustrations add context at every turn. The warm colors and representative Cherokee emblems add beauty to every spread. I love the dust cover, its brilliant introduction to the two main characters, and the designs that embellish the cover itself. Back matter is important and telling: notes from author and artist concerning Cherokee history, a glossary, a pronunciation guide, and a step-by-step guide for making a pinch pot. 
                                                                                         

First Day Around the World, written by Ibi Zoboi and illustrated by Juanita Londono. Verisfy, Harper. 2025, $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"In the streets of Fez and Marrakesh, 
we pass the unfurled rugs and tapestries 
woven with the vibrant colors of Morocco. 

In Cairo, we secure our taqiyahs atop our 
heads and smooth down the fabric of our 
hijabs over our brand new shirts."

While we aware that all children in the world do not start school on the same day of the year, we also know that the first day of school for those able to attend can be exciting and even uncertain. This informative and welcome book offers the experiences of children of the world as they start a new school year. 

It begins with early morning sun in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia where children offer a Swahili welcome to the new day. After breakfast and dressing for the day, children board their bus and share the excitement they are feeling. Means of transportation are presented from place to place: fishing boat, motorbike, feet. Clothing in keeping with the culture and traditions of the countries mentioned is as varied as the children readers see making their way into classrooms. 

From Africa to Middle Eastern and Asian morning rituals, readers are witness to children as they gather to learn important historical and cultural lessons from their teachers. 

"Over mountains and across deserts, 
through the grasslands and plains 
of North and South Korea, 
the Philippines and Thailand, 
we learn of division and borders."

Quick stops in European countries introduce family customs and show foods packed in lunch boxes, offer hints about the learning to be done during the upcoming year, and then it's on to Oceania. A trip further south shows that children and their families have much to learn about the habitat that supports whales, seals, penguins and researchers in the most southern climate. South America has children saying goodbye at the end of a long first day as they rush out for a food stand treat that will sustain them as they make their way home.

"Our backpacks are now filled 
with empty lunchboxes and crumpled paper, 
broken pencils and craft projects as we laugh 
and play while walking down Bay Street
in Barbados and Fortaleza Street 
in Puerto Rico."

The final scenes are from North America, where families of many cultures hear from their children of opening day memories and new learning. The long day comes to an end as the moon rises, and thoughts about the second day of school are welcomed. 

There is a lot to unwrap in this fascinating book about world communities on the first day of school. Ms. Zoboi's polished language is focused on the children - including those who cannot attend school - and their diverse experiences. Ms. Londono's digital artwork brings each location to life for readers and offers additional visual learning. 

An author's note adds a personal perspective that is sure to be of interest to readers. 

Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon, written by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Aimee Sicuro. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Seven's mother swooped down and hurried 
Seven to the park. "Pigeons stay with the flock," 
she said. "We stay with the flock."

But Seven couldn't help himself. He snuck back 
to the rice-covered street whenever he could. 
Its nutty perfume made him feel warm and cozy."

Seven's arrival sends shock waves through his avian community. After all, pigeons mostly hatch in pairs. As a single nestling, Seven finds himself being gossiped about from the very beginning. He soon proves that he is different from his flock. While still in the nest, he is attentive to the many delightful odors that fill the air. As soon as he can fly, he is off to find the source of such wonder. Bringing rose petals back to the nest causes distress for his parents. 

When invited to join the rest of the flock on a trip to the park for the crumbs people leave, Seven chooses to eat rice grains instead. It's the smell that attracts him. His mother reminds him that the flock sticks together at all times. Once again, he is the quietly ridiculed by members of his flock. Wanting his son to be more like the others, Seven's father decides he should learn about homing, the heart of being a pigeon. 

Off they go to find a train to board that will take them from the city to the country. Seven is encouraged to make a map in his mind by carefully watching their environment. While watching, Seven is taken in by the scent of the evergreens below him. He is totally distracted from his father's teaching. Alarmed, his father is quick to share his concerns with Seven's mother. 

"Seven's mother gave Seven a stern look. 
"From now on, pigeons act like pigeons."

So Seven gathered straw, 

and crumbs with the flock, 

and practiced homing with his father."

It all makes Seven feel very sad. The time comes for the Big Flight. Every member of the flock prepares for the long journey. A train takes them to a place seven thousand miles away. From there, they will find their way home. Or will they? Young readers will be thrilled to learn that Seven's sense of smell is just what is needed to home. 

A final note about pigeons brings the book to an end. 

You and Me, Anemone: A Story About Friendship and Personal Space. Written by Rachel Vail and illustrated by Chris Raschka. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"If you ever feel, like me, 
that you'd prefer 
to stay boop-free
just say these words
assertively - 

NO 
BOOPING 
ME!"

The language used to introduce the anemone, and the young girl it embodies, requires careful attention when reading aloud. Word choice is apt and telling while tripping on the tongue with great delight. The anemone describes itself as someone who could be friendly to the reader. There is a caveat ... the anemone does not want to be booped. It goes on to explain that, while some may like being in close proximity to others, neither the anemone nor the young girl are in favor of such closeness. 

The boop is unappreciated and an affront to both. Living side by side in communal spirit is, however, completely acceptable and encouraged. 

"Resplendent 
independently." 

An author's note explains her family's intrigue over seeing sea anemones on the beach. They booped them, hoping to learn more. After watching them close up completely, Ms. Vail returned home with the need to know more about them. She learned much, including the fact that they did not like to be touched. Knowing that made her think about those people who appear to need space, and that paying attention to their feelings is imperative. She adds a further short note about the anemone. 

Chris Raschka's wonderful illustrations were created using watercolor, gouache, and gesso on fabric, with the addition of embroidery floss and yarn. The burlap background adds texture and enhances the colors. Readers will fully understand the emotional response of the marine invertebrate and the young person who share a need for personal space. 
                                                                                 

The Sky Was My Blanket, written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $26.99 ages 10 and up

"I was luckier. I found work making leather bags, 
thanks to the trade I had learned in Vienna. 
Because I had work, I was able to live in Paris 
for the next year or so. I worked and I drank
wine, cheap wine, with my meals. 

Refugees who had escaped Nazi Germany kept
arriving in Paris. They spoke of the campaign
of violence and terror, of people living in fear.
I never forgot the stories I heard." 

As he did in his own memoir, Chance: Escape from the Holocaust (2020), Uri Shulevitz here tells a story of his Uncle Yehiel's life in the years before WWII. Born in Poland and very unhappy with the harshness of his Jewish upbringing, Yehiel left home at 15 in search of adventure. He found work in Austria with a leather worker, learning a trade that would be useful later in his life. 

As the Nazi party rose in power and wreaked havoc with European politics, he made the decision to leave. His travels took him to many places as he looked for work and safety. Quick thinking, kind strangers and some great good luck ensured his survival. He settled in Spain, which led to fighting in the Spanish Civil War and enduring many hardships. Later he worked with the Jewish resistance in France. Each new experience, though often trying, also helped Yehiel discover himself while learning to live on his own. Eventually, he changed his name to Henri Sulewic, married, and spent his later years painting pictures of the Jewish community where he was born.  

Uri Shulevitz, in his final work published following his death, allows readers a close look at history from the perspective of a very young man. He is deeply affected by his experiences, and has his own impact as he pursues the adventure his heart demands. Family photos add to the reality of the story told, as well as black-and-white drawings that add dimension to the people and places mentioned. It is both heartbreaking and uplifting to read this first-person powerful narrative. An afterword concludes and includes copies of Yehiel's art. 

Seven Skies All at Once, written by Ted Kooser and illustrated by Matt Myers. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"And then a fifth sky went past, 
wearing an apron piled high with 
cumulus, which it probably had 
taken down from some other
contrail hidden behind one of the 
towers, perhaps strung between 
two of them."

Light clouds fill the skies above as a young child watches. She and her mother are busy hanging clothes to dry. Across the way, a young boy waves a greeting as he and his father do the same thing. Those cirrus clouds she is watching are soon on the move as the wind picks up and sends them higher. Over a period of time, the clouds continue to change from one type to the next in metaphors that describe them as pieces of laundry; from freshly washed clouds to dry to a moth-eaten, dirty gray woolen blanket of stratus. 

Matt Myers matches the strong imagery of Ted Kooser's words with artwork that fills each spread with splendid observances of a sky in constant motion. His clouds are easy to identify in the skies above: cirrus, cirrocumulus, altocumulus, cumulus, stratocumulus and more. The two young children are unable to have a conversation because of the distance between their buildings, and the noise of the approaching storm. 

As the wind blows and the storm rattles everything it touches, the girl sends a note across by clothesline to the boy on the other side. The rainstorm increases in intensity as the boy writes back. A final spread shows readers their messages. A perfect ending!

"And after it stopped, the skies left behind
a green laundry basket with a handle that 
looked like a rainbow."

Remove the dust cover to see the space that separates one family from the other, as they do their laundry on a cloudy, windy day.                                                                               

Dream On, written by Shannon Hale and illustrated by Marcela Cespedes. Colors by Lark Pien. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $30.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Notice how the painter takes something 
ordinary - a night sky - and makes it 
EXTRAORDINARY?

Like a poet, an artist notices the wonders
all around us and shows them to us. Through
their eyes, we see the starry sky as if for 
the first glorious time. 

Now take out some paper and draw your 
own version of stars. They can be any shape,
any color!"

Cassie is but one child in a large family, where attention for her is rare. She is a fully realized character as she deals with her crowded house, friendships that are changing in ways she cannot explain, life in the fourth grade, and her own sensitive nature. Not unlike the life of others her age and circumstance, she finds joy in special moments, angst in others. She feels all of her emotions while trying to navigate her experiences at home and at school. When a magazine sweepstakes ad says she is a 'grand prize winner', she is sure all her problems will now be solved. The prizes mentioned could change everything. Alas, it is a hard lesson to learn that those sweepstakes dreams will not fix what is making her so unhappy. 

It takes time, understanding, the patience to think clearly about her own expectations and, at times, wise counsel from her teacher and her mother. Being aware of all the emotions she is feeling and learning to use them to make life better for herself is a huge accomplishment. Her thinking is made clear throughout the novel in thought balloons and darkened spaces. Secondary characters play a pivotal role on Cassie's path to realizing what really matters. 

Shannon Hale's fans will be thrilled to see this first book in a new series. Ms. Cespedes' expressive characters, retro setting details, and careful handling of emotion and wonder are much appreciated. Many will make connections with Cassie and her friends, her family, and the full extent of her emotional journey to a better understanding of herself. Middle grade readers will want to have conversations about this excellent book.  

Perla and the PIrate, written by Isabel Allende and illustrated by Sandy Rodriguez. Philomel, Penguin Random House. 20225. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I wagged my tail, whined, rolled 
|on my back, and barked happily 
until he smiled, and then I licked 
his hand. 

We became instant friends."

If your family met Perla in Ms. Allende's first book about him last year (Perla the Mighty Dog), you are sure to be happy to meet up with him again in this new adventure. Perla is a frisky pup and his best friend is Nico Rico. In case you don't remember, Perla has two recognizable superpowers: he can make anyone love him, and he can roar like a lion? Will they come in handy this time? 

When the Pirate moves in next door, the family has differing opinions about him. Nico and Perla are a touch afraid of him. Putting on a brave face, they check him out. Turns out he is quite a friendly guy.  He invites Perla and Rico to listen in while his band, Pirates, practices. 

As happens, one day Mom and Perla are late picking Nico up from school. After a long wait, Nico starts out on his own. Not a good idea, it seems. Perla is unconcerned as he knows how to follow Nico's scent. In their panic to find Nico, none of the adults pay attention to his barking. Perla heads for home to get Nico's sister Liz to help. It is a long way. All the while Perla is imagining how scared and lost Nico must feel. 

Once home, he ROARS for Liz, who cannot hear him because of her headphones. Luckily, the Pirate shows up at just the right time. With his help, Liz is alerted and the three are off to do their best to help with the search. Liz and the Pirate know that Perla will find Nico if they just follow him. They are absolutely right! 

Perla's first-person voice is welcome, the laughs are appreciated, and good feelings are at the forefront of this story. Bright watercolor-and-ink artwork is detailed and most enjoyable.  

Rose Weaves a Garden, written and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. anne schwartz books. Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Then he shows her how to dry the yarn 
in the heat of the sun. Together, they hang 
the poppy, saffron, rose and indigo strands
all over the courtyard. It looks as if the 
garden is growing everywhere."

Here's another - and the last for now - book about the love between grandparents and their grandchildren. A note from the author prior to the title page lets readers know that her beloved grandfather was an Iranian rug weaver who taught his granddaughter the skills needed to weave a rug of her own. This is their story. 

Rose admires her Baba joon for the hard work he does every day. In the morning, he works in a factory weaving rugs and in the afternoon, he works at his own loom making rugs for his family and friends. Rose watches carefully as he works. When her Baba is at work, Rose takes her sketchbook into the garden and draws the flowers she finds there. After showing her grandfather, he promises he will help her learn to make her own rug based on those drawings. 

Baba joon is a fine teacher, showing Rose the many features of rug making. His hands move quickly as he works; Rose's move much more slowly as she learns. When Baba falls ill and cannot work, Rose worries. She misses him just as he misses being with her. Wanting to surprise him, Rose works diligently on her own at completing her rug. Slowly, Baba improves. Soon, he is well enough to visit with his Rose. 

Imagine his surprise when Rose brings her nearly-finished rug to show her Baba! Together, they add the needed finishing touches and celebrate the good health of her grandfather. 

Filled with oil and acrylic artwork that evokes the warmth of family love and learning, this is a book that honors a cultural gift passed from one generation to the next.                                                                                        

Beatrice Looks for Home, written and illustrated by Ron Grady. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"When they were all together, 
her heart felt happy. 

Sometimes Gram pulled out her 
book of memories and told Beatrice 
stories of lives and adventures from 
long ago. 

Beatrice loved these times most of all."

Beatrice loves the life she lives with her two dads, her Gram and Agnes, her cat. They love mutual happy pursuits as seasons come and go. Her heart is full. She and Gram often look through Gram's memory book and talk about past stories and happy adventures. But, when Dad gets a call about a new job far from Gram's home, she is understandably distraught. She doesn't like to think about the changes their move will bring. 

Moving is hard; the family works tirelessly to make things right for Beatrice. Though there are some interesting things to see, Beatrice remains sad. The neighborhood playground and starting school don't seem to help. Days remain long, and Beatrice begins to wonder if she will ever feel settled and happy in her new home. It is a surprise package from Gram that makes all the difference. 

Inside the box is a new notebook, a camera, some art supplies and a note from Gram. 

"Dear Bea, 

New places can be hard but they can 
also mean new adventures. 

Love, 
Gram"

Bea takes up the challenge and begins to use the package's contents everywhere she goes. There is much to see and to add to her own memory book. Each new adventure is added to the notebook provided by Gram. Gram's surprise visit has its own surprise, thanks to Beatrice who is able to share so many new memories with her grandmother. 

This is an excellent book to read aloud in an early years classroom with a focus on grandparents, as well as discussing change and memories. 

Night Walk, written and illustrated by Jason Cockcroft. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Remember how Grandma loved the 
woods? She'd sit and watch the moths
flutter by. Listen, can you hear the 
hedgehog in the grass? 

Yes! Grandma loved hedgehogs. 
Maybe this was Grandma's favorite place."

While sharing their grief over losing Grandma, a boy and his grandpa leave home one dark, early morning to take the same walk that Grandma loved. They are well-prepared for their trek, with backpacks, flashlights, and a snack. As they go, the two share memories of previous walks and all those things that tickled Grandma's fancy along the way. 

At each stop, the boy has a concern for knowing exactly which place was her favorite. Grandpa is reassuring, and they continue to move forward. 

"Do you know
where we are now? 

Are we there?
Really? Is this 
Grandma's favorite 
place? 

Yes, this is it."

I repeat, what wonder do we find in nature when we are on the lookout for it?  

I appreciate the quiet setting, the thoughtfulness, the memories shared, and the joy found in being together. Mr. Cockcroft's outstanding mixed-media artwork places readers in the natural beauty that surrounds the two as they walk together, and offers hints of light in the early morning. The final spreads are a perfect reminder of Grandma, with their brilliant light and beauty. Don't miss the telling endpapers! 

                                                                                     

The Friendship Train: A True Story of Helping and Healing after World War II. Written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Boris Kulikov. Bloomsbury Children's Books, Raincoast. 2025. $27.99 ages 8 and up

 

"By the time the Friendship Train reached Chicago, it 
had so many boxcars that it had to be split in two. Eighty
cars rolled into the city - and one hundred cars rolled out, 
brimming with food. 

Flour and sugar, 
        milk and macaroni, 
              dried beans and peas, 
                     good for growling bellies." 

Before returning to a grandparents' theme, I want to mention this book that concerns community, cooperation, empathy, and an uplifting story of children looking out for others. It dates back to a time following the end of World War II. 

The war had ended; the results of the fighting had left farms destroyed, a scarcity of food, and starving children. There was nowhere near enough to eat. In the United States, a man named Drew Pearson wondered how to help; one man could not possibly provide all the food needed. Would people across America help strangers they would never know? 

In one of his columns, Mr. Pearson asked that question and was unprepared for the many letters he received in answer. The Friendship Train was a go, starting from California and ending on the east coast before what was gathered along the way could be shipped overseas. Adults were not the only ones who offered to help. Children were desperate to make a difference. They came up with idea after idea to donate, collect, and offer help where it was needed. 

Leaving California with twelve boxcars filled, the train was met by children at every stop along the way. The children kept finding ways to fill one train car after another. And still, they helped and celebrated the generosity of all who contributed over the eleven days it took to get to New York City. When all was said and done, more than 500 boxcars were filled. It took four huge cargo ships to make the final leg of the journey. 

On the other side of the ocean, after a harsh winter made easier by the food sent, Monsieur Picard wondered how to express gratitude for all that had been done by strangers with big hearts. The children of Europe wanted to be part of the Merci Train being organized; in all, forty-nine boxcars were filled with gifts of thanks to those who had given so selflessly. 

"Every single state received a boxcar
of treasures from the Merci Train. 
From stranger to stranger. 
From friend to friend."

A note from the author is evidence of the careful research done to prepare to write this uplifting story. Boris Kulikov ensures that young readers have a sense of the many who helped, and of those who benefitted from the collective effort of so many. He brings reality to the post-war world, and to the joy that comes from making a difference.                                                                                    

Enchanted Beach, written by Esther Freud and illustrated by Emma Chinnery. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"On New Year's Day, a spell is spun. 
After breakfast, rain or sun, 
enchanted marchers reach the beach, 
and at the whistle, with a screech, 

every person races in. A dash, a shriek. 
They're out again."

I had a plan to add another grandparent story today. Having described Pebble Beach to you yesterday, I found myself thinking about the admiration for a beach felt in all seasons. This love letter to the beach a family visits through every season is a delight. 

No matter the season, the red-hatted boy and his family find joy in all the beach has to offer: flying kites on windy days, jumping in the waves, floating on hot days while allowing the imagination to run wild with adventure, building castles, listening to shells, and dipping for crabs. Autumn follows summer with its strong winds, ever-changing weather, and cooler days. 

Winter brings icy puddles, snow on the sand, and a chance for those brave enough to take a quick dip. New Year's Eve is cause for celebration and new promises. The following day observes the Polar Bear Plunge many are willing to take. Maybe next year for our young boy ... 

"Swept and battered, littered, cluttered.
   Calm descends; we're left with gifts. 
                             A boot. 
                           A trunk.
                      A seal to meet. 
            A rusty jewel-encrusted seat."

Spring brings further treasures. Summer means camping, and an ice cream truck. The love felt is palpable and will be familiar to those whose lives are spent beside the water. Detailed mixed media illustrations give full life to the beach as it changes through the seasons, while offering memorable scenes for readers. The more time spent poring over the pages, the more there is to see. 
                                                                                    

Our Pebbles, written and illustrated by Jarvis. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Pebble Beach 

Where we once met 
a real seal and tried 
to guess its name. 

Where we'd found
that old pirate wood
the sea left behind. 

And where Grandad was never quick enough 
to eat the ice cream."

I am going to stick to a theme here for a couple of days with another grandparent story that I hope captures your interest. I don't know what your experience with rock collectors might encompass; this book reminds me of our many family walks that went very slowly as Bret found rock after interesting rock to quickly conceal in his pocket. I'm quite sure many of you will have had a somewhat similar experience. 

The child who narrates this book is quick to describe many memorable trips made with his Grandad through the woods, past the train tracks, over the stile and onto Pebble Beach. It was their favorite place, and offered adventure at every turn. They met a seal, played games with old wood pieces, and did their best to avoid the seagulls eating their ice cream cones. 

They visited places that few others knew, and each always picked up a pebble to take home with them. They always found exactly the one they needed. Their final stop on the way back was a boat called the Jolly Dancer, where they would sit to paint their pebbles and leave them on the boat's bottom for all to see. After Grandad's move to a new home, there is much to miss ... especially Grandad. 

Mom comes through with a suggestion the two make a trip to Pebble Beach. The boy leads the way and happily guides his mother through the same experience he once shared with his beloved grandfather. Oh, and he remembers to pick a new pebble to take with him to Grandad for painting, and then adding to their collection on the Jolly Dancer. 

"I look at each one 
and remember the days. 
Our days at Pebble Beach. 
Just silly old Grandad and me."                                                                                 

https://youtu.be/SJWuebN_zhY

How To Reach the Moon, written by Nicolas Schuff and illustrated by Ana Sender. Translated by Lawrence Schimel. amazoncrossingkids, 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Abuelo goes into the house and comes outside
wearing a backpack. 

'Shall we go?" he asks.

"Where to?" Emilio wonders out loud.

"To the moon, of course!""

The first Sunday of September is celebrated as Grandparents Day. To add to your collection of books about these cherished people who share the lives of their grandchildren, I want to tell you about this tale by Argentinian author Nicolas Schuff. The question about reaching the moon gives it the feel a folktale, and introduces readers to Emilio and his abuelo. 

Emilio's summer visit with his grandfather is highly anticipated. Life away from the city is calm and peaceful, as the two spend their days and evenings together in the quiet of the forest. Following dinner every evening, they blow out their lantern. In the darkness, Abuelo shares stories with his grandson. There are many. 

On the night of a full moon, while sharing a delicious dessert, Emilio has a question: 

"Abuelo, is it true that the moon 
has a face we never see?"

His abuelo suggests that the moon has many faces, and tells his grandson what he sees when he looks to the night sky. As the two bask in the quiet peace of their surroundings, Abuelo asks if Emilio would like to meet the moon. The boy's affirmative response leads to a walk in the moonlit forest. It is a place of wonder where Emilio's imagination takes flight. Expecting their path to lead directly to the moon, Emilio is surprised when they come to a stop at the edge of a ravine. 

There they find the reflection of the moon they seek. Together they prepare for a leap that will place them in the middle of the moon below them. What amazing sights welcome them underwater! A campfire, an overnight stay in the beauty of a star-filled night, and a sleepy trek back home in the morning brings an end to their adventure.

Ana Sender's muted digital artwork provides a perfect setting for this nighttime jaunt, while employing all types of light to complement the story.                                                                                   

Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes. Written by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Fiona Woodcock. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 2 and up

 

"I Can Tie My Laces

I can tie my laces. 
This is the way I know. 

First you make a knot.
Then you tie the bow. 

I think I've done it right. 
And I'm feeling rather clever, 

until I realize ...
I've tied my shoes together!"

If you are a parent or caregiver interested in getting little ones moving about and finding inspiration from the world around them, this is the book for you. There are 35 strong and telling rhymes here that look to the everyday experiences that inspire young children to play with language, create dramatic scenes, and engage in fully from one page to the next. 

Beginning with friends sharing fun in a variety of ways and places, the first verse encourages counting to 5, movement, and a wish to go back to the beginning and say it all again. As the verses are shared, little ones will find favorites that they will soon be repeating on their own. Comparing size in fingers, baking a cake, watching soap bubbles float and pop, Sean Taylor moves from humor to delight as he encourages his readers to think and react. 

"The Wind

Here comes the wind. 
The trees swish and sway. 

Hold onto your hat! 
Or it will blow away! 

Great gusts of wind
whirl their way on through.

Hold onto your pants! 
Or you might lose them, too!"

Accompanying these witty and full-of-movement rhymes are Fiona Woodcock's brilliant mixed media images that provide pointers and hints for the kinds of actions to be taken. The subjects are far-reaching and offer plentiful opportunities to stop and talk. What a truly exceptional gift for a new baby, a happy toddler, or a kindergarten classroom! 

We need more books like this ...                                                                                   

If I Could, written by Matt Zurbo and illustrated by Patrice Barton. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"I'd whisper legends sung by mermaids,
about sorrowful whales and octopuses that
save the world. 

About troublesome princesses, heroes,
dreams without end."

Are you looking for a joyful new book to gift to new parents? If so, I have an idea for you. This emotional and imaginative new book arrived in my mail box this morning, and I want you to know about it ... just in case! 

These are the wishes all new parents have for their children. With a focus on nature and the beauty to be found there, Matt Zurbo offers a series of scenarios meant to open a child's eyes to the wonders of their world. Each refrain begins with If I could, I'd give ... 

Then, using the imagination to describe stories to be told, music to be shared, feelings to be felt and experiences to come, the details of the text are enhanced by gorgeous pencil sketches filled with elegant details and familiar daily events in a child's life. There are sure to be stops for discussion along the way, as listeners explore each page. 

"If I could, I'd give you constant happiness! 

             Joy!"

This book is filled with love and comfort, and makes a perfect gift for that new baby.                                                                                 

Take a Breath, Big RED Monster! Written and illustrated by Ed Emberley. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2025. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"But ... 

you can take a breath!
Count with me: 

ONE, 
close those mean green eyes."

I cannot begin to guess how many times I read Go Away, Big Green Monster! to my kindergarten classes or in the library. Once was never enough; each time the reading ended, a call went up for reading it all over again. Such wonderful memories. 

So, I was delighted to see that Ed Emberley is back with a companion book to that best seller. There are fourteen page turns here that provide an interactive look at the anger felt by a big red monster. The two mean green eyes get readers started, with a peekaboo page. 

Each turn adds an angrier look with added features that include a mouth, two ears, hair, and a very angry face. Then, the tables turn as the reader attempts to calm the monster with a deep breath and encouragement to first close the mean-looking eyes. Once that is done, the angry monster is persuaded to keep breathing deeply. All the while, a sense of calm is the focus. Finally imagining a gentle rain to cool his firecracker hair brings the peaceful feeling needed to reopen the eyes and find the angry face has disappeared. 

Another count to five and the warmth of a big smile brings the book to a close. 

What a pair of books to share with little ones! 

Book Comes Home: A Banned Book's Journey, written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Micah Player. Random House, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"That someone carried Book 
through one door
and then another. 
All the way to a closet 
in the back of the library. 

Book was slid into a different spot, 
on a different shelf. 
The lights were turned off. 
The door was closed. 
Book was alone.

At least that's what she thought."

Book is very happy with life in the library. She spends her days with friends on the library shelf, and is excited to be loved and borrowed by many children. She has a place of importance once returned, where she waits for the next child to take her home. That all changes one day; she is not replaced on the library shelf from the return box. Instead, someone picks her up and puts her at the back of the library in darkness. 

Thinking she is alone, Book is surprised to hear the voices of other books. They explain that Book is now part of the Banned Book Closet, and suggest the reasons for why they are all there.

""Someone didn't like me."

"They thought I was too scary."

"They said kids wouldn't understand me."

"They worried I might make people think.""

It is a dreary and sad place to be. The days pass slowly as Book wonders about her best reader friend who loves her so much. Young readers learn, on the following spread, that a lot is happening. The children are making posters in protest, and talking about how they feel about books being banned. It isn't long until she and her friend are reunited. Others enter the Banned Book Closet to find their own favorites and return them to the library shelves. 

A happy ending that is not always the case in these trying times. Book banning is not new, and will not go away. Children will appreciate knowing that they can have a say when it comes to what they read. 

Ablaze: The Story of America's First Female Smokejumper. Written by Jessica Lawson and illustrated by Sarah Gonzales. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"She worked on wildland crews, where brush trucks

traveled remote roads to access wildfires. 
Crewmembers hiked in with tools and supplies, 
clearing brush and branches that might
make the fire spread. 

She worked on hotshot crews
where she fought faster fires
and took bigger risks."

With uncontrolled wildfires burning in many places around the world, this picture book biography that describes Deanne Shulman, her love for the outdoors, and the passion and perseverance she found in working for the US Forest Service, first as a firefighter and finally as a smokejumper, is extremely timely.  

As a very young child, Deanna climbed a tall tree, and then wondered how she would get back down. Though nervous, she jumped. She loved that feeling, and being outside with her family as they pursued sailing and backpacking together. That love of nature continued to grow, as she did. While she recognized that wildfires could be beneficial to the land, she also knew that some brought death and devastation. 

Deanne's brother worked with the US Forest Service, building and maintaining the land for all to enjoy.  Deanne applied to do the same. Instead, she was hired as a fire fighter. She loved her work. 

"One-hundred-degree heat and 
twenty-four-hour workdays. 
Air scorching hot on her face. 
Smoke masking the light of sun and stars."

After all the hard and dangerous work, there was still one thing she had never tried ... and it was what she wanted more than anything else. She longed to be a smokejumper. No female had ever held that job. At 26, she took the tests needed to prove herself and passed every one. Despite that, she was not accepted because of her size. She spent the following two years working even harder to prove she was up to the job. The rest is history. Deanne made seventy-seven jumps, then worked tirelessly with forestry programs until retiring in 2011. Today, she is a speaker and consultant, offering advice and sharing her experience with others. 

An informative and personal author's note follows, as does a glossary of terms used.  

                                                                                            

This Is a Moment, written and illustrated by Micah Player. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"There are 
fast MOMENTS. 

brave 
MOMENTS. 

CROWDED 
moments. 

PEACEFUL 
moments."

Having just spent five wonderful weeks with my daughter and granddaughters as they made their annual trip to the Canadian prairies from their home on Vancouver Island, I have many precious moments to hold in my heart until I see them again next summer. As happens in most families, there is much to discover as time is spent in their company doing what they love to do while they are here. 

The moments experienced in this book are worthy of attention and understanding. Sharing and discussing them with young readers will help them focus on what makes certain times in our daily lives so very special and worthy of remembering. It might be sitting to tie a shoelace, introducing a new student, listening to your favorite music while making art, riding a ski lift in the sunshine ... every single moment simply needs time to stop and really feel what is happening.  

Reading it together with a child and taking a close look at the effective and expressive digital illustrations will allow them to consider some of their own memorable moments ... ones that made them feel happy, powerful, brave, or peaceful. 

In talking with my granddaughters over the next few days, we will be sharing our memories of the 'good times' they spent here and thinking about what we might add to our plans for their next visit. They are sure to include our days at the lake, our many visitors, afternoon swims, breakfasts at their favorite restaurant, reading books, and the weather which was not always conducive to being outside because of the heat and smoke from raging wildfires. 

We will treasure these moments and use them to determine what next year's visit might include, before we add other ideas to the list their mother will no doubt keep for us until then. What adventures lie ahead!

The Wild Robot on the Island, written and illustrated by Peter Brown. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Roz found an orphaned goose egg, 
all alone, with nobody to care for it. 

The robot made a nest and placed 
the egg inside. Before long, a gosling 
hatched. He was small and weak. He 
needed a family. 

Our robot decided to raise the gosling 
as her son. She named his Brightbill."

For fans of The Wild Robot series, this picture book is designed to tell how Roz's story began. Peter Brown explains in an author's note that he wanted to simplify the first story in order to show island life with 'large, detailed, colorful illustrations'. It might then encourage younger readers to want to move on and learn more about Roz and her life with her animal friends and with her son, Brightbill. It seems just the right way to do exactly that. 

An oil tanker, caught in stormy seas, on the front endpapers makes clear the reason for Roz's arrival.  Life on the island is about to change forever. Luckily, her crate is damaged, allowing for Roz to break free and find her way to this new home. It gives her a sense of belonging and encourages her to learn as much as she can from its inhabitants. Roz is a quick study (at times humorous, and always eager to learn more). Friendships are quickly established with many; the most important being a tiny gosling who needs a mother.  

Brightbill grows quickly and soon prepares for a winter migration, leaving Roz on the island to quietly wait through autumn and winter for his return in the spring. It is a lonely time; Roz spends much of it wondering about her son. She also creates a warm and cozy home for herself and others in need of shelter. Finally, winter turns to spring and Roz's world is right again with the return of her son. 

If you know Peter Brown's other picture books, you will not be surprised to learn that his depiction of Roz's world is filled with light and serenity. It adds a wonderful inviting look to what is so aptly described in the first novel. Now, fans can see it more fully, and visually meet the creatures who mean so much to Roz in her new life. 

The Littlest Drop, written by Sascha Alper and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The animals fled to the river and stood by
the safety of its bank, too scared to move. 
All except the hummingbird. 

She thought of her home in the tall tree, of the soft, 
strong nest beneath her, and of her eggs that would 
soon be coming. And she knew that she had to do 
something."

The savannah is home to all of the animals from largest to smallest. Counted among the smallest is the hummingbird. This tiny hummingbird is busy building a nest for her to soon-to-be-laid eggs. She knows it needs be soft enough for her vulnerable hatchlings, and strong enough to protect them. Upon completion of the nest, she watches a very small spark land on a leaf nearby. 

That spark causes a quick-growing fire that soon threatens all animals. Terrified, they flee to the river and remain there, too frightened to take action. The hummingbird knows she must do something. So, she begins ... one tiny beak filled with the droplet of water she can carry. Back and forth she flies, time and again, to do what she can to keep her home safe. The animals mock her and her size, reminding her that she is incapable of making any difference. 

"I'm doing what I can."

Grandmother elephant is first to see the folly in their thinking. Only if everyone works together will they be able to effect change. The two work together, until others recognize that they, too, can help. Every animal plays a role. The fire rages on. While tired, they give each other the strength to carry on. 

"Then, as the sun rose above the treetops and the
exhausted hummingbird thought she could fly no
further, she let one last drop fall ... 

and the fire was gone."

In an author's note for her picture book debut, Ms. Alper tells readers this is a tale from the Quechua people of South America, and she heard it first from Wangari Maathai, a noted environmentalist from Kenya. The artwork for the book was to be done by Jerry Pinkney. It was almost completed when he died; in an illustrator's note, his son Brian explains his process in completing the book. The stunning acrylic and India ink images bring readers onto the savannah and into the heat of the fire. This is a new favorite for me, and I will look forward to sharing it.