Houdini's Library: How Books Created the World's Greatest Magician, written by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mar Delmar. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"He never failed to escape. 

And he never failed to shop for books. 
Harry wandered antiquarian bookshops
in London. He browsed bouquinistes in 
Paris. Harry tracked down retired 
magicians, bought entire collections - 
pounds of posters, prints, and playbills.
Crates of books, thick and thin, small 
and tall, older and newer."

Harry Houdini was only four years old when he and his Hungarian family emigrated to the United States for a better life. His name was immediately changed from Erik Weisz to Ehrich Weiss; his family affectionately called him Ehrie. Settling in Wisconsin, it didn't take long before his father lost his job, and the family was forced to make their first move of many. His father arrived with an extensive book collection. Ehrie loves those books. 

After his father lost yet another job, the children had to quit school and find what work they could to help support the family. There was little money; Harry's father was forced to sell his books in support of his family. Ehrie was distraught and lost without them; he worked at tedious factory jobs to help put food on the table. In his free hours, he explored used bookstores. 

He found a book on magic and began to dream of a different life. He changed his name, in honor of the book's author, and his life's path. He studied magic for endless hours and bought as many books about magic as he could possibly find. It was the beginning of a long and famous life, along with his wife Bess and the books he continued to collect at every opportunity. He spent endless hours reading, eventually owning close to 15, 000 books in his library in Harlem and hiring his own librarian.  

While there ae many books to read about Houdini and his magic, this book by the brilliant Barb Rosenstock focuses on the reading that assured his success. It was a passion that lasted his entire life; books were how he learned to be the famous magician he became. It conveys an important lesson to readers about making the effort to keep trying to do something really well. 

The noteworthy illustrations were created using cut paper, acrylic, gouache, and glue. The collages, dioramas, and gouache paintings offer a cohesive and bold setting for this story that is indicative of the many successes experienced by Harry in his lifetime. Harry's love for books and reading is evident on almost every page. An illustrator's note in back matter explains the lengths she went to in the year and a half she spent creating Harry's world and his library, which is a true masterpiece. It is fascinating stuff, to be sure. 

In her author's note, Ms. Rosenstock adds further details concerning the library and what happened to it following Harry's death.     

"Books are Harry's greatest escape. They spark imagination. 

They bring the past to life. 

They make home feel like home."                                                                              

because of a shoe, written by julie fogliano and illustrated by marla frazee. alfred a. knopf, Penguin Random House.2026. $26.99 ages 2 and up

 

"and even when 
you are never putting on another shoe
(even the loosest shoe
even the tightest shoe)
for the rest of your life
and you hate the shoe
you hate every shoe
and you want all the shoes
to go to the bottom of the ocean
and get eaten by a shark"

I have read this AMAZING book a number of times since it arrived, and could not bring myself to write about it until I could read it just once more. I love it so much, and it absolutely took me back many years to when my husband and I were dealing with cantankerous toddlers longing for independence and acknowledgement of their ever-changing feelings. 

The adult in this ongoing conflict about a shoe puts into words exactly what is happening as the red-haired child runs, screams and continues to express all the 'even when ....' things that are making putting on that shoe an impossible task. Mom knows the child doesn't want to be reacting in such a dramatic way. She's sure all the flopping and inability to stop is not really the reaction the child wants to express. She's even willing to accept that the child will remain on the floor for all future endeavors from eating meals, attending school, working in an office, and so on ... 

When Mom finally loses her own temper and shouts and threatens dire consequences if those shoes are not immediately put on, the two begin to find calm in the chaos. Mom reminds that neither one of them are the people they have become. 

"you are still you
(funny sweet you)
and i am still me
(funny sweet me) 
and we are not a shoe
(not the tightest shoe
or the loosest shoe)

and we are not the yelling 
and the flopping 
and the throwing 
and we are not our 
maddest faces
and our angriest eyes"

Finally, with the little one tucked in her enveloping embrace, they find time to smile and have a hug and take a clear look at those very favorite shoes that have them in such a conflict. Shoes donned, they are off on a new adventure. The final spread is the absolutely perfect denouement. 

Julie Fogliano knows young children, and does an incredible job of creating this warmhearted ode to a toddler's need to feel all the feels on this day. The text moves forward in one-continuous-sentence, effective and so telling. Marla Frazee's impressive colored pencil and paint artwork turns on a dime to perfectly match the child's escalating emotions. She moves from soft warmth to the darkness of the powerful emotions they are both expressing. Once catch their collective breath and recognize the love they feel together, Ms. Frazee returns to the earlier softness. Love for each other is always there. 

It happens; it's hard; many are dealing with exactly the same thing. It helps to remember that, and this wonderful book reminds us of that.  It's  one of my favorite books for this year.                                                                                  

You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People. Edited by Stephanie Sinclair and Sara Sinclair with a foreword by Mazina Giizhik-iban (Murray Sinclair). tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $28.99 all ages

"Mother Earth takes care of us without 
ever asking anything in return. We need
to give back and help the water and the 
planet. They need our voices. 

Use your voice like I have chosen to use mine."

                                - Autumn Peltier

This fine collection of letters and art celebrate Indigenous voices for young people. Reading the many entries show readers that they belong, and that they deserve recognition for who they are. Every single one matters. Forty-three writers, artists, activists, athletes, teachers, and others celebrate what young people can do while encouraging them to share the pride they have in their heritage. They speak of finding comfort in the language and traditions that make them who they are, and invite readers to share their experiences with others. 

Five titled medicine bundles are included: Water, Tobacco, Cedar, Sweetgrass and Sage. Within these traditional medicine sections, twenty influential writers encourage readers to think about their strengths, their place in the world, and what their future might look like. Each writer's entry is accompanied by meaningful and beautiful artwork that reflects the warm encouragement being shared. 

The book offers a starting point for conversations to be had with children to help them feel good about themselves and their ancestry. There is a lot of misunderstanding for young kids who may not be fully aware of family, the past, and what the future might bring. The writers and artists are well-known to many and offer encouragement at every turn of the page. 

In their own family, the editors learned about the horrors of the Holocaust from their Jewish grandmother, while there was shame felt and secrets kept about their Indigenous grandfather's survival at an Indian Residential School. It is their wish that young people today will find their own identity and culture through the entries presented. The letters serve as a look at the past while encouraging wishes for times to come. 

A list of contributors brings the book to an end, with names and short informative passages about each. 

"Watch your aunties and copy what they do. That's the 
best way to learn. 

You don't need to cut moose meat, scale fish, pick 
medicine, or go to sweat lodge to be an Indian. 

Love your friend and your family. 

Accept love back. 

You were made for this world. 

                         Jessica Johns"

Sketch, written and illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn. Translated by Helen Mixter. Greystone Kids, 2025. $24.95 all ages

"In the schoolyard, hundreds of kids walked
back and forth as though they were robots.

Many of them were staring at a small box, 
mesmerized by its glowing screen. 

Sketch had a box too. In his, there were 
a notebook and colored pencils."

I am a resolute admirer of Jacques Goldstyn and the books he writes for children. In this one, that was published last year, he introduces a young boy who is born not looking like other children. He simply has a different look. He has more spunk, more spontaneity, and is even a tiny bit wild ... and he is funny! He keeps his parents very busy. 

The family lives in a perfect place, where everything looks the same as it has always looked. When Sketch arrives at the playground with his parents, the other parents take their children home. It doesn't bother Sketch, or his parents. He loves the life he leads; his parents love him as he is. School means adapting to look and be as much like the other children as is possible. 

"But he kept his slightly sketchy look."

The principal is not impressed and determines to keep a careful eye on him. His teacher insists he lose his creativity to be like the others. It is an impossible ask for a young boy who explodes with ideas, imagination and a need for adventure. Art class is his happy place; his art teacher loves his work, and encourages him. 

""Listen to me, Sketch. I love what you do. It's so special. 
There will always be people who try to discourage you. 
Don't listen to them. Persevere.""

Luckily, Sketch's parents continue to encourage him at every turn. A move to high school does not change much for him ... until he meets Flow, Muddy, and Doodle. Finally, he finds his people! Each looks very different from the other high school students, but they find comfort in being together. When his friends worry they may have to find someplace else where they will be accepted, Sketch has a brilliant response: 

"No. We mustn't go. We have to draw ourselves in."

The final spread makes my heart sing! 

                                                                                     

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.  

A Fishboy Named ... Sashimi, by Dan Santat. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $12.99 ages 6 and up

 

"WAIT!"
Where am I?

Relax.

My mom and I live here with my 
grandpa. They kicked you out of
the market after your sugar crash.

All I remember was drinking a 
liquid called MOUTHBOMB.

*GASP* MOUTHBOMB has 
so much sugar it's illegal in
three states!

Here. Have some water."

In another funny book from Dan Santat readers meet Sashimi, a fishboy who is trying to maintain a secret identity as he attends a human school. It's Tuesday night in Barnacle Bay when a pirate follows 'something' through town until he finally loses the creature. On Wednesday Sashimi shows up as a new grade six student. Classmates have countless questions to ask; Sashimi avoids many of them. Joey is tasked with showing the new kid around school, while also trying to understand some of his weirdness. Sashimi makes friends with the class pet, a female goldfish named Kevin, who helps him try to understand his new reality. 

After drinking a new soda, Sashimi's reaction is zombie-like and leads Joey to help take care of him, while also admitting he would like to be friends. The two begin a quest to find the Beast of Barnacle Bay. Chaotic adventure ensues. This creates plenty of laughs for readers. Sashimi is full of heart and hope. He doesn't see the world in the same way Joey does. That holds much appeal for middle grade readers. 

It is the first in a planned series of six books about the fishboy. Such books are a perfect way to get more kids reading, a needed pursuit as statistics are showing a deep drop in reading for kids today. It's often hard for kids who are different to find themselves in the books they read. They will be drawn to Sashimi whose outward appearance belies the fact that he is a lot like those who are reading about him. The novel is both witty and full of charm. It is sure to find a large following, waiting patiently until September to meet up with Sashimi once more.                                                                                          

NIck the Sidekick, written and illustrated by Dave Whamond. Kids Can Press, 2026. $12.99 ages 6 and up

 

"HE DISLIKED CLICHES, SO HE DIDN'T
WANT TO BE A TYPICAL SUPERHERO.

Is it written somewhere that if you're a 
superhero, you have to wear spandex?

Hey, that's one of the reasons I got into
the biz. I get to wear a spandex onesie 
all day! 

Okaa-aa-aay ... 

And why the cape? It's just 
cumbersome."

The story opens with Nick, caped and determined, sitting on a garbage can. He knows he is no hero, but he could assist someone more heroic than he is. Just don't call him a sidekick! His huge ears result in teasing at school, but also in super hearing. It comes in handy at times; at other times, it's not so helpful. Once school is out, Nick is enlisted by Super Fantastic Guy to help solve crimes. His smarts, his grades and his hearing make him a good candidate for SUPERHERO. 

Nick has many questions about the traditions of superheroes, and has no plans to be like them. He is not thrilled with the purple-and-lime outfit or the fanny pack he is given. His lessons in flying do not go well, nor do the following training sessions. While Nick is not getting much attention at all, Super Fantastic Guy loves how people treat him. No matter what happens, Nick does not give up on himself - an extremely fine character trait for a superhero. 

The graphic novel is used to full effect with brilliant coloring and humorous retorts that keep readers entertained and moving forward. As Nick provides all the intel needed to solve crimes because of his  hearing and smarts, Super Fantastic Guy takes the credit. That is, until a final funny turnabout shifts the limelight in the right direction. Now, who's the superhero? 

The artwork is filled with movement and energy. Nick's character is fully relalised throughout the story and leaves readers with a new kind of hero. Perhaps we will meet him again, or someone like him.