Witchward Bound, written by Erin Bow and illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Scholastic, 2026. $21.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Cats do not in general like boats, or water,
But Butter just sat there on the dock, looking at 
the boat. He sat up very straight, like a cat
who had no doubts.
Owl watched him with her shiny eyes for a 
while. Then she craned her neck and tilted 
her head almost upside down so she could 
read the name printed on the boat's side.
"Brrr ... right ... Eye ... dea. Bright idea!"
the raven shouted out. "Butter? Whose 
Bright Idea is this?
"It's ours," said the cat, and leaped aboard."

It's been a while since I read a new book by Erin Bow; I am pleased that this one arrived in the mail recently to remind me just how much I enjoy her writing. She does not disappoint with this story of a young witch and her familiars: Butter, a calico cat with an air of pomposity and Owl, an impulsive raven who gave herself the moniker for its sound. Though they don't get along very well, when their young witch disappears without a note or warning, the two set themselves a quest to find her. 

A small boat named Bright Idea seems the perfect transport for the two as they spend an extended time on their search. Using a neighbor goat's 'canny bell', meant to keep them on the right path to success, they set off on a series of misadventures that will have middle grade readers fascinated. As they face a number of obstacles, the two become better friends, always with the same goal in mind: to find their witch and bring her home. Often terrified, they cling to an otter-god's claim that heroes are not necessarily big, strong, and fearless. Rather, "What makes them heroes is that they go on." Go on they do, eventually completing their quest and learning why their witch left without warning. 

Erin Bow's exceptional storytelling gives readers worthy characters who exhibit both human and animal traits. I have added a number of quotes to my growing collection of favorites. The way she plots her story will keep readers involved and moving constantly forward. Kelly Murphy's illustrations are a brilliant addition to the fun found here.  

Inspired by Homer's The Odyssey, which is very much in movie news today, this first book in a new series about Butter and Owl is sure to become a classic. It's going on my 'keepers' shelf to be read with Chelsea when she returns next summer. It will be our first book club book. 
                                                                                           

No Ungapatchka, written by Deborah Kerbel and illustrated by Yaara Eshet. Owlkids. 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"WEDNESDAY was gusty and blustery. Sarah dressed
like a swirling puff of wind. 

Whooosh - she breezed out the door past her sisters. 

On THURSDAY, Sarah dressed like a shower of 
twinkly raindrops. 

"Hello, glitter!"

"Don't you think that's a bit shiny for school?" asked 
Rachel. 

No, Sarah did not."

It is time - time for Sarah to make her own decisions about what she will wear to school. She knows she can do it. Her sisters, who have been choosing their own clothes for many years, have some tips for their little sister. Sarah does not understand what the NO UNGAPATCHKA! rule means. The girls explain that it is a Bubbie word and means "something that is too bright, too busy"; also "Too weird. Too loud." Sarah loves her Bubbie's words; she hears them every Friday when the two walk home from school together. 

Each day of the week, Sarah chooses an outfit, matched with the weather and the way she feels that day. Her sisters' establishment views lead to their telling Sarah on Friday that she must change what she is wearing. 

"Sarah's heart felt as heavy as the clouds outside."

After making the change, Sarah feels less. She is consumed by the blahs when she meets Bubbie for their walk home. Sarah explains that her sisters insisted she change that day - no ungapatchka! As they sit to talk, Bubbie asks Sarah what she wants when her sisters' rules don't suit her. Sarah explains that she wants to be loud, and bright, and busy, and weird. Once home, Bubbie removes her coat to show off her 'splendiferous' outfit. Together, the two make a new list, only for Sarah!  

I love the encouragement offered by Ms. Kerbel to be yourself, and the delightful artwork created by Ms. Eshet that perfectly matches the rousing and powerful message that making your own choices is a worthy pursuit. 

Nora At Night, written and illustrated by April dela Noche Milne. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"For brunch, Nora would help her papa make eggs, 
rice, bacon, grilled tomatoes, and (sometimes) 
empanadas.

It wouldn't have been so bad if her 
papa didn't also watch nature and 
animal shows at the same time."

It takes no time at all after Nora wakes in the morning for her ears to be inundated with the sounds of her very noisy family. Even the cat scratches at her door for entrance. Her parents are up and having coffee, her twin sisters are rising filled with excitement for a new day. It is a cacophony of loud sound! 

Once breakfast is consumed, the noise continues with phone calls, the vacuum, her family in the bathroom getting ready for the day while she is trying to take a comforting shower. The afternoon means a trek to the park and the endless noise of people at the pool there. A quick stop at the grocery offers squeaky cart wheels, loudspeaker information, chat with friends, and the endless beep as groceries are scanned for payment. Outside again, it's traffic noise, and talking. Poor Nora. Upon arrival at home, she has had all she can take and lets everyone know it is just too LOUD for her. 

Evening is decidedly different. She goes to her room where there is no sound. She can listen at the window to the sounds of the coming night. 

"There were no clamorous 
cars: only raccoons scrounging 
for food in the bushes outside, 
the branches brushing against 
the windowsill." 

Nora reads quietly on the floor, away from TV shows, laptop sounds, visitors, and sisters playing quietly together as the day winds down. Later, Mama comes in to share lullabies as Nora settles in to sleep and dream. Waking in the middle of the night to share the soothing sounds of everyone's snoring is perfect. 

Ms. Milne's artwork is 'rendered in pencil and Procreate' and invites readers to share in the chaos of a busy and bustling family whose days are full. Plentiful onomatopoeic sounds add appeal and empathy for Nora as she navigates a day that is an assault to her ears and her head. Discussion following reading this story will lead to focusing attention on listeners' experiences and their response to the world's sounds around them. 

Mooz/Moose, by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere. Groundwood, 2026. $22.99 ages 2 and up

 

"Gaawii bmaadgaa-sii
dbishkoo mooz.
Enji-shpashkaak bmi-
giimoodzi, dbishkoo
gnebik.

She doesn't walk through
water like a moose. 
She sneaks through tall 
grass like a snake." 

Mooz is the Anishinaabe word for Moose. In truth, Mooz may not have much in common with the moose, but the comparisons by the author make for a fine book for toddlers. She certainly doesn't look like a moose; she is more like a lynx. She is not as tall as the moose; she is small like the marten. She is doesn't bound like the moose; she races like a hare. She doesn't rub against trees; rather, she climbs them like a raccoon. She doesn't yawn like a moose; she yawns like a coyote. 

In truth, Mooz doesn't have much in common with the moose; she does compare to other animals in the great lakes region where Mangeshig grew up, and where he adopted the tiny kitten to take her on a road trip with him to Vancouver where the two live today with her Pawis-Steckley family. This second book in a series, following the publication of Boozhoo! / Hello! (Groundwood, 2024), is meant to introduce the Anishinaabemowin language to a young audience. Neither one tells a story; their connection is the language, and I look forward to seeing more in this series. 

If you have seen other books illustrated by this fine artist, you will recognize the bright colors and its striking beauty. Black-outlined images of Mooz keep her front and center for little ones as the book is shared with them. Actions are appealing and make for a most enjoyable read. Mooz is a character; sure of herself in every situation and cat owners will recognize that. 

Text is presented in both English and Anishinaabemowin. Notes from both author and translator add to the book's charm.  It will be read aloud repeatedly and thoroughly enjoyed each and every time.                                                                                     

Mr. Chow's Night Market, written by Emily Sun Li and illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

"Mr. Chow doesn't know what to think.
Outside, city lights glow. Cicadas buzz. 
Inside, the fridges hum with energy. 
"I should get ready for bed," Mr. Chow
reminds himself. "I have to get up in a 
few hours!"

But dread pricks his stomach like fish bones."

Mr. Chow and I have something in common; we don't like to get up early in the morning. We would rather stay up late. Our circumstances are very different; he owns a grocery store where patrons line up early to make their purchases and I am a retired teacher with few commitments in the early morning. 

When he sleeps in one morning, despite calls from his grandchildren, angry customers are waiting in a long line for him to open; he has done no cleaning or organizing for the start of the day. His grandchildren offer needed help, but it is not a great day. Mr. Chow turns to his friends for advice. There is little help until someone suggests that he should 'try something new'. That is exactly what he does!

With help from those same grandchildren, he does all the work needed to open a night market. It is a welcome idea, offering a place to shop at night with games, bright lights, and food booths for customers to enjoy. The real bonus for Mr. Chow is that he now has more time to spend with his grandchildren, and the opportunity to sleep in every morning. 

Using lovely, descriptive language, Ms. Li pens a story that is fun to read aloud and informative. Yu Ting Cheng's brightly-colored and expressive illustrations add much to the appeal of the story. The spreads are filled with expression, movement, and so much to see. In an author's note, Emily Sun Li tells her readers about the night markets in Taiwan. Those markets are famous for their snacks, beverages, and sweet desserts, while also attracting many community members on a nightly basis.                                                                                         

The Stuffie Stand, written and illustrated by Maddie Frost. Hippo Park, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Moose had no time to waste on annoying children. 
He was in over his antlers.
And he had a case of NOODLE ARMS - a crafter's 
worst nightmare.

He couldn't pick anything up. 
He couldn't put anything together. 
Sewing was impossible!" 

Moose has a lifetime love of stuffies! As he grew, he learned how to make his own. What an artist! Every one he made was perfect; finally, he decided to open a stuffie stand and sell them locally. Mabel, whose love for stuffies was akin to the way Moose felt about them, wanted all he had to sell. She was loud and very excited to let Moose know that. 

Mabel also made stuffies; bedazzled and accessorised. She showed an interest in selling her wares at Moose's stand. Moose does not need to sell such stuffies, and sent Mabel on her way. He wanted only 'simple stuffies'. His stand was so busy that he had to take special orders. My, he was busy! The sewing never stopped; the waiting lines were endless. He began to make mistakes. Mabel was worried. 

Wanting to help, she checked in with him. Moose wanted no help. In fact, he was quite rude to her. Only when he could no longer do all the work did he turn to Mabel. It was very difficult for him to ask for help, and Mabel grew impatient. Having a partner didn't solve all of the problems, but Moose was okay with that. Their new business was a huge hit! 

Digital illustrations add visual appeal for young readers, who are sure to appreciate the variety in the offerings at the stuffie stand and have a giggle at Moose's attitude toward Mabel. 

Goodbye, Koi, written and illustrated by Jack Wong. Orchard Books, Scholastic. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"At home, Dad fed our koi their meal 
pellets, and I fed them the snacks. 
They loved oranges and watermelon. 

I wonder what they'll eat now. 
I'll miss watching them nibble. 

I hope they get along with the other fish."

As a father and child work together to get ready to move to a new home, an important task is what they will do with their koi. They also need a new home. Together they watch as the koi are released into a park pond. On the way home, the child thinks solemnly about how the koi will adapt. Moving from a fish tank to an open pond with blue skies above them is a big change in environment. 

Dad is reassuring, telling his son that the fish will know what to do under their new circumstances. The child wonders what they will now eat. What about all the other koi that will share their pond? Will they remember their previous home and miss it? As the child shows concern for the koi and their new setting, Jack Wong's impressive illustrations tell another part of the story. He shows what father and son are doing themselves in preparation for leaving: donating clothing, buying a winter coat, purchasing food for a family farewell gathering, collecting their suitcases from a moving box-filled home before departing by plane for their new home. Despite thoughts concerning what this change will bring for the family, they are ready. 

In a stirring author's note, Mr. Wong shares that, as a 6-year-old he and his family moved from Hong Kong to Canada, and his memories of that time include one of watching his father net their koi. He did not know what happened to them. He also explains that he learned ancient Chinese brush painting in order to bring the koi to life. He adds an informative note about koi.