School for Woodland Creatures, written and illustrated by Lauren Castillo. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 7 and up

 

"Hedgehog stayed up late thinking about 
Annika Mae and her new friends. She 
wanted to be happy for her, and yet she 
couldn't help feeling left out. But soon 
she would be in school, too. And that 
could be fun ... 

She was going to have to embrace 
this change, whether she wanted to 
or not." 

It's Annika Mae's first day of school and her birthday. Her woodland friends meet her in the Friend Fort before she must catch the bus. Once she is gone, the friends make a plan to have their own school since they can't go with her. It's a pretty exciting idea. Each will teach what they know best to the others. Upon arrival home after her first day, the friends are eager to know about her day. She tells them she has two new friends, Julia and Jessie. Hedgehog is worried that things are changing, and she must come to terms with that. 

The following day, Hedgehog spends time worrying about what she will be able to teach the others. She makes visits to each of them to see what they are planning to do. Still, she lacks any idea for what she will teach with confidence. As school begins the next day, Owl takes the role of teaching compound words with artistic help from Hedgehog. There are a few distractions; in the end, it is a successful lesson and Beaver offers the next lesson.  As the others continue to teach, Hedgehog persists in worrying. She knows she loves art which is never perfect. Is she good enough at it to teach a lesson? 

Seeing a light on in the Friend Fort one evening, Hedgehog enters to find Annika Mae crying about what happened at school. Her story about her woodland friends made the other students laugh when one of the boys said her friends were not people, so they could not be real friends. Mole and Hedgehog offer support and Mole leaves Annika Mae thinking about a piece of advice: BEING TRUE TO YOURSELF IS ALL THAT MATTERS.

Hedgehog takes that lesson to heart and spends the rest of the evening preparing for the next day's teaching. She tells her friends about her worries, and not knowing what she might teach. They all praise her artistic ability, letting her know that she is a great artist. The lesson is a success, only made better when Annika Mae arrives home to add a finishing touch. 

This is an inspiring addition to a very successful and appreciated series: well-developed characters, engaging art at every turn, and minor clashes that are realistic and add real personality to the telling. 

Everything is better when you are doing what you love. 

Sockflea: A Stuffie in the Wild, written by Laura Dockrill and illustrated by Eve Byrne. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

""WHY DIDN'T YOU MAKE ME 
BRING MY STUFFIES?"

My grown-up flicks on the flashlight, 
is a little bit annoyed, unzips a bag, 
huffs and puffs about, and then ... 

     magic happens ... "

Our young elephant narrator can't believe her great good luck. The family is going camping! So many wonderful experiences to share: campfire songs, roasted marshmallows, sleeping under a starry sky. A parental suggestion to bring a stuffie is met with the assurance that none is needed. What follows is a summary of all of the favorites she will leave behind. Her parents are worried about bedtime; she is not. 
She's 5, after all. The first day is filled with adventure and discovery. As day fades to night, worries begin to mount. Her parents are right there to reassure her, offering the warmth of hugs. Nothing helps to assuage the need for her stuffies. Her rant about leaving them behind is one often heard by parents, I am sure. 

Out of desperation comes ingenuity and invention when the parents fashion a pair of socks into an alternative charmer, aptly named Sockflea. The initial suspicions concerning its ability to soothe are soon outweighed by the need for comfort. Learning that her other stuffies have sent the very cute Sockflea to keep her company while camping leads to acceptance. Sockflea is a welcome addition to the camping adventures, offering fun and comfort for the rest of the trip. Once home with her stuffies, she can accept that Sockflea was some kind of magic and has disappeared until ... 

I will leave you to appreciate the surprise ending!

So funny and entirely typical of family drama, this is a book that will resonate with many young children and their parents. Eve Byrne's engaging digital art is filled with emotional expressions, movement, and great amusement. Be prepared to read it again and again ... it is a great deal of fun for both reader and listener. 

Jayden Noticed, written by Carolyn Crimi and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 20226. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"He had lots of rocks - a homework rock, 
a thinking rock, a fort-building rock. 

But his favorites were his wishing rocks. 

He made wishes for snow days, perfect
pumpkins, and chocolate cake for dessert. 

Once, on the first day of school, he had 
wished for a friend, and he got two!" 

Packing rocks is only one of the jobs Jayden must do in preparation for the family's upcoming move. Jayden, a noticer, especially notices rocks. Rather than packing as his father suggests, Jayden spends time organizing his rock collection. His wishing rock jar is the first to be packed. His many rocks might be ready to move; Jayden is not. 

There is much about the new house Jayden doesn't like. His mother thinks he should give it a chance. Instead, he worries about the home they are leaving: the old tree, his many friends. Will he find new friends? The very next morning, Jayden finds a rare wishing rock. He wishes his wish, and puts it in his pocket. On a bicycle trip through his new neighborhood, Jayden hears a rustle on the other side of a white fence. It's a boy.

Jayden introduces himself, only to recognize that Alex is also a noticer who likes bugs. The two are off on a journey of discovery before lunch. That night, Jayden adds his new wishing rock to his collection, and finally fills the jar. What an opportunity to get started on a brand-new jar in a brand-new home! 

Mixed-media artwork is textural and filled with emotion. The images fully reflect Ms. Crimi's warm storytelling. The feelings of uncertainty Jayden experiences with all the changes wrought by their move are clear for readers, as is the joy found in a new friend. 

Mary Oliver, Holding On To Wonder, written by Erin Frankel and illustrated by Jasu Hu. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"But what Mary really wanted to know
was how to take this place with her - 
wherever she might go. This place where
she felt free. This place that sang to her like
the poems in her books.
Maybe poetry was the key." 

Mary Oliver loved to spend time in the forest near her home. There she basked in the quiet wonder of it all, with pen and notebook in hand.  Always wondering about nature, she was filled with questions. On a quest to take it all in and carry it with her, she turned to poetry. It was her love for words that afforded the opportunity to consider the works of Edna St. Vincent Millay; in so doing, she contacted Edna's sister and asked if she might visit their family home. 

As she worked organizing the work Edna left behind, Mary continued to venture into the natural world where she was always excited about the thoughts and questions it inspired. The mysteries of this natural world were recorded in her notebooks. Reading those notes would take Mary back to the feelings that inspired her many poems. Only then did she share het gift with the world; publishing books, teaching her craft, and never missing the chance to be in nature on her daily morning walks. 

"Notebook in hand, Mary set out each morning in 
search of wonder. She hid pencils behind trees to she
would always be prepared. 
Foxes and moon snails; black bears and owls,
snow crickets and goldfinches; sunflowers and ponds - 
Mary wrote on and on." 

Her poems, written over her long life, were for everyone, in hope that others would hold onto the wonder she had found in this beautiful world. That world is highlighted in wondrous digital artwork by Jasu Hu. Back matter includes an author's note, a timeline of Mary's life, a note on the craft of poetry, and a select bibliography.                                                                                          

The Cow in the Dark at Night, written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan. Quill Tree, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"I think I was always meant 
to be awake at night. 

Maybe I'll become a nocturnal cow from now on. 
You can call me Queen of the Nightlife. 

Or Child of the Moon. 
       Maybe Lord of Twilight?"

A plan has been in the works for ages. Finally, the barnyard denizens are soundly sleeping and the cow is 'on the loose', having always wondered about the night's happenings. Tonight is the night to make many discoveries for herself. It isn't long until the cow recognizes that the black cat is alongside. The cow offers assurance that she is completely capable of caring for herself, and her adventure. Her plan is to be home before the farmer realizes she is gone. 

Meeting her first night person (a scarecrow) is a revelation. Though quiet, this person wears a jaunty hat and shows an admmirable style. Next up are two masked robbers, obviously stealing a television set after a break-in. They do their best to avoid her questions and move on. Next up is a vampire whose upside-down position doesn't deter. 

Moving forward, it isn't long until Cow comes upon a 'fellow nocturnal' who turns out to be a space creature with a plan to kidnap the cow, What a mistake! Luckily, the cat has continued to accompany its wayward friend, and is part of the space trip. What is their destination? A big red planet that welcomes them. Is it to be their new home? 

The final scene shows the farmer awakening, preparing for the coming day, and making a terrible discovery. I will leave it to you to get the last laugh! 

Both vibrant and silly, this is just the book that kids will ask to hear on repeat. They may even shout warnings to the cow as it makes its way around the barnyard. Such a goofy cow, and a nighttime adventure that offers up giggles galore. A black cat adds expression, humor, and a certain sense of protection for the meandering cow. As in her two previous books, Spider in the Well (2024) and The Bear Out There (2025), Ms. Hannigan uses cut-paper collage to create her wonderful artwork, this time in oranges, purples, and greens. 

Bob Is The Biggest, Strongest, And Smartest, written by Jean Reidy and illustrated by Amy Jindra Hodgson. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"No one questioned Bob. As a matter of fact, 
no one could. Because Bob did all the talking. 

Until the day Bill came along. 
Bill wasn't big. He hardly looked strong, 
and ... "

Bob is very sure of himself; he is 'the biggest, strongest, and smartest bear in the whole wide world'. He is very happy to share that news with everyone he meets, repeatedly. No one really gets much of a chance to talk as Bob is continually holding court with his many attributes. 

When Bill comes along, he is full of questions for everyone he meets. He wants to know what they are doing, and offers compliments for their many accomplishments. At first, Bob is not impressed at all. He does notice that when Bill shows interest, the woodland animals are happy to talk with him. They even ask questions of their own. 

No one seems to notice, as Bob does, that Bill is 'small and slight'. Instead, Bill wantes to know more about them. Everyone seems delighted to be getting to know him. Bob is quite perturbed by those who are no longer interested in what he has to say. When Bill shows an interest in what Bob has to say about his physical training and then asks a further question, Bob realizes he is feeling quite happy with their conversation. 

"Bob found that they 
were quite different
in some ways, 

and quite alike 
in more." 

Pretty cool, indeed ... and a great way to mentor another toward a change in perspective. Isn't that what friends do for each other? 

Where Are You, Eddie? Written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Gill Smith. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"When I got home, Meg was taking a nap.
I stood in the kitchen making a sandwich. 
I could hear Eddie saying, "The first bite
is with the eye, Dad." 

Meg looked up and said, "Do you know
where Eddie is?"
I thought about it.
I said, "Eddie hasn't gone, has he?"
He's here, isn't he?"

This companion book to Michael Rosen's Sad Book (2005) continues the story of losing his son Eddie. As a tall, grey-haired man walks into the kitchen, then stands silently there, he wonders where Eddie is, and if he is somewhere nearby. As the cat Meg walks toward him he speaks to her, asking the question that haunts him. 

"Eddie's not coming back, is he, Meg?"

Meg gently reminds him that it isn't the end; rather, it is the beginning. She suggests he always look for Eddie. Though he won't be as he was, he will still be there. The man's daily travels carry many strong memories of Eddie and the wonderful times they spent together. He meets people who knew Eddie and they also share thoughts of their time with him, and what was so special about him. Returning home, he tells Meg what he has learned on his day out. 

While Eddie is no longer here, he lives in the memories of all who knew and loved him, including Meg. This book is a look at the grieving process through a first-person voice, accompanied by mixed-media artwork that is emotional and bittersweet, yet hopeful. Memories are powerful reminders of those we have loved and lost. Michael Rosen's own experience is shared honestly with readers in hopes they will find some solace as they adapt to a life that is markedly different, but ultimately filled with moments of joy. 

Planting Hope, written by Frederick Joseph and illustrated by Paul Kellam. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"One day, Henry's mom didn't go with 
him to the garden. His dad said she 
wasn't feeling well. 

One day became two days. Two days became 
a week. As time continued to pass, the garden
that was once full of life and joy became
filled with plants that were droopy, weak
and sad."

You had to love plants if you were part of Henry's family. Everyone loves plants and they really love to garden. On any day, you will find all three of them outside taking care of their yard. Henry has a terrible time encouraging his tiny plant to grow. His mom is always encouraging him to keep trying. His neighbor tells a story of how his mom planted an entire orchard to help feed the hungry. His mom is like a huge tree that envelops everyone in her community. 

Henry watches his mom every day and does his best to follow in her footsteps; his plant does not grow and he is running out of patience. There comes a day when his mom does not come into the garden. She is not feeling well. She does not get better and soon the garden begins to show the sadness felt by all. What can they do? Neighbors try to help, but no one has much spirit without Henry's mother. 

Henry explains to his neighbor that he is doing his best. She offers an idea. She takes Henry into his mom's orchard and tells him that no one believed the orchard would grow because of the bad soil. She planted it anyway. Henry remembers the hope his mom always mentions, and its importance to what really happens. He will have to show his plants at home that he has hope for them. What wonder awaits! 

Henry's hope helps their garden ... and his mom. Although she is still sick, she lets Henry know she believes in him, just as he believes in his mom getting better. 

Colourful illustrations that change as Henry's mood changes offer context for the strong feelings felt and build on the hope this story inspires. 

""People and seeds have a lot in common," 
she would say. "If you want them to grow
strong, nourishment and sunlight aren't 
enough - they also need hope.""

Odder, written by Katherine Applegate, with illustrations by Charles Santoso. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2022. $12.99 ages 8 and up

"Nobody has her moves.

She doesn’t just swim to the bottom,

she dive-bombs.

She doesn’t just somersault,

she triple-doughnuts.

She doesn’t just ride the waves,

she makes them."

If you are not a Katherine Applegate fan yet, you will be when you read any of her books. She has all the 'chops': incredible writing, a poetic mindset for telling her remarkable stories, and a love for research that invites young readers to listen and learn. 

This story is about a young otter who lives near Monterey Bay on the California Coast. There are three distinct parts to her story. The first, called The Queen of Play, describes her early life in poetry that introduces the dangers the ocean holds for young marine life. In this case, it is a shark that signals upcoming action. Odder goes out further than is safe, and refuses to heed warnings from her friend Kairi when she is attacked and must find her way to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Her story then slips back to learning about being an otter pup three years earlier. Following the death of her mother, she is taken in by aquarium staff and taught all she needs to know by the staff to survive in the ocean once again. And finally, in part three, the staff realizes her injuries will keep her from returning to her natural habitat. Instead, she is encouraged to become a surrogate for another motherless otter pup.

To say, Ms. Applegate is knowledgeable about otters and the ocean is an understatement. Basing her story on work being done at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, her appealing and heartwarming tale is filled with scientific learning, and presented in language that astounds. 

"A keystone that's called, 
and without it everything falls, 
like a tower of blocks or 
a house of cards. 

It's the same 
with keystone species - 
beavers, wolves, 
prairie dogs, bees,
desert tortoises, sea otters -
they are nature's glue, 
holding habitats together. 

Without otters,
sea urchins, purple as a bruise, 
gobble kelp forests
until the ocean floor
becomes a barren wasteland. 
When enough sea otters
eat enough sea urchins, though, 
all is well, and 
the arch endures."

Tender art done by Mr. Santoso in black-and-white adds context and warmth. This is a brilliant novel for kids who love animals, is accessible for young readers, and has been read by my ten-year-old granddaughter five times in recent months. Obviously, she loves it! 

Back matter includes a glossary; an author’s note about Monterey Bay Aquarium and the real-life stories on which Odder’s is based; and a selected bibliography.

Bring on Wombat Waiting. 

The Great Escape, written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages

 

"Evie found a wand, some solid frozen ground, 
a deep snowdrift, and some magic words.

Snowcus pocus! Blizzard lizzard! Open snowflake! 

and she was gone."

Evie is a big sister who believes in magic. She wishes she could use it to effectively rid herself of her three siblings: Wolfie, Bunny, and Teddy. They are appropriately named for the animal pyjamas they are wearing. To find a quiet space for herself, Evie retreats to the cold of a winter landscape. Not to be outdone, her siblings happily follow. This scenario calls for magic. To Evie's surprise, when she jumps into the snowbank, the text requires the reader to follow until the book tips upside down. Evie enters an underground world filled with sea creatures and galaxies of light. Her sibs are right behind her. 

As her world changes so dramatically, so does the brilliant artwork created by Ms. Marcero. The graphic panels that showed her life at home with her family are replaced with scenes meant to take the breath way. Her siblings ride seahorses, Evie rides off on the back of a dolphin. The pursuit quickly changes when Evie feels the presence of something dangerous. Quickly, she goes into protection mode and hides her siblings. 

"Evie couldn't bear the thought of her siblings getting hurt. 
So she scooped back, zigged high, zagged low, and dipped
and zipped everyone one into a hiding place."

It is Teddy who understands that the whale is in need of help to free her baby from a constellation-shaped fishing net. Helping to quickly untangle the baby earns them a ride home from a very grateful mother. The world (and the book) rights itself, and three tired children race toward the warmth of hearth and home; Evie follows. 

It's almost impossible to describe the beauty found in the magical world the children visit. Ms. Marcero uses actual images taken from the James Webb Space Telescope to enhance the awesome world she creates for their adventure. Her watercolor and ink art, finished digitally, is luminous and full of movement, and charm. 

Enchanting, and certainly worthy of repeated readings. Bravo!                                                                               

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story, written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Lita Judge. Harper, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"When you're the littlest elephant, the 
others teach you how to play and what 
to eat and when to sleep. 
But they also teach you what to fear. 

I learned that some humans like 
tusks more than they like elephants."

Ruby is the littlest elephant in the sanctuary where she lives with her loving family. She likes being an elephant; she is not so keen on tusks. All who love her are making preparations for her Tuskday, a time to celebrate growing up and to think back on her past. Ruby has many sad memories to recall; at the same time, her herd loves her dearly and help her realize that growing up is not meant to be scary. They remind her that remembering bad times often helps to really appreciate the good ones. 

For the first time, younger readers have a chance to meet Ruby in a wonderfully illustrated picture book. They may know her from The One and Only Ivan (2012) which is a much longer story. Here Ruby tells her own story in a shorter version, which allows for discussion. Ruby's fears are based on memories and the fact that she is growing up. Ms. Judge's images are remarkable as she captures the emotions, the scenes of elephant life, and the light that Ruby comes to appreciate following hard times. There is a lot to see and learn from taking a very close look at each spread. 

Bob and Ivan remain her pals as they, too, have a home at the sanctuary. It's just lovely for fans of the novel series to see them again. Sad memories or happy ones, being surrounded with love from her friends and every member of her herd helps Ruby recognize that 'the darkness reminds us to love the light', a sentiment shared with her by her Aunt Akello, the oldest and wisest of all her aunts. 

It's beautifully written story with truly outstanding artwork that evokes admiration for a little elephant who learns all she can from those who love her. 

Bing's Cherries, words by Livia Blackburne and art by Julia Kuo. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"According to Daddy, there's a lot 
about Ah Bing we don't know. But 
we know that he was Chinese like
us, and that he was an orchard man
from long ago. We wouldn't have 
our cherry tree were it not for him. 

At night, after I've washed 
the cherry juice from my hands,
I imagine Ah Bing's life."

I did not know anything about Ah Bing, for whom a certain type of cherry is named. One of the reasons I like picture book biographies so much has to do with all that I learn from reading them. This immigrant story about the Bing cherry has a father telling his daughter that they have good reason to be thankful to Ah Bing for the cherry tree in their backyard. Its bounty makes both very happy. He goes on to tell her there is a lot that is not known about Ah Bing; they do know he was Chinese. He was also an orchard man who played an important role in developing cherry trees that people so enjoy. 

In bed that night, the girl tries to imagine Ah Bing's life. He had to sail from China. Unlike many Chinese people, he was very tall, allowing him to wade ashore in San Francisco Bay. He may then have traveled north to find work where he was quickly hired because of his great height. The girl's imaginings create a kind and very helpful man who did what he could to offer assistance to people, birds and animals. His songs kept the trees happy and growing. He was a leader of men, who worked hard to keep the orchards healthy and producing. 

Ah Bing dearly missed the family he left behind in China. He was a good friend and liked by many; still, there were people who didn't like his look and felt threatened by him. Ah Bing did his best to protect himself and his team of workers. Some of the trees grew taller and sweeter due to his care. Those trees were named for him. After many years Ah Bing returned to his family, taking the tree seeds with him and planting them at his home. Today, the girl and her father reap the benefits of his hard work so long ago. At least, that's the story she believes. 

A well-written origin story, made more dramatic with digital artistic scenes that are filled with depth and clear perspective in terms of Ah Bing's size, work ethic, sadness about being so far away from family, and his humanity. 

In author and illustrator notes, the creators share their interest in American folklore, their Chinese culture, and how they made Ah Bing's story come alive for readers. Further information includes what is known about Ah Bing, further reading and a sweet recipe to try.

A Door Is to Open, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"When you see a door out in the world, 

you may wonder:

Who will come through it?

Where will it lead?" 

As the first door opens, a child allows a mother cat and her four kittens access. A page turn shows another door being knocked on by a child carrying a bouquet of flowers. Once opened the next door provides an invitation to come inside and enjoy a warm meal. There are so many doors that function as a passage from one place to another. 

Each offers variety: entry to a birthday party, door knocking games, transparency from the outside for visitors, the screen on a backyard tent to let in welcome air, a door that revolves offering access, entertainment, and enjoyment. The list goes on, each one giving readers a chance to develop a further story to match the door presented. 

Is the reading child hiding in the closet or using it for a safe and quiet place to finish her book? What about a door to the imagination that allows for discovering a place never considered? Where might a trap door lead? What kind of adventure might it offer? What lies behind the classroom door on the first day of school? What door does a new book offer? There is a myriad of doors in nature, on land and in the water. Just think of it! 

"If you find a small door 
with a knob the size of a pea, 
there might be tiny friends to visit."

The beauty of a door is the invitation to go through it, to wonder what's on the other side. Can you make a door of your own? 

Julie Morstad certainly used her creativity to fill each spread with images that invite readers to pay careful attention to the details and settings shown here. Her use of white space allows readers time to consider other ideas. Whether it's a rainbow-striped tunnel, an inviting school classroom, or a rabbit warren, she enlightens and engages young readers to think about where a door might lead. Those doors provide endless possibilities. 
                                                                                           

102, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"The cricket hopped toward the wall, 
then disappeared into a large crack. 

So I followed. 

Within the wall was a vast miniature 
world with strings of lights. We crept
through a maze of passages, past 
treasures lying here and there. A 
collection of paper clips. A cracked 
marble. A strange old coin."

I am a HUGE fan of Matthew Cordell's genius storytelling and art. I have been sharing his books with you since August 14, 2010 when he illustrated a book by Phyllis Root called TOOT TOOT ZOOM! There have been more than 30 others, and I know I have missed many; I am NOT going to miss telling you about this one. 

It is one of my very favorite books. I am longing to share it with my granddaughters when they arrive for our annual July visit on Saturday. I have read and reread it many times to myself; I will be so much happier reading it with them and hearing what they have to say about it. 

102 Greenbriar Drive is a large two-story house where our narrator George and his family live. Remembering back to when he was a child, we are told that, on that day October 2, he was sent home from school with a fever of 101. George and his mother are in the kitchen when a mouse scurries across the floor. His mother is not pleased and drops a bowl over it. It is carrying a tiny black bean in its mouth. George finds a place for it to live, gives it water and sunflower seeds, and begs his mother to let him keep it. 

George's temperature rises to 102; his mother tucks him in with two heavy blankets, hoping they will break the fever. She tells him the mouse will be gone the next day. At 1:02 AM, George's eyes pop open to the sound of a cricket's chirp. It hops down, and signals for George to follow. In order to do that, George shrinks down to cricket size and passes through a crack in the wall. Entering a marvelous world of woodland creatures and exceptional sights, Geroge is frightened by a hungry owl.  

A lucky escape allows George to follow the cricket through a tiny door at 102 Acorn Hollow. Sitting to have the tea offered by a mother mouse, George learns they need one more bean for their 102-bean soup. Junior is ill with a fever. The soup is what he needs to recover. Father has gone to get the bean; he has not returned. George knows how to help. The cricket leads the return trip home, where George releases Father Mouse and after awakening at 1:02 PM, he has his own bowl of healing bean soup. 

Not only does the recurring 102 theme intrigue, the similarities between George and Junior will be noted: both sick, both covered by two heavy blankets, both experiencing deep sleep, and the healing power of 102-bean soup. 

I have not even mentioned the remarkable artwork, a signature attraction to Mr. Cordell's fine books. He provides exceptional detail for every scene, and does it using a type of pen he found in his children's art supplies - a multicolored and multiscented ballpoint pen. You know the one! It took the ink from sixteen such pens to create these warm, textured images of a world that fully captures the attention of everyone who shares this brilliant book.

Was it a dream? In four final pages, 102-year-old George has possession of mementos from that day so long ago and also memories to share. It is a story he has told to family from that day to this.    

I think you should read it 102 times. It is definitely worth it. 

Her Muddy Majesty of Muck, written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna. Hippo Park, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"We arrive at a room full of soft, cozy cushions.
By the time I slip under a warm blanket, Her 
Royal Muddiness is already snoring. 

"YOU'RE SCARED!" the Boogers tease. 
'YOU'RE SCARED TO GO HOME!"

They're right. I want to stay here so I don't 
have to tell Shen how I threw the keys down
the manhole, or that I get angry because he 
ignores me, or how hurt I feel inside. And 
the more I try not to think about it, the 
angrier I get."

Big brother Shen and Yuki are not fast friends. In fact, Shen gets quite annoyed when Yuki's anger causes her to scream and stomp around. On this day, while walking home from school with Shen ignoring her, Yuki throws their house keys down a manhole. Immediately regretting her actions, she climbs down a long and rickety ladder into the streets below the city. 

Fearful over what she has done, she is surprised to meet a creature made of mud who introduces herself as Her Muddy Majesty of Muck. Yuki is encouraged to follow her. As they explore, they walk through the Wicked Woods where if you've been bad, there is nothing to worry about. Smelly little creatures called Boogers taunt Yuki; their job, it turns out, is to make Yuki feel even worse than she already does. In fact, they are even mean to themselves. Yuki, in turn, teases Her Majesty who grows bigger as Yuki gets more horrible. 

They approach Lake Youbegone, and both jump in. Underwater, they see many attention-grabbing creatures before climbing a set of stairs that lead to the Museum of Cast-Away Things. Her Majesty explains their reason for being where they are: 

"When people get angry, they take it out on things they love."

To her great surprise, Yuki finds Shen's yellow dog, a sign that he has also been where she is now. On they go to the Grumporium, a room filled with edible anger. Yuki is offered a taste of one of them. She likes it! Suddenly covered with mud and very concerned, the two move on to the Relax Room; where Yuki admits she is afraid to go home and confess to Shen how she is feeling. 

She is about to drift off when Shen pulls on her arm. Unsure what to say to his sister, he remains silent until the Boogers tease him and he is able to open up. The two begin to leave, causing Her Majesty to cry in despair. Yuki turns back with sympathetic eyes, a warm hug and a promise to return for a play. As a result, her new friend gets smaller and smaller until all that is left are a few twigs and some mud. 

Covered in mud, Shen and Yuki their way up and onto the street. Shen's extra keys let them into their apartment in time to have a shower and make themselves presentable before their parents get home. A final underground view warms the hearts of all readers. 

Inventive and endearing, this modern fairy tale uses wondrous art, moving language, gentle humor, and  reassurring advice about family and emotions to spark tender feelings and change. I remain in awe of Ms. Alemagna's exceptional storytelling and her incredible artistic talent. 
                                                                                              

Wombat Waiting, written by Katheine Applegate. Storytide, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 8 and up

"A community is a living thing,
a group of people 
knit together by need or friendship, 
belief or purpose, 
even worn around the edges, 
like a household of grumpy relatives.

But when something bad happens, 
it comes together, stronger than ever, 
ready to start anew." 

Meeting Wombat is a joyous and heartwarming experience. She is a stray dog with stubby legs and silly ears, who is a survivor. She needs to be one as she feels the Santa Ana winds in Southern California blowing and takes note of a fire she can see in the distance. After an upsetting dream, she begins to hear an internal voice telling her to go THAT WAY. Her concern is that it is sending her toward the fire. Having no one, and no home, Wombat does as she is told. 

A chance meeting with a canine friend named Silas. When she tells Silas about the voice, he shares a sympathetic opinion. 

"Oh, you poor pup,
Silas sighed. 
You're one of them, aren't ya?

One of them? Wombat asked. 

You're a destiny dog, said Silas. 

He offered a toothless smile. 
Congrats. 
And condolences."

Being a destiny dog means Wombat is bound to find her person. It's a convincing observation; Wombat will follow the voice's mysterious instructions, despite the dangers. Soon readers meet Henry, a young boy who lives with his two moms and little sister in the path of the wildfire. He loves the bats at the rehab center where Mama Ro works. He and Barnabas, a fruit bat, must find shelter from the fire wreaking havoc everywhere around them. Henry is uncomfortable around dogs following a scary encounter when he was very young. 

As luck would have it, Wombat and Henry cross paths at an emergency shelter. Immediately, Wombat recognizes Henry as her destiny. Henry is wary of any contact. With endless patience and her helping nature, Wombat begins to realize she can offer hope to the displaced people at the shelter. Just as Wombat finds solace in the helping, Henry proves himself to be a willing worker who makes a real difference, too. The bond between the two unfolds as days pass by. Patience is the key to finding each other in the loveliest possible way. 

As the chapters shift from one character to another, readers feel strong empathy toward both. The verse format is perfect for early middle grade readers.Well chosen words balance the terror and acute sadness felt by both as their situation engulfs everyone. It's a story told with gentle caring and quiet humor. So hopeful and endearing. It will be the first book Chelsea and I read in July. We can't wait! 

When I'm a Moshom, written by David A. Robertson and illustrated by Corrie Hill. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"acimo (he tells a story)

When I'm a moshom, 
A long, long time from now, 
I will give my grandchildren stories, 
Just like Moshom did. 

I'll give them stories about themselves, 
And they'll learn to be proud of who they are. 

I'll give them stories about other people, 
And they'll learn about their neighbors, 
friends and classmates."

An opening note from the author tells readers that this book is meant to be a companion to On The Trapline, a story he wrote to honor his father and the relationship the two had with each other and with the land. In looking for ways to keep his father close in memory following his death, and to help his young son remember his moshom, he began considering what his father taught him; he writes about them here. 

Moshom always attended his grandchildren's activities: dance, swim, gymnastics, hockey. He brought good luck every time he watched with immense pride from the sidelines. Moshom took them fishing to catch just enough for a meal, and sat with them on the lake's shore. He smudged, he explained the old teachings for living a good life, and taught them Cree words to help them understand their family's language. 

His love for them was evident in every visit together; he showed it in every way and told them whenever they were together. His storytelling was filled with stories of their ancestors; all told with pride and wonder. He let them know how things were and how they are. He wanted them to know those stories so they could share them with their own loved ones. Visits to his home resulted in eating bannock, playing cards, and visiting his community of family and friends. There was nothing he wouldn't do for them.  His teachings ensure that they will do the same when they are grandparents ... a long, long time from now. 

The text is divided into sections that are prefaced by a Swampy Cree word (and translation) that are later included in a glossary. Digital artwork is created in earth tones and rooted in Indigenous culture that is expressive and telling. Told quietly with a gentle warmth, it is sure to inspire discussion with young listeners about memories of those they have loved and lost, or their own endless experiences enjoyed with their own grandparents. 

The Deepest Blue, written by Shaunty Grant and illustrated by Daniel Minter. Quill Tree Books, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The deepest blue is black as night

except

a light 

come from below -

a sunken ship from moons ago."

What a gorgeous book, full of masterly language and amazing, luminous artwork! The first surprise comes when it is opened. The reader immediately turns to the vertical to see a child holding a tiny shell and beaming in the ocean blue setting. From a sandy beach she is invited to board a boat heading out into the blue expanse. Scuba diving is the draw. 

Dipping below those waves puts her in a world of beauty not all people have a chance to see. A sankofa bird is her constant companion above and below the surface. As she discovers what the sea holds, the bird increases in size. As she swims further down, she is even more aware of the beauty in the colors experienced there. The blue becomes black, except for a light from below that comes from a sunken ship lying on the ocean floor. 

A closer look brings awareness of the many people on board and the chains that held them. She wants to know more. 

"'cause there's a place that's hard to find, 
a treasure trove that's lost to time;
the traders and the tides, they took 
a whole entire history book." 

This sunken slave ship glows with the spirits of ancestors who reach their hands out to her and calm her there. Her past is traced to them, their culture and their being. When she resurfaces, she is united in celebration of that history and new learning about herself.  Remembering the past allows forward thinking and movement. 

Stunning! 

Nice Work, written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Hala Tahboub. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House.. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"If I move, maybe someday someone will
know my tree without knowing me. Or maybe
they'll know me a little. Maybe they'll look
at the tree and know that someone wanted
peaches way back then. 

When told by his parents that he cannot grow a marshmallow tree, he changes his mind and chooses a peach tree. There are similarities between the two: sweet, sticky, feels like summer. Their work begins in the spring when they purchase a stick. He is not impressed, and neither is his friend Maya. She congratulates him on planting a stick. The two plant many similar sticks, assuming that in years to come they will produce even more sticks. 

Nice work! 

He continues to water the peach tree when his parents convince him that the roots are stretching down into the earth below him. To his surprise, the tree is soon covered with leaves. In a bad stroke of luck, Maya lets him know that she and her family are moving. For the rest of the year, including his birthday, Maya's move, the arrival of fall and winter, he is concerned for his tree. When bunnies nibble off the back due to hunger, he leaves them a warning that the tree will seek revenge for their actions. (And his father puts a cage around the tree.) 

In the spring when the leaves burst forth once more, elderly Ruth moves into Maya's old house and regales him with stories of a cherry tree she once planted. Ruth is a great baker of oatmeal cookies which are consumed with regularity. A blossom appears on the peach tree, and soon he is writing a letter to Maya to tell her about it. She asks about the stick forest, which he says he continues watering. Unfortunately for Maya, Ruth is the one who gets to share a peach wedge. Together, they toast next year. One can only imagine what the future holds for that peach tree. 

Nice work, indeed! 

Louisa Learns to Write: Louisa May Alcott Creates Little Women, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Sofia Moore. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25.99 ages 10 and up

"WRITE 

Louisa loved to climb trees and run 
through the woods, sometimes under
moonlight. On her tenth birthday, 
Mother presented her with a special 
gift. Opening the pages of a journal, 
Louisa let the words flow - from 
poetry to petty complaints and even 
private dreams." 

Louisa May Alcott wrote what she knew when she penned the story of 4 girls and their family in Little Women. Her family lived a similar life to the March sisters. Her father was a teacher who often changed jobs, leaving the family in a life of poverty with little food to eat and only used clothing to wear. The four girls loved the worlds they found in their father's books. Louisa loved being outdoors, and she loved to write in a journal from her mother. 

As they moved from place to place, the older girls worked to make the money the family needed. Their jobs were difficult and left Louisa dreaming of riches that would make life more comfortable for everyone. An inheritance left to her mother helped to ease the burden and let them buy a new home. Life became easier and Louisa could give herself over to the reading, writing, and dreaming that she loved to do. The family was happy using her writing to perform in the stories she told. 

Family friends Henry David Thorseau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson were often present for meaningful discussions about important topics. The family home became a stop on the Underground Railroad. In a search for new jobs to improve their lives, they moved to Boston. After helping with many household chores and caring for children, Louisa began to write in earnest. She hoped that she would make enough money to improve their family circumstances. 

"I will do something by and by. 
Don't care what, teach, sew, act, write, 

anything to help the family; and I'll 
be rich and famous and happy before 
I die, see if I won't!"

Family circumstances changed dramatically when one sister died, and another got married and moved away. Louisa wrote more and more, despite setbacks. As a working nurse during the Civil War, she wrote Hospital Sketches, a hit with readers and critics. She wrote, and wrote, and wrote. Would she write for girls, she was asked. Yes, she would - and write she did. She wrote what she knew; she wrote about her own family. It wasn't long until Little Women became a huge hit. 

Back matter includes an informative author's note, archival photos of the four Alcott sisters, a list of ten habits for becoming a writer (all discussed in the pages of the book), a timeline, facts and fiction comparing her family and the March family, and a bibliography.  

The focus throughout remains on the similarities between Louisa's reality and the story she created for the March sisters. Many significant quotes are included. Mixed media artwork provides a setting for the time and the family, and for Louisa's perseverance as she pursues her dreams. This might just be the spark that shows an up-and-coming writer the key to success. 

Canada: We Are the Story, written by Richard Wagamese and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Swift Water, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

"Listen. The Old Ones speak to all of us.

They tell us that we are in this together
and that we always were. 

Listen and you will hear them."

As the story opens, a teacher is passing out an assignment to a diverse group of students. The questions assigned asks: "What makes you proud to be a Canadian?" One student does not seem interested. Once home, she sits to think about what she wants to say when she hears another question from a speaker not seen: "Can you hear the voices of the Old Ones speaking to you in a language you've forgotten?' 

In his adaptation of "The Canada Poem" by Richard Wagamese, David A. Robertson keeps the words and spellings true to the original in every way possible. Asking a child to listen to the voices of those who came before them recurs often, while explaining the circle that includes everyone who stepped on this land. 

Richard Wagamese and Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley are honored Ojibway book creators. The poem is a celebration of Canada, its diversity, and beauty. It asks readers and all Canadians to stop and listen to the land and to those who came before. They speak many languages and talk to us from the spirit world where there is no color, no skin, no time, and no history ... only spirit. 

The voices ask readers and listeners to take pride in their country, a place where great things happen at every turn in every area. The story of Canada is woven in threads from our diversity, our industries, our jobs, and our families. Old Ones' voices, when heard, provide comfort and pride. They offer guidance for each and every one of us.  We are all the story of Canada. 

The poem speaks to a new generation of Indigenous children, while also welcoming everyone who has played a part in honoring the past, and belonging today. Community connections hold great importance for all Canadians, past and present. The more often I read it and pay careful attention to the words, the more pride I feel for my home, Canada. 

It's hard to do justice to the beauty of the remarkable art that accompanies Mr. Wagamese's words. Brilliant in both color and detail, it projects a true sense of the spirit world while also honoring the Canadian landscape. Its symbols of Indigenous culture for the child doing her homework, alongside images of many other people from different cultures ensure pride for those who find community here. The final spread shows all manner of people walking across a turtle's back in celebration.                                                                              

                           

                https://youtu.be/6yLJxMZvRGU?si=RbeQpL0lWFaGU0SO