Desert Flowers, written by Jairo Buitrago and illustrated by Manuel Monroy. Translated by Elisa Amado. Greystone Kids, 2026. $25.95 ages 4 and up

 

"In the middle of nowhere there is a table. 
On it are party hats and lemonade. 
It's Grandmother's birthday. 

The girls and the grandmother are happy."

Leave it to nature to make a family celebration even better. The story starts with two girls, a caregiver grandmother and a house in the desert with a dog and a horse. There is no other person visible to readers but the two girls, the old woman, a table, some hats and lemonade. Don't miss the tent, the pillow, an iguana and two birds. Happiness reigns for all. 

The children worry that Grandmother is alone in the world, but for them. She tells them about a friend and offers to take them to meet him. As they travel, other animals of the desert are evident. Their destination is a huge cactus, whose arms welcome them. Grandmother shares knowledge of its heart: an owl.  A snake and a red bird find a home there as well. She feels blessed by the allure of the setting. 

The girls walk out into the desert with concern for their grandmother as they have no present to give. Right before their eyes, the desert blooms with gorgeous flowers for making sturdy crowns, a perfect gift of love for her. As darkness falls, they make their way home with hearts full after a day of gentle celebration. 

What a gift this book is! The narrator offers peace and tranquility in the telling, while the artist uses acrylic on linen cloth to display the full beauty of the desert landscape. Words and images are a brilliant match. Readers will be hard pressed not to see the desert in an entirely different light after reading this exceptional book.     

"Who knows whether, maybe, you have loved this moment. 
More than a story of a grandmother, a cactus, an owl, a
little table in the middle of nowhere ... and two girls, 
it's a story of how happy I felt when I met them."                                                                         

Farm Shark, written by Bill Canterbury and illustrated by Maddie Frost. Doubleday Books for Young Readers. Penguin Random House, 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"Pig and Cow did not want to be dessert. 

Farm Shark, we'd love to stay,
but all of a sudden we have vacation 
plans. 

A very LONG vacation! 

We have to leave RIGHT NOW!

There's NO WAY you can stop us!"

What a surprise for every farm animal when a delivery truck stops to leave a new friend! A shark? A book-reading cow learns it is not a typical shark; rather, it is a FARM SHARK! It seems friendly until Sheep suddenly disappears into the shark's stomach. As more farm animals show up, the shark exhibits a penchant for extra food. Too soon, the chickens join the sheep in Stomachville. When Goat appears to be up next, he does his best to avoid the inconvenience with gifts and admiration. That doesn't work. 

Shark's appetite is unsatisfied; Pig and Cow are off at a run. Not fast enough, Pig is soon the newest resident in the shark's stomach. Cow is frantic and the only animal left when the farmer arrives to see what is going on. Farmer Jolene appears unconcerned, and well-equipped to employ her knowledge concerning farm sharks. Tickling is the shark's undoing. The animals are expelled, the farm returns to its peaceful status, as the farmer provides a stern warning to Farm Shark about eating her animals. Guess how needs help from the reader now! 

It's a book filled with humor in both visuals and dialogue. Listeners will belly laugh at the antics. It's  perfect for a story time read. Be sure to share it with a straight face to up the reactions from your listeners.  
                                                                                     

On Fridays, written by Winsome Bingham and illustrated by Jason Griffin. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026. $26.99 ages

"Miss Neely stands next to Momma. She's 
one of my favorites. She always push my 
shoulder back and says, "Stand up straight,
Jamar. Don't slouch." Or "Pull your pants
up, No sagging." Or "You know, we will 
all be happy if you just give your best." 

She meets me at the door 
with chewy-gooey cookies." 

I think it's very important for those sharing this book with children to read the opening notes from both author and artist; it was an eye-opening experience prior to reading the book myself. Thanks to both for sharing their heartfelt reasons for the story told here. 

When school ends on Friday, Jamar rides the bus to his mother's workplace. The ride there is joyful; it's the weekend, the bus is noisy, and the ride bumpy. It takes no time to see the brick building ahead. His therapist mother loves the people in her care, and reminds Jamar of that whenever she has the chance. Miss Neely meets him at the door, cookies in hand and an invitation to visit her garden where he is encouraged to plant his own tulip. 

Once back inside, he hears Mr. Dillon's cane tapping in the hallway. They do a little dance, have a short chat before Jamar is aware of the guitar music coming from Mr. Riff's room. He is invited in for a listen. Before he knows it, Mama is announcing their departure. Taking the tulip with him, he waves goodbye to all of his friends. At bedtime he lets his Momma know that he wants to work where she does, taking care of people who are like family, when he grows up. 

Too soon, Momma wakens him to let him know of an emergency at her work. He is worried, as is his mother. His friends are there to greet him. Not Miss Neely. The three move out to the garden, where he is told that Miss Neely 'is gone to another home'. It's hard for Jamar to understand what has happened; his friends explain that she didn't have time for a goodbye. They promise to help him take care of Miss Neely's garden. As he and his mother prepare to attend the memorial, Jamar explains that he doesn't want to say goodbye because she didn't say goodbye to him. His mother tells him that people don't always know when they will 'move on.'

"And when we're almost out the door, 
she says, "That's why you give everyone
their flowers while you're with them. 
Because you never know when they 
will be moving on.""

This child's-eye view of a caring community and loss is given context in vivid artwork that resonates with warmth and emotion on every spread.                                                                                  

                                                                                     

The Path, written by Pamela Paul and illustrated by Qin Leng. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2026. $27.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Ooh, looks like a 
barred owl up there. 

And a heron! 
I just need to get 
a better look. 

Okay, good, and let's just stay
quiet now. Staaaaying quiet. 

Argh! Not quiet."

A park path holds interest for a diverse group of people and animals; they walk, bike, roller skate, exercise their dogs, ride scooters, watch birds, run, and enjoy conversation as they go. Children playing together are interrupted by a cyclist who, in turn, faces a problem caused by zig-zagging roller skaters. One roller skater is bothered by the number of dogs being walked on long leashes, who scare a little girl out for a walk with her grandpa. The dogs are bothered by kids on scooters passing them by. A birdwatcher seeking quiet to enjoy a close look at both an owl and a heron is interrupted by the loud cries of a baby fighting sleep. A young couple having a personal conversation are almost swept aside by a runner intent on making her best time, and the runner is held back by a child determined to ride a bike on her own. 

That child comes to a sudden stop while looking up. Only then does everyone along the path take time to follow her lead and look to the sky, where a 'fast and beautiful black cloud' sweeps past. The birdwatcher describes it. 

"Yes! It's called a murmuration. The birds fly together 
so they can take care of one another." 

The elegance of their flight and their reason for gathering is felt by all who are watching. As those using the path return to the business of their day, they do it with an enlightened sense of community and kindness. The runner encourages the little girl learning to ride her bike; the birdwatcher offers help for the baby and others interested in seeing what he sees; the dog that scared the little girl has found new focus for his barking while she is encouraged to get to know the other dogs being walked; and the two kids at the start of the story find a side path that provides further enjoyment for all. 

Told entirely in thought bubbles and dialogue, and accompanied by signature artwork created using brush and ink, markers, and watercolor by the remarkable Qin Leng, all who read this book will be engaged and entertained by a community that celebrates diversity and kindness. The power of nature has the most marvelous effect on all who travel the path and then stop in wonder to relish the glory of seeing a murmuration and understanding its reason for being. 

Readers will pay rapt attention to the people, the setting, and the nonstop action; then, wait until they veer toward the side path where they see everyone all over again: squirrels, heron and owl included. 

This book is pure delight! 
                                                                                      

Mac and Croc, written and illustrated by Jami Gigot. Kids Can Press, 2026. $16.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Hello, down there. 
Are you okay?

I'm tangled in the rope. 

Croc can help. Right, Croc? 

My hero!" 

This graphic novel for early readers features two friends. One is gregarious and outgoing; the other is quiet and reserved. When Mac leaves his lighthouse to walk to Croc's house, his mind is on convincing his friend to go on an adventure. Croc is not interested. Despite Mac's pleas, Croc is happy where he is. For every thought Mac has about the fun they might have, Croc has a rejoinder. Could they play chess rather than take on a dragon? Mac would rather bet on the results of a win. They agree. 

Croc is perturbed by Mac's newfound prowess at his favorite game. True to his word, Croc makes extensive preparations for their adventure at sea. When they find themselves lost, Croc's very active imagination results in foolish outcomes. Mac remains hopeful; Croc is doubtful and longs for home. Each of the following parts of their story begins with the pair facing difficulties. Croc remains skeptical and grumbly. Mac tries his best to keep them on track. 

Meeting a mermaid in need of assistance, facing a shark, and calling on a giant octopus for aid will have readers rooting for their success in finding the treasure, then making their way home. It takes a whale migration (Croc's reading has prepared him) to lead them straight home. Arriving at Croc's house, the tide has turned and the need for adventure has found a new fan!  

An excellent use of panels and told entirely in dialogue, this is an adventure that moves very quickly, introduces appealing new friends and humorous escapades, and has elements of courage, adaptation, and persistence. It's a charmer. 

Emilia Wishing, written by Belen Medina and illustrated by Magdalena Mora. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"She waits month after month
until her mother has enough 
to pay, 

imagining wearing her 
new clothes just like the 
other girls."

Emilia is filled with wishes, mostly concerning material things. Sugar cereal would be a treat compared to the toasted tortillas she has each morning. She would love to live in a new house, have a new car rather than their old truck, and even a bed of her own. Alas! It is not to be. 

When her mother takes her to a thrift store to find new clothes for school, Emilia wishes they were at the 'fancy mall' on the other side of town. They carefully search the rows of clothing; Emilia is excited to model what they find. Her mother 'whittles down' their purchase to what she can afford. Taking them to the layaway desk hurts Emilia's heart; nothing goes home with the family. 

The wait until her mama has the money to pay is endless. Each day as they wait, Emilia watches her mother work, work, work from morning until night to buy what the family needs. Poor mama, always tired. When the wait is finally over, the family piles into the truck once more. Mama can make the final payment; she beams with a happiness Emilia has never noticed. Finally, her mama can spin and dance in the one beautiful blue dress she has chosen for herself.  

Ms. Mora's artwork that blends pencil, charcoal, watercolor and ink is rich in color and gratitude. Emotions are evident and enhanced by the colors chosen to portray family life, as well as the different life imagined. This celebration of a hardworking mother's love for her children and their needs is powerful; it is also a hard look at poverty and its heartache.                                                                                 

Mountainous, written and illustrated by Julia Kuo. Greystone Kids, 2026. $24.95 ages 4 and up

 

"But mountains move 
and change, just like you. 

What if you could be like a
mountain, just for a moment? 

Mountains may appear still, but they are
constantly moving in big and small ways.
Over the years, all mountains will rise and then fall."

In this second book in Ms. Kuo's I Am Nature series, she explores the beauty and majesty of mountains which may seem always still to observers. In describing them, she uses her accompanying illustrations to show a child growing up. At first, as mother and child ride a train, they view a mountain in the distance which appears to be standing still. In additional scientific text, mountains are described for readers as 'the tops of our world as we know it'. 

A turn of the page shows a growing child who moves and changes, just as mountains are also moving in 'big and small ways'. Using parallel text to capture the child's growth, while also asking readers to imagine themselves as the mountains displayed in stunning digital illustrations from page to page, offers a chance to learn the science of the mountains as they change in many of the same ways children do.

"Or wiggle and shake
with groans and shouts!

Some mountains sit on the edges of tectonic
plates, or pieces of the earth's crust. These plates 
can shift and bump against each other, causing 
earthquakes of all sizes.'"

This book is a clear and careful look at mountains from around the world. In backmatter, the author charts 13 of them that include Mount Everest, the Matterhorn, Mount Fuji, and Mount Saint Helens. Their heights are shown at the left edge of the spread, and a note is added to explain many have more than one name, reflecting their Indigenous and colonial histories. Thumbnail sketches of each mountain mentioned encourage readers to go back on a search to find them in the book's pages.

I shall certainly look forward to the third book in this admirable series.