The New Girl: First Crush, written and illustrated by Cassandra Calin. Scholastic. 2026. $20.99 ages

"SLAM!

Are you hurt?

Quick! Help me up
before Julien sees. 

Nice to see you, 
everyone! Ca Va, Lia?

Julien! 
A-Allo ...  

I saw you fall. 
Are you okay?"

In this second The New Girl graphic novel, Lia is more comfortable in her new Montreal home. She has a loyal group of friends and her first year of learning French is helping her become fluent in a new language. She knows she must pass the class before she can move forward. Her life changes as she faces new challenges. 

She has a crush on Julien, who seems to return the feelings. Self-doubt has her worrying about the prettiest girl in her class who also seeks Julien's attention. When her friend Wan Yin comes out to her, Lia promises to keep her secret before accidently telling their friends. Wan Yin is angry and hurt, and breaks ties with her. Lia's mother is concerned about Lia's unusually severe period pain; the doctor declares it normal and suggests pain relievers. It is no solution to a real problem. Her workload at school is heavy, leaving Lia to worry about her grades and her future. 

Fans and new readers will appreciate Ms. Calin's digital artwork with its bold lines and emotional expressions. Lia and her friends are all learning through their experiences, despite making mistakes along the way. The story told is realistic and compelling, offering readers characters who support each other at school and at home. Lia is a great lead character who retains ties with her best friend in Romania, and turns to her to share what is happening in her life while also seeking advice when needed. There is drama, as would be expected; there is also an honest and ongoing attempt to find true and lasting friendships. Lia learns, with help from her family and friends, to believe in who she is and what she can accomplish with determination and understanding. 

Go, Crow, by Tjitske Kamphus. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Dawn breaks. 

A crow waits. 

The wind blows. 

Away she goes!"

Crow's day begins as the glow of sunrise colors the dark sky. Glow is the first presented word, and from there each turn of the page adds a new rhyming word that describes a day's adventure in this crow's life. The sun rises; the crow also rises up through the clouds when daylight suggests she 'go'. 

Through blowing winds, she makes her way over treetops to a farm where a variety of crops are grown. Her bird's-eye view encourages her to take it slow and take a careful look at all she can see alongside a tilled field. The lower she gets, the more aware she is of the farmer sowing seeds in furrowed rows. Keen eyesight offers a chance to land and pluck seeds from one of those rows, while the farmer gives chase. The crow has 'no' business stealing from that farmer's field. 

Into the sky she again goes and flies back the way she came ... straight to the tree that she left earlier in the day. What an eye-opening surprise readers experience as three tiny heads pop up with gaping beaks, eagerly awaiting their mother's return. Darkness finds the family tucked in, fed, and ready for a good night's sleep. Their day is done. 

Word choice and a willingness to bring a brilliant idea to her audience makes this a book to be savored each time it is read. Accompanied by splendid digital art which offers fluid lines and a bold setting, listeners will delight in scenes that capture attention through careful observation. 

What a treasure!                                                                                       

young cat, old cat, by Jillian Tamaki. Groundwood, 2026. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"playful cat

growing cat

nice cat 

naughty cat"

What an ingenious book Jillian Tamaki has created to tell the story of a cat's life, and its owner's love through the years. Using perfectly chosen adjectives to accompany her tale that begins with a tiny kitten, alone at a shelter, finding the small child there with her mother to find a new pet. Nose to nose, the child asks, 'be my cat?' The choice is made, the family travels home with a mewling cat in the car and all supplies needed to provide for it. Once home, the two begin a lifetime of being together through the years. 

Every spread chronicles the growth and love the two share; the child matures as the kitten does. Short phrases trace their life from adoption to the heartbreak of old age and the death of a beloved pet. The art is compelling and remarkable, using color choice to indicate playfulness, growth, old age, and  grief. Young readers are sure to respond to the cat while dreaming of all the things she thinks she can do, and of the aging process that takes the kitten from early exuberance to wobbly oldtimer. Final spreads show the girl waving goodbye as the car moves through a celestial world before a new shelter kitten is welcomed with great happiness. What a gorgeous and heartfelt story this is! 

I here share with you a note about the art journey Ms. Tamaki took to bring her story to full life. 

"The art for this book was created entirely by hand over the course of eighteen months. The fabric is both new and thrifted materials (in some cases, bedsheets) stretched on wooden frames. The paint is acrylic ink, embellished with crewel wool embroidery. Crewelwork was developed in England and is typically used for decorative furnishings; the Bayeux Tapestry is the oldest known example of the craft. The art was lit and photographed in the artist's studio in September 2025.".  

What a gift to all cat lovers who will read and share this book!                                                                                     

Blanket Saves the Day, written by Sara Cassidy and illustrated by Brady Sato. Orca, 2026. $21.95 ages 3 and up

"Josie's blanket is magical. 

It can transform into anything 
she wants: a dinosaur, a pond 
of fish and even a witch's hat!"

Josie's blanket is her constant companion. The two go everywhere together. It's a boat when she and her dad play on the slide; a fox when she needs a friend; a pond when she and her mom go fishing at the park; a kite on a windy day; a witch's hat when she is playing. They share popcorn while watching a movie, brush their teeth together, and snuggle up at bedtime. 

When Josie's parents leave her in Grandma's care while they are away from home, she hugs it tight. One night at bedtime, Grandma notices some spilled jelly on the blanket. While Josie sleeps, her helpful grandmother sprays it, mends it, and gives it a wash. To Josie's horror in the morning, the blanket is completely transformed. It looks nothing like the blanket she so loves. It puts her in a very bad mood. While out for a walk together, Josie flings the blanket away from her stroller to land on a nearby fence. 

Following illustrations show Josie at the park without her blanket. What a dreary day! Nothing feels right without it. Wanting to distract her granddaughter, Grandma sends her on an errand to the mailbox. Mission accomplished, Josie finds herself confused about where she is. To her great delight, she spots her blanket, ties it on and make her way back home. Mom and Dad return to find her fast asleep, and hugging a new blanket bunny created by her resourceful grandmother! All's well that ends well. 

Boogy & Tee and Twinkle & Hew, written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Mark Hoffman. Groundwood, 2026. $23.99 ages 3 and upp

 

"Hew's boat fell apart, breaking more than one heart.

     The two wept like never before.

They held each other, said, "Love you, my brother."

     Would they every get back to shore,

          To shore?

Would they every get back to shore?" 

Acknowledging that this book was inspired by Edward Lear’s The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, and dedicating it to 'young people working to calm the seas and build strong boats', Kathy Stinson's new book tells the story of two pairs of characters aboard two very different types of boat. 

Boogy and Tea are out to sea on a luxurious yacht for a day of enjoyment, leaving a note behind suggesting their neighbors cut their grass while they are gone. Twinkle and Hew are on an old, small fishing boat, leaving a note to tell visitors they have gone to sea because their icebox is empty. Two very different reasons to be there when a storm blows up, and causes great worry for all. Will the fishermen survive? Those on board the yacht are barely aware of the bad weather and totally unconcerned for their safety. 

The fishing boat breaks apart; the yacht runs aground when Boogy is more concerned about looking at the stars as his next property than steering the boat. Noticing Twinkle and Hew clinging to the only board left of their boat, Tee brings them on board, and learns that Twinkle's boat mending skills are just what they need. The four can now sail the seas together. 

Mark Hoffman's collaged painted papers and colored pencil illustrations are filled with colors that are stormy and bold, in keeping with the adventure described in telling rhymes that echo Edward Lear's nonsense tale of an owl and a pussycat who also went to sea. Fun to read, and spotlighting both greed and kindness, it's a picture book that touches on important issues.                                                    

Stop saying that we are all in the same boat.
We’re all in the same storm.
But we’re not all in the same boat.   
                    - Greta Thunberg                                                                      

Bad Badger: A Family Story, written by Maryrose Wood and illustrated by Giulia Ghigini. Union Square Kids, Hachette. $12.99 ages 8 and up

 

"The skies were clear, the seas were calm. 
Some bait for the fish - leftover sausage 
would do - perhaps a sketchbook for 
doodling in case the fishing was slow, 

and he would be off. 

O, happy badger! Alone and paddling
and at peace while Gully minded the 
chicks. 

"Seagull things and badger things," he
sang to himself, fastening his sun hat 
beneath his muzzle."

I first met Septimus, a badger, and his seagull friend Gully last year, when I was anticipating reading it to Chelsea during her summer visit. Recently, Chelsea, her mom and I were all reading this sequel at the same time; they at home in British Columbia and me here in Manitoba. It turns out that we each enjoyed it as much as the first one, and are very happy to have had the opportunity to read this one as well. 

When we left them in the first book, the two were preparing for the arrival of three chicks. Now, the four birds are living with Septimus in his cottage by the sea. Gully and Septimus are doing their best to parent the three hatchlings, who prove to be loud, messy and not at all in tune with the opera music loved by Septimus, their adoptive father. Despite some misgivings, Badger is doing his best to provide care and understanding. Exhausted but loving, the two are capable of sharing their duties; the little ones are thriving. 

When an unexpected group of forest badgers show up for a surprise visit, things change. These badgers are smelly and loud, with a need to learn about Badger's family and his love of village life. Once they become accustomed to being together, the forest badgers prove to be adept helpers and life settles down. Gully's growing worry over her offspring's lack of interest in flying leads to the realization that badgers and seagulls have different goals in life. The chicks want to be independent, but fear it as well. They are happy burrowing underground and eating worms with their new friends, while ignoring their mother's fear that they will not learn to fly. Can Septimus find a way to inspire in them a willingness to try it? 

Their story allows for a look at family dynamics not unlike most. With humor and heart, Maryrose Wood brings readers back into their lives with a follow-up book that clearly presents a chaotic, loving family who can count on each other and their friends for all they need. It is a wonderful family readaloud. 

Your Horse, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $12.99 ages 2 and up

 

"But do you know

what else horses do? 

They keep secrets. 

They are really 

good at it."

Earlier this year, Jon Klassen added Your Truck to his series called Your Things. In recent reading about upcoming books, he will add Your Rock in January 2027. We are highly anticipating the arrival of a new baby in our family come April 2027. I have begun to put together a book basket filled with board books for that little one. Many will be copies of some of Mr. Klassen's most recent publications. 

In this book, an unseen narrator gifts a young reader with 'your horse'. It is brown, but could be other colors as well. As all horses can, this horse walks, runs, and jumps. Perhaps its most endearing trait is that it will keep a secret. Horses are good at doing that. Apparently, any secret can be shared with the horse, and it can be fully trusted keep it. 

The narrator even offers the reader a chance to check it out. 

"If you have a secret 

to tell your horse, 

turn the page 

and do it then."

A turn of the page offers a closer look at a serious and silent horse making absolutely no sound at all. Again assured that the horse will never tell, the book closes with said horse feeling the pull of a good night's sleep and sinking into slumber in the advancing darkness. No secret shared! 

I love the peaceful feel of the world created in this truly wonderful series. Other books include Your Farm, Your Forest, and Your Island. Each book's minimalist feel and familiar objects are wonderful to share with our youngest readers. There is a comfort that comes from reading each book one time, and then again. Bedtime ends every book, after showing the wonder to be found in 'your things'. Life is safe, full of comfort, and discussion is encouraged. 

Two Jon Klassen board books in the past week; how lucky are we? 
                                                                                    

The GREAT Frog, written and illustrated by Katie Palazzola. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 3036. $24.99 ages 4 and up

""Is there a Great Oak Tree to look after 
the acorns?" Peedie asked.

"Sure. Maybe," said Kit. 

"There should be a looker-after for 
everything little," Peedie declared. 

Kit nodded, and they made an
acorn pile."

In her debut picture book for young readers, Ms. Palazzola introduces Kit and Peedie, siblings who spend plenty of time in nature. In his first encounter with frog eggs, Peedie wonders why they gather in blobs. Kit has the right advice; to keep little kids with sticks like Peedie's from poking them. Peedie would like to be a protector. Kit explains the Great Frog does that job. 

The Great Frog? Kit continues providing needed information for her brother who wonders how long it will take for the eggs to become frogs. Patience is the first order of business, Kit explains. One will become the next Great Frog, riding a horse named Tarnation and wielding a lasso to catch shooting stars. Every question from her brother is answered with a heavy dose of imagination and entertainment. A moon castle, a big telescope, a fountain are needed to protect so many little ones. 

Do they know who the next Great Frog will be? Only the Great Frog knows, he is told. Even after Kit admits that she was not telling the truth about the Great Frog and that she just wanted to tell Peedie a story he would like, Peedie proves he has learned an important lesson from his sister. 

Everyone can be a looker-after, just like the Great Frog: those who care about each other, the earth and its many blessings, and even themselves ... and that's a good thing!

Finding Lost, written by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.50 ages 9 and up

"As Geno and I walk to get our strawberry
cheesecake Blizzards, the wind hits the road
signs, and they make a rattling noise. Cars go

by on the road and I wonder about the people 
inside. Where are they going and what kind of
lives do they have? How many of them like 
pasta salad called rotini with green olives and 
red peppers and chunks of smelly cheese? 
How many of the people listen to thrash metal
music from a band called Tankard? Have any 
of them ever seen dolphins in the Siuslaw?
How many lost a parent when they were a kid?"

It's been more than two years since Cordy's dad died in a boating accident while he was out making a living on his fishing boat. Her mom quit nursing school to support herself and her two children. They live in the boathouse of a rich family, whose main house her mom takes care of while they live somewhere else for most of the year. It is a dreary life in a wet and often dreary small town in the Pacific northwest. It's been a lot of change for a young girl to handle. 

When a small, unkempt, and hungry dog follows her home from school one day, Cordy hopes they will not find the dog's owner. Lost, appropriately name for his circumstance, fits right in with the whole family in no time at all. It is only great good luck, with some needed research and help from her younger brother Geno, that brings Cordy and Lost to a free vet clinic one day. She has learned that Lost's terrible breath may be a sign of poor health. Dr. Mazari proves to be just what the family needs. Lost has many infected teeth, and it will take a great deal of money to have them pulled. 

Cordy's mom and Taj (the vet) discuss ways the family might handle the financial difficulties. Their meeting at the clinic leads to more visits and changes in the family dynamic which bothers Cordy. She isn't sure about Dr. Mazari, or about the way her mother is becoming close to him. Through some obstacles, the family perseveres and the changes that finding Lost brings make for fine storytelling. 

The Oregon setting is a vital part of this warm family story. Readers have their senses awakened through being a part of the natural world that Cordy loves. All characters are valid and worth knowing. They care for each other as they all adapt to meaningful changes in their lives. Realistic and truthful when dealing with the grief and struggles following her father's death, Cordy is a character whose first-person voice  and expressions will have readers cheering her on, and hoping for the best. 

It is a warm and memorable read. 

The House With Nobody In It, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $19.99 ages 3 and up

 

"This room has a table. 
And there is a clock 
on the wall. 

Let's go into the next room."

I don't often post board books to my blog; that is, unless they are written by Jon Klassen. He continues to amaze with his thoughtful and inspired writing. In this new book, he invites readers inside to explore a house with no residents. The door is open and there is no sign of anyone as the tour begins. The first room has a chair, the second has a table and a clock. Do you notice the interior is getting darker as the exploration continues? 

In the room with a stool and a lamp, a ghostly shape also appears. The walls have changed from warm yellow, to cool blue, to forest green. Moving on, with the ghostly figure appearing at the door of the next room, there is only a bed in an even darker green room. One more door leads to a room with boots only, and the last door offers a chance to move outside into a moonlit evening. 

Repeating the first few lines again at the end adds to the eerie feelings explored. 

"There is nobody 
in this house. 
There used to be somebody. 
But there is nobody 
now." 

Die-cuts, an unmentioned, though evident, resident, and diminishing color in the visited rooms deepens the mystery, and proves that Jon Klassen knows how to tell a ghost story for even our youngest readers. 

Don't miss it! 

Phoenix, written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 9 and up

 

"After a bit more discussion, but not much, 
Miss Chelsea and Harper's mom agreed to 
table the conversation. It meant they'd wait
to decide about Harper keeping Phoenix - 
though how long they would wait, Harper
didn't know. At least it gave her time to 
show how hard she could work, and how 
excellent Phoenix could be once he'd
gotten healthy again. As long as he got 
healthy quickly enough."

What an admirable start to a new series this is! Harper has just been hit by a BOMB. She learns through middle school gossip about her father's affair with her best friend's mother. Now, her parents are divorcing and her mother has decided that the two of them will move to a new place for a new start. Their move from urban Knoxville to the small rural town of Sommer Springs is a shocker. Their new home is a tiny house, cramped for the two of them and very unappealing to Harper. It is located close to a riding barn, owned by Miss Chelsea who is renting them their new accommodation. Harper cares about none of it. 

When a starved and terribly neglected horse is dropped at the stable from a kill truck, life changes for both horse and girl. Harper names him Phoenix, and determines to do all it takes to bring the horse back to good health. She does not know that she needs rescuing as much as Phoenix does. Her mother and Miss Chelsea don't want her to get her hopes up as Phoenix is very sick. It's too late for that advice. Harper works around the barn, takes lessons, learns what she needs to know to care for Phoenix as best she can. As Harper deals with the pain of betrayal and divorce, she helps her horse deal with mistreatment and his own pain. 

There's an admirable cast of characters: Miss Chelsea, the barn owner; Dante and Night, both riders at the stable and classmates of Harper; Emma, a young rider with great confidence, Harper's mother and eventually her father, and her former best friend, Cat. So much is broken; only time can help mend the hurts.  Real and relatable, the story is compelling and a powerful introduction to a brand-new series. It will find many fans beyond those who love stories about horses. 

Who's Making That Big STINK?, written by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Eric J. Chen. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2026. $21.99 ages 6 and up

 

"MMMM ... 

Who's making that big STINK?!

It smells like buttered popcorn?

A binturong.

Binturongs give off a strong 
popcorn smell. They produce
the same chemicals that give 
popcorn its pleasant smell. 

Not every animal with a 
strong odor smells bad."

This is just the kind of book that kids love to read. It provides well-researched facts that can be quite unexpected, and even elicit some giggles. After reading it, interested kids have surprising (and somewhat gross) conversation starters to share with anyone who will listen. 

The text describes 13 different plant and animal species whose aromas cause a stir. The format is easy to follow: a reaction to the smell, a question about who is responsible for it, an apt description of the smell itself, and a short and revealing answer to the original repeated question. The skunk and stinkbird may be familiar to readers; the sea hare and bombardier beetle may not be. The variety makes for new learning for the many who will read this with a few ewws of their own.  

In follow-up quick facts, Mr. Lunde addresses the scents of beavers, spadefoot toads, ring-tailed lemurs, hippos, grey kangaroos, hyenas, and even humans whose 'pungent odor' tends to attract mosquitoes. Erica Chen's digital illustrations are colorful, placed in accurate settings, close-up and very expressive. Kids will love the swirling funky smells that each creature emits.
                                                                                     

https://youtube.com/shorts/1tccKR_BL4A?si=BpNYHJ5clrj2GAhn

Eon: my pet tardigrade. Written by Cybele Young, with illustrations by Cybele Young and Nell Jocelyn. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I kept a keen eye on my pet tardigrade. 

But one day I lost sight of him! 
I thought Eon was gone forever. 

I searched 

and searched ... "

Do you know the word tardigrade? I did not; it turns out that it is an invertebrate that is barely visible to a child's eye. A young girl with her eye to her microscope makes the discovery while looking for something else. Imagine her surprise when he showed up there! Tiny and pink, with two visible eyes, he plodded slowly under her careful observation. He was barely a tickle when she held him on her palm. Oh, she wanted to hug him. 

She would do her best to take care of him. Could she? How? She had so many ideas. As she watched and imagined she gave him the name Eon. Through research she learned about tardigrades, also known as water bears. There was so much more to learn than that; 'he is a master of extremes', having the ability to live in the coldest ice, the hottest volcanoes. And even more: 

"The tallest mountains
and the deepest oceans. 
The tangliest woods 
and the ooziest muds." 

Tardigrades are even found in outer space. Could she create that kind of space in her bedroom for her tiny pet? It was very easy to lose sight of him. After a very long search, the tardigrade she found was completely changed. His big secret lay in his ability to tuck in, curl up and become like a speck of dust to blow away and find a new place that was just right. She did that for him, and hoped for the best.His new world would be perfect for him, and the new friends he found. Might she see him again one day? 

An author's note connects Cybele Young to her encounter with a tardigrade, and all that she learned from it. She also introduces Nell Jocelyn and her exceptional artwork as a collaborator in creating the imaginary world of a young girl and her desire to keep the bearlike creature safe. You will need plenty of time to carefully observe and appreciate the delicate and engaging work done to create a world, specially meant for a tiny tardigrade.

Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 8 and up

 

"XII.
By the numbers.
Nearly four thousand jellyfish species;
only fifty with venom deadly to humans. 

Bodies 95 percent water. 
Lifespans from a few weeks
to eighteen months. 
One mouth serves two purposes:
eating food and expelling poop. 
Before you kiss a jellyfish, think twice."

Here are 14 Roman numeral numbered poems that explore the wonder of these ancient ocean dwellers in every possible way: history, biology and even mythology. The poetry is remarkable from first to last entry, sharing facts through rhythmic language that mirrors the ways jellyfish move and live in their ocean home. About the only things I thought I knew about the jellyfish were what they look like and how dangerous they are. I had no idea about their names, their astonishing and beautiful forms, or that they date back to before the dinosaurs. All that by number III!

Moving from one exceptional spread to the next, I quickly discovered there is much I didn't know. Now, I do. Bioluminescence glows through them in numerous colors; in the dark they appear blue, violet, yellow, and red. Scientific classifications are as varied as their shapes. Ms. Weatherford suggests that instead of trying to remember all that, it's okay to 'just call them jellies'. I will take her advice. The fact that they are made of nerve bundles helps to explain the lack of other organs and bones. 

The life cycle is made clear for young readers, although it differs at times and the results of a boom in the births can end up with there being too many in one place with no room for all; causing them to wash ashore to their certain demise. While I have great admiration for every Bagram Ibatoulline 'watercolor, acrylic gouache, pen, pencil, colored paper and digital tools' work of art, I found myself poring over the accompanying image for this poem. A large jelly invites rapt attention from numerous ocean creatures with a detailed drawing of the jellyfish life cycle. It's quite wonderful! 

Even more impressive is how the artist shifts from one style to another to offer perspective for the variety in the poems presented. IX describes the hugeness of two jellyfish in terms of length and size; the image created allows readers to compare both to a nearby diver. Graphic panels are sharply diagonal to show the danger for a child stung by a jellyfish and the pain felt before transfer in an ambulance. 

Each spread shows a different way to consider the jellyfish, both narrative and illustrative. The poems speak to the wonders of learning about something elusive and little known to most people. Each spread is a surprise to its readers as shown through the careful observation of the artist. It is sure to inspire awe in readers and listeners. This tribute to jellyfish is exactly the book I would love to share in classrooms for years to come. 

A bibliography and further resources close this sensational collaboration.
                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                               

Summer Book Club with Sicily (July and August 2026).

The calendar has turned to September, and I thought I would share with you what happened here in July and August. One of the great joys of my life is spending a month each year with my daughter Erin and her two daughters ... Sicily and Chelsea. They arrived on June 27 from Vancouver Island and were meant to leave August 1. Due to strike action at WestJet, they were unable to catch their return flight, which has afforded Sicily and I the opportunity to add another book to our list of books read while we were together. We fashioned our reading time on something Erin does with both girls throughout the year. They each choose a book a month to read ... together or apart. The purpose is to encourage reading outside of school, keeping up a reading habit, and discussing that reading with each other. It might be more than one book; the aim is to read at least one book each month of the school year. Chelsea was not so keen when she was here; so, she kept reading with her mom. 

I will begin by telling you that over the years I have saved some of my favorite books to read again (never happens), or to share with grandchildren should I have them at some point in my life. I've been waiting for the time to be right. I should also tell you that Erin helped us choose the books that might appeal by reading them herself again before Sicily and I got started. 

Our first book was Stargirl (Knopf, 2000) by Jerry Spinelli, a book I read more than 20 years ago. Every scene remains a part of my reading history. I was astonished by the power of Stargirl's persona. She is bright, friendly, a loyal friend, and different. Too different to be quickly accepted in a conformist high school setting; many students and teachers feel she is just too happy, and too weird for words. Her taste in clothes is bizarre, she plays her ukulele in the cafeteria, and she has a pet rat named Cinnamon. Leo falls in love with her as they spend time together. Can he hold onto those feelings against the tide of criticism and unpopularity that she faces every day? Will conformity force him to give her up and choose a different path? Thoughtful and heartbreaking, we agreed that we give it a 10 out of 10 for our book club. Deservedly, we were off to our favorite coffee shop for a treat and a short talk about its effect on us. 

Moving on, we next chose Rain Reign (Feiwel and Friends, 2014) by Ann M. Martin. This is another of those books that I have never forgotten. Ms. Martin created such a cast of memorable characters to tell her story. Rose Howard is a 12-year-old with high functioning autism. Her main focus lies in prime numbers, rules, and homonyms. Life with her father is not easy, but her Uncle Weldon is a kind and supportive person in her life. Finding a rescue dog she calls Rain (reign, rein) makes her life happier; they are always together. When her father lets Rain out during a terrible storm, the dog disappears. Trying to find him, with the help of her uncle, Rose must live outside her comfort zone concerning rules. It takes time and a great deal of patience, but their search finally comes to a happy conclusion, or does it?  Once found, Rose discovers that Rain has a microchip that names his owners. What will she do? It was a book that was more difficult to read unless we were both focused on the printed text together, as the constant mention of homonyms made reading it aloud without seeing the text more difficult. The story itself was powerful, and provided much food for thought and discussion at out next outing. 

Our third book was Orbiting Jupiter (Clarion. 2015) by Gary D. Schmidt. It is the agonizing story of a young boy named Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never been allowed to see his daughter, Jupiter. His story leading up to his coming to live with Jack and his family is heartbreaking: almost killed a teacher, incarcerated at a place called Stone Mountain, and desperate to find his baby girl. As the foster family gets to know Joseph, and finally hear the story he is reluctant to tell, they come to love and respect him, realizing that the circumstances of his life are almost unimaginable. His past cannot be forgotten. As the family works together to help Joseph, old wounds are reopened and place huge demands on everyone. Most especially for Joseph.  Beautifully written and heartbreaking! It opened our hearts and made us cry. We gave it a 10 and had a pretty subdued conversation about misunderstandings and their effects on many lives. 

Our fourth book was Katherine Applegate's Home of the Brave (Square Fish, Macmillan, 2007). I have loved it since I first read it, and this was my fourth time. It is a novel in verse about Kek, a Sudanese refugee who comes to Minnesota for a better life with his aunt and cousin after his father and brother died in the war and his mother was lost to him during a raid at their refugee camp. Everything is new to Kek and easily misunderstood as he tries to learn a new language in a new land where nothing is familiar to him. His cousin Ganwar is angry with all there is to learn in this country. Ever an optimist, Kek makes the best of this new life as he longs for his mother to find him again. He forms new friendships, helps an old woman named Lou with her farm work, and begins to appreciate the life he is leading. There is much to love about this book; we enjoyed the characters, the funny misunderstandings that Kek faces and his grit and determination to live a better life away from the war that ravaged his country. We gave it a 9 out of 10. 

Our last book to read together was meant to be Tig (Tundra, 2024) by Heather Smith. Oh, I love this book! Tig has lived her short life with insecurity and abuse. Her mother has abandoned Tig (and her brother Peter), leaving them in a house with no electricity and with no means of caring for themselves. Her new home with her Uncle Scott and his partner Manny is everything her life has not been up until now. Peter is there to help her adapt; the two men do all they can to provide comfort and safety for her future. Tig rages constantly and does her best to make everything difficult. When they adopt a dog, named Guten Morgen, she finds comfort and unconditional love. New friends and a goal help her find community and acceptance. Tig's first-person voice is authentic and heartbreaking. She is reluctant to trust, causing issues with her caregivers who show patience, understanding, and love to help her through the trauma she has faced. It hurts to learn that Peter is imaginary, and has been the rock Tig needed from the time she was six. It is not an easy read, but worth the wonder and the tears. It led to a long discussion as we drank our chai lattes at Forbidden Flavors. 10, for sure! 

When the strike led to a longer stay, we decided we would read another and chose The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise (Henry Holt, Macmillan, 2019). Unfortunately, we could not finish it this year. It is top of the pile for next summer. In the meantime, we will continue to add to our TBR Book Club books throughout the year. I have already started a pile for Chelsea, in hopes that she will be happier to read with me next time. 

There is a constant concern these days that both children and adults are losing their love for reading. Tablets, phones and television provide distractions for many, and that is understandable. I cannot imagine a world where we don't turn to books for all they bring to our learning, our compassion, our ability to see and understand what is happening around us. There are many types of book clubs being formed for those who have a shared love for the written word. Ours is but one way to share some really special and memorable time together during a summer vacation. 

Ritu in the Sun, written by Moniza Hossain and illustrated by Merce Lopez. Crown Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

*

"Ritu loves the sun in the evening, when it 
splashes up streaks of orange and pink. 
Abbu and Ammu are busy finishing their 
chores for the day, so Ritu gets to spend
time with just her nani. 
Ritu helps Nani shell peas for dinner. When
she presses on the pods, the peas shoot into 
a bowl in Nani's lap."

You can see by the smile on her beautiful face that Ritu loves the sun. She loves how it shines through the window in the morning. Ritu is going to help her grandmother make aloo bhaji and roti for breakfast. Before she gets up to help, Ritu takes on the persona of a cat who loves the sun as much as she does. Ritu loves to swim in the afternoon sun with her parents. Nani worries about the sun's effect on Ritu's skin, and the tanning that happens when she is in sunlight for too long. Nani sit alone in the shade of a nearby tree; Ritu gets out of the pool and joins her. In the evening sun, Ritu sits alone with Nani and helps her shell the peas they will have for dinner. Nani is sitting in the shade. 

Ritu asks why. Nani explains that when she was a child, her mother warned her that her skin would grow very dark if she spent too much time in the sun. Nani remembers it as a lonely time in her life; all of her friends were outside playing. Ritu shares that she likes her Nani's skin. 

"Nani looks at their hands intertwined.
They are the rich brown of henna and of
tea steeped just right." 

After a change of heart, Nani plans a surprise for her granddaughter the following morning. They are going to take a breakfast picnic outside to share ... and they are going to sit in the morning sun to enjoy it. 

Illustrations created using acrylic paint and graphite inspire readers to carefully observe both light and shadow on each of the lovely pages. They allow those sharing the story to move from present to past and back again, as Nani explains why she stays out of the sun. An author's note discusses Ms. Hossain's inspiration for writing her story. She wants children to know that being in the warmth of the sun, and the beauty found in skin of all colors are just part of life's many wonderful experiences. Finally, recipes for Nani's aloo bhaji and roti are appended. 
                                                                                  

Have a BITE! How Food Connects Us, written by Heather Camlot and illustrated by Ally Jaye Reeves. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 9 and up

 

"THE THREE SISTERS

Working in harmony with nature is hardly new. 
It's how Indigenous Peoples have practiced 
agriculture for thousands of years. Called the 
"three sisters" in the United States and Canada, 
and the "milpa" system in Central America 
and Mexico, corn, beans, and squash are planted 
together because they help one another grow 
healthy and strong. They also provide a 
complete meal!"

Food is the great connector. No matter our culture, our country, or our circumstance, food plays an important role in all daily lives. Double-page entries introduce readers to the fact that 'food is steeped in history, tradition, culture, religion, celebration, trade, and geography'. Because food is a big part of our lives, it's important to learn as much as we can about it. Ms. Camlot sets out to help readers learn just that. 

She begins with diet and the essential ingredients that foods provide. Food history is discussed, going back six to seven million years and what our ancestors ate at the time. Moving forward, she explains that what we eat today is heavily influenced by our families and their histories. The format for the entries is similar with each new topic. An introduction, followed by short and pertinent paragraphs concerning certain aspects of each subject. Additional material is presented in side bars, entitled Chew on this, Food for thought, and Hungry for history. 

She refers to many traditional dishes, while also including recent developments in new foods enjoyed by many. Whether it's Hawaiian pizza (a Canadian addition to the already plentiful variants) or the 21 different types of regional breads shared by people throughout the world, the author fills the pages with facts that are sure to surprise. Her discussion of food waste should give all readers pause. 

"Every day around the world, the amount of food wasted equals more than one billion meals."

That might happen because of a lack of workers to pick the crops, foods that rot where there are no proper storage facilities, or food being thrown away. With so many people going hungry each day, wouldn't it be something if that food could be saved? Ms. Camlot suggests that eating more like our ancestors did, and trying new foods would help. 

Sharing engaging nonfiction with middle grade readers invites them to think more clearly about so many things. In this case, it fires their interest in knowing more about the food they eat and what is available if they are willing to go outside their comfort zone to try something new and different. Back matter includes a glossary, a list of sources, and an index. 

Witchward Bound, written by Erin Bow and illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Scholastic, 2026. $21.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Cats do not in general like boats, or water,
But Butter just sat there on the dock, looking at 
the boat. He sat up very straight, like a cat
who had no doubts.
Owl watched him with her shiny eyes for a 
while. Then she craned her neck and tilted 
her head almost upside down so she could 
read the name printed on the boat's side.
"Brrr ... right ... Eye ... dea. Bright idea!"
the raven shouted out. "Butter? Whose 
Bright Idea is this?
"It's ours," said the cat, and leaped aboard."

It's been a while since I read a new book by Erin Bow; I am pleased that this one arrived in the mail recently to remind me just how much I enjoy her writing. She does not disappoint with this story of a young witch and her familiars: Butter, a calico cat with an air of pomposity and Owl, an impulsive raven who gave herself the moniker for its sound. Though they don't get along very well, when their young witch disappears without a note or warning, the two set themselves a quest to find her. 

A small boat named Bright Idea seems the perfect transport for the two as they spend an extended time on their search. Using a neighbor goat's 'canny bell', meant to keep them on the right path to success, they set off on a series of misadventures that will have middle grade readers fascinated. As they face a number of obstacles, the two become better friends, always with the same goal in mind: to find their witch and bring her home. Often terrified, they cling to an otter-god's claim that heroes are not necessarily big, strong, and fearless. Rather, "What makes them heroes is that they go on." Go on they do, eventually completing their quest and learning why their witch left without warning. 

Erin Bow's exceptional storytelling gives readers worthy characters who exhibit both human and animal traits. I have added a number of quotes to my growing collection of favorites. The way she plots her story will keep readers involved and moving constantly forward. Kelly Murphy's illustrations are a brilliant addition to the fun found here.  

Inspired by Homer's The Odyssey, which is very much in movie news today, this first book in a new series about Butter and Owl is sure to become a classic. It's going on my 'keepers' shelf to be read with Chelsea when she returns next summer. It will be our first book club book. 
                                                                                           

No Ungapatchka, written by Deborah Kerbel and illustrated by Yaara Eshet. Owlkids. 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"WEDNESDAY was gusty and blustery. Sarah dressed
like a swirling puff of wind. 

Whooosh - she breezed out the door past her sisters. 

On THURSDAY, Sarah dressed like a shower of 
twinkly raindrops. 

"Hello, glitter!"

"Don't you think that's a bit shiny for school?" asked 
Rachel. 

No, Sarah did not."

It is time - time for Sarah to make her own decisions about what she will wear to school. She knows she can do it. Her sisters, who have been choosing their own clothes for many years, have some tips for their little sister. Sarah does not understand what the NO UNGAPATCHKA! rule means. The girls explain that it is a Bubbie word and means "something that is too bright, too busy"; also "Too weird. Too loud." Sarah loves her Bubbie's words; she hears them every Friday when the two walk home from school together. 

Each day of the week, Sarah chooses an outfit, matched with the weather and the way she feels that day. Her sisters' establishment views lead to their telling Sarah on Friday that she must change what she is wearing. 

"Sarah's heart felt as heavy as the clouds outside."

After making the change, Sarah feels less. She is consumed by the blahs when she meets Bubbie for their walk home. Sarah explains that her sisters insisted she change that day - no ungapatchka! As they sit to talk, Bubbie asks Sarah what she wants when her sisters' rules don't suit her. Sarah explains that she wants to be loud, and bright, and busy, and weird. Once home, Bubbie removes her coat to show off her 'splendiferous' outfit. Together, the two make a new list, only for Sarah!  

I love the encouragement offered by Ms. Kerbel to be yourself, and the delightful artwork created by Ms. Eshet that perfectly matches the rousing and powerful message that making your own choices is a worthy pursuit. 

Nora At Night, written and illustrated by April dela Noche Milne. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"For brunch, Nora would help her papa make eggs, 
rice, bacon, grilled tomatoes, and (sometimes) 
empanadas.

It wouldn't have been so bad if her 
papa didn't also watch nature and 
animal shows at the same time."

It takes no time at all after Nora wakes in the morning for her ears to be inundated with the sounds of her very noisy family. Even the cat scratches at her door for entrance. Her parents are up and having coffee, her twin sisters are rising filled with excitement for a new day. It is a cacophony of loud sound! 

Once breakfast is consumed, the noise continues with phone calls, the vacuum, her family in the bathroom getting ready for the day while she is trying to take a comforting shower. The afternoon means a trek to the park and the endless noise of people at the pool there. A quick stop at the grocery offers squeaky cart wheels, loudspeaker information, chat with friends, and the endless beep as groceries are scanned for payment. Outside again, it's traffic noise, and talking. Poor Nora. Upon arrival at home, she has had all she can take and lets everyone know it is just too LOUD for her. 

Evening is decidedly different. She goes to her room where there is no sound. She can listen at the window to the sounds of the coming night. 

"There were no clamorous 
cars: only raccoons scrounging 
for food in the bushes outside, 
the branches brushing against 
the windowsill." 

Nora reads quietly on the floor, away from TV shows, laptop sounds, visitors, and sisters playing quietly together as the day winds down. Later, Mama comes in to share lullabies as Nora settles in to sleep and dream. Waking in the middle of the night to share the soothing sounds of everyone's snoring is perfect. 

Ms. Milne's artwork is 'rendered in pencil and Procreate' and invites readers to share in the chaos of a busy and bustling family whose days are full. Plentiful onomatopoeic sounds add appeal and empathy for Nora as she navigates a day that is an assault to her ears and her head. Discussion following reading this story will lead to focusing attention on listeners' experiences and their response to the world's sounds around them. 

Mooz/Moose, by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere. Groundwood, 2026. $22.99 ages 2 and up

 

"Gaawii bmaadgaa-sii
dbishkoo mooz.
Enji-shpashkaak bmi-
giimoodzi, dbishkoo
gnebik.

She doesn't walk through
water like a moose. 
She sneaks through tall 
grass like a snake." 

Mooz is the Anishinaabe word for Moose. In truth, Mooz may not have much in common with the moose, but the comparisons by the author make for a fine book for toddlers. She certainly doesn't look like a moose; she is more like a lynx. She is not as tall as the moose; she is small like the marten. She is doesn't bound like the moose; she races like a hare. She doesn't rub against trees; rather, she climbs them like a raccoon. She doesn't yawn like a moose; she yawns like a coyote. 

In truth, Mooz doesn't have much in common with the moose; she does compare to other animals in the great lakes region where Mangeshig grew up, and where he adopted the tiny kitten to take her on a road trip with him to Vancouver where the two live today with her Pawis-Steckley family. This second book in a series, following the publication of Boozhoo! / Hello! (Groundwood, 2024), is meant to introduce the Anishinaabemowin language to a young audience. Neither one tells a story; their connection is the language, and I look forward to seeing more in this series. 

If you have seen other books illustrated by this fine artist, you will recognize the bright colors and its striking beauty. Black-outlined images of Mooz keep her front and center for little ones as the book is shared with them. Actions are appealing and make for a most enjoyable read. Mooz is a character; sure of herself in every situation and cat owners will recognize that. 

Text is presented in both English and Anishinaabemowin. Notes from both author and translator add to the book's charm.  It will be read aloud repeatedly and thoroughly enjoyed each and every time.                                                                                     

Mr. Chow's Night Market, written by Emily Sun Li and illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

"Mr. Chow doesn't know what to think.
Outside, city lights glow. Cicadas buzz. 
Inside, the fridges hum with energy. 
"I should get ready for bed," Mr. Chow
reminds himself. "I have to get up in a 
few hours!"

But dread pricks his stomach like fish bones."

Mr. Chow and I have something in common; we don't like to get up early in the morning. We would rather stay up late. Our circumstances are very different; he owns a grocery store where patrons line up early to make their purchases and I am a retired teacher with few commitments in the early morning. 

When he sleeps in one morning, despite calls from his grandchildren, angry customers are waiting in a long line for him to open; he has done no cleaning or organizing for the start of the day. His grandchildren offer needed help, but it is not a great day. Mr. Chow turns to his friends for advice. There is little help until someone suggests that he should 'try something new'. That is exactly what he does!

With help from those same grandchildren, he does all the work needed to open a night market. It is a welcome idea, offering a place to shop at night with games, bright lights, and food booths for customers to enjoy. The real bonus for Mr. Chow is that he now has more time to spend with his grandchildren, and the opportunity to sleep in every morning. 

Using lovely, descriptive language, Ms. Li pens a story that is fun to read aloud and informative. Yu Ting Cheng's brightly-colored and expressive illustrations add much to the appeal of the story. The spreads are filled with expression, movement, and so much to see. In an author's note, Emily Sun Li tells her readers about the night markets in Taiwan. Those markets are famous for their snacks, beverages, and sweet desserts, while also attracting many community members on a nightly basis.                                                                                         

The Stuffie Stand, written and illustrated by Maddie Frost. Hippo Park, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Moose had no time to waste on annoying children. 
He was in over his antlers.
And he had a case of NOODLE ARMS - a crafter's 
worst nightmare.

He couldn't pick anything up. 
He couldn't put anything together. 
Sewing was impossible!" 

Moose has a lifetime love of stuffies! As he grew, he learned how to make his own. What an artist! Every one he made was perfect; finally, he decided to open a stuffie stand and sell them locally. Mabel, whose love for stuffies was akin to the way Moose felt about them, wanted all he had to sell. She was loud and very excited to let Moose know that. 

Mabel also made stuffies; bedazzled and accessorised. She showed an interest in selling her wares at Moose's stand. Moose does not need to sell such stuffies, and sent Mabel on her way. He wanted only 'simple stuffies'. His stand was so busy that he had to take special orders. My, he was busy! The sewing never stopped; the waiting lines were endless. He began to make mistakes. Mabel was worried. 

Wanting to help, she checked in with him. Moose wanted no help. In fact, he was quite rude to her. Only when he could no longer do all the work did he turn to Mabel. It was very difficult for him to ask for help, and Mabel grew impatient. Having a partner didn't solve all of the problems, but Moose was okay with that. Their new business was a huge hit! 

Digital illustrations add visual appeal for young readers, who are sure to appreciate the variety in the offerings at the stuffie stand and have a giggle at Moose's attitude toward Mabel.