Have a BITE! How Food Connects Us, written by Heather Camlot and illustrated by Ally Jaye Reeves. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 9 and up

 

"THE THREE SISTERS

Working in harmony with nature is hardly new. 
It's how Indigenous Peoples have practiced 
agriculture for thousands of years. Called the 
"three sisters" in the United States and Canada, 
and the "milpa" system in Central America 
and Mexico, corn, beans, and squash are planted 
together because they help one another grow 
healthy and strong. They also provide a 
complete meal!"

Food is the great connector. No matter our culture, our country, or our circumstance, food plays an important role in all daily lives. Double-page entries introduce readers to the fact that 'food is steeped in history, tradition, culture, religion, celebration, trade, and geography'. Because food is a big part of our lives, it's important to learn as much as we can about it. Ms. Camlot sets out to help readers learn just that. 

She begins with diet and the essential ingredients that foods provide. Food history is discussed, going back six to seven million years and what our ancestors ate at the time. Moving forward, she explains that what we eat today is heavily influenced by our families and their histories. The format for the entries is similar with each new topic. An introduction, followed by short and pertinent paragraphs concerning certain aspects of each subject. Additional material is presented in side bars, entitled Chew on this, Food for thought, and Hungry for history. 

She refers to many traditional dishes, while also including recent developments in new foods enjoyed by many. Whether it's Hawaiian pizza (a Canadian addition to the already plentiful variants) or the 21 different types of regional breads shared by people throughout the world, the author fills the pages with facts that are sure to surprise. Her discussion of food waste should give all readers pause. 

"Every day around the world, the amount of food wasted equals more than one billion meals."

That might happen because of a lack of workers to pick the crops, foods that rot where there are no proper storage facilities, or food being thrown away. With so many people going hungry each day, wouldn't it be something if that food could be saved? Ms. Camlot suggests that eating more like our ancestors did, and trying new foods would help. 

Sharing engaging nonfiction with middle grade readers invites them to think more clearly about so many things. In this case, it fires their interest in knowing more about the food they eat and what is available if they are willing to go outside their comfort zone to try something new and different. Back matter includes a glossary, a list of sources, and an index. 

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? 

Explore The Far Side of the Moon, written by Jenny Jacoby and Consultant Dr. Sheila Kanani, and illustrated by Lea Woo. Thames and Hudson, Penguin Random House. 2026. $25.95 ages 10 and up

 

"You've brought almost all the food you'll 
need with you from Earth. Mission control 
prepared all your menus with your dietary 
needs and preferences in mind. All the food 
is vacuum packed so it can last for months 
without being refrigerated. Wet foods are 
freeze-dried, meaning the water has been 
taken out to make it lighter to transport into
space. Most importantly, everything has been 
designed to be eaten safely in microgravity 
without making crumbs."  

With all the excitement created by the Artemis II flight in April that took four astronauts on an exploratory trip around the moon, I am sure you have middle grade readers who will find this book to be of great interest. Though it is not about any specific space program, it thoroughly describes a fictional space flight in a accessible and informative manner. 

It refers to readers as mission specialists, while also defining the objectives of their mission. The space journey will take readers to look for ice in the Shackleton Crater near the south side of the moon. Finding ice there would greatly impact future missions for astronauts to turn it into 'drinkable water, breathable oxygen, or even rocket fuel!' 

Illustrated double-page spreads offer pertinent and descriptive facts about the crew, choosing personal belongings to pack, the spacesuit, the space rocket, what happens on launch day, boarding the crew module, a description of the launch director and a status checklist, prepartion for liftoff and lifting off into space, docking with the lunar space station, living in microgravity, using the toilet, food in space, the lunar lander, first steps on the moon, first impressions, the science part of the work to be done, finding a path on the lunar wilderness, the darkness, travel back to base, and finally the splashdown. It is a comprehensive and very informative accounting of the sum and total of such an amazing undertaking. 

Final pages show moon maps of both the near and far sides of the moon itself, followed by a graphic of the moon's phases, an excellent glossary and a useful index. 

This book gives interested middle graders a pretty clear look at how a real moon mission happens. A second reading will further impact those who want to understand even more and will leave them with some of the answers to questions they might have been asking as they watched the recent moon mission by the Artemis II crew. They will certainly feel more prepared when the Artemis III mission blasts off in the future. 

My Presentation Today is About the Anaconda, written by Bibi Dumon Tak and illustrated by Annemarie Van Haeringen, with translation by Nancy Forest-Flier. Levine Querido, Raincoast. 2025. $29.99 ages 9 and up

""But unlike the koala, the Tasmanian devil isn't
a marsupial that eats the leaves of trees, but a
marsupial that spends the whole day eating meat.
His jaws are stronger than those of any mammal
of the same size. So the lynx and the wolverine and
the Norwegian Forest cat don't stand a chance with
their teeth and fangs. The grip of a Tasmanian
devil's jaw is much stronger than theirs. That's
because his head is huge compared to the rest of
his body. He can rip the skin off a kangaroo with 
the greatest of ease, and break the bones of a
wallaby as if they were twigs."

I had not read anything about this book when I ordered it. It was the title that intrigued, and made me wonder what I might find within its pages. I am so happy to have read it, and to tell you about it. You will know exactly the reader who will give it a try and then pass it on to a friend sure to enjoy it as well. 

The premise is that one animal presents a report on another. There are twenty different pairings. They will surprise and delight interested readers with their views and opinions as they tell their audience about the animal they have chosen to present. While one speaks about the other, they provide some very interesting information, and perhaps a touch too much about themselves. That definitely happens when the cleaner fish chooses the shark, and then goes on to ensure the offering provides plenty of personal data about the cleaner fish.

At the end of the report (and sometimes in the middle, or at any other time) unnamed participants interrupt with questions and comments about what is being shared. There are some tense moments, and animal personalities provide ideas that may never have been considered. The animals come from across the globe; some may be unfamiliar. In general, readers will gain knowledge that is common or not. A cassowary speaks about the many species of hummingbirds in the Americas. The howler monkey chooses the unicorn, then fills his report with blatant lies. When called on it, he admits he made it up as entertainment and reminds critics that they all listened while he was giving his account. So, what's the problem? 

The book is very entertaining, and informative. There is much to learn here. The illustrations hold strong appeal, while matching the tone of the often-humorous text. The ending, an index created by the earthworm and a midwife toad, explains how the animals will be listed and how the index itself works. 

"Each animal's name is followed 
by the number of the presentation
they give, or in which they have 
something to say." 

It's a perfect book to share in a classroom where a class presentation is part of the learning. So many kids fear such an assignment. This allows for a bit of comic relief prior to those presentations. It's chatty and accessible for sharing with the class or passing on to teams of readers who could use it as a readers' theater project.  

Loch Ness Monster's Unbelievable Science, written and illustrated by Anne Appert. Kids Can Press, 2026. $16.99 ages 6 and up

"Now, THAT is science. 

But this isn't as fun. 

Of course it is! 
Science is fun!

And it's the real me! 

Fine. 

Make sure you stick to the facts. 
Promise? 
No more made-up science. 

I promise ... "

There are constant warnings for today's young readers about how tough it is to tell fact from fiction. To that end, the Loch Ness Monster is willing to help. Ness's new book promises 'scientific truths' while helping to explain how to pay careful attention to what is being written. This one is about birds, something that Ness knows. 

He will start with puffins, and their beaks. In the past when the two friends decided to sunbathe, Puffin refused protection saying no sunblock was needed. Wrong! That is why today puffins have more colorful beaks in the summer. Puffin disagrees, offering to write its own truth. In a following two-page spread, Puffin sets Ness straight with a series of real facts about the species. Ness explains that he is not sure what Puffin has provided is a lot of fun. Puffin responds that it is science, and science is fun. Ness promises to stick to the facts for the next section of his book.

Is that likely? Read on and see. Ness's next topic is the blue-footed boobie's blue feet. His tale is much appreciated by the booby; not so much for Puffin who is trying to hold Ness to the promise he made. When the blue-footed booby takes the time to think clearly about its feet, it is able to construct an account of his own species with REAL FACTS. There follows very interesting and pertinent facts about his species. The booby prefers Ness's more exciting tale; real science prevails. 

The final section concerns flamingos. What do you think the focus might be this time? If you said pink  feathers, you are absolutely right. This time Ness has his story straight and passes on accurate information before Flamingo adds a few facts of his own. In the end, Ness can now tell his own story - one he knows well. 

The graphic novel format is sure to appeal to the target audience, while offering a series of facts about birds and a touch of humor. Back matter includes a resource list, website, and a list of the author's selected sources for writing the book. 

                                                                                  

Extreme Birdwatching: Measuring Change on a Galapagos Island, written by Loree Griffin Burns and illustrated by Jamie Green. mit Kids Press, Candlewick. Penguin Random House. $23.50 ages 8 and up

"What exactly do finches do all day?

The answer depends on what time of year it is. 
In the rainy season, the island comes alive 
with plants and insects, making it suddenly a 
rather excellent place to raise baby finches. 
So adult fortis and scandens get busy with the
hard work of doing that. They find mates, 
build nests, lay eggs, and then feed and care
for the baby finches that hatch from those 
eggs."

We have just begun to welcome the birds back. I have even seen a robin or two. An Alberta clipper, set to dump an unwanted amount of snow on us, is in the forecast. That may have those birds wondering what they are doing here ... as we so often do ourselves at this in-between time of year. Birdwatchers will continue to keep their eyes to the sky in coming days, in hopes returning birds will find places of refuge to wait out the storm and once again enjoy warm sunshine and spring temperatures. 

For Rosemary and Peter Grant, birdwatching is an entirely different kind of pursuit. The two spent decades researching the birds that make their home on the Island of Daphne in the Galapagos Islands. The thing about Daphne is that it is the top of an ancient volcano that is very hard to access if you want to study the thousands of finches that make their home there. Looking down on the inside of Daphne, there are no sandy beaches, and no humans live there. 

The Grants have been visiting the island since the 1970s, and have done amazing research time after time. Nine short chapters, written brilliantly by Loree Griffin Burns, discuss their work from the very first visits. They have carefully studied the two kinds of finches who make their home on Daphne, and nowhere else in the world. It is thoroughly absorbing description of the finches, the lives they live there, the food they eat and how that has impacted the changes they have undergone, and what happened when an unexpected drought forced adaptation in their beaks. There is also a clear discussion in one of the final chapters of natural selection, and finally how their research helps guide today's scientists as they further explore natural selection today. Though the Grants have been retired since 2012, their work on Daphne lives on.

Back matter includes an author's note, a glossary, several lists of resources for those who want to learn more, a list of source notes, and a bibliography. Very impressive and perfect for the stated target audience. 

Green Cities: How Green Infrastructure Helps Urban Centers Thrive, written by Sheila Boudreau and illustrated by Katy Dockrill. Owlbooks, 2026. $22.95 ages 9 and up

 

"STORMWATER PONDS

These urban ponds help to clean stormwater
by giving it a place to sit for long enough that 
the heavier dirt and pollutants can settle to 
the bottom. Many years later, workers remove
the polluted soil to keep it from reentering the 
urban water system. When stormwater ponds
are also designed to be similar to natural 
wetlands, with shallow slopes and biodiverse
plants, they also enhance biodiversity and 
become a source of drinking water and a 
habitat for wildlife." 

Where cities were built, nature once was. This book is sure to find favor with families and in classrooms where there is a hunger for information that helps fight climate change by offering a look at how cities around the world are making the changes needed to create greener spaces and invite nature back. 

An introduction shares the need for changing gray infrastructure (paved roads, bridges and underground sewers) to include green infrastructure (living things, green roofs, permeable pavement) if we want cities to be more livable and to assure a better future in terms of combatting climate change. Four follow-up chapters talk about cities as they are, looking at nature first, using green infrastructure to improve where we live. and inspiration for a cleaner future. 

At a time when more than half of the world's population lives in cities, it's important to think clearly about the way new spaces are designed to accommodate and improve life for all who live there. The author offers many viable ideas, while presenting examples of work being done around the world to assure nature is considered at all times. She provides an historical perspective for the rise of urban environments and what has happened as more and more people affect the production of greenhouse gases and what is being done to counteract that.

Information boxes, thoughtful quotes, and detailed, easy to digest text are accessible for middle grade students and beyond. Solutions are presented on fully illustrated bits pages which are sure to garner discussion. Ms. Dockrill's artwork ups the understanding for the solutions presented. In her conclusion, Ms. Boudreau introduces the 'green team' - those experts who work together to look at a way toward a better future for all. She presents ideas to help her audience take a part in helping to make changes, and ends with a quote from Dr, Jane Goodall:

"Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes 
a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility 
for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love 
for living things around us, especially each other."

Inspiring and informative, this is a worthwhile purchase for school and classroom libraries. 
                                                                                      

The Sustainable School: A Journey Through Time and Energy. Written by Erica Fyvie and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Kids Can Press, 2025. $19.99 ages 9 and up

"The woodstove keeps our class very warm in the winter.
At lunchtime, we can buy a hot lunch for a penny, but 
most of us bring our own lunch in a metal pail. Sometimes
we bring a carrot or potato to school and the midday 
helpers cook a stew in the school kitchen for us to share."

Many surprises await those middle graders who read this book about Birch Elementary and its sixth- grade class that is learning about sustainability. A sudden halt in the construction happening outside their classroom windows leads to them being offered a time capsule from 1900 that the workers have unearthed. The sixth graders from that year had buried it to be found 100 years later. As they examine its contents, they read letters that describe their school at that time. 

Mr. Maron organizes the class into four different teams to consider what life was like then and might be like in coming years. They will work together to create a science fair project, the final assignment for the school year. Each team is given a topic to research by reading letters from the past before looking to the future to investigate and imagine coming changes to electricity, plumbing, buildings, and transportation. The book's structure then follows the teams as they consider what they are reading from the past and considering questions and ideas for the future. 

Time capsule information boxes discuss The Global Seed Vault (Future Fair), The Terracotta Warriors (Electricity), The Wreck of the Titanic (Plumbing), Voyager Golden Records (Buildings) and Scott's Hut (Transportation). Double page spreads for each begin with a focus question, followed a prediction concerning the future, the good news from today, the challenges ahead and a concluding statement. Finally, Mr. Maron's class of 2025 produce their own time capsule for the class of 2125.

Highly informative and sure to intrigue those who read it, this book will have middle grade students keen on thinking about the future and what it holds, based on the learning they do in their classroom. Cartoon style artwork is very appealing. Sepia tones show what life was like in the past, offering today's readers a chance to take a careful look at the differences and similarities from one time to the other. In the end, the students are introduced, instructions are given for creating a 'your very own time capsule', a glossary, a list of resources and an index are added.  

It's an excellent mentor text for any classroom interested in a project concerning energy and a greener and more sustainable future.                                                                                             

Drawing Is ... Your Guide to Scribbled Adventures, by Elizabeth Haidle. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $26.99 ages 9 and up

"Drawing is ... FEELING

Let's dip below the surface now. How can 
drawing hint at what's inside? 

What emotions do these faces express? 
The eyebrows say a lot.

Here's an exercise I've tried. 
Fill a page with circles. Add noses, 
eyes, mouths. Adjust the eyebrow
positions slightly to create different 
expressions."

This is the book I needed when I was a classroom teacher and trying to help my students learn about the strategies illustrators used to help tell the wonderful stories we were reading in the books we shared daily. I do not have an artistic bent, so I was learning along with my students. I was constantly searching for techniques that would inform my teaching. This book would have helped tremendously. 

The author begins with what drawing is NOT. It is NOT a contest, it is NOT right or wrong, it is NOT just for the "talented ones", it is NOT a waste of time, and it is NOT exercise. Rather, it is a way to 'explore, think and feel, experiment and question'. When readers can recognize that, they are ready to get at it. The table of contents offers Ms. Haidle's idea for what drawing is. It is traveling, wondering, focusing, feeling, growing, not-knowing, and magic. 

She explains to those sharing her ideas that what is needed to get started is a dot and a line that takes you somewhere. No need to rush; there are questions to be considered. From there she suggests that aspiring artists proceed forward on scribbled adventures that take into account scale, texture, pattern, and contrast. Her observations and instructions are filled with helping her readers pay attention to the processes they are using, rather than the final product. She encourages at every turn, with no expectations only a willingness to give it a try. It isn't until the last six pages that repeatable exercises are suggested. 

Now, get out a sketchbook and see what happens! 

Butt or Face: Ador-A-Butts, by Kari Lavelle. Sourcebooks, Raincoast. 2026. $22.50 ages 5 and up

 

"Did you recognize the FACE of the sloth?

They can rotate their head 270 degrees,
allowing them to see almost 360 degrees 
around them. Their facial features make
them appear as if they're always smiling - 
even when stressed or anxious. Talk 
about smiling for the camera!"

In this fourth edition of the BUTT or FACE series, readers will meet animals that may be familiar to them - or not. There were some new species for me including the pink fairy armadillo, the pygmy seahorse, the desert rain frog, and the leaf sheep sea slug. This funny game asks the reader to guess whether they are looking at the front or the back of each featured animal. They will be eager to do it up right, and it's interesting to realize how difficult it can be to know for sure. 

The question about the cropped natural photo that asks whether it is a butt or face is not easy to answer. Careful consideration is required and a willingness to make a mistake is helpful. A turn of the page reveals the full photograph and the answer is shared. That page also includes a short descriptive paragraph, and two Face the Facts information boxes. 

One of those boxes adds the following information to the above description for the sloth: 

"As the slowest moving animals on earth, sloths take their 
own sweet time - for everything! It takes them thirty days
to digest a leaf. About once a week, they slowly climb 
down their tree to the forest floor to poop. What a re-leaf!"

The fun facts, telling photographs, and opportunity to play a guessing game make this a welcome and anticipated series for kids who like to learn as much as they can about the animals of the world. 

Smart Machines: How AI is Changing Our World, written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Pui Yan Fong. Orca Book Publishers. 2025. $26.95 ages 12 and up

"Chatbots are pretrained using trillions of bits
of data. With all that knowledge at their digital 
fingertips, you'd think they'd be pretty smart. 
They're not. Remember, AI system models don't 
understand any of the data - not a single bit. 
They guess at what words mean. They generate 
answers based on probabilities, not genuine 
comprehension."

I needed to read this book once; then I read certain parts of it again. There is much to learn about AI and what it is, how it works, how it is changing our world, and what's next. We are using it when some may not even know it. Truthfully, it can do a lot of good for those who know how to use it legally and with caution. There are drawbacks, as with any new technology that is not completely understood. 

In this new addition to the Orca THINK series, Helaine Becker takes on an ever-changing subject to help inform her middle and high school audience ... their parents and their teachers. An introduction defines AI and Intelligence, seeing both as very different from each other. AI appears to be here to stay. 

"According to a recent study conducted by tech giant IBM, more that 35 percent of businesses around the world used AI in 2022. Many more are adding it every day."

Eight chapters are noted in the Table of Contents: Once Upon a Time ... AI's Origin Story, The Dawn of the Computer Age, How It Works, A Deeper Dive into Deep Learning, Transforming the Field of AI, Artificial Intelligence Gets Real, Crossing the Line - When AI Becomes Uh-Oh, AI's Vulnerable Underbelly, and finally, The Future of AI. As in all useful and important nonfiction, a glossary, list of resources and index follow. 

I'll admit I started with Chapter Six - Artificial Intelligence Gets Real. I wanted to start with where I am, and what I think I need to know at this point. Describing uses for AI in parts of our lives such as getting around town and money matters made easier with AI technology, then following up with facts provided for The Gray Zone helps readers understand that not everything about AI is perfect. As grocery stores with AI supported shopping carts create a virtual copy of what's in that cart and charge it to your account as you walk out the door may appeal, what about the reduction in the need for real workers to be in those stores? 

Ms. Becker does a terrific job in explaining how AI works. Many complicated concepts are presented in text that is clear and accessible with visuals that support the information shared. Allowing her readers to see concrete examples of some of the limitations is also very important. There is so much we do not yet know about AI and its functions. 

There is a lot to think about. Handled responsibly and with careful thought for its consequences, AI can be of use to schools and students. While AI is not truly intelligent; it is however making huge differences in the world today. We owe it to ourselves to learn what we can about it. This book provides a great start for doing just that! 

Canine Connection: How Dogs and Humans Evolved Together, written by Christopher Gudgeon. Orca Book Publishers, 2025. $24.95 ages 10 and up

"Research has also shed light on the remarkable 
problem-solving abilities of dogs. It turns out that 
dogs possess a unique form of social intelligence
that allows them to learn and complete complex 
tasks simply by observing human cues. In one 
test, for example, dogs were able to infer the
location of hidden food based on subtle human 
gestures (casual glances, slight hand movements),
which shows just how well they can read us."

Dog owners are happy to share their thoughts concerning the relationships they have with their beloved pets. Christopher Gudgeon explains that dogs have a better understanding of humans than any other animal does. In an introduction to the book, he speaks of his dog Elvis as one of the 'closest friends I've had in my whole life'. A neighbor asked if he wanted the runt of a new litter. His life with Elvis led to many questions about the connections that seem so natural between dogs and their people. Ultimately, those questions brought him to writing this book. 

The table of contents lists the following chapter titles: Dogs and Their Humans, Friends Forever, Talking 'Bout Evolution, A Dog in Wolf's Clothing, Dawn of the Dog, Where on Earth, One Good Breed Deserves Another, The Americas Go to the Dogs, and a Big, Bright Future. A glossary, list of resources, and an index are included in back matter. 

As happens with very good nonfiction, the contents allow readers to choose the chapter that most appeals before any further reading. The Orca Wild series is lauded for its design structure, well-captioned photos, use of information lists, clearly-defined boxes of useful facts, and ideas about the future. Readers will learn about the bonds humans and canines have developed through thousands of years. Stories come from various places in the world and offer a clear look at their shared history.  

"Look around. On the sidewalks and in parks and backyards, a world of dogs. From diminutive dachshunds to the great big Great Danes, dogs come in an array of sizes, shapes, colors and 

attitudes. There are hundreds of different dog breeds ... and more are being added to the list all the time."

Burst Your Bubble! Outsmart the Algorithms and See What You're Missing. Written by Joyce Grant and illustrated by Jan Dolby. Owlkids, 2025. ages 9 and up

 

"BLUE SPACE HELMETS

 Find a buddy or a family member you're 
connected to on social media. Have them 
think of a product that's really unusual 
and specific, like "blue space helmets". 
Ask them to watch a few videos about 
space helmets and search for "blue 
space helmets" in their search engine. 
  Wait ten minutes and then type the 
word "blue" into your search engine.
Did space helmets come up? Are they 
coming up on your friend's phone now? 
And maybe other things about space, 
or perhaps bicycle helmets?
  Your phone wasn't listening to you -
but an algorithm did take note of what
your friend was interested in."

I think that this is a book kids should read with their parents. There is much to learn in its pages about how information bubbles work. I am certainly happy to have learned what I did while reading it. It immediately engages its target audience with the way algorithms frame what we see online. The author also does her best, in accessible and real-world text, to help understand how better choices can be made. The interactive opportunities for moving from one place to another make the learning both enjoyable and informative. It works a bit like a choose-your-adventure-book that many will have experienced. 

The challenges are useful for parents and teachers to help young readers navigate just what happens when search topics are chosen. These lead to much of what the user will be guided toward in future searches. The illustrations are brightly colored and cartoon-like. Their design is crucial to adding meaning to the text in a playful and understated way. 

For those adults who haven't thought much about their own online presence, it provides the proof that whatever you might click on, or search out, will determine much of what you see in future searches. Too soon what is seen has a much narrower focus and you see less and less of other topics and interests. That's the bubble children find themselves in. It keeps them from having access to other different points of view, other people, and even limits their experiences on the internet. 

We don't want our kids or ourselves to see only one side of any story. It's important to learn ways to break out of those bubbles and find other ways to inform ourselves. There are ways to be smart about getting beyond our own small bubbles and expanding thought, knowledge, and the importance of being well-informed. As a beginning, this book will definitely help with that. 

 A table of contents, glossary, index, and bibliography are included.

Bison: Community Builders and Grassland Caretakers, written by Frances Backhouse. Orca, 2025. $24.95 ages 10 and up

 

"Playing is important work for growing bison. 
Running and frolicking build their muscles to 
make them stronger and faster. Chasing and 
dodging each other are skills they need in order
to avoid ending up in a predator's belly. And 
butting heads with buddies is valuable training
for male calves, who will someday compete 
with each other as adults. A calf's other 
important work is eating. Before winter comes, 
it needs to grow as big as possible and build up 
its energy reserves."

As you can tell from the above quote, the conversational tone of the text is very appealing. It makes the learning meaningful, while also feeling like storytelling. Bison once roamed North America in numbers thought to be never-ending; by the early 20th century, their numbers had dwindled dramatically and they were almost facing extinction. Today, in areas that are protected, their numbers are growing. They are tremendously important to the ecosystem, benefitting other animals and also the land. 

The author was first introduced to bison when her family moved east from Montreal, and she saw them in Banff National Park. Her stories and impressive knowledge are engaging from the very first page. I very much enjoyed reading about her many encounters with bison in the wild and with the people who care for the herds. The details shared will leave readers savier about their history, their body differences, the roles they play in creating room for animals and plants to flourish, and their nose-cleaning antics. The book also celebrates the teachings and traditions of Indigenous Peoples

As is expected from books in the Orca Wild series, the text is organized with care, and the book is filled with clear, captioned photos, maps, charts, comparisons, and fascinating facts that give hope for the future of the bison herds. There are numerous places where these largest land animals can now be seen in Canada and the United States. In fact, my family and I are looking forward to making a visit to the Bison Park in Minnedosa MB this summer while they are here. We know not to get too close! 

https://youtu.be/epQAgJflDxA?si=kHWluSXN9wALJI79

Our Plastic Problem: A Call for Global Solutions. Written by Megan Durnford. Orca, 2025. $21.95 ages 9 and up

"Did you know that you wear plastic? If you have 
a bathing suit, a raincoat, rain boots, a windbreaker, 
jogging pants or any other clothing made from 
synthetic fibers, you are wearing materials made 
from plastic."

Life in homes, and for families, took a turn in the 1950s when plastic hit the spotlight as 'the miracle material' that was sure to make things better and easier. It could hold liquids, it was relatively easy to produce, and it could take many different forms, depending on how it was to be used. Since that time, plastic has become so much a part of our daily lives that it is difficult to fathom. It has many practical uses; it has also caused endless concerns for the planet because much of it is discarded. The Tupperware that people bought in the 50s and 60s will never go away. Plastic does not rot or degrade; it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. What was thrown out 70 years ago still has a place on land or in the oceans. While it is used in many remarkable ways today, it is causing immense problems for marine life, the environment, and for humans as well. 

In her book, Megan Durnford offers a personal look at how the evolution of plastics made life better in many ways when it was first introduced. In an information box called Plastic Planet, she talks about the proliferation of plastic products that impact our lives. 

"Plastic is all around you. Have you ever tried counting all the different types of plastic things you use every day? Some are obvious, like a plastic cup. But you use hundreds of things made with plastic that are not so obvious. Did you know that the following things are made with plastic? Paper bills, pencils, balloons, glitter, contact lenses, jogging pants, electrical cords, nonstick pans, packing peanuts, pantyhose, ribbon, wallpaper, Scotch tape, stickers, Velcro, yoga mats, umbrellas, and toothbrushes." 

In following chapters, she discusses Plastic Forever which is quite astounding given its lasting effects around the world on water, clothing, nature's creatures, air quality, and the human body. In Global Problems Need Global Solutions, readers learn that we all have a part to play in finding ways to stem the impact of plastic waste. In the final chapter, Beyond Plastic, the author offers logical solutions for replacing some of the plastics we use so freely. Interesting initiatives are described and provide opportunity for further thought. On the final page, a What Can You Do? looks at a wide variety of ways readers can begin to make effective changes in their own lives. 

A list of resources, a glossary, and an index are appended. 

This addition to the Orca Footprints series follows a familiar format for providing middle grade students with accessible writing, relevant facts, and excellent captioned photographs, information boxes, and encouragement to look closely at the world around them. 

TheTrue Story of Vanillla: How Edmond Albius Made History, written by Ann Richards and illustrated by Arden Taylor. Orca Books, 2025. $24.95 ages 10 and up

"Edmond grew up in the company of lawyers,
politicians, plantation owners and other 
scientists and naturalists who visited the 
plantation. In a few years, these same men 
would ask Edmond for his help, and this 
would take Edmond and Ferreol on an 

amazing journey."

It is truly amazing to learn the story of Edmond Albius, a houseboy on a sugar plantation in 1841 when he was only 12. There was a time when vanilla orchid plants could only be pollinated by bees in Mexico. The discovery that those plants could be pollinated by hand led to the development of an important industry for the French colony named Reunion to become a major producer of vanilla. Edmond's method continues to be used today. 

The fact that he was an uneducated slave had many not believing that he had made the discovery; others tried to take credit for it. Once freed, Edmond's life did not become easier. He struggled away from the plantation to earn enough moneyto live, spent time in prison and died too soon. His friend Ferreol worked tirelessly to get recognition and payment for Edmond. His efforts were for nothing. Edmond was 35 before he finally was credited with his discovery. What an accomplishment that  changed the vanilla industry forever.  

Ann Richards tells his story with honor and plenty of historical information, bringing the reality of slavery and its costs to many. Included are 'In the Pod ' text boxes filled with facts about vanilla, its uses and growth. There is much to learn. I am always surprised to learn the stories of people who have made remarkable discoveries without really getting the recognition they deserve. Edmond's story is worth reading. 

Back matter includes a timeline, glossary, resources list, and index.

https://bbc.com/travel/article/20240118-the-little-known-truth-about-vanilla

Keep Our World Green: Why Humans Need Gardens, Parks and Public Green Spaces. Written by Frieda Wishinsky and illustrated by Sara Theuekauf. Orca, 2025. $29.95 ages 10 and up

"Wetlands also provide us with fish, shellfish,
blueberries, cranberries, and wild rice. Some 
wetlands supply plants for medicines. Animals
and reptiles live in wetlands. Birds feed, nest
and rest there. Wetlands improve our natural 
water quality. But swamps and wetlands are 
disappearing as more and more land gets 
developed." 

Frieda Wishinsky's voice is very personal as she introduces her audience to her early life in New York and her love for the green spaces she found there. Once she was living in Toronto, she found a book about Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of Central Park. Her admiration for Olmstead led to writing a picture book biography: The Man Who Made Parks (Tundra, 2009). Much has changed since that time, and the world has lost far too many green spaces. 

This exceptional book in the Orca Timeline series helps readers understand that green spaces are needed for food growth, good health and happiness. They can, and do, bring people together. Alongside the first chapter heading Green Space Matters, Sara Theuerkauf places a montage of green spaces that include The Fertile Crescent, the Irish Potato Famine, The White House Victory Garden and the three sisters which have been relevant from 1300 until today. 

The chapter is filled with engaging artwork, information boxes, a map, captioned and clear photos, and fact-filled paragraphs meant to inform. There are also green stories shared in journal-like entries, and quotes contained in green boxes. Each chapter following: (Gardens of Long Ago, Green Space for Everyone, Green Space Inspires Art, Music and Literature, Green Space in Danger, Great Green Ideas, and Green Space Builds Community), has the same design and is filled with practical text sure to find favor with interested readers.  

The value of green spaces cannot be undersold. They offer protection, help in the development of medicines, act as places for celebration, and share beauty hard to beat. Artists, writers, and musicians find inspiration for their work. The dangers to their well-being are numerous and have lasting repercussions for the land and the creatures who make their homes there. There are ways to make meaningful changes. Ms. Wishinsky has ideas to share with her audience.  

A glossary, resource list, acknowledgements, and an index are appended. 

What do you do to celebrate the green spaces in your community, neighborhood, or backyard? 

Above, Below, and Long Ago: Animals, Plants and Fossils in Hidden Places. Written by Michael Bright and illustrated by Jonathan Emmerson. Orca, 2025. $26.95 ages 9 and up

"Throughout the summer in northern 
countries, swallows are seen where there 
are plenty of flying insects - their main 
food - which they catch while flying. In 
the autumn, however, the birds leave."

Aristotle thought that swallows hibernated. Naturalists even believed that they actually hibernated underwater, in ponds and lakes. In December 1912, after being fitted with an identity ring, that bird was found in South Africa and scientists finally realized that the swallows migrated. 

In the ABOVE section of the book, readers will learn about the following: Atlantic Puffin, Snow Leopard, Spanish Mountain Flower, Rocky Mountain Goat, Yellow-Rumped Leaf-Eared Mouse, Peregrine Falcon, Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby and Barn Swallow. In double page spreads, information is provided for these plants and animals that can be very hard to see unless you like climbing rocks. Short paragraphs are accompanied by exceptional linocut prints that show each in clear detail. I thought I recognized a few, but others were brand new to me. 

Moving on to BELOW, where plants and animals live out of sight of prying eyes, Michael Bright wants his audience to know about the Olm, the Basking Shark, the White-Nest Swiftlets, the Mole, the Western Underground Orchid, the Brown Rat, the Common Eel, and the Mariana Snailfish. While I was sure I knew a few, I was surprised to learn much more than I had known prior to reading this book. Did you know the star-nosed mole is the fastest-eating mammal on earth? Or that the eel changes color as it ages ... to yellow and then later to silver? I love learning new things. 

As if that wasn't enough, Mr. Bright finishes with LONG AGO, about which I knew very little. In this section, readers will meet the Ammonite, the Megalodon, the Jurassic Oyster, the Trilobite, the Coelacanth, the Horseshoe Crab, the Ginkgo Tree, and the Tuatara. I did think I knew something about the Horseshoe Crab. Wrong!

"First appearing about 450 million years ago, horseshoe crabs are included as living fossils, but they are not crabs - they're more closely related to spiders." 

Back matter includes a world map, and places each included subject on it with a description of its location. Following the map, there is a glossary, a very interesting description for the making of the illustrations by Jonathan Emmerson, and finally, a useful index.

"Imagine a great white shark that’s almost twice as long as a bus, with jaws that could swallow a fully grown person whole, and teeth as big as your hand ..." 

What can it be?                                                                               

Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep, by Mark Leiren-Young. Orca, 2025. $24.95 ages 10 and up

 

"Most of the animals we consider intelligent
(like apes, elephants and orcas) are social, have 
powerful family connections and live a long time. 
Octopuses don't have teachers. They have no 
family bonds and, as far as we know, don't make
friends with other octopuses. Even the most 
long-lived species only survive for about five 
years - "

Interest in octopuses exploded following the release of the Netflix documentary called My Octopus Teacher. I cannot tell you how many people suggested watching it. They were right; it was a truly fascinating look at one of the world's least known creatures. In this book that pays tribute to the octopus, a cephalopod that researchers continue to learn more about almost daily, readers learn about its many amazing traits. 

Research shows the octopus to be camouflage geniuses and formidable escape artists, while also proving to be as smart as dolphins and chimps. The author tells his audience that an octopus, named Rambo, learned how to use a waterproof camera. Come on! There is evidence to prove it. Those who continue to research the cephalopod family think that they may dream, know that their arm sensors help them determine between 'friend, foe, or food'. It is also thought they respond to both light and color. 

There are 300 or more different species. They range in size from the wolfi (star sucker pygmy) which is 'about the size of one giant Pacific octopus sucker'. It weighs almost nothing, and doesn't often live longer than six months. The Giant Pacific Octopus is the most plentiful, and is seen by many. They are the largest and 'eat 20,000 calories a day' to grow quickly. A full-grown one 'may have more than 2,000 suckers'. Those are but two of the eight species Mr. Leiren-Young describes in one chapter. 

This is the newest book in the Orca Wild series and the author informs readers about his visits with an octopus named Storm who lived at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney, British Columbia, and the extensive research he did for the writing of this book. There are 12 chapters, short and to the point in sharing what is being learned about the octopus and its squid and cuttlefish relatives. Clear, captioned photographs, information boxes called Ink Spots, and accessible information will find fans keen to learn more about these fascinating creatures. As with other books in this series, back matter includes suggestions for helping save octopuses, the ocean and ourselves, a glossary, a list of print and media resources, acknowledgements, and an index.  

Hand this book to those kids who want more information about some of the world's most interesting creatures. 

Super Ocean Weekend: The Ultimate Underwater Adventure. Written and illustrated by Gaelle Almeras. Translated by David Warriner. Greystone Kids, 2024. $29.95 ages 8 and up

 

"Even super predators are part of 
the chain. Like all living beings, 
when they die their bodies decompose
and nourish smaller organisms. 

Every link in the chain 
is important for the 
balance of marine life. 

When humans catch too 
many fish in the ocean, it 
messes up that balance."

For the four young creatures who have come together to learn about the world ocean, it is clear there is a lot to learn. First off is to learn that ocean covers 71% of Earth's surface. Pretty fascinating for our young learners. 

Their Science Adventure Club makes camp on a tiny island, conducive to enjoying their time together and learning as much as they can. In twenty numbered sections, facts and conversation lead to being better informed about such subjects as plankton, the water cycle, climate change, waves and winds, tides, coral, camouflage, buoyancy, whales, ocean depths and underwater exploration.  

Material is presented in easily understood bits at a time, allowing all four participants the opportunity to consider and digest what is being shared. The narrators are drawn from place to place through conversational text that encourages them to observe, speculate and have a say in what is being taught. Now knowing the biodiversity of the ocean, the four become aware of the amount of waste that is there. A time line for breaking down the marine debris is presented in a chart that encourages the four to get involved in helping clean up their island's beach. As they do that, they learn they are joining a growing number of people who want to make the differences needed to protect our oceans from further damage. 

"People are setting up "Hope Spots" and keeping them free of fishing and tourism.
The goal is to protect one-third of the world's oceans by 2030." 

Possible? We can only hope! 

This book is published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.