Gifts from the Garbage Truck: A True Story About the Things We (Don't) Throw Away. Written by Andrew Larsen. Foreword by Nelson Molina. Pictures by Oriol Vidal. sourcebooks, Raincoast. $2024. $25.99 ages 6 and up

 

"On Christmas morning, Nelson had a gift
for each of his siblings. 

Each gift had been found and fixed.

Each had a story. 

Each was special in its own way."

As happens so often when I find a new picture book biography, I learn about a person new to me. It is always a lovely surprise to discover how they have made a difference in the world. Meeting Nelson Molina fills me with love and appreciation for the work he has done and the lives he has touched with that work. 

Nelson introduces himself in the forward to this wonderful picture book about a man who grew up with very little and learned the importance of the little things the family did have. His mother's wise guidance taught him not to discard anything that could be used again. Taking that lesson to heart in his job as a sanitation worker in The Barrio in New York City for 34 years, Nelson spent much of his time working on creating a museum called Treasures in the Trash; it houses forty-five thousand items he found in the garbage, all cleaned, repaired, and arranged for visitors to see. There is, indeed, beauty in what many consider useless junk. He asks readers to look for 'the value in everything'.  

Andrew Larsen shares Nelson's remarkable story from his early years as a collector. He found wood scraps on his way to school, took them home and his mother taught him to make birdhouses - expert advice from a true recycler. Nelson collected stamps, and displayed them in ways that interested others: by color, theme, faraway places. Anything he found that could be rescued, he rescued it. He knew there would be someone out there who would love and appreciate it. 

When he grew up, he became a trash collector in the neighborhood he loved. It was hard work. There were times when his interest was piqued by one of the bags he was collecting. Upon inspection, he always found something that could be saved. That led to his decision to begin to make a display at work for others to see. Every item was special to Nelson and he found a place for each. 

As the display grew, it told the story of the neighborhood and the people who lived there. Close to the Museum of Modern Art, it is seen today by thousands of people from around the world when they visit New York City. 

"It's an invitation to think differently
about the things we throw away. 

It's Nelson Molina's gift to us all." 

Two final pages are given to the 4 RS, upcycling, ways to use what many consider throwaways, and photos of Nelson and his museum of treasures. 

Another hero discovered thanks to Andrew Larsen. I love it! Don't miss it.                                                                                      

https://youtu.be/2OIeptFMiCY?si=w6Ssgo19uRM6xfn_

Two Artists, Grandad and Me, written and illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. Doubleday Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Grandad's world is watercolor. 
Bright globs squeezed onto a tray. 
The colors have funny, magical names, 

like Cadmium Red (perfect for Little Red's riding hood).

Ultramarine Blue (like the juice from crushed 
blueberries).

and Winsor Violet ("It gives other layers depth,"
he says)."

Jazz notes filter through the house as a young girl visits her grandad. He is painting and the sounds of the jazz he loves provide inspiration for his work. All spaces in his studio reflect his passion for the art he creates. Upon seeing his granddaughter, he shares a special gift. 

"He flashes me a sunshine smile."

As he works, she spends time with characters from her Grandad's stories: a lion and a mouse, a little red hen, three foolish goats. What delight is found in poring over the pages while she also enjoys the music that is a part of the experience. They talk about colors while Grandad offers artistic advice and then watches as she tries, then tries again. Always patient, he explains that things have not always gone well for him either. 

After gifting her a sketchbook, she needs guidance for choosing what to draw. The two draw together what they can see in front of them - he assures it is the work of an artist, something she has never been called before today. 

"I like the sound of it.

             I have so many stories to tell.'

After her grandad hangs one of her works next to his on the wall, they make their way upstairs, memories and music dancing in their heads. 

One cannot help but admire the artistic talent passed from one generation to the next in the Pinkney family. Sharing this book brings readers into the 'world of watercolor' that was Jerry Pinkney's and learning about his patience in tutoring Charnelle is an absolute blessing. Her mixed-media art is filled with her own artistic view of the world that was theirs and is now hers. 

In an afterword, she describes memories from her childhood and includes archival photos from the family album. This is a lovely tribute to a much-loved grandparent. Serious work, indeed.                                                                                           

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT-kuFIDSuS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Planting Sunshine, written by Andree Poulin and illustrated by Enzo. Groundwood Books, 2026. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"Theo falls silent. 
He realizes 
there's nothing
            he can do 
              to stop the war. 

Powerlessness 
towers over him 
            a tall wall 
               of bricks
blocking every path forward. 

He realizes 
          the hardest part
              is knowing 
there's nothing 
         you can do."
           

 "Do wars begin because too many people can’t say ‘I’m sorry?"

For kids who can watch what is going on around the world on their television sets, there is a rising concern for what is happening to others. Theo knows that the likelihood of a war where he lives is minimal; the toll wars are taking around the world make no sense to him. He cannot understand the root cause for the many deaths and the total devastation in those countries. 

He asks his father why there are wars; he can give no satisfactory answer to Theo's question. It doesn't seem to make a difference to his friends at school. Mrs. Lena his neighbor shares his worries as war rages in her homeland. The longer the war goes on, the more Theo feels anger and great sadness. Meeting Lily and seeing what she is doing to protest war gives him some peace. This is such an honest look at one very sensitive young man who has to finally come to terms with the fact that he can do nothing to stop any war.; no one he knows can do that. 

A hopeful ending for Theo has him working with his dad and Lily to sell Mrs. Lena's delicious perogies to raise funds for the survivors. This small difference helps to assuage his anxiety. This novel in verse is so eloquent in its storytelling, giving Theo a voice when the reality of war makes no sense to him. The writing shows middle grade readers how war is hurting so many, due only to hate and horror. Illustrations by Enzo are compelling in their honesty as well, showing war in reality as well as the war fought in Theo's imagination. 

"I know these sunflowers
these marked stones
these perogies 
        won't silence the cannons. 
               But they're a way 
                       a small way 
               to start building 
                            peace,"
     

Valuable back matter discusses war, its causes and the rules not followed, how it affects children, and offers thoughts on how to build peace. 

If This Were the World, written by Stephen Barr and illustrated by AG Ford. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Then they played even harder. 
The world was tough. 
The world was fast. 
The world was fun for everyone. 

Until one of the kids from the 
next grade walked up. 

I want your dodgeball."

It's the 138th day of school, and the recess bell rang once more. To their dismay, the children in Ms. Lee's class realised that they had played every single playground game they knew. What would they do now? For every suggestion made, someone reminded them that it had already been part of another recess on another day. All the while, they are on the equipment, in the sandbox, or hanging upside down. 

It only takes one child to get others thinking outside the box and coming up with ideas that no one had earlier considered. This time it was Omeed and he held up an orange. He had a question about it: 

"What if THIS ... 

                were the world?"

Everyone stood still and quiet as they considered what he had just said. Right there and then, a new game began. Ideas were eagerly shared, opinions offered, until sharing it left them without that world. Perhaps, they needed something bigger. What about a dodgeball? When a bigger kid wanted it, they needed to find something easier to share. 

A sudden turn to the vertical offers a very large tree to be the new world. Now, that had plenty of possibilities, until a branch broke and sent many crashing to the ground. Time to find something better for their play; the ideas came fast and furious. None were acceptable. 

"Is there anything else we can use?

Something big.

Something easy to share. 

Something we won't forget about."

Nabiha thought carefully and came up with the perfect solution ... one that worked for everyone!                                                                                  

A Snow Day for Amos McGee, written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated for Erin E. Stead. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $27.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Amos put on his warm coat, warm hat, 
scarf and mittens. 
He pulled on his great big waterproof
boots ... 

and stepped outside into the crisp, 
chilly air, 

Amos waited for the number five bus."

With a fairly significant storm in our forecast, I got thinking about Amos McGee and how much I have missed him. We met him first in A Sick Day for Amos McGee (Roaring Brook, 2010), and then again in Amos McGee Misses the Bus (Roaring Book, 2021). We learned what a kind and caring zookeeper he was to the animals in his care, and how much they returned the love he showered upon them. In this new book, we come to understand how he loves snow! Every morning as winter approached, he eagerly awaited news that snow was on its way. 

Tired after days of wind and rain, Amos was appreciative of the news one early morning. He bundled up, heading for the number five bus that would take him to the zoo. (Observant readers will take notice of the two bunnies standing at his side.) As Amos worked on his knitting, other animals accompanied him in the warm comfort of the bus. Once they reached their destination, they all followed along as he made his way to the zoo's gate where he put a newly-knitted scarf on a monkey's neck. 

Making his rounds and checking on his many friends, Amos assured they were given what they needed to keep them warm on this first snowy day of the season: a pom-pom hat for the elephant, an afghan for the tortoise, thick socks for a penguin, a new scarf for the rhinoceros, and a colorful sweater for the owl. 

""I am so glad I finished my knitting in time," said Amos. 
The animals felt well prepared for the coming weather."

As Amos tended to his many chores, the animals waited in anticipation of the coming event. The clouds rolled in ... and then were gone. Finally, in the middle of the night, the snow fell. In the morning, the ground was covered with a lovely white blanket. It was for the animals to get to work and make a path to Amos's house, where they could enjoy all the many splendid joys of this new and most welcome season. After a long and tiring day, and before going inside for steamy hot chocolate, they took to a nearby hill for a sledding adventure together.  

Oh, please! Let's read it again!                                                                                

https://youtu.be/Ggv2KAGEYRk?si=IG5-u8VrMdNQQDdg

The Sustainable School: A Journey Through Time and Energy. Written by Erica Fyvie and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Kids Can Press, 2025. $19.99 ages 9 and up

"The woodstove keeps our class very warm in the winter.
At lunchtime, we can buy a hot lunch for a penny, but 
most of us bring our own lunch in a metal pail. Sometimes
we bring a carrot or potato to school and the midday 
helpers cook a stew in the school kitchen for us to share."

Many surprises await those middle graders who read this book about Birch Elementary and its sixth- grade class that is learning about sustainability. A sudden halt in the construction happening outside their classroom windows leads to them being offered a time capsule from 1900 that the workers have unearthed. The sixth graders from that year had buried it to be found 100 years later. As they examine its contents, they read letters that describe their school at that time. 

Mr. Maron organizes the class into four different teams to consider what life was like then and might be like in coming years. They will work together to create a science fair project, the final assignment for the school year. Each team is given a topic to research by reading letters from the past before looking to the future to investigate and imagine coming changes to electricity, plumbing, buildings, and transportation. The book's structure then follows the teams as they consider what they are reading from the past and considering questions and ideas for the future. 

Time capsule information boxes discuss The Global Seed Vault (Future Fair), The Terracotta Warriors (Electricity), The Wreck of the Titanic (Plumbing), Voyager Golden Records (Buildings) and Scott's Hut (Transportation). Double page spreads for each begin with a focus question, followed a prediction concerning the future, the good news from today, the challenges ahead and a concluding statement. Finally, Mr. Maron's class of 2025 produce their own time capsule for the class of 2125.

Highly informative and sure to intrigue those who read it, this book will have middle grade students keen on thinking about the future and what it holds, based on the learning they do in their classroom. Cartoon style artwork is very appealing. Sepia tones show what life was like in the past, offering today's readers a chance to take a careful look at the differences and similarities from one time to the other. In the end, the students are introduced, instructions are given for creating a 'your very own time capsule', a glossary, a list of resources and an index are added.  

It's an excellent mentor text for any classroom interested in a project concerning energy and a greener and more sustainable future.                                                                                             

Galaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Helene Courtois. Writtten by Allie Summers and illustrated by Sian James. mit Kids Press, Candlewick, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 9 and up

 

"On a road trip in Canada, Helene and her friends drove
to the end of the map just to see what was there. They
found aurora borealis - the northern lights - splashing
like colorful ocean waves across the sky. Why are the 
waves sometimes green and other times red and violet? 

Helene observed. 
           Helene questioned. 
                     Helene had ideas. 

And, in the evenings, the moon was waiting for her."

This is another excellent picture book biography that has helped me learn about something brand new to me. I had no idea I even wanted to know; it does help me see and understand how someone born with an inquisitive scientific brain is born with the curiosity needed to learn how to map galaxies. 

Born in France in a town surrounded by the Alps and having a teacher she adored, Helene Courtois was eager to explore the fields and forests that were part of her home with Miss Colette who encouraged observation, questions, and ideas. Her parents were equally interested in nature and encouraged their young daughter to use a trail map while exploring her mountain surroundings. 

Later in life, Helene and her friends travelled in Canada, using a new kind of map provided by her parents: a road map. More observations, more questions, and a continued interest in what lay beyond the moon, she moved on to university which offered a chance to study medicine. Her upbringing and earlier experiences led her switch her studies to astrophysics. The lone woman in most of her classes, she willed herself to follow in the footsteps of other successful female scientists. 

Continuing to learn as she always had, Helene found a new, undying love for the galaxies she was able to see through her first professional telescope. Her fate was sealed. She turned her attention to mapping galaxies and other structures in the universe. Her experiences filled her with wonder, and her studies led to numerous discoveries. Leading a team of cosmologists, she traveled the world learning more and more. Together, they discovered a supercluster (which includes the Milky Way) that they named Laniakea in honor of those who had come before them. Helene had finally discovered what was beyond the moon; a question she had been asking since her childhood. 

A timeline of her life, a glossary of galactic terms, a list of other fiercely intelligent women in astronomy, instructions for a good location to build a professional telescope, and a selected bibliography complete the book.                                                                            

     

Victor and the Giant, written and illustrated by Rafael Yockteng. Translated by Elisa Amado. Aldana Libros, Greystone Kids. 2025. $24.95 ages 4 and up

 

"He jumped on him, but he didn't wake up.

He punched him, but he didn't wake up. 

He begged the creature desperately, 
but the giant still didn't wake up. 

Victor didn't know what else to do. He 
was so tired he sat on the monster's 
enormous nose. 

He could see its huge eyes, an infinite 
forehead, massive eyebrows, wild hair ... 

Nose hairs!"

A close look at the quiet arrival of another day in the peaceful city offers no warning for what is about to happen. As Victor's mother rushes out the door on her way to work, he enjoys breakfast with a cup of hot chocolate. The peace is disrupted when the earth begins to shake. A terrible noise arises before everything becomes eerily quiet. 

It takes one look out the window for Victor to see the total destruction of his city. Buildings, streets, tress, birds, animals ... all have disappeared. His building is the only one still standing. Now, the only thing visible to him is a colossal giant, sound asleep across the mountainside. Victor determines to check it out. The destruction is even more evident as he wanders outside. 

Encountering the giant up close, he tries to wake him. Nothing works, until Victor notices the giant's nose hairs. Using all of his strength, he pulls one out which awakens and terrifies the monster. Victor matches that scream with one of his own. Now that he has the giant's attention, Victor can ask the questions he wants to ask. Turns out the giant was hungry and has no realization that eating everyone and everything in sight is hardly the proper way to handle that hunger. Victor explains. 

After making a plea for understanding, Victor bursts into tears. He misses his mother; the giant wants to help. The solution to the entire problem is a lovely surprise for readers who watch closely as things are returned to what they had been, and reunites mother and son. Will the city be able to help when the giant's hunger rears its ugly head the next time? One can only hope. 

Pencil drawings assembled digitally bring full life to every spread and command attention at every turn. Observant readers will be highly entertained by the tale itself and especially the accompanying scenes created to enhance its power. Perspective holds sway on every spread and will delight young readers with Victor's ability to manage the giant despite the huge difference in their presence on the page.                                                                              

The Peanut Man, written by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Raul Colon. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"He wore a jaunty hat. His face, as wrinkled
as old tobacco leaves, spread into a toothless
smile.

"Coqui!" he called. 
He knew everyone by name.
And we all knew el manisero,
the Peanut Man. 

Now it was time 
to play our game."

In Old Havana, a peanut man walks the street singing his song for his customers. A young girl rushes to her bedroom window to listen and to smell the mani (peanuts). She is full of excitement as she calls down to Emilio; his pleasure is equally evident. The two are ready to play their game. Coqui sticks her thumbs in her ears, sticks out her tongue, and makes a silly sound before Emilio apes her actions. They love that game, playing it every night. 

When her mother tells her at bedtime one evening that the family is leaving Cuba for the United States, Coqui is confused. Told it is dangerous for her father to speak his truths, the girl wonders if they will ever return. There is no answer for that question. As soon as she hears Emilio on the street beneath her window, she tells him what is happening. He explains that it is a land of 'plenty, liberty ... and beisbol.'

That sparks excitement for a young girl who loves baseball; still, tears flood her face as she must say farewell to her dear friend. It is a long and complicated journey to their new home. The family settles in and makes a new life in Decatur, Georgia. Coqui is always homesick, except for baseball. She and her Papi listen to the games with great anticipation. A birthday surprise results in two tickets to see Hammerin' Hank Aaron with her Papi! On a warm September afternoon, they set out together. 

She doesn't like the stadium smells and wants to go back home to listen. Her father encourages her to persevere, and not miss all the excitement of the game. When she hears the cry of a peanut vendor, Coqui knows it is not Emilio. A warm bag of peanuts in her hands leaves her awash with memory, and leads to a conversation with the peanut man, Big Dee. She gives in to the impulse to teach Big Dee the game she shared with Emilio; Big Dee responds in kind. A warm feeling of home washes over Coqui for the first time since the family moved away from Cuba. 

Lovingly told and illustrated, this family story of immigration and finding a new home is both memorable, and uplifting. Ms. Deedy explains in a poignant afterword how a story she told in her daughter's high school led to her sharing it with another family and their guests. To her great surprise one person in attendance was Henry Aaron. His interest in her and in her story was an amazing encounter, as you might guess! 
                                                                                        

And They Walk On, written by Kevin Maillard and illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Their things are still here
as if they just stepped out: 

jacket by the door,

hair in the brush,

starlight mints by the bed, 

shoes on the floor."

The child whose voice tells this story is confused. His concern is about death and grief. He ponders where loved ones go when they walk on - out of the life he has known with them. There are many places they once loved: the market, the garden, the lake to fish, their other favorite. When they get where they are going, how will they let him know? He knows he will wait because there are things he needs to share. He wants to tell about activities that fill his days, the new accomplishments he has made, the weather. He assumes that walking on is a long journey that might tire them out and lead them back home. 

As he watches his family pack up his grandmother's house, he notes that everything is just as she left it. Spending time in each room, he can feel the love that memories hold for him. He smells the household smells, sees the ordinary sights, touches those things that are so familiar, hears common kitchen sounds and travels back in his memory to times spent with his grandmother. 

"When they walk on , 
          they stay with us 
                    like the glimmer of a distant star."

Everything they have been will always be a part of those they leave behind; those left will always walk on together in their honor. 

This is an exquisite explanation of grief, sure to assuage hearts that are dealing with the death of a loved one. Rafael Lopez captures the essence of cultural traditions using acrylic, watercolor, and colored pencils assembled digitally to bring beauty, warmth and understanding. He blends the Seminole connections of the author with his own Mexican influences in his spectacular images. Careful observation will result in welcome discoveries. 

Back matter is a valuable addition, including explanatory notes from both creators, and a recipe for Kevin's Grape Dumplings. 

"Maybe they're just running late
and they will call me
from their special place."                                                                                           

The Quiet Hunt: A Poem for Young Foragers, written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Risa Hugo. Groudwood Books, 2026. $21.99 ages

"Our ancestors wandered, 
tools in hand - 
         sticks for digging,
         knives for trimming, 
         baskets and slings and 
         bags made of skins -
gathering roots and leaves, 
mushrooms and berries, 
fruits, flowers,
nuts and seeds. 

I read this lovely book when it arrived in the mail, and then I read it again. This morning as I prepare to tell you about it, I have just finished reading it one more time. Each read brings new thoughts and feelings for its message to young children. 

Pairing her graceful words with the elegant colored pencils and watercolor artwork of Risa Hugo, Ms. Pendziwol tells her readers the story of how humans have always been able to forage for food that nourishes. She begins in ancient times when all food came from the wild. She explains how humans spend their time in nature wandering in search of what would sustain them: meat, birds, fish. 

She then describes 'the quiet hunt' which took the people into forests and fields, rivers and creeks, and under the earth to find what else they were looking for: roots and leaves, mushrooms and berries, fruits and seeds. What they foraged had many uses and kept hunger away. Their knowledge of what was safe for consumption was passed from one generation to the next. 

As they hunted, those looking for food left offerings to the wild for the bounty provided. Being in the wild to do their collecting provided them with sustenance for their souls. Today, things are quite different. Those who continue to quietly hunt are steeped in the knowledge passed along to them from those in the know; the people who advise on what is good and safe. The sounds and beauty felt outside on the quiet hunt continue to feed souls. What a celebration of our connection with nature.                                                                               

The Moving Book, written and illustrated by Lisa Brown. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 3 aand up$

 

"Grandpa lived far away, but Nana and Poppa 
were near. 

When Grandpa visited, we all went to a restaurant
where the food came on little carts. 

We could take the bus with Mom and Dad downtown
to visit the museum - the one with the dinosaur. You 
were so afraid. 

We didn't live there very long."

In my long life, I have lived in 7 different places all in the same city; three before 5, three in the early years of our marriage, and the last 53 years in the house I still call home. I hope to be here for the rest of my life. I have fond memories of each one of those moves and the changes they brought to my life.

This story's family has many moves under their belts. The older brother is narrator and is explaining to his little sister that, even if she doesn't remember all of those moves, he does. As he shares his memories of their homes, he also describes the surroundings. A move into a big apartment building with three elevators was perfect for trick-o-treating, a dim sum restaurant was close by, and public transportation took them downtown to the museum where there were dinosaurs. Moving into one of the homes offered new experiences. They each had their own bedroom, and there was a yard to play in with neighborhood children. 

The upcoming move means they will be living with Grandpa. 

"Mom says that we will probably 
stay in this home for a long time, 
but you never know. 

                       It's okay ... 

                            we are good at moving."

In a story filled with charm and humor, Ms. Brown shows in her mixed-media and expressive artwork a different reality at times than the memory being shared. At every turn, readers are treated to scenarios that invite careful looks. It's refreshing to see the variety of homes they inhabit as the years pass, while ending on a hopeful note that this might be their last move. If not, they have experiences that prove being together, no matter where, is home. 

As she did in The Airport Book (Roaring Brook, 2016) and The Hospital Book (Holiday House, 2023), the author uses the same family to tell her story. Imagine having all three together as a reading experience for your family! What a fun trip to the library that would be. What might you discover? 

A Cure for the Hiccups, written by Jennifer E. Smith and illustrated by Brandon James Scott. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"But she is not very good at being patient.
Her grandmother is always telling her to
slow down. To stop. To sit and listen to the
rustle and hum of the trees. To close her 
eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on her 
face. 

To pause. 

To wait. 

To be."

How many people think they have a cure for the hiccups? Max could certainly use a sure-fire trick as she has been hiccupping for far too long. She has given many traditional suggestions a try; nothing is working. Her grandmother offers her best advice. She suggests time and patience. While Max is very good at many different pursuits, patience is not her strong suit. 

Max has much too much to get done. Still, the hiccups she is experiencing are always on her mind. She thinks constantly of all the scenarios that might follow her over a lifetime of hiccupping. All of her worries result in constant imagined scenes that will be the consequences of her predicament. 

"One day, when she becomes president, her hiccups 
will be heard around the world. People will hand her 
glasses of water everywhere she goes. None of it will 
help."

When she finally sits quietly to think on all that she is worrying about, things change. She hears the soft wind, feels the warmth of the sun, takes a deep breath ... takes a pause and waits. When her grandmother asks how she is doing, Max complains that she will never be the same. A second simple question has Max taking a careful assessment of her condition. What? The hiccups are GONE, and will stay that way until the next time. With her new knowledge, she is able to advise her little brother on handling his own hiccups. 

Kids listening to Max's story will giggle as Max goes down the rabbit hole that leads to every imagined scene in her future with the hiccups she cannot control. The digital artwork is full of fun and imagination and is sure to entertain readers. The advice given to slow down and breathe works wonders for each one of us.                                                                                    

While We Wait, written and illustrated by Bee Johnson. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Summer market. 
Row of stalls. 
Pickles. Peaches. 
Overalls. 

Bucket drummer
          makes a beat. 
While we wait,
          we move our feet."

Remember those days when you had errands to run and you needed to take your young children with you? I don't think mine appreciated it anymore than I did. But, that's parenting. Dad has left a 'to do' list for Mom and the kids while he is away. The kids know there will be a lot of waiting. 

Before they leave the house, they need to be sure to take with them all they will need. While they are doing that, Mom is busy looking for a bag that appears to be lost. The waiting results in a raucous game of tag, and they are off. Their first stop is the market; their mother shops while the girls are entertained by a drummer and a dog. It's a perfect time to practice their dance moves. 

The post office is next. The line is long and slow. A woman in front of them is busy trying to control an unruly toddler, offering the girls a chance to distract with a flower and funny faces. Once they are on their way again, their mother stops to visit with a friend while the girls keep her dog company. A nearby shop attracts attention with its many miscellaneous marvels; it's the perfect place to find the dress that is on their list. 

Finally, it's time to stop for lunch ... another long wait. They are hangry and fall apart. Leaving the diner as the skies open forces them to snuggle up under an awning where they wait until they can cross the street, splashing and stomping as they go. Energy expended, it's time to take a break and read a book at home while Mom prepares soup for supper. After eating, with the 'to do' list done, the girls settle in for the night; Mom falls asleep before finishing her tea. 

The detailed, colorful illustrations offer plenty to see as the story is read. They enhance the rhythmic storytelling with images that offer hints about the children, their family life and the place they call home. Even while completing their errands, and spending a lot of their time waiting, kids can find happy moments that distract from the drudgery. This is a great reminder of that.                                                                            

                                    

https://youtu.be/W1YlZWE3hFc?si=asCiJr7Vd0wOpno5

Bear and Bird: The Secret and Other Stories, by Jarvis. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $23.50 ages 3 and up

 

"The Secret

It might not surprise you to learn that 
Bear was terrible at keeping secrets. 
Like when he told everybody the 
secret ingredient in Mouse's cheese 
pie (extra cheese).
Or the time when he told everybody 
about Rabbit getting stuck in the toilet. 
And when he told everybody the 
reason why Bird doesn't fly. Well, 
Bird did not like that at all.
Once Bear knew a secret, he found 
it impossible to keep it."

This sixth book of short stories from Jarvis about two best friends is just as warm and amusing as each of the first five. I have loved them all, and am delighted when I get a chance to share them with young readers. While they may not always agree on issues that arise, the two friends do want the other to be happy. It may take time, but they find a way to sort out their troubles, and that leads back to acceptance and understanding. 

The four short stories in this newest book have to do with a list, lasagna, a secret, and a tree. When Bird learns that Bear has nicknames for his other friends, but has not chosen one for Bird, she is upset. In response, Bird decides to write her own list in a letter to Bear, calling him a bunch of rude names meant to be hurtful. She is ready to deliver it when Rabbit scoots by and takes Bird's shopping list to the market. You might be able to guess what happens next with the two lists. The mix-up is enough to make any young reader giggle. When Bird apologizes for her response to her friend, Bear's reasoning for not giving Bird a nickname is heartwarming. 

The following stories deal with likes and dislikes, the importance of keeping secrets most of the time, and how a game of hide-and-seek ends up having friends realize just how happy they are to be together. These tales of friendship are always thoughtful, kind, and charming, despite mix-ups and misunderstandings. 

All six books in this series are perfect for young readers yearning for independence in their reading lives. You can't go wrong adding them to your library shelves. 

Drawing Is ... Your Guide to Scribbled Adventures, by Elizabeth Haidle. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $26.99 ages 9 and up

"Drawing is ... FEELING

Let's dip below the surface now. How can 
drawing hint at what's inside? 

What emotions do these faces express? 
The eyebrows say a lot.

Here's an exercise I've tried. 
Fill a page with circles. Add noses, 
eyes, mouths. Adjust the eyebrow
positions slightly to create different 
expressions."

This is the book I needed when I was a classroom teacher and trying to help my students learn about the strategies illustrators used to help tell the wonderful stories we were reading in the books we shared daily. I do not have an artistic bent, so I was learning along with my students. I was constantly searching for techniques that would inform my teaching. This book would have helped tremendously. 

The author begins with what drawing is NOT. It is NOT a contest, it is NOT right or wrong, it is NOT just for the "talented ones", it is NOT a waste of time, and it is NOT exercise. Rather, it is a way to 'explore, think and feel, experiment and question'. When readers can recognize that, they are ready to get at it. The table of contents offers Ms. Haidle's idea for what drawing is. It is traveling, wondering, focusing, feeling, growing, not-knowing, and magic. 

She explains to those sharing her ideas that what is needed to get started is a dot and a line that takes you somewhere. No need to rush; there are questions to be considered. From there she suggests that aspiring artists proceed forward on scribbled adventures that take into account scale, texture, pattern, and contrast. Her observations and instructions are filled with helping her readers pay attention to the processes they are using, rather than the final product. She encourages at every turn, with no expectations only a willingness to give it a try. It isn't until the last six pages that repeatable exercises are suggested. 

Now, get out a sketchbook and see what happens! 

Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse, written by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O'Connor. Illustrated by Natasha Donovan. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"The government didn't like our little wild ponies. 
They called them a nuisance and a health hazard. 
They were going to shoot them. We couldn't let 
that happen. Our ancestors had bred these ponies
for many generations. They were our spirit animals. 
Our friends. They were the last of their kind. We 
had to save them. But how?"

It's a highly anticipated evening for two young members of the Lac La Croix First Nation in northwestern Ontario. They cannot sleep with a house full of relatives all eager for what's about to happen. Nookomis reminds them they must continue to wait. She is persuaded to retell the story of the wild ponies who once shared their land. Those horses were a great help to the people through the winter, and on their trip to summer camps. They would wander free in the summer to birth their foals and always be brought back in the autumn. 

The last time Nookomis saw them, there were only four left. The people determined to save these spirit animals and made careful plans to take them to safety in Minnesota. There was only one way to transport them - across the frozen lake. With time and patience, they were rounded up and taken away. Nookomis had not seen them for forty years. 

Complications in growing the herd from four to more once again took time and effort. Today they are called Ojibwe horses in honor of the family's ancestors. Tonight, a small herd from Alberta is making the trip to Lac La Croix where they will be reunited with Nookomis and those who once loved and honored them. A new story will be shared in years to come. Emotional and uplifting.                                                                                       

Introducing Sandwina: The Strongest Woman in the World! Written by Vicki Conrad and illustrated by Jeremy Holmes. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"When a skinny acrobat named Max stepped 
into the ring, Katie knocked him flat on his back
before he knew what hit him. He looked up, saw
Katie, and all he could say was, "Marry me."
Katie carried him out of the ring and married 
him two years later. Max and Katie, a perfect 
pair, with a brand-new act."

Middle graders will be very interested to meet Katie Brumbach, who came to be known as Sandwina in her professional life. Her story reads like a circus show; the digital mixed-media artwork lives up to the sense of wonder that is often associated with high performance. 

Katie was born in Germany to a family of performers, showing great strength and a penchant for performing at a very young age. She was tireless in her pursuit of fame and a place in the Ringling Big Top Circus. In the meantime, she fascinated audiences with her impressive ability and remarkable feats. She was also appreciated for her femininity at a time when women were not expected to look as she did. 

Her marriage to Max Heyman led to endless touring; eventually they named themselves the Sandwinas. They performed throughout the United States and were finnally seen by John Ringling in Paris. Impressed by her beauty and her strength, he made her p the main attraction of his circus show. As a devoted mother to two sons, Theodore and Alfred, she continued to work at a variety of venues until settling down to open a family restaurant in Queens, New York. 

Backmatter includes archival photos, an author's note, a look at her family life, short notes about other strong women who were circus performers when Katie was, a timeline of her life's events, a selected bibliography, and an illustrator's note. Jeremy Holmes' images are a perfect match to the text, placing Katie in the spotlight at every turn. The chosen colors, the circus-like fonts, the banners and posters are all reflective of the life and times of this amazing woman. 

The One About the Blackbird, written by Melanie Florence and illustrated by Matt James. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The first thing Jack heard when he woke
up the next morning was his grandfather
strumming his guitar and playing Jack's 
favorite song - the one about the blackbird.
"Can you teach me that?" Jack asked, 
rubbing his eyes and settling down beside 
his grandfather, watching as his fingers 
danced across the guitar strings."

Jack's life has been filled with music. His grandfather, a music aficionado and guitarist, has made sure of that. His grandfather never missed a chance to play yet another record that filled the rooms with glorious sound. His extensive record collection and his ability to play various instruments was wondrous. Jack especially liked it when he played his guitar ... his favorite song on the guitar was 'the one about the blackbird'. Jack wanted to be just like his grandfather, and told him so. 

Worried that his grandfather would think he was too young to learn, Jack was surprised at his awareness of Jack's love for and need to play music. Jack wanted to be taught to play the blackbird song. Before that could happen, his grandfather explained that they would make a slow start. It did not go well; the guitar was much bigger than expected and made noises Jack had never heard. It did not get easier despite his grandfather's encouragement. Jack wanted to give up. 

""If it was easy, everyone would do it,"
his grandfather said kindly. "Keep trying.""

With hard work and patience, Jack got better. They worked day after day. As time passed, Jack got bigger and the guitar got smaller. The time came for Jack to move away from his grandfather and make his way in the world, playing his music for large crowds. When he was homesick, he listened to his grandfather's records. 

During one visit, his grandfather admired Jack's guitar. Jack reminded that it once belonged to him. The tables turned and Jack thought he would now teach his grandfather to play again. Finding it difficult to remember, his grandfather handed the guitar back and asked Jack to play 'the one about the blackbird' for him. 

Matt James' mixed-media artwork is as outstanding as ever. His characters, the setting, and the nostalgic feeling he gives to the flow of Ms. Florence's warm words makes for a real connection between generations and over time. 

How To Hatch: A Gosling's Guide to Breaking Free, written by Sara Holly Ackerman and illustrated by Galia Bernstein. Alfred A.Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Step Two: PIP!

You're going to bust right through the shell. 
But lets's get a few things straight. 

You can't shatter a shell with 
webbed feet. And your knobby knees
are not nearly sharp enough. 

Your rump? Ridiculous!
That won't get you anywhere. 

Your mighty pipping muscle and your 
trusty egg tooth will get you out."

The text box that holds space on the recto side of this spread provides the following factual information for readers:

Inside the Shell 

The air in the air cell won't last forever. 
The gosling embryo needs air from 
outside the shell to live. The pipping 
muscle and the egg tooth go back to work. 
The beak strikes the shell until it makes a 
light crack or a small hole. 

Using a second-person voice to encourage the embryo of a brand-new gosling to make its way into the world is a brilliant choice for helping young readers understand just exactly how this incredible process works. Then, choosing to include sidebars on every spread as explanation for what is clearly happening at each stage makes it even more brilliant ... and compelling, accessible, and highly entertaining, while also very informative. 

Younger readers will appreciate the language that includes well-chosen descriptive words and verbs to encourage the gosling to do its hard work. The informative explanations for the true science of this life cycle will be appreciated by older listeners who want the facts. Both are sure to be satisfied with the direction the narrative takes from Step One (BREATHE!) through to Step Six (FLOP!). 

"Don't fret about the soggy down, but beware
of chills. Find a toasty spot, and before you 
know it, you'll be as dry as a dandelion puff."

Kids will be captivated from the front endpapers to the back ones. Galia Bernstein's digital images put the geese at the center of attention throughout the telling, offering plenty of white space on every page. If you are at all claustrophobic, you will be cheering from the initial sight of the gosling as it is all tucked up inside its shell. Watching it move, grow, and instinctively know exactly what it needs to do to exit its shell is fascinating. Watching it 'healthy, happy, hatched' offers real satisfaction. Now part of the gaggle, it closely follows its mother and siblings to the lake for a first swim.

A glossary of words for birds follows, as does an author's note for the grown-ups who will share this book, and a list of selected resources. Beautiful! It's sure to be a favorite.                                                                                  

My Subway Runs, written by James Gladstone and illustrated by Pierre Pratt. Groundwood Books, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I see no tree roots growing down here, or worms
wriggling in wet dirt. 

But there's a grey puddle from the water drips above. 

My subway runs fast, pushing wind through the 
station, blowing wild all the passengers' hair."

Having never travelled by subway, I cannot imagine the sights, sounds, and wind that might take my breath away. Thanks to James Gladstone and Pierre Pratt, I have a more distinct idea for the excitement and mayhem felt through the eyes of a young child as he and his mother move into the underground where they become part of it all. 

There is a large crowd of people using the subway as a means of transportation on this day. The boy begins to make his many discoveries as they reach the platform where they will wait for their train to arrive. There is a lot going on around them. Once seated, they watch others rush and push to hop on. The doors slide shut and they are on their way. 

It's dark in the tunnel. There are many new sounds and loud screeches which are unpleasant music to the child's ears. The people come from all walks of life, and spend their time on the train doing a variety of things, including reading, chatting, and even sleeping. It is very exciting, especially when they come out of the tunnel and onto a bridge that seems to take them into the sky. They soon arrive at Union Station where his mom spends time searching for a job at one of the restaurants; then it's time to make the return trip! Once home, the child acknowledges that the subway continues to run day and night. The sights, the sounds, and the awareness of the constant movement makes for an exciting adventure - one that is sure to be taken again.  

Pierre Pratt's artwork allows readers a clear look at the people encountered in this trip across the city. Detailed depictions of a diverse population, the energy of their journey, and the quick motion of the trip itself offer a clear look at subway travel for those of us who have not had the opportunity to experience it for ourselves.                                                                                       

Suuban's First Day: a first day of herding story. Written by Shugri Salh and illustrated by Alaba Onajin. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 3 and up

 

"One full moon passed.  
             And another. 

Suuban was getting tired of waiting. 
"When will my front teeth fall out, Ayeeyo?"

"When you hear the frogs sing out from 
the pond," Ayeeyo replied. 

Suuban knew that the frogs returned only 
when enough rain fell. Suuban saw not a 
wisp of cloud in the sky and smelled no 
hint of rain in the air."

In this story based on the author's Somalian childhood, readers meet Suuban and her ayeeyo (grandmother) as they live a nomadic life. Suuban loves the animals the two care for every day. In early morning, Suuban is happy to go out and release the goats, sheep, and baby camels from their pens and help with feeding them. 

Her dream is to be able to care for the animals on her own. Ayeeyo explains that she must wait until she loses her two front teeth before that will happen. Four full moons is a long time to wait for the young girl. Her help with the animals every day is fine; she wants to do more. Tired of waiting for what seems an interminable time, Suuban frequently asks her grandmother for other signs. 

When she loses her first tooth, she is sure it's time. Ayeeyo tells her she must wait to lose both teeth. Impatient, Suuban takes her fate into her own hands, challenging a head-butting little goat to an encounter. It works! That very day, Suuban is given careful instructions before taking the animals under her wing and heading for the large termite mound her grandmother describes. 

Always on the lookout, Suuban proves capable and brave on her own. Herding the animals into the shade, she takes time to be sure that all forty are safe. Knowing they are, she can take time to appreciate her natural surroundings. A fox is no match for Suuban; she sends him off with well-thrown rocks. Only as evening shadows set in does Suuban know it is time to return to the compound and her grandmother. They share the day's adventure before she has another question for Ayeeyo.

""When can I take the camel to fetch water by myself?"

"When you are as tall as my shoulder," her ayeeyo said."

Digital artwork is welcome, offering a setting that enhances the storytelling and allows young readers to note the nomadic lifestyle of Suuban and her ayeeyo. They are both colorful and detailed, sharing the emotions that Suuban shows with patience and an eagerness to be of more help. An author's note places the story in Somalia and speaks to children of her life there, and the admiration she holds for her grandmother and the lessons she learned from her.