Jayden Noticed, written by Carolyn Crimi and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 20226. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"He had lots of rocks - a homework rock, 
a thinking rock, a fort-building rock. 

But his favorites were his wishing rocks. 

He made wishes for snow days, perfect
pumpkins, and chocolate cake for dessert. 

Once, on the first day of school, he had 
wished for a friend, and he got two!" 

Packing rocks is only one of the jobs Jayden must do in preparation for the family's upcoming move. Jayden, a noticer, especially notices rocks. Rather than packing as his father suggests, Jayden spends time organizing his rock collection. His wishing rock jar is the first to be packed. His many rocks might be ready to move; Jayden is not. 

There is much about the new house Jayden doesn't like. His mother thinks he should give it a chance. Instead, he worries about the home they are leaving: the old tree, his many friends. Will he find new friends? The very next morning, Jayden finds a rare wishing rock. He wishes his wish, and puts it in his pocket. On a bicycle trip through his new neighborhood, Jayden hears a rustle on the other side of a white fence. It's a boy.

Jayden introduces himself, only to recognize that Alex is also a noticer who likes bugs. The two are off on a journey of discovery before lunch. That night, Jayden adds his new wishing rock to his collection, and finally fills the jar. What an opportunity to get started on a brand-new jar in a brand-new home! 

Mixed-media artwork is textural and filled with emotion. The images fully reflect Ms. Crimi's warm storytelling. The feelings of uncertainty Jayden experiences with all the changes wrought by their move are clear for readers, as is the joy found in a new friend. 

Mary Oliver, Holding On To Wonder, written by Erin Frankel and illustrated by Jasu Hu. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"But what Mary really wanted to know
was how to take this place with her - 
wherever she might go. This place where
she felt free. This place that sang to her like
the poems in her books.
Maybe poetry was the key." 

Mary Oliver loved to spend time in the forest near her home. There she basked in the quiet wonder of it all, with pen and notebook in hand.  Always wondering about nature, she was filled with questions. On a quest to take it all in and carry it with her, she turned to poetry. It was her love for words that afforded the opportunity to consider the works of Edna St. Vincent Millay; in so doing, she contacted Edna's sister and asked if she might visit their family home. 

As she worked organizing the work Edna left behind, Mary continued to venture into the natural world where she was always excited about the thoughts and questions it inspired. The mysteries of this natural world were recorded in her notebooks. Reading those notes would take Mary back to the feelings that inspired her many poems. Only then did she share het gift with the world; publishing books, teaching her craft, and never missing the chance to be in nature on her daily morning walks. 

"Notebook in hand, Mary set out each morning in 
search of wonder. She hid pencils behind trees to she
would always be prepared. 
Foxes and moon snails; black bears and owls,
snow crickets and goldfinches; sunflowers and ponds - 
Mary wrote on and on." 

Her poems, written over her long life, were for everyone, in hope that others would hold onto the wonder she had found in this beautiful world. That world is highlighted in wondrous digital artwork by Jasu Hu. Back matter includes an author's note, a timeline of Mary's life, a note on the craft of poetry, and a select bibliography.                                                                                          

The Cow in the Dark at Night, written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan. Quill Tree, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"I think I was always meant 
to be awake at night. 

Maybe I'll become a nocturnal cow from now on. 
You can call me Queen of the Nightlife. 

Or Child of the Moon. 
       Maybe Lord of Twilight?"

A plan has been in the works for ages. Finally, the barnyard denizens are soundly sleeping and the cow is 'on the loose', having always wondered about the night's happenings. Tonight is the night to make many discoveries for herself. It isn't long until the cow recognizes that the black cat is alongside. The cow offers assurance that she is completely capable of caring for herself, and her adventure. Her plan is to be home before the farmer realizes she is gone. 

Meeting her first night person (a scarecrow) is a revelation. Though quiet, this person wears a jaunty hat and shows an admmirable style. Next up are two masked robbers, obviously stealing a television set after a break-in. They do their best to avoid her questions and move on. Next up is a vampire whose upside-down position doesn't deter. 

Moving forward, it isn't long until Cow comes upon a 'fellow nocturnal' who turns out to be a space creature with a plan to kidnap the cow, What a mistake! Luckily, the cat has continued to accompany its wayward friend, and is part of the space trip. What is their destination? A big red planet that welcomes them. Is it to be their new home? 

The final scene shows the farmer awakening, preparing for the coming day, and making a terrible discovery. I will leave it to you to get the last laugh! 

Both vibrant and silly, this is just the book that kids will ask to hear on repeat. They may even shout warnings to the cow as it makes its way around the barnyard. Such a goofy cow, and a nighttime adventure that offers up giggles galore. A black cat adds expression, humor, and a certain sense of protection for the meandering cow. As in her two previous books, Spider in the Well (2024) and The Bear Out There (2025), Ms. Hannigan uses cut-paper collage to create her wonderful artwork, this time in oranges, purples, and greens. 

Bob Is The Biggest, Strongest, And Smartest, written by Jean Reidy and illustrated by Amy Jindra Hodgson. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"No one questioned Bob. As a matter of fact, 
no one could. Because Bob did all the talking. 

Until the day Bill came along. 
Bill wasn't big. He hardly looked strong, 
and ... "

Bob is very sure of himself; he is 'the biggest, strongest, and smartest bear in the whole wide world'. He is very happy to share that news with everyone he meets, repeatedly. No one really gets much of a chance to talk as Bob is continually holding court with his many attributes. 

When Bill comes along, he is full of questions for everyone he meets. He wants to know what they are doing, and offers compliments for their many accomplishments. At first, Bob is not impressed at all. He does notice that when Bill shows interest, the woodland animals are happy to talk with him. They even ask questions of their own. 

No one seems to notice, as Bob does, that Bill is 'small and slight'. Instead, Bill wantes to know more about them. Everyone seems delighted to be getting to know him. Bob is quite perturbed by those who are no longer interested in what he has to say. When Bill shows an interest in what Bob has to say about his physical training and then asks a further question, Bob realizes he is feeling quite happy with their conversation. 

"Bob found that they 
were quite different
in some ways, 

and quite alike 
in more." 

Pretty cool, indeed ... and a great way to mentor another toward a change in perspective. Isn't that what friends do for each other? 

Where Are You, Eddie? Written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Gill Smith. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"When I got home, Meg was taking a nap.
I stood in the kitchen making a sandwich. 
I could hear Eddie saying, "The first bite
is with the eye, Dad." 

Meg looked up and said, "Do you know
where Eddie is?"
I thought about it.
I said, "Eddie hasn't gone, has he?"
He's here, isn't he?"

This companion book to Michael Rosen's Sad Book (2005) continues the story of losing his son Eddie. As a tall, grey-haired man walks into the kitchen, then stands silently there, he wonders where Eddie is, and if he is somewhere nearby. As the cat Meg walks toward him he speaks to her, asking the question that haunts him. 

"Eddie's not coming back, is he, Meg?"

Meg gently reminds him that it isn't the end; rather, it is the beginning. She suggests he always look for Eddie. Though he won't be as he was, he will still be there. The man's daily travels carry many strong memories of Eddie and the wonderful times they spent together. He meets people who knew Eddie and they also share thoughts of their time with him, and what was so special about him. Returning home, he tells Meg what he has learned on his day out. 

While Eddie is no longer here, he lives in the memories of all who knew and loved him, including Meg. This book is a look at the grieving process through a first-person voice, accompanied by mixed-media artwork that is emotional and bittersweet, yet hopeful. Memories are powerful reminders of those we have loved and lost. Michael Rosen's own experience is shared honestly with readers in hopes they will find some solace as they adapt to a life that is markedly different, but ultimately filled with moments of joy. 

Planting Hope, written by Frederick Joseph and illustrated by Paul Kellam. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"One day, Henry's mom didn't go with 
him to the garden. His dad said she 
wasn't feeling well. 

One day became two days. Two days became 
a week. As time continued to pass, the garden
that was once full of life and joy became
filled with plants that were droopy, weak
and sad."

You had to love plants if you were part of Henry's family. Everyone loves plants and they really love to garden. On any day, you will find all three of them outside taking care of their yard. Henry has a terrible time encouraging his tiny plant to grow. His mom is always encouraging him to keep trying. His neighbor tells a story of how his mom planted an entire orchard to help feed the hungry. His mom is like a huge tree that envelops everyone in her community. 

Henry watches his mom every day and does his best to follow in her footsteps; his plant does not grow and he is running out of patience. There comes a day when his mom does not come into the garden. She is not feeling well. She does not get better and soon the garden begins to show the sadness felt by all. What can they do? Neighbors try to help, but no one has much spirit without Henry's mother. 

Henry explains to his neighbor that he is doing his best. She offers an idea. She takes Henry into his mom's orchard and tells him that no one believed the orchard would grow because of the bad soil. She planted it anyway. Henry remembers the hope his mom always mentions, and its importance to what really happens. He will have to show his plants at home that he has hope for them. What wonder awaits! 

Henry's hope helps their garden ... and his mom. Although she is still sick, she lets Henry know she believes in him, just as he believes in his mom getting better. 

Colourful illustrations that change as Henry's mood changes offer context for the strong feelings felt and build on the hope this story inspires. 

""People and seeds have a lot in common," 
she would say. "If you want them to grow
strong, nourishment and sunlight aren't 
enough - they also need hope.""

Odder, written by Katherine Applegate, with illustrations by Charles Santoso. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2022. $12.99 ages 8 and up

"Nobody has her moves.

She doesn’t just swim to the bottom,

she dive-bombs.

She doesn’t just somersault,

she triple-doughnuts.

She doesn’t just ride the waves,

she makes them."

If you are not a Katherine Applegate fan yet, you will be when you read any of her books. She has all the 'chops': incredible writing, a poetic mindset for telling her remarkable stories, and a love for research that invites young readers to listen and learn. 

This story is about a young otter who lives near Monterey Bay on the California Coast. There are three distinct parts to her story. The first, called The Queen of Play, describes her early life in poetry that introduces the dangers the ocean holds for young marine life. In this case, it is a shark that signals upcoming action. Odder goes out further than is safe, and refuses to heed warnings from her friend Kairi when she is attacked and must find her way to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Her story then slips back to learning about being an otter pup three years earlier. Following the death of her mother, she is taken in by aquarium staff and taught all she needs to know by the staff to survive in the ocean once again. And finally, in part three, the staff realizes her injuries will keep her from returning to her natural habitat. Instead, she is encouraged to become a surrogate for another motherless otter pup.

To say, Ms. Applegate is knowledgeable about otters and the ocean is an understatement. Basing her story on work being done at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, her appealing and heartwarming tale is filled with scientific learning, and presented in language that astounds. 

"A keystone that's called, 
and without it everything falls, 
like a tower of blocks or 
a house of cards. 

It's the same 
with keystone species - 
beavers, wolves, 
prairie dogs, bees,
desert tortoises, sea otters -
they are nature's glue, 
holding habitats together. 

Without otters,
sea urchins, purple as a bruise, 
gobble kelp forests
until the ocean floor
becomes a barren wasteland. 
When enough sea otters
eat enough sea urchins, though, 
all is well, and 
the arch endures."

Tender art done by Mr. Santoso in black-and-white adds context and warmth. This is a brilliant novel for kids who love animals, is accessible for young readers, and has been read by my ten-year-old granddaughter five times in recent months. Obviously, she loves it! 

Back matter includes a glossary; an author’s note about Monterey Bay Aquarium and the real-life stories on which Odder’s is based; and a selected bibliography.

Bring on Wombat Waiting.