The True Ugly Duckling: How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan, written by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Calvin Nichols. Levine Querido, Raincoast. 2026. $25.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Sometimes, to comfort his heart, the boy 
cut out shapes from paper, since that was 
all he had. 

One day, a neighbor girl asked him why 
her flowers had faded overnight. The boy, 
who was a young man by now, answered 
with a story. And as he spoke, he took out 
his scissors and cut out pictures of hearts, 
little ladies who danced, flowers, and great 
castles in which one could open the doors."

Using the style of storytelling that made Hans Christian Andersen famous, Ms. Nickel shares the details of his life from the time he was a young child. That early life was not an easy one; Hans was not like the other children. He did not attend school as they did. He looked different; he had a tender heart; he created costumes for toy actors and then used them to tell stories to anyone who would listen. He loved to entertain. A few offered coins helped while most who listened made him feel unwanted and sad. 

In a quest to find a better life, he sailed off to Copenhagen. The manager at the Royal Theater was not impressed with his look or his manner. The dance school did not need a young man who could not dance. He held his own in a boys' choir until his voice changed. Without money and a way to earn any, he made one last attempt to get the attention of the directors of the Royal Theater. He wrote a play. One said no, another thought it help promise. First, he would need to go to school.  At 17,  he spent his days studying with much younger children and was not allowed to write stories. 

Though always sad, he found comfort in cutting shapes from paper. A simple question asked by a young neighbor girl led to his telling her a story using scisssors to embellish it. Because she loved it so, he wrote it down and had it published with three old stories he retold in his own unique way. Children loved them. Hans was on his way, telling tales and writing stories children loved to read.    

"Before long, even adults were reading about a one-legged tin soldier
who yearned for love. A poor match girl. A mermaid who gave her 
voice for a prince." 

Brilliantly told with empathy and admiration, this picture book biography includes clever references to some of his most famous tales and invites readers to learn more about the man whose stories were drawn from his own experiences as a 'strange child'. His love of creating cut-paper artwork is replicated by the stunning illustrations of Calvin Nichols. The closer a reader looks, the more there is to see. It isn't until Hans finally achieves success that Mr. Nichols allows readers a clear look at who had become; once an ugly duckling, now a beautiful swan.   

The author ends with a note about neurodivergence, and the fact that some experts believe Mr. Andersen was likely on the autism spectrum. She also talks more about his work and includes a select bibliography that will certainly offer help for readers who want to know more.
                                                                                       

Taking Flight, written by Kashmira Sheth and illustrated by Nicolo Carozzi. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Still, you gather up your courage, 
that first day of school. 
Lifting your chin, 
you step through the door. 

Instantly, many heads turn toward you, 
their eyes seem to study you. 
Your stomach stirs, 
palms grow cold, 
knees turn mushy."

What a heartwarming, and yet also heartbreaking, way to show readers the reality of the refugee experience for many. Three young children are introduced, and their journeys to safety in faraway lands portrayed in exceptional digital artwork created using graphite. The first leaves a grandmother in a Tibetan highland home. The second leaves a cozy Syrian home surrounded by cotton fields, following many others who are doing the same. The third escapes a beloved Ukrainian city in the wake of bombing that is leaving it in ruins. 

"No matter where you started, 
leaving was hard - so was that journey. 
And you finally reached safety, 
you were hungry, thirsty, worn-out.
Ready for rest."

That rest came first in a refugee camp. Then, travel to a new land happened on a plane, a boat, and a bus. All the while, hearts were filled with hope for a better life in a strange new place. It was all so different - language, noise, everything unfamiliar, school, food. Still, there are those who know what to say, what to do, how to help make things better - a friend or friends. 

"Day by day, little by little, 
as the new becomes known, 
you meet other children just like you."

The telling is so quiet and meaningful for readers, allowing a chance to develop empathy and compassion for the children they are meeting. The illustrations perfectly match the story's tone, offering readers the opportunity to sense the fear, and feel the emotions of each refugee child. There is such joy in the welcome they experience because of the children they meet who show interest, kindness, and patience. That is what most kids do, when given the chance.                                                                                        

 

Dad, written and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Balzer + Bray, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Dad is here now. 

Dad had to go away.

Dad holds on tight. 

Dad needs lots of space."

I love that Christian Robinson dedicates this new book to 'caregivers who gave what they never got'. It is a perfect way to honor those fathers who do their best to be there for their young ones ... animals and humans. He begins with a flamingo on the title page, looking down from above to the little one standing  between his legs. Love radiates between the two. The gorilla father is 'strong', the fox dad sweetly cuddles three kits, and the frog dad piggybacks his tadpole offspring. 

Each pair that follows shows all that dads do to make life better, while also letting their children down occasionally, or making mistakes. It's not always easy. When he switches to human dads, he follows the same format, allowing readers to see dads who wipe tears, and worry about their children. Even when they are away, the love lingers and keeps them front of mind. A dad's dreams are filled with wishes for their children to grow, and grow, and grow even more. 

Christian Robinson is adept at conveying his positive message in a simple narrative that is accompanied by telling  paint and paper-collage illustrations that pay homage to fathers. They are not perfect, and this is an honest look at that. Taking time for children to really listen, and then talk about some of their own experiences will enhance the reading and offers a safe place for discussion. 

A collection of the included animals and additional father-child facts about each provides help with understanding more about them. 

"PORCUPINE

Some porcupine dads 
share babysitting duties
with moms and other 
adults to care for their 
porcupettes."

If you are looking for a book to share for Father's Day, you cannot go wrong with this one. 

                                                                                          

Loch Ness Monster's Unbelievable Science, written and illustrated by Anne Appert. Kids Can Press, 2026. $16.99 ages 6 and up

"Now, THAT is science. 

But this isn't as fun. 

Of course it is! 
Science is fun!

And it's the real me! 

Fine. 

Make sure you stick to the facts. 
Promise? 
No more made-up science. 

I promise ... "

There are constant warnings for today's young readers about how tough it is to tell fact from fiction. To that end, the Loch Ness Monster is willing to help. Ness's new book promises 'scientific truths' while helping to explain how to pay careful attention to what is being written. This one is about birds, something that Ness knows. 

He will start with puffins, and their beaks. In the past when the two friends decided to sunbathe, Puffin refused protection saying no sunblock was needed. Wrong! That is why today puffins have more colorful beaks in the summer. Puffin disagrees, offering to write its own truth. In a following two-page spread, Puffin sets Ness straight with a series of real facts about the species. Ness explains that he is not sure what Puffin has provided is a lot of fun. Puffin responds that it is science, and science is fun. Ness promises to stick to the facts for the next section of his book.

Is that likely? Read on and see. Ness's next topic is the blue-footed boobie's blue feet. His tale is much appreciated by the booby; not so much for Puffin who is trying to hold Ness to the promise he made. When the blue-footed booby takes the time to think clearly about its feet, it is able to construct an account of his own species with REAL FACTS. There follows very interesting and pertinent facts about his species. The booby prefers Ness's more exciting tale; real science prevails. 

The final section concerns flamingos. What do you think the focus might be this time? If you said pink  feathers, you are absolutely right. This time Ness has his story straight and passes on accurate information before Flamingo adds a few facts of his own. In the end, Ness can now tell his own story - one he knows well. 

The graphic novel format is sure to appeal to the target audience, while offering a series of facts about birds and a touch of humor. Back matter includes a resource list, website, and a list of the author's selected sources for writing the book. 

                                                                                  

The Heart of Our Home, written and illustrated by Janelle Washington. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026, $27.99 ages 4 and up

 

"When my brothers and I get in trouble, 
the kitchen table is where
we have serious talks. 
It's uncomfortable to 
               make mistakes, 
              but deep down, 
                    we know we learn from them. 
                    And sometimes, we even admit
                    that Dad is right."

There have been other picture books this past year or two about the importance of the kitchen table in family stories. I know I have shared a few with readers. It is the heart of this home, where the family gathers each morning to enjoy the first meal of the day, warm conversation, and a hearty send-off to a brand-new day. 

At the end of the school day, the child who narrates the story and her brothers use it for games played together, baking, and making a mess. Too soon, it's dinnertime and her job is to set the table while Mom prepares what they will eat tonight. When the meal is ready and everyone is seated, it's the perfect time to talk about the day's events. There is always much to say. It is the perfect spot for thinking, studying, creating. Every day the table centers what is happening with the family, from Friday fish fries to serious talks about behavior and how to learn from the mistakes we make. 

"It's where laughter fills the air, 
presents are unwrapped, and 
cake is enjoyed, turning every 
gathering into something 
memorable."

Readers are told 'the art for this book was rendered by hand cutting black paper using a craft knife. Colored tissue and handmade paper was used for additional layers.' It very effectively shows the many memories that the author holds close to her heart from times spent at the family table. Intense colors and textures add detail for those listening. Finally, archival photographs of the her family offer context for the warmth shared here.

I think I have asked these questions before. What are some of your memories of times spent sitting at your kitchen table? Do you still have meals together there? 

The Selfish Sister, written by David Sedaris and illustrated by Bob Staake. A Toon Book, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Don't try to ride 
       her bright green trike. 
It's hers alone, 
       the un-kind tyke. 

It sits 

      un-used, 

            ignored, 

               forsaken

not peddled yet, no long rides taken."

I have always enjoyed David Sedaris' humor! I have read many of his adult books, and was happy to learn that he has turned his talents to writing for children. The first was Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (Little, Brown, 2011). Look for it at the library; you won't be disappointed. I told readers about Pretty Ugly (TOON Books, 2024) previously, and next up is this book about a sister who can only properly be described as both SELFISH and GREEDY! She is trouble at every turn ... taking on anyone who gets in the way of her belief that the world (and all in it) is her oyster. 

 In cheeky rhymes, the author is able to show readers just exactly what greediness in its purest form is. There is not a thing that doesn't belong to her and she makes sure that everyone knows it, especially her small and quite terrified brother. No amount of trying keeps her from taking everything in sight: cork, tuning fork. bed, towel, chair, stuffed animals. Then, she moves outside. 

Finally, in a fit of anger, her father shouts "Enough! When she continues in her selfish ways, he offers a deal. She refuses. When she has finally claimed ALL to be hers, she finds herself without only one thing: friends. So much for her self-centered ways! 

Bob Staake fills the spreads with digitally colored pencil and ink drawings that are sure to please young readers. He leaves plenty of white space in order to keep attention on her antics and expressions. Green skin and one tooth make her a real charmer. Get ready to giggle, and then read it again. 
                                                                            

Grandma, Cho Cho and Me, words by Morgan Christie and pictures by Paulica Santos. Groundwood, 2026. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"Grandma sends me to pick some callaloo
from the garden. I cut handfuls of the 
deep-green leaves before we chop and saute
them with chili flakes, garlic and a Scotch 
bonnet for kick."

It doesn't always happen that a family gathers together for a big breakfast; more often, that happens at dinner time. The young girl in this story is helping her grandmother prepare a delicious early morning meal for the whole family. In doing so, Grandma explains why breakfast is so important. As they work together to decide on the menu and to get what they need for its preparation, Grandma explains that many families do the same. Often the work of the day begins early in the morning, and does not end until moonshine leads the workers back home. That breakfast helps thems get through their long days.   

As the two talk, they work at the recipes handed down for generations. Ackee, saltfish and fried dumplings are first on the agenda, followed by some of the granddaughter's favorite sides: callaloo, stewed cho cho with spices and herbs. All the while they talk about the lessons learned from their cultural heritage in Jamaica. She explains that many people from the Caribbean eat big breakfasts; it is the way they start each new day. 

There are many reasons for big breakfasts. Grandma shares a final thought:

"When we eat breakfasts together, we are reminded,
before we take on the world, that we will always be 
there for each other. That I will always be there for you."

This story is inspired by Morgan Christie's memories as the daughter of Jamaican migrant parents. She is clear that those memories have informed her life, and made her want to write about it in a gentle and loving way. Paulica Santos uses digital mixed media and acrylic paint to showcase the brilliance of the Caribbean colors as she helps readers be a part of the planning and execution of a most delicious family meal.