Before You Came, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Nahid Kazemi. Peanut Butter Press, 2026. $17.95 ages 4 and up

"By night you filled my dreams - 
first steps and first words, 
sandcastles and swings,

rubber boots 
and mud
puddles, 
snowmen and 
toboggans."

If you are looking for a book to celebrate the birth of a new baby, this would be a lovely choice. In poetic language, the narrator speaks to the love and joy that is anticipated in the time leading up to meeting the little one. There is such love and emotion felt even before the baby's arrival. 

The words chosen to speak of both dreaming of and yearning for a child are beautiful and uplifting. It was a labor love for Anne Renaud who does not have children of her own, but wanted to capture the depth of the love and anticipation she was feeling for the coming birth of her niece. In an interview, she spoke of the powerful feelings she was experiencing.

 “That moment gave me a profound insight into what parental love must feel like: instinctive, fierce, and limitless. This book grew out of that emotional awakening and my desire to put words to a love that existed even before the child arrived.”

Nahid Kazemi's illustrations are wonderful. She captures all the feelings presented in Ms. Renaud's heartfelt words. Her color choices are warm and glowing through all the hopes and dreams expressed, while cooler colors give way at times to abstracts and even uncertainties. Many lovely scenes are created to expand meaning and to leave readers with the wonders of becoming caregivers.

Stray, by cale atkinson. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I don't need them. 
I don't need anyone. 

Better out here
on my own ... 

Most of the time, anyway."

The brown dog introduced on the cover loves his life of freedom. No one tells him what to do, where he can go, or fences him in. It's a grand life for him.. There are so many ways that confine other dogs he sees, when tied to family life. His nose is his guide; he knows where the best smells can be found and where dangers lie. There are no tricks to be practiced and performed, and a bath? NEVER! 

Seeing other dogs trapped inside houses while he is romping around chasing squirrels, rolling in leaves and peeing on fire hydrants must make them jealous. He has memories of the home he once had; it wasn't a lot of fun there. In fact, they stuck him in a box with a Free sign on it when they no longer wanted him. He's on his own now, and doesn't need anyone. 

He will admit there are downsides: rainy days, loss of friends, loneliness, hunger, fatigue, and always on the run. Most people don't like strays, and send him away. Does he belong anywhere? Does he want to be a stray forever? Maybe there is someone who would like to throw a ball for him. When he is picked up by animal control, he loses the freedom he craves. The stories he hears at the shelter are many. Will there ever be anyone who wants them? 

"For me, it's you." 

This emotional look at connection and past trauma tugs at the heartstrings and makes for a powerful read with children. They will sense the vulnerability as it outweighs the joy found in being free to do everything on his own. Finding true friendship is a great healer for both child and pup. 
                                                                                  

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. 

Backpack, written and illustrated by Katie Arthur. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"A backpack means you're going somewhere. 
Hopefully somewhere fun! 

And it's usually better to be coming or going
instead of staying still, don't you think? 

Plus, there's all that wonderful stuff inside."

As I watch children arriving at school in the mornings and leaving at the end of the day, many are carrying backpacks - or their parents are! The styles, the sizes, the weights they carry, and their way of carrying them are as varied as the children themselves. Some seem almost overwhelmed by how heavy they really are; others are more interested in the logos they sport. They are definitely an integral part of school garb. 

This book honors the niceness of the backpack, and explains its role in the daily routines of many people today. It is a sign that you are 'going somewhere' and that is a good thing. It's a perfect place for carrying important, even significant stuff. A double-page is quick to show readers the many treasures that can be found inside. Young ones will want to take the time to check each out, and name every one of them. A backpack carries joyful things one day; perhaps something sad the next. 

"But you can always count
on your backpack to rest on
your back.

Like a shell. Or a hug."

People call their backpacks by different names, and choose their favorites from a wide assortment of styles. Once again, readers will very much enjoy having a close look at the many shapes and colors created. I love the idea that a little brother can be a backpack for his big sister when he gets tired, or that a backpack can be used as a pillow for a quick nap under a shady tree. The benefits are endless! 

My Name, written and illustrated by Marilda Castanha. Translated by Jane Springer. Groundwood, 2006. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"Little by little, I realized 
that my name has a bit of everything in it.
It brings back memories of last spring, when the 
soft perfume of the olive trees in bloom spread
across the land. 
My name holds other memories, too." 

The author was inspired to write her book by the sadness she felt after seeing a video of children in Gaza writing their names on their arms, hands and legs. A name is very important to every person, animal or thing. No matter the circumstance, a name identifies both things that exist and do not. The child who narrates this book remembers a time when wondering about his name started to mean something. Was there a meaning to it, or a reason for choosing it? His mother is quick to explain the meaning to her son. It means serenity and sweetness just like the songs she sang to him as a baby. 

His father tells him that it has 'bravery, vitality, and courage' in it. It also has the wisdom to help care for their land. The child comes to understand his name has great meaning and holds memories for times past. He remembers that his grandfather suggested his name 'brings out the best taste in olives!' What awe there is in a name. Indeed, his name tells much about him. 

He and his friends write their names everywhere, even on their bodies; they do it carefully and with reason. 

"Because we know that the names
we were given are much more than 
sounds and letters." 

Ms. Castanha dedicates this mindful and profound book: 

"In the name and memory of all children who have been 
and continue to be victims of the atrocities of war." 

Culture and world communities are implied in the poignant illustrations that show destruction of buildings, tanks moving past, children in the streets and practicing writing their names, olive trees, barbed wire fencing, and soldiers. This is a powerful exploration of how children are impacted by war and violence, and that some even manage to survive. Names matter. 
                                                                                       

Zoey's Cheer-me-up Chest, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Gabrielle Gimard. Peanut Butter Press, 2026.$19.95 ages 4 and up

"Their father eagerly 
unwrapped his gifts: 
a knitted scarf from Mathilda
and gingerbread cookies 
from Matthew.

Then it was Zoey's 
turn to give her father 
his birthday gift."

Twins Mathew and Mathilda are plenty excited and want to surprise their dad with a birthday breakfast. In the kitchen, they find Zoey, their little sister. Her gloomy face and grumpy attitude are related to her inability to make anything very special for him. Her siblings are full of praise for the card she has made; Zoey will not be comforted. Mathilda shares a memory from school that she thinks might make Zoey feel better. Both twins remember the fun they had making a cheer-me-up chest. 

Zoey loudly reminds them she is only in kindergarten and has no way of making the kind of box they are describing. Off she goes in a snit to explain her feelings to her teddy bear. As she talks, she begins to think seriously about all the things she CAN do. Though she can't do what her siblings do, she can make a cheer-me-up box full of drawings that refect her many accomplishments so far. 

The children wake their father with their gifts. Zoey has her card ready to give him. He praises her for her creativity, bringing a wide smile to Zoey's face. Before bedtime that evening, Zoey takes a careful look at all the drawings she made earlier to put in her cheer-m-up chest. Lovely ... and it workded!

Ms. Grimard’s gentle and appealing artwork complements the story, allowing readers to feel empathy for Zoey's dilemma while also watching as she works to create a personal chest of memories. 

Muriel and the Mystery, by Charlotte Parent. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Muriel suddenly feels like she is being watched. 

She walks more briskly than usual on the way home. 

Back at her burrow, she finds a mystery in her 
flower box!"  

Muriel lives a life governed by habits. She knows her forest home 'by heart', and her days are mostly spent foraging for snails. One morning, while on the lookout for her next snail, she lifts a leaf to notice a tiny mystery under it. Not to worry, Muriel is ready to press on. In the afternoon, on her way home, she is not thinking about the mystery at all; rather, she is thinking about the soup she will make for supper. 

After a pleasant evening, she retires to her bed for a good night's sleep and wakens to another normal morning. Off she goes in search of snails; again, she spies a mystery - bigger than the other. It gives her an eerie feeling of being watched. She hurries home where she spots yet another mystery.  And another ... and another. She sweeps each one out the door. In her anger, she steps outside only to discover mysteries everywhere she looks. Another surprise is the entrance to a tunnel she has not seen previously. She suspects it might house the mystery. 

Back home she goes. Her sleep disturbed by what has happened, she heads into the dark (not her habit) to return to the tunnel. Upon entrance she realizes she is right. In the darkness she shares a cup of tea, and once again returns home. After a deep sleep, she begins her day in the usual way. For the first time, she acknowledges the mystery with a warm 'hello'. Life goes on, as usual ... or does it?