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!                                                                                     

Goodnight, Bruce, written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins. Disney/Hyperion, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"We don't have time for this. 

Honk ... 

What do you mean NOW 
you remember you don't 
have an Aunt Gladys?!

Go upstairs! 
It's time for bed!"

Ryan T. Higgins knows curmudgeons, and he knows kids! By creating Bruce, the crochety bear who becomes a very unlikely mother to four goslings and three mice in earlier stories, he has given us a character who provides unlimited love and kindness for his charges. He doesn't always do it with patience, as is evident in the furrowed brow and grumpy exterior. 

In the newest release from this very popular series, Bruce faces another dilemma that comes with raising a family ... bedtime. While the young ones watch a movie in a darkened room, Bruce decides it's time for bed. What about the Friday-night monster movie, they want to know. Bruce is adamant; it's time for bed. No arguments. If you have children, you will know how that goes. They have reasonable requests before following orders: watch to one specific scene (that comes near the end of the movie), finish their bowls of popcorn, and clean up the mess made earlier.  

Then, it's put away the ice cream, finish a letter to an imaginary aunt, find Stuffy Bear (who was left at the park), teeth brushing, and finally: 

"You can't tell us when 
to go to bed now. See?
We're too old!

Also, we are out of 
toothpaste." 

What about a glass of milk for one, then every single one of them? Could it be warm? You do know that the bathroom break is next. Finally, they are ready to settle for a story; but, not that one. Who falls asleep first? 

The text is written in full dialogue, which offers it up as terrific shared reading or reader's theater in a classroom. The artwork is familiar and welcome for fans, and full of Bruce's surliness and his charges' innocence at every turn. The setting remains a cozy cottage in the woods. It is another charming readaloud. This is a story I will enjoy reading again and again, as will happen when you share it. I would suggest not reading it at bedtime, wouldn't you? 

The Big Journey, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Daniel Egneus. Bloomsbury Children's Books, Raincoast. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"At first, Little Bear was very sad.

But then he remembered the flower. 

It smelled of the mountains, 
it smelled of the air, 
it smelled of the rivers. 

And he knew that he was bringing
part of the Old Place with him." 

As they feel the winds blow in the smell of change, Big Bear tells Little Bear that a long journey is ahead of them. He stresses the journey will be a big, BIG one. Little Bear has questions; Big Bear does his best to answer them. They will need to find a place where there is more to eat. Little Bear is reluctant. He wants to know where they are going, while he also worries that he might forget the Old Place once they leave. 

He wants to talk with Old Owl. Little Bear shares his worries about remembering. Old Owl suggests finding something that will last for a very long time. He next visits Old Badger, who suggests that when Little Bear gets tired from the traveling, he can think of something that makes him happy. A song sung by Big Bear could be the perfect thing to put a smile on Little Bear's face. Still, he has questions for Old Bear, who will not be making the journey with them. Little Bear says he will return, if Old Bear waits for him. A promise is made. 

Now armed with answers to his questions, their journey can begin. It is long, and sad, and very tiring. Remembering that song helps when he is so tired. On and on the two walk ... until they are lost! Now he recalls what Old Bear said about following footprints to help him find his way. They walk through forests and snow, and over mountains until they arrive at the New Place, there to find food, water and new friends. How wonderful is that? 

The beauty of the natural forest setting that is background to their journey will be of great interest to young readers. There is much to see as the seasons change and the long journey begins and ends. It is a story of hope, resilience, and learning to adapt to change written well and illustrated with great care. 

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Monster Mender, written by Christine Baldacchino and illustrated by Ilona Iske. Groundwood, 2026. $21.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Dot took armfuls of fresh new
ingredients back to her cottage. 
The prickliest peels from the prickliest
fruit in the swampiest swamp. The 
shimmering bark of silver trees from 
the highest mountaintop. And the softest
flower petals from a garden three valleys
down and two lakes over."

Dot is a small, but capable, doctor for her mythic patients. She awakens early each morning to provide care for a dragon, a chimera, a gryphon, and a kraken, to name a few. She travels far and wide to visit with them when she is needed. Their ills are many: Dot is a conscientious and kind caregiver. 

All goes well until a Sea Serpent stops by. The Serpent explains that he is sad ... so very sad. Some days he doesn't want to show himself above the ocean and on other days, he wants to fly into the clouds where he cannot be seen. It's hard for him to know for sure what he really wants; it is always so different. Dot carefully looks him over. She sees no evidence of illness. The Serpent explains again that he is very sad. Serpent looks fine. 

Dot knows she is a good mender. She takes on the task of fixing him. She wants to make something that will cure the sadness. Nothing works. After numerous attempts to make him feel better, Dot realizes that he likes her company. They spend time together, quietly. When asked if he wants to go with her to see Jackalope, he refuses. As the two spend time together during mender visits, Sea Serpent becomes more comfortable and occasionally shows affection for Dot. Dot worries that she is not very good at her job, and tells him so. 

Sea Serpent explains: 

"It's when you sit and have tea and 
bread with me. And we talk about silly
and not-so-silly things," he said. 

"And it's when you ask me how I'm feeling 
today. And today I feel like telling you that 
you're the best monster mender a monster
like me could have.""

Amen! It's the little things that don't seem so little, even to a huge Sea Serpent. 

Do you make someone feel like that? 

Hummingbird's Big Trip, written and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Naptime is over and I'm hungry!
I stop by all my favorite places
for lunch. I have a long list and 
remember them all. 

All that flapping, flying, and 
feeding. 
Time for bed."

A tiny hummingbird shares its own story. Its summer has been filled with flight, flora, and enjoyment. As the season turns toward cooler weather and shorter days, it recognizes that the time for the long journey is fast approaching; that knowledge gives the poor wee bird a real sense of dread over what's to come. If you are one of those people who prefers to ignore what needs to be done when the anticipation for a task is worrisome, you will feel real empathy for him.

There is much to be done before the journey can be taken; all thoughts of that lead to avoidance. The exact date is unknown. Many lonely days will be faced on his own as hummingbirds do not fly in groups. Each one flies alone, mile after solitary mile. Every thought is wrought with questions about staying focused, food, exhaustion, and finding its winter home. His friends try to be helpful, offering wise advice and reminders that he does the same worrying every year. They know he will be okay. Days pass slowly, offering time to continue fretting. At last, the day comes. He takes to the sky with strength and knowledge. For many full and exhausting days, he flies. Does he really know the way? Will he arrive at his destination? Yes, he will! 

In familiar artwork that is detailed and emotional, G. Brian Karas offers his readers a story of worry, resilience, and science. As the story is told, young readers will take in information about the bird's yearly journey that is determined by seasonal changes. An endnote supplies further facts.

"I never seem to get lost.
I’m always able to fly the whole distance by myself ... I can do this!"