Now I See the Spring, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $12.99 ages 2 and up

 

"the sky

the wise old cat

something red"

I have advice that I think will stand you in good stead when looking for books to add to your family's library, to give to a new baby, or to suggest to book-loving friends. If the book is a collaboration between Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, buy it. You will not be disappointed, I promise. 

Canadian-born Jon Klassen was recently given the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award by the Swedish Arts Council. Jon, who now makes his family home in California, received almost $750, 000. It is given for contributions to children's and young adult literature. To say, the award is well-deserved is an understatement. The collaborations with Mac Barnett are notable in every sense of the word. Filled with humor that is ever-entertaining and visually compelling artwork, their books are beloved. 

Which brings me to their new seasons series from Tundra books; How I See Spring is but one example. The text is simple, while also thougthtful. Using short lines, Mac Barnett shows how well he understands his audience. His examination of a child's world at a certain time of year ranges from natural phenomena to personal items of great importance. The board book format is perfect for small hands. As each page is turned, Jon Klassen's watercolor and pencil artwork allows a careful look at the text presented. Whether it's buds on the tree, a cat with wise eyes, or a red wagon left in the yard, his rural setting is just right for helping readers consider spring. 

Now, think about the remaining three seasons (available as a complete set) which offer identical text and the meaningful changes that happen as the seasons pass from one to another. Don't miss each season's 'perfect hat'. 

"It's my favorite time of the year."

BRILLIANT!

I Built a Rocket Ship, written by Anna Lazowski and illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"Dad asked what I was doing.
When I told him, he got really quiet.

I get it. 
It's a big idea. 
One time you said people get nervous
around big ideas. 
But not me."

It's very clear from the first page that the story's narrator has a definite plan in mind. She is building a rocket ship with 'cardboard, tape and tinfoil, a cushion, batteries and Bernadette'. Even in the darkness, with flashlight at hand, she continues her work. Bernadette keeps her company. As she builds, she shares memories with an unseen other person. She says she has kept the materials from when the two built a robot. 

Dad is interested in knowing what's going on. While explaining, she notices that her dad is very quiet. She knows it is a big job; that's what makes it worth doing. She lets readers know that the person she is so dearly missing said she would always feel a presence. The child is not sure that is true; her rocket ship will offer the chance to see them again. She continues to add items to the ship that remind her of the one she misses so badly. She is preparing every day.  

"I built it because I made you a promise 
to remember. 
And I do. 
I remember everything."

Dad does his best to temper the anticipation. She won't give up. She thinks she has exactly what she needs; it doesn't seem just right yet. Only one more thing is needed: her loved one's favorite paint color so she can be seen as she rockets upward.  

Sad and lovely, yearning and hopeful, full of grief and love, it is a memorable look at a child's response to the loss of one so loved. Soft, quiet artwork ensures a warm and comforting feeling.                                                                                     

 

Bread Is Love, written by Pooja Makhijani and illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"We measure ingredients by the gram.
Mama tells me, "Bread is science." 
We mix 
                       FLOUR,
                            WATER,
                                 SALT, 
                                          and STARTER.

The wet dough sticks to our fingers, 
Mama's apron, my chin."

Oh, what a splendid family story! A mom and her two children working together every week to create a new and special treat for all. The older child is narrator and participant. The three work together at the science, the patience, the joy of watching the dough rise only to be poked, folded, rolled and shaped until it is round and a ready-to-bake loaf. 

The dough is left to rest as the children settle in for their own rest. Dreams of all different types of breads they have made surface. 

"I dream of boules, batards, 
                and baguettes. 
Buns and braids and bagels. 
Crescents and crowns and chapati. 
             Bread is art."

In the morning the loaf goes in the oven, and the trio wait to see what it will be. Is it always perfect ... not a chance. Its aroma fills the air and tiny noses with warmth and the comforting smell of their very own loaf of delicious deflated bread. Does it matter? It does not! It is a wondrous meal for their morning: proof positive that BREAD IS LOVE! Now, to wait until next weekend when they will do it all over again. 

The story told is full of love of a family spending time together, and the benefits they reap from a shared experience. It engages the senses and the satisfaction that comes from traditions. 

The illustrations are full of luminous color and appeal with many details that give the setting a cozy and welcome feel. Readers will mimic the expressions and reactions as the two children work, wait, and help at every stage of the breadmaking process. An author's note and a bread recipe are appended in back matter.                                                                                     

The Sweater: A Story of Community, written by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Teagan White. Viking, Penguin Random Houuse, 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Folks knew what to do. They remembered
when they were new and the things they 
had gone through. 

They gave what they could."

As Holly the raccoon heads out for her morning hike, she takes note of her many neighbors as they begin their day. The arrival of a tiny bird, with downed head and closed eyes captures her attention. She recognizes his sadness and his need for a safe space; she watches as he settles into the unused home of a woodpecker. Holly is happy to see him settled. 

She makes the decision to visit with her neighbors and let them know about the tiny stranger. As she visits, they share memories of what it was like for them when they were new to the woodland. Each offers what they can for the bird's comfort. Their gestures are kind, giving things of importance to them. Once she knows the bird is fine, Holly goes back home. 

The night turns cold; Holly knits on. The arrival of winter is swift and concerning. In the morning, Holly is happy to see the bird seems a bir better. Holly is concerned that the house he has found is not very sound. Their gift will keep him warm, and the community comes together to ensure he will be safe through the cold winter days before they return to the protection of their own homes. The winter is very cold, and long. The animals stay inside where they are safe, but they miss each other. Bird is anxious to share his gratitude with everyone. One morning when the day is not so windy and cold, Bird offers what he has to his new friends.

"His song. 

It was the clearest, sweetest song 
his friends had ever heard. 

Like a thread of sunshine, it looped around
their hearts and knit them together. 
And they knew they were not alone."

 The story is heartfelt and soothing; the artwork is gentle and calming. It is a perfect tale to share on a cold, wintry night before bed. 

Philomena and the Big Bad Mimi, written by Genevieve Jannelle and illustrated by Jasmine Mirra Turcotte. Kids Can Press, 2026. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"And finally, there was what happened during 
gym class on Wednesday. I was happy we were
playing soccer because I went to soccer camp
last summer. 

But as soon as the teams were formed, Mimi 
came out and attached herself to me. To my 
belly button, to be exact. 

I wanted everyone to watch ME with my 
cool soccer moves. Listen to ME ... "

Looking closely at the cover of this book before we begin allows readers a chance to think about the creature that seems to have attached itself to a young girl. They may surmise her name is Philomena; it makes one wonder exactly what a big bad Mimi is. 

At school, no one wants to play with Philomena. She is quick to pretend it doesn't matter; it does. Being alone at recess is no fun. She explains that what happened wasn't her fault; it is the big, bad Mimi who is to blame. Mimi takes her place on Philomena. It happens when the teacher wonders how students spent their weekend. As another child begins to answer, Mimi takes control of the conversation and does not let up. Aha ... Mimi is Philomena's ego! 

Mimi attaches herself to Philomena's belly button, leaving the girl only able to think about one thing: ME. ME. ME It's a real problem. It happens with friends, her brother, on the soccer field. What's to be done? Talking with Ms. Melanie helps, when she introduces Philomena to another creature who is called the Yoo-yoo. All that's needed when Mimi causes trouble is for Philomena to call for help from the Yoo-yoo. Whenever Mimi threatens to make an appearance while Philomena is speaking, the girl adds "And YOU?" to the conversation. The Yoo-yoo is right there to lend support. With help, Philomena comes to understand that others have something to say as well. 

A lesson that works for all. The ability to listen is a lifetime skill that is hard to come by these days.

                                                                                     

Bartleby, words and pictures by Matt Phelan. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Rainccoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 3 and up

"During music time, everyone plays
the giant xylophone. 

           I PREFER NOT TO.

Then everyone sings a silly song. 

           Bartleby says, 

                I PREFER NOT TO." 

Bartleby, a dapper white bear all dressed in red, says one thing a LOT: I PREFER NOT TO. He says it with little emotion, and is never impolite. He just states his case. His teacher, Ms. Melville, always offer an invitation to her students, including Bartleby. Bartleby remains reluctant whether it is sharing time, or music, play time, or games. 

When it is time for art, Ms. Melville invites all to draw a picture of themselves. She adds a special instruction that they 'show me who you are!' Only then does Bartleby step inside the circle to ask his teacher a quiet question and for some special paper. She agrees. Everyone gets to work, including Bartleby. When all artists have finished their work, Bartleby collects each portrait, and arranges them on the frame he has created.  

"Everyone loves Bartleby's display." 

As the day comes to an end, his classmates ask if Bartleby would like to play with them tomorrow. 

"I WOULD 
LIKE TO."

From the beginning of his story, Bartleby chooses to stand apart from the others in his class. While his classmates are enthusiastic participants, Bartleby would rather be an observer. Until that art class when he chooses to do something in his own way, and his teacher provides support for him to be himself. 

Bartleby's red draws attention at every turn; and his standing apart as he considers requests and questions keeps him true to his own feelings. Matt Phelan's ability to create an accepting and inclusive place for all children makes this an exceptional book to read aloud.

                                                                                   

When You See Us: The Mysterious World of Aquatic Insects, written by Katherine Hocker and illustrated by Svabhu Kohli. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"We are so small that we can hide under 
grains of sand, and in bedrock crevices, 
            or buried in mud. 

We love the dark. 
You won't see us then."

In an interview with Jena Benton at Simply 7, Katherine Hocker had this to say in answer to one of Jena's questions: 

 "I’ve been teaching and writing about aquatic insects for a long time. One of my favorite moments in my insect field trips comes when I’m with a group of students at the edge of what looks like a boring, muddy pond. We lower a net into the water, swirl it around a bit, then gently transfer the contents to a water-filled tray. Everyone gathers around… and suddenly what looked like a mess of dead leaves and sticks is swarming with amazing critters! It’s a moment of such delight and wonder as the students realize there’s a whole world they never knew about, just below the surface. And then to help them realize that most of those little crawlies will someday leave the water and take flight as familiar winged insects ... that’s the feeling I wanted to share in this book."

And share it she does, in poetic descriptive language that leaves readers with a close-up and personal look at what lives in the ponds, rivers and streams that are a part of their environment. She explains these mayflies, dragonflies, mosquitoes, and other insects spend most of their lives living underwater. She clearly shows the life cycles that begin on boulders, leaves, or even laid right on the water itself. 

Close-up illustrations show the hatching and growing process that results in their eating others or being eaten by predators. All the while, they are moving about the watery habitat that is their home. It is then that humans might catch a glimpse of them. When the time is right, they change again. Finding the perfect place to transform into the flying creatures they will become, they split their skins and find the freedom that is the sky. Readers are far more likely to see them now. Knowing the path they have taken to become what is now obvious, is fascinating and quite a lesson in the world of science.  

In back matter, the author adds further facts about aquatic insects, alongside thumbnail sketches of each of the seven types. She then shares instructions for finding such insects and observing them without harm to them or their surroundings. Instructions are also provided for capturing them temporarily in order to get an even closer look. Finally, she offers resources for learning more. 

Mixed media, digitally finished, illustrations complement the lovely language of the text at every turn. 

"When you see us, 
                  think of what we were 
                          and what we became.

                             Think of what you were
                                         and what you can become."