Emily Saw A Door, written by Mel Rosenberg and illustrated by Orit Magia. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Knock, 
        knock, knock

"Welcome. Come in! 

A door that really wants me, thought Emily. 

"This door is for tigers, crocodiles, and
snakes. Which species are you?"
"Oh, I'm a girl named Emily."
"Wonderful. The animals haven't eaten
their lunch.""                   

When Emily sees a door, she knocks. The voice behind the door asks to know who is there. Emily explains and asks to come in. Unfortunately, the door is only for those who are blue. Though Emily's eyes are blue, that is not good enough to allow entry. 

Emily doesn't give up. She knocks on another door. She does her best to get in, is told there is a key under the non-existent mat. Obviously, this a door for liars. Emily moves on again. Next time, she must climb a tiring set of stairs to get to the next door. This door is only open to those willing to climb endless stairs; Emily needs there to be a top. 

The following door offers a warm and hearty welcome. Emily is delighted until she is told it's for tigers, crocodiles, and snakes. Is she one of those? She is not. However, it is lunch time for the animals. Emily quickly departs. In that rush to get to the next door, Emily meets yet another obstacle. The final door is not any more welcoming, causing Emily to just carry on. With no door in sight, Emily stops to draw her own door, and walks right in. When someone stops to knock on her door, Emily is quick to invite him inside! 

What might your own 'just right' door look like? 

crouton: One Cat's Adoption Tale, written and illustrated by Kristine A. Lombardi. Random House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"When we get there, I do everything I can 
to make her feel welcome.
I make sure she is well fed and
drinks plenty of water. 
After supper I see to it that she has 
a nice, warm bath. 
Then we read a captivating bedtime 
story."

Readers are introduced to Crouton, a calico shelter cat with a pink ribbon tied around her neck, on the opening page. She lives at the shelter with numerous other dogs and cats; all waiting for someone to come along and offer a forever home. Many people walk past her crate. She is always open to the perfect person for her. It is not an easy task until ... 

An 'adorable' child with a love for all shelter animals steps inside. Every other resident of the shelter is keen to adopt her. When she finally notices Crouton, the others fade in comparison. Crouton has finally found the someone to adopt. Crouton does every single thing she can to make her person happy to have been adopted. Luckily, they make very agreeable companions. Crouton does her best to make things as good as they can be for the child. 

Is it true that pets adopt us, just as we adopt them? That is certainly the premise of this lively book. Told from Crouton's point of view, readers watch as the cat takes her new position as 'adopter' very seriously. Readers will chuckle as the cat shares the many duties she takes on to care for the child. It's a book told from a different perspective, and it works. 

                                                                                

We All Cast Shadows, written by James Gladstone and illustrated by Salini Perera. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

"But when a big cloud covers each one 
of our shadows, 

I whistle for the wind to whisk 
that cloud away ...

and our shadow feet appear
under our legs again."

Do you know any child not intrigued by shadows once they discover their existence? As a little girl waits for her mother, a boy with a basketball watches them from beyond the sunshine. She is delighted to see her shadow; he does not have one. A courier leaves an invitation to attend a lunar eclipse party. Mother and daughter head out to enjoy the day, and run some errands. 

As they go, the child continues to notice the many shadows around her: people walking on the street, other children, a dog, the fire hydrant. There is also a shy boy, always in the shadows by himself. He bounces his basketball from his shady spot to her standing in the sunlight. As they continue their walk, she sees more and more shadows in the street, and on the sidewalk. She also loves to play in the shadows cast by trees she is passing. The boy joins them for lunch in the growing shade. Their next stop is at the lunar eclipse party, where many others have gathered to watch the earth cast its shadow over the moon. The walk home in the 'late-night' shadows offers a chance for a happy good night wish. Tomorrow, the adventures can begin once more. 

Salini Perera's eye-catching spreads provide a visual feast for readers on every page. There is so much to see, besides the way that light and shadow entice and entertain. The many details draw the eye on every spread, offering a chance for readers to add their thoughts to the city scenes. She keeps the boy always evident, despite his not stepping into the light. The sights along the way are worthy of discussion, and the progression of the coming darkness is just lovely. Readers are left with a sense of a new friendship taking root in the final scene. 

A visual rendering of a lunar eclipse brings the book to an end. 

SWING! Written and illustrated by James Yang. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages

 

"When the match is over, we decide to play too. 
But I don't play so well. 

Missed!

Aaaaaaaaargh!

Sometimes my brain feels like it's 
bouncing, just like the tennis ball. 

I'm never going to learn the backhand."

At present, it seems that sports television is hosting yet another tennis tournament from a variety of venues on an every-day basis. I thought this would be a great time to tell you about a girl and her father who love to play tennis together. She lets the audience know that Arthur Ashe is her hero, and that her father hits a one-handed backhand just like Arthur did. She needs both hands when she is playing. 

At school while eating kimbap for lunch, Timmy asks to try it. She refuses his request. Her father reminds that Arthur Ashe would be kinder. (Readers will by now recognize Timmy, as he is seen on every spread up until now). 

The two also like to watch television when Arthur is playing; his play is a good example to follow when they practice together. Her father lets her know that she does have things in common with Arthur. He likes to help people; when Timmy asks her to help him learn how to play, she lets him know she is far too busy. She has a match to watch with her father. Watching that match helps her see that she could be a better friend to someone who shares her interest in tennis.  

Retro digital illustrations are worthy of attention, providing a look at life in the late 60s and early 70s when Arthur Ashe was at the height of his career. He was an incredible athlete; he also was a terrific role model for many other reasons. Thanks to her father's patience and her strong will to learn, the two spend many happy days together learning lessons beyond the game of tennis. 

Faraway Family, written by Padma Venkatraman and illustrated by Nicole Wong. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House, 2026. $c26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa 
chatter away in words I don't understand. 
They laugh at jokes I don't get either. 
"Please?" I interrupt. "Can I go to sleep now?"
"I'll take you to your room," Mom says, but 
Grandma shakes her head. She clamps her hand
around mine to bring me upstairs instead."

A plane ride to visit faraway family is initially very exciting for our young narrator. The trip is an endlessly long one. As they arrive, Mom and Dad are excited to be visiting their 'home' after too much time spent away from those they have been missing. Her own home is now faraway!

It isn't easy for the young traveller to recognize her grandparents; she hasn't seen them since she was a baby. Their trip though the busy city is rife with traffic noise, and yelling voices. After the discomfort of the drive and a chance to have something to eat, Grandma will help her granddaughter find a comfortable bed and a quiet room. A power outage causes the fan and night light to fail almost immediately. Grandma is quickly back with a flashlight, and uses hand shadows to keep the little one entertained with a varied collection of animals. It is exactly what the two need when language is an obstacle. 

After the warmth of last night's entertainment and a restful night, she awakens to the sounds of new birds, and the smells of a delicious breakfast shared between new friends. Nicole Wong invites readers into the tale with spreads that are filled with many details and plenty of texture. Perspective changes allow readers to view the congested airport and streets that must be dealt with, the evening animal adventures, and the morning breakfast table. What a lovely family reunion!                                                                                         

Bug on the Bus, written and illustrated by David Catrow. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Fox ran to the bus. 
Hen ran to the bus.

Cat and slug ran to the bus.

Hop on." 

If we want kids to love reading, we need to give them books that encourage their love. You can't go wrong with David Catrow's Bug on the Bus. Besides the fact that it is about public transportation, it is also about an unusual group of passengers. Right from the beginning, early readers will know this bus is about to be boarded by creatures of a different ilk than those that often catch rides together. 

First up is a rather strange looking bug, nattily decked out with a fancy purse that matches her lower legs, curly-cue wings, and a multitude of bright colors. The bug hops on, followed by a scarf-wearing pig, a chunky pup, and a bat that does not run or hop. The passengers become a touch more frantic as an angry chicken chases a fox aboard, followed by a harried striped cat and a very slow-moving snail. 

The fairly astonished, always patient, driver waits for the snail to climb the ramp. Glory be, if it isn't a skunk that arrives just as the bus is about to pull away. All riders but the bug disembark, including the driver with his lunch kit, leaving rhe bug and the skunk to their own bus-i-ness! After meeting as new friends, the pair spend the day having 'fun in the sun'. 

With the perfect number of words for beginning readers, plenty of humor, movement, and endless details to be found in the entirely engrossing illustrations, this book makes kids want to read it on their own with its tribute to short vowels. It's a wild ride, and one of the best books I have seen in the I Like to Read series. 

Axolotl-Ella: A Sort-of Cinderella Story, written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Lian Cho. Ten Speed Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 5 and up

"Axolotl-Ella sighed. She loved her gray-green skin
and her feathery gills. She could breathe through
them both, and if that wasn't useful, what was?

But if she needed to fancy herself up for the festival, 
that's what she'd do. Axolotl-Ella was nothing but 
practical. That's the second thing you should know
about her."

Axolotl-Ella is not one for planning small; she is determined to find a way to go the King's Festival and meet the Prince. There are obstacles: green skin, dull gills, and looking a little like a toad. Her stepsisters are not encouraging. Luckily, she is pretty happy with who she is, and knows just what to do to be fancy enough for the upcoming festival. 

Returning to the water where she was born, she stirs up the magic that her mother had told her was there. She sings a song of transformation, and is fully ready to make her way to the festivities ... minus uncomfortable-looking shoes. She impresses every one that first night, including the Prince. While dancing, the Prince talks only about himself and learns nothing about Axolotl-Ella. Back to the water, and back to the celebration, still without shoes, the Prince meets her at the door. Again, they dance and the Prince talks and talks about himself. There is still no time to ask her question. 

On the final night, she leaves another pair of difficult shoes behind and hurries to meet the Prince. This time she presses to ask her question; the Prince talks non-stop. At midnight, she must flee. Trying to restrain her, the Prince pops her arm off. (It is what happens with all axolotls, the narrator explains.) The Prince is distraught, and vows to find her. 

After many enquiries, he finally finds Ella while floating in the reeds. She doesn't need the arm he holds; she has already grown a new one. She does have a question. That question is a huge surprise to the Prince; as is her promise to help him grow a new heart. With the Prince's help, Axolotl-Ella is able to live a fulfilled life ... finally! 

Inventive and accompanied by detailed, colorful watercolor and ink illustrations, Ms. Messner pens a story based on her love of fairy tales and her scientific fascination with the axolotls of Mexico. In her author's note she includes further information about them, as well a list of books to read more.  

The River of Caregiving, written by Jocelyn Chung and illustrated by Sarah Gonzales. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Caregiving flows through Mama 
as she helps A-ma shower
and get dressed. 

Just as it did
when A-ma used to help Mama 
when she was a little girl." 

Jocelyn Chung dedicates this book to her mother: 

For my mom,
who gave decades to caregiving with 
joy, resilience, patience, and sacrifice. 
May you receive abundant care for yourself
as freely as you've gifted it to others.

This warm, gracious book clearly expresses how that caregiving has shaped the author's life. A young narrator and her a-ma are on their way to a family picnic as A-ma explains the family cares for each other in a fluid and continuous way - just as a river flows. Each generation tends to the next as past generations have cared for them.

The capacity to be there for each other is strong. A-gong meets his granddaughter after school with a smile and a snack; his granddaughter brings the snack and smile as she attends a doctor's appointment with her grandfather to hold his hand and translate the doctor's instructions for him. Each loving scene is filled with familiar Taiwanese foods, settings, memories, and comparisons from one family member to the next. The encounters are filled with compassion and respect.There are so many ways to include all family members in thoughts and actions. It might be to laugh; it might be to cry. Whatever the circumstance, the family is together. 

"No matter how often our lives change course, 
one thing is for sure: I will always be a part of 
this never-ending river of love and care."

Full of joy, and accompanied by loving digital images created using watercolor, gouache and colored pencils, this tribute honors love of family from one generation to the next, ever and always. It is heartwarming, and a special read. 

The Little Stone Buddha, written and illustrated by Grace Lin. Little, Brown and Company. Hachette. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Now the little stone buddha could 
see more than the sky. He saw all the 
people and cars moving fast, the tall 
brick buildings, the crushed cans and
dirty boxes all around him. But his 
smile still stayed."

On the opening endpaper, a man pedals a bicycle carrying a load of belongings through a drab neighborhood, when a little stone buddha falls from the pile and lands near a collection of garbage. People pass by, going hither and yon, never noticing the tiny buddha lying there. He listens to the beat of people's feet, the traffic noise, always smiling though he sees nothing. 

A small girl, walking with her mother, does notice him. She whispers hello; at her mother's bidding to not touch the dirty garbage, she sets the buddha on a discarded box and suggests that someone should clean up the place. From his perch, he can now see all around him. Despite the gloominess of his surroundings, he continues to smile. A man notices that smile, and stoops to take some of the discarded empty cans away with him. 

Things look a little better. The buddha continues smiling. His smile encourages young men carrying throw-aways to a dump further down the street to keep going. A dog is discouraged from 'doing his business' where the little guy is living. The dog's owner leaves some flowers and promises a vase for them ... tomorrow. More and more people take time to stop and to make his life better. Days pass; garbage is removed; flowers are planted; a shelter is built, and gifts are offered. 

"All for the little stone buddha ... 
who continued to smile." 

Grace Lin's compelling gouache illustrations begin in the dim confines of a dilapidated neighborhood where garbage collects in open spaces, and lends an air of misery to the buddha's new home. As neighbors stop to pick up garbage and work to change the space, new and vibrant colors invites close observation and feelings of goodwill and generosity. In the end, it becomes a haven appreciated by all who live in the community. 

An author's note (complete with colorful photographs) tells readers that this book was inspired by two things: a book Ms. Lin loved as a child - The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.  The other is the true story of the Oakland Buddha (found at the traffic median of East 19th Street and 11th Avenue in Oakland, California). 

Note: The final endpaper shows the amazing transformation of the initial space, following the many acts of kindness shown by members of the neighborhood.                                                                                   

                                                                                    

Open: Every Seed Has Its Moment. Written by Robert Agis and illustrated by Sarah Jacoby. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Every seed has a purpose. 
And every seed is different. 

Some are big, 
and some are small. 

Some are smooth, 
and some are 
very rough."

Two voices - the narrator and the seed - invite young readers to take note of a seed's life cycle. It is helped to live its best life with help from rain, soil and sun. Every seed has its moment to grow and flourish; the time has come for this tiny one. It is surrounded by many different types of seeds, and each one is special. 

They will grow on their own, as this little one will do. It takes the time it takes; each one uses the soil, the sun and the water to be what they are meant to be. The seed questions what it happening, while the narrator answers all queries with a promise that the seed will soon learn what it needs to know. Growing is hard work, but worth it. 

Watercolor and pastel artwork, finished digitally, provides clear and quiet context as pages turn. Full of hope, the text describes what is happening underground as growth is anticipated. At the top of the pages, readers can see how the gardeners are working to bring their garden to life. When the flower breaks through the surface, there is great delight from both gardener and plant. The flower now knows what it is meant to do. Its beauty is evident, along with each and every other plant that has grown in the same garden. 

This is a lovely early introduction to a plant's life cycle. Fun to read when you are talking about spring, or gardens. 

King of the Castle, written by Heather Smith and illustrated by Andrea Armstrong. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Eventually, he stops needing the ladder. 

He launches himself into his bunk in two 
seconds flat. 

I know this because I timed him on the 
stopwatch he no longer uses. 

On Saturdays, he goes out with his friends.

I stay home and read comics for free. 

One day, he tells me he's going away
to summer camp."

Every bedtime finds two brothers settling in for the night in their bunkbeds; the older is 'the king' on top and reminds his younger brother endlessly of that superiority. There are issues, of course, our young narrator explains. The day often ends with teasing before sleep. He knows, however, that his older brother is always there. When he is alone, he climbs the bed's ladder and notices that his brother's 'keep out' box has jujubes in it even though there is a NO FOOD IN THE BEDROOM rule. If he tells, he will be found out. He says nothing. 

Their routines are fixed. The older brother is forever in charge; the younger one not always thrilled with the rules he must live by. Time passes and things begin to change. The older brother is now spending more time with his friends, and soon he is off for a week at summer camp. 

"He says, "In seven days, I'll 
have a new bunk bed." 

I wonder if he'll get a new rascal."

The day for camp arrives; the worry grows stronger. Nights are frightening, as night noises are louder and hard to pinpoint. Days are endless without his brother's presence. When mom sends him outside, he reluctantly goes to the park where other kids invite him to play. He is gone all day. That night, as he checks out the top bunk once again, he finds a note of warning to stay out of the shoebox. Who obeys such a thing? Inside he finds his favorite, gummy bears!

Sibling relationships can be complicated. Heather Smith shows her readers that in this touching story. Andrea Armstrong's digital art is emotional and expressive in multiple scenes as the two live life together - and apart. It's sure to inspire conversations with both younger and older siblings concerning their memories and experiences. 

Watermelon Pool, written and illustrated by Bonsoir Lune. Translated brom the Korean by Frances Cha. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages

 

"Everyone stomps together and the clear, 
crimson watermelon juice starts to pool.

When the hot sun is 
about to get even hotter."

Who knew the joys to be found in the watery depths of a watermelon pool? Who even knew there was such a thing? A ripening watermelon suddenly cracks open to reveal its bright flesh and plentiful seeds. A man places his ladder against the watermelon rind and climbs up and up, until he is standing at the edge and ready to test the 'waters'. First, he discards a few seeds before settling into a 'nice and cool' spot on the watermelon's surface. 

Along come other community members looking for a cool spot. There is some concern that last year's watermelon had too many seeds, and wasn't easy to use for swimming.  The row of prospective swimmers grows longer as they go. Numerous young swimmers are eager to get up the ladder or vine to make their way to the top. With crunching feet, they walk about on the lookout for a perfect spot.

The arrivals ramp up, and soon they are having the best effect: 

"Everyone stomps together and the clear, 
crimson watermelon juice starts to pool." 

As more and more people arrive, so does the cloud seller show up with his cloud parasols and his rain cloud showers. The sun has become very hot and swimmers are in need of such protection. He does a great business. A full page spread then shows the enjoyment swimmers are feeling as they find their own just-right and refreshing spot. It isn't long until Grandpa is invited to provide a big slide. It is set up to make a path from one half of the watermelon to the other. Grandma takes her turn first. Before long, the sun is setting and it's time to return home. This first watermelon pool closes for the season! 

No worry, there is always next year! 

This is exactly the kind of book that powers kids' imaginations and lets their thoughts run free. Onomatopoeia adds sensory delights as feet splash through the cool flesh, and a grandma 'wooshes' down the slide with great glee. What a glorious summer adventure! 

Read it once; read it twice to see what you missed the first time. You will be surprised.                                                                                 

Confessions of a Mango, by Kate Lumsden and Nate Pieplow. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2026. $23.99 ages 8 and up

 

"One hundred and seventy people have liked 
my post. That's almost half the school. Nearly 
forty have commented, and a few sent me 
private messages. The profiles are all vague, 
with obviously fake names and pictures. The 
only person I know for sure is Thea. I recognize
the cartoon teddy bear with the crooked smile."

Twins Ruby and Bryce are in sixth grade, and attending a new school. Benton Academy is touted as being for 'the smartest kids in the district'. Ruby would rather be in her old school, with her old friends, and without her brother. Bryce is an over-achiever when it concerns robots, and has difficulty making new friends. Ruby is quick to meet people, and afraid to tell anyone that she has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia for fear they will think her unsuitable for the prestigious school. She does not like the pressure put on her to prove herself.  The school provides accommodations for her learning differences. Still, she worries about the consequences of any noticeably poor performance. The twins are in the same school, to meet the needs of their parents' jobs and schedules. Ruby knows Bryce should be there. 

As she becomes more desperate about her academic work, she learns about a social media space where contributors are anonymous. She creates an account called 'confessions of a mango' to share her feelings about the school and the fact that she is afraid she cannot meet expectations held for her. To her surprise, others admit to feeling the same way. Some share their feelings about the challenges they are facing. The school begins to change. Ruby is not the only mango! Though some challenges are brought by overanxious parents and the school administration, Ruby hangs in and perseveres, believing that she has done nothing wrong and is, in fact, helping students have a voice. 

Ruby is a very likable character who is perceptive and thoughtful. She is a good friend, sister and student. Her learning difficulties are shared with empathy and show who she is. Her intelligence and bravery help to make needed changes. Valuing differences is so very important in middle years, and Ruby is a sincere role model for those wanting things to be different. 

Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children, written by Mac Barnett. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2026. $26.00

 

"The children's writer must have the same talents
that all writers, in varying amounts, possess - control
of language, a sense of rhythm and pace, appreciation 
of beauty, a knack for character, a strong point of view - 
and, on top of all that, the ability to connect with kids. 
It's this last skill that's most mysterious. We know what
makes a writer good, but what makes someone good at 
writing for children?

All the great children's writers I've met have had either
a direct line to their own childhood or a deep sympathy
with actual kids. Some have both."

This essay collection celebrates children and all the smarts they bring to the books they hear and read. Mac Barnett wants children to see books that speak to who they are, not who or what they should be. He doesn't see books that are written from an adult perspective as important to the reading lives of children; rather, he wants their books to fuel their imaginations and offer fantastic stories that entertain and require thinking on their part. He loves and honors their genius, and wants them to have books that give their lives meaning. 

He suggests that there are good books for bad children, and bad books for good children. Only by sharing them, and listening to the children as you do, do adults learn about their reasoning and the joy that books bring. Great books should contribute to their social development. This book reads like a welcome conversation between friends, and offers plenty of opportunities to take the time to stop to think carefully about what he is saying. Panning didactic literature as having value only to "the adults who buy them and who find themselves flattered, and their rules reinforced, in the books’ pages.” I positively agree with that sentiment, having read hundreds of books to children and watched their reactions to some bad books. Their enthusiasm is non-existent and the brave ones will ask: 'is that really a book!?' Assuring them that it looks like a book, they are quite certain it doesn't talk like a book. Astute, indeed. 

“Since the invention of the printing press, children’s books have been a battleground between those who want to tell kids what to do and those who want to tell them stories.” 

Mac Barnett is a storyteller. His personal anecdotes here prove that. His goal, through these essays, is to convince those who read this important and significant book to grace kids with joy in their reading. I love it! 

What was your favorite book as a child? Why do you remember it so vividly? 

Together for Mama, written by Pooja Makhijani and illustrated by Nadia Alam. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 amd up

 

"In the car, Baby Maya cried. Mama's 
eyes were red. Asha looked out the window.

At home, Mama hugged Papa. 
Asha wrapped her arms around them.
"I can't do this," Mama whispered."

In a very sensitive look at postpartum depression, an older sister welcomes home a new baby. Asha loves this new baby and the joy she brings. She spends a great deal of time with Maya and knows how to be a very loving caregiver to her sister. While helping where she can, she also recognizes that Mama is sad. 

In small illustrated scenes, readers can see that Mama is often alone and avoiding contact with her family. Nothing seems to make her happy. One day she forgets to get Asha from school; only then can she ask for help. Papa knows what he must do. 

"Dadi and Noni arrived the next morning."

The two grandmothers know exactly what to do, encouraging everyone to find happy and relaxing things to do for themselves. They hold Maya, and answer Asha's questions about Mama and her unhappiness. So much has changed since the baby, and Asha is worried Mama won't ever feel better. With everyone's help, life begins to change. As days pass, life becomes better. It takes time, but Mama starts to feel as she once did. 

This is a delicate portrayal of the toll postpartum depression can take on a whole family, while also being compassionate and understanding in its treatment. 

Monkeypig, written and illustrated by Huw Aaron. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"There is an IMPOSTER among us
pretending to be a monkey!
We must find out WHO the fake 
monkey is and banish them from 
our tribe forever."

It is really hard for little ones to believe that the monkeys she lives with do not realize that Molly is a pig. It is pretty evident when they turn to the opening spread. She bears no resemblance to the rest of the troop. So, we know from the beginning that there is a problem. Molly knows; no one else does. 

Leave it to Norman, the very bossy and officious simian, to call a meeting. He takes it upon himself to let the troop know there is an IMPOSTER among them. Pretending to be a fellow monkey is an affront and the deceiver must be removed. The rest of the troop cannot believe it to be true. Each and every one of them turn an astonished face toward Norman, who has devised a set of tests to flush out the phony. 

It starts with eating a banana. Poor Molly is terrified of being found out. She has missed breakfast and is frantically hungry. Unable to wait any longer, she pounces upon the pile of waiting bananas and eats them all. The next test is about communication and the sounds monkeys make. The noise Molly makes gets her a second X on Norman's scoreboard. The final test is swinging on a branch from one tree to another. Can you imagine? 

Listeners are sure to be hooting as the action moves forward at an alarming speed, and with crazy results. The monkeys, who are now covered in banana slop, sticks and leaves, await Norman's big reveal. Before he can tell them who the imposter is, the tide turns and the results provide a fitting end to this smart and hilarious picture book. 

Carefully poring over these energetic and very appealing spreads offers up plenty of reasons for chuckles. The piercing eyes, changing expressions and silly antics are priceless and are certain to call for repeated readings. Molly is a hoot!  
                                                                                         

Sweet, Sweet Memory, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated ty Tonya Engel. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"What will you remember?
Grandma wants to know.

I smile, leaning against her 
shoulder. Grandpa said to 
listen to things.
Listen to the way life goes 
on and on."

There was a time when finding a book to share with children concerning grieving and death was not an easy task. Today, we have a lovely abundance of excellent books that broach the subject for young listeners and offer a place to begin a conversation with those children dealing with the loss of a loved one. 

A young girl lets readers know that her grandma has made her a 'white dress with angel sleeves'. Once dressed, she goes out to the porch to do her own hair as Grandma is busy. It's summer and there is much to see as she sits and remembers her grandfather's teachings about growth and the changes it brings. As the family gathers and guests arrive to pay respects to Grandpa, she wants to share a story about him. She cannot get the words out. Only tears. Grandma encourages, but Sarah cannot bring herself to share a memory. 

As Sarah listens to what others are saying, she realizes that that their stories are the same. Grandpa told each of them that 'everything and everyone goes on and on'. It is true. Their visitors leave with hugs, kisses, and warm wishes; Sarah and Grandma wave goodbye. Together, the two sit on the porch in the darkness to talk about Grandpa. The sadness of loss remains. Watching as his garden grows and is then harvested keeps Grandpa in Sarah's heart through memories of times spent together. 

This lovely, soft and warm story is told with eloquence, reminding us to think of our lost loved ones through memories of special times. Tonya Engel's images were created using acrylic underpainting, and completed using oils. They offer a look back at Grandpa and his teachings, his garden and at life without him.  It is a lovely celebration of a life well lived.                                                                                            

Puffins, written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Maris Wicks. Raoring Brook Press, Mackids, Raincoast, 2026. $27.99 ages 5 and up

"Puffling peeps 
         and eats

and grows, 
        shedding its down 

for a sleek cape of gray. 

PEEP

But she's still very hungry. 

The action begins before the title page; an adult puffin circles in the air as it approaches a rocky shore where it lands with a bit of a bump on the ledge. It is the book's introduction to Maine's Eastern Egg Rock Island and a look at the shoreline as nesting season begins for this summer's puffin population. They are not the only seabirds, but they are abundant. 

It is a very noisy place and keeps them safe from land predators. Puffin mates meet, bill, and rub their beaks together. They have been here before. Inside 'a tent of boulders', the male makes the nest comfortable enough for the female to lay her first and only egg. Keeping that nest safe is the male's main responsibility, as both parents keep watch over the egg during its incubation. 

When that egg hatches, the puffling is ravenous! As Father Puffin broods, Mother Puffin flies off in search of food. She has all the features needed to dive deep, and fill her beak with the butterfish that are there to be captured. Unfortunately, the butterfish are too big for the puffling to swallow. 

"Warming waters have made butterfish
more plentiful than white hake

and herring, 

typical puffin prey.

It's still time to eat!"

The mother stays, and the father is off to gather sand lance for feeding their young. Without any warning, a herring gull swoops down to steal those fish from his beak. Father is undeterred, and heads back underwater to find herrings to satisfy his very hungry young one. As the puffling continues to grow, the parents often face danger as they do their best to keep it flourishing. 

The puffling becomes a Little Puffin, ready to fledge. She now faces her own dangers as she journeys to the rocky ledge, and looks out over a moonlit ocean. Little Puffin is now on her own to grow into an adult puffin, living only at sea for years. She has everything she needs to thrive, including a raft of puffins all in the same place as she is ... until it is time to return to where her life began, find a mate, and start the cycle all over again. 

The information provided is very accessible to a young audience because of its strong and appealing illustrations, and its storybook feel. It is a most welcome and engaging way to pass along many carefully researched facts. Back matter includes further facts about puffins and an explanation of the research the author and illustrator did to make this wonderful book a reality. They also offer suggestions for learning more and helping out. 

For a special surprise, remove the dust jacket to uncover a wonderful surprise on the case wrap!                                                                                  

Searching for Wocks, written and illustrated by Lucy Kinsley. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"There! 

Look. 

Look at it. 

But don't touch. 

It is mine, 
       and it is very rare
            and precious. 

I will keep it safe."

Checking out the opening endpapers that put the focus on the many collectibles one might find while searching for 'wocks' is sure to inspire conversation and speculation about where they might be, and what each one is. It's a great opportunity to get young listeners ready for the story to come. 

The young child telling the story is apparently an expert at searching for and finding 'wocks'. She proves her point immediately. She finds one, keeps it for herself, and puts it where it will be safe. It is soon obvious that wocks are not the only things worth having a close look at; there is interest in anything that appears valuable. It's important to take as much time as necessary to make the right choices for what goes in her pocket. 

Anything that seems dangerous is left behind or thrown away. Taking something from an established garden results in the offer of an exchange for a much smaller stone. Now, it's worth wondering how many 'things' there might be already collected. Could it be a million? A picnic bench is a perfect place to set everything out and have a closer look. A picture is taken. Time for a play with the other children at the park, and more time for collecting. Once the pocket is refilled, the two are on their way home. There, the wocks are added to an almost full treasure box, and welcomed home.  

A child's world is full of treasure as is evidenced here. The faceless adult follows along, doing what needs to be done as they go. Told in first person and accompanied by gouache, watercolor and colored pencil illustrations that pinpoint the action from start to finish, this fine book provides young listeners with a clear and enjoyable outdoor excursion with all of its quiet, thoughtful moments. 

The Mighty Macy, written by Kwame Alexander, with illustrations by Kitt Thomas. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2026. $20.99 ages 8 and up

 

"A World of Words

Our school library 
is a house
of hope
an imagination park
an opportunity store
a treasure chest
and right now
Blue and I 
don't have the key 
to get inside
this world of wonder
because when we arrive
there's a sign on the door
that says ... 

CLOSED

Oh, I love Macy, her family, her friends, and her librarian. And ... I love that she loves books, especially the new Mighty Zora series. In fact, the first sign of trouble happens when she gets to the school library with her friend Blue to borrow the second book in that series. There is a note of apology from Ms. Coopeer saying the library is closed, due to budget cuts. Macy can't believe her eyes when that news is shared. 

Kwame Alexander is such an exceptional poet and writer; here, here he proves it all over again. Through music and poetry, he shares Macy's ups and downs. There are many wonderful moments with her family, including some with her brother JoJo that often annoy her. Dad is a poet, who must travel at times to  present his work to others. His absence is felt deeply by Macy as she prepares for a violin recital which she hopes he will be able to attend, and to speak up at the school board meeting about the importance of Ms. Cooper and her library. 

Her mom is ever supportive while Dad is gone, encouraging Macy to have a say on behalf of all of the students and knowing she can do it. Hidden poems Dad has left for her to find while he is gone also help her with the tasks at hand. Her resilience and bravery hold her in good stead for speaking out about the importance of the library. When the time comes, Macy is as ready as she can be. She creates a symphony from the words of her friends who have important things to say about the value of the library in their lives. Here are a few excerpts: 

The library 
is almost 
as good as 
Grandma's house. 

When I read 
in the library 
I forget 
I'm at school. 

One time 
I found 
a book and 
the boy in it 
looked 
just like me.

Everything that Macy deals with will find empathy with readers. Who she is, and what she is able to do, has everything to do with her family, friends, and the community who come together for the greater good of all. Kwame Alexander is an incomparable poet whose books resonate with readers of all ages. I am so happy to have met Macy, and am highly anticipating meeting her again at some future date. 

I Am The Mountain, written and illustrated by Steven Weinberg. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Now I want you to see with your ears. It's summer.
Hear the breeze rustling through my grass. 
What does that sound like? 

Can you hear the trout splashing out of my creek? 
The deer pacing across the meadow? 
The mosquitoes buzzing by my pond?"

In an excerpt from an interview at A Fuse #8 Production, Steven Weinberg had this to say about his truly remarkable new book: 

 “This book began as a very loose idea to try to adapt Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons into a picture book through my landscape paintings. And, I want to stress began because I kept coming back to this idea that beyond the great seasonal structure of that piece, what I really love is how it reminds you that art can be taken in by one sense, but felt by all of them. You know, how you can see a painting. But it can make you feel cold. Or smell spring. This is the way I love to talk about art to kids.”

The stunning watercolors chosen as an invitation to young readers to use their senses to celebrate the many wonders of nature will hold all readers in awe as this book is shared. It begins in near darkness, allowing readers to see the shape of a mountain that describes itself as rocks/old/wise/and dirt. A turn from the title page leads to Part 1 ... a chance to feel winter using only your hands. Windy, shivering cold where the sun is not shining, and with snowflakes that burn like fire whe they land on your skin. The following designated Parts explore each of the seasons with the senses from spring through autumn. Spring is to smell; summer is to hear; autumn is to taste. 

Finally, the reader is asked:

"Now close your eyes.
Take it all in. 
Remember the feel of winter. 
Remember the smell of spring. 
Remember the sound of summer. 
Remember the taste of fall." 

Although the mountain is still unable to see the reader, all readers have now seen it and know the mountain as it stands. Splendid artwork, that I have pored over again and again (and will continue to do as I talk about this book with others) fills spreads with splendor and scenes that capture attention with gorgeous color and detail. 

Slow down, look to nature with each of your senses and learn to appreciate the natural world that surrounds you. Sitting side-by-side with an author's note that encourages kids to find their own piece of nature to observe carefully and sketch, are thirty-eight small paintings Mr. Weinberg has done in past years of the Catskill Mountains which sit outside his studio. How can one place look so different on any given day?