Frog: A Story of Life on Earth, written by Isabel Thomas and illustrated by Daniel Egneus. Bloomsbury, Raincoast. 2026. $26.99 ages 8 and up

 

"But if frogs come from eggs, 

and eggs come from frogs, 

where did the first frog 
come from?"

Beginning with the life cycle of the frog, and a child observing a frog's eggs in the pond visited, the author poses the question that will lead to sharing the history of the universe based on a frog's life. That story begins before frogs and everything else, including people, plants, Earth and stars. In fact, it begins with a very hot speck impossible to imagine. 

A BIG BANG happened when that speck expanded and created a universe. Small and energetic, 'there were no frogs yet'.  Going back billions of years, Ms. Thomas shares how stars and planets formed, followed by life ... but still no frogs. It took eight billion years to form the Sun and eight planets. The best of all of those was Earth, where life could develop because of its perfect atmosphere. 

The accuracy of the storytelling allows young children to understand complicated ideas of how life today came to be. Repeating the phrase 'but there were no frogs yet' keeps readers looking ahead to a time when there will be frogs. Ther progression is laid out clearly and enhanced by mixed-media illustrations that are stunning in their scope, filling spreads with scientific accuracy as stars explode, and the world moves toward what children know today. 

Text circles back to the origin story of amphibians: 'the ancestors of every living animal with four limbs, whether legs, or flippers, arms, or wings, including ... the very first frog!' Long after dinosaurs, frogs survived throughout the world. One exceptional spread shows many colorful species found around the world. As their ancestors, a frog's life cycle remains as it has always been. 

"Next time you see a tadpole, egg, or frog, 
marvel at this animal like any other, 
formed from stardust scattered through
space, created by chemistry, conditions, 
and chance.

Not just a frog, 
but the story of the universe, retold."

As they have done in two previous books, Moth (Bloomsbury, 2018) and Fox (Bloomsbury, 2021), this incredibly talented team uses an animal familiar to readers to examine a life cycle, and offer an accessible look at evolution in a way that is perfectly understandable for their target audience. Backmatter tells The Story of Everything in a double-page spread that offers context for the awesome and wondrous story of evolution. For those kids always wanting to know more, this is sure to be read again and again. 

"You are a whisper of the past.

You are a wonder of the universe."                                                                                  

Go, stories by Deborah Ellis. Groundwood, 2026. $15.99 ages 10 and up

"After he sees Ms. Penheligan, he'll go home. 
He'll give his parents the footstool he made. 
Maybe they'll like it. He'll be okay if they don't. 
They'll probably be mad at him for leaving Sam
stranded. He'll be okay with that, too. 
     In less than four and a half years, Brodie will 
have his own life. 
     He has plans. He has things to do. He has places 
to go." 

I am in awe of the short story genre, and of the writers who do a remarkable job of writing with such care and precision to give readers a momentous experience in storytelling. Deborah Ellis is one of the finest. Following Sit (Groundwood, 2017) and Step (Groundwood, 2022) comes Go. As she did in those earlier books, Ms. Ellis explores the world of children from different points of view. In Sit, she introduces nine children who find themselves in situations that require making a needed decision and taking action to change their circumstance. In Step, ten eleven-year-old children around the globe find themselves learning the true meaning of empathy toward others. 

In Go, readers are introduced to nine children who learn those in the adult world can be a disappointment. Through their experiences, they realize there comes a time when they must pick up and Go. Three sections, entitled Ready Set, and Go, share Brodie's continuing story about his how family expects him to step up and admit wrongdoing when he has done nothing wrong. They have no intention of doing anything for him once he admits guilt. The consequences are heartbreaking; Brodie is able to find a way through the pain and make a plan for his future. 

Joan learns that nothing she does for her cantankerous grandmother will make a difference, and knows that her parents have no confidence for her future. So, she decides to makes decisions that will improve her circumstances and not worry about what the adults think. While looking to take some money from her father's stash of bills in his dresser drawer, Janine makes an alarming discovery and keeps the secret until she can no longer ignore it. Liberi learns that stealing results in feelings of guilt, despite his impossible situation: alone, far from home, without money or papers to help him navigate his way. Bastien, whose life as an unwanted foster kid, has that life change when a wildfire threatens the town he is living in and he makes the decision to offer help where he can. 

Each child's story is heartbreaking in that the grownups in their lives have turned their backs, leaving the children to find ways to move forward from where they are. Each child learns there is somewhere to go if you take action that helps to lighten the darkness. Middle grade readers are sure to root for each of them as they negotiate circumstances created by the adults in their lives. Perseverance in really tough times result in survival, independence, and an understanding of themselves at a too early age. 

The Future Book, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

"In the future, lots of people are named

CHARLIE CHEESE FACE

There's an interesting reason why, 
but we don't have time for that story.
I have too many other things to tell 
you about the future."

Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris have done their best, in this new book, to ensure their audience is attentive to the ridiculous changes in language the future may bring. They are also set on inspiring laughter at every turn of the page. It begins quite innocently, letting readers know things will be very different in years to come. 

For instance, the sun will be called the moon, and the moon the sun. Morning will be called night, and night morning. The first sign that things are changing even more dramatically comes when readers are told bananas will be called apples, and there will be no longer be any apples. No explanation ... it's time to move on to the next change (see above). The changes become more absurd by the minute as readers eagerly continue page-turning. 

Cows and cats have new names; dogs remain dogs. Numbers have even been changed with knowledge that everyone will become accustomed to it. Reactions to common occurrences and phrases are impossible to explain. Even a new color is announced. 

"BLORANGE

Blorange is a very famous word
in the future because there are 
no words that rhyme with it!"

Can you hear listeners response when they hear that? On the narrator goes, introducing the supermarket (silly word) as being called the 'bolly bolly hoo hoo'. This is followed up by an uproarious two-page dialogue between two characters who manage to use most of the new language so carefully presented in preceeding pages. 

Why not get kids together to create their own short story using what they have learned about conversation in 'the future'?  The sky's the limit when taking this premise to a logical conclusion in the imagination, since we don't know what the future holds for us.

Shawn Harris' ink and acrylic (and boldly colored) illustrations match the absurdity of the text in every way. There is joy, and considerable humor, as he interprets the text for full impact in a book that is entertaining enough to spur repeated readings. 
                                                                                     

Light As A Feather: Fifteen Phenomenal North American Birds, written and illustrated by Will HIllenbrand. Holiday House, Penguin Random House, 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Brown Pelicans catch a lot of water
along with their prey. They tip their 
bills downward to drain the water 
before swallowing the fish. A Brown 
Pelican's gular pouch can hold up
to three gallons of water, three times
the bird's total weight. They also use 
their pouch to carry food for their 
young."

Young readers will be surprised to see the front endpaper which tells them that 'the birds presented here are in scale to each other'. Someone is sure to ask what that means, and you will be able to tell them that even though the birds are not their real size, the illustration shows what they would look like if they were next to each other in nature. What a concept! 

Surely, they will want to get right at the reading to see what facts Will Hillenbrand has to offer. To that end, he begins with the Northern Cardinal. Each introductory side of the book's double-page spreads provides the bird's measurements (length, weight, and wingspan). At the bottom of that page, their range is described. The facing page presents further information that is particular to the featured bird. For instance, in telling more about the cardinal, the author answers a question about why feathers are so light, while also describing a bird's molt cycle. In small print, he also adds something of note about the cardinal itself. 

In a similar style, he goes on to tell his readers about fourteen other North American birds that may or may not be familiar to his audience. In each case, he adds accessible and pertinent facts that make the reading memorable and worthy of sharing. The subjects for research are feathers, drumming sounds, bill shape, flight, color, intelligence, science tagging, color change, nest building, injuries and care, a pelican's pouch, food, silent hunting, and bird sounds. 

Collage artwork is inspiring and as gorgeous as one would expect if you are a fan of Mr. Hillenbrand's work. Colorful and brilliant, the illustrations warrant careful observation and repeated visits. In back matter, he includes words about his illustrations, an author's note, and a list of online resources that readers are sure to find helpful and valuable for further study. Finally, an index will help anyone wanting to return to a certain bit of information.                                                                                           

We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present, written by Wab Kinew and illustrated by Janine Gibbons. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Our love is so pure. 
it comes from the heart. 
If they hate, that's on them. 
We are who we are. 

We are who we are. 
There's strength in this too. 
We kept this place free, 
so you can be you."

In this companion book to Go Show the World (tundra, 2018), Wab Kinew extends the list of Indigenous heroes who have left a lasting legacy in Canadian history. There are 13 men and women included whose accomplishments are far-reaching and numerous. As he did in his first book, he introduces them in rhythmic language meant to inspire young Indigenous readers to learn more about what makes them who they are. 

It begins with the importance of the braid and the way it connects with strength, and through time. He then moves to a series of double-page spreads that honor heroes beginning with Mary Golda Ross, an engineer whose work helped launch jets, rockets, and NASA into space. From there, he writes about Chief Dan George, Steve Charging Eagle of the Lakota, Louis Riel, Thanadelthur, Tasha Spillett, N. Scott Momaday, Pine Leaf, Patricia Nez Henderson, Fawn, Tommy Prince, Phil Fontaine, and Mr. Bonga. 

Interspersed between, a repetitive refrain reminds readers of all that was done to allow people to be who they are, and to be proud. There is little information provided in the odes to the mentioned people. However, a section in back matter titled Biographies provides further relevant information about each and a winning sketch to accompany the paragraph. 

"TOMMY PRINCE (1915-1977) was an Ojibwe
war hero and soldier who fought during World 
Was II. He is one of Canada's most decorated 
Indigenous soldiers, recognized for his service
in the First Special Service Force, an elite 
American-Canadian commando unit. He was 
also a strong advocate for equality and Indigenous 
rights." 

Janine Gibbons' artwork is stunning and 'was created with acrylic paint on poster paper coated in clear sealant. The sketches were created with pencil, pen and ink on card stock'. Every spread is sure to inspire interest and close observation as the book is shared. The spreads are filled with the realistic beauty of every setting, and many familiar and respected symbols that speak to Indigenous culture. 
                                                                                    

All I Want To Do Is Swim, written by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Rise, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 2 and up

 

"So I jump into the water
and imagine I can be ... 

an animal that feels at home, 
swimming naturally. 

Now like a duck, 
I float on water. 

Kids will only have to touch the cover of this book to be intrigued by the marine animals that have a place in this new book by the prolific Marilyn Singer whose rhythmic, descriptive language will draw readers in. Each of the animals is pearly-white and sparkly ... and embossed which gives the cover such appeal.

Our young narrator is sitting on a dock, her dog and dad close by. She's looking down at the water, and dipping her toes in. Brrr! Chilly it is. After taking many lessons at the pool, she is a touch tired of being there. As she sits on the dock watching a turtle and fish swim past, she wonders if she can swim like they do right where she lives. It has to be worth a try. 

Jumping in, she begins to imagine what it must be like to swim as different animals swim. First, the ones she sees at her pond. Then, a hippo, a penguin, a dolphin, and a frog? She floats, dips, flies, jumps and flips; she even dog-paddles like her poodle. What fun it is to use all she has learned during her swim lessons in the pond with other young visitors!  

Luisa Uribe's artwork assures that water is where all the action is. From the blue-green, sun-dappled watery endpapers to the pool and pond where a love of swimming is clearly shown on spread after spread is a visual delight.
                                                                         

                                                                             

iVIVA VALENZUELA: FERNANDOMANIA Erupts in Los Angeles, written by Nathalie Alonso and illustrated by John Parra. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House. 2026. $25.99 ages 7 and up

"Generations of Mexican American and Latino families in 
Los Angeles gathered around televisions and radios, 
tracking each pitch Fernando threw. And, in Mexico, 
many radio stations were tuned into Dodgers' games
for the first time. 
To these communities, Fernando was more than a 
baseball player. 
He was one of them."

Baseball is in full swing for the 2026 season, and many are tuned in night after night to watch and listen to their favorite teams. In Los Angeles, in April 1981, Fernando Valenzuela, a 20-year-old rookie from Mexico. made his debut as the Dodgers' opener. His team beat the Astros and Valenzuela goes on to win his first eight games. No one had heard of this youngest in a Mexican family of 12 children. No one knew the excitement that he would inspire in the 50,000 fans in attendance in those days. Few pitchers had ever thrown a screwball; it is exactly what he did game after game. 

For the first time, Mexicans and Latinos had a hero who looked like they did, and who was an immigrant as they were. They had often faced racism and rejection. Now, they had someone to cheer for and follow on TV and radio game after game. As the baseball world adjusted to Fernando, Fernando did his best to adjust to a new home, a new culture and language. It was difficult. Add to that, a players' strike in June. Fernando went home, not knowing if he would return. Two months later, the strike ended and Fernando was back on the pitcher's mound. His success waned. Would he still be able to help his teammates win an important game in the World Series. It seems he would! 

Baseball reporter Nathalie Alonso and artist John Parra have collaborated on another winning picture book biography from the baseball world. Back matter includes notes from both author and illustrator, a note about Latinos and the Dodgers, a description of the screwball and a bibliography. There is also an archival photo of Fernando as he prepares to throw one of his famous screwballs. 

Viva, #34!