Backpack, written and illustrated by Katie Arthur. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"A backpack means you're going somewhere. 
Hopefully somewhere fun! 

And it's usually better to be coming or going
instead of staying still, don't you think? 

Plus, there's all that wonderful stuff inside."

As I watch children arriving at school in the mornings and leaving at the end of the day, many are carrying backpacks - or their parents are! The styles, the sizes, the weights they carry, and their way of carrying them are as varied as the children themselves. Some seem almost overwhelmed by how heavy they really are; others are more interested in the logos they sport. They are definitely an integral part of school garb. 

This book honors the niceness of the backpack, and explains its role in the daily routines of many people today. It is a sign that you are 'going somewhere' and that is a good thing. It's a perfect place for carrying important, even significant stuff. A double-page is quick to show readers the many treasures that can be found inside. Young ones will want to take the time to check each out, and name every one of them. A backpack carries joyful things one day; perhaps something sad the next. 

"But you can always count
on your backpack to rest on
your back.

Like a shell. Or a hug."

People call their backpacks by different names, and choose their favorites from a wide assortment of styles. Once again, readers will very much enjoy having a close look at the many shapes and colors created. I love the idea that a little brother can be a backpack for his big sister when he gets tired, or that a backpack can be used as a pillow for a quick nap under a shady tree. The benefits are endless! 

My Name, written and illustrated by Marilda Castanha. Translated by Jane Springer. Groundwood, 2006. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"Little by little, I realized 
that my name has a bit of everything in it.
It brings back memories of last spring, when the 
soft perfume of the olive trees in bloom spread
across the land. 
My name holds other memories, too." 

The author was inspired to write her book by the sadness she felt after seeing a video of children in Gaza writing their names on their arms, hands and legs. A name is very important to every person, animal or thing. No matter the circumstance, a name identifies both things that exist and do not. The child who narrates this book remembers a time when wondering about his name started to mean something. Was there a meaning to it, or a reason for choosing it? His mother is quick to explain the meaning to her son. It means serenity and sweetness just like the songs she sang to him as a baby. 

His father tells him that it has 'bravery, vitality, and courage' in it. It also has the wisdom to help care for their land. The child comes to understand his name has great meaning and holds memories for times past. He remembers that his grandfather suggested his name 'brings out the best taste in olives!' What awe there is in a name. Indeed, his name tells much about him. 

He and his friends write their names everywhere, even on their bodies; they do it carefully and with reason. 

"Because we know that the names
we were given are much more than 
sounds and letters." 

Ms. Castanha dedicates this mindful and profound book: 

"In the name and memory of all children who have been 
and continue to be victims of the atrocities of war." 

Culture and world communities are implied in the poignant illustrations that show destruction of buildings, tanks moving past, children in the streets and practicing writing their names, olive trees, barbed wire fencing, and soldiers. This is a powerful exploration of how children are impacted by war and violence, and that some even manage to survive. Names matter. 
                                                                                       

Zoey's Cheer-me-up Chest, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Gabrielle Gimard. Peanut Butter Press, 2026.$19.95 ages 4 and up

"Their father eagerly 
unwrapped his gifts: 
a knitted scarf from Mathilda
and gingerbread cookies 
from Matthew.

Then it was Zoey's 
turn to give her father 
his birthday gift."

Twins Mathew and Mathilda are plenty excited and want to surprise their dad with a birthday breakfast. In the kitchen, they find Zoey, their little sister. Her gloomy face and grumpy attitude are related to her inability to make anything very special for him. Her siblings are full of praise for the card she has made; Zoey will not be comforted. Mathilda shares a memory from school that she thinks might make Zoey feel better. Both twins remember the fun they had making a cheer-me-up chest. 

Zoey loudly reminds them she is only in kindergarten and has no way of making the kind of box they are describing. Off she goes in a snit to explain her feelings to her teddy bear. As she talks, she begins to think seriously about all the things she CAN do. Though she can't do what her siblings do, she can make a cheer-me-up box full of drawings that refect her many accomplishments so far. 

The children wake their father with their gifts. Zoey has her card ready to give him. He praises her for her creativity, bringing a wide smile to Zoey's face. Before bedtime that evening, Zoey takes a careful look at all the drawings she made earlier to put in her cheer-m-up chest. Lovely ... and it workded!

Ms. Grimard’s gentle and appealing artwork complements the story, allowing readers to feel empathy for Zoey's dilemma while also watching as she works to create a personal chest of memories. 

Muriel and the Mystery, by Charlotte Parent. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Muriel suddenly feels like she is being watched. 

She walks more briskly than usual on the way home. 

Back at her burrow, she finds a mystery in her 
flower box!"  

Muriel lives a life governed by habits. She knows her forest home 'by heart', and her days are mostly spent foraging for snails. One morning, while on the lookout for her next snail, she lifts a leaf to notice a tiny mystery under it. Not to worry, Muriel is ready to press on. In the afternoon, on her way home, she is not thinking about the mystery at all; rather, she is thinking about the soup she will make for supper. 

After a pleasant evening, she retires to her bed for a good night's sleep and wakens to another normal morning. Off she goes in search of snails; again, she spies a mystery - bigger than the other. It gives her an eerie feeling of being watched. She hurries home where she spots yet another mystery.  And another ... and another. She sweeps each one out the door. In her anger, she steps outside only to discover mysteries everywhere she looks. Another surprise is the entrance to a tunnel she has not seen previously. She suspects it might house the mystery. 

Back home she goes. Her sleep disturbed by what has happened, she heads into the dark (not her habit) to return to the tunnel. Upon entrance she realizes she is right. In the darkness she shares a cup of tea, and once again returns home. After a deep sleep, she begins her day in the usual way. For the first time, she acknowledges the mystery with a warm 'hello'. Life goes on, as usual ... or does it? 

Fred Rex, written and illustrated by Joaquin Camp. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"Elvira had a good point. Fred Rex had
spent so much time roaring, he hadn't 
considered what else he might like to
do. It was time to try new things. He 
discovered he enjoyed dancing and 
meeting new people. 

And catching up with old friends."

Fred is a T-Rex whose mission in life is to frighten as many as he can. It is his calling, and he takes it seriously. He's following in his family's footsteps. His education at the School of Fear holds him in good stead for going out on his own to practice all he has learned. He enters the real world with anticipation for hearing plenty of screaming and causing much mayhem. 

None of his lessons are working; Fred is ignored by all. Meeting Elvira and telling his story, he is amenable to following her best advice. She suggests he find other ways to enjoy life. Fred soon realizes that he likes to dance and to meet new people. To his great surprise, he discovers a passion for the opera that leads to trying his hand at singing. 

Not wanting to disappoint his parents, Fred regales them with exactly what they want to hear from Fred Rex the Terrible. Soon, they call to let him know they are planning a visit to see him in action. What will Fred do? He turns to Elvira for further advice. She shares her plan with the cityfolk, who agree to cower in fear when Fred appears. Imagine everyone's surprise once Fred breaks out in song, evoking much admiration from all who hear him. 

Mixed-media illustrations are very appealing for those who love stories about dinosaurs. They will admire Fred's size, strength, and talents as he discovers for himself who he wants to be and what he wants to do with his life.

Duel, by Shawn Harris. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026. $27.99 ages 4 and up

"Then, from each castle came a crowd 
to cheer and hiss and jeer; to hip and 
hoop and woot. 

They sissed and boomed and bah'd, 
and they bibble-babble-booed.
(Legend also has it that they jibble-
jabbled, too.)"

Two castles on a hill, ruled by two queens who share that hill. Neither like the circumstances and decide that a duel shall determine the true ruler of the hill. Only their bravest knights will do battle. The knights prepare. Silk-clad steeds will carry them to victory. A noisy crowd gathers to shout their encouragement. Trumpets call for the duel to begin. Racing forward, they urge their trusty horses toward a loud and dangerous meeting. One knight wins for his queen. What she does as a result of that triumph is the stuff of fairy tales. 

That tells the tale in a nutshell. Yet, you have no idea until you actually have the book in your hands for the true brilliance of the telling. Shawn Harris has taken an art project idea from his kindergarten teacher to show each and every spread in mirror image, reflecting on the dilemma that begins with two queens and two castles on one hill. Using thick tempera and acrylic paints, the artist creates these images with precision and perfection. The strong colors and his ability to pair the tension of the reading with the action on the page ends with a final impressive "CLASH! CLANG! BANG! THUD." Just exactly what readers want from a duel. 

The ingenious solution following the win is a delight. There will be no end to the reading this book on repeat. This is exactly the book I would have read first with no illustrations shown, before reading it once more while showing the incredible artwork. Be sure you have paper and paints ready for students of any age to try their hands at blot painting themselves. Endpaper 'butterfly paintings' provide a clear and enticing invitation. 
                                                                                         

The New Girl: First Crush, written and illustrated by Cassandra Calin. Scholastic. 2026. $20.99 ages

"SLAM!

Are you hurt?

Quick! Help me up
before Julien sees. 

Nice to see you, 
everyone! Ca Va, Lia?

Julien! 
A-Allo ...  

I saw you fall. 
Are you okay?"

In this second The New Girl graphic novel, Lia is more comfortable in her new Montreal home. She has a loyal group of friends and her first year of learning French is helping her become fluent in a new language. She knows she must pass the class before she can move forward. Her life changes as she faces new challenges. 

She has a crush on Julien, who seems to return the feelings. Self-doubt has her worrying about the prettiest girl in her class who also seeks Julien's attention. When her friend Wan Yin comes out to her, Lia promises to keep her secret before accidently telling their friends. Wan Yin is angry and hurt, and breaks ties with her. Lia's mother is concerned about Lia's unusually severe period pain; the doctor declares it normal and suggests pain relievers. It is no solution to a real problem. Her workload at school is heavy, leaving Lia to worry about her grades and her future. 

Fans and new readers will appreciate Ms. Calin's digital artwork with its bold lines and emotional expressions. Lia and her friends are all learning through their experiences, despite making mistakes along the way. The story told is realistic and compelling, offering readers characters who support each other at school and at home. Lia is a great lead character who retains ties with her best friend in Romania, and turns to her to share what is happening in her life while also seeking advice when needed. There is drama, as would be expected; there is also an honest and ongoing attempt to find true and lasting friendships. Lia learns, with help from her family and friends, to believe in who she is and what she can accomplish with determination and understanding. 

Go, Crow, by Tjitske Kamphus. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Dawn breaks. 

A crow waits. 

The wind blows. 

Away she goes!"

Crow's day begins as the glow of sunrise colors the dark sky. Glow is the first presented word, and from there each turn of the page adds a new rhyming word that describes a day's adventure in this crow's life. The sun rises; the crow also rises up through the clouds when daylight suggests she 'go'. 

Through blowing winds, she makes her way over treetops to a farm where a variety of crops are grown. Her bird's-eye view encourages her to take it slow and take a careful look at all she can see alongside a tilled field. The lower she gets, the more aware she is of the farmer sowing seeds in furrowed rows. Keen eyesight offers a chance to land and pluck seeds from one of those rows, while the farmer gives chase. The crow has 'no' business stealing from that farmer's field. 

Into the sky she again goes and flies back the way she came ... straight to the tree that she left earlier in the day. What an eye-opening surprise readers experience as three tiny heads pop up with gaping beaks, eagerly awaiting their mother's return. Darkness finds the family tucked in, fed, and ready for a good night's sleep. Their day is done. 

Word choice and a willingness to bring a brilliant idea to her audience makes this a book to be savored each time it is read. Accompanied by splendid digital art which offers fluid lines and a bold setting, listeners will delight in scenes that capture attention through careful observation. 

What a treasure!                                                                                       

young cat, old cat, by Jillian Tamaki. Groundwood, 2026. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"playful cat

growing cat

nice cat 

naughty cat"

What an ingenious book Jillian Tamaki has created to tell the story of a cat's life, and its owner's love through the years. Using perfectly chosen adjectives to accompany her tale that begins with a tiny kitten, alone at a shelter, finding the small child there with her mother to find a new pet. Nose to nose, the child asks, 'be my cat?' The choice is made, the family travels home with a mewling cat in the car and all supplies needed to provide for it. Once home, the two begin a lifetime of being together through the years. 

Every spread chronicles the growth and love the two share; the child matures as the kitten does. Short phrases trace their life from adoption to the heartbreak of old age and the death of a beloved pet. The art is compelling and remarkable, using color choice to indicate playfulness, growth, old age, and  grief. Young readers are sure to respond to the cat while dreaming of all the things she thinks she can do, and of the aging process that takes the kitten from early exuberance to wobbly oldtimer. Final spreads show the girl waving goodbye as the car moves through a celestial world before a new shelter kitten is welcomed with great happiness. What a gorgeous and heartfelt story this is! 

I here share with you a note about the art journey Ms. Tamaki took to bring her story to full life. 

"The art for this book was created entirely by hand over the course of eighteen months. The fabric is both new and thrifted materials (in some cases, bedsheets) stretched on wooden frames. The paint is acrylic ink, embellished with crewel wool embroidery. Crewelwork was developed in England and is typically used for decorative furnishings; the Bayeux Tapestry is the oldest known example of the craft. The art was lit and photographed in the artist's studio in September 2025.".  

What a gift to all cat lovers who will read and share this book!                                                                                     

Blanket Saves the Day, written by Sara Cassidy and illustrated by Brady Sato. Orca, 2026. $21.95 ages 3 and up

"Josie's blanket is magical. 

It can transform into anything 
she wants: a dinosaur, a pond 
of fish and even a witch's hat!"

Josie's blanket is her constant companion. The two go everywhere together. It's a boat when she and her dad play on the slide; a fox when she needs a friend; a pond when she and her mom go fishing at the park; a kite on a windy day; a witch's hat when she is playing. They share popcorn while watching a movie, brush their teeth together, and snuggle up at bedtime. 

When Josie's parents leave her in Grandma's care while they are away from home, she hugs it tight. One night at bedtime, Grandma notices some spilled jelly on the blanket. While Josie sleeps, her helpful grandmother sprays it, mends it, and gives it a wash. To Josie's horror in the morning, the blanket is completely transformed. It looks nothing like the blanket she so loves. It puts her in a very bad mood. While out for a walk together, Josie flings the blanket away from her stroller to land on a nearby fence. 

Following illustrations show Josie at the park without her blanket. What a dreary day! Nothing feels right without it. Wanting to distract her granddaughter, Grandma sends her on an errand to the mailbox. Mission accomplished, Josie finds herself confused about where she is. To her great delight, she spots her blanket, ties it on and make her way back home. Mom and Dad return to find her fast asleep, and hugging a new blanket bunny created by her resourceful grandmother! All's well that ends well. 

Boogy & Tee and Twinkle & Hew, written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Mark Hoffman. Groundwood, 2026. $23.99 ages 3 and upp

 

"Hew's boat fell apart, breaking more than one heart.

     The two wept like never before.

They held each other, said, "Love you, my brother."

     Would they every get back to shore,

          To shore?

Would they every get back to shore?" 

Acknowledging that this book was inspired by Edward Lear’s The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, and dedicating it to 'young people working to calm the seas and build strong boats', Kathy Stinson's new book tells the story of two pairs of characters aboard two very different types of boat. 

Boogy and Tea are out to sea on a luxurious yacht for a day of enjoyment, leaving a note behind suggesting their neighbors cut their grass while they are gone. Twinkle and Hew are on an old, small fishing boat, leaving a note to tell visitors they have gone to sea because their icebox is empty. Two very different reasons to be there when a storm blows up, and causes great worry for all. Will the fishermen survive? Those on board the yacht are barely aware of the bad weather and totally unconcerned for their safety. 

The fishing boat breaks apart; the yacht runs aground when Boogy is more concerned about looking at the stars as his next property than steering the boat. Noticing Twinkle and Hew clinging to the only board left of their boat, Tee brings them on board, and learns that Twinkle's boat mending skills are just what they need. The four can now sail the seas together. 

Mark Hoffman's collaged painted papers and colored pencil illustrations are filled with colors that are stormy and bold, in keeping with the adventure described in telling rhymes that echo Edward Lear's nonsense tale of an owl and a pussycat who also went to sea. Fun to read, and spotlighting both greed and kindness, it's a picture book that touches on important issues.                                                    

Stop saying that we are all in the same boat.
We’re all in the same storm.
But we’re not all in the same boat.   
                    - Greta Thunberg                                                                      

Bad Badger: A Family Story, written by Maryrose Wood and illustrated by Giulia Ghigini. Union Square Kids, Hachette. $12.99 ages 8 and up

 

"The skies were clear, the seas were calm. 
Some bait for the fish - leftover sausage 
would do - perhaps a sketchbook for 
doodling in case the fishing was slow, 

and he would be off. 

O, happy badger! Alone and paddling
and at peace while Gully minded the 
chicks. 

"Seagull things and badger things," he
sang to himself, fastening his sun hat 
beneath his muzzle."

I first met Septimus, a badger, and his seagull friend Gully last year, when I was anticipating reading it to Chelsea during her summer visit. Recently, Chelsea, her mom and I were all reading this sequel at the same time; they at home in British Columbia and me here in Manitoba. It turns out that we each enjoyed it as much as the first one, and are very happy to have had the opportunity to read this one as well. 

When we left them in the first book, the two were preparing for the arrival of three chicks. Now, the four birds are living with Septimus in his cottage by the sea. Gully and Septimus are doing their best to parent the three hatchlings, who prove to be loud, messy and not at all in tune with the opera music loved by Septimus, their adoptive father. Despite some misgivings, Badger is doing his best to provide care and understanding. Exhausted but loving, the two are capable of sharing their duties; the little ones are thriving. 

When an unexpected group of forest badgers show up for a surprise visit, things change. These badgers are smelly and loud, with a need to learn about Badger's family and his love of village life. Once they become accustomed to being together, the forest badgers prove to be adept helpers and life settles down. Gully's growing worry over her offspring's lack of interest in flying leads to the realization that badgers and seagulls have different goals in life. The chicks want to be independent, but fear it as well. They are happy burrowing underground and eating worms with their new friends, while ignoring their mother's fear that they will not learn to fly. Can Septimus find a way to inspire in them a willingness to try it? 

Their story allows for a look at family dynamics not unlike most. With humor and heart, Maryrose Wood brings readers back into their lives with a follow-up book that clearly presents a chaotic, loving family who can count on each other and their friends for all they need. It is a wonderful family readaloud. 

Your Horse, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $12.99 ages 2 and up

 

"But do you know

what else horses do? 

They keep secrets. 

They are really 

good at it."

Earlier this year, Jon Klassen added Your Truck to his series called Your Things. In recent reading about upcoming books, he will add Your Rock in January 2027. We are highly anticipating the arrival of a new baby in our family come April 2027. I have begun to put together a book basket filled with board books for that little one. Many will be copies of some of Mr. Klassen's most recent publications. 

In this book, an unseen narrator gifts a young reader with 'your horse'. It is brown, but could be other colors as well. As all horses can, this horse walks, runs, and jumps. Perhaps its most endearing trait is that it will keep a secret. Horses are good at doing that. Apparently, any secret can be shared with the horse, and it can be fully trusted keep it. 

The narrator even offers the reader a chance to check it out. 

"If you have a secret 

to tell your horse, 

turn the page 

and do it then."

A turn of the page offers a closer look at a serious and silent horse making absolutely no sound at all. Again assured that the horse will never tell, the book closes with said horse feeling the pull of a good night's sleep and sinking into slumber in the advancing darkness. No secret shared! 

I love the peaceful feel of the world created in this truly wonderful series. Other books include Your Farm, Your Forest, and Your Island. Each book's minimalist feel and familiar objects are wonderful to share with our youngest readers. There is a comfort that comes from reading each book one time, and then again. Bedtime ends every book, after showing the wonder to be found in 'your things'. Life is safe, full of comfort, and discussion is encouraged. 

Two Jon Klassen board books in the past week; how lucky are we? 
                                                                                    

The GREAT Frog, written and illustrated by Katie Palazzola. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 3036. $24.99 ages 4 and up

""Is there a Great Oak Tree to look after 
the acorns?" Peedie asked.

"Sure. Maybe," said Kit. 

"There should be a looker-after for 
everything little," Peedie declared. 

Kit nodded, and they made an
acorn pile."

In her debut picture book for young readers, Ms. Palazzola introduces Kit and Peedie, siblings who spend plenty of time in nature. In his first encounter with frog eggs, Peedie wonders why they gather in blobs. Kit has the right advice; to keep little kids with sticks like Peedie's from poking them. Peedie would like to be a protector. Kit explains the Great Frog does that job. 

The Great Frog? Kit continues providing needed information for her brother who wonders how long it will take for the eggs to become frogs. Patience is the first order of business, Kit explains. One will become the next Great Frog, riding a horse named Tarnation and wielding a lasso to catch shooting stars. Every question from her brother is answered with a heavy dose of imagination and entertainment. A moon castle, a big telescope, a fountain are needed to protect so many little ones. 

Do they know who the next Great Frog will be? Only the Great Frog knows, he is told. Even after Kit admits that she was not telling the truth about the Great Frog and that she just wanted to tell Peedie a story he would like, Peedie proves he has learned an important lesson from his sister. 

Everyone can be a looker-after, just like the Great Frog: those who care about each other, the earth and its many blessings, and even themselves ... and that's a good thing!

Finding Lost, written by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.50 ages 9 and up

"As Geno and I walk to get our strawberry
cheesecake Blizzards, the wind hits the road
signs, and they make a rattling noise. Cars go

by on the road and I wonder about the people 
inside. Where are they going and what kind of
lives do they have? How many of them like 
pasta salad called rotini with green olives and 
red peppers and chunks of smelly cheese? 
How many of the people listen to thrash metal
music from a band called Tankard? Have any 
of them ever seen dolphins in the Siuslaw?
How many lost a parent when they were a kid?"

It's been more than two years since Cordy's dad died in a boating accident while he was out making a living on his fishing boat. Her mom quit nursing school to support herself and her two children. They live in the boathouse of a rich family, whose main house her mom takes care of while they live somewhere else for most of the year. It is a dreary life in a wet and often dreary small town in the Pacific northwest. It's been a lot of change for a young girl to handle. 

When a small, unkempt, and hungry dog follows her home from school one day, Cordy hopes they will not find the dog's owner. Lost, appropriately name for his circumstance, fits right in with the whole family in no time at all. It is only great good luck, with some needed research and help from her younger brother Geno, that brings Cordy and Lost to a free vet clinic one day. She has learned that Lost's terrible breath may be a sign of poor health. Dr. Mazari proves to be just what the family needs. Lost has many infected teeth, and it will take a great deal of money to have them pulled. 

Cordy's mom and Taj (the vet) discuss ways the family might handle the financial difficulties. Their meeting at the clinic leads to more visits and changes in the family dynamic which bothers Cordy. She isn't sure about Dr. Mazari, or about the way her mother is becoming close to him. Through some obstacles, the family perseveres and the changes that finding Lost brings make for fine storytelling. 

The Oregon setting is a vital part of this warm family story. Readers have their senses awakened through being a part of the natural world that Cordy loves. All characters are valid and worth knowing. They care for each other as they all adapt to meaningful changes in their lives. Realistic and truthful when dealing with the grief and struggles following her father's death, Cordy is a character whose first-person voice  and expressions will have readers cheering her on, and hoping for the best. 

It is a warm and memorable read. 

The House With Nobody In It, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $19.99 ages 3 and up

 

"This room has a table. 
And there is a clock 
on the wall. 

Let's go into the next room."

I don't often post board books to my blog; that is, unless they are written by Jon Klassen. He continues to amaze with his thoughtful and inspired writing. In this new book, he invites readers inside to explore a house with no residents. The door is open and there is no sign of anyone as the tour begins. The first room has a chair, the second has a table and a clock. Do you notice the interior is getting darker as the exploration continues? 

In the room with a stool and a lamp, a ghostly shape also appears. The walls have changed from warm yellow, to cool blue, to forest green. Moving on, with the ghostly figure appearing at the door of the next room, there is only a bed in an even darker green room. One more door leads to a room with boots only, and the last door offers a chance to move outside into a moonlit evening. 

Repeating the first few lines again at the end adds to the eerie feelings explored. 

"There is nobody 
in this house. 
There used to be somebody. 
But there is nobody 
now." 

Die-cuts, an unmentioned, though evident, resident, and diminishing color in the visited rooms deepens the mystery, and proves that Jon Klassen knows how to tell a ghost story for even our youngest readers. 

Don't miss it! 

Phoenix, written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 9 and up

 

"After a bit more discussion, but not much, 
Miss Chelsea and Harper's mom agreed to 
table the conversation. It meant they'd wait
to decide about Harper keeping Phoenix - 
though how long they would wait, Harper
didn't know. At least it gave her time to 
show how hard she could work, and how 
excellent Phoenix could be once he'd
gotten healthy again. As long as he got 
healthy quickly enough."

What an admirable start to a new series this is! Harper has just been hit by a BOMB. She learns through middle school gossip about her father's affair with her best friend's mother. Now, her parents are divorcing and her mother has decided that the two of them will move to a new place for a new start. Their move from urban Knoxville to the small rural town of Sommer Springs is a shocker. Their new home is a tiny house, cramped for the two of them and very unappealing to Harper. It is located close to a riding barn, owned by Miss Chelsea who is renting them their new accommodation. Harper cares about none of it. 

When a starved and terribly neglected horse is dropped at the stable from a kill truck, life changes for both horse and girl. Harper names him Phoenix, and determines to do all it takes to bring the horse back to good health. She does not know that she needs rescuing as much as Phoenix does. Her mother and Miss Chelsea don't want her to get her hopes up as Phoenix is very sick. It's too late for that advice. Harper works around the barn, takes lessons, learns what she needs to know to care for Phoenix as best she can. As Harper deals with the pain of betrayal and divorce, she helps her horse deal with mistreatment and his own pain. 

There's an admirable cast of characters: Miss Chelsea, the barn owner; Dante and Night, both riders at the stable and classmates of Harper; Emma, a young rider with great confidence, Harper's mother and eventually her father, and her former best friend, Cat. So much is broken; only time can help mend the hurts.  Real and relatable, the story is compelling and a powerful introduction to a brand-new series. It will find many fans beyond those who love stories about horses. 

Who's Making That Big STINK?, written by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Eric J. Chen. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2026. $21.99 ages 6 and up

 

"MMMM ... 

Who's making that big STINK?!

It smells like buttered popcorn?

A binturong.

Binturongs give off a strong 
popcorn smell. They produce
the same chemicals that give 
popcorn its pleasant smell. 

Not every animal with a 
strong odor smells bad."

This is just the kind of book that kids love to read. It provides well-researched facts that can be quite unexpected, and even elicit some giggles. After reading it, interested kids have surprising (and somewhat gross) conversation starters to share with anyone who will listen. 

The text describes 13 different plant and animal species whose aromas cause a stir. The format is easy to follow: a reaction to the smell, a question about who is responsible for it, an apt description of the smell itself, and a short and revealing answer to the original repeated question. The skunk and stinkbird may be familiar to readers; the sea hare and bombardier beetle may not be. The variety makes for new learning for the many who will read this with a few ewws of their own.  

In follow-up quick facts, Mr. Lunde addresses the scents of beavers, spadefoot toads, ring-tailed lemurs, hippos, grey kangaroos, hyenas, and even humans whose 'pungent odor' tends to attract mosquitoes. Erica Chen's digital illustrations are colorful, placed in accurate settings, close-up and very expressive. Kids will love the swirling funky smells that each creature emits.
                                                                                     

https://youtube.com/shorts/1tccKR_BL4A?si=BpNYHJ5clrj2GAhn

Eon: my pet tardigrade. Written by Cybele Young, with illustrations by Cybele Young and Nell Jocelyn. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I kept a keen eye on my pet tardigrade. 

But one day I lost sight of him! 
I thought Eon was gone forever. 

I searched 

and searched ... "

Do you know the word tardigrade? I did not; it turns out that it is an invertebrate that is barely visible to a child's eye. A young girl with her eye to her microscope makes the discovery while looking for something else. Imagine her surprise when he showed up there! Tiny and pink, with two visible eyes, he plodded slowly under her careful observation. He was barely a tickle when she held him on her palm. Oh, she wanted to hug him. 

She would do her best to take care of him. Could she? How? She had so many ideas. As she watched and imagined she gave him the name Eon. Through research she learned about tardigrades, also known as water bears. There was so much more to learn than that; 'he is a master of extremes', having the ability to live in the coldest ice, the hottest volcanoes. And even more: 

"The tallest mountains
and the deepest oceans. 
The tangliest woods 
and the ooziest muds." 

Tardigrades are even found in outer space. Could she create that kind of space in her bedroom for her tiny pet? It was very easy to lose sight of him. After a very long search, the tardigrade she found was completely changed. His big secret lay in his ability to tuck in, curl up and become like a speck of dust to blow away and find a new place that was just right. She did that for him, and hoped for the best.His new world would be perfect for him, and the new friends he found. Might she see him again one day? 

An author's note connects Cybele Young to her encounter with a tardigrade, and all that she learned from it. She also introduces Nell Jocelyn and her exceptional artwork as a collaborator in creating the imaginary world of a young girl and her desire to keep the bearlike creature safe. You will need plenty of time to carefully observe and appreciate the delicate and engaging work done to create a world, specially meant for a tiny tardigrade.

Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 8 and up

 

"XII.
By the numbers.
Nearly four thousand jellyfish species;
only fifty with venom deadly to humans. 

Bodies 95 percent water. 
Lifespans from a few weeks
to eighteen months. 
One mouth serves two purposes:
eating food and expelling poop. 
Before you kiss a jellyfish, think twice."

Here are 14 Roman numeral numbered poems that explore the wonder of these ancient ocean dwellers in every possible way: history, biology and even mythology. The poetry is remarkable from first to last entry, sharing facts through rhythmic language that mirrors the ways jellyfish move and live in their ocean home. About the only things I thought I knew about the jellyfish were what they look like and how dangerous they are. I had no idea about their names, their astonishing and beautiful forms, or that they date back to before the dinosaurs. All that by number III!

Moving from one exceptional spread to the next, I quickly discovered there is much I didn't know. Now, I do. Bioluminescence glows through them in numerous colors; in the dark they appear blue, violet, yellow, and red. Scientific classifications are as varied as their shapes. Ms. Weatherford suggests that instead of trying to remember all that, it's okay to 'just call them jellies'. I will take her advice. The fact that they are made of nerve bundles helps to explain the lack of other organs and bones. 

The life cycle is made clear for young readers, although it differs at times and the results of a boom in the births can end up with there being too many in one place with no room for all; causing them to wash ashore to their certain demise. While I have great admiration for every Bagram Ibatoulline 'watercolor, acrylic gouache, pen, pencil, colored paper and digital tools' work of art, I found myself poring over the accompanying image for this poem. A large jelly invites rapt attention from numerous ocean creatures with a detailed drawing of the jellyfish life cycle. It's quite wonderful! 

Even more impressive is how the artist shifts from one style to another to offer perspective for the variety in the poems presented. IX describes the hugeness of two jellyfish in terms of length and size; the image created allows readers to compare both to a nearby diver. Graphic panels are sharply diagonal to show the danger for a child stung by a jellyfish and the pain felt before transfer in an ambulance. 

Each spread shows a different way to consider the jellyfish, both narrative and illustrative. The poems speak to the wonders of learning about something elusive and little known to most people. Each spread is a surprise to its readers as shown through the careful observation of the artist. It is sure to inspire awe in readers and listeners. This tribute to jellyfish is exactly the book I would love to share in classrooms for years to come. 

A bibliography and further resources close this sensational collaboration.