Willa and Wade Are Definitely NOT Spies, written by Judith Henderson and illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour. KIds Can Press. $16.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Here. Now let's 
practice reading the 
newspaper while keeping 
a lookout. 

Like this?

Almost. But 
don't move your head ... 
just your eyeballs. 

How did I do? 

Brilliant!" 

In this third book about them, a penguin named Wade and an ostrich named Willa read a story in their local paper about spies. As they discuss it, the two begin to make an assumption about spies being in their community. They decide to take their observation skills to the street to see if there is evidence to support their concern. Willa comes up with the idea that they should go undercover. 

How will they do that without anyone being suspicious? Willa has the answer; it's time to shop at Eye Spy Outfitters where everything is on sale. Clad in trench coats, sunglasses and fedoras, they pull up their collars and pull down their hats. It's time to practice their wily spy skills. They must be calm and casual ... and stealthy. Pointing their finger guns in classic style, they begin their reconnaissance with gusto. 

They have questions for community members who are frustrated by the birds' insistence they might be spies because of their actions. In fact, they are told, they are the ones who are the likely spies. Those questioned can tell by their appearance. Back where their day began, Willa and Wade get the feeling that far too many patrons are looking their way. Why, they wonder. 

This is fun, and kids will appreciate the storytelling and graphic format. It's a great new addition to a popular series. 

Backpack, written and illustrated by Katie Arthur. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"A backpack means you're going somewhere. 
Hopefully somewhere fun! 

And it's usually better to be coming or going
instead of staying still, don't you think? 

Plus, there's all that wonderful stuff inside."

As I watch children arriving at school in the mornings and leaving at the end of the day, many are carrying backpacks - or their parents are! The styles, the sizes, the weights they carry, and their way of carrying them are as varied as the children themselves. Some seem almost overwhelmed by how heavy they really are; others are more interested in the logos they sport. They are definitely an integral part of school garb. 

This book honors the niceness of the backpack, and explains its role in the daily routines of many people today. It is a sign that you are 'going somewhere' and that is a good thing. It's a perfect place for carrying important, even significant stuff. A double-page is quick to show readers the many treasures that can be found inside. Young ones will want to take the time to check each out, and name every one of them. A backpack carries joyful things one day; perhaps something sad the next. 

"But you can always count
on your backpack to rest on
your back.

Like a shell. Or a hug."

People call their backpacks by different names, and choose their favorites from a wide assortment of styles. Once again, readers will very much enjoy having a close look at the many shapes and colors created. I love the idea that a little brother can be a backpack for his big sister when he gets tired, or that a backpack can be used as a pillow for a quick nap under a shady tree. The benefits are endless! 

My Name, written and illustrated by Marilda Castanha. Translated by Jane Springer. Groundwood, 2006. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"Little by little, I realized 
that my name has a bit of everything in it.
It brings back memories of last spring, when the 
soft perfume of the olive trees in bloom spread
across the land. 
My name holds other memories, too." 

The author was inspired to write her book by the sadness she felt after seeing a video of children in Gaza writing their names on their arms, hands and legs. A name is very important to every person, animal or thing. No matter the circumstance, a name identifies both things that exist and do not. The child who narrates this book remembers a time when wondering about his name started to mean something. Was there a meaning to it, or a reason for choosing it? His mother is quick to explain the meaning to her son. It means serenity and sweetness just like the songs she sang to him as a baby. 

His father tells him that it has 'bravery, vitality, and courage' in it. It also has the wisdom to help care for their land. The child comes to understand his name has great meaning and holds memories for times past. He remembers that his grandfather suggested his name 'brings out the best taste in olives!' What awe there is in a name. Indeed, his name tells much about him. 

He and his friends write their names everywhere, even on their bodies; they do it carefully and with reason. 

"Because we know that the names
we were given are much more than 
sounds and letters." 

Ms. Castanha dedicates this mindful and profound book: 

"In the name and memory of all children who have been 
and continue to be victims of the atrocities of war." 

Culture and world communities are implied in the poignant illustrations that show destruction of buildings, tanks moving past, children in the streets and practicing writing their names, olive trees, barbed wire fencing, and soldiers. This is a powerful exploration of how children are impacted by war and violence, and that some even manage to survive. Names matter. 
                                                                                       

Zoey's Cheer-me-up Chest, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Gabrielle Gimard. Peanut Butter Press, 2026.$19.95 ages 4 and up

"Their father eagerly 
unwrapped his gifts: 
a knitted scarf from Mathilda
and gingerbread cookies 
from Matthew.

Then it was Zoey's 
turn to give her father 
his birthday gift."

Twins Mathew and Mathilda are plenty excited and want to surprise their dad with a birthday breakfast. In the kitchen, they find Zoey, their little sister. Her gloomy face and grumpy attitude are related to her inability to make anything very special for him. Her siblings are full of praise for the card she has made; Zoey will not be comforted. Mathilda shares a memory from school that she thinks might make Zoey feel better. Both twins remember the fun they had making a cheer-me-up chest. 

Zoey loudly reminds them she is only in kindergarten and has no way of making the kind of box they are describing. Off she goes in a snit to explain her feelings to her teddy bear. As she talks, she begins to think seriously about all the things she CAN do. Though she can't do what her siblings do, she can make a cheer-me-up box full of drawings that refect her many accomplishments so far. 

The children wake their father with their gifts. Zoey has her card ready to give him. He praises her for her creativity, bringing a wide smile to Zoey's face. Before bedtime that evening, Zoey takes a careful look at all the drawings she made earlier to put in her cheer-m-up chest. Lovely ... and it workded!

Ms. Grimard’s gentle and appealing artwork complements the story, allowing readers to feel empathy for Zoey's dilemma while also watching as she works to create a personal chest of memories. 

Muriel and the Mystery, by Charlotte Parent. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Muriel suddenly feels like she is being watched. 

She walks more briskly than usual on the way home. 

Back at her burrow, she finds a mystery in her 
flower box!"  

Muriel lives a life governed by habits. She knows her forest home 'by heart', and her days are mostly spent foraging for snails. One morning, while on the lookout for her next snail, she lifts a leaf to notice a tiny mystery under it. Not to worry, Muriel is ready to press on. In the afternoon, on her way home, she is not thinking about the mystery at all; rather, she is thinking about the soup she will make for supper. 

After a pleasant evening, she retires to her bed for a good night's sleep and wakens to another normal morning. Off she goes in search of snails; again, she spies a mystery - bigger than the other. It gives her an eerie feeling of being watched. She hurries home where she spots yet another mystery.  And another ... and another. She sweeps each one out the door. In her anger, she steps outside only to discover mysteries everywhere she looks. Another surprise is the entrance to a tunnel she has not seen previously. She suspects it might house the mystery. 

Back home she goes. Her sleep disturbed by what has happened, she heads into the dark (not her habit) to return to the tunnel. Upon entrance she realizes she is right. In the darkness she shares a cup of tea, and once again returns home. After a deep sleep, she begins her day in the usual way. For the first time, she acknowledges the mystery with a warm 'hello'. Life goes on, as usual ... or does it? 

Fred Rex, written and illustrated by Joaquin Camp. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"Elvira had a good point. Fred Rex had
spent so much time roaring, he hadn't 
considered what else he might like to
do. It was time to try new things. He 
discovered he enjoyed dancing and 
meeting new people. 

And catching up with old friends."

Fred is a T-Rex whose mission in life is to frighten as many as he can. It is his calling, and he takes it seriously. He's following in his family's footsteps. His education at the School of Fear holds him in good stead for going out on his own to practice all he has learned. He enters the real world with anticipation for hearing plenty of screaming and causing much mayhem. 

None of his lessons are working; Fred is ignored by all. Meeting Elvira and telling his story, he is amenable to following her best advice. She suggests he find other ways to enjoy life. Fred soon realizes that he likes to dance and to meet new people. To his great surprise, he discovers a passion for the opera that leads to trying his hand at singing. 

Not wanting to disappoint his parents, Fred regales them with exactly what they want to hear from Fred Rex the Terrible. Soon, they call to let him know they are planning a visit to see him in action. What will Fred do? He turns to Elvira for further advice. She shares her plan with the cityfolk, who agree to cower in fear when Fred appears. Imagine everyone's surprise once Fred breaks out in song, evoking much admiration from all who hear him. 

Mixed-media illustrations are very appealing for those who love stories about dinosaurs. They will admire Fred's size, strength, and talents as he discovers for himself who he wants to be and what he wants to do with his life.

Duel, by Shawn Harris. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026. $27.99 ages 4 and up

"Then, from each castle came a crowd 
to cheer and hiss and jeer; to hip and 
hoop and woot. 

They sissed and boomed and bah'd, 
and they bibble-babble-booed.
(Legend also has it that they jibble-
jabbled, too.)"

Two castles on a hill, ruled by two queens who share that hill. Neither like the circumstances and decide that a duel shall determine the true ruler of the hill. Only their bravest knights will do battle. The knights prepare. Silk-clad steeds will carry them to victory. A noisy crowd gathers to shout their encouragement. Trumpets call for the duel to begin. Racing forward, they urge their trusty horses toward a loud and dangerous meeting. One knight wins for his queen. What she does as a result of that triumph is the stuff of fairy tales. 

That tells the tale in a nutshell. Yet, you have no idea until you actually have the book in your hands for the true brilliance of the telling. Shawn Harris has taken an art project idea from his kindergarten teacher to show each and every spread in mirror image, reflecting on the dilemma that begins with two queens and two castles on one hill. Using thick tempera and acrylic paints, the artist creates these images with precision and perfection. The strong colors and his ability to pair the tension of the reading with the action on the page ends with a final impressive "CLASH! CLANG! BANG! THUD." Just exactly what readers want from a duel. 

The ingenious solution following the win is a delight. There will be no end to the reading this book on repeat. This is exactly the book I would have read first with no illustrations shown, before reading it once more while showing the incredible artwork. Be sure you have paper and paints ready for students of any age to try their hands at blot painting themselves. Endpaper 'butterfly paintings' provide a clear and enticing invitation.