The Great Escape, written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages

 

"Evie found a wand, some solid frozen ground, 
a deep snowdrift, and some magic words.

Snowcus pocus! Blizzard lizzard! Open snowflake! 

and she was gone."

Evie is a big sister who believes in magic. She wishes she could use it to effectively rid herself of her three siblings: Wolfie, Bunny, and Teddy. They are appropriately named for the animal pyjamas they are wearing. To find a quiet space for herself, Evie retreats to the cold of a winter landscape. Not to be outdone, her siblings happily follow. This scenario calls for magic. To Evie's surprise, when she jumps into the snowbank, the text requires the reader to follow until the book tips upside down. Evie enters an underground world filled with sea creatures and galaxies of light. Her sibs are right behind her. 

As her world changes so dramatically, so does the brilliant artwork created by Ms. Marcero. The graphic panels that showed her life at home with her family are replaced with scenes meant to take the breath way. Her siblings ride seahorses, Evie rides off on the back of a dolphin. The pursuit quickly changes when Evie feels the presence of something dangerous. Quickly, she goes into protection mode and hides her siblings. 

"Evie couldn't bear the thought of her siblings getting hurt. 
So she scooped back, zigged high, zagged low, and dipped
and zipped everyone one into a hiding place."

It is Teddy who understands that the whale is in need of help to free her baby from a constellation-shaped fishing net. Helping to quickly untangle the baby earns them a ride home from a very grateful mother. The world (and the book) rights itself, and three tired children race toward the warmth of hearth and home; Evie follows. 

It's almost impossible to describe the beauty found in the magical world the children visit. Ms. Marcero uses actual images taken from the James Webb Space Telescope to enhance the awesome world she creates for their adventure. Her watercolor and ink art, finished digitally, is luminous and full of movement, and charm. 

Enchanting, and certainly worthy of repeated readings. Bravo!                                                                               

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story, written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Lita Judge. Harper, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"When you're the littlest elephant, the 
others teach you how to play and what 
to eat and when to sleep. 
But they also teach you what to fear. 

I learned that some humans like 
tusks more than they like elephants."

Ruby is the littlest elephant in the sanctuary where she lives with her loving family. She likes being an elephant; she is not so keen on tusks. All who love her are making preparations for her Tuskday, a time to celebrate growing up and to think back on her past. Ruby has many sad memories to recall; at the same time, her herd loves her dearly and help her realize that growing up is not meant to be scary. They remind her that remembering bad times often helps to really appreciate the good ones. 

For the first time, younger readers have a chance to meet Ruby in a wonderfully illustrated picture book. They may know her from The One and Only Ivan (2012) which is a much longer story. Here Ruby tells her own story in a shorter version, which allows for discussion. Ruby's fears are based on memories and the fact that she is growing up. Ms. Judge's images are remarkable as she captures the emotions, the scenes of elephant life, and the light that Ruby comes to appreciate following hard times. There is a lot to see and learn from taking a very close look at each spread. 

Bob and Ivan remain her pals as they, too, have a home at the sanctuary. It's just lovely for fans of the novel series to see them again. Sad memories or happy ones, being surrounded with love from her friends and every member of her herd helps Ruby recognize that 'the darkness reminds us to love the light', a sentiment shared with her by her Aunt Akello, the oldest and wisest of all her aunts. 

It's beautifully written story with truly outstanding artwork that evokes admiration for a little elephant who learns all she can from those who love her. 

Bing's Cherries, words by Livia Blackburne and art by Julia Kuo. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"According to Daddy, there's a lot 
about Ah Bing we don't know. But 
we know that he was Chinese like
us, and that he was an orchard man
from long ago. We wouldn't have 
our cherry tree were it not for him. 

At night, after I've washed 
the cherry juice from my hands,
I imagine Ah Bing's life."

I did not know anything about Ah Bing, for whom a certain type of cherry is named. One of the reasons I like picture book biographies so much has to do with all that I learn from reading them. This immigrant story about the Bing cherry has a father telling his daughter that they have good reason to be thankful to Ah Bing for the cherry tree in their backyard. Its bounty makes both very happy. He goes on to tell her there is a lot that is not known about Ah Bing; they do know he was Chinese. He was also an orchard man who played an important role in developing cherry trees that people so enjoy. 

In bed that night, the girl tries to imagine Ah Bing's life. He had to sail from China. Unlike many Chinese people, he was very tall, allowing him to wade ashore in San Francisco Bay. He may then have traveled north to find work where he was quickly hired because of his great height. The girl's imaginings create a kind and very helpful man who did what he could to offer assistance to people, birds and animals. His songs kept the trees happy and growing. He was a leader of men, who worked hard to keep the orchards healthy and producing. 

Ah Bing dearly missed the family he left behind in China. He was a good friend and liked by many; still, there were people who didn't like his look and felt threatened by him. Ah Bing did his best to protect himself and his team of workers. Some of the trees grew taller and sweeter due to his care. Those trees were named for him. After many years Ah Bing returned to his family, taking the tree seeds with him and planting them at his home. Today, the girl and her father reap the benefits of his hard work so long ago. At least, that's the story she believes. 

A well-written origin story, made more dramatic with digital artistic scenes that are filled with depth and clear perspective in terms of Ah Bing's size, work ethic, sadness about being so far away from family, and his humanity. 

In author and illustrator notes, the creators share their interest in American folklore, their Chinese culture, and how they made Ah Bing's story come alive for readers. Further information includes what is known about Ah Bing, further reading and a sweet recipe to try.

A Door Is to Open, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"When you see a door out in the world, 

you may wonder:

Who will come through it?

Where will it lead?" 

As the first door opens, a child allows a mother cat and her four kittens access. A page turn shows another door being knocked on by a child carrying a bouquet of flowers. Once opened the next door provides an invitation to come inside and enjoy a warm meal. There are so many doors that function as a passage from one place to another. 

Each offers variety: entry to a birthday party, door knocking games, transparency from the outside for visitors, the screen on a backyard tent to let in welcome air, a door that revolves offering access, entertainment, and enjoyment. The list goes on, each one giving readers a chance to develop a further story to match the door presented. 

Is the reading child hiding in the closet or using it for a safe and quiet place to finish her book? What about a door to the imagination that allows for discovering a place never considered? Where might a trap door lead? What kind of adventure might it offer? What lies behind the classroom door on the first day of school? What door does a new book offer? There is a myriad of doors in nature, on land and in the water. Just think of it! 

"If you find a small door 
with a knob the size of a pea, 
there might be tiny friends to visit."

The beauty of a door is the invitation to go through it, to wonder what's on the other side. Can you make a door of your own? 

Julie Morstad certainly used her creativity to fill each spread with images that invite readers to pay careful attention to the details and settings shown here. Her use of white space allows readers time to consider other ideas. Whether it's a rainbow-striped tunnel, an inviting school classroom, or a rabbit warren, she enlightens and engages young readers to think about where a door might lead. Those doors provide endless possibilities. 
                                                                                           

102, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"The cricket hopped toward the wall, 
then disappeared into a large crack. 

So I followed. 

Within the wall was a vast miniature 
world with strings of lights. We crept
through a maze of passages, past 
treasures lying here and there. A 
collection of paper clips. A cracked 
marble. A strange old coin."

I am a HUGE fan of Matthew Cordell's genius storytelling and art. I have been sharing his books with you since August 14, 2010 when he illustrated a book by Phyllis Root called TOOT TOOT ZOOM! There have been more than 30 others, and I know I have missed many; I am NOT going to miss telling you about this one. 

It is one of my very favorite books. I am longing to share it with my granddaughters when they arrive for our annual July visit on Saturday. I have read and reread it many times to myself; I will be so much happier reading it with them and hearing what they have to say about it. 

102 Greenbriar Drive is a large two-story house where our narrator George and his family live. Remembering back to when he was a child, we are told that, on that day October 2, he was sent home from school with a fever of 101. George and his mother are in the kitchen when a mouse scurries across the floor. His mother is not pleased and drops a bowl over it. It is carrying a tiny black bean in its mouth. George finds a place for it to live, gives it water and sunflower seeds, and begs his mother to let him keep it. 

George's temperature rises to 102; his mother tucks him in with two heavy blankets, hoping they will break the fever. She tells him the mouse will be gone the next day. At 1:02 AM, George's eyes pop open to the sound of a cricket's chirp. It hops down, and signals for George to follow. In order to do that, George shrinks down to cricket size and passes through a crack in the wall. Entering a marvelous world of woodland creatures and exceptional sights, Geroge is frightened by a hungry owl.  

A lucky escape allows George to follow the cricket through a tiny door at 102 Acorn Hollow. Sitting to have the tea offered by a mother mouse, George learns they need one more bean for their 102-bean soup. Junior is ill with a fever. The soup is what he needs to recover. Father has gone to get the bean; he has not returned. George knows how to help. The cricket leads the return trip home, where George releases Father Mouse and after awakening at 1:02 PM, he has his own bowl of healing bean soup. 

Not only does the recurring 102 theme intrigue, the similarities between George and Junior will be noted: both sick, both covered by two heavy blankets, both experiencing deep sleep, and the healing power of 102-bean soup. 

I have not even mentioned the remarkable artwork, a signature attraction to Mr. Cordell's fine books. He provides exceptional detail for every scene, and does it using a type of pen he found in his children's art supplies - a multicolored and multiscented ballpoint pen. You know the one! It took the ink from sixteen such pens to create these warm, textured images of a world that fully captures the attention of everyone who shares this brilliant book.

Was it a dream? In four final pages, 102-year-old George has possession of mementos from that day so long ago and also memories to share. It is a story he has told to family from that day to this.    

I think you should read it 102 times. It is definitely worth it. 

Her Muddy Majesty of Muck, written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna. Hippo Park, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"We arrive at a room full of soft, cozy cushions.
By the time I slip under a warm blanket, Her 
Royal Muddiness is already snoring. 

"YOU'RE SCARED!" the Boogers tease. 
'YOU'RE SCARED TO GO HOME!"

They're right. I want to stay here so I don't 
have to tell Shen how I threw the keys down
the manhole, or that I get angry because he 
ignores me, or how hurt I feel inside. And 
the more I try not to think about it, the 
angrier I get."

Big brother Shen and Yuki are not fast friends. In fact, Shen gets quite annoyed when Yuki's anger causes her to scream and stomp around. On this day, while walking home from school with Shen ignoring her, Yuki throws their house keys down a manhole. Immediately regretting her actions, she climbs down a long and rickety ladder into the streets below the city. 

Fearful over what she has done, she is surprised to meet a creature made of mud who introduces herself as Her Muddy Majesty of Muck. Yuki is encouraged to follow her. As they explore, they walk through the Wicked Woods where if you've been bad, there is nothing to worry about. Smelly little creatures called Boogers taunt Yuki; their job, it turns out, is to make Yuki feel even worse than she already does. In fact, they are even mean to themselves. Yuki, in turn, teases Her Majesty who grows bigger as Yuki gets more horrible. 

They approach Lake Youbegone, and both jump in. Underwater, they see many attention-grabbing creatures before climbing a set of stairs that lead to the Museum of Cast-Away Things. Her Majesty explains their reason for being where they are: 

"When people get angry, they take it out on things they love."

To her great surprise, Yuki finds Shen's yellow dog, a sign that he has also been where she is now. On they go to the Grumporium, a room filled with edible anger. Yuki is offered a taste of one of them. She likes it! Suddenly covered with mud and very concerned, the two move on to the Relax Room; where Yuki admits she is afraid to go home and confess to Shen how she is feeling. 

She is about to drift off when Shen pulls on her arm. Unsure what to say to his sister, he remains silent until the Boogers tease him and he is able to open up. The two begin to leave, causing Her Majesty to cry in despair. Yuki turns back with sympathetic eyes, a warm hug and a promise to return for a play. As a result, her new friend gets smaller and smaller until all that is left are a few twigs and some mud. 

Covered in mud, Shen and Yuki their way up and onto the street. Shen's extra keys let them into their apartment in time to have a shower and make themselves presentable before their parents get home. A final underground view warms the hearts of all readers. 

Inventive and endearing, this modern fairy tale uses wondrous art, moving language, gentle humor, and  reassurring advice about family and emotions to spark tender feelings and change. I remain in awe of Ms. Alemagna's exceptional storytelling and her incredible artistic talent. 
                                                                                              

Wombat Waiting, written by Katheine Applegate. Storytide, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 8 and up

"A community is a living thing,
a group of people 
knit together by need or friendship, 
belief or purpose, 
even worn around the edges, 
like a household of grumpy relatives.

But when something bad happens, 
it comes together, stronger than ever, 
ready to start anew." 

Meeting Wombat is a joyous and heartwarming experience. She is a stray dog with stubby legs and silly ears, who is a survivor. She needs to be one as she feels the Santa Ana winds in Southern California blowing and takes note of a fire she can see in the distance. After an upsetting dream, she begins to hear an internal voice telling her to go THAT WAY. Her concern is that it is sending her toward the fire. Having no one, and no home, Wombat does as she is told. 

A chance meeting with a canine friend named Silas. When she tells Silas about the voice, he shares a sympathetic opinion. 

"Oh, you poor pup,
Silas sighed. 
You're one of them, aren't ya?

One of them? Wombat asked. 

You're a destiny dog, said Silas. 

He offered a toothless smile. 
Congrats. 
And condolences."

Being a destiny dog means Wombat is bound to find her person. It's a convincing observation; Wombat will follow the voice's mysterious instructions, despite the dangers. Soon readers meet Henry, a young boy who lives with his two moms and little sister in the path of the wildfire. He loves the bats at the rehab center where Mama Ro works. He and Barnabas, a fruit bat, must find shelter from the fire wreaking havoc everywhere around them. Henry is uncomfortable around dogs following a scary encounter when he was very young. 

As luck would have it, Wombat and Henry cross paths at an emergency shelter. Immediately, Wombat recognizes Henry as her destiny. Henry is wary of any contact. With endless patience and her helping nature, Wombat begins to realize she can offer hope to the displaced people at the shelter. Just as Wombat finds solace in the helping, Henry proves himself to be a willing worker who makes a real difference, too. The bond between the two unfolds as days pass by. Patience is the key to finding each other in the loveliest possible way. 

As the chapters shift from one character to another, readers feel strong empathy toward both. The verse format is perfect for early middle grade readers.Well chosen words balance the terror and acute sadness felt by both as their situation engulfs everyone. It's a story told with gentle caring and quiet humor. So hopeful and endearing. It will be the first book Chelsea and I read in July. We can't wait!