Tom Nancy: The Sheep Who Swapped Brains with a Boy, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by X. Fang. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The next morning Tom Nancy went 
back to school. Felix tried to go too. 

"Look at that!' The children pointed 
and giggled. "A sheep followed you 
to school! Just like in a storybook."

Felix tried to tell them he was actually 
a boy, but nobody listened to a sheep."

Kevin lives on a farm with his parents and an assortment of animals that include an arrogant sheep named Tom Nancy. Because Felix looks ready to have a conversation, Tom Nancy speaks to him one day. He has an important question. 

"Do you want to see a marvelous thing?" 

Felix, being Felix, says yes. With Tom Nancy in the lead the two are off to the old barn, where Tom Nancy shows Felix a brain-swapping machine he has built. He explains its workings and suggests they try swapping brains for the day. It's easy to see Felix's vulnerability, and Tom is quick to take advantage. 

BING! 

Tom becomes everything Felix, and Felix is suddenly a wide-eyed innocent sheep. Tom Nancy loves his day as a boy! Everything about it makes him happy. Felix does what sheep do; he spends his day in the pasture chewing grass, which he finds 'interesting.' When Felix is ready to switch back, he is distraught to learn Tom Nancy has no intention of doing so. Tom Nancy takes advantage of every opportunity to keep his new identity, while Felix tries to explain to the other animals what has happened. The other animals are perfectly content with Felix as he now is. They like him that way, and have no warm feelings for Tom Nancy. 

Tom was happy until he has to deal with the realities of school, and the expectations of him concerning homework. He complains to his dad who isn't open to letting him stay home since he hasn't been helping with the chores. With warnings from both principal and father concerning the work he will be expected to do in the future, Tom runs to Felix with a request to switch back. When they get to the barn, Tom Clancy is met with a very big surprise; a comeuppance from Felix and the other animals concerning his future. 

X. Fang drew her eye-catching illustrations with graphite and then added color in Photoshop. She keeps characters center of attention against all backgrounds. Tom Nancy is quite the individual; everything about him is big and outrageous. This is one terrific picture book from the very funny and irreverent Mac Barnett.  

Shake This Book, written and illustrated by Dave Whamond. owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"You're clearly VERY strong! 

I feel weird. 

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 

I think you may have shaken 
the book too hard. 

SOMETHING DOESN'T 
SEEM RIGHT ... "

Things in the animal kingdom seem just a little too quiet and mundane. A bright blue and bored-looking rabbit thinks it is time to 'shake things up'. A tiny caterpillar shows concern for upcoming nonsense. The rabbit knows just what to do. Get readers to give the book a shake! Why not? The other animals show concern - and well they should! 

A turn of the page and chaos ensues. All animals are strewn hither and you, with surprised and frightened looks for what is happening to them. Another turn of the page and each of the animals is now sporting another's body parts. The mayhem is described: 

"I'm half crab and half rabbit. 
I'm a CRABBIT!

I'm I guess I'm a 
LADY-PUG. 

Am I a KANGA-ROOSTER?"

There's only one thing to do now. Can you guess? Kids will know and will be tremendously happy to help the animals get back to their former selves, no matter how long it might take. Are you ready? 

Speech bubbles, bold colors, cartoonish and recognizable animals, and just the right amount of playfulness makes for a very appealing book for young children. You know you will be reading it often!  

Before You Came, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Nahid Kazemi. Peanut Butter Press, 2026. $17.95 ages 4 and up

"By night you filled my dreams - 
first steps and first words, 
sandcastles and swings,

rubber boots 
and mud
puddles, 
snowmen and 
toboggans."

If you are looking for a book to celebrate the birth of a new baby, this would be a lovely choice. In poetic language, the narrator speaks to the love and joy that is anticipated in the time leading up to meeting the little one. There is such love and emotion felt even before the baby's arrival. 

The words chosen to speak of both dreaming of and yearning for a child are beautiful and uplifting. It was a labor love for Anne Renaud who does not have children of her own, but wanted to capture the depth of the love and anticipation she was feeling for the coming birth of her niece. In an interview, she spoke of the powerful feelings she was experiencing.

 “That moment gave me a profound insight into what parental love must feel like: instinctive, fierce, and limitless. This book grew out of that emotional awakening and my desire to put words to a love that existed even before the child arrived.”

Nahid Kazemi's illustrations are wonderful. She captures all the feelings presented in Ms. Renaud's heartfelt words. Her color choices are warm and glowing through all the hopes and dreams expressed, while cooler colors give way at times to abstracts and even uncertainties. Many lovely scenes are created to expand meaning and to leave readers with the wonders of becoming caregivers.

Stray, by cale atkinson. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I don't need them. 
I don't need anyone. 

Better out here
on my own ... 

Most of the time, anyway."

The brown dog introduced on the cover loves his life of freedom. No one tells him what to do, where he can go, or fences him in. It's a grand life for him.. There are so many ways that confine other dogs he sees, when tied to family life. His nose is his guide; he knows where the best smells can be found and where dangers lie. There are no tricks to be practiced and performed, and a bath? NEVER! 

Seeing other dogs trapped inside houses while he is romping around chasing squirrels, rolling in leaves and peeing on fire hydrants must make them jealous. He has memories of the home he once had; it wasn't a lot of fun there. In fact, they stuck him in a box with a Free sign on it when they no longer wanted him. He's on his own now, and doesn't need anyone. 

He will admit there are downsides: rainy days, loss of friends, loneliness, hunger, fatigue, and always on the run. Most people don't like strays, and send him away. Does he belong anywhere? Does he want to be a stray forever? Maybe there is someone who would like to throw a ball for him. When he is picked up by animal control, he loses the freedom he craves. The stories he hears at the shelter are many. Will there ever be anyone who wants them? 

"For me, it's you." 

This emotional look at connection and past trauma tugs at the heartstrings and makes for a powerful read with children. They will sense the vulnerability as it outweighs the joy found in being free to do everything on his own. Finding true friendship is a great healer for both child and pup. 
                                                                                  

Willa and Wade Are Definitely NOT Spies, written by Judith Henderson and illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour. KIds Can Press. $16.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Here. Now let's 
practice reading the 
newspaper while keeping 
a lookout. 

Like this?

Almost. But 
don't move your head ... 
just your eyeballs. 

How did I do? 

Brilliant!" 

In this third book about them, a penguin named Wade and an ostrich named Willa read a story in their local paper about spies. As they discuss it, the two begin to make an assumption about spies being in their community. They decide to take their observation skills to the street to see if there is evidence to support their concern. Willa comes up with the idea that they should go undercover. 

How will they do that without anyone being suspicious? Willa has the answer; it's time to shop at Eye Spy Outfitters where everything is on sale. Clad in trench coats, sunglasses and fedoras, they pull up their collars and pull down their hats. It's time to practice their wily spy skills. They must be calm and casual ... and stealthy. Pointing their finger guns in classic style, they begin their reconnaissance with gusto. 

They have questions for community members who are frustrated by the birds' insistence they might be spies because of their actions. In fact, they are told, they are the ones who are the likely spies. Those questioned can tell by their appearance. Back where their day began, Willa and Wade get the feeling that far too many patrons are looking their way. Why, they wonder. 

This is fun, and kids will appreciate the storytelling and graphic format. It's a great new addition to a popular series. 

Backpack, written and illustrated by Katie Arthur. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"A backpack means you're going somewhere. 
Hopefully somewhere fun! 

And it's usually better to be coming or going
instead of staying still, don't you think? 

Plus, there's all that wonderful stuff inside."

As I watch children arriving at school in the mornings and leaving at the end of the day, many are carrying backpacks - or their parents are! The styles, the sizes, the weights they carry, and their way of carrying them are as varied as the children themselves. Some seem almost overwhelmed by how heavy they really are; others are more interested in the logos they sport. They are definitely an integral part of school garb. 

This book honors the niceness of the backpack, and explains its role in the daily routines of many people today. It is a sign that you are 'going somewhere' and that is a good thing. It's a perfect place for carrying important, even significant stuff. A double-page is quick to show readers the many treasures that can be found inside. Young ones will want to take the time to check each out, and name every one of them. A backpack carries joyful things one day; perhaps something sad the next. 

"But you can always count
on your backpack to rest on
your back.

Like a shell. Or a hug."

People call their backpacks by different names, and choose their favorites from a wide assortment of styles. Once again, readers will very much enjoy having a close look at the many shapes and colors created. I love the idea that a little brother can be a backpack for his big sister when he gets tired, or that a backpack can be used as a pillow for a quick nap under a shady tree. The benefits are endless! 

My Name, written and illustrated by Marilda Castanha. Translated by Jane Springer. Groundwood, 2006. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"Little by little, I realized 
that my name has a bit of everything in it.
It brings back memories of last spring, when the 
soft perfume of the olive trees in bloom spread
across the land. 
My name holds other memories, too." 

The author was inspired to write her book by the sadness she felt after seeing a video of children in Gaza writing their names on their arms, hands and legs. A name is very important to every person, animal or thing. No matter the circumstance, a name identifies both things that exist and do not. The child who narrates this book remembers a time when wondering about his name started to mean something. Was there a meaning to it, or a reason for choosing it? His mother is quick to explain the meaning to her son. It means serenity and sweetness just like the songs she sang to him as a baby. 

His father tells him that it has 'bravery, vitality, and courage' in it. It also has the wisdom to help care for their land. The child comes to understand his name has great meaning and holds memories for times past. He remembers that his grandfather suggested his name 'brings out the best taste in olives!' What awe there is in a name. Indeed, his name tells much about him. 

He and his friends write their names everywhere, even on their bodies; they do it carefully and with reason. 

"Because we know that the names
we were given are much more than 
sounds and letters." 

Ms. Castanha dedicates this mindful and profound book: 

"In the name and memory of all children who have been 
and continue to be victims of the atrocities of war." 

Culture and world communities are implied in the poignant illustrations that show destruction of buildings, tanks moving past, children in the streets and practicing writing their names, olive trees, barbed wire fencing, and soldiers. This is a powerful exploration of how children are impacted by war and violence, and that some even manage to survive. Names matter.