Leina and the Haunted House, written by Myriam Dahman and Nicolas Digard and illustrated by Julia Sarda. Kids Can Press, 2026. $23.99 ages 7 and up

 

"A thousand questions rushed through Leina's 
mind, but she treated the strange creature like
any other passenger. She punted through the 
storm and delivered him to the opposite bank.

                Without a backward glance, 
                                the toad entered the town."

Halloween will soon be here. If you are looking for a magical, slightly scary, new book to read to your kids or class, I recommend this one. It is an original fairy tale that has many of the elements we expect from such stories: magic, mystery, and a game with a welcome outcome. 

Leina pilots her ferry from the village side of the river to the forest where the villagers cut down trees for firewood and forage for food, despite warnings that the forest is haunted. One of her passengers is a young man named Oren. Leina has feelings for him, and is distraught when he fails to return to the dock to be ferried back to the village. She returns each day in hopes that he will be there when she arrives. 

When she is met by an elegant looking and human-sized toad who wants a ride to the village, she is surprised but accommodating. Mr. Spadefoot returns to the river in a furious state after villagers pelt him with rocks and treat him poorly. Upon arrival at the forest side, the weather turns and Leina is invited to have dinner with the toad. It is a remarkable feast in an equally remarkable place. Since the weather has not improved, Mr. Spadefoot suggests she stay and offers the choice between nineteen opulent bedrooms for the night. His only warning is that she should NOT enter the room with the black door. 

When she cannot resist checking it out, she finds cages filled with many different animals all staring at her, and able to share that Mr. Spadefoot has made them what they are. Oren is now a squirrel. When Mr. Spadefoot returns, he is suspicious of Leina's actions. Before retiring for the night, Leina challenges him to a game; he chooses TRUTH OR DARE. Through a series of questions and answers, Leina is able to trick him into revealing his true self and makes a threat he cannot refuse. The caged animals are freed from his spell. Returning to town with all the missing villagers brings a change to the way people treat the forest. Now when they take something, they leave something in thanks for the gifts it offers. 

This is a wonderful read, filled with compelling and intricate digital art that will inspire readers to go back and experience it once again.  

A Good Hide, written by Karina Iceberg and illustrated by Natasha Donovan. Heartdrum, Harper. 2026. $24.99 ages 7 and up

"Hang it over the smoke
and fan the flames fast!

Build the fire high and higher, 
letting smoke tan each side. 

Now, call down the rain!
Ask for a hard hail, too."

This story from Alaska concerns what happens after a successful autumn moose hunt, when the community works together to completely change the hide of said moose into high quality leather. Auntie leads with a message of thanks; it is followed by many helping hands getting to the hard work of scraping the hide. The hide is then soaked and stretched to wring out the water. The work continues to further soften it.  

Once everyone has peed on it, it is given another stretch before letting it get wet in the rain. The brain is used to make 'brain goo' before building a pit fire. Once the brain goo has been worked into the hide to make is soft and smooth, it is smoke tanned over the fire. Once more, rain (and even hail) help to make it even softer. Stretch it once more, and it is ready to be pinned. 

"At last, pin it to the beams.
Pull it tight until it gleams.
Hold it up to the sky - 
the wind will help it dry."

Now, what? 

This informational picture book offers up some surprises for listeners, as well as a clear look at one of the many traditions of the people of Alaska. Digital images of many community members working together to produce something that will benefit all is captivating and contributes to fully understanding the multi-step process.  

An author's note is appended. 

Just One Gift, written by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng. Clarion Books, Harper. 2026. $24.99 ages 10 and up

 

"I can't explain it, but it's like dogs got some kind of
secret power that makes it easier to talk to people. 
Like they want the whole world to be friends with 
each other. 

Ever since school started last fall, I stop on my way
home to pet Percy - that's the dog's name - and throw
a stick for him, and the guy tells me what they done
together that day." 

Language arts teacher Ms. Chang has a new assignment for her students. As she did in The One Thing You'd Save (Clarion, 2021), she prompts them to draw a slip of paper from a hat. On that slip they will find one of three words: Family, Friends, or ? - a reference to the people in their lives. The question mark is for someone not in their family or a friend. 

"If you could give someone special in your life just one gift, who would you choose, and what would it be?"

There are a few rules: it cannot be monetary or fantasy, and it must be something they have never asked for. I found myself stopping to think seriously about how I would answer that question. It is meant to do the same for the students in her classroom. In an author's note that follows the text, Ms. Park explains she again based her writing on a traditional Korean verse form called Sijo (SHEE-zho) and how it is written. I find that in itself amazing and beautiful to read. 

The diversity in the classroom structure is evident in every response given. Ideas are carefully considered and explained in their responses. It takes a lot of critical thinking. The students reflect on the task at hand as they write and then share (or not) their appreciation for the people in their lives. They respect what others have to say and are empathetic to the stories of community they tell. Filled with heart and thoughtful connections, it affords an opportunity in classrooms hearing these stories for the students to tell one of their own.

"Sean

Friend
(journal entry)

I'm not going to share this out loud because it'd be dissing Kyle. 
Everybody knows how hard up his family is, 
but he doesn't talk about it, so we don't either.

I'd give him the Omni16 game system coming out next month. 
Voice control, VR projection, next gen cloud capable. 
He'd be the first to have it. Before anyone else. For once.

If you are teaching in a middle years classroom, and have not yet discovered Linda Sue Park's books, take a trip to the library and find yourself a few of them. I know you will be surprised, and happy to meet an author whose work you can again offer your students.  

Ramadan Rain, written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Aliaa Betawi. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Taraweeh is long and slow. A slow that
isn't awful. A slow that doesn't drag. A slow
that's sweet and soft. 

The imam cries. Momma cries. Others
cry too. Cry for each other, cry for needs
and wants and wishes in this life and the
next. A lullaby I fall asleep to."

Haneen and her mother are aboard a bus as the rain pours down outside. Even when they arrive at the bus stop, the rain continues and Haneen complains about the discomfort of not having a car to get them where they are going. It upsets her mother. They still have two blocks to walk. Her mother explains to her that rain brings blessings - especially during Ramadan. 

When they arrive at the masjid, Haneen's wishing continues as she considers praying for new shoes. Her momma has explained they don't have money for a car, or new shoes. Entering the mosque, they find other mothers sitting together. Haneen follows a friend to draw with the other children. She makes an Eid card for her mother with images of some of the things she longs for. She watches women pass her by in beautiful and colorful clothing; she wishes their family could afford such things. A quiet yearning plays a role for her as she wishes for what she can't have. 

Time passes. Haneen appreciates becoming a part of the community of people gathered there, and feels the calm of shared prayers. She finds a welcome space for a chance to dream her dreams and say her prayers. Only then does she realize what matters most. Her first drawing was filled with what she longs for. It is replaced in time for Eid with a card that shows her mother what she is most grateful for - time for them to spend together, and the rain. 

The text is beautifully constructed, and very descriptive. The illustrations provide a unique and lovely setting, filled with Islamic images, words, and the warmth of the mosque for those who worship there. 

The story encourages patience, a sense of acceptance, being grateful, and thinking of others. 

Bud Finds Her Gift, written by Robin Wall Kimmerer and illustrated by Naoko Stoop. Allida, Harper. 2025, $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Raising her arms in the new light, Nokomis said: 
"Good morning, Morning. Thank you for the gift 
of this day. Thank you, birds and trees and dew 
and flowers. Thank you for all the gifts we are given.

Bud watched and waited. Then she asked, 
"Will we do the important thing soon?"

Nokomis laughed. "This is the important thing, 
taking time for noticing and saying thank you 
for the gifts of the Earth.""

Bud has a special talent for taking notice of the world around her. Outside, inside, and everywhere she goes she notices that people have important things to do. She feels left out. A visit to her Nokomis gives her a chance to talk with her grandmother about what she is feeling. Nokomis offers advice for doing something meaningful the very next day. 

Anticipation grows as the two set forth in the morning. At the top of the hill, they stand beside a very tall tree. Nokomis raises her arms and offers thanks for all the gifts given: for the day, the birds, the bees, the trees and flowers. Bud is left wondering when they will get to the 'something important'. Nokomis explains that taking time and saying thank you to the earth is it. Bud misunderstands the word 'gifts'. 

Nokomis then explains to her granddaughter that the many gifts from nature are worthy of notice. She tells Bud that the more she takes notice of such things, the more she will appreciate what is there. She encourages Bud to start practicing every day to see what will happen. As Bud uses her senses to take careful note of what is happening around her, life takes on new meaning. She watches in awe of a robin building a nest, and understands that as she helps care for the bird, the robin provides the gift of song to her. Nature is full of one thing happening to make something else possible. By taking the time to watch carefully, Bud's awareness of that interaction grows exponentially. 

"Everyone played a part, giving gifts to one another all the time, 
each gift leading to the next. 
The more Bud noticed, the more thankful she became."

Would it be enough? 

The cozy warmth that exists between Bud and her Nokomis, and within her natural surroundings, is expertly shown in Ms. Stoop's detailed and appealing art. Back matter includes a note from the author, ideas for gifting, and additional resources for further learning. 

Thank You, Teacher! Written and illustrated by Supriya Kelkar. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"We got to celebrate together - 
our backgrounds and holidays. 

We have a lot of differences,
but we're connected, always."

School years begin and end in rapid succession, it seems. As another year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on some of the ways that teachers have helped their students during the school year. The opening memory is of the first day of school, showing a tentative child approaching her new teacher with a smile and wave. It's time to get the new year started. 

As the pages turn, days are spent in scenarios that happen in most classrooms throughout the year: storytime, reading and writing, celebrations, Halloween hangovers, outdoor activities, speaking in front of classmates, art and music classes. The list goes on, and reactions to what is happening on days spent together are shared in colorful, detailed mixed-media collages that will have listeners remembering their own days at school. The text is telling, and often compares scenes of varied feelings. 

"There've been days that were sweet.
And days that were too sweet. 

Days when we felt brave. 
And days with cold feet."

All the while the teachers were there doing their best to make a difference for their students. By creating a caring community together, students felt welcome, heard, and a part of something pretty special. This tribute to those who transform the lives of the kids in their classrooms is a lovely readaloud as the days wind down, and will encourage listeners to consider some of their favorite times of the past year.                                                                               

The Yellow Bus, written and illustrated by Loren Long. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2024. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"One day, a new driver came
and drove the Yellow Bus along 
unfamiliar roads. Every morning 
they climbed in ... shuffle - clunk,
shuffle - clunk, creak, creak - clunk."

Oh, I love this book, and the story of its evolution. You can read all about it when you are finished sharing its words with an engaged audience of young listeners. There is plenty of back matter in an author's note to let readers know how it came together. 

Early on, readers watch as the bright yellow bus travels through the quiet streets of a small town on its way to do the important work of picking up children along its route, and taking them to school. The children fill the Yellow Bus with joy. When it is no longer needed for schoolchildren, it finds new life transporting the elderly from their care home to the library and to visit local attractions, including a waterfall. Its work is much appreciated by its riders. The bus is, once again, filled with joy to be making a difference in their lives. 

No longer of use, the Yellow Bus is driven to the city where it is abandoned and becomes home to the homeless when shelter is needed. As they sit in quiet comfort, the bus is filled with joy once more. It isn't long until the Yellow Bus is moved to yet another place - a farm deep in a valley. Longing to hear the voices of the children it once carried, the elderly who appreciated its transport, and those who sought comfort on its seats, the Yellow Bus becomes home to a flock of goats. They climb its steps, use its roof for rest, and enjoy its presence. It fills the bus with joy. 

The noise of trucks and machinery surrounds the farm paddock where it sits. Once that noise ends, a farmer retrieves the goats and leaves the Yellow Bus to its next life. When the river rises in the spring, the water fills the valley and submerges the bus in high waters. There, it finds final joy as fish and other sea creatures swim in and out, around and over it. 

Loren Long's art is simply stunning! I could go on and on, describing its detailed spreads and unspoken stories, its changes in perspective, its use of color, the evolution of the village landscape, its riders and inhabitants, and its impact for readers of all ages. 

Here's the description for how the art was created: 

The art for this book was crafted with graphite pencil, charcoal pencil, and charcoal dust on Epson Doubleweight Matte paper; it was scratched out with X-Acto blades and smudged with Q-tips. The colors were created with acrylic paint, and all of it was mixed with whatever dust and dog hair may have been flying around the artist's studio.

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! If it matters at all, it was my choice for the Caldecott this year (a list that championed many other stunning books). 

https://youtu.be/PcyTiM_pYxs?si=cWPuBMaIfl4uPabz                                                                               

Thank You, written and illustrated by Jarvis. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"And I had a reason
to thank 
elephants, 
but I seem to 
have forgotten, 
               so ... 

I'll thank the 
Tyrannosaurus 
for being the longest word I know."

There is much to be thankful for when we look closely. The young child narrator, clad in red knit cap and matching boots, is aware and shares many of the things that fill him with gratitude. He begins with the moon and the sun, thanking them for night and day. 

With each page turn, he finds endless reasons to be grateful to nature, his family and friends, and the many other sights and sounds as he goes about his day. It is such an important concept for each one of us; to take the time to look closely at our world and to be truly content with what is there. 

There are unexpected twists and turns in his gratitude journey: a tree for shade, a hat for keeping thoughts in his head, a plant for a hiding place, a bowl for jelly, and his belly for making room for that deliciousness. 

"I thank the itch 
for the scratch.

I thank Mr. Jeffers 
for the purrs." 

When the time comes that he thinks he has done all his thanking, he just starts all over again! 

The digital artwork is energetic, colorful, and fills the pages with warm and joyful details. Jarvis says this book started out as a song he sang, and led to his looking for those things he wanted to thank. It was the start of a long list. Wouldn't it be a fun way to start a new school year with your students? 

Taking time to be thankful is a worthy pursuit, and one that can be practiced daily until it is second nature. Endpapers are filled with the great variety in ways world communities say thank you. What are you and your kids thankful for? Start your list!                                                                                   

Wombat, the Reluctant Hero, written by Christian Timmer and illustrated by Rachel Gyan. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"She lumbered back 
to the water hole 
and got to work. 

She dug 

and dug 

and dug. 

and at long last, 
she struck water." 

I have read a few picture books about wombats in the past few years. All have to do with the devastation wrought by wildfires, brought on by drought and strong winds. Those bushfires have threatened many communities and humans, and have ravaged the animal population causing untold deaths in their wake. With the loss of their homes, many animals were left to try and find shelter while the fires raged on, the wombat proved to be an unusual hero for many. 

In this tale, we learn that Wombat likes order in her home. Nothing is out of place. That was not true of her neighbors; Wombat was duly unimpressed. She left them to it. In the heat of the summer, while roaming outside her tunnel, she noticed that her neighbors were suffering. Their water hole was close to dry. Back home she went to get what she needed to dig a tunnel in search of water. Find it, she did. What a relief for everyone; they even brought gifts of thanks. 

The heat remained; more animals sought relief at the water hole. Wombat set to work again. It took a deeper dig this time. The next day, trouble came to her door. The fires were spreading; the animals were in a panic. Orderly as ever, Wombat gave guidance to all to her tunnel entrance. It was crowded, but safe for all.

"The animals sat in silence, slowly 
sipping the water Wombat gave 
them and nibbling on the snacks
she shared."

Stepping outside to see that the fire has completely destroyed their neighborhood, Wombat and her friends set right to work!

Both author and illustrator add notes at the conclusion of their story. Christian Timmer provides additional facts about the wombat, while Rachel Gyan, whose digital artwork adds extra depth to the storytelling, lets readers know that she has seen bushfires and the harm they cause firsthand.                                                                            

In Every Life, by Marla Frazee. Simon & Schuster, 2023. $23.99 all ages

"In every smile, 
blessed is the light. 

In every hope, 
blessed is the doing."

It's been a very long time since Marla Frazee imagined writing this book. 25 years, to be exact. It is a book filled with wonder and beauty. It is a book that should be shared with all ages. It will go straight to my 'keeper' shelf as soon as I am finished this post. I can't wait to share it with my granddaughters, when they are here in the summer, to see what stories it inspires. 

It's larger size offers plentiful space for the seemingly limitless vignettes it presents to all who will take the time to share it. Be prepared to stop, talk, engage, and listen. The two-page spread for birth offers ten comforting, heartfelt scenes of families as they welcome new family members. The wordless spread that follows is a gorgeous look at a cloud-filled pink sunrise being admired by a family and their dog. 

Ms. Frazee then looks at smiles and those times that make all of us smile ... reading together, hugging a pet, eating ice cream, talking on the phone to a friend ... the full wordless spread that divides it from the next concept is pure delight. She goes on to show hope, sadness, mystery, tears, and love. 

There are no borders, nor any captioning for the scenes created in pencil and gouache. They are filled with joy, wonder, and kindness. The colors chosen for each concept are in keeping with the theme, and add another dimesion. Eighty illustrations invite readers and listeners to imagine their own stories for each. The next time it is shared, the stories can be interpreted differently, many times over. 

I think we all need this book. What a blessning it is. 
                                                                         

Hello Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mr. Rogers. Written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2020. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"Fred had a new mission: to create a very different kind of children's television program that spoke to its audience with respect and understanding. A program where Fred would perform, as never before, in front of the camera ... "

Lucky our family was to have Mr. Rogers to turn to when the kids were young! His gentle lessons about his neighborhood showed nothing but kindness and understanding for everyone who was a part of it. Using the imagination allowed freedom to think clearly about the world we all wanted to inhabit.

Fred Rogers knew a good thing when he saw it. He recognized immediately the power that television would have for young children. He knew that it could be used to help educate little ones, just as Sesame Street was doing. The difference was in the pace. Sesame Street moved quickly and entertained with flair and repetition; Mr. Rogers took it slow and easy - he never seemed to be in any rush. His understanding of children and their needs came from his need to know as much as he could about them. He was right. Children and their parents loved the show.

It was 1968. During the show's run, Mr. Rogers tackled issues that had rarely been considered television fare for children: diversity, inclusion, acceptance, art. music, death, divorce, being a good neighbor, and always sharing messages of love, kindness and being curious about the world. He treated every child with respect and they loved him for that. Whatever bothered them, Mr. Rogers offered a chance to talk earnestly and honestly about their concerns. Hopeful, quietly instructive and always gentle, Mr. Rogers was a beacon for countless families.

Matt Cordell shares milestones from Fred's life. This allows readers to see that his life determined his future in television, working with children and their families. Just as Mr. Rogers provided a safe and gentle place, so does Matt. His illustrations provide entrance to an immersive experience with this iconic and beloved man. His characters are as diverse as were Mr. Rogers' guests. So lovely to see that.

Backmatter is enlightening and worthwhile. It includes a biography, photographs from the show, a visual glossary of many iconic images sure to be recognized by fans. Matt includes his own connection to Fred. Websites for further learning are included. The front and back pages of the text present two very special messages that Mr. Rogers often shared with children.

Respectful, quiet and full of the joy that Mr. Rogers brought to his neighborhood every day, I love this book. I will happily share it with all who will listen.     

"It's our insides that make us who we are, that allow us to dream and wonder and feel for others. That's what's essential. That's what will always make the biggest difference in our world."
                                                                                                                           - Fred Rogers                                                           

Our Corner Store, written by Robert Heidbreder and illustrated by Chelsea O'Bryne. Groudwood, 2020. $16.95 ages 8 and up

"Then 

When my sister and I talk about growing up, we remember the freedom we had back then.
We could explore, make mistakes, find friends, grow in our own way and live outside our small family. We were free to roam.
Bert, Mr. and Mrs. Stanstones and Toby were a big part of this freedom."

This last poem in Robert Heidbreder's new book about childhood memories follows up on Rooster Summer (2018), and is a strong companion piece. As written above, it was a time when children were away from home a lot, and allowed to come home when called (or when it got dark). He explains in the end that it might not have happened had parents not trusted their children to take advantage of what life offered..

"You're wild cards, free to roam,
with not just one, but many a home."

So very true of my childhood as well. We were lucky to have neighbors who invited us in, who were friends with our own parents, who watched out for all the kids in the neighborhood, and who expected us to behave as our parents would want us to do. It was a great community.

We were lucky enough to have two corner stores within walking distance. The owners knew us, and we knew what they expected of us. In the Heidbreder neighborhood, the corner store belonged to the Stanstones, a couple who worked hard and treated children with tender care. Then, there was Bert, the always-there store employee, who allowed them to see inside the big freezer, warned them never to be back there on their own, and assured their safety should the door ever close if they did not do as they are told.

The poems are telling, filled with fun and displaying carefully chosen, spirited words to show a world that is decidely different than the one children live in today. The store is at the centre of many of their experiences and adventures, and figures clearly in numerous memories.

After a summer spent at the farm (you know that summer if you have read the previous book), they return to find that the arrival of new, bigger stores has forced their friends to make a difficult decision.

"Mr. and Mrs. Stanstones walk over slowly.
                                        "Money's short.
                                         We don't have enough ...
                                         to keep going ... to compete.
                                         Too many bigger superstores
                                         are opening now, too many.
                                  We told your mom and dad,
                                         but they wanted to wait
                                         until you got back."

Chelsea O'Bryne's gouache and colored pencil artwork brings the store and its many wonders to life, and places it in a warm and welcoming setting.

                                                                                 

Happy I READ Canadian Day! 

The Ranger, written and illustrated by Nancy Vo. Groundwood Books, 2019. $17.95 ages 6 and up

"The fox looked at Annie,
defeated.
Annie said, "I will bind
your wounds and feed you."

The next day, the fox
was still weak.

"Fine, I shall stay with
you one more day," said
Annie."

This is the second book in the Crow Stories trilogy. In The Outlaw (2018), we learned the power of perception and the influence one person can have. The Ranger provides a new impactful character for consideration. The look of the book is familiar; the palette of mostly black, white and gray, the tone for the telling, the quiet pace of the story itself, and the gorgeous textured artwork work to create another unique and memorable tale of friendship and harmony.

In the beginning, readers are told the person pictured is a ranger. Until the perspective changes to seeing her from the front, it is not known that the ranger is a young woman. Once that is clear, her journey through the brush ensues. It leads to a fox in trouble; its leg is caught in a steel trap.

Annie offers help, healing, and companionship. The two set off, spending their days and nights together. Despite the wounded leg, the fox keeps up and provides protection from a huge and threatening bear. Annie's world goes black. Semi-consciousnesses finds her face to face with an old woman who offers healing medicine. Annie is thankful.  Upon full awakening, the woman is gone and the fox is by her side. The two travel on, full of love and appreciation each for the other.

The dramatic switches in perspective, with the addition of one pertinent color, bring clarity to this marvelous tale. Readers will be surprised by the twists, and the feelings of suspense as the two travel. Strong bonds of support and friendship make this story both memorable and thought-provoking.

https://youtu.be/YVkK3D3UB2A
                                                                                 

                                               

Thanku: Poems of Gratitude, edited by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Marlena Myles. Millbrook, Thomas Allen and Son. 2019. $29.99 ages 8 and up

"Falling Leaves
by JaNay Brown-Wood

I loved the leaves
That dropped from the trees
And danced in the breeze
In Autumn.

The vibrant reds
That fell on my head
Or the lawn where I tread
And trot on 'em."

You know I love poetry. You might also know how hard I think it is to write it. That being said, I express gratitude for this anthology; its theme is giving thanks. Miranda Paul has chosen beautifully penned poems from a group of more than thirty diverse voices, all focused on favorite things. It's a brilliant collection and useful when having its intended audience consider what holds importance and gratitude for them.

The range of poetic form is in keeping with the voices shared here.

"Each Scar 
by Baptiste Paul 

My mom says
be thankful
for each scar.

So I play,
Every day.
Lose my way.

Bash, crash, rough -
Mom, it's tough
to thank scars. 

format: tricube"

This tricube is accompanied by a digital illustration showing a child on roller blades, helmeted and with wrist and knee protectors, losing balance thanks to an undone lace. Each of the poems included are of the same design ... the title, poet, poem itself and its form, presented on a textured, colorful background.

"Dimples 
by Chrystal D. Giles

Deep indents in my brown skin
Inspired by the smile bouncing upward from my toes
Mirror to the brightness in my soul
Pools of laughter, bubbling up and spilling out
Love, light, and bursts of cheers
Expressions of peace, pops of joy
Sun-soaked, beaming cheeks, reflections of happy me

format: acrostic"

A young child with a wide smile shows total joy in swinging at the park. Feet up, hands holding tight to the swing hangers, this is a special memory for many children.

And my own favorite from this collection; although I do not have cats, I absolutely understand the joy to be found in such days.

"All This 
by Liz Garton Scanlon

Snow
a book
hot cocoa
a bubble bath
and two curled-up cats.
Another book, more snow
and those cats - oh, how they purr.
Even when the world's dark and cold
there is all this to be grateful for
and I purr too: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

format: Etheree"

The illustration is soft curtains, a white world, a steaming mug, an opened book and those purring cats. Lovely! I would have tea, a cozy blanket and soft music playing in the background.

 Backmatter includes a list of the poetic forms and literary devices included, with an explanation of each, plus an appeal to try them at home. There follows a list of contributors and a short paragraph about each one. The final page includes an editor's note to teachers and parents, and a list of resources.

Thank you, Miranda Paul.