Extreme Birdwatching: Measuring Change on a Galapagos Island, written by Loree Griffin Burns and illustrated by Jamie Green. mit Kids Press, Candlewick. Penguin Random House. $23.50 ages 8 and up

"What exactly do finches do all day?

The answer depends on what time of year it is. 
In the rainy season, the island comes alive 
with plants and insects, making it suddenly a 
rather excellent place to raise baby finches. 
So adult fortis and scandens get busy with the
hard work of doing that. They find mates, 
build nests, lay eggs, and then feed and care
for the baby finches that hatch from those 
eggs."

We have just begun to welcome the birds back. I have even seen a robin or two. An Alberta clipper, set to dump an unwanted amount of snow on us, is in the forecast. That may have those birds wondering what they are doing here ... as we so often do ourselves at this in-between time of year. Birdwatchers will continue to keep their eyes to the sky in coming days, in hopes returning birds will find places of refuge to wait out the storm and once again enjoy warm sunshine and spring temperatures. 

For Rosemary and Peter Grant, birdwatching is an entirely different kind of pursuit. The two spent decades researching the birds that make their home on the Island of Daphne in the Galapagos Islands. The thing about Daphne is that it is the top of an ancient volcano that is very hard to access if you want to study the thousands of finches that make their home there. Looking down on the inside of Daphne, there are no sandy beaches, and no humans live there. 

The Grants have been visiting the island since the 1970s, and have done amazing research time after time. Nine short chapters, written brilliantly by Loree Griffin Burns, discuss their work from the very first visits. They have carefully studied the two kinds of finches who make their home on Daphne, and nowhere else in the world. It is thoroughly absorbing description of the finches, the lives they live there, the food they eat and how that has impacted the changes they have undergone, and what happened when an unexpected drought forced adaptation in their beaks. There is also a clear discussion in one of the final chapters of natural selection, and finally how their research helps guide today's scientists as they further explore natural selection today. Though the Grants have been retired since 2012, their work on Daphne lives on.

Back matter includes an author's note, a glossary, several lists of resources for those who want to learn more, a list of source notes, and a bibliography. Very impressive and perfect for the stated target audience. 

Hold, written by Randy Ribay and illustrated by Zeke Pena. Kokila, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"HOLD, PLEASE.

       "HOLD?"

HOLD."

What a concept! I will be forever amazed at the ideas talented writers think to share with readers. The game that happens between father and toddler in this very funny book is not the first time that such a thing has happened. Randy Ribay makes it feel absolutely original, and therefore captivating. 

The two are obviously preparing to go somewhere: both are wearing coats and shoes; the father is readying a backpack; the child is shadow-watching. A water bottle lies on the floor nearby. The backpack flap flies open spilling needed items on the floor. The father hands the bottle over with a HOLD, PLEASE request. The child does so, adding a further request to hold a stuffed sloth, appropriately named Speedy. Clearly a touch exasperated, the dad agrees while also dealing with other items. Next up is Dino, and so it goes until a leery cat is added to the pile. You can hear the giggles, can't you? 

Once outside the requests continue ... a tree, rain, a plane flying high above them. There are even more. Back into the house they go where Dad finds a plane, a truck and a baby to be held tightly. Overwhelmed, the child can no longer control the ever-growing tower. Dad resets the tower and asks about readiness to leave. The heartwarming answer is to throw it all aside with a singular wish to hold Daddy! Only now are the two ready for their adventure together. 

Zeke Pena's mixed-media artwork is a perfect match for the charm that shines in the eyes of the characters. Attention is fully focused on the two as they negotiate getting out the door, with or without a menagerie of companions. The colors are bold, the expressions telling, and the joy shared make for a lasting memory and a very happy ending.                                                                                   

The Polar Bear and the Ballerina, written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"POLAR BEAR
Ursus maritimus

Polar bears are the largest bears on 
Earth. They live in the Arctic in a harsh
environment for which they've developed
many specialized skills. Adult polar
bears can track scents up to twenty 
miles away. They are excellent 
swimmers and dancers."

This is a story about New York, ballet, friendship, fantasy, kindness and a love of the arts. It is almost entirely wordless, and begins with a gorgeous gatefold. What an invitation to readers! A young ballerina dances in front of the polar bear exhibit at Central Park Zoo. Open it up to a promotional photo shoot of young dancers, (the most notable of the five wearing a flowing red scarf), showing their ballet skills while musicians play on one side of the spread and ballet staff watch over the girls from the other side. The polar bear is a fascinated observer from behind the glass. 

The girl with the scarf and the bear are equally interested in each other. As the girl changes shoes and prepares to leave, the polar patiently watches her every move. As she departs, the scarf slips to the ground. When the enclosure clears, the bear makes its way over the fence, and finds the scarf. Off it goes to return it to the scarf's owner. A trek through the city causes disruptions and constant chronicling from people and their phones. 

Entrance to Lincoln Center is prohibited for polar bears. Hearing a loud roar, the young dancer comes to the bear's rescue. She takes her scarf from the bear, and offers a seat for the performance. The bear is an enchanted attendee. In the end, the ballerina gifts the scarf, and the bear takes its leave to return to the zoo where it dreams of the two dancing together. No words needed. 

The four colors of oil paint chosen to tell this emotional wordless story are spectacular. Front endpapers provide 'fun facts' about the polar bear while, at the back, readers can read a short article about the soloist in this year's production of The Polar Bear and the Ballerina. BRAVO!
                                                                                         

I WILL NOT WLAK TO SCHOOL, written by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"Hop
Hop
Hop 

Why are you hopping? 

I told you already - 
I will not WALK
to school today.

Well, can you take 
bigger jumps?
We're already 
running late.

I do not want to 
take big jumps - "

Monday starts a new week of school; Monster is not all interested in walking there. Bird encourages him, making sure he knows that it is Pancake Day. Monster is adamant that he will not WALK to school. He admits that he loves school; he simply hates the commute. Bird continues to press his friend to get ready to go, so as not to miss the pancakes. Bird promises whatever toppings will make Monster happy. 

After much preparation, they are on their way. Oops! Monster needs his sunglasses, then a bathroom break, then CAPTAIN DONUTFACE, and an armload of other necessities that must accompany the two. Off Monster goes at a hop ... no WALKING. Bigger jumps will propel them faster. How about GINORMOUS JUMPS? Then skipping at lightning speed before stopping to smell the roses. Will they ever get to school in time for pancakes???

As they get closer and Monster becomes more impatient, he pulls out his scooter, which has been in his backpack all along. Zip! Screech! They are at the school's door. The only pancakes visible are plain ones. Turns out that their friends, who are even later than Monster and Bird, have all the toppings needed. What a difficult start to the day. Hopefully, going home will be a much easier venture. 

Digital artwork by Kelly Collier ramps up the action for this funny sojourn into school attendance on Monday mornings. Art also playfully matches the dialogue that drives the story from beginning to end. Fun to read, and a familiar experience for many children, this is a title that will be popular. 

How To Read a Very Serious Book, written by Mireille Messier and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

"Next, make sure to choose 
a place where other people 
will see you. They will be 
IMPRESSED! Buses, 
libraries, schoolyards, and 
parks are fantastic spots to 
be seen reading a serious 
book."

Readers open the first page to find two children; both engaged with the book each is reading. The covers are a gray tone, without any illustrations to invite a reader in. An unseen narrator is quick to opine that both books look BORING and HO-HUM. Questioning the readers about number of words and text size, the answers given are worthy of a hearty compliment. 

"Well then! You are OBVIOUSLY reading some VERY SERIOUS BOOKS!
You should be proud."

Wanting the readers to show the world the earnest nature of the books being read, the narrator is willing to provide instructions. A stick-on mustache, glasses on the nose tip, and a pencil behind the ear should be remarkably convincing. The place for reading is also important ... a bus, the library, a schoolyard and a park are perfect choices. Be sure the nose is tucked inside, and try to show how invested a person can be in what is being read. Flip to each new page with a sweep of the hand. 

Every child in the park is sure to notice the attention being paid to the reading, and to the laughter and exclamations for what the book is teaching. When the books are done, it's important to think about what has been read: time for a spot of tea to help with that 'pondering'.  Then it's right back to the reading until a pair of rambunctious squirrels create chaos and reveal what the children have hidden inside the boring, gray covers. Their serious enjoyment of the books shown is evident, as is so for the narrator who happily joins them on their picnic blanket. 

Kelly Collier fills the pages with graphic style panels in a book that pokes fun at those who think only serious books are what children should be reading. In fact, the final spread shows that kids should be reading what leaves them keen to read another. 

All the Water on the Earth, written by Rochelle Strauss and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. Kids Can Press, 2026.23.99 ages 6 and up

"There's even water in the air you 
breathe ... and in the steam rising 
from your mug of hot cocoa. 

There's water in every plant and 
animal, including you. Because 
people are animals, too. There's 
so much water all around you 
that from space, Earth looks blue."

If you have been watching the TV coverage of the moon mission of Artemis II and are seeing the photos being shared by the flight crew, you will know just how blue Earth looks from space. It is an amazing and beautiful sight. 

In her book One Well (2007), Ms. Strauss spoke to her readers about Earth being the only planet that has liquid water and that is why life is supported here. She helped each of us realize we had the power to conserve and protect that global well. Here we are almost 20 years later and our Earth is in a more precarious state. In this book, that is also a part of the Citizen Kid series from Kids Can, she adapts the message from that book as a reminder to readers today that our planet's water is all the water we have. 

In double-page spreads, accompanied by colorful and contextual digital art created by Madelyn Goodnight, her message remains clear that water is essential to life for all throughout the world today. She encourages young readers to look to all places and parts of their lives where water exists ... even when they cannot see it. In ponds and lakes, running underground below their feet, in every season, and across the world, water is moving constantly and that same water is used by people around the world every single day. The amount of water we have has been the same since the time of the dinosaurs. It's pretty awesome to think that we may 'sipping' the same water dinosaurs 'slurped' so long ago. 

Our survival depends on water ... all living things are the same. That water is not all the same; some is salty and some is fresh. As more and more people populate Earth, more fresh water is used than ever before in Earth's history. Today, not all that water is clean. Some is dangerous to drink; some is scarce. Together, we can help to protect our water. People around the world are working hard to ensure clean water for all. Thanks to all those conservationists who make a difference every day. 

Back matter includes an explanatory author's note that discusses the importance of water, the water cycle, and ways to protect water by learning more aobut it. A Let's Talk column offers questions to consider, alongside a description of the Citizen Kid series. The final page provides a list of books and websites for additional learning. 

It's a serious message, made accessible to its target audience because of its very positive presentation. 

"Because no matter where it's found, and no matter what form it takes, all the water on Earth is ... all the water on Earth."

Tea Is Love, written by Adib Khorram and illustrated by Hanna Cha. Dial, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Tea is a memory

Tea is a lesson

AND TEA IS LOVE"

My Aunt Anne was the first person who sat me down and showed me how she made and enjoyed her tea. I don't remember how old I was at the time, but I would guess I was around 10. I had not been a tea drinker prior to that; she said if I was going to become one, then I should learn how to brew tea well. I was a keen observer and a happy convert. She said it was the English way of preparing it. 

In this book about tea and its many descriptors, Adib Khorram presents tea as a ceremony for some, a quiet moment of relaxation for others. However you choose to brew your tea, it will be on your own terms as it should be. Millions of people drink it in many different ways and for a plethora of reasons. Its practice is celebrated across culture and country. 

For me, it often reflects memories of tea time with my aunt; a quiet time in a busy day; a warm and welcome ending for a delicious meal; a shared experience with a friend. In an interview I read with the author, he said of his memories: 

"At its heart, the practice of drinking tea is a joyful one. Tea enervates us and calms us. Tea asks us for patience and invites reflection. When I drink tea I remember my grandfather’s laughter. When I drink I remember those nights of Dr. Mario. When I drink I remember my uncle’s diner. When I drink I feel like I’m back at my aunt’s house. And the kettle is still on.

Hanna Cha chose to use sumi ink, watercolor, gouache, chalk and colored pencils to create the exceptional scenes that perfectly accompany the author's heartfelt feelings as he describes the meaning of tea in his life. From tea's growth as a plant, to being sold in stores and markets, to the warmth of its place in family homes, she fills each spread with winning characters, bold colors, community, family, and new learning. Front and back endpapers are equally enjoyable. At the heart of the story is the love that many have for tea, no matter the time and place.  

An author's note explains tea's history and the fact that tea is now grown on every continent, and in many countries. It is celebrated in ways as diverse as the places that have a tea culture. 

Now, I am off to brew a cuppa, and I hope that you will do the same. 

Ramadan Rain, written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Aliaa Betawi. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Taraweeh is long and slow. A slow that
isn't awful. A slow that doesn't drag. A slow
that's sweet and soft. 

The imam cries. Momma cries. Others
cry too. Cry for each other, cry for needs
and wants and wishes in this life and the
next. A lullaby I fall asleep to."

Haneen and her mother are aboard a bus as the rain pours down outside. Even when they arrive at the bus stop, the rain continues and Haneen complains about the discomfort of not having a car to get them where they are going. It upsets her mother. They still have two blocks to walk. Her mother explains to her that rain brings blessings - especially during Ramadan. 

When they arrive at the masjid, Haneen's wishing continues as she considers praying for new shoes. Her momma has explained they don't have money for a car, or new shoes. Entering the mosque, they find other mothers sitting together. Haneen follows a friend to draw with the other children. She makes an Eid card for her mother with images of some of the things she longs for. She watches women pass her by in beautiful and colorful clothing; she wishes their family could afford such things. A quiet yearning plays a role for her as she wishes for what she can't have. 

Time passes. Haneen appreciates becoming a part of the community of people gathered there, and feels the calm of shared prayers. She finds a welcome space for a chance to dream her dreams and say her prayers. Only then does she realize what matters most. Her first drawing was filled with what she longs for. It is replaced in time for Eid with a card that shows her mother what she is most grateful for - time for them to spend together, and the rain. 

The text is beautifully constructed, and very descriptive. The illustrations provide a unique and lovely setting, filled with Islamic images, words, and the warmth of the mosque for those who worship there. 

The story encourages patience, a sense of acceptance, being grateful, and thinking of others.