The Future Book, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

"In the future, lots of people are named

CHARLIE CHEESE FACE

There's an interesting reason why, 
but we don't have time for that story.
I have too many other things to tell 
you about the future."

Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris have done their best, in this new book, to ensure their audience is attentive to the ridiculous changes in language the future may bring. They are also set on inspiring laughter at every turn of the page. It begins quite innocently, letting readers know things will be very different in years to come. 

For instance, the sun will be called the moon, and the moon the sun. Morning will be called night, and night morning. The first sign that things are changing even more dramatically comes when readers are told bananas will be called apples, and there will be no longer be any apples. No explanation ... it's time to move on to the next change (see above). The changes become more absurd by the minute as readers eagerly continue page-turning. 

Cows and cats have new names; dogs remain dogs. Numbers have even been changed with knowledge that everyone will become accustomed to it. Reactions to common occurrences and phrases are impossible to explain. Even a new color is announced. 

"BLORANGE

Blorange is a very famous word
in the future because there are 
no words that rhyme with it!"

Can you hear listeners response when they hear that? On the narrator goes, introducing the supermarket (silly word) as being called the 'bolly bolly hoo hoo'. This is followed up by an uproarious two-page dialogue between two characters who manage to use most of the new language so carefully presented in preceeding pages. 

Why not get kids together to create their own short story using what they have learned about conversation in 'the future'?  The sky's the limit when taking this premise to a logical conclusion in the imagination, since we don't know what the future holds for us.

Shawn Harris' ink and acrylic (and boldly colored) illustrations match the absurdity of the text in every way. There is joy, and considerable humor, as he interprets the text for full impact in a book that is entertaining enough to spur repeated readings. 
                                                                                     

Light As A Feather: Fifteen Phenomenal North American Birds, written and illustrated by Will HIllenbrand. Holiday House, Penguin Random House, 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Brown Pelicans catch a lot of water
along with their prey. They tip their 
bills downward to drain the water 
before swallowing the fish. A Brown 
Pelican's gular pouch can hold up
to three gallons of water, three times
the bird's total weight. They also use 
their pouch to carry food for their 
young."

Young readers will be surprised to see the front endpaper which tells them that 'the birds presented here are in scale to each other'. Someone is sure to ask what that means, and you will be able to tell them that even though the birds are not their real size, the illustration shows what they would look like if they were next to each other in nature. What a concept! 

Surely, they will want to get right at the reading to see what facts Will Hillenbrand has to offer. To that end, he begins with the Northern Cardinal. Each introductory side of the book's double-page spreads provides the bird's measurements (length, weight, and wingspan). At the bottom of that page, their range is described. The facing page presents further information that is particular to the featured bird. For instance, in telling more about the cardinal, the author answers a question about why feathers are so light, while also describing a bird's molt cycle. In small print, he also adds something of note about the cardinal itself. 

In a similar style, he goes on to tell his readers about fourteen other North American birds that may or may not be familiar to his audience. In each case, he adds accessible and pertinent facts that make the reading memorable and worthy of sharing. The subjects for research are feathers, drumming sounds, bill shape, flight, color, intelligence, science tagging, color change, nest building, injuries and care, a pelican's pouch, food, silent hunting, and bird sounds. 

Collage artwork is inspiring and as gorgeous as one would expect if you are a fan of Mr. Hillenbrand's work. Colorful and brilliant, the illustrations warrant careful observation and repeated visits. In back matter, he includes words about his illustrations, an author's note, and a list of online resources that readers are sure to find helpful and valuable for further study. Finally, an index will help anyone wanting to return to a certain bit of information.                                                                                           

We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present, written by Wab Kinew and illustrated by Janine Gibbons. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Our love is so pure. 
it comes from the heart. 
If they hate, that's on them. 
We are who we are. 

We are who we are. 
There's strength in this too. 
We kept this place free, 
so you can be you."

In this companion book to Go Show the World (tundra, 2018), Wab Kinew extends the list of Indigenous heroes who have left a lasting legacy in Canadian history. There are 13 men and women included whose accomplishments are far-reaching and numerous. As he did in his first book, he introduces them in rhythmic language meant to inspire young Indigenous readers to learn more about what makes them who they are. 

It begins with the importance of the braid and the way it connects with strength, and through time. He then moves to a series of double-page spreads that honor heroes beginning with Mary Golda Ross, an engineer whose work helped launch jets, rockets, and NASA into space. From there, he writes about Chief Dan George, Steve Charging Eagle of the Lakota, Louis Riel, Thanadelthur, Tasha Spillett, N. Scott Momaday, Pine Leaf, Patricia Nez Henderson, Fawn, Tommy Prince, Phil Fontaine, and Mr. Bonga. 

Interspersed between, a repetitive refrain reminds readers of all that was done to allow people to be who they are, and to be proud. There is little information provided in the odes to the mentioned people. However, a section in back matter titled Biographies provides further relevant information about each and a winning sketch to accompany the paragraph. 

"TOMMY PRINCE (1915-1977) was an Ojibwe
war hero and soldier who fought during World 
Was II. He is one of Canada's most decorated 
Indigenous soldiers, recognized for his service
in the First Special Service Force, an elite 
American-Canadian commando unit. He was 
also a strong advocate for equality and Indigenous 
rights." 

Janine Gibbons' artwork is stunning and 'was created with acrylic paint on poster paper coated in clear sealant. The sketches were created with pencil, pen and ink on card stock'. Every spread is sure to inspire interest and close observation as the book is shared. The spreads are filled with the realistic beauty of every setting, and many familiar and respected symbols that speak to Indigenous culture. 
                                                                                    

All I Want To Do Is Swim, written by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Rise, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 2 and up

 

"So I jump into the water
and imagine I can be ... 

an animal that feels at home, 
swimming naturally. 

Now like a duck, 
I float on water. 

Kids will only have to touch the cover of this book to be intrigued by the marine animals that have a place in this new book by the prolific Marilyn Singer whose rhythmic, descriptive language will draw readers in. Each of the animals is pearly-white and sparkly ... and embossed which gives the cover such appeal.

Our young narrator is sitting on a dock, her dog and dad close by. She's looking down at the water, and dipping her toes in. Brrr! Chilly it is. After taking many lessons at the pool, she is a touch tired of being there. As she sits on the dock watching a turtle and fish swim past, she wonders if she can swim like they do right where she lives. It has to be worth a try. 

Jumping in, she begins to imagine what it must be like to swim as different animals swim. First, the ones she sees at her pond. Then, a hippo, a penguin, a dolphin, and a frog? She floats, dips, flies, jumps and flips; she even dog-paddles like her poodle. What fun it is to use all she has learned during her swim lessons in the pond with other young visitors!  

Luisa Uribe's artwork assures that water is where all the action is. From the blue-green, sun-dappled watery endpapers to the pool and pond where a love of swimming is clearly shown on spread after spread is a visual delight.
                                                                         

                                                                             

iVIVA VALENZUELA: FERNANDOMANIA Erupts in Los Angeles, written by Nathalie Alonso and illustrated by John Parra. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House. 2026. $25.99 ages 7 and up

"Generations of Mexican American and Latino families in 
Los Angeles gathered around televisions and radios, 
tracking each pitch Fernando threw. And, in Mexico, 
many radio stations were tuned into Dodgers' games
for the first time. 
To these communities, Fernando was more than a 
baseball player. 
He was one of them."

Baseball is in full swing for the 2026 season, and many are tuned in night after night to watch and listen to their favorite teams. In Los Angeles, in April 1981, Fernando Valenzuela, a 20-year-old rookie from Mexico. made his debut as the Dodgers' opener. His team beat the Astros and Valenzuela goes on to win his first eight games. No one had heard of this youngest in a Mexican family of 12 children. No one knew the excitement that he would inspire in the 50,000 fans in attendance in those days. Few pitchers had ever thrown a screwball; it is exactly what he did game after game. 

For the first time, Mexicans and Latinos had a hero who looked like they did, and who was an immigrant as they were. They had often faced racism and rejection. Now, they had someone to cheer for and follow on TV and radio game after game. As the baseball world adjusted to Fernando, Fernando did his best to adjust to a new home, a new culture and language. It was difficult. Add to that, a players' strike in June. Fernando went home, not knowing if he would return. Two months later, the strike ended and Fernando was back on the pitcher's mound. His success waned. Would he still be able to help his teammates win an important game in the World Series. It seems he would! 

Baseball reporter Nathalie Alonso and artist John Parra have collaborated on another winning picture book biography from the baseball world. Back matter includes notes from both author and illustrator, a note about Latinos and the Dodgers, a description of the screwball and a bibliography. There is also an archival photo of Fernando as he prepares to throw one of his famous screwballs. 

Viva, #34!                                                                                     

Goodnight, Bruce, written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins. Disney/Hyperion, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"We don't have time for this. 

Honk ... 

What do you mean NOW 
you remember you don't 
have an Aunt Gladys?!

Go upstairs! 
It's time for bed!"

Ryan T. Higgins knows curmudgeons, and he knows kids! By creating Bruce, the crochety bear who becomes a very unlikely mother to four goslings and three mice in earlier stories, he has given us a character who provides unlimited love and kindness for his charges. He doesn't always do it with patience, as is evident in the furrowed brow and grumpy exterior. 

In the newest release from this very popular series, Bruce faces another dilemma that comes with raising a family ... bedtime. While the young ones watch a movie in a darkened room, Bruce decides it's time for bed. What about the Friday-night monster movie, they want to know. Bruce is adamant; it's time for bed. No arguments. If you have children, you will know how that goes. They have reasonable requests before following orders: watch to one specific scene (that comes near the end of the movie), finish their bowls of popcorn, and clean up the mess made earlier.  

Then, it's put away the ice cream, finish a letter to an imaginary aunt, find Stuffy Bear (who was left at the park), teeth brushing, and finally: 

"You can't tell us when 
to go to bed now. See?
We're too old!

Also, we are out of 
toothpaste." 

What about a glass of milk for one, then every single one of them? Could it be warm? You do know that the bathroom break is next. Finally, they are ready to settle for a story; but, not that one. Who falls asleep first? 

The text is written in full dialogue, which offers it up as terrific shared reading or reader's theater in a classroom. The artwork is familiar and welcome for fans, and full of Bruce's surliness and his charges' innocence at every turn. The setting remains a cozy cottage in the woods. It is another charming readaloud. This is a story I will enjoy reading again and again, as will happen when you share it. I would suggest not reading it at bedtime, wouldn't you? 

The Big Journey, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Daniel Egneus. Bloomsbury Children's Books, Raincoast. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"At first, Little Bear was very sad.

But then he remembered the flower. 

It smelled of the mountains, 
it smelled of the air, 
it smelled of the rivers. 

And he knew that he was bringing
part of the Old Place with him." 

As they feel the winds blow in the smell of change, Big Bear tells Little Bear that a long journey is ahead of them. He stresses the journey will be a big, BIG one. Little Bear has questions; Big Bear does his best to answer them. They will need to find a place where there is more to eat. Little Bear is reluctant. He wants to know where they are going, while he also worries that he might forget the Old Place once they leave. 

He wants to talk with Old Owl. Little Bear shares his worries about remembering. Old Owl suggests finding something that will last for a very long time. He next visits Old Badger, who suggests that when Little Bear gets tired from the traveling, he can think of something that makes him happy. A song sung by Big Bear could be the perfect thing to put a smile on Little Bear's face. Still, he has questions for Old Bear, who will not be making the journey with them. Little Bear says he will return, if Old Bear waits for him. A promise is made. 

Now armed with answers to his questions, their journey can begin. It is long, and sad, and very tiring. Remembering that song helps when he is so tired. On and on the two walk ... until they are lost! Now he recalls what Old Bear said about following footprints to help him find his way. They walk through forests and snow, and over mountains until they arrive at the New Place, there to find food, water and new friends. How wonderful is that? 

The beauty of the natural forest setting that is background to their journey will be of great interest to young readers. There is much to see as the seasons change and the long journey begins and ends. It is a story of hope, resilience, and learning to adapt to change written well and illustrated with great care. 

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