How To Read a Very Serious Book, written by Mireille Messier and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

"Next, make sure to choose 
a place where other people 
will see you. They will be 
IMPRESSED! Buses, 
libraries, schoolyards, and 
parks are fantastic spots to 
be seen reading a serious 
book."

Readers open the first page to find two children; both engaged with the book each is reading. The covers are a gray tone, without any illustrations to invite a reader in. An unseen narrator is quick to opine that both books look BORING and HO-HUM. Questioning the readers about number of words and text size, the answers given are worthy of a hearty compliment. 

"Well then! You are OBVIOUSLY reading some VERY SERIOUS BOOKS!
You should be proud."

Wanting the readers to show the world the earnest nature of the books being read, the narrator is willing to provide instructions. A stick-on mustache, glasses on the nose tip, and a pencil behind the ear should be remarkably convincing. The place for reading is also important ... a bus, the library, a schoolyard and a park are perfect choices. Be sure the nose is tucked inside, and try to show how invested a person can be in what is being read. Flip to each new page with a sweep of the hand. 

Every child in the park is sure to notice the attention being paid to the reading, and to the laughter and exclamations for what the book is teaching. When the books are done, it's important to think about what has been read: time for a spot of tea to help with that 'pondering'.  Then it's right back to the reading until a pair of rambunctious squirrels create chaos and reveal what the children have hidden inside the boring, gray covers. Their serious enjoyment of the books shown is evident, as is so for the narrator who happily joins them on their picnic blanket. 

Kelly Collier fills the pages with graphic style panels in a book that pokes fun at those who think only serious books are what children should be reading. In fact, the final spread shows that kids should be reading what leaves them keen to read another. 

All the Water on the Earth, written by Rochelle Strauss and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. Kids Can Press, 2026.23.99 ages 6 and up

"There's even water in the air you 
breathe ... and in the steam rising 
from your mug of hot cocoa. 

There's water in every plant and 
animal, including you. Because 
people are animals, too. There's 
so much water all around you 
that from space, Earth looks blue."

If you have been watching the TV coverage of the moon mission of Artemis II and are seeing the photos being shared by the flight crew, you will know just how blue Earth looks from space. It is an amazing and beautiful sight. 

In her book One Well (2007), Ms. Strauss spoke to her readers about Earth being the only planet that has liquid water and that is why life is supported here. She helped each of us realize we had the power to conserve and protect that global well. Here we are almost 20 years later and our Earth is in a more precarious state. In this book, that is also a part of the Citizen Kid series from Kids Can, she adapts the message from that book as a reminder to readers today that our planet's water is all the water we have. 

In double-page spreads, accompanied by colorful and contextual digital art created by Madelyn Goodnight, her message remains clear that water is essential to life for all throughout the world today. She encourages young readers to look to all places and parts of their lives where water exists ... even when they cannot see it. In ponds and lakes, running underground below their feet, in every season, and across the world, water is moving constantly and that same water is used by people around the world every single day. The amount of water we have has been the same since the time of the dinosaurs. It's pretty awesome to think that we may 'sipping' the same water dinosaurs 'slurped' so long ago. 

Our survival depends on water ... all living things are the same. That water is not all the same; some is salty and some is fresh. As more and more people populate Earth, more fresh water is used than ever before in Earth's history. Today, not all that water is clean. Some is dangerous to drink; some is scarce. Together, we can help to protect our water. People around the world are working hard to ensure clean water for all. Thanks to all those conservationists who make a difference every day. 

Back matter includes an explanatory author's note that discusses the importance of water, the water cycle, and ways to protect water by learning more aobut it. A Let's Talk column offers questions to consider, alongside a description of the Citizen Kid series. The final page provides a list of books and websites for additional learning. 

It's a serious message, made accessible to its target audience because of its very positive presentation. 

"Because no matter where it's found, and no matter what form it takes, all the water on Earth is ... all the water on Earth."

Tea Is Love, written by Adib Khorram and illustrated by Hanna Cha. Dial, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Tea is a memory

Tea is a lesson

AND TEA IS LOVE"

My Aunt Anne was the first person who sat me down and showed me how she made and enjoyed her tea. I don't remember how old I was at the time, but I would guess I was around 10. I had not been a tea drinker prior to that; she said if I was going to become one, then I should learn how to brew tea well. I was a keen observer and a happy convert. She said it was the English way of preparing it. 

In this book about tea and its many descriptors, Adib Khorram presents tea as a ceremony for some, a quiet moment of relaxation for others. However you choose to brew your tea, it will be on your own terms as it should be. Millions of people drink it in many different ways and for a plethora of reasons. Its practice is celebrated across culture and country. 

For me, it often reflects memories of tea time with my aunt; a quiet time in a busy day; a warm and welcome ending for a delicious meal; a shared experience with a friend. In an interview I read with the author, he said of his memories: 

"At its heart, the practice of drinking tea is a joyful one. Tea enervates us and calms us. Tea asks us for patience and invites reflection. When I drink tea I remember my grandfather’s laughter. When I drink I remember those nights of Dr. Mario. When I drink I remember my uncle’s diner. When I drink I feel like I’m back at my aunt’s house. And the kettle is still on.

Hanna Cha chose to use sumi ink, watercolor, gouache, chalk and colored pencils to create the exceptional scenes that perfectly accompany the author's heartfelt feelings as he describes the meaning of tea in his life. From tea's growth as a plant, to being sold in stores and markets, to the warmth of its place in family homes, she fills each spread with winning characters, bold colors, community, family, and new learning. Front and back endpapers are equally enjoyable. At the heart of the story is the love that many have for tea, no matter the time and place.  

An author's note explains tea's history and the fact that tea is now grown on every continent, and in many countries. It is celebrated in ways as diverse as the places that have a tea culture. 

Now, I am off to brew a cuppa, and I hope that you will do the same. 

Ramadan Rain, written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Aliaa Betawi. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Taraweeh is long and slow. A slow that
isn't awful. A slow that doesn't drag. A slow
that's sweet and soft. 

The imam cries. Momma cries. Others
cry too. Cry for each other, cry for needs
and wants and wishes in this life and the
next. A lullaby I fall asleep to."

Haneen and her mother are aboard a bus as the rain pours down outside. Even when they arrive at the bus stop, the rain continues and Haneen complains about the discomfort of not having a car to get them where they are going. It upsets her mother. They still have two blocks to walk. Her mother explains to her that rain brings blessings - especially during Ramadan. 

When they arrive at the masjid, Haneen's wishing continues as she considers praying for new shoes. Her momma has explained they don't have money for a car, or new shoes. Entering the mosque, they find other mothers sitting together. Haneen follows a friend to draw with the other children. She makes an Eid card for her mother with images of some of the things she longs for. She watches women pass her by in beautiful and colorful clothing; she wishes their family could afford such things. A quiet yearning plays a role for her as she wishes for what she can't have. 

Time passes. Haneen appreciates becoming a part of the community of people gathered there, and feels the calm of shared prayers. She finds a welcome space for a chance to dream her dreams and say her prayers. Only then does she realize what matters most. Her first drawing was filled with what she longs for. It is replaced in time for Eid with a card that shows her mother what she is most grateful for - time for them to spend together, and the rain. 

The text is beautifully constructed, and very descriptive. The illustrations provide a unique and lovely setting, filled with Islamic images, words, and the warmth of the mosque for those who worship there. 

The story encourages patience, a sense of acceptance, being grateful, and thinking of others. 

the SUN THIEF, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Sourcebooks, Jaberwocky. Raincoast, 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

""Bird?

        Bird!"

"Is everything all right, Squirrel?"

"NO
  IT'S
  NOT!

Last night it was LIGHT 
when I was brushing my teeth, 
but tonight it was DARK. 
Someone has TAKEN the sun!

A SUN THIEF!""

In this book in the THIEF series, Squirrel is facing confusion over the changing of the seasons. What is happening? When Bird calls bedtime, Squirrel argues that Bird is wrong. It's still light outside and there is no way that will allow sleep. In fact, that is exactly what happens. Days pass. Bedtime comes and Squirrel is brushing his teeth when he realizes how dark it now is outside. The sun usually stays up late in the summer. 

Off he scampers to Bird's house in a panic that it's dark, when once it was light. Squirrel is again convinced that someone has stolen the sun! Bird explains that it a natural thing to happen as the summer comes to an end. He allays his friend's worry with the assurance that the sun will be back in the morning. Indeed, it is and Squirrel relaxes. Squirrel responds to the changes as the days grow shorter with fear of new noises and the encroaching dark. Poor Bird must constantly reassure his friend. It takes a lot of convincing; Squirrel finally accepts that his friend is right and the sun will always come up in the morning ... except when it rains!

This is the fourth in a series of books about friendship and misunderstandings. Bird is patient; Squirrel not so. There really are no thieves out there looking to steal leaves, flowers, or snow, as each of the four books proves. Engaging dialogue, colorful and expressive illustrations make this a book that works as a read aloud for young children. The book ends with a double spread to explain the way the Earth moves and what happens as it does. It introduces the concept of nocturnal animals such as the bat, compared to Squirrel and Bird who are diurnal. 

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.