Scritch Scratch: An Itchy Witchy Halloween Tale, written by Teri Sloat and illustrated by Zuzana Cupova. Random House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $20.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The steps are creaking
on the porch. 
The doorknob's rattling 
back and forth! 

She's out there
mumbling up her spell. 
Her cauldron's bubbling - 
what a smell!"

I rarely post holiday books. The only reason I can give is that budgets are tight and the need to be sure you are getting the best books for the money is paramount. In that case, it might be better spent on books that reach beyond one day a year. That being said, when a book like Scritch Scratch comes along, you don't want kids to miss the joy inherent in the telling.

Three terrified kids hear a sound they do not recognize, and worry that it is the witch who makes her home in the pumpkin patch. Inside they run, lock the door and hope that her spell comes nowhere near them. The sound happens again, and they are sure they see the witch's shadow 'swooping past'. Her doings are scary and unexpected, of course. 

"She's catching snails
and slugs to use
to cast a spell on 
me and you - "

By choosing perfect hiding places and waiting in silence, they avoid a confrontation. Soon enough, they see her shape on the face of the moon and their worry dissipates. No scritch! No scratch! They are safe. Or are they? 

Black ink and watercolor art offers a witch whose presence grows with the imaginings expressed by the terrified three. The only color (brilliant orange), beyond the contrast of light and shadow, is shown in the moon, the children's hair and cheeks, a lit match, spider legs, the witch's eye and the background for a tense scene inside the house. It definitely ups the drama. I love the rhyming storytelling that has all the 'feels' for Halloween. What a terrific read aloud it is! 

The Hockey Song, by Stompin' Tom Connors and pictures by Gary Clement. Greystone Kids, 2026. $14.95 ages 4 and up

"SECOND PERIOD! 

Where the players dash, 
with skates aflash, 
the home team 
trails behind. 

But they grab the puck, 
and go bursting up, 
and they're down across 
the line."

This book was originally published in 2016 as a hardcover. I did not see it then, and I again am grateful to Sydney for sending it to me in this board book format. It is inspired by our Canadian love for hockey, and written by Stompin' Tom Connors. It is routinely heard when crowds gather to watch a hockey game played anywhere in Canada. 

Gary Clement says that his "intention in illustrating this book was to basically ignore the references to professional hockey and instead focus on the game as a true, all-inclusive and very Canadian community activity". That he does, in spades. The game starts with two players on an outside city rink ... a father and son? In no time at all, two more players join, then two more, and on it goes until there are 11, with two waiting outside the boards. Spectators continue to arrive, waiting for a chance to join the contest. 

First period is done; second period is called. All the while, the words of the song play on pages filled with action and great enjoyment. In one spread, as all players race toward readers, the excitement and energy grow until a perspective change shows what the game looks like from above. When tied, a host of players face each other as play then moves into the third period. It's the last game in the playoffs! One final flick of the wrist and the game is won - just before every single player, young and old, men and women, girls and boys, finds a place together on the rink's surface for a final photo! 

“Oh! The good ol’ hockey game,
is the best game you can name.” 

There is so much to see and appreciate as readers pore over the pages that show a community coming together over the love of a national pastime. 

Once you listen to this, you will not be able to get it out of your head. 

https://youtu.be/v8zeB7b1uFY?si=Tcyf9o2YWpvi7IbC       

                                                                                 

                    

carrots make me suspicious, written and illustrated by Robin Mitchell Cranfield. Greystone Kids, 2026. $24.95 ages 3 and up

"My father likes to eat carrots sliced into
thick rings with a sprinkle of salt. He pops
them into his mouth: pop pop pop. 

My mother prefers carrots sliced 
into sticks. She dips them in dips:
dip dab dip. 

But I don't and I won't dip dab
dip or pop pop pop. 

That is just not my style."

I am indebted to Sydney at Greystone Kids for sending along a box of books that I am very excited to share with you. First up in this one about a rabbit who does not eat carrots for a mix of valid (to him) reasons. 

His parents encourage him to eat them because they are good for him, and they are sweet and crunchy. Rabbit likes quiet foods, and cannot be convinced to give them a try. He would rather eat the yummy dip than the carrots for dipping. When a party has nothing but carrots for food, he would rather be at home. While he may, at times, be curious about them, he keeps those feelings inside. He would rather know what they are like before ever trying them. His mother suggests an investigation. A notebook is provided for careful observation. Carrots are orange; do they taste like an orange? No, and not all carrots are orange. They are triangles; but not all carrots are triangular. 

It's time for further research. Rabbit learns something about gardening (and rosemary) from a neighbor. He discovers they are a root, but do not taste like root beer. Needing more data, he checks out a library book about carrots and learns a great deal concerning preparation, shape, and even finds some appealing recipes. One is for cinnamon carrot soup which is a big hit. Just don't suggest lettuce for dessert. 

"Lettuce makes me suspicious." 

Brilliant! 

The text captures a child's feelings about trying something new. The artwork is childlike, and perfectly matches the rabbit's narration. The color palette is dominated by orange images, in keeping with the rabbit's full attention to this unfamiliar taste. The parents show great respect and understanding for their child's reticence, encouraging without pushing, and offering ways to explore learning more. 

Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly's Classroom? Written by Chris Priestley and illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 6 and up

 

"But Grace did not see anyone along the way.
It just got darker and darker and more and 
more cobwebby. 

"This school is so big," said Grace, 
and her voice echoed down the corridor:
"So ... so ... so ... big ... big ... big ... "

Just then, a wooden door creaked open and
a pale figure stepped slowly forward. 

Grace gasped."

This is another truly exceptional book to read to your kids at home, or for a classroom read. Grace loves to volunteer for any task suggested by her teacher, Miss Flytrap. Asked to return a book to Mr. Grimly, Miss Flytrap wants reassurance that Grace does know the way. Grace is sure! Or is she? 

It's Grace's first week at her new school; a school that is decidedly stranger than her last. Grace does not know the way, and she has no idea who Mr. Grimly is. Having this information sets up listeners for an eerie walk through the school, always on the lookout for surprises along the way. Prepared to ask for help, Grace begins her journey. 

There is no one in the hallways. Finally, a door opens revealing Miss Endpaper, the librarian. She is happy to give instructions which Grace is not sure are all that helpful. Miss Endpaper is back to her work before Grace moves on. Now concerned that she will fail her assignment, Grace worries aloud, only to be heard by a woman in the shadows. Mrs. Nightshade, the head teacher, offers a more complicated answer to her query. 

Outside Grace goes and across the playground to an extremely high tower. The steps are steep and Grace, once again, worries aloud about finding Mr. Grimly's classroom. A bat offers help, and a zip line is marked by a finger pointing the way. Grace lands in a kitchen filled with delectable sights and smells. Mrs. Macaroon, the school cook, gives her final instructions. 

"You're almost there.
You just have to go through that door, 
down three flights of stairs, 
up two more flights of stairs, 
turn left, 
turn right, 
then left again, 
and there you are."

Finally meeting Mr. Grimly, Grace is faced with another dilemma. Her response to it is absolutely perfect!

Though lengthy, this is a book of wonder that I would first read without benefit of illustrations. It is told with a suspenseful tone, and hints of both mystery and humor. I would love to hear what listeners think once done, after asking what they have imagined throughout the reading. And then ... read it again with the breathtaking watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil artwork of Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Her meticulous images use light and shadow with perfection as Grace makes her increasingly complicated and daring journey in search of Mr. Grimly and his classroom. 
                                                                                 

Still Friends, written by Troy Wilson and illustrated by Mike Deas. Orca, 2026. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"No matter how wet he was. No matter how
dirty. No matter how stinky. 

No matter the crowd. No matter the load. 

                                       No matter what. 

She was always there for a quiet moment.

And always there to listen."

A visit to the local park with his person leads a young beagle to a meeting with a new friend. He sits at her feet and admires her quiet nature. She doesn't move; she doesn't talk. She is nothing like his owner whose constant care makes him feel grateful: a long walk, treats, warm greetings each morning, and compliments. He ignores this new friend, just as she ignores him. There is no chatter between them. There are even times when he chooses not to look at her. 

Despite the inability to be real friends, he notices her from season to season. She is always there when he returns to the park. She provides a happy space for leaning, jumping on, and even taking a nap on her head.  She doesn't mind if he smells. She lets children climb all over her. Best of all, she is always there to hear what he has to say. She does not make rules she expects him to follow the way his owner does. In the end, he realizes that the three of them - owner, dog, statue - are not perfect. In their own ways, however, they are just right for one another.  

Children are sure to fall for this charming pup whose attitude toward a new friend is genuine, despite their differences. Observant readers will find joy in the many exceptional details Mike Deas uses to add context. The story is simply told, and engaging. It's great fun to read.                                                                             

I Wonder If I'm Growing, written by Raffi and illustrated by Jon Klassen. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

"My mom says 

eat your sandwich

it will make you grow up tall"

What??? It's Jon Klassen again, and I am delighted to share this new book with you. I am often teased about my lack of knowledge when it comes to the music of the 80s. The way I explain it is to say that we had young kids then, and were listening to Sharon, Lois, and Bram, Raffi, and Fred Penner. This favorite song from Raffi will be added to my growing pile of new books for 'our' April baby. 

It is not unusual for little ones to wonder if they are growing. They can't see it, while their parents assure them that they are changing every day. In this song, Raffi offers reassurance that growth is happening in a song that speaks to the passage of time, and the knowledge that the child can do things now that he could not do in the past. The repetitive text encourages those sharing the book to sing it first together, and then alone as the words become more familiar. 

Jon Klassen's visual interpretation of these words is classic. Views of the wondering child show him from one page to the next looking pretty much the same. Readers can only see his eyes and the top of his head as he explains that he is being told he is growing, but sees little evidence of it. On the day he can reach the bathroom taps for the very first time, he is very pleased with himself and willing to admit that his mother is right ... he is growing! As the scenes repeat and he can finally see more of his face, he no longer worries. As happens when Jon Klassen interprets text through the eyes of a child, he is dead on with his illustrations. It's perfectly paced to show the passage of time that drags on for little ones. 

Emotional and reassuring, you will want to read it on repeat. 

To help, here's the song from Molly Whuppie:

https://youtu.be/MoHuQ3n5Dmw?si=nanKok4Ct7c6315V

Fritz: A Mushroom Story, written and illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"Then he and Pip meet up with friends
for a swim in the puddle pond. 

Next up, flower chains in the meadow. 
Then it's time to blow bubbles in the violet patch. 

"I wonder why having fun is so tiring?" thinks Fritz. 

"Who wants to play hide-and-seek?" shouts Pip."

If you have never imagined a mushroom's family and friends, here's your chance to make their acquaintance. A first page banner lets readers know that Fritz is a chanterelle mushroom who has a favorite red cardigan; loves hats, the taste of rose hips, and the sight of the wood anemone. The facing page allows that there are other things Fritz likes to do. His encounters with friends vary from many to one. He also very much likes being by himself. He craves quiet time to do nothing. 

His friend Pip is a fly agaric mushroom, whose favorite flavor is blackberry; who loves loud music; and whose favorite flower is the hepatica. He, like Fritz, likes other things as well. Pip is most happy in a crowd where everyone is paying close attention to him. Fritz sees that Pip is full of fun, and wonders if he should be more like that. Fritz makes the decision to follow in Pip's procession and spend one day as Pip does. It is adventurous, full of friends, and very tiring. 

While playing hide-and-seek, Fritz finds a perfect, quiet spot to be still and all alone. He is not prepared to be found that happens. Pip leaves him to savor what he loves the most before he returns to play, and  finish their day with rosehip ice cream. A perfect ending!  

Might we meet them again in the future? Maybe ...