Eureka, written by Victoria Chang. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2006. $25.99 ages 10 and up

 

"I used to stand on top 
of Telegraph Hill and look 
down on the wharf
at the great ships
that went back and forth, 
but I never thought 
I would be on one, 
sailing in the wrong direction
away from home,
away from San Francisco, 
away from Ma Ma and Ba Ba."

Mei Mei lives with her parents and loves her life in San Francisco. The year is 1884. As an immigrant, Mei Mei cannot attend a public school; rather, she goes to Chinese school in a church basement. As well as school, Mei Mei helps her father run the family store. She loves playing with her best friend Hua Hua, while also spending a great deal of time with Ma Ma who is housebound because of her "little lotus feet", which have been tightly bound since Ma Ma was a child. 

As San Francisco becomes more dangerous for the Chinese; brokers who provided passage for Mei Mei's family from China threaten to take Mei Mei as further payment. Her parents are frightened and decide to send Mei Mei to her aunt in Eureka, which is far away from the danger. They want her to be safe and to go to a public school there, as has been promised. What happens cannot be further from the truth. Upon arrival, her aunt puts her to work in the Bobbit family home, and takes most of her pay. 

Mei works with Mrs. Yu in the kitchen; the two become friends. Sara Bobbit is the kind daughter, in an unkind and wealthy family, who offers to teach Mei Mei and another servant named Tom how to speak and read English. When racial unrest rears its ugly head in Eureka, Mrs. Yu, Mei Mei and Tom are forced to leave and find their way back to San Francisco. Their journey is not without complications; but it is a success.  

This verse novel is narrated by Mei Mei, and wrought with many emotions: joy, fear, disappointment, sadness, love, longing, and hope. It is authentic and brave, and readers will find people to champion as they read. 

Back matter offers an author's note that illustrates the plight of many Chinese immigrants as they tried to build a new and better life for themselves, and a list of interesting facts about Chinese life in America. 

The Side Pickle, written by Sarah Howden and illustrated by Sabina Hahn. tundra, Peguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

  h

"A curious earthworm had a harder 
question. "Why are we here?"

"I used to think I was meant to be a 
tasty snack. But now I am here, 
talking with you. Purposes can 
change." 

Day after day, the pickle sat there, 
shriveling in the sun. (It was a dry 
summer.)"

When a pickle lands next to a dry cleaners and speaks about his dilemma, resident animals have questions. As they gather, the pickle offers thoughts for them concerning his ability to communicate and why what he has to say is important. A bird asks why he considers himself so wise. Apparently, the pickle just knows it to be true. They continue to ask, and the pickle continues to provide clear answers. When a mouse asks about hunger, the pickle explains he is meant to feed not to be fed. 

A passing earthworm has a more philosophical question, wondering 'why we are here'. The pickle responds that, at one time, he was a snack and now he is talking with those who have enquiries about him. Seems the purpose in life can change. The question about his path to being where he is surprises with this answer. 

""I used to live underwater," began the pickle. "In a salty brine like the sea, 
but with more garlic. Then I was served beside a hot dog to a person ... who
hated pickles."

The summer days are warm and the pickle shrivels. A question about choice concerning his fate, leads to the answer that being eaten by a dog would be fine. His animal friends prepare to fulfill his wish, and call for a dog. Just when his fate seems set, another surprise adventure begins. 

Kids who hear this story will feel concern for the pickle and its dilemma, while the adults reading it may look at it differently. All in all, it is a fun read with humor and empathy clearly shared in illustrations created using black graphite pencil, watercolor and pickle brine. 

What are your big questions? 

The Outermost Mouse, written by Lauren Wolk and illustrated by Kristen Adam. Dutton, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"The Outermost Mouse was in love with her life.

The wind was her pantry, full of seeds and fresh
rainwater. Above, more blue than most any mouse
could want. Below, the beach as warm and soft as 
her mother.

And the house itself, like a huge nest she had made 
her own. She loved its jam-jar posies, and lanterns 
full of gold, and the clock that tick-tocked her to 
sleep at night."

The tip of a beach is shared by a cottage, an old man and a mouse. The Outermost Mouse loves her life there, and everything about it ... both outside and inside. As the sea grows closer each and every day, Mouse worries. She shares those worries with the gulls, the fish, a fox, and the Outermost House where she finds shelter. No one seems concerned with her news; the mouse remains very troubled. Hoping to stop the advancing water, she carries load after load of material to build a defense against it. 

The barricade is insignificant against the waves that wash ashore. She needs to do more. The following day she gathers all manner of exceptional materials and built it as high as she can. The same result has the mouse putting all building materials back where she found them. What might happen next, she wonders. 

It doens't take long to find out; in the face of a coming storm, the old man packs up his things and leaves his home behind him. He leaves much for the mouse to use and enjoy. As the storm makes its presence known, she looks at her treasures and realizes she can not save them. Is she too small to survive on her own? 

Filled with strong emotions and illustrated with exquisite watercolor images that capture both mood and setting, this story is sure to capture the hearts of those who are able to empathize with a brave, yet tiny, adventurer who braves tough situations and makes the best of them. 

"The cottage in this book is not exactly like the real one. And my storm is not exactly like the one that buried Cape Cod in snow when I was eighteen years old. But my mouse is exactly as I imagined her to be: small but smart and brave and strong, with a song worth singing and a world worth saving. Just like children everywhere.
                                                                       - Lauren Wolk
                                                                               

                                                                                

Ama'sPurse, written by Charlotte Cheng and illustrated by Xindi Yan. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Then Ama's purse unfolds
with a snap of its clasp. 
Out comes her compact, 
round and silver. 

Out comes her lipstick, red and bold. 
She peeks into the mirror
and checks her laugh-lined face."

The family is in the car, ready for a day trip together to destination unknown. Our girl narrator and her Ama are in the back seat, Ama's purse on the seat between them. It isn't long until Ama opens her purse to some magical memories the two share as they roll along. Once out of the city, they stop at a fresh fruit stand. Ama pays and they are off again. 

As the car swerves, the child experiences a touch of motion sickness. Ama has just what she needs to take her grandchild's mind off the feeling. They continue on as Ama's purse offers up a necklace, bracelet, and the opportunity for counting. A rest stop provides an chance to get out and enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery. Oh, and a feast of snacks for a rumbling stomach. A stop in town for gas means another chance to get out of the car. Ama stumbles, drops her purse, and her many treasures pop out. Quick thinking and solid work by the child return all to where they belong. 

Their arrival at the ocean suggests a quiet rest. Ama's photo album holds wonderful family moments; so much to talk about. Finally, they reach the beach, get out of the car, and enjoy time together in one of their favorite places. 

"Then we make a brand-new memory in sparkling splashes."
                                                                          

Mother Boo: Poems from Spookytown, written by Vicki VanSickle and illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Ugga bugga baby
smells like garbage in the sun, 
smother her with kisses
on her ugga bugga tum. 

My ugga bugga baby
is as perfect as can be, 
together we're the picture 
of a perfect family."

Thinking ahead to October and Halloween, looking for a new book to add to your collection? You might want to consider Mother Boo. A touch of spooky and poetry that makes Halloween a part of every day of the year, this collection of verse welcomes readers to Spookytown and voices poems that are sweet and wide-ranging. 

Mother Boo is the ghostly figure who watches over all those living in Spookytown, taking care of them always and even saving them when the event warrants such action. She will be there whenever someone cries "Boo-hoo!", and on the many other occasions when her help is needed ... happy or sad. A poem about flying witches explains that it is their cat's tails that carry the magic that makes the flying happen. There is also a countdown to Halloween, a description of the variety in moons from month to month throughout the year, a werewolf dance that may seem quite spooky until Mama returns with a warm hug. 

The poetry is presented in many styles which is worthy of respect from all who share this book. The digital art was created with colored pencils and Photoshop, and matches the fall setting in orange, black, green, gold and white. It's great fun at Halloween; but suits the interest of many at any time of the year. 
                                                                                          

A Good Hide, written by Karina Iceberg and illustrated by Natasha Donovan. Heartdrum, Harper. 2026. $24.99 ages 7 and up

"Hang it over the smoke
and fan the flames fast!

Build the fire high and higher, 
letting smoke tan each side. 

Now, call down the rain!
Ask for a hard hail, too."

This story from Alaska concerns what happens after a successful autumn moose hunt, when the community works together to completely change the hide of said moose into high quality leather. Auntie leads with a message of thanks; it is followed by many helping hands getting to the hard work of scraping the hide. The hide is then soaked and stretched to wring out the water. The work continues to further soften it.  

Once everyone has peed on it, it is given another stretch before letting it get wet in the rain. The brain is used to make 'brain goo' before building a pit fire. Once the brain goo has been worked into the hide to make is soft and smooth, it is smoke tanned over the fire. Once more, rain (and even hail) help to make it even softer. Stretch it once more, and it is ready to be pinned. 

"At last, pin it to the beams.
Pull it tight until it gleams.
Hold it up to the sky - 
the wind will help it dry."

Now, what? 

This informational picture book offers up some surprises for listeners, as well as a clear look at one of the many traditions of the people of Alaska. Digital images of many community members working together to produce something that will benefit all is captivating and contributes to fully understanding the multi-step process.  

An author's note is appended. 

EVERYTHING you need to know ABOUT LIFE you can learn from a DOG, written by Bruce Littlefield and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Play nice.

It's fun to play with friendly dogs! Mean ones?
Not so much. Dogs know that getting along is 
where it's at. 
And being kind to others is tail-waggingly 
wonderful." 

Dogs have a lot to teach us. That is exactly what they do in this book that will attract the attention of many young learners who have a special love for dogs. A dog narrator quickly gets to the lessons that dogs have to teach us. We are to sit and stay while he offers up a series of lessons to help we humans what it is dogs want us to know. 

Each one begins with an opening statement about behavior, and ends with a short paragraph of explanation concerning the whys for that way of living life. The lessons concern attitude, style, patience, loyalty, getting along, eating good food, learning new tricks, being content and relaxed, being confident, getting enough exercise, taking a walk in the outdoors, being curious about the world, and being grateful for what you have. 

These suggestions are accompanied by digital artwork that shine with movement and character. It is sure to capture attention and provide scenes that will encourage all readers to take time to come to a full stop and take a close look at all that is happening on the fascinating spreads. Kids will also be interested in naming known dog breeds, and have questions about those they don't recognize. Simple, thoughtful lessons, great hair, and a celebration of living with joy.