Where I Grew, written by Jashar Awan and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Norton Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"To reach this land

In search of the 
   perfect place 

To put down 
        our roots 

And call home."

Oh, the setting is so gorgeous. Endpapers are filled with a detailed look at the forest, its flora and fauna. Bright colors accompany forest greens to invite readers to turn the page to see what is next. A hook, hung with a soft cap and a tote bag suggest outdoor adventure. The title page shows the owner with a satchel, all alone on a gray day.

The opening page returns readers to the forest, and two people venturing in where animals leap and birds sing. The older of the two, presumably a grandparent, is wearing the hat and carrying the tote bag, while a young girl holds his arm. She explains 'we come from all over'. As they walk on, there is joy in their being together in the beauty of their natural surroundings.

As they explore their environment, she tells how people got to the place they are now. In the past, they needed transport, and help to arrive safely in search of a new home. This is where she grew daily, through the seasons, and the years that have passed. She is proud to talk about community, her neighbors and their growing families, and wonders what the future holds for all. 

"As for me, 

This is where 
       I grew.

This is 
where I 
will stay. 

This is 
my home."

Ms. Jomepour Bell’s wondrous illustrations reveal the slow passage of time. Observant listeners will take note of the many details, including the pink beret and glasses the now adult has been wearing since childhood and her grandfather's tote bag that she carries so closely. 
                                                                              

The Mountain That Wouldn't Move, written and illustrated by Sandra Dumais. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"So the animals climbed, 
one atop another. On shoulders, 
on snouts, on antlers. 

        They pushed, 
     they pushed, 
they pushed. 

 But the mountain stood still."

Bear is not happy living in the shadow of a mountain. The shadow's color changes Bear's mood. Bear loves warm colors; that never happens with the mountain in Bear's way. It makes Bear very grumpy; the mountain is oblivious. Bear wants the shadow to go. The other animals are accepting of their lot. Bear will not let it go, calling a meeting to encourage the other forest animals to join with her in eliminating the shadow that causes issues for all. 

Moving the mountain is the only solution. All animals are ready to push the mountain to the left; then to the right. When nothing comes of their hard work, the other animals go back to acceptance. Bear, by now, is beside herself to get the mountain moved. The thought of it consumes her. 

"I will see a sunset if it's
the last thing I do!"

No matter what she tries, nothing works. It is time to give up. Thanks to her many friends, their climbing ability, and their love for their friend, Bear's most fervent wish comes true, leaving Bear to recognize the true benefit of living in the mountain's shadow. 

                                                                                     

Unfunny Bunny, by Kenan Thompson with Bryan Tucker and art by Tony Neal. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"Hedgehog shrugs. "Telling jokes isn't as easy 
as it looks. I think you're onto something. It just 
takes practice!"

That gives Bunny an idea. 
"Maybe we could work on them together?"

Bunny and Hedgehog sit down 
and start writing jokes."

The first day of school happens tomorrow for Bunny. Excitement is rising. Before leaving, he works to determine which bunny he wants his new classmates to meet. Cool? Sporty? Neither appeal. Donning a red suit and tie, with fancy high-top red sneakers, he decides to be a Funny Bunny. Telling his jokes to all who will listen does not go well. His classmates are obviously unimpressed with his humor. Bunny is frantic to hear them laugh. 

When it doesn't happen, he gets angry and starts yelling out even more jokes. The result is a new nickname; they agree they think he is an UNfunny bunny. Oh, dear! Hedgehog comes to his rescue with a compliment and an idea. Perhaps the two can work together to write new jokes. With practice and encouragement, the two find common ground and begin to make progress.  They laugh together with their families as they share what they are writing. 

When Bunny is ready, he tries again; then eagerly awaits his classmates' response. It works! His talent for sharing his jokes, while learning to be a grand friend make his life so much better. Young kids love to laugh at jokes, not always good ones. They will find much humor when this book is shared, as they learn about being a good friend as well. 

Two pages of extra jokes to learn only adds to the fun! 
                                                                             

Turtle Slept In, written and illustrated by Jacob Grant. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"Bird looked at the crumbling 
pile of sand and shook her head. 
"We should walk around," she said. 

Turtle had already dashed in. 

"Slow down!" said Bird. "If we're not careful,
the whole pile will fall. 

But nothing could slow Turtle down."

Readers will quickly empathize with the single tiny turtle who awakens late in the morning she and her many siblings were meant to make their trip to open water. A sandpiper who sits nearby explains that the rest left for the water at night. That is when turtles are supposed to hatch. No problem for the latecomer, she will meet them in the sea! 

Easier said than done, explains the bird. It's a long way to the sea, and the beach is a dangerous place: hot, too many people, beach balls, sand castles, and not for one tiny turtle on her own. Turtle won't be stopped. She will follow the tracks of her siblings as she makes their way across the beach. The bird offers accompaniment. Turtle is keen on new adventure and fun. Despite the bird's good advice, Turtle is having none of it. Independent and determined, she chooses the course she will take. 

As they get closer Turtle is suddenly aware just how big the sea is. Turtle begins to pull back. By now, Bird is sure they can make it. There are many distractions for Turtle as she does her best to avoid getting closer to the wide expanse of blue ocean that is right in front of them. 

""The sea is so very big," said Turtle. "REAL B IG. 
How will I ever find my brothers and sisters in 
something so big?""

Bird continues to encourage Turtle. It's a tough decision to make ... soon Turtle is in the water and waving goodbye. Turtle is alone for the first time ... or is she? 

Using oil pastel monoprints and colored pencil, Jacob Grant creates a beach setting that is perfect and adventure-filled for Turtle, while less so for Bird. As the two say their goodbyes, readers will feel a little hiccup of sadness watching Bird stand alone on the beach while Turtle plunges into the sea that will lead her back to her family. 

“If you want to stay, there will always be room by my nest.
But after the wild beach trip you made it through today,
I know you will find your way.”                                                                                       

 

Fresh Delicious: Poems From the Farmer's Market. Written by Irene Latham and illustrated by Mique Moriuchi. Astra Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $13.99 ages 4 and up

 

"They burst 
like flavor-filled 
fireworks
in waffles 
and muffins. 

But the best 
thing about 
blueberries
is the way 
they change

your lips
and teeth
and tongue 
from regular 
to purple-blue."

Readers will love sharing these celebratory poems about foods found in farmers' markets. The book was originally published in hardcover in 2016, and has recently been reissued as a paperback. Lucky for us that it is still in print; there is much appeal in the poetry and in the collage and acrylic illustrations. The fact that the characters attending the market are animals makes it a win-win for young readers. 

Most of the poems are written in free verse, showing fruits and vegetables in ways that may not have surfaced in other writing. They identify the foods as submarines, facial features, protection, playthings and more. Ms. Moriuchi's artwork is bright, detailed and placed on effective backgrounds to perfectly match the tone and descriptions in each of the poems. 

The animals, whether sellers or buyers, are clearly at home at the market. They welcome one another, choose what they need with care, and offer new ways of looking at the foods they are purchasing. A rabbit uses a lettuce leaf for protection from falling rain; three monkeys show the color-changing effects of ingesting blueberries; a hippo and giraffe, garbed as pirates, find treasure in a chest of fresh eggs; and a pig and a skunk savor the fuzziness of a peach.   

As the market comes to a close for another day, the buyers happily head for home with baskets, bags, and hands full of 'fresh delicious'! To add to the appeal, Ms. Latham closes her book with six esasy recipes for using the fruits and vegetables purchased. 

Now I See the Spring, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $12.99 ages 2 and up

 

"the sky

the wise old cat

something red"

I have advice that I think will stand you in good stead when looking for books to add to your family's library, to give to a new baby, or to suggest to book-loving friends. If the book is a collaboration between Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, buy it. You will not be disappointed, I promise. 

Canadian-born Jon Klassen was recently given the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award by the Swedish Arts Council. Jon, who now makes his family home in California, received almost $750, 000. It is given for contributions to children's and young adult literature. To say, the award is well-deserved is an understatement. The collaborations with Mac Barnett are notable in every sense of the word. Filled with humor that is ever-entertaining and visually compelling artwork, their books are beloved. 

Which brings me to their new seasons series from Tundra books; How I See Spring is but one example. The text is simple, while also thougthtful. Using short lines, Mac Barnett shows how well he understands his audience. His examination of a child's world at a certain time of year ranges from natural phenomena to personal items of great importance. The board book format is perfect for small hands. As each page is turned, Jon Klassen's watercolor and pencil artwork allows a careful look at the text presented. Whether it's buds on the tree, a cat with wise eyes, or a red wagon left in the yard, his rural setting is just right for helping readers consider spring. 

Now, think about the remaining three seasons (available as a complete set) which offer identical text and the meaningful changes that happen as the seasons pass from one to another. Don't miss each season's 'perfect hat'. 

"It's my favorite time of the year."

BRILLIANT!

I Built a Rocket Ship, written by Anna Lazowski and illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"Dad asked what I was doing.
When I told him, he got really quiet.

I get it. 
It's a big idea. 
One time you said people get nervous
around big ideas. 
But not me."

It's very clear from the first page that the story's narrator has a definite plan in mind. She is building a rocket ship with 'cardboard, tape and tinfoil, a cushion, batteries and Bernadette'. Even in the darkness, with flashlight at hand, she continues her work. Bernadette keeps her company. As she builds, she shares memories with an unseen other person. She says she has kept the materials from when the two built a robot. 

Dad is interested in knowing what's going on. While explaining, she notices that her dad is very quiet. She knows it is a big job; that's what makes it worth doing. She lets readers know that the person she is so dearly missing said she would always feel a presence. The child is not sure that is true; her rocket ship will offer the chance to see them again. She continues to add items to the ship that remind her of the one she misses so badly. She is preparing every day.  

"I built it because I made you a promise 
to remember. 
And I do. 
I remember everything."

Dad does his best to temper the anticipation. She won't give up. She thinks she has exactly what she needs; it doesn't seem just right yet. Only one more thing is needed: her loved one's favorite paint color so she can be seen as she rockets upward.  

Sad and lovely, yearning and hopeful, full of grief and love, it is a memorable look at a child's response to the loss of one so loved. Soft, quiet artwork ensures a warm and comforting feeling.