Diaper Kid, written by Loretta Garbutt and illustrated by Hayley Lowe. Owlkids, 2025. $22.95 ages 2 and up

 

"These underwear are really soft. 

But so is his diaper. It keeps his
bum warm.

HE IS DIAPER KID!"

We had returned home after a Christmas holiday, when our son (who had just turned 3 and easily articulated when he would need his next diaper change) asked to wear the Dukes of Hazzard Underoos he got for Christmas. I reminded him that we could wash clothes once a week, He was quick to let me know he had no intention of 'peeing' in them. In fact, he never did, and from that day forward he was trained for day and night. Never had an accident. Thank goodness we had not gone through the angst suffered by both parent and child while toilet training.

Diaper Kid seems to take the same position when it comes to readiness. Always on the go, he hasn't got time to stop for his parents. Chosen spaces for 'going' are behind the curtains, under the table or in his purple car while trying to win the next race. 

His parents do their best. He has no interest in cooperating. The fight to get him into underwear is a constant battle that leads to another diaper, and underwear worn as a fashionable beanie. A play in the backyard pool and a surprise visit from neighbor Esme results in embarrassment for how wet his diaper is. Seeing that Esme is wearing underwear, maybe giving it a go will speed things up. 

Today, he's known as Underwear Kid!                                                                           

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, written by Megan Clendenan and illustrated by Brittany Cicchese. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House.2025. $21.99 ages 8 and up

"The vault protects this treasure
in case of disaster ... 
in case of loss ... 
in case of war. 

Just in case. 

More than 580 million seeds, frozen. 
Why and how did they get there?"

I had no idea! Why is there a seed vault in Norway? Conservation, it seems. The seeds are buried there to protect them in the event of climate change, war, and extinction. The vault houses duplicates from seed banks all around the world, to be preserved for future needs should world events ever threaten.  

Ms. Clendenan carefully provides an excellent explanation concerning the purpose it serves and the way the construction deep underground has been completed to house the seeds it protects. The extensive work that continues is shared in sidebars that help provide context for her target audience. She pens a plethora of facts that offer details on the challenges faced to obtain and transport the seeds, build the vault in an extreme climate, and further information on other places where seed banks can be found. 

"There are about 1,700 seed banks around the world. Some, like the Millennium Seed Bank in England, are floodproof, bomb-proof, and temperature-controlled. Many others are small and simple community spaces with jars of seeds on shelves. All are vital to preserving future access to 
seeds and critical to crop biodiversity - a variety of plants in any given area. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault aims to store duplicates of every seed housed in all other seed banks."            

Detailed digital illustrations give readers a clear look at the icy cold and incredible beauty of the Arctic, as well as the warmth of other world communities where seed vaults are situated. Its international reach is shared in clear images that help readers envisage how 'a walk down the aisles becomes a walk through the world'. The process itself is fascinating and readers come away appreciating the work that has resulted in a most creative way to conserve something of great importance. 

"More than 580 million seeds.
For you, for me,
for everybody. 

Just in case."

Back matter is informative and welcome with sections entitled: Keeping the Seeds is Difficult, A Solution for Seed Safety, What's in the Vault, Plant a Seed, Save a Seed and an author's note that explains the impetus for learning about seed vaults and the research she did to learn even more. A resource list for kids, and a selected bibliography bring the book to an end. 

The Sleeper Train, written by Mick Jackson and illustrated by Baljinder Kaur. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I thought about that one time 
I slept in a tent in a field in a sleeping bag. 
There were all sorts of sounds at night
out in the country. 
The birds get up very early 
and make a lot of noise."

As darkness falls, a Sikh family boards a sleeper train in India that will take them overnight to visit friends in a different city. Shown to their cabin, they unpack and acclimate themselves to this new space. Watching what is happening outside the train's window provides entertainment before bedtime is announced and the three settle into their own bunks. Mum and Dad are quickly asleep; the little one is too excited to got to sleep right away. 

There were many questions in her head about what others are doing while she and her family are on the sleeper train. Perhaps thinking about the different places that have offered sleep will help her settle. Her first memory is of home where she silently tucks herself between her parents on nights when she is scared. Still awake, she remembers the hotel from last summer where the windows looked out on the sea. 

Every turn of the page offers up further memories that are not what she needs to help her find slumber. As she begins to feel sleepy, thanks to the rocking motion of the train as it travels through the night, she thinks of the people in the towns and villages they are passing. Perhaps another small child having trouble sleeping can hear the train as it goes by.

In the morning, the three go to the dining car where they enjoy breakfast before returning to pack their things and prepare for disembarking in the city where their friends are waiting to welcome them. The child knows that if another time comes when getting to sleep is difficult, she has the memory of the sleeper train and its rocking motion to help. 

Digital illustrations by Baljinder Kaur are filled with bold colors and familiar images of South Asian families and settings. A story of family time and love, it will soothe sleepy listeners. They will be encouraged to talk about their own memorable bedtimes in places away from home. 
                                                                               

Meet the Smushkins, written and illustrated by Claudia Rueda. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2025. $24.50 ages 3 and up

 

"From the windows, they would like to see
clouds and a tree in the backyard. 
A tree filled with apples ... 

crunchy, juicy apples, so that they can 
bake apple pies."

What better way for Claudia Rueda to release a new series than with a cast of appealing critters whose life work at the moment is to show readers what constitutes the perfect home for them? Ten named characters: Leo, Opie, Ook, Dog, Tippi, Iona, Puff, Ki, Moe and Bloo offer their ideas. By listening well and watching carefully, they are sure to become familiar to those who are enjoying their story. 

Working together right from the start of the day, they are trying to find a house. What will it have to have for it to be the just right place for settling? First, it needs to be filled with light. Large windows will help those living inside to see what is important on the outside. There should a tree in the yard, and clouds in the sky. That tree should be an apple tree, perfect for picking with branches for relaxing to read. Those apples will be used for many baked apple pies. 

A nearby path will provide a place for scooter rides that will ultimately take them to a nearby playground. Long grass there will give cover for hiding games, and green grass all around will welcome those who love picnics or a quiet spot for reading. An ice cream cart, rain puddles for splashing, even a library for borrowing wagonloads of reading material, and big blank walls for doodling would all be helpful. Cleaning supplies, a warm, sudsy bath time and comfy beds for reading those new library books re needed at the end of the day. The final absolute necessity is a family of cooperative and happy Smushkins!

Their list may be quite long; it is carefully considered for it to be the best space it can possibly be for all. It will surely encourage eager young listeners to dream of their own perfect place in this world. The text is spare, the illustrations full of fun and the belief in the young to use their imagination to express their personal thoughts for how they want to live. What fun!

Be prepared to read it more than once. 
                                                                                 

Maya Inside, written by Alison Hughes and illustrated by Brady Sato. Orca Book Publishers, 2025. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"It was calm and quiet inside Maya's box. 

The box kept her safe.
It kept everything out.

                 But ... 

the box kept her in."

Shy kids can be easily upset. Maya's friend hurt her feelings at school, causing Maya to choose to crawl inside her box and stay there. Classmates see her behavior as weird. and let her know that too many times to count. Those actions do nothing to encourage Maya to leave the plain cardboard box that offers the comfort she is craving. Inside the box she finds a peaceful place to soothe her soul. It feels like home, providing a spot where she can be who she wants to be and do what she wants to do. 

The box goes wherever she goes: riding her bike to the store, riding the school bus, and always at school. The children grow weary of making remarks about Maya and her box. Then, they forget there is anyone inside. Maya likes the quiet; until she isn't so sure anymore. She is always on the inside watching what is happening on the outside. The other children play games that are loud. It seems scary to the young girl. 

Then again, it also looks like fun and often feels exciting. Should she see what it is like outside her box? She takes a last look around her beautiful, friendly environment. It is time to try the outside. Blinking at the light of a bright sunny day, she takes the brave step to ask others if she might play with them. Friendly and welcoming, they three run together ... until Maya stops, checks carefully to see that her box is okay, and leaves it behind her. 

I AM MY NAME: A Girl's Journey to Finding Her Cree Family, written by Na'Kuset and Judith Henderson. Illustrated by Onedove. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2025. $26.99 ages 6 and up

 

"'This is your new name."

That name is not me. 
I do not want a new name.
I need to find my sister so 
she can tell them I have a name." 

In my first year of teaching in 1971, one of my Indigenous children was 'scooped'. I did not understand it at the time. I was told he had been adopted by a family in the United States; the adoption agency in whose care he was explained that it was thrilled that he had found a family. It took a long time before I truly understood that process.

In this book, a young Cree girl and her sister are removed from their beds at night; she wakes up in the morning in a new room with a new family. Her name has been changed. As she spends her days mourning the loss of her sister, she finds her new family cold and distant; but for Bubbie an older woman who is kind to her and shows her a gentle and loving spirit, her life would be impossible. Whenever Bubbie goes home, the sadness returns. 

As days pass, she finds happiness at the synagogue, when she is learning, and when playing with her new best friend. Still, the best place to be is with Bubbie, her new grandmother. She feels at home whenever they are together. On the day her best friend's mother calls her a 'little Cree girl', she remembers it to be true. That is exactly what she is. Confronting her adoptive mother and father does her no good. They tell her she is lucky to have this new life they have provided. 

"I don't feel lucky.
I don't 
I don't
I don't 
I don't
belong. 

I have come from somewhere else, where 
I am Cree and I have a big sister
and another name. 
Maybe my sister is missing me."

In timer she runs away to her Bubbie's house, where the time they spend together brings great joy. Bubbie gently reminds her that she will not always be there for her. Though fearful of that truth, Bubbie also reminds her that she is beautiful. Together, they search for her sister and she finally goes home. From an elder there, she is given her Spirit name ... Na'kuset. 

Notes from the three collaborators add important context for this story of love and family. Honest and personal storytelling, accompaniedd by emotional artwork, shows how connection to loved ones endures and impacts families everywhere. 

I'm Trying to Love Farts, written and illustrated by Bethany Barton. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Whew! Okay, back to the science part!
Farts are made up of several different gases.
And get this: every fart is different. 

Most farts are made of the same ingredients, 
but how much of each gas can vary wildly based
on who's farting, what they ate last, and how long 
ago they ate it."

This is a book that will be welcomed by my younger granddaughter. Just the opportunity to read the title will have her giggling and quite eager to see what's inside. It is the seventh book in a 'trying to love' set that includes spiders, rocks, math, bees, garbage, and germs. All have been filled with pertinent scientific information, while also entertaining young readers with new learning and plenty of humor. 

To begin, readers will get a real kick out of having a look at a large number of captioned farts pictured on front and back endpapers. Such creative and descriptive ways to describe the variety in farts produced by human beings. The author clears up any misconception for the word 'fart' on the title page by letting readers know the correct term to describe the noise is flatulence. Now, that is cleared up, we can move on to learning as much as possible in the book's 32 pages. 

A brother and sister look directly at readers to ensure they get the correct facts (and funny asides) concerning digestion and its processes (and what makes it all seem so funny). She explains that the first recorded joke happened in 1900 BC in Sumeria. As she explains, her brother provides endless farts of his own. Knowing her brother and the role he will play in the book, she has invented a fan to blow the smell away ... the FARTFAN5000. 

With the air cleared, she can go on with trying to convince readers that what she has to tell them is important. Most farts come from swallowing air, or from microorganisms already living in our gastrointestinal system. In breaking down food, gas is released. She goes on to try to explain what farts are made of. A chart shows that every one of them is different, depending on the human doing the farting. 

"Most people pass about a liter of gas daily
and fart ten to twenty times a day!" 

The science is easy to follow and informative, while cartoon-like mixed-media artwork helps with context for the target audience. She explains human metabolism and then goes on to discuss insects and animals, and the reasons they have flatulence. It's another fascinating look at the natural world and why it is worthy of our attention. 

A page of Fascination Facts on Flatulence brings the book to an end. Well done! 
                                                                                  

The Last Last, written by Wendy J. Whittingham and illustrated by Brianna McCarthy. Groundwood Books, 2025. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I try to picture our new home, but I can't. 
So I gaze at the clouds and see a plane like 
the one that will carry us away. 
Next to my heart, the shell is calm and cool.
The hummingbirds in my tummy have 
flown away too."

Children who have had to do what the young narrator of this story does will find empathy and understanding as they read it. She is leaving behind the country she loves to move with her Mum and Grannie to a faraway place. It is a place she knows nothing about, and she is fearful of the changes that are to come. 

While the women rush around getting their things packed and ready, she is filled with worry about leaving all that she loves behind them. While family and friends offer help, she wants everyone to know that she had no say in the decision made to move. To avoid all that is happening at home, she goes for a last walk that takes her past many of her favorite places. 

"On my last walk, red dust warms my feet. 
I visit my school and gaze out over the 
cricket pitch. 
Last chew of sugarcane, 
last smell of sweet roast corn. 
Dogs bark, chickens scatter. 
Last time."

As she walks, she finds a swirly shell and knows she wants to pack it. Once back, she packs the treasures she will take with her in the crate that contains only 'really important things'. As she waits, she tries to imagine her new home; she knows she has memories to assure she will not forget her old one. Upon arrival at their house, a welcoming blue jay offers a sense of peace and anticipation for her new life. 

The gouache and acrylic artwork is full of the warmth of her Caribbean home. The Jamaica setting is lushly portrayed in brilliant color. Arrival at their big city home offers a bright yellow taxi, busy streets and a first connection to the nature that surrounds her. A welcoming blue jay will bring good luck her Grannie tells her. This hopeful ending offers a sense of acceptance to an important life change. The story is based on the author's own memories of immigration as a young child. It is sure to ring true with listeners who have had to make the same kind of transition. 

The Trouble with Children (According to Cat), written by Katie Weaver and illustrated by Caner Soylu. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $27.99 ages 4 and up

"Oof, now I hear them calling me - 
they really are too much!

I frankly cannot take another 
sticky-fingered touch!

Uh - ohhhhhhh ... "

In her companion book to last year's The Trouble with Children (According to Dog), Katie Weaver puts the spotlight on a family's cat. The scruffy, ginger cat speaks directly to readers as she lets them know that life is pretty great; but for one concern. She, too, considers families OVERRATED! She has an explanation. 

"I'm not a fan of gossip - I have 
class and I have tact - 
but I cannot continue to ignore
how these kids act!"

Disturbing cat naps, constant carrying around, using the yarn she loves to play with for a craft project, and the indignity of a soapy shower are just some of the things that cause distress. When she brings them the gift of a mouse whose life she has ended, they scream rather than thank her. It's too much! 

Then, as happened in the first book, their demeanor changes and they offer up hugs and kisses. That attention is a game changer. Reading a book together (the dog one) and listening to the children laugh bring joy and contentment, and an occasional bedtime snuggle. 

Suggestions for cat care are included in a double spread following the story's text. A variety of cat breeds are found in silhouette on the endpapers front and back. It's sure to be another hit with young readers. They will love the expressive and entertaining artwork.                                                                                  

The Trouble with Children (According to Dog), written by Katie Weaver and illustrated by Caner Soylu. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2024. $27.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Belonging to a human herd 
is every doggie's dream. 
(Yeah, possibly, if you enjoy the 
way small humans scream!)

Their shrieks are HORRIFYING -
why on earth are they so 
                                  LOUD?!"

The following two books are sure to be a big hit whether you are a dog or cat person! We immediately meet the canine willing to offer candid observations about the children who share his residence. The first image shows said dog upon a sofa while an unknown therapist takes appropriate notes. He quickly offers an opinion on what is good about his life. But ... 

There are concerns. 'Families are OVERRATED!' Lest the interviewer misunderstands, he wants to clarify the position he is taking. It's all about the kids. While he can't bark, they are allowed to yell. They squeeze him too tight, they ride him like a horse, and cause chaos with his food dish and other messes. There was even a time when they made him wear a dress to the great delight of his canine pals. How embarrassing was that? The list goes on. 

Just when he thinks he has taken all he can take, the children offer up all the love they can muster. Wait a minute ... maybe he has been wrong all along.  

The rhyming text is full of fun, lilting and easy to read. The digital artwork matches the story's tone with expressive and impressive images that are sure to hold attention and encourage discussion. A two-page spread at the end of the book offers ways for young dog owners to provide the care their pets deserve. 

Can you guess the dog breeds included on the endpapers? 
                                                                             

The Girl Who Tested the Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental Scientist. Written by Patricia Daniele and illustrated by Junyi Wu. mit Kids Press, Candlewick Press. Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 7 and up

 

"Every student at MIT was male. Ellen didn't care. 
She applied anyway and got in - with a full scholarship! 
The year was 1871. At twenty-eight years old, Ellen 
Henrietta Swallow was about to become the first female
student to step through the doors of MIT.

But not everybody liked change."

Tiny at birth and in need of 'fresh air and exercise', Ellen was encouraged by her careful mother to find joy in nature. She developed a strong body and mind from her love of being outdoors in all kinds of weather. An only child, Ellen worked hard to help with farm chores and did not back down from hard work. There was nothing about the outside world that she didn't love. 

Afraid that school attendance would make their daughter sick, her parents (both teachers) decided on homeshooling. At 16, still wanting to learn more and more, her parents chose to sell their farm, buy a general store in a village where Ellen could attend school at Westford Academy. It took her no time to learn all the academy had to offer. 

College for women was only a dream at the time. A chance discovery about a new school for women called Vassar led to Ellen working for two full years at anything that offered pay. Finally, at 26, she had earned enough for one year's tuition. There, she discovered applied chemistry and recognized its importance in solving life's problems. The best part was the chance to be outside in nature once again. 

The decision to explore chemistry at MIT, where every other student was male, was met with consternation. She studied on her own for a full year before professors invited her to take part in their classes. Through hard work, she won their trust and admiration and was soon offered a chance to do a water survey in Boston. Accepting the challenge offered a way to put all of her learning to the test. Ellen's success was quite remarkable. For the rest of her life, she worked tirelessly to improve all life by caring for the environment and encouraging good health for families. 

Her story ends with one of Ellen's quotes: 

"The quality of life depends on the ability of society to teach its members how to live in harmony with their environment - defined first as the family, then with the community, then with the world and its resources." 

A time line follows, as does an author's note, a list of source notes, and a selected bibliography.  
                                                                                   

Smart Machines: How AI is Changing Our World, written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Pui Yan Fong. Orca Book Publishers. 2025. $26.95 ages 12 and up

"Chatbots are pretrained using trillions of bits
of data. With all that knowledge at their digital 
fingertips, you'd think they'd be pretty smart. 
They're not. Remember, AI system models don't 
understand any of the data - not a single bit. 
They guess at what words mean. They generate 
answers based on probabilities, not genuine 
comprehension."

I needed to read this book once; then I read certain parts of it again. There is much to learn about AI and what it is, how it works, how it is changing our world, and what's next. We are using it when some may not even know it. Truthfully, it can do a lot of good for those who know how to use it legally and with caution. There are drawbacks, as with any new technology that is not completely understood. 

In this new addition to the Orca THINK series, Helaine Becker takes on an ever-changing subject to help inform her middle and high school audience ... their parents and their teachers. An introduction defines AI and Intelligence, seeing both as very different from each other. AI appears to be here to stay. 

"According to a recent study conducted by tech giant IBM, more that 35 percent of businesses around the world used AI in 2022. Many more are adding it every day."

Eight chapters are noted in the Table of Contents: Once Upon a Time ... AI's Origin Story, The Dawn of the Computer Age, How It Works, A Deeper Dive into Deep Learning, Transforming the Field of AI, Artificial Intelligence Gets Real, Crossing the Line - When AI Becomes Uh-Oh, AI's Vulnerable Underbelly, and finally, The Future of AI. As in all useful and important nonfiction, a glossary, list of resources and index follow. 

I'll admit I started with Chapter Six - Artificial Intelligence Gets Real. I wanted to start with where I am, and what I think I need to know at this point. Describing uses for AI in parts of our lives such as getting around town and money matters made easier with AI technology, then following up with facts provided for The Gray Zone helps readers understand that not everything about AI is perfect. As grocery stores with AI supported shopping carts create a virtual copy of what's in that cart and charge it to your account as you walk out the door may appeal, what about the reduction in the need for real workers to be in those stores? 

Ms. Becker does a terrific job in explaining how AI works. Many complicated concepts are presented in text that is clear and accessible with visuals that support the information shared. Allowing her readers to see concrete examples of some of the limitations is also very important. There is so much we do not yet know about AI and its functions. 

There is a lot to think about. Handled responsibly and with careful thought for its consequences, AI can be of use to schools and students. While AI is not truly intelligent; it is however making huge differences in the world today. We owe it to ourselves to learn what we can about it. This book provides a great start for doing just that! 

Goose Egg Island, written by Julia Richardson and illustrated by Meneka Repka. Sleeping Bear Press. 2025. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"At the island's edge,
Goose locates last year's nesting spot. 
She sits, pushing her webbed feet 
while turning. Then lines the hole 
with twigs, leaves, and moss. Last, 
she plucks a fuzzy blanket from 
her chest." 

Young readers may not know that Canada geese are paired for life. On the opening spread, Goose and Gander break away from the flock and land on the island that is their home year after year. They spend time resting after their long migration; Gander watches with one eye while Goose sleeps. When intruders do their best to take their space, they are chased away. 

Spring arrives with sunshine and melting ice. The geese are able to paddle their pond and find food. The time comes for a new family. Goose finds their old nesting place and prepares it for the five eggs she will lay. To incubate those eggs, Goose sits and does nothing else while Gander keeps watch. Fox has no chance of getting close to the eggs. Goose does nothing but incubate; Gander does nothing but guard. 

The warmth of spring sunshine awakens green shoots to grow and bloom. The two geese continue their daily vigil. An excited puppy is no match for Gander who distracts the dog until it is too tired to play the chasing game anymore. Twenty-eight days of sitting and guarding leads to what they have been waiting for ... five sweet goslings to swim with their father, while Goose takes sustenance from the surrounding island setting. How pleased are these attentive parents! 

Through the summer, the geese grow and change in preparation for the migration that happens in the early fall. An author's note explains the joy inherent in watching each year as a pair of geese return to the pond, raise their family, and leave only to return the following year. She then includes further Fascinating Facts that she wants her readers to know. 

With carefully chosen text and repetition in some of the phrasing, Ms. Richardson provides a meaningful lesson for young readers. Colorful, detailed illustrations by Meneka Repka help with context and appeal. 

The Humble Pie, written by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald. Harper, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"And here I am in the background, 
mopping up the spills, 
taking out the trash, 
refreshing the appetizers,
wrangling with toddlers, 

and making sure everything runs smoothly. 

It's who I am. 
It's what I do. 
I'm used to it."

This new book in the Food Group series has fans meeting a pie that must learn to stand up for himself when he is pushed to do more than he should be doing. Humble Pie readily admits that he is easy to get along with for many reasons. There is nothing he does that makes him stand out from his group of friends. In fact. he prefers the background where he can go about supporting those who need it. 

While he is a bit perturbed about always being overlooked, he can handle it. His best friend Jake is quite the opposite; good at everything, he makes it all look easy. He very much likes being the center of attention. Humble Pie remains in the background doing everything he can to make things run smoothly. 

"Fact: Nobody notices pie when there's cake nearby." 

When the two choose to work together on a science presentation, things change dramatically. Jake busies himself with his favorite pursuits: playing the piano and basketball, skiing and reading, soccer and the math club. The night before the project is due, Jake says he will be late. Humble Pie has had ENOUGH! He knows he needs to have a say ... and he does. Will Jake understand how his friend is feeling? Maybe, by working together, they can get the work done. Both learn a very important lesson, and the getting there is worth it. 

This is another enjoyable book from this team. Classic wordplay and many charming visual jokes will keep fans entertained and learning as they share it. Humility and courage are worthy traits for all. It's a winning addition to this much-loved series. 

Canine Connection: How Dogs and Humans Evolved Together, written by Christopher Gudgeon. Orca Book Publishers, 2025. $24.95 ages 10 and up

"Research has also shed light on the remarkable 
problem-solving abilities of dogs. It turns out that 
dogs possess a unique form of social intelligence
that allows them to learn and complete complex 
tasks simply by observing human cues. In one 
test, for example, dogs were able to infer the
location of hidden food based on subtle human 
gestures (casual glances, slight hand movements),
which shows just how well they can read us."

Dog owners are happy to share their thoughts concerning the relationships they have with their beloved pets. Christopher Gudgeon explains that dogs have a better understanding of humans than any other animal does. In an introduction to the book, he speaks of his dog Elvis as one of the 'closest friends I've had in my whole life'. A neighbor asked if he wanted the runt of a new litter. His life with Elvis led to many questions about the connections that seem so natural between dogs and their people. Ultimately, those questions brought him to writing this book. 

The table of contents lists the following chapter titles: Dogs and Their Humans, Friends Forever, Talking 'Bout Evolution, A Dog in Wolf's Clothing, Dawn of the Dog, Where on Earth, One Good Breed Deserves Another, The Americas Go to the Dogs, and a Big, Bright Future. A glossary, list of resources, and an index are included in back matter. 

As happens with very good nonfiction, the contents allow readers to choose the chapter that most appeals before any further reading. The Orca Wild series is lauded for its design structure, well-captioned photos, use of information lists, clearly-defined boxes of useful facts, and ideas about the future. Readers will learn about the bonds humans and canines have developed through thousands of years. Stories come from various places in the world and offer a clear look at their shared history.  

"Look around. On the sidewalks and in parks and backyards, a world of dogs. From diminutive dachshunds to the great big Great Danes, dogs come in an array of sizes, shapes, colors and 

attitudes. There are hundreds of different dog breeds ... and more are being added to the list all the time."

Steve : Born to Run, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Kids Can Press, 2025. $18.99 ages 4 and up

 

"And I'm not going to be 
just any coach - I'm going 
to be ...

      THE. BEST. 
  COACH. EVER!

Chop - chop! No 
time to waste! 

Lift those hooves!"

In this early years graphic novel (and the fifth story about Steve), Kelly Collier brings her much-loved horse to her fans' attention with an entertaining new episode. Steve is excited to note spring has arrived.  In Steve's insular view of the world around him, all he can think about is the upcoming race-a-thon. Bob his raccoon friend explains why Steve always wins: long legs, deep chest, and a long neck to stretch across the finish line. 

Steve is thrilled that he is so talented, while Bob just sighs at the nuances of being a winner that Steve completely misses. Bob is quick to share that the race this year is a relay. After drawing names for relay partners, Steve is on a team with Turtle, Duck and Snail. It does not go down well with Steve. There is nothing for him to do but take the suggestion from his teammates that he be their coach. Steve is very amenable to the idea. He's going to be the best! 

Rigorous training begins, with hilarious instructions that are sure to have young readers giggling. Race day arrives with rain pouring down. Turtle leads the way through the briar patch, followed by Snail on the steep hill, then Duck through a large puddle, and finally Steve whose effusive compliments to his team and himself for his coaching prowess have him forgetting he has a role to play in the race. Too late! 

His teammates are unperturbed, knowing they have accomplished far more than any of them thought possible; Steve finds a way to pat himself on the back for something, as usual. 

A Knot is Not a Tangle, written by Daniel Nayeri and illustrated by Vesper Stamper. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"We wash the wool. 
We card it to straighten 
the tangles. We spin it 
on a spindle. 

All of this takes weeks, but in my 
memory, it's one long wonderful day."

In a cultural tradition passed from one generation to the next, an Iranian grandmother teaches her grandson how to weave a rug that will replace a worn one she once made with her grandmother. They take breakfast to Grandpa who is tending the sheep, and provides wool that he has sheared for the rug making. They will work to make it the best rug ever. 

The process begins. As they work, readers are made aware of every step along the way. They dye the wool, they draw their design for the familiar work they will do together, they examine their old rug, and they are reminded of the many memories they have shared while sitting on that rug. They have everything they now need to make its replacement. 

Grandma shows her grandson the weaving process and allows time for him to learn. He wants it to be the best; Grandma cautions that it will be just right to sit on. Try as he might, he has some difficulty with getting the knots exactly right. She explains that nothing is perfect; nor should pretend to be. Once their work is completed, they take the old rug down to sit beneath the loom, and place the new one in the living room for the family. 

"A Persian rug is an imperfect thing. But 
its purpose is to make a precious memory." 

In an author's note, Daniel Nayeri explains that rugmaking is a 2,500-year-old process and it has remained much the same over that entire time. Different regions of Iran have signature designs; rugs are handmade on a loom; the number of knots per square inch account for value. None are perfect, and that is the lesson the young boy learns as he works with his grandmother. An artist's work is not meant to be perfect, but to reflect beauty.  

Make New Friends, written by Joshua David Stein and illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2025. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The next day at school, Tomasso couldn't 
find anyone to play with at recess.

But that was okay.

He found an old foam ball in the corner 
of the yard, picked it up, drew two eyes 
on it with a marker, and named it Roland. 

Then he found a smaller pink ball, drew 
two eyes and a smile on that one too, and
named it Barry. He played with Roland 
and Barry until the bell rang."

Kids return to school tomorrow after a long holiday break. Perhaps there will be a new student in your classroom - someone like Tomasso. It's his first day as the new kid in a new school. Some of his classmates offer a welcome; others say nothing. After work, his father asks about new friends. Tomasso tells the truth. He hasn't met anyone special, but he is sure he will. 

Recess the next day offers no new chance for friendship. That leads Tomasso to find some imaginary ones. They are good companions. His dad remains interested in knowing about any new friends. The answer is the same. In the cafeteria, Tomasso turns a carton of milk into a friend he names Coco. The next time his dad asks, Tomasso makes up stories about Roland, Barry and Coco. His dad is happy. 

Adding to the list to tell his father about, Tomasso introduces Pablo and Jennie, then Henny and Karen. Each is an found object; a rock, a sock, an apple, and an eraser. They keep the boy company and his father satisfied that his son is adjusting. Finally, when his father suggests that Tomasso invite his friends to dinner, he says he will. His father's arrival with pizza is met by Tomasso and his table full of his described friends. 

"Tomasso's cheeks turned red and his throat got tight and for some reason, he wanted to say, "I'm sorry," but he didn't know why.

So he sat there and time seemed to stand still."

His dad's reaction is perfection. 

Encompassing loneliness and compassion, while encouraging empathy for a new student, Joshua David Stein has written a story that is quite charming for young listeners. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations by Mariachiara Di Giorgio focus attention on the relationship between a vulnerable child and his understanding dad. The ending is emotional and full of joy for both. 

                                                                                    

We Could Be Magic, written by Marissa Meyer with art by Joelle Murray. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $23.99 ages 12 and up

 

"Are you sure we can do this? I mean, 
I've read a lot of those "Secrets of 
Sommerland" books, and I don't 
remember anything about a secret 
passage by the Mystic Manor ... 

My theory is that it isn't in those books 
because it's not technically supposed to 
be a secret. Winda Sommers had intended
for this to be a part of the attraction all 
along. She just didn't realize how long 
the lines would be and how that would 
keep people from straying off the usual 
path."

Tabitha has loved Summerland for as long as she can remember. She believes in its magic; its promise of true love, especially important after being so shocked when her parents divorce. She is thrilled when she is able to work in the summer program for high school students. It surprises her to learn that others working there do not share her feelings. They often complain about the guests they must deal with, and with some of the demands of their jobs. 

Tabi is especially interested in being one of the actors. A meeting with Princess Madeline as a child left a lasting impression and it has been a dream to follow in those princess footsteps. That dream is dashed with her assignment to work the nacho stand. Her audition for a princess is met with the cruel realization that not one of the princes or princesses in the park is 'fat'. While coming to terms with her disappointment, she does her best to hold onto the magic Summerland has always had for her. \

The colorful artwork will be appreciated by graphic novel fans as they are emotional and empathetic to Tabi's early insecurity that leads to acceptance of who she is and how she deals with the disappointment. Marissa Meyer is a great storyteller and it shines through here. Themes concerning body image and facing bullying are handled deftly and will leave readers admiring both Tabi and those strong friends who support her unconditionally. She is valued and she knows it. 

Dawn, written and illustrated by Marc Martin. Candlewick Studio, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"dragonfly

cicada

bee

beetle"

As this new year dawns, I want to share this stunning book with you. 

Life on a lake as the sun slowly rises brings great beauty to readers. Both flora and fauna awaken to the early morning light. Marc Martin opens our eyes on pages that exhibit these stirrings while using the sparest text to focus attention. Artwork created in watercolor, pencil and digital collage feel real enough to touch and will encourage quiet contemplation lest we disturb what is happening. A spider web glistens with dew drops, and a deer drinks daintily from the lake's cool water before becoming aware of our presence and darting away. The chosen words are sound (the deer lifts its head to stare at the source), spring, (only hindquarters are visible) and still (quiet ripples on the water's surface). 

I cannot do the book justice with my words. It is a must-see. Perfect word choice, portraits that bring life to birds, butterflies, beetles, trees, leaves, flowers and a very hungry frog in search of a meal (wait, watch, flick, miss). Brilliant and always engaging. Marc Martin's incredible artistry is evident at every turn of the page. When you have finished reading it for the first time, you will want to go back again and again to be sure you have missed nothing.