A Salmon Story: Protecting the Future, written by Willie Poll and illustrated by Chantelle Trainor-Matties. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 5 and up

"Their world gets bigger, and so do they ... 

The salmon are now called smelts. They've grown 
a lot but are still young and haven't reached full 
strength. At this point, they emerge into an estuary, 
a body of water where the stream's fresh water mixes
with the ocean's salt water."

Narration for this life cycle story, that also touches on the threats that salmon face as they make their way from hatching to final spawning, is clear and rhythmically shared in the voice of one salmon. It is third generation, and explains its purpose in this world and how when its life ends, it will watch from the spirit world the life cycle continue for thousands of years forward. 

Poetic text offers the tale of a salmon hatching beneath a waterfall, strong and ready to make its way in life. Newborns sustain themselves by consuming their nourishing yolk sac before heading out into the river. From alevin (newborns) to fry, they make their way toward the sea looking for food to sustain them. On this first part of the journey they smolt, and their scales turn to silver as they move from freshwater toward the sea's saltwater environment. 

At the same time, they become prey for animals like seals and eagles. In this estuary, they feed in preparation for a long journey. They also come upon large nets with trapped fish inside them. A fish farm is something new to the salmon, and they are not prepared for anything that blocks their travel.

"Human activity has changed salmon habitats and interfered 
with their long-established routes. One of the most harmful of these
activities is open-net pen fish farms - enclosures in the water where 
fish are kept and eventually sold to markets and restaurants."

Even if the salmon are not trapped there, they are exposed to the sea lice and viruses that are abundant near these fish farms. Healthy fish become sick; the salmon population lessens; orcas and bears that depend on salmon can no longer rely on the abundant food they once provided. Salmon carcasses, which once enriched the soil, have also diminished. 

Willie Poll, a Metis author and educator, has written an effective and informative book. Her poetic text is accompanied on each spread by further text in a smaller font that adds context and worthwhile facts. It is a call to readers and listeners to consider the threats faced by a keystone species and how it impacts nature and humans. Ms. Trainor-Matties accompanies the text with Northwest Coastal designs that show the salmon and wildlife found there. 

In final pages, there is a note from knowledgekeeper Lakal't (Tanina Williams) who speaks to the need to care for the salmon for future generations. Alongside her note is a list of words from her Lil'wat nation, words that she and members of her nation want to preserve and increase. Finally, a glossary offers an explanation for words used in the book's text.  

Love Finds a Way, written and illustrated by Vern Kousky. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"So after the first day, 
Oscar rewarded him 
with a friendly scratch. 

After the second day ... 
he gave Brutus a tasty treat. 

Then, after the third day ... 
Oscar played a fun game of catch with Brutus ... 

who wished it would never end."

Readers learn quickly that Oscar, a bespectacled yellow bird, is afraid of love and wants no part of it. He thinks he can feel it in the forest, but is determined to do whatever he can to keep it at bay. After many attempts at avoidance, Oscar decides that his only real protection will come from 'a ferocious guard dog'. Kids will chuckle at the dog's small size, and the lessons Oscar needs to teach Brutus. 

As Brutus learns the ropes, Oscar is quick to respond with special attention and pride in the work the dog is doing. The always attentive and caring squirrels are gone, leaving Oscar and Brutus to enjoy time together. Oscar finally feels safe from the worry of love finding him. All is just as Oscar wants it ... until the day Brutus does not return home. Oscar searches everywhere. There is no one to protect Oscar from love! 

Leave it to the ever-attentive squirrels to offer advice about Brutus, and new learning for Oscar about the real power of love. 

The Rare Bird, written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 3 and up

"When the day opened up and he was left 
on his own, the Rare Bird explored the corners
of his forest home. 

He caught a worm,

                               and another. 

He found bugs and hid them 
among the flowers for later. 

Flitted here

               flitted there."

Have you ever considered what cats might imagine when left to their own devices? I have not; luckily for those who see and share this book, Elisha Cooper has done exactly that. In fact, his cat shows a decided interest in a book about marine life on the title page! That is not the only reading matter to spark interest. Birds and trees also capture attention. 

A decision is made. A flight through the forest and over the trees is front of mind. In the reality of this cat's existence, readers can see that his experience in the forest is matched by quite normal household actions: swinging on the draperies, checking out slippers, rolling in a blanket, splashing in the shower, and using the toilet for a bath and a drink. Flying across that whole world brings great joy. 

A rock the cat lands on is the dog, the song sung has everyone paying attention, food is eaten, a quick bath is taken in a basin, and a nest made in a cardboard box. All that hard work leads to the need for a rest. The cat considers previous stories heard in thinking about the world outside, and settles by the window to sleep and dream. What wonder in a dream of being a small white bird that follows two bluebirds as they settle in a nest together. Upon waking, the cat stretches its wings and continues with the day. In the evening, the cat settles in with a reader and the dog to hear amazing tales of other animals of the world. 

"And he became an elephant. 

A small and sleepy elephant, lying on top of a patient hippopotamus.
As they lay there together, the Extraordinary Elephant closed his eyes
and listened, dreaming about his wild home, 

which he could explore tomorrow."

I share a love for dual narratives with young children, who hear the story being told while it shows a totally different story in signature watercolor images from the very talented Mr. Cooper. The book begs for careful consideration of every image and spread, and will be requested for reading multiple times. Well deserved, to be sure.                                                                                              

                                                                                    

The Story Hunter, written and illustrated by Barbara Reid. North Winds Press, Scholastic Canada. 2026. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"There is an opening. A mouth. 
What can we find in the dark? 

Grandmother shares her light.
My lamp shivers. 

We are swallowed!"

I have missed seeing Barbara Reid's wonderful work. So, I was thrilled to receive this new book in the mail last week. Not only because of the incredible illustrations; it is a story for the hearts of anyone who loves to tell stories or read them to children. 

The inspiration for the telling is a visit that Barbara made to see the cave art in the Vezere Valley in France. She lets readers know what a thrill it was to view the art in person. Seeing those ancient drawings, including a child's handprint, allowed to her think about the art that the children of today make at school and at home. It reminded her that they are not that different than those who came before them. It led her to imagine her own cave and use it to shape this family story of hunters and gatherers. 

It is a story from long ago, and is narrated by a young child whose community follows the animals that provide what they need for a good life. They stop when the animals stop. Working together, they do what it takes to set up camp and make a meal for all. As they pack up to move on, they follow Grandmother. She knows where to find the stories they seek. As they move into a deep cave, they carry fire to light the darkness of the interior. Finding the images they seek is reason for celebration. 

"Grandmother stops. "Look."

ANIMALS! Deer, Bison, horses!

They turn; they look. The animals play in our light."

The visitors examine the stories drawn on the cave walls. The child feels a special affinity to a shy mammoth. Together, they all make their marks on the walls, then sing and dance the stories they want to tell. Mammoth joins in. They exit the cave. 

"I am a story hunter. I carry stories."

Barbara Reid's art makes it clear that the world itself is more important that those who inhabit it. The natural world is wide blue skies, vast horizons and starry nights, while the intimacy and darkness of the cave sparks visitors to find inspiration in the stories already there and to leave their own mark for those who come after them.                                                                                              

Angelica and the Bear Prince, written and illustrated by Trung Le Nguyen. RH Graphic, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.50 ages 12 and up

 

"Well, you look nice. 
Doing anything special?

No! Not at all. 
Just taking a day to myself, 
gonna explore the festival.

Cool! I'll come with you.

No, I wanna walk around 
by myself, take some alone time. 
Maybe later. 

Oh. Well, I'll be around if 
you need me. Have fun. 

Wait, you seem a little 
bummed. What's wrong?"

Angelica (whose nickname is Jelly) is beyond enthusiastic to begin an internship at her local Log House Theater. She saw her first production of the Bear Prince at a young age, and looks forward to playing a role in what happens in the new one. She is particularly interested in the masked actor who plays the Bear Prince. The two begin, via DM, communicating with each other and their relationship grows. 

Mr. Nguyen is adept at managing the present time with flashbacks to a time in Jelly's early childhood when she first saw the Bear Prince story. Her family is dealing with persistent grief at the loss of Jelly's beloved grandmother; this grief has an impact on Jelly and the story being told. Jelly wants to prove that she is capable of everything expected of her, while also managing the new relationship with a growing interest in someone she doesn't really know. 

Each scene is created to expand on the characters the author introduces to his readers. They are all unique and likable as they deal with the reality of their circumstances. From an initial note of thanks to Per, the conversations become more open and sensitive to the feelings of the other. The emotions are realistically presented and their mutual respect allows for a healthy back-and-forth. Energetic artwork conveys the tone of the full story while providing many expressive and lovely details to make the storytelling even better. The frames used to show flashbacks, memories and past experiences allow readers the connections they need for the storytelling. 

This is a terrific heartfelt tale with memorable characters that gives a nod to the folktale tradition, and explores meaningful issues of community, grief, family, and friendship. I'm saving it for Sicily to read when she is here this summer. 

More Than A Million, written and illustrated by Grace Farris. Bloomsbury Children"s Books, Raincoast. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"Love you more than a million 
blueberries on the floor

Love you more than just one more
goodbye at the school door

Love you more than 365 lunch box notes

Love you more than a truly astounding 
number of fevers and sore throats"

I have long forgotten how many times I heard 'MOM' when the kids were young. My daughter lives in the midst of it whenever their kids are home from school or bike rides or being with friends. Anyone with kids at home will know what I mean.

Front matter begins with a worry from a pajamaed child while mom is trying to sleep: 'Mommm. I had a bad dream. I dreamed you didn't love me.' Oh, dear. That statement provides the impetus for every page that follows. Each one offers one more way that parents love their children. Each shared assurance begins with the words ... Love you more than ... 

In rhyming couplets, the child is reminded of the many ways that parents prove their love. There are no conditions that will change that. The experiences are those often shared in families: writing on the wall, illness, spills, art accidents, lost clothing, loud noises, constant questions. Who hasn't been there? Parents will understand the frustrations, while children may not even acknowledge the problem. They only want to remember how much they are loved. 

Illustrations are created digitally, filled with variety in the adults involved, and add context and interest for young readers. Funny at times, and mostly heartwarming, this is a book that will be read again and again. 

Into the Wilderness, written by Haven Iverson and illustrated by August Zhang. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"With my finger, I trace where we've come from 
and where we want to go. 

I study the land: long valleys
and the peaks of the Rockies like jagged teeth. 

I take a deep breath and focus,  
turning the map so that it lines up with what I see ...

Eventually, I find the way." 

With parents following behind, our young narrator leads the way to a large alpine lake they love. In earlier pages, readers learn that the three have been making yearly trips into the wilderness together, sharing the mountains, forests, ridges and rivers that are there for them to enjoy. Their story starts when the child is much smaller and in Mom's backpack. Leaving the car in a parking lot each year, they spend their days carrying the wonder of the wilderness with them. Each year the child takes more responsibility for carrying what is needed.

Once they arrive at the lake, they pitch their tent. The parents settle in for a nap while the child enjoys time spent on a nearby rock, thinking about never feeling alone there. There is so much to see, to hear, to smell, and to admire about being right where they are. 

"In the wilderness, I feel a part of it all. 
I can leave my feelings of lonely behind." 

Once home, the memories of the journey sustain until the three return the following year. The beauty in the world is a truly amazing thing, and to be celebrated. Descriptive language at the wonder of the environment, and extraordinary digtal illustrations complement each other at every turn of the page. If this book doesn't make you ache to get out there and enjoy nature, I will be surprised. Hopefully, it won't be long. Get that backpack ready! 

Back matter is useful and explanatory, including facts, history, ideas for protecting the wilderness and ways to be a good steward while there.