Buttfish, written by Pauline Pinson and illustrated Magali le Huche. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Suddenly, one day, the two friends get 
trapped in a big net.

Help!

But the fisherman takes one look at them
and throws them back into the sea because
he doesn't think they will taste good. Phew!"

Buttfish knows that his face resembles a butt; everyone tells him so. When he isn't sure how to respond, he blows farts with his mouth and entertains everyone, while also distracting them from their campaign to make him feel bad about himself. In trying to avoid their taunting, he leaves the area and heads deeper into the sea. Amazed by all he sees there and leading to his meeting a cheese fish make his days much better. Steven, the cheese fish, becomes his best friend; the two spend their together learning new things, keeping other fish safe from fishing boats, having a great deal of fun, and travelling together. They even play in a band - just the two of them.

Life is good! There is always something new to discover. A sea urchin helps Buttfish realize something very special about himself. 

"Hey, your head looks like a heart!"

And so it does when he's upside down. What a revelation!

This a fun book to read aloud in early years classrooms; its message about loving who you are is never overbearing. The colorful and varied inhabitants of the sea attract attention on every spread. They are constantly moving and very expressive, leaving readers to enjoy the many details of Buttfish's life. 

When We Go Home, written by Heather Beaumont and illustrated by Natali de Mello. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Before we go home, we go to the store
to buy books, toys and clothes for family.
Mom pushes the door open but the wind
pushes back. 
"C-c-cold," Nile says, shivering."

The Caribbean family in this warm and tender tale is making preparations to 'go home' to the place the parents were born. The young narrator and her brother do nor recognize it as their 'home' and express that feeling. As the parents speak to the love they share for their birthplace and the family and friends that still live there, they explain that it is possible to have different home countries. Marlee is not convinced. 

Leaving the place where winter can still be felt and seen outside the windows to go to a place of sunshine and warmth offers many opportunities. A shopping trip ensures they have gifts for waiting relatives. Upon arrival, their grandparents provide a happy welcome. There are people everywhere and the sky is filled with starlight they rarely see in the city. 

"When we go home, I meet cousins, aunties and uncles. They all stayed up late to meet us. I am so 
excited I talk and talk and talk. 
"What dat she say?" Gran'daddy asks.
"What did he say," I ask. 
Mom explains my words to them and their sing-song words to me.
We all laugh because our words sound so different."

As days go by, the children have a wonderful time. There are so many things to see and do. They spend days at the beach drinking from green water coconuts, flying kites, finding seashells, and listening to ocean waves lap the shore. The food is delicious, the music is full of rhythm, and the company of family makes each day sweeter. It isn't long until Marlee is feeling comfortable and content in her 'home away from home'. 

Using 'when we go home' repeatedly in the story's arc is a gentle reminder that her dad knew what he was talking about when describing their journey. The rich colors and Caribbean setting add to the book's appeal.                                                                                   

A Cat Like That, written by Lester L. Laminack and illustrated by Nicole Wong. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 2 and up

 

"A cat that strolls 
from door to door.

A cat that takes 
time to explore.

What do you think 
she's looking for?"

This cat is on a mission. A trip through town has her strolling the streets of her home town, making many stops and observations along the way. She begins at the fire hall where she lives, with the tempting smells of food has her joyously partaking. Is that why she is a 'big, round cat'? Off she goes along people-filled streets where she is showered with attention by a little one in front of the bookshop. 

From one door to the next, her exploring continues. Readers will be enchanted by realistic and colorful digital illustrations by Nicole Wong of the people and the setting created for this relaxed and purposeful walkabout. Perspectives constantly change to keep readers aware of every step along the way - from close-ups to bird-eye views that map the town from above while showing the winding path taken. 

Making a stop on the pier where both she and a gull look longingly at fish in the water; she shares space with three fishermen willing to share part of their catch. Her trip continues at a pace that takes her to a big red door where patience is the key to a very happy reunion. Bravo, 'cat like that'! 

Perfect for reading aloud to little ones, this rhythmic story of an adventurous cat will quickly be requested again and again. Each repeated reading offers up opportunities for taking careful note of the charming details to be found in the artwork and a chance to soon be chanting parts of the tale told.       

Gus Upstairs, written and illustrated by Carey Sookocheff. Owlkids, 2006. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Ms. Wilson wished for silence 
so she could play her piano. 

Gus wished for the music to continue
so he wouldn't feel so alone. 

WOOF     WOOF 
        WOOF       WOOF
     WOOF                   WOOF" 

This tale of those who share living in an apartment building starts with Ms. Wilson who has been in residence for some time. In that time, she has learned the way things work, including the sounds made by the people who live in the apartment above her. She has become familiar with their daily lives and habits. She especially enjoys Monday mornings when a new week starts with work and school for the Lam family, and silence for her. 

She can turn once again to her love of music - the sounds that come from playing her piano. She does not know the Lams have adopted a dog, who is now left on his own for the day. Feeling lonely, the dog perks up as soon as he hears her music. Loud barks and lonely howls have an adverse effect on Ms. Wilson's pleasure. As Gus grows weary of barking, Ms. Wilson grows equally weary of playing her piano. Blessed silence fills the building. 

Day after day, whether she is playing the violin or her guitar, Gus howls. When she quits playing and Gus quits howling, her ears are now filled with the whining sadness of a dog left on his own. All she can see to do is to leave a note for the Lams, addressing the problem and offering a solution. The following morning as the family prepares to leave for the day, Ms. Wilson is waiting for them downstairs. Her solution is a win for all!

Young listeners who tend to love stories where pets are concerned will find joy in this story of cooperation and friendship. Ms. Sookocheff fills the pages with sound, action, and emotion. Providing a realistic and comforting solution to the problem faced will only add to their satisfaction.  

Looking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought For Children's Rights, written by Amanda West Lewis and illustrated by Abigail Rajunov. Kids Can Press. 2026. ages 9 and up $18.99 ages

 

"Izaak, this is Jozef. 
He'll be sleeping in the
bed next to yours. Please
show him our rules at 
Dom Sierot.

Now, it was my turn to become a guardian. 
There were many children in Warsaw who had
no families, or whose families couldn't look 
after them. There wasn't enough room at Dom 
Sierot for all of them. We knew how lucky we 
were to be there."

The first-person narration by a young Polish boy whose life was saved when he came under the care of Dr. Janusz Korczak, an educator and child advocate in Poland, is an eye-opener for middle grade readers. Amanda West Lewis' story is based on careful research and the memories of one of the children who knew Dr. Korczak, and illustrated as a graphic novel. It introduces readers to the plight of children prior to WWII. 

Izzak is a 7-year-boy living with his sisters in poverty and hopelessness when he joins other Jewish children who have found a home in Dom Sierot (Home of Orphans) in Warsaw. Their parents are both dead; the sisters, despite their young age, must find work that will offer the money needed to keep them alive. They cannot care for Izzak without help. Meeting the kind and generous doctor and his staff turns Izzak's life to the better. He has healthy food to eat. He is welcomed into a place where students take care of one another while also having time to play, help with chores, and learn what will hold them in good stead for their future. 

After 7 years, he ages out and must say goodbye to his friends, caregivers and Pan Doctor. It is a very sad departure. He goes home to his sisters, and the message that they have arranged for him to sail to Canada to live with one of his mother's sisters. With hope in his heart, as promised by Pan Doctor, he makes the long voyage under difficult circumstances; then travels by train to Ottawa to meet his new family. 

He keeps in touch through letters to his sisters. and with Pan Doctor. He makes great progress in his education. When war breaks out in Poland, contact with everyone there stops. One final letter from the doctor, asking for help for the orphanage, is received. Any attempt to make a difference, is returned to Izzak. When the war finally ends, he has heard nothing from his sisters. Much later, he learns the fate of Dr. Korczak, the teachers and the 192 children he did his best to keep safe: they were put on a train and sent to Treblinka, a place that no one came back from. Izzak never hears from his sisters again 

"I am telling you this story because 
I know that Pan Doctor would want 
you to know that you can make the 
world a better place, too. He would 
treat you and your ideas with respect. 
Because you are an important person."

These experiences are shared in clear and memorable images that effectively give historical resonance to the story being told. The graphic novel format works incredibly well to bring Ms. Lewis' stirring and unforgettable storytelling to life for readers.  

"try not to think of what should be but what can be."

Serafina Makes Waves, written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Robin Rosenthal. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Reader, I won't lie. 

Serafina was horrified.
        Flabbergasted. 
        Gobsmacked.

And for the first time in her life, 
       completely soaked. 

It was a CAT - ASTROPHE!"  

The one thing Serafina knows with complete and utter certainty is that she HATES water. She never wants to splash in the rain when she can be warm and comfortable inside. There is one thing that water is good for and that is quenching her thirst ... only that! Baths, trips to the seashore and a running tap send her into fits of anger and angst. 

The day comes when her parents (the Powers That Be) insist on compulsory lessons to learn to swim. Serafina is devastated and uses every available emotion to refuse; the Powers That Be also refuse to be deterred. The following Saturday morning Serafina finds herself in the most appalling place possible - the side of a swimming pool filled with children of all shapes and sizes. 

Encouraged by the instructor to make the jump, Serafina considers bolting, or fainting. While she is considering flight, her friend Lennie is giddy with excitement. Lennie inadvertently bumps Serafina and knocks her stuffie Noodles toward the water. In an attempt to save Noodles, she jumps in. Wearing her floaties, her long-held aversion begins to change. 

Can you imagine what happens next? 

Matthew Burgess and Robin Rosenthal bring Serafina's experiences to a grand and most enjoyable conclusion. Young listeners will find themselves begging to hear the story again, allowing for experiencing all the emotions of Serafina's dramatic discovery, as well as the opportunity to explore the fantastic and expressive digital artwork created for their pleasure and understanding. 

Pssst! I've heard a rumor this book may be the first in a new series. Fingers crossed. 

When You Dream Big! Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Orchard Books, Scholastic. 2026. $27.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Charley sat on her hands, 
thankful her teacher pointed to Hazel. 

"I want to be an astronaut!" Hazel shouted
confidently. "I'm going to MARS! Anyone 
want to come with me?" 

Laughter and cheers rang throughout 
the room."

As a teacher I never celebrated DREAM BIG Week with my students; I certainly like the idea that Peter H. Reynolds presents in this book about Charley and her classmates. For Charley, it is a problem right from the get-go. She has no idea about big dreams. As the others begin writing their ideas on the wings provided, Charley sits and broods. The only dreams Charley had were the ones she had at night, and she rarely remember them in the morning. 

Once it was time to share, many of her classmates were wild to share their ideas. Charley hoped against hope that she wouldn't be asked. Hazel shared her dream of being an astronaut; Charley was afraid of heights. Martin chose acting, which made Charley terribly uneasy. As they continued to share ideas, Charley's nervousness became critical. Her teacher's assurance that there was no need for an immediate answer made Charley even more anxious as she walked home. 

The worry finally made her stop in her tracks to stare at her toes. Only then was she able to think clearly about moving forward, determined to worry less. Imagine her surprise when she awoke the following morning with a remembered dream and a willingness to admit she was not sure about her future. She did, however, know that she wanted to be braver, and a good person. Her thoughts led her classmates to consider what was important to them in the days to come.  

After sharing this book in a classroom, I would be keen to make a list with students of their further ideas about what it takes to keep moving forward from where they are. I think it could be a telling conversation for everyone involved. 

https://youtu.be/tCR1AfoKAFQ?si=nxSM1qTBBUcc4Vq1