We Can Hear Without Ears: And Other Things You Didn't Know We Plants Could Do, written by Lisa Westberg Peters and illustrated by Danielle Ridolfi. Astra Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $25.99 ages 8 and up

 

"You think we plants do nothing -
just stand around all day with our
roots stuck in the ground. 

We’re like green lampposts, right?
Well! We’d like to set a few things straight."

It should be obvious to each one of us that we could not survive without plants. The conversation given over to the friendly, though at times a touch brusque, plant narrators here has much to teach readers about the role that plants play in life on the planet. Plants and people need many of the same things, starting with food. People are mostly able to get around to get the food needed, while plants like tulips have to make their own. They start with water from below ground, carbon dioxide from the air, and the sun's energy; all help to create the sugar they need to grow. It makes plants renewable energy machines ... quite the 'superpower', 

This conversational text provides easy to understand information for young readers. Added facts are placed on each double-page spread in a smaller font to further allow for more learning. If water is hard to find, plants use tricky business to find what they need. Like us, they need water to survive and they have many different ways to ensure they find it. Readers are then shown ways that plants know to defend themselves from their enemies and communicate one to the other. 

"Plants have even more senses than animals do. 
They need to be sensitive to their world because they 
can't run away if they are under stress. But plants don't
concentrate their senses in one place like a nose or an ear.
Their sensory parts are spread out all over their bodies -
leaves, stems, flowers and roots. If a deer nips off a leaf, or
a gopher chews on a root, it's not so bad. The plant has more." 

The mix of accurate facts and humorous material makes for a very engaging read while also providing new learning for many. The author advises that we must all be more attentive to the world around us and do our best to use more renewable energy if we want to live in a better world as we move into the future. Mixed-media artwork adds much appeal in colorful and detailed collages that cross multiple landscapes, and the brilliant plant life that lives alongside we humans who depend on it for our existence. 

We are all connected. 

We All Belong, written and illiustrated by Gianna Marino. Philomel, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Then Deer saw someone else. 

"That slender nose is similar to mine," said Deer. 
                   "It must be another deer!"

Fox looked at all the animals. 
"I am a fox," said Fox. 
"We are all similar 
in some ways.""

Ms. Marino's story of acceptance and understanding begins with a lonely mule. Mule no one around, until he hears a chittering sound. Noticing the ears poking out of the ground, Mule wonders if it might be another mule. Rabbit pops up to assure Mule though the ears are similar, these definitely belong to a rabbit. When Rabbit hears a new sound, she notes that the teeth look familiar. Beaver debunks her claim by announcing that he is not a rabbit, but a beaver. 

From one animal to the next, six animals are quick to note the similarities shared one to another. After Beaver, then Duck, Deer, and Fox. While chatting about the ways in which they are similar, a further animal provides a distraction for Mule. 

""WHO IS THAT?" said Mule."

A double-page spread introduces a large, brown, furry animal unknown to the rest. What they do know about the new arrival is the ears, teeth, feet, tail, and slender nose are decidedly different from their own. Bear agrees she is different from everyone, and wanders off to find someone like her. Mule quickly stops her to explain that, although the rest have one similar trait, there are many things about them that are not the same at all. 

As they study Bear carefully, they find many things to like: round ears, fluffy fur, big paws, and big eyes. In fact, they quite love Bear. They may look different from one another; they know they 'all belong'. 

This makes for a wonderful readaloud and is perfect for starting conversations with kids of all ages. The charming artwork is a lovely complement to the story's tone and offers lots of details for little ones to observe and enjoy. 
                                                                                        

Where I Grew, written by Jashar Awan and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Norton Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"To reach this land

In search of the 
   perfect place 

To put down 
        our roots 

And call home."

Oh, the setting is so gorgeous. Endpapers are filled with a detailed look at the forest, its flora and fauna. Bright colors accompany forest greens to invite readers to turn the page to see what is next. A hook, hung with a soft cap and a tote bag suggest outdoor adventure. The title page shows the owner with a satchel, all alone on a gray day.

The opening page returns readers to the forest, and two people venturing in where animals leap and birds sing. The older of the two, presumably a grandparent, is wearing the hat and carrying the tote bag, while a young girl holds his arm. She explains 'we come from all over'. As they walk on, there is joy in their being together in the beauty of their natural surroundings.

As they explore their environment, she tells how people got to the place they are now. In the past, they needed transport, and help to arrive safely in search of a new home. This is where she grew daily, through the seasons, and the years that have passed. She is proud to talk about community, her neighbors and their growing families, and wonders what the future holds for all. 

"As for me, 

This is where 
       I grew.

This is 
where I 
will stay. 

This is 
my home."

Ms. Jomepour Bell’s wondrous illustrations reveal the slow passage of time. Observant listeners will take note of the many details, including the pink beret and glasses the now adult has been wearing since childhood and her grandfather's tote bag that she carries so closely. 
                                                                              

The Mountain That Wouldn't Move, written and illustrated by Sandra Dumais. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"So the animals climbed, 
one atop another. On shoulders, 
on snouts, on antlers. 

        They pushed, 
     they pushed, 
they pushed. 

 But the mountain stood still."

Bear is not happy living in the shadow of a mountain. The shadow's color changes Bear's mood. Bear loves warm colors; that never happens with the mountain in Bear's way. It makes Bear very grumpy; the mountain is oblivious. Bear wants the shadow to go. The other animals are accepting of their lot. Bear will not let it go, calling a meeting to encourage the other forest animals to join with her in eliminating the shadow that causes issues for all. 

Moving the mountain is the only solution. All animals are ready to push the mountain to the left; then to the right. When nothing comes of their hard work, the other animals go back to acceptance. Bear, by now, is beside herself to get the mountain moved. The thought of it consumes her. 

"I will see a sunset if it's
the last thing I do!"

No matter what she tries, nothing works. It is time to give up. Thanks to her many friends, their climbing ability, and their love for their friend, Bear's most fervent wish comes true, leaving Bear to recognize the true benefit of living in the mountain's shadow. 

                                                                                     

Unfunny Bunny, by Kenan Thompson with Bryan Tucker and art by Tony Neal. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"Hedgehog shrugs. "Telling jokes isn't as easy 
as it looks. I think you're onto something. It just 
takes practice!"

That gives Bunny an idea. 
"Maybe we could work on them together?"

Bunny and Hedgehog sit down 
and start writing jokes."

The first day of school happens tomorrow for Bunny. Excitement is rising. Before leaving, he works to determine which bunny he wants his new classmates to meet. Cool? Sporty? Neither appeal. Donning a red suit and tie, with fancy high-top red sneakers, he decides to be a Funny Bunny. Telling his jokes to all who will listen does not go well. His classmates are obviously unimpressed with his humor. Bunny is frantic to hear them laugh. 

When it doesn't happen, he gets angry and starts yelling out even more jokes. The result is a new nickname; they agree they think he is an UNfunny bunny. Oh, dear! Hedgehog comes to his rescue with a compliment and an idea. Perhaps the two can work together to write new jokes. With practice and encouragement, the two find common ground and begin to make progress.  They laugh together with their families as they share what they are writing. 

When Bunny is ready, he tries again; then eagerly awaits his classmates' response. It works! His talent for sharing his jokes, while learning to be a grand friend make his life so much better. Young kids love to laugh at jokes, not always good ones. They will find much humor when this book is shared, as they learn about being a good friend as well. 

Two pages of extra jokes to learn only adds to the fun! 
                                                                             

Turtle Slept In, written and illustrated by Jacob Grant. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"Bird looked at the crumbling 
pile of sand and shook her head. 
"We should walk around," she said. 

Turtle had already dashed in. 

"Slow down!" said Bird. "If we're not careful,
the whole pile will fall. 

But nothing could slow Turtle down."

Readers will quickly empathize with the single tiny turtle who awakens late in the morning she and her many siblings were meant to make their trip to open water. A sandpiper who sits nearby explains that the rest left for the water at night. That is when turtles are supposed to hatch. No problem for the latecomer, she will meet them in the sea! 

Easier said than done, explains the bird. It's a long way to the sea, and the beach is a dangerous place: hot, too many people, beach balls, sand castles, and not for one tiny turtle on her own. Turtle won't be stopped. She will follow the tracks of her siblings as she makes their way across the beach. The bird offers accompaniment. Turtle is keen on new adventure and fun. Despite the bird's good advice, Turtle is having none of it. Independent and determined, she chooses the course she will take. 

As they get closer Turtle is suddenly aware just how big the sea is. Turtle begins to pull back. By now, Bird is sure they can make it. There are many distractions for Turtle as she does her best to avoid getting closer to the wide expanse of blue ocean that is right in front of them. 

""The sea is so very big," said Turtle. "REAL B IG. 
How will I ever find my brothers and sisters in 
something so big?""

Bird continues to encourage Turtle. It's a tough decision to make ... soon Turtle is in the water and waving goodbye. Turtle is alone for the first time ... or is she? 

Using oil pastel monoprints and colored pencil, Jacob Grant creates a beach setting that is perfect and adventure-filled for Turtle, while less so for Bird. As the two say their goodbyes, readers will feel a little hiccup of sadness watching Bird stand alone on the beach while Turtle plunges into the sea that will lead her back to her family. 

“If you want to stay, there will always be room by my nest.
But after the wild beach trip you made it through today,
I know you will find your way.”                                                                                       

 

Fresh Delicious: Poems From the Farmer's Market. Written by Irene Latham and illustrated by Mique Moriuchi. Astra Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $13.99 ages 4 and up

 

"They burst 
like flavor-filled 
fireworks
in waffles 
and muffins. 

But the best 
thing about 
blueberries
is the way 
they change

your lips
and teeth
and tongue 
from regular 
to purple-blue."

Readers will love sharing these celebratory poems about foods found in farmers' markets. The book was originally published in hardcover in 2016, and has recently been reissued as a paperback. Lucky for us that it is still in print; there is much appeal in the poetry and in the collage and acrylic illustrations. The fact that the characters attending the market are animals makes it a win-win for young readers. 

Most of the poems are written in free verse, showing fruits and vegetables in ways that may not have surfaced in other writing. They identify the foods as submarines, facial features, protection, playthings and more. Ms. Moriuchi's artwork is bright, detailed and placed on effective backgrounds to perfectly match the tone and descriptions in each of the poems. 

The animals, whether sellers or buyers, are clearly at home at the market. They welcome one another, choose what they need with care, and offer new ways of looking at the foods they are purchasing. A rabbit uses a lettuce leaf for protection from falling rain; three monkeys show the color-changing effects of ingesting blueberries; a hippo and giraffe, garbed as pirates, find treasure in a chest of fresh eggs; and a pig and a skunk savor the fuzziness of a peach.   

As the market comes to a close for another day, the buyers happily head for home with baskets, bags, and hands full of 'fresh delicious'! To add to the appeal, Ms. Latham closes her book with six esasy recipes for using the fruits and vegetables purchased.