Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining. Written by Britt Hawkins and Tiffany Jewwll and illustrated by David Wilkerson. Kokila, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 7 and up

"Mama cleaned houses, 
and Papa got a weekend job.
We became members of a co-op,
Hamer's Building and Loans, 
and others shared with us. 
They taught us how to save and 
help each other. And our 
thrift manager approved our
application for a loan. That's 
how we got our home."

I don't know nearly enough about some things, and I'm always impressed and happy to learn something new from a book for kids. So, when I started reading this book, I knew very little about how redlining impacts community. Alison's birthday party is coming to an end, when Olivia (who has really enjoyed the party atmosphere) invites the other kids in attendance to come to the annual block party on her street. Alison's response is a huge surprise when she tells Olivia she can't be there because her mom says Main Street isn't safe. 

"My stomach aches. 
My face is hot. 
My eyes fill with water.

I can't wait to leave."

She cries as she tells her mama what Alison said about Main Street where they live. Mama doesn't have a response. The ride home makes clear to Olivia the differences as they move from Alison's neighborhood to her own. Ms. Effie is outside when they get home. Olivia needs a chat. As she expresses her sadness over what Alison said, Ms. Effie relates a story from her childhood when she heard the same thing. 

The bank wouldn't lend her family money for a house, citing the thought that Main Street was not a good neighborhood. Her family knew it was perfect for them, and still is for many reasons. Neighbors on Main Street help each other, and work together to provide the money needed for a new home. Ms. Effie also worried about what people were saying. To help Olivia understand, she goes inside to get a map, and brings it back outside to help her explain just exactly how redlining was used to separate 'Black, Brown, and Jewish people' from others by calling where they lived 'hazardous' places. 

People began to believe it to be true. Though others abandoned those who lived on Main Street, friends and neighbors did not abandon each other. Olivia feels better after their talk, and realizes that Main Street is a wonderful place to be. Off the two go to join their neighbors for the 62nd Annual Block Party - a time of happy celebration. 

An author's note adds further information about redlining, including the fact that it was outlawed in 1968, but such feelings still exist and the effects of it continue to be felt in many such communities. A list of ways to care within neighborhoods is appended. Historically accurate and easy to understand, with digital art that mirrors the tone and welcoming nature of the Main Street community, this is an ode to the human spirit. 
                                                                                         

Our Home, Our Only Home, written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Sophie Diao. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"For all our knowing, though, 
we barely noticed our new fuel 
filling the sky 
with gases. 
Or the fertilizers and pesticides
washing from our fields 
into streams, 
into rivers, 
into oceans. 
We forgot 
as we cut down forests." 

Ms. Bauer uses a mix of poetry and science to bring ecological awareness to her readers; together she posits they can help to save this planet that is our home. She begins by reminding those who share her book that ours is the only planet that can sustain life. Over billions of years, it has changed, then changed again in the most amazing ways to move through periods of extinction. Yet, it survives. 

It took all that time before humans appeared, with a brain that tamed fire - for heat, for protection, for cooking the food that made us healthier in every way that mattered. Because of fire, people lived. Too soon, humans also discovered coal, oil, and gas which led to the development of machines that used those fossil fuels. The effects of those inventions and the ways in which they were used has brought us to a crisis on our planet. We didn't see what they were doing to our home and our environment. 

"Our lives had never been better, 
never been easier." 

It has not taken nearly as many years to get to where we are now. In fact, much has changed in the last few decades - rapid change that has never been seen before now. Her approach in the second half of the book is to suggest actions that can be taken and to talk about those who inspire others to make a difference. They may be teenagers, or those who have worked tirelessly throughout their lives to help us understand just exactly what is happening, and what changes will help. It's important to think beyond the human perspective and consider what it means to put the Earth first and do what's best to be sure every life is protected. 

Stunning digital illustrations ensure that readers are made aware of the emergency that is climate change and also begin to understand that we all can play a part with hope, action, and letting others know how to help turn things around for all. 

"Begin by being grateful."

Forty The Fortune Teller, written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Kevin Cornell. Philomel, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages

"Basketball was so distracted 
with his nasty poo-poo foot 
that Forty and Chip were able 
to escape and continue toward 
the slide. 

Just then, it started to rain. 
Forty and Chip were in 
danger of getting soggy. 

Desperate and willing to try 
anything, Forty looked up 
at the dark gray rain cloud 
overhead."

Chelsea loves to make fortune tellers ... the subject of this new book from Drew Daywalt and Kevin Cornell. The endpapers get readers right down to business by providing step-by-step instructions on how to make a fortune teller from start to finish. Making one (or more) is sure to take up time on an 'I don't know what to do' summer day. At the end of the book, Mr. Cornell includes instructions for making your own Chip as well, and maybe a gum wad, or a basketball,

This is story is written about one particular fortune teller named Forty, and her friend Chip. Forty and Chip are two casualties of playground activities. Forty is dropped as the child who made her rushes into school when the bell rings. Chip is but one potato chip left from a throwaway bag, with a bite taken out of his head.

A search for other casualties leads them to discover a red bolt needed to ensure safety for the slide ladder. They have to get that slide fixed before someone gets hurt at recess. As they make their way across the playground to get to work, a huge squirrel scoops up Chip as a snack. A distraction is needed! Forty bamboozles the squirrel with a very funny fortune, and its hilarious result. From there, the two are on to new adventures with a basketball and a raincloud, before the kids are released for play and someone gets hurt. Who knew that gumwads attached to the underside of the slide would keep Forty and Chip from being on their slide? Maybe another fortune will work? 

You will have to read the ending to see what happens next! I will let you know what Chelsea thinks when I read it to her in July!                                                                                   

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.