102, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"The cricket hopped toward the wall, 
then disappeared into a large crack. 

So I followed. 

Within the wall was a vast miniature 
world with strings of lights. We crept
through a maze of passages, past 
treasures lying here and there. A 
collection of paper clips. A cracked 
marble. A strange old coin."

I am a HUGE fan of Matthew Cordell's genius storytelling and art. I have been sharing his books with you since August 14, 2010 when he illustrated a book by Phyllis Root called TOOT TOOT ZOOM! There have been more than 30 others, and I know I have missed many; I am NOT going to miss telling you about this one. 

It is one of my very favorite books. I am longing to share it with my granddaughters when they arrive for our annual July visit on Saturday. I have read and reread it many times to myself; I will be so much happier reading it with them and hearing what they have to say about it. 

102 Greenbriar Drive is a large two-story house where our narrator George and his family live. Remembering back to when he was a child, we are told that, on that day October 2, he was sent home from school with a fever of 101. George and his mother are in the kitchen when a mouse scurries across the floor. His mother is not pleased and drops a bowl over it. It is carrying a tiny black bean in its mouth. George finds a place for it to live, gives it water and sunflower seeds, and begs his mother to let him keep it. 

George's temperature rises to 102; his mother tucks him in with two heavy blankets, hoping they will break the fever. She tells him the mouse will be gone the next day. At 1:02 AM, George's eyes pop open to the sound of a cricket's chirp. It hops down, and signals for George to follow. In order to do that, George shrinks down to cricket size and passes through a crack in the wall. Entering a marvelous world of woodland creatures and exceptional sights, Geroge is frightened by a hungry owl.  

A lucky escape allows George to follow the cricket through a tiny door at 102 Acorn Hollow. Sitting to have the tea offered by a mother mouse, George learns they need one more bean for their 102-bean soup. Junior is ill with a fever. The soup is what he needs to recover. Father has gone to get the bean; he has not returned. George knows how to help. The cricket leads the return trip home, where George releases Father Mouse and after awakening at 1:02 PM, he has his own bowl of healing bean soup. 

Not only does the recurring 102 theme intrigue, the similarities between George and Junior will be noted: both sick, both covered by two heavy blankets, both experiencing deep sleep, and the healing power of 102-bean soup. 

I have not even mentioned the remarkable artwork, a signature attraction to Mr. Cordell's fine books. He provides exceptional detail for every scene, and does it using a type of pen he found in his children's art supplies - a multicolored and multiscented ballpoint pen. You know the one! It took the ink from sixteen such pens to create these warm, textured images of a world that fully captures the attention of everyone who shares this brilliant book.

Was it a dream? In four final pages, 102-year-old George has possession of mementos from that day so long ago and also memories to share. It is a story he has told to family from that day to this.    

I think you should read it 102 times. It is definitely worth it. 

Her Muddy Majesty of Muck, written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna. Hippo Park, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"We arrive at a room full of soft, cozy cushions.
By the time I slip under a warm blanket, Her 
Royal Muddiness is already snoring. 

"YOU'RE SCARED!" the Boogers tease. 
'YOU'RE SCARED TO GO HOME!"

They're right. I want to stay here so I don't 
have to tell Shen how I threw the keys down
the manhole, or that I get angry because he 
ignores me, or how hurt I feel inside. And 
the more I try not to think about it, the 
angrier I get."

Big brother Shen and Yuki are not fast friends. In fact, Shen gets quite annoyed when Yuki's anger causes her to scream and stomp around. On this day, while walking home from school with Shen ignoring her, Yuki throws their house keys down a manhole. Immediately regretting her actions, she climbs down a long and rickety ladder into the streets below the city. 

Fearful over what she has done, she is surprised to meet a creature made of mud who introduces herself as Her Muddy Majesty of Muck. Yuki is encouraged to follow her. As they explore, they walk through the Wicked Woods where if you've been bad, there is nothing to worry about. Smelly little creatures called Boogers taunt Yuki; their job, it turns out, is to make Yuki feel even worse than she already does. In fact, they are even mean to themselves. Yuki, in turn, teases Her Majesty who grows bigger as Yuki gets more horrible. 

They approach Lake Youbegone, and both jump in. Underwater, they see many attention-grabbing creatures before climbing a set of stairs that lead to the Museum of Cast-Away Things. Her Majesty explains their reason for being where they are: 

"When people get angry, they take it out on things they love."

To her great surprise, Yuki finds Shen's yellow dog, a sign that he has also been where she is now. On they go to the Grumporium, a room filled with edible anger. Yuki is offered a taste of one of them. She likes it! Suddenly covered with mud and very concerned, the two move on to the Relax Room; where Yuki admits she is afraid to go home and confess to Shen how she is feeling. 

She is about to drift off when Shen pulls on her arm. Unsure what to say to his sister, he remains silent until the Boogers tease him and he is able to open up. The two begin to leave, causing Her Majesty to cry in despair. Yuki turns back with sympathetic eyes, a warm hug and a promise to return for a play. As a result, her new friend gets smaller and smaller until all that is left are a few twigs and some mud. 

Covered in mud, Shen and Yuki their way up and onto the street. Shen's extra keys let them into their apartment in time to have a shower and make themselves presentable before their parents get home. A final underground view warms the hearts of all readers. 

Inventive and endearing, this modern fairy tale uses wondrous art, moving language, gentle humor, and  reassurring advice about family and emotions to spark tender feelings and change. I remain in awe of Ms. Alemagna's exceptional storytelling and her incredible artistic talent. 
                                                                                              

Wombat Waiting, written by Katheine Applegate. Storytide, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 8 and up

"A community is a living thing,
a group of people 
knit together by need or friendship, 
belief or purpose, 
even worn around the edges, 
like a household of grumpy relatives.

But when something bad happens, 
it comes together, stronger than ever, 
ready to start anew." 

Meeting Wombat is a joyous and heartwarming experience. She is a stray dog with stubby legs and silly ears, who is a survivor. She needs to be one as she feels the Santa Ana winds in Southern California blowing and takes note of a fire she can see in the distance. After an upsetting dream, she begins to hear an internal voice telling her to go THAT WAY. Her concern is that it is sending her toward the fire. Having no one, and no home, Wombat does as she is told. 

A chance meeting with a canine friend named Silas. When she tells Silas about the voice, he shares a sympathetic opinion. 

"Oh, you poor pup,
Silas sighed. 
You're one of them, aren't ya?

One of them? Wombat asked. 

You're a destiny dog, said Silas. 

He offered a toothless smile. 
Congrats. 
And condolences."

Being a destiny dog means Wombat is bound to find her person. It's a convincing observation; Wombat will follow the voice's mysterious instructions, despite the dangers. Soon readers meet Henry, a young boy who lives with his two moms and little sister in the path of the wildfire. He loves the bats at the rehab center where Mama Ro works. He and Barnabas, a fruit bat, must find shelter from the fire wreaking havoc everywhere around them. Henry is uncomfortable around dogs following a scary encounter when he was very young. 

As luck would have it, Wombat and Henry cross paths at an emergency shelter. Immediately, Wombat recognizes Henry as her destiny. Henry is wary of any contact. With endless patience and her helping nature, Wombat begins to realize she can offer hope to the displaced people at the shelter. Just as Wombat finds solace in the helping, Henry proves himself to be a willing worker who makes a real difference, too. The bond between the two unfolds as days pass by. Patience is the key to finding each other in the loveliest possible way. 

As the chapters shift from one character to another, readers feel strong empathy toward both. The verse format is perfect for early middle grade readers.Well chosen words balance the terror and acute sadness felt by both as their situation engulfs everyone. It's a story told with gentle caring and quiet humor. So hopeful and endearing. It will be the first book Chelsea and I read in July. We can't wait! 

When I'm a Moshom, written by David A. Robertson and illustrated by Corrie Hill. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"acimo (he tells a story)

When I'm a moshom, 
A long, long time from now, 
I will give my grandchildren stories, 
Just like Moshom did. 

I'll give them stories about themselves, 
And they'll learn to be proud of who they are. 

I'll give them stories about other people, 
And they'll learn about their neighbors, 
friends and classmates."

An opening note from the author tells readers that this book is meant to be a companion to On The Trapline, a story he wrote to honor his father and the relationship the two had with each other and with the land. In looking for ways to keep his father close in memory following his death, and to help his young son remember his moshom, he began considering what his father taught him; he writes about them here. 

Moshom always attended his grandchildren's activities: dance, swim, gymnastics, hockey. He brought good luck every time he watched with immense pride from the sidelines. Moshom took them fishing to catch just enough for a meal, and sat with them on the lake's shore. He smudged, he explained the old teachings for living a good life, and taught them Cree words to help them understand their family's language. 

His love for them was evident in every visit together; he showed it in every way and told them whenever they were together. His storytelling was filled with stories of their ancestors; all told with pride and wonder. He let them know how things were and how they are. He wanted them to know those stories so they could share them with their own loved ones. Visits to his home resulted in eating bannock, playing cards, and visiting his community of family and friends. There was nothing he wouldn't do for them.  His teachings ensure that they will do the same when they are grandparents ... a long, long time from now. 

The text is divided into sections that are prefaced by a Swampy Cree word (and translation) that are later included in a glossary. Digital artwork is created in earth tones and rooted in Indigenous culture that is expressive and telling. Told quietly with a gentle warmth, it is sure to inspire discussion with young listeners about memories of those they have loved and lost, or their own endless experiences enjoyed with their own grandparents. 

The Deepest Blue, written by Shaunty Grant and illustrated by Daniel Minter. Quill Tree Books, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The deepest blue is black as night

except

a light 

come from below -

a sunken ship from moons ago."

What a gorgeous book, full of masterly language and amazing, luminous artwork! The first surprise comes when it is opened. The reader immediately turns to the vertical to see a child holding a tiny shell and beaming in the ocean blue setting. From a sandy beach she is invited to board a boat heading out into the blue expanse. Scuba diving is the draw. 

Dipping below those waves puts her in a world of beauty not all people have a chance to see. A sankofa bird is her constant companion above and below the surface. As she discovers what the sea holds, the bird increases in size. As she swims further down, she is even more aware of the beauty in the colors experienced there. The blue becomes black, except for a light from below that comes from a sunken ship lying on the ocean floor. 

A closer look brings awareness of the many people on board and the chains that held them. She wants to know more. 

"'cause there's a place that's hard to find, 
a treasure trove that's lost to time;
the traders and the tides, they took 
a whole entire history book." 

This sunken slave ship glows with the spirits of ancestors who reach their hands out to her and calm her there. Her past is traced to them, their culture and their being. When she resurfaces, she is united in celebration of that history and new learning about herself.  Remembering the past allows forward thinking and movement. 

Stunning! 

Nice Work, written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Hala Tahboub. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House.. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"If I move, maybe someday someone will
know my tree without knowing me. Or maybe
they'll know me a little. Maybe they'll look
at the tree and know that someone wanted
peaches way back then. 

When told by his parents that he cannot grow a marshmallow tree, he changes his mind and chooses a peach tree. There are similarities between the two: sweet, sticky, feels like summer. Their work begins in the spring when they purchase a stick. He is not impressed, and neither is his friend Maya. She congratulates him on planting a stick. The two plant many similar sticks, assuming that in years to come they will produce even more sticks. 

Nice work! 

He continues to water the peach tree when his parents convince him that the roots are stretching down into the earth below him. To his surprise, the tree is soon covered with leaves. In a bad stroke of luck, Maya lets him know that she and her family are moving. For the rest of the year, including his birthday, Maya's move, the arrival of fall and winter, he is concerned for his tree. When bunnies nibble off the back due to hunger, he leaves them a warning that the tree will seek revenge for their actions. (And his father puts a cage around the tree.) 

In the spring when the leaves burst forth once more, elderly Ruth moves into Maya's old house and regales him with stories of a cherry tree she once planted. Ruth is a great baker of oatmeal cookies which are consumed with regularity. A blossom appears on the peach tree, and soon he is writing a letter to Maya to tell her about it. She asks about the stick forest, which he says he continues watering. Unfortunately for Maya, Ruth is the one who gets to share a peach wedge. Together, they toast next year. One can only imagine what the future holds for that peach tree. 

Nice work, indeed! 

Louisa Learns to Write: Louisa May Alcott Creates Little Women, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Sofia Moore. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25.99 ages 10 and up

"WRITE 

Louisa loved to climb trees and run 
through the woods, sometimes under
moonlight. On her tenth birthday, 
Mother presented her with a special 
gift. Opening the pages of a journal, 
Louisa let the words flow - from 
poetry to petty complaints and even 
private dreams." 

Louisa May Alcott wrote what she knew when she penned the story of 4 girls and their family in Little Women. Her family lived a similar life to the March sisters. Her father was a teacher who often changed jobs, leaving the family in a life of poverty with little food to eat and only used clothing to wear. The four girls loved the worlds they found in their father's books. Louisa loved being outdoors, and she loved to write in a journal from her mother. 

As they moved from place to place, the older girls worked to make the money the family needed. Their jobs were difficult and left Louisa dreaming of riches that would make life more comfortable for everyone. An inheritance left to her mother helped to ease the burden and let them buy a new home. Life became easier and Louisa could give herself over to the reading, writing, and dreaming that she loved to do. The family was happy using her writing to perform in the stories she told. 

Family friends Henry David Thorseau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson were often present for meaningful discussions about important topics. The family home became a stop on the Underground Railroad. In a search for new jobs to improve their lives, they moved to Boston. After helping with many household chores and caring for children, Louisa began to write in earnest. She hoped that she would make enough money to improve their family circumstances. 

"I will do something by and by. 
Don't care what, teach, sew, act, write, 

anything to help the family; and I'll 
be rich and famous and happy before 
I die, see if I won't!"

Family circumstances changed dramatically when one sister died, and another got married and moved away. Louisa wrote more and more, despite setbacks. As a working nurse during the Civil War, she wrote Hospital Sketches, a hit with readers and critics. She wrote, and wrote, and wrote. Would she write for girls, she was asked. Yes, she would - and write she did. She wrote what she knew; she wrote about her own family. It wasn't long until Little Women became a huge hit. 

Back matter includes an informative author's note, archival photos of the four Alcott sisters, a list of ten habits for becoming a writer (all discussed in the pages of the book), a timeline, facts and fiction comparing her family and the March family, and a bibliography.  

The focus throughout remains on the similarities between Louisa's reality and the story she created for the March sisters. Many significant quotes are included. Mixed media artwork provides a setting for the time and the family, and for Louisa's perseverance as she pursues her dreams. This might just be the spark that shows an up-and-coming writer the key to success.