Willa and Wade Are Definitely NOT Spies, written by Judith Henderson and illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour. KIds Can Press. $16.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Here. Now let's 
practice reading the 
newspaper while keeping 
a lookout. 

Like this?

Almost. But 
don't move your head ... 
just your eyeballs. 

How did I do? 

Brilliant!" 

In this third book about them, a penguin named Wade and an ostrich named Willa read a story in their local paper about spies. As they discuss it, the two begin to make an assumption about spies being in their community. They decide to take their observation skills to the street to see if there is evidence to support their concern. Willa comes up with the idea that they should go undercover. 

How will they do that without anyone being suspicious? Willa has the answer; it's time to shop at Eye Spy Outfitters where everything is on sale. Clad in trench coats, sunglasses and fedoras, they pull up their collars and pull down their hats. It's time to practice their wily spy skills. They must be calm and casual ... and stealthy. Pointing their finger guns in classic style, they begin their reconnaissance with gusto. 

They have questions for community members who are frustrated by the birds' insistence they might be spies because of their actions. In fact, they are told, they are the ones who are the likely spies. Those questioned can tell by their appearance. Back where their day began, Willa and Wade get the feeling that far too many patrons are looking their way. Why, they wonder. 

This is fun, and kids will appreciate the storytelling and graphic format. It's a great new addition to a popular series. 

Cabin Head and Tree Head, written and illustrated by Scott Campbell. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $18.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Wait! I have hit something!

What is it? 
Bring it up!

An old shoe! I knew 
there was treasure 
down there, Tree Head!

Let's go and enjoy this 
treasure, my friend. 

I cannot wait." 

It's pretty easy to tell from the book's cover that the two main characters have a lot on their minds. Cabin Head sports a cabin with a red door; Tree Head a tree with a tire swing. A look at the front endpapers shows a variety of characters all on the march to find their place inside the book. Readers will want to take time to identify them according to their head gear. I see Pool Head, Swing Head, Lamp Head and many more. What fun! 

Cabin Head and Tree Head have a slight resemblance to humans - a body with legs, feet, arms, a mouth and eyes. The main difference, of course, comes with what's on their heads, and the heads of every other individual in this graphic novel. The two are best friends and each of the six main stories have them moving from place to place with friendly greetings and conversations, solving problems that arise, painting portraits, and on it goes ... 

Imagine a reader's surprise to meet the Earth on someone's head, or Garden Head's astonishing talent at making leafcuts asked for by anyone who wants a change. 

"Tree Head would like a LEAFCUT! 

Oh, wonderful!

What did you have in mind? 

I would like a dolphin jumping over a wave
made of stars with an octopus surfing on it
eating a taco covered in planets and a tiger 
with a hat. 

That sounds very complicated. It may not
turn out how you imagine it."

Scott Campbell's soft watercolor scenes and the humorous but goofy concepts he uses to create a dreamlike world, meant to entertain and suspend belief, make for a book that will loved and passed along to someone else sure to appreciate it. Friendship is at the heart of the novel, leaving parents and children with a desire to read it again. It's definitely original, and also charming. Early readers will love it, and we will all look forward to meeting the two friends in the future. 

A Friend for Lucy, written and illustrated by Jen - Ai Elena Molineaux. Levine Querido, Chronicle. Raincoast, 2025. $26.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Ana was so happy Leah could see her, and 
Leah to meet her, they spent the rest of the 
afternoon playing together in the park. 

And as the day came to an end, the two 
girls sat down to chat."

Ana is worried about her sister, Lucy. It's obvious that Lucy has become reclusive in her old age; she lives a quiet life in her home with no visitors. She spends her days reading, eating banana bread on her own, and watching television without company. Lucy's sadness is very evident. What can Ana do to make a difference? It would certainly be easier if Ana weren't a ghost. 

Ana makes the decision to find a friend for her sister. As she floats above the park searching, she realizes that none of the people she sees there can see her. When she is about to give up, another young girl named Leah speaks to her. They can see each other. They play together in the park for the rest of the day. As the afternoon comes to an end, Ana mentions her sister Lucy who lives in the same apartment block as Leah's family. 

Leah agrees to visit with Lucy the next day, with her mother's permission. Lucy is surprised to have a visitor, but invites Leah into her home for a piece of freshly-baked cake. As Ana quietly watches the two enjoy their tea time, the two spend the afternoon playing cards, doing a puppet show, and building a fort where they can read together. For the final book to share, Leah chooses a family photo album that awaken long forgotten memories to tug at Lucy's heart. Ana no longer fears for her aging sister, knowing Lucy is happy with her memories and her lovely new friend. 

The graphic-novel format for telling this story is very effective. The use of sepia tones, except for Ana's luminous ghostly appearance, give the story a vintage feel. Endpapers at the back of the book are filled with new photographs that give readers a sense of how life has changed for Lucy after meeting with Leah and finding a new lease on life.  A lovely story of family, friendship and community.
                                                                                  

Steve : Born to Run, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Kids Can Press, 2025. $18.99 ages 4 and up

 

"And I'm not going to be 
just any coach - I'm going 
to be ...

      THE. BEST. 
  COACH. EVER!

Chop - chop! No 
time to waste! 

Lift those hooves!"

In this early years graphic novel (and the fifth story about Steve), Kelly Collier brings her much-loved horse to her fans' attention with an entertaining new episode. Steve is excited to note spring has arrived.  In Steve's insular view of the world around him, all he can think about is the upcoming race-a-thon. Bob his raccoon friend explains why Steve always wins: long legs, deep chest, and a long neck to stretch across the finish line. 

Steve is thrilled that he is so talented, while Bob just sighs at the nuances of being a winner that Steve completely misses. Bob is quick to share that the race this year is a relay. After drawing names for relay partners, Steve is on a team with Turtle, Duck and Snail. It does not go down well with Steve. There is nothing for him to do but take the suggestion from his teammates that he be their coach. Steve is very amenable to the idea. He's going to be the best! 

Rigorous training begins, with hilarious instructions that are sure to have young readers giggling. Race day arrives with rain pouring down. Turtle leads the way through the briar patch, followed by Snail on the steep hill, then Duck through a large puddle, and finally Steve whose effusive compliments to his team and himself for his coaching prowess have him forgetting he has a role to play in the race. Too late! 

His teammates are unperturbed, knowing they have accomplished far more than any of them thought possible; Steve finds a way to pat himself on the back for something, as usual. 

The Museum of Willa and Wade, written by Judith Henderson and illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour. Kids Can Press, 2025. $16.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I have a treasure, too. 
A real dandelion puff. 

I have an acorn and a 
dead beetle. 

I love snacks."

Endpapers give a glimpse at what is to come when discussing the 'treasures' that inspire Willa and Wade to create their own museum. Sure to spark a few giggles, it's an intriguing invitation to see why these items have been chosen.  

Willa, an ostrich, and Wade, a penguin are embarking on their second book together. While out walking,  they spy a shiny something on the sidewalk in front of them. It inspires curiosity and some telling opinions. Their decision that it is a treasure leads to thinking about the need for it to be placed in a museum. Willa's excitement has the two creating their own museum ... a home-made one. They will be able to share that shiny object with everyone.

As they move forward, adding other items for exhibit, their passion for the project grows. With each new addition they have a conversation together about the reasons for display. After adding a rock and a dinosaur figurine, Wade is ready for a snack; Willa is busy pondering a new idea. 

"Maybe our museum needs something less old ... 
more contemporary. 

What's "contemporary"?

Modern. Something new and fresh. 

On it!"

One of Wade's art pieces is placed on the back wall. Before a chance for a snack, Willa decides they should be thinking about both a cafe and a gift shop. First they will need a GRAND OPENING! Their friends are not entirely sure about the gathered items or the look of the museum. They are encouraged by Willa and Wade's willingness to add artifacts to the collection.. Wade is now sure it is time to snack ... and an appealing funny ending. 

This graphic novel is perfect fare for emerging readers. Imaginative, humorous, full of conversation, and inspiration for thinking about future additions to the collection, it will leave new fans hoping it won't be long until they meet these characters again. Readers will surely want to discuss which of their own valuable pieces they would like to add. 

Steve: A Rare Egg, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Kids Can Press, 2025. $18.99 ages 6 and up

"And just think how happy Eggbob's parents 
will be when they come back to find he's 
already hatched. 

Oh,
brother. 

Hang on, Eggbob!
Uncle Steve is 
here to help!

Groan"

Star of two picture books and an earlier graphic novel, Steve is back to entertain readers with his exuberant personality and scientific discovery. A romp in the park has him singing a favorite song about himself when he glances to his right and spots a piece of cake lying atop a garbage bin. The cake is soon consumed; Steve turns his full attention to a red balloon in his path. 

Up pops his gopher friend to warn him of unknown danger. Steve knows that fabulous things cannot be dangerous. Bob Raccoon wants a say about the discovery, hoping to help identify the thing. Steve needs no help with naming it. Happily, he introduces The THINGAMABOB! Call it what you want, his friends want to know exactly what it is. They notice that it is oval, then smooth. Steve is sure it is an egg, even though his friends see no real resemblance. It's red and bouncy. What kind of egg can that be? 

Steve's suggestion is that it is rare. It must be a THINGAMABOB HORSE EGG! Finding its parents becomes a necessity. Since Steve must babysit, his friends take on the task of hanging posters and helping with caregiving as well. The requirements for putting Eggbob to sleep are many, and ridiculous. But they finally work. Kids will be giggling at the antics at every turn. 

While Bob Raccoon wants to rely on scientific and careful observation of the facts, Steve decides that Eggbob is about to hatch. Can it be? Does Steve know best, or will Eggbob prove to be a scientific experiment gone bad? 

Fans will appreciate the humor and silliness of the story, and encourage other readers to check it out.