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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the SUN THIEF, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Sourcebooks, Jaberwocky. Raincoast, 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

""Bird?

        Bird!"

"Is everything all right, Squirrel?"

"NO
  IT'S
  NOT!

Last night it was LIGHT 
when I was brushing my teeth, 
but tonight it was DARK. 
Someone has TAKEN the sun!

A SUN THIEF!""

In this book in the THIEF series, Squirrel is facing confusion over the changing of the seasons. What is happening? When Bird calls bedtime, Squirrel argues that Bird is wrong. It's still light outside and there is no way that will allow sleep. In fact, that is exactly what happens. Days pass. Bedtime comes and Squirrel is brushing his teeth when he realizes how dark it now is outside. The sun usually stays up late in the summer. 

Off he scampers to Bird's house in a panic that it's dark, when once it was light. Squirrel is again convinced that someone has stolen the sun! Bird explains that it a natural thing to happen as the summer comes to an end. He allays his friend's worry with the assurance that the sun will be back in the morning. Indeed, it is and Squirrel relaxes. Squirrel responds to the changes as the days grow shorter with fear of new noises and the encroaching dark. Poor Bird must constantly reassure his friend. It takes a lot of convincing; Squirrel finally accepts that his friend is right and the sun will always come up in the morning ... except when it rains!

This is the fourth in a series of books about friendship and misunderstandings. Bird is patient; Squirrel not so. There really are no thieves out there looking to steal leaves, flowers, or snow, as each of the four books proves. Engaging dialogue, colorful and expressive illustrations make this a book that works as a read aloud for young children. The book ends with a double spread to explain the way the Earth moves and what happens as it does. It introduces the concept of nocturnal animals such as the bat, compared to Squirrel and Bird who are diurnal. 

Buttfish, written by Pauline Pinson and illustrated Magali le Huche. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Suddenly, one day, the two friends get 
trapped in a big net.

Help!

But the fisherman takes one look at them
and throws them back into the sea because
he doesn't think they will taste good. Phew!"

Buttfish knows that his face resembles a butt; everyone tells him so. When he isn't sure how to respond, he blows farts with his mouth and entertains everyone, while also distracting them from their campaign to make him feel bad about himself. In trying to avoid their taunting, he leaves the area and heads deeper into the sea. Amazed by all he sees there and leading to his meeting a cheese fish make his days much better. Steven, the cheese fish, becomes his best friend; the two spend their together learning new things, keeping other fish safe from fishing boats, having a great deal of fun, and travelling together. They even play in a band - just the two of them.

Life is good! There is always something new to discover. A sea urchin helps Buttfish realize something very special about himself. 

"Hey, your head looks like a heart!"

And so it does when he's upside down. What a revelation!

This a fun book to read aloud in early years classrooms; its message about loving who you are is never overbearing. The colorful and varied inhabitants of the sea attract attention on every spread. They are constantly moving and very expressive, leaving readers to enjoy the many details of Buttfish's life. 

When We Go Home, written by Heather Beaumont and illustrated by Natali de Mello. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Before we go home, we go to the store
to buy books, toys and clothes for family.
Mom pushes the door open but the wind
pushes back. 
"C-c-cold," Nile says, shivering."

The Caribbean family in this warm and tender tale is making preparations to 'go home' to the place the parents were born. The young narrator and her brother do nor recognize it as their 'home' and express that feeling. As the parents speak to the love they share for their birthplace and the family and friends that still live there, they explain that it is possible to have different home countries. Marlee is not convinced. 

Leaving the place where winter can still be felt and seen outside the windows to go to a place of sunshine and warmth offers many opportunities. A shopping trip ensures they have gifts for waiting relatives. Upon arrival, their grandparents provide a happy welcome. There are people everywhere and the sky is filled with starlight they rarely see in the city. 

"When we go home, I meet cousins, aunties and uncles. They all stayed up late to meet us. I am so 
excited I talk and talk and talk. 
"What dat she say?" Gran'daddy asks.
"What did he say," I ask. 
Mom explains my words to them and their sing-song words to me.
We all laugh because our words sound so different."

As days go by, the children have a wonderful time. There are so many things to see and do. They spend days at the beach drinking from green water coconuts, flying kites, finding seashells, and listening to ocean waves lap the shore. The food is delicious, the music is full of rhythm, and the company of family makes each day sweeter. It isn't long until Marlee is feeling comfortable and content in her 'home away from home'. 

Using 'when we go home' repeatedly in the story's arc is a gentle reminder that her dad knew what he was talking about when describing their journey. The rich colors and Caribbean setting add to the book's appeal.                                                                                   

A Cat Like That, written by Lester L. Laminack and illustrated by Nicole Wong. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 2 and up

 

"A cat that strolls 
from door to door.

A cat that takes 
time to explore.

What do you think 
she's looking for?"

This cat is on a mission. A trip through town has her strolling the streets of her home town, making many stops and observations along the way. She begins at the fire hall where she lives, with the tempting smells of food has her joyously partaking. Is that why she is a 'big, round cat'? Off she goes along people-filled streets where she is showered with attention by a little one in front of the bookshop. 

From one door to the next, her exploring continues. Readers will be enchanted by realistic and colorful digital illustrations by Nicole Wong of the people and the setting created for this relaxed and purposeful walkabout. Perspectives constantly change to keep readers aware of every step along the way - from close-ups to bird-eye views that map the town from above while showing the winding path taken. 

Making a stop on the pier where both she and a gull look longingly at fish in the water; she shares space with three fishermen willing to share part of their catch. Her trip continues at a pace that takes her to a big red door where patience is the key to a very happy reunion. Bravo, 'cat like that'! 

Perfect for reading aloud to little ones, this rhythmic story of an adventurous cat will quickly be requested again and again. Each repeated reading offers up opportunities for taking careful note of the charming details to be found in the artwork and a chance to soon be chanting parts of the tale told.       

Gus Upstairs, written and illustrated by Carey Sookocheff. Owlkids, 2006. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Ms. Wilson wished for silence 
so she could play her piano. 

Gus wished for the music to continue
so he wouldn't feel so alone. 

WOOF     WOOF 
        WOOF       WOOF
     WOOF                   WOOF" 

This tale of those who share living in an apartment building starts with Ms. Wilson who has been in residence for some time. In that time, she has learned the way things work, including the sounds made by the people who live in the apartment above her. She has become familiar with their daily lives and habits. She especially enjoys Monday mornings when a new week starts with work and school for the Lam family, and silence for her. 

She can turn once again to her love of music - the sounds that come from playing her piano. She does not know the Lams have adopted a dog, who is now left on his own for the day. Feeling lonely, the dog perks up as soon as he hears her music. Loud barks and lonely howls have an adverse effect on Ms. Wilson's pleasure. As Gus grows weary of barking, Ms. Wilson grows equally weary of playing her piano. Blessed silence fills the building. 

Day after day, whether she is playing the violin or her guitar, Gus howls. When she quits playing and Gus quits howling, her ears are now filled with the whining sadness of a dog left on his own. All she can see to do is to leave a note for the Lams, addressing the problem and offering a solution. The following morning as the family prepares to leave for the day, Ms. Wilson is waiting for them downstairs. Her solution is a win for all!

Young listeners who tend to love stories where pets are concerned will find joy in this story of cooperation and friendship. Ms. Sookocheff fills the pages with sound, action, and emotion. Providing a realistic and comforting solution to the problem faced will only add to their satisfaction.  

Looking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought For Children's Rights, written by Amanda West Lewis and illustrated by Abigail Rajunov. Kids Can Press. 2026. ages 9 and up $18.99 ages

 

"Izaak, this is Jozef. 
He'll be sleeping in the
bed next to yours. Please
show him our rules at 
Dom Sierot.

Now, it was my turn to become a guardian. 
There were many children in Warsaw who had
no families, or whose families couldn't look 
after them. There wasn't enough room at Dom 
Sierot for all of them. We knew how lucky we 
were to be there."

The first-person narration by a young Polish boy whose life was saved when he came under the care of Dr. Janusz Korczak, an educator and child advocate in Poland, is an eye-opener for middle grade readers. Amanda West Lewis' story is based on careful research and the memories of one of the children who knew Dr. Korczak, and illustrated as a graphic novel. It introduces readers to the plight of children prior to WWII. 

Izzak is a 7-year-boy living with his sisters in poverty and hopelessness when he joins other Jewish children who have found a home in Dom Sierot (Home of Orphans) in Warsaw. Their parents are both dead; the sisters, despite their young age, must find work that will offer the money needed to keep them alive. They cannot care for Izzak without help. Meeting the kind and generous doctor and his staff turns Izzak's life to the better. He has healthy food to eat. He is welcomed into a place where students take care of one another while also having time to play, help with chores, and learn what will hold them in good stead for their future. 

After 7 years, he ages out and must say goodbye to his friends, caregivers and Pan Doctor. It is a very sad departure. He goes home to his sisters, and the message that they have arranged for him to sail to Canada to live with one of his mother's sisters. With hope in his heart, as promised by Pan Doctor, he makes the long voyage under difficult circumstances; then travels by train to Ottawa to meet his new family. 

He keeps in touch through letters to his sisters. and with Pan Doctor. He makes great progress in his education. When war breaks out in Poland, contact with everyone there stops. One final letter from the doctor, asking for help for the orphanage, is received. Any attempt to make a difference, is returned to Izzak. When the war finally ends, he has heard nothing from his sisters. Much later, he learns the fate of Dr. Korczak, the teachers and the 192 children he did his best to keep safe: they were put on a train and sent to Treblinka, a place that no one came back from. Izzak never hears from his sisters again 

"I am telling you this story because 
I know that Pan Doctor would want 
you to know that you can make the 
world a better place, too. He would 
treat you and your ideas with respect. 
Because you are an important person."

These experiences are shared in clear and memorable images that effectively give historical resonance to the story being told. The graphic novel format works incredibly well to bring Ms. Lewis' stirring and unforgettable storytelling to life for readers.  

"try not to think of what should be but what can be."