A Riddle of Eels, written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. Random House Studio. Penguin Random House, 2026. $27.99 ages

"It is easy to see how people might disagree
about the terrifying, isolated Komodo dragon, 
it's terrifying! It's isolated! 

rar!

It is less easy to see how people might 
disagree about the eel. 
The eel is not rare. The eel is not 
terrifying. The eel is not isolated.
The eel is all around us.

glub!"

Sibert medalist Nicholas Day begins by talking about all the books we read that give us facts that relate to what is familiar to many. He also presents some of what we know about eels; but adds 'the more we study it, the less we know about it.'  He then suggests that it would be helpful if the reader could suddenly become an eel and pass along all that is learned while being one. In that way, this picture book would tell us all we need to know about eels. 

Mr. Day moves on to report that the many who have studied the eel in the past have made statements that they felt were true from their observations. They presented their evidence and it was accepted until someone disproved it with another theory; on it went from one conclusion to the next. 

"All this disagreeing went on for centuries, because eels are both 
fascinating and bewildering, and after a while, everyone 
managed to agree on this: 

Eels are really easy to disagree about." 

It should be easier. People could stand at the mouth of some European and American rivers and watch as a billion eels swam up them. Even being able to touch and hold them did little to help with the learning. Where did they come from? Where were the babies? How did they make those babies if there were any? There were no easy answers. 

After many years and much study, Danish biologist Johannes Schmidt observed that all eels were born in the Sargasso Sea, migrated to the rivers of Europe and North America, and returned at the end of their lives to spawn new eels though he never saw a full-grown eel there. We are sure of those things, and that their migration journey is unimaginable. How do they know where they are going? As we come to the end of this remarkable book, what have we really learned about them? 

For all we do know about today's world, there is so much left to explore and reveal. 

Chatty and accessible for his target audience, Nicholas Day has done his research and presents it with questions in mind and few answers despite all the scientific study. It has humor and lively appeal. Cory Tabor's mixed-media digital artwork places readers in the middle of an eel's world with his agile, undulating forms and historical and contemporary settings. Illustrations are filled with motion and wonder, while adding context for the learning. The endpapers are brilliant and the book's case wrap offers a giggle. A closing note from the author further enlightens the text, while also focusing on the steep decline in eel populations. Sources are included. 

Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories: A Tall Tale Based on the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston. Written by Giselle Anatol and illustrated by Raissa Figueroa. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"By the time all those stories bubbled forth, 
and Jamie and Tea Cake had laughed until 
they cried, Small-Girl Zora wondered if she'd 
be able to lug the watering can all the way 
back home. 

But when she looked inside, it was almost 
as dry as a bone! Only a few drops!"

Small-Girl Zora is not the kind of girl who does what others expect of her. She likes to climb high in trees and 'play tag with the moon' to the consternation of all members of her family. She doesn't wear a hat when she's playing outside on a sunny day; she loses her sandals; and she likes to get messy when she's in the outdoors. She LOVES to tell preposterous stories, with encouragement from her listeners. There are those who do not encourage her plan for changing the world with her stories. Zora does not listen to their complaining. 

She expects to inspire tears of joy and laughter whenever she tells those stories. To that end, she takes a watering can with her to collect the tears and use them to help end the drought that is plaguing her small town. She begins with a rich farm family; they don't want to hear her stories. She persists with a story of a serpent which scares the farmer's wife, wakes the farmer from his nap and leads to Zora leaving their home as quietly as possible. Moving on to the general store, she tells a story of 'magically multiplying eggs' that have kept her full for days. Nothing stops her from embellishing that story with other details until the store owner sends her packing. 

She has so many stories to tell! No one is giving her a chance to make them cry and add their tears to her watering can. Her stories do work on Janie and Tea Cake; they laugh until they cry. The watering can is filling up and getting pretty heavy. When she looks inside, a few drops are all she sees. Sad and dejected, she sits herself down. Janie and Tea Cake offer encouragement as they say her stories wash their troubles away. On the way home, with rain falling gently, she is able to consider that her stories are being shared, bringing smiles of happiness. Suddenly and joyfully, Zora realizes a very important thing. 

"The drought was over! 
Her storytelling had worked!" 

Ms. Anatol's word choice in sharing the exuberance that was Zora Hurston's life is humorous and inspiring for the children who will have the good luck of hearing it. Raissa Gigueroa's artwork creates a setting that takes readers back to Zora's childhood home and the historical setting for her early life. She weaves the reality of Zora's life with the magic of her storytelling in spreads that will capture attention and inspire a closer look. An extensive author's note reveals Zora Neale Hurston's life story and her influences on the author. 

Tom Nancy: The Sheep Who Swapped Brains with a Boy, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by X. Fang. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The next morning Tom Nancy went 
back to school. Felix tried to go too. 

"Look at that!' The children pointed 
and giggled. "A sheep followed you 
to school! Just like in a storybook."

Felix tried to tell them he was actually 
a boy, but nobody listened to a sheep."

Kevin lives on a farm with his parents and an assortment of animals that include an arrogant sheep named Tom Nancy. Because Felix looks ready to have a conversation, Tom Nancy speaks to him one day. He has an important question. 

"Do you want to see a marvelous thing?" 

Felix, being Felix, says yes. With Tom Nancy in the lead the two are off to the old barn, where Tom Nancy shows Felix a brain-swapping machine he has built. He explains its workings and suggests they try swapping brains for the day. It's easy to see Felix's vulnerability, and Tom is quick to take advantage. 

BING! 

Tom becomes everything Felix, and Felix is suddenly a wide-eyed innocent sheep. Tom Nancy loves his day as a boy! Everything about it makes him happy. Felix does what sheep do; he spends his day in the pasture chewing grass, which he finds 'interesting.' When Felix is ready to switch back, he is distraught to learn Tom Nancy has no intention of doing so. Tom Nancy takes advantage of every opportunity to keep his new identity, while Felix tries to explain to the other animals what has happened. The other animals are perfectly content with Felix as he now is. They like him that way, and have no warm feelings for Tom Nancy. 

Tom was happy until he has to deal with the realities of school, and the expectations of him concerning homework. He complains to his dad who isn't open to letting him stay home since he hasn't been helping with the chores. With warnings from both principal and father concerning the work he will be expected to do in the future, Tom runs to Felix with a request to switch back. When they get to the barn, Tom Clancy is met with a very big surprise; a comeuppance from Felix and the other animals concerning his future. 

X. Fang drew her eye-catching illustrations with graphite and then added color in Photoshop. She keeps characters center of attention against all backgrounds. Tom Nancy is quite the individual; everything about him is big and outrageous. This is one terrific picture book from the very funny and irreverent Mac Barnett.  

Shake This Book, written and illustrated by Dave Whamond. owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"You're clearly VERY strong! 

I feel weird. 

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 

I think you may have shaken 
the book too hard. 

SOMETHING DOESN'T 
SEEM RIGHT ... "

Things in the animal kingdom seem just a little too quiet and mundane. A bright blue and bored-looking rabbit thinks it is time to 'shake things up'. A tiny caterpillar shows concern for upcoming nonsense. The rabbit knows just what to do. Get readers to give the book a shake! Why not? The other animals show concern - and well they should! 

A turn of the page and chaos ensues. All animals are strewn hither and you, with surprised and frightened looks for what is happening to them. Another turn of the page and each of the animals is now sporting another's body parts. The mayhem is described: 

"I'm half crab and half rabbit. 
I'm a CRABBIT!

I'm I guess I'm a 
LADY-PUG. 

Am I a KANGA-ROOSTER?"

There's only one thing to do now. Can you guess? Kids will know and will be tremendously happy to help the animals get back to their former selves, no matter how long it might take. Are you ready? 

Speech bubbles, bold colors, cartoonish and recognizable animals, and just the right amount of playfulness makes for a very appealing book for young children. You know you will be reading it often!  

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. 

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.

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. 

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! 

Mr. Chow's Night Market, written by Emily Sun Li and illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

"Mr. Chow doesn't know what to think.
Outside, city lights glow. Cicadas buzz. 
Inside, the fridges hum with energy. 
"I should get ready for bed," Mr. Chow
reminds himself. "I have to get up in a 
few hours!"

But dread pricks his stomach like fish bones."

Mr. Chow and I have something in common; we don't like to get up early in the morning. We would rather stay up late. Our circumstances are very different; he owns a grocery store where patrons line up early to make their purchases and I am a retired teacher with few commitments in the early morning. 

When he sleeps in one morning, despite calls from his grandchildren, angry customers are waiting in a long line for him to open; he has done no cleaning or organizing for the start of the day. His grandchildren offer needed help, but it is not a great day. Mr. Chow turns to his friends for advice. There is little help until someone suggests that he should 'try something new'. That is exactly what he does!

With help from those same grandchildren, he does all the work needed to open a night market. It is a welcome idea, offering a place to shop at night with games, bright lights, and food booths for customers to enjoy. The real bonus for Mr. Chow is that he now has more time to spend with his grandchildren, and the opportunity to sleep in every morning. 

Using lovely, descriptive language, Ms. Li pens a story that is fun to read aloud and informative. Yu Ting Cheng's brightly-colored and expressive illustrations add much to the appeal of the story. The spreads are filled with expression, movement, and so much to see. In an author's note, Emily Sun Li tells her readers about the night markets in Taiwan. Those markets are famous for their snacks, beverages, and sweet desserts, while also attracting many community members on a nightly basis.                                                                                         

The Stuffie Stand, written and illustrated by Maddie Frost. Hippo Park, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Moose had no time to waste on annoying children. 
He was in over his antlers.
And he had a case of NOODLE ARMS - a crafter's 
worst nightmare.

He couldn't pick anything up. 
He couldn't put anything together. 
Sewing was impossible!" 

Moose has a lifetime love of stuffies! As he grew, he learned how to make his own. What an artist! Every one he made was perfect; finally, he decided to open a stuffie stand and sell them locally. Mabel, whose love for stuffies was akin to the way Moose felt about them, wanted all he had to sell. She was loud and very excited to let Moose know that. 

Mabel also made stuffies; bedazzled and accessorised. She showed an interest in selling her wares at Moose's stand. Moose does not need to sell such stuffies, and sent Mabel on her way. He wanted only 'simple stuffies'. His stand was so busy that he had to take special orders. My, he was busy! The sewing never stopped; the waiting lines were endless. He began to make mistakes. Mabel was worried. 

Wanting to help, she checked in with him. Moose wanted no help. In fact, he was quite rude to her. Only when he could no longer do all the work did he turn to Mabel. It was very difficult for him to ask for help, and Mabel grew impatient. Having a partner didn't solve all of the problems, but Moose was okay with that. Their new business was a huge hit! 

Digital illustrations add visual appeal for young readers, who are sure to appreciate the variety in the offerings at the stuffie stand and have a giggle at Moose's attitude toward Mabel. 

Another Tongue, written and illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Different countries
have different mother tongues.

When you come to a new country,
you may not understand its language
at first. 

Your ears may get tired of listening 
to the new language."

Countless people who emigrate from their home countries to a country where the language is different have much to learn before they can communicate effectively with those who live there. In this new and playful look at language learning, Yevgenia Nayberg takes on the task of helping preschoolers and adults alike begin to understand the ins and outs of learning a second language. 

In simple text, sporting eye-catching artwork, she explains that the mother tongue is the first language learned. The words you hear as a baby, and the words used to make sense of the world around you. Often, those words can be difficult and will need to be heard again and again. Despite the complexity and long list of words needed to communicate, the language becomes your own. Mother tongues are different, according to where you live. 

Moving to a new country where another language is spoken is hard. There is no understanding of what is being said; ears get tired of listening to unfamiliar words. Some words may seem familiar, while others have never been heard. With context, the task is easier; seeing a chicken and being told it's a chicken imprints on your brain. 

It does take time and patience to continue learning. Speaking with others will begin to change. Soon, you will be bilingual ... what a feat! 

An author's note is of great interest as readers learn just how difficult it was for Yevgenia to understand, then speak English following emigration. Even for her today, it has its obstacles. Just wait for the conversation when the reading is done! 

A VERY GOOD PARADE, written and illustrated by Eleanor Davis. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Gabby was very good 
at getting people to join 
the parade. 

FEEL THE CITY BREAKIN'
AND EVERYBODY SHAKIN'
AND WE'RE STAYIN' ALIVE
    STAYIN' ALIVE "

The title page shows a little one, all decked out with a starred cape, a crown, a tutu and a spatula; what is she ready to do? The opening page shows just exactly what she has in mind. Gabby announces loudly to her gramma that it is time for a parade! Out she goes, calling out to all the neighborhood kids to join her. Miguel says he has no skill to bring to the parade but his dad's horn which he can't play. Gabby thinks it's a fine horn even if he doesn't play it. Miguel joins. 

Everyone is invited to join the parade, with whatever they have.  Anthony worries that he has nothing but his aunt's big cowboy boots. Gabby encourages him to wear them in their grand parade. Everyone she meets is convinced they have an important role to play, including Noah who's pushing a stroller. By putting the baby on his shoulders, Noah becomes the Tallest Baby in the World! What more could one ask? 

Gabby even rescues a young boy from two bullies; he is asked to join, they are not. Only nice people are to be included in Gabby's parade. As they go, there are more and more interested in joining. Finally, they reach the park and it's time to stop and PERFORM. Spatula in hand, Gabby leads all paraders in a cacophony of sound and performance that ends with Miguel finally coaxing a BAROOMPA out of his horn! The crowd of adults that has gathered to watch is spellbound. When Gabby's gramma, who has been following since Gabby stepped outside, announces dinnertime, the parade is over. In the darkness, the participants head for home. What a success!  

Gabby is one superb parade marshal. She leads with conviction and encouragement, and accepts all participants (except the bullies). Digital art creates a perfect accompaniment to the text, adding a familiar setting and impressing with the energy and enthusiasm that one little girl sparks. Speech bubbles, onomatopoeia, and regular text tell this story with humor and delight. It's simply wonderful!   

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza, by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris. Harper, 2022. $16.99 ages 8 and up

 

"The navigation on this thing is busted.

First Cat, can you make any sense of 
that map?

MEOW.

Then I'll just have to point this 
thing upward and hope we pop
past the Land of Frost."

This hilarious graphic novel is the book Chelsea chose for our book club read this month. She read it quickly and suggested I do the same. I had read about this series; I had not seen any of the four books. Start with the first was a grand idea. To say it's as funny as the title suggests is testament to this collaboration between Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris, close friends and equally keen on humor and crazy antics for their young readers. 

When rats from another galaxy begin to eat the moon, scientists launch a cyber cat to protect our closest celestial neighbor. This First Cat in Space is destined to deal the rats. A toenail-clipping robot (LOZ 4000) is a stowaway and the cat's companion for the mission. The Moon Queen greets the two and joins them on their quest. Their mission to deal with the Rat King takes them through a crazy mix of geography that includes a frozen wasteland, wild seas, and forest. The fast pace is captured perfectly by Shawn Harris as he creates compelling characters who move from one improbable place to the next. In full color, the art is as entertaining and hilarious as Mac Barnett's madcap plot. 

One question is constant: despite the many obstacles placed in the way, will the cat tasked with ridding the moon of the Rat King and his minions ever get to taste a slice of pizza? 

An expanded version of their Live Cartoons that were released on Instagram during the pandemic, the quirky humor and wonderful artwork up that hilarity in graphic novel form and has fans who eagerly read each new adventure. To add to the fun of discovering this first cat in space, visit www.thefirstcatinspace.com to see about joining the official FIRST CAT FAN CLUB. 

Be on the lookout for The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom, The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip, and The First Cat in Space and the Baby Pirate's Revenge.  

Coming this fall: The First Cat in Space Activity Book.  

Whale, That Was Unexpected, written by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Kathryn Durst. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Well, how about that.

There was only one 
thing for Maude to do:

throw a goodbye party."

Maude and her trusty canine companion Claude climb aboard her appropriately named 'trusty little boat' head out to sea every morning. Well prepared and sure she has seen all there is to see, they have a big surprise in store. Readers know it at the first turn of the page when a dark whale shape covers the bottom half of the full spread. As bad luck would have it, the whale opens its humongous jaw and swallows their boating vessel and its occupants in one large gulp. Maude and Claude make the decision to stay plenty cool in the face of disaster, and begin to make a plan for a farewell party. 

"Farewell Maude. 

                   Farewell Claude." 

Maybe not fancy enough. They check with their audience to ensure the eulogy to them is worthy of their long, adventurous lives. The tone changes as all three (including the boat) are honored, and end up sharing the belly with all manner of sea life. Each one swallowed must be added to the list of farewells, including a goat in a boat. That happens just before the whale whooooshes in yet another mouthful ... seal and puffin. 

Their farewell chant is finally ready to be sung for the final time. Everyone joins in. Their fate seems sealed as they sit sedately in their boat in the belly of the whale. An emergency flare is lit to decorate the last sandwich, causing the whale to SNEEZE, and sending the boat back to sea. As Maude, Claude and their new friend Goat head for home, readers are left to wonder what tomorrow may bring. Fortunately, they are left with a clue! 

A mix of gouache, charcoal and digital media ensure the enjoyment for this story is lifted to new levels. The images provide an engaging backdrop for the deadpan comedy of Maude and Claude as they deal with the salty pickle they find themselves in. Readers and listeners will giggle at the repetition and the dialogue that makes them a part of every scene.  It's a tale left to read again next year when my family returns. They have named it a 'keeper', and for many good reasons.     
                                                                                       

         

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. 

                                                                                

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. 

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? 

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!  
                                                                                         

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 Wise Pickle, written by Sarah Howden and illustrated by Sabina Hahn. tundra, Peguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

  h

"A curious earthworm had a harder 
question. "Why are we here?"

"I used to think I was meant to be a 
tasty snack. But now I am here, 
talking with you. Purposes can 
change." 

Day after day, the pickle sat there, 
shriveling in the sun. (It was a dry 
summer.)"

When a pickle lands next to a dry cleaners and speaks about his dilemma, resident animals have questions. As they gather, the pickle offers thoughts for them concerning his ability to communicate and why what he has to say is important. A bird asks why he considers himself so wise. Apparently, the pickle just knows it to be true. They continue to ask, and the pickle continues to provide clear answers. When a mouse asks about hunger, the pickle explains he is meant to feed not to be fed. 

A passing earthworm has a more philosophical question, wondering 'why we are here'. The pickle responds that, at one time, he was a snack and now he is talking with those who have enquiries about him. Seems the purpose in life can change. The question about his path to being where he is surprises with this answer. 

""I used to live underwater," began the pickle. "In a salty brine like the sea, 
but with more garlic. Then I was served beside a hot dog to a person ... who
hated pickles."

The summer days are warm and the pickle shrivels. A question about choice concerning his fate, leads to the answer that being eaten by a dog would be fine. His animal friends prepare to fulfill his wish, and call for a dog. Just when his fate seems set, another surprise adventure begins. 

Kids who hear this story will feel concern for the pickle and its dilemma, while the adults reading it may look at it differently. All in all, it is a fun read with humor and empathy clearly shared in illustrations created using black graphite pencil, watercolor and pickle brine. 

What are your big questions?