Monster Mender, written by Christine Baldacchino and illustrated by Ilona Iske. Groundwood, 2026. $21.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Dot took armfuls of fresh new
ingredients back to her cottage. 
The prickliest peels from the prickliest
fruit in the swampiest swamp. The 
shimmering bark of silver trees from 
the highest mountaintop. And the softest
flower petals from a garden three valleys
down and two lakes over."

Dot is a small, but capable, doctor for her mythic patients. She awakens early each morning to provide care for a dragon, a chimera, a gryphon, and a kraken, to name a few. She travels far and wide to visit with them when she is needed. Their ills are many: Dot is a conscientious and kind caregiver. 

All goes well until a Sea Serpent stops by. The Serpent explains that he is sad ... so very sad. Some days he doesn't want to show himself above the ocean and on other days, he wants to fly into the clouds where he cannot be seen. It's hard for him to know for sure what he really wants; it is always so different. Dot carefully looks him over. She sees no evidence of illness. The Serpent explains again that he is very sad. Serpent looks fine. 

Dot knows she is a good mender. She takes on the task of fixing him. She wants to make something that will cure the sadness. Nothing works. After numerous attempts to make him feel better, Dot realizes that he likes her company. They spend time together, quietly. When asked if he wants to go with her to see Jackalope, he refuses. As the two spend time together during mender visits, Sea Serpent becomes more comfortable and occasionally shows affection for Dot. Dot worries that she is not very good at her job, and tells him so. 

Sea Serpent explains: 

"It's when you sit and have tea and 
bread with me. And we talk about silly
and not-so-silly things," he said. 

"And it's when you ask me how I'm feeling 
today. And today I feel like telling you that 
you're the best monster mender a monster
like me could have.""

Amen! It's the little things that don't seem so little, even to a huge Sea Serpent. 

Do you make someone feel like that? 

Hummingbird's Big Trip, written and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Naptime is over and I'm hungry!
I stop by all my favorite places
for lunch. I have a long list and 
remember them all. 

All that flapping, flying, and 
feeding. 
Time for bed."

A tiny hummingbird shares its own story. Its summer has been filled with flight, flora, and enjoyment. As the season turns toward cooler weather and shorter days, it recognizes that the time for the long journey is fast approaching; that knowledge gives the poor wee bird a real sense of dread over what's to come. If you are one of those people who prefers to ignore what needs to be done when the anticipation for a task is worrisome, you will feel real empathy for him.

There is much to be done before the journey can be taken; all thoughts of that lead to avoidance. The exact date is unknown. Many lonely days will be faced on his own as hummingbirds do not fly in groups. Each one flies alone, mile after solitary mile. Every thought is wrought with questions about staying focused, food, exhaustion, and finding its winter home. His friends try to be helpful, offering wise advice and reminders that he does the same worrying every year. They know he will be okay. Days pass slowly, offering time to continue fretting. At last, the day comes. He takes to the sky with strength and knowledge. For many full and exhausting days, he flies. Does he really know the way? Will he arrive at his destination? Yes, he will! 

In familiar artwork that is detailed and emotional, G. Brian Karas offers his readers a story of worry, resilience, and science. As the story is told, young readers will take in information about the bird's yearly journey that is determined by seasonal changes. An endnote supplies further facts.

"I never seem to get lost.
I’m always able to fly the whole distance by myself ... I can do this!"