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. 

Goodbye, Koi, written and illustrated by Jack Wong. Orchard Books, Scholastic. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"At home, Dad fed our koi their meal 
pellets, and I fed them the snacks. 
They loved oranges and watermelon. 

I wonder what they'll eat now. 
I'll miss watching them nibble. 

I hope they get along with the other fish."

As a father and child work together to get ready to move to a new home, an important task is what they will do with their koi. They also need a new home. Together they watch as the koi are released into a park pond. On the way home, the child thinks solemnly about how the koi will adapt. Moving from a fish tank to an open pond with blue skies above them is a big change in environment. 

Dad is reassuring, telling his son that the fish will know what to do under their new circumstances. The child wonders what they will now eat. What about all the other koi that will share their pond? Will they remember their previous home and miss it? As the child shows concern for the koi and their new setting, Jack Wong's impressive illustrations tell another part of the story. He shows what father and son are doing themselves in preparation for leaving: donating clothing, buying a winter coat, purchasing food for a family farewell gathering, collecting their suitcases from a moving box-filled home before departing by plane for their new home. Despite thoughts concerning what this change will bring for the family, they are ready. 

In a stirring author's note, Mr. Wong shares that, as a 6-year-old he and his family moved from Hong Kong to Canada, and his memories of that time include one of watching his father net their koi. He did not know what happened to them. He also explains that he learned ancient Chinese brush painting in order to bring the koi to life. He adds an informative note about koi. 

Another Tongue, written and illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Different countries
have different mother tongues.

When you come to a new country,
you may not understand its language
at first. 

Your ears may get tired of listening 
to the new language."

Countless people who emigrate from their home countries to a country where the language is different have much to learn before they can communicate effectively with those who live there. In this new and playful look at language learning, Yevgenia Nayberg takes on the task of helping preschoolers and adults alike begin to understand the ins and outs of learning a second language. 

In simple text, sporting eye-catching artwork, she explains that the mother tongue is the first language learned. The words you hear as a baby, and the words used to make sense of the world around you. Often, those words can be difficult and will need to be heard again and again. Despite the complexity and long list of words needed to communicate, the language becomes your own. Mother tongues are different, according to where you live. 

Moving to a new country where another language is spoken is hard. There is no understanding of what is being said; ears get tired of listening to unfamiliar words. Some words may seem familiar, while others have never been heard. With context, the task is easier; seeing a chicken and being told it's a chicken imprints on your brain. 

It does take time and patience to continue learning. Speaking with others will begin to change. Soon, you will be bilingual ... what a feat! 

An author's note is of great interest as readers learn just how difficult it was for Yevgenia to understand, then speak English following emigration. Even for her today, it has its obstacles. Just wait for the conversation when the reading is done! 

A VERY GOOD PARADE, written and illustrated by Eleanor Davis. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Gabby was very good 
at getting people to join 
the parade. 

FEEL THE CITY BREAKIN'
AND EVERYBODY SHAKIN'
AND WE'RE STAYIN' ALIVE
    STAYIN' ALIVE "

The title page shows a little one, all decked out with a starred cape, a crown, a tutu and a spatula; what is she ready to do? The opening page shows just exactly what she has in mind. Gabby announces loudly to her gramma that it is time for a parade! Out she goes, calling out to all the neighborhood kids to join her. Miguel says he has no skill to bring to the parade but his dad's horn which he can't play. Gabby thinks it's a fine horn even if he doesn't play it. Miguel joins. 

Everyone is invited to join the parade, with whatever they have.  Anthony worries that he has nothing but his aunt's big cowboy boots. Gabby encourages him to wear them in their grand parade. Everyone she meets is convinced they have an important role to play, including Noah who's pushing a stroller. By putting the baby on his shoulders, Noah becomes the Tallest Baby in the World! What more could one ask? 

Gabby even rescues a young boy from two bullies; he is asked to join, they are not. Only nice people are to be included in Gabby's parade. As they go, there are more and more interested in joining. Finally, they reach the park and it's time to stop and PERFORM. Spatula in hand, Gabby leads all paraders in a cacophony of sound and performance that ends with Miguel finally coaxing a BAROOMPA out of his horn! The crowd of adults that has gathered to watch is spellbound. When Gabby's gramma, who has been following since Gabby stepped outside, announces dinnertime, the parade is over. In the darkness, the participants head for home. What a success!  

Gabby is one superb parade marshal. She leads with conviction and encouragement, and accepts all participants (except the bullies). Digital art creates a perfect accompaniment to the text, adding a familiar setting and impressing with the energy and enthusiasm that one little girl sparks. Speech bubbles, onomatopoeia, and regular text tell this story with humor and delight. It's simply wonderful!   

How Not To Rescue a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Owlkids 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Even though
the new trail feels 
like a little change to 
Grammy Slug, it feels 
like a big change to Snail. 
And big changes make 
Snail feel anxious. 

We can play I Spy 
along the way. It'll 
be fun! 

I do love I Spy ... "

I do hope you have met Snail prior to today. This book is the fourth in a series and fans will know that Snail is happy to live a life without much change. He likes to call it 'living a little'. There are things he loves: a tv that's not too loud, reading with a best friend, staying up a bit late when Grammy Slug comes by. Life is good. 

Whenever Grammy visits, they follow a set routine as they catch up on each other's news. Grammy is much more adventurous than Snail is. She likes to talk about old times; she also likes to try new things. Seeing a new and unexplored trail is very exciting for Grammy and she encourages Snail to try it with her. As they play I Spy to distract from Snail's reluctance to take part, they suddenly spy a HAND!

That hand is determined to rescue Snail. It takes him away from Grammy and plops him on a bed of moss. Not able to see Grammy and scared, Snail retreats into his shell. In the meantime, the hand is doing the same for Grammy. Fortuitously, Grammy is plopped down on Stump, Snail's best friend. While Snail stays inside, he hears outside voices belonging to his neighbors and tells them his story which is exactly what has happened to them. They are all just wanting to be home. It's Snail to the rescue! Despite a small setback, Snail takes his task to heart and all's well that ends well. 

Readers will cheer for Snail as they enjoy the tender, detailed and humorous images created by Kelly Collier. 

In One Whale's Breath, written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Cinyee Chiu. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 8 and up

"with ten minutes left before 
the whale's next breath ... 

a bold shark cuts through the 
water with a 
swish-swash, 
always moving 

Some sharks, such as the great white, 
must swim with their mouths open 
so that water continuously reaches 
their gills. If they stop swimming, 
they stop breathing!"

Did you know that a humpback whale can hold its breath for fifteen minutes? If you didn't, you will be astonished to learn all that it can do within that amount of time while making its way through its ocean environment. As it inhales through its blowhole, it prepares to dive. It can then swim underwater for 15 minutes, even longer when it is at rest. As it dives, it scares a school of sardines, causing them to make a rapid exit from its path. A nearby octopus breathes in and out, crabs make their way to a safe place in the sand. 

With ten minutes of breath left, it meets other sharks that cannot stay underwater as long as it does. It also passes a camouflaged sea turtle quietly in hiding until the threat is gone. Other creatures of the ocean must absorb the oxygen they need as they have no lungs or gills for breathing. Soon, there are only five minutes before the humpback must surface. Passing a kelp forest and coming near mama otters with their babies, the humpback reaches upward, where sea gulls fill the sky, to exhale, breach, and catch another breath.

"and now that time's up ... 

an EXHALE
turns into 
a leap, 
a spin
and spray, 
carried away on the wind
like a song " 

The smaller font information provided concerning each phase of the whale's underwater adventure is very helpful, giving readers a chance to learn about other denizens of the deep and how they breathe. The illustrations were created with gouache and pastel, then finished in Photoshop. They offer a clear picture of  the underwater world and the creatures found there. The importance of oxygen and breathing techniques will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about ocean life. Back matter shares an author's note, further information, and a list of resources. 

Off The Wall: Making Stuff Together, by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Look how dirty my hands are! 

Wait!

Let's pick up this chalk.

Let's put them on the wall! 

Our handprints look like pigtails! 

Look who we made! 

She's beautiful!"

Oh, what fun! Two dear friends write a book about friends making art together! The five kids, one dog and one cat love to make stuff and to play. As one starts a tic-tac-toe game, another joins, and then the cat shows an interest. The children include the cat in their fun, just as a leashed pup and another kitty-loving child arrive at a brisk pace. Chaos ensues. Two other participants arrive to lend their helping hands and add to the 'making stuff' event. Perhaps together they can make everything even better. They do! 

The backdrop of Brown Kraft paper gets more and more beautiful as they discover what colors look good with each other. The more they add, the more excited they get about the resulting artwork. By using everything they have at their disposal, their imaginations can run wild. And then ... an accident that changes the tone of their encounter. One group of children takes umbrage and threatens to leave with various parts of the work they have done. Such a rumble they create. 

Finally a brave and very loud voice makes itself known with the command to STOP! 

"All of this is OURS. 
Remember?"

They do remember and life becomes better again. With everyone helping, their masterpiece is the best they can make it. BRILLIANT!

Two artistic styles, skin colors Green, Chartreuse, Vermillion, Robin, and Bubblegum for the kids and orange and pink for the pets, double-page spreads that showcase movement and action, and charming dialogue between characters will have readers basking in the joy shown in the creativity shared.  Art truly is for everyone here!
                                                                                         

Indigo Hands,nwritten by Sita Singh and illustrated by Maithili Joshi. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 7 and up

"And so we head to the studio at last. 
In front of its carved wooden doors, 
we take off our shoes
and step inside. 

I've never seen so many shades of blue! 
Hanging on the walls are fabrics the 
color of the sunny sky, of the little 
flycatcher that sings outside my 
window, of the vast ocean."

Once her eyes open, Neela is excited to realize it is the day she and her Dadu are going to her grandfather's indigo studio. It's a long walk. As they go along, they pass the indigo patch where women in colorful saris work at trimming the branches of the tamarind trees. They carry those branches to the water tanks at the farm where the leaves will be soaked: it is a process Dadu calls fermentation. 

Neela does not understand where the beautiful blue comes from. Dadu explains oxidation which is the second part of the process. As they eat the lunch Dadu has brought along, they listen to the men singing and watch them work. After a nap, Neela and her grandfather press on to the studio where she sees the many wondrous shades of blue hanging all around them. It's time to get started creating Neela's own indigo cloth. It takes time again; the end result is magical. 

With indigo hands, the two show patience. Dadu tells his granddaughter about all the people around the world who grow indigo as they have done. When the cloth is finally ready to carry, it is time to make their way home after a very exciting day. It is a gift for her baby brother, given knowing that one day Neela will introduce him to dipping his hands in a pot of indigo as she has done. 

This is an important cultural tradition in Neela's family. That is evident as her grandfather leads her (and the book's readers) through every step of the process. Told from a child's perspective shows the importance of being introduced to an age-old tradition. Digital artwork does real justice to the many facets of the work done to create the depth and beauty of the lasting blue color. Backmatter includes an author's note, facts about indigo and its history, a glossary and a list of resources for further reading. 
                                                                                   

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza, by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris. Harper, 2022. $16.99 ages 8 and up

 

"The navigation on this thing is busted.

First Cat, can you make any sense of 
that map?

MEOW.

Then I'll just have to point this 
thing upward and hope we pop
past the Land of Frost."

This hilarious graphic novel is the book Chelsea chose for our book club read this month. She read it quickly and suggested I do the same. I had read about this series; I had not seen any of the four books. Start with the first was a grand idea. To say it's as funny as the title suggests is testament to this collaboration between Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris, close friends and equally keen on humor and crazy antics for their young readers. 

When rats from another galaxy begin to eat the moon, scientists launch a cyber cat to protect our closest celestial neighbor. This First Cat in Space is destined to deal the rats. A toenail-clipping robot (LOZ 4000) is a stowaway and the cat's companion for the mission. The Moon Queen greets the two and joins them on their quest. Their mission to deal with the Rat King takes them through a crazy mix of geography that includes a frozen wasteland, wild seas, and forest. The fast pace is captured perfectly by Shawn Harris as he creates compelling characters who move from one improbable place to the next. In full color, the art is as entertaining and hilarious as Mac Barnett's madcap plot. 

One question is constant: despite the many obstacles placed in the way, will the cat tasked with ridding the moon of the Rat King and his minions ever get to taste a slice of pizza? 

An expanded version of their Live Cartoons that were released on Instagram during the pandemic, the quirky humor and wonderful artwork up that hilarity in graphic novel form and has fans who eagerly read each new adventure. To add to the fun of discovering this first cat in space, visit www.thefirstcatinspace.com to see about joining the official FIRST CAT FAN CLUB. 

Be on the lookout for The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom, The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip, and The First Cat in Space and the Baby Pirate's Revenge.  

Coming this fall: The First Cat in Space Activity Book.  

Twelve Daring Grays: A Whale Migration Adventure. Written by Nora Nickum and illustrated by Elly MacKay. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 20236. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"And then the tide turns. 
Eight feet of water. 
Seven feet. 
The twelve long to eat more,
but the mudflat will soon be dry, 
and any lingering whales, stranded. 

They abandon the feast 
just in time."

It's February and more than 20,000 gray whales are ready to begin a northern journey from southern California to their feeding grounds in the Arctic. It takes two long months, and as they travel their blubber is depleted to the point where many cannot continue. It is the most amazing thing that twelve of the whales veer from the traditional route taken, leaving the others in order to head east toward the Salish Sea. Why? 

The mud banks of the Salish Sea are rife with millions of nourishing ghost shrimp. The daring challenge lies in the whales needing to move into the shallow waters when the tide comes in. Not wanting to end up stranded there, they move quickly, eat as much as they possibly can, and leave just as quickly when the tide waters recede. 

"The water recedes,
revealing evidence
that their daring plan worked. 

Thousands of pits in the mud - 
whale-size bite marks."

They stay for days, eating whenever the tide rises. After a few weeks, they are ready to push on to the cold Arctic feeding grounds. They will stay until the end of summer when they have enough new blubber for their return to the warmth of the California Baja, just in time to welcome new calves. Will those calves make the same trip one day? 

Elly MacKay's luminous artwork is as beautiful as ever: 'The photographs are scenes created with paper, ink, wire, colored filters, and light.' Each spread captures the reader's attention and allows them to travel alongside these magnificent creatures through gorgeous ocean waters. It is a remarkable journey!

Back matter adds fascinating facts concerning the gray whales and the researchers with Cascadia Research Collective who discovered the daring side trips taken to make their full migration possible each year. An invitation to DIVE DEEPER includes places to find more information. 
                                                                                

Whale, That Was Unexpected, written by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Kathryn Durst. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Well, how about that.

There was only one 
thing for Maude to do:

throw a goodbye party."

Maude and her trusty canine companion Claude climb aboard her appropriately named 'trusty little boat' head out to sea every morning. Well prepared and sure she has seen all there is to see, they have a big surprise in store. Readers know it at the first turn of the page when a dark whale shape covers the bottom half of the full spread. As bad luck would have it, the whale opens its humongous jaw and swallows their boating vessel and its occupants in one large gulp. Maude and Claude make the decision to stay plenty cool in the face of disaster, and begin to make a plan for a farewell party. 

"Farewell Maude. 

                   Farewell Claude." 

Maybe not fancy enough. They check with their audience to ensure the eulogy to them is worthy of their long, adventurous lives. The tone changes as all three (including the boat) are honored, and end up sharing the belly with all manner of sea life. Each one swallowed must be added to the list of farewells, including a goat in a boat. That happens just before the whale whooooshes in yet another mouthful ... seal and puffin. 

Their farewell chant is finally ready to be sung for the final time. Everyone joins in. Their fate seems sealed as they sit sedately in their boat in the belly of the whale. An emergency flare is lit to decorate the last sandwich, causing the whale to SNEEZE, and sending the boat back to sea. As Maude, Claude and their new friend Goat head for home, readers are left to wonder what tomorrow may bring. Fortunately, they are left with a clue! 

A mix of gouache, charcoal and digital media ensure the enjoyment for this story is lifted to new levels. The images provide an engaging backdrop for the deadpan comedy of Maude and Claude as they deal with the salty pickle they find themselves in. Readers and listeners will giggle at the repetition and the dialogue that makes them a part of every scene.  It's a tale left to read again next year when my family returns. They have named it a 'keeper', and for many good reasons.     
                                                                                       

         

Emily Saw A Door, written by Mel Rosenberg and illustrated by Orit Magia. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Knock, 
        knock, knock

"Welcome. Come in! 

A door that really wants me, thought Emily. 

"This door is for tigers, crocodiles, and
snakes. Which species are you?"
"Oh, I'm a girl named Emily."
"Wonderful. The animals haven't eaten
their lunch.""                   

When Emily sees a door, she knocks. The voice behind the door asks to know who is there. Emily explains and asks to come in. Unfortunately, the door is only for those who are blue. Though Emily's eyes are blue, that is not good enough to allow entry. 

Emily doesn't give up. She knocks on another door. She does her best to get in, is told there is a key under the non-existent mat. Obviously, this a door for liars. Emily moves on again. Next time, she must climb a tiring set of stairs to get to the next door. This door is only open to those willing to climb endless stairs; Emily needs there to be a top. 

The following door offers a warm and hearty welcome. Emily is delighted until she is told it's for tigers, crocodiles, and snakes. Is she one of those? She is not. However, it is lunch time for the animals. Emily quickly departs. In that rush to get to the next door, Emily meets yet another obstacle. The final door is not any more welcoming, causing Emily to just carry on. With no door in sight, Emily stops to draw her own door, and walks right in. When someone stops to knock on her door, Emily is quick to invite him inside! 

What might your own 'just right' door look like? 

crouton: One Cat's Adoption Tale, written and illustrated by Kristine A. Lombardi. Random House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"When we get there, I do everything I can 
to make her feel welcome.
I make sure she is well fed and
drinks plenty of water. 
After supper I see to it that she has 
a nice, warm bath. 
Then we read a captivating bedtime 
story."

Readers are introduced to Crouton, a calico shelter cat with a pink ribbon tied around her neck, on the opening page. She lives at the shelter with numerous other dogs and cats; all waiting for someone to come along and offer a forever home. Many people walk past her crate. She is always open to the perfect person for her. It is not an easy task until ... 

An 'adorable' child with a love for all shelter animals steps inside. Every other resident of the shelter is keen to adopt her. When she finally notices Crouton, the others fade in comparison. Crouton has finally found the someone to adopt. Crouton does every single thing she can to make her person happy to have been adopted. Luckily, they make very agreeable companions. Crouton does her best to make things as good as they can be for the child. 

Is it true that pets adopt us, just as we adopt them? That is certainly the premise of this lively book. Told from Crouton's point of view, readers watch as the cat takes her new position as 'adopter' very seriously. Readers will chuckle as the cat shares the many duties she takes on to care for the child. It's a book told from a different perspective, and it works. 

                                                                                

We All Cast Shadows, written by James Gladstone and illustrated by Salini Perera. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

"But when a big cloud covers each one 
of our shadows, 

I whistle for the wind to whisk 
that cloud away ...

and our shadow feet appear
under our legs again."

Do you know any child not intrigued by shadows once they discover their existence? As a little girl waits for her mother, a boy with a basketball watches them from beyond the sunshine. She is delighted to see her shadow; he does not have one. A courier leaves an invitation to attend a lunar eclipse party. Mother and daughter head out to enjoy the day, and run some errands. 

As they go, the child continues to notice the many shadows around her: people walking on the street, other children, a dog, the fire hydrant. There is also a shy boy, always in the shadows by himself. He bounces his basketball from his shady spot to her standing in the sunlight. As they continue their walk, she sees more and more shadows in the street, and on the sidewalk. She also loves to play in the shadows cast by trees she is passing. The boy joins them for lunch in the growing shade. Their next stop is at the lunar eclipse party, where many others have gathered to watch the earth cast its shadow over the moon. The walk home in the 'late-night' shadows offers a chance for a happy good night wish. Tomorrow, the adventures can begin once more. 

Salini Perera's eye-catching spreads provide a visual feast for readers on every page. There is so much to see, besides the way that light and shadow entice and entertain. The many details draw the eye on every spread, offering a chance for readers to add their thoughts to the city scenes. She keeps the boy always evident, despite his not stepping into the light. The sights along the way are worthy of discussion, and the progression of the coming darkness is just lovely. Readers are left with a sense of a new friendship taking root in the final scene. 

A visual rendering of a lunar eclipse brings the book to an end. 

SWING! Written and illustrated by James Yang. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages

 

"When the match is over, we decide to play too. 
But I don't play so well. 

Missed!

Aaaaaaaaargh!

Sometimes my brain feels like it's 
bouncing, just like the tennis ball. 

I'm never going to learn the backhand."

At present, it seems that sports television is hosting yet another tennis tournament from a variety of venues on an every-day basis. I thought this would be a great time to tell you about a girl and her father who love to play tennis together. She lets the audience know that Arthur Ashe is her hero, and that her father hits a one-handed backhand just like Arthur did. She needs both hands when she is playing. 

At school while eating kimbap for lunch, Timmy asks to try it. She refuses his request. Her father reminds that Arthur Ashe would be kinder. (Readers will by now recognize Timmy, as he is seen on every spread up until now). 

The two also like to watch television when Arthur is playing; his play is a good example to follow when they practice together. Her father lets her know that she does have things in common with Arthur. He likes to help people; when Timmy asks her to help him learn how to play, she lets him know she is far too busy. She has a match to watch with her father. Watching that match helps her see that she could be a better friend to someone who shares her interest in tennis.  

Retro digital illustrations are worthy of attention, providing a look at life in the late 60s and early 70s when Arthur Ashe was at the height of his career. He was an incredible athlete; he also was a terrific role model for many other reasons. Thanks to her father's patience and her strong will to learn, the two spend many happy days together learning lessons beyond the game of tennis. 

Faraway Family, written by Padma Venkatraman and illustrated by Nicole Wong. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House, 2026. $c26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa 
chatter away in words I don't understand. 
They laugh at jokes I don't get either. 
"Please?" I interrupt. "Can I go to sleep now?"
"I'll take you to your room," Mom says, but 
Grandma shakes her head. She clamps her hand
around mine to bring me upstairs instead."

A plane ride to visit faraway family is initially very exciting for our young narrator. The trip is an endlessly long one. As they arrive, Mom and Dad are excited to be visiting their 'home' after too much time spent away from those they have been missing. Her own home is now faraway!

It isn't easy for the young traveller to recognize her grandparents; she hasn't seen them since she was a baby. Their trip though the busy city is rife with traffic noise, and yelling voices. After the discomfort of the drive and a chance to have something to eat, Grandma will help her granddaughter find a comfortable bed and a quiet room. A power outage causes the fan and night light to fail almost immediately. Grandma is quickly back with a flashlight, and uses hand shadows to keep the little one entertained with a varied collection of animals. It is exactly what the two need when language is an obstacle. 

After the warmth of last night's entertainment and a restful night, she awakens to the sounds of new birds, and the smells of a delicious breakfast shared between new friends. Nicole Wong invites readers into the tale with spreads that are filled with many details and plenty of texture. Perspective changes allow readers to view the congested airport and streets that must be dealt with, the evening animal adventures, and the morning breakfast table. What a lovely family reunion!                                                                                         

Bug on the Bus, written and illustrated by David Catrow. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Fox ran to the bus. 
Hen ran to the bus.

Cat and slug ran to the bus.

Hop on." 

If we want kids to love reading, we need to give them books that encourage their love. You can't go wrong with David Catrow's Bug on the Bus. Besides the fact that it is about public transportation, it is also about an unusual group of passengers. Right from the beginning, early readers will know this bus is about to be boarded by creatures of a different ilk than those that often catch rides together. 

First up is a rather strange looking bug, nattily decked out with a fancy purse that matches her lower legs, curly-cue wings, and a multitude of bright colors. The bug hops on, followed by a scarf-wearing pig, a chunky pup, and a bat that does not run or hop. The passengers become a touch more frantic as an angry chicken chases a fox aboard, followed by a harried striped cat and a very slow-moving snail. 

The fairly astonished, always patient, driver waits for the snail to climb the ramp. Glory be, if it isn't a skunk that arrives just as the bus is about to pull away. All riders but the bug disembark, including the driver with his lunch kit, leaving rhe bug and the skunk to their own bus-i-ness! After meeting as new friends, the pair spend the day having 'fun in the sun'. 

With the perfect number of words for beginning readers, plenty of humor, movement, and endless details to be found in the entirely engrossing illustrations, this book makes kids want to read it on their own with its tribute to short vowels. It's a wild ride, and one of the best books I have seen in the I Like to Read series. 

Axolotl-Ella: A Sort-of Cinderella Story, written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Lian Cho. Ten Speed Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 5 and up

"Axolotl-Ella sighed. She loved her gray-green skin
and her feathery gills. She could breathe through
them both, and if that wasn't useful, what was?

But if she needed to fancy herself up for the festival, 
that's what she'd do. Axolotl-Ella was nothing but 
practical. That's the second thing you should know
about her."

Axolotl-Ella is not one for planning small; she is determined to find a way to go the King's Festival and meet the Prince. There are obstacles: green skin, dull gills, and looking a little like a toad. Her stepsisters are not encouraging. Luckily, she is pretty happy with who she is, and knows just what to do to be fancy enough for the upcoming festival. 

Returning to the water where she was born, she stirs up the magic that her mother had told her was there. She sings a song of transformation, and is fully ready to make her way to the festivities ... minus uncomfortable-looking shoes. She impresses every one that first night, including the Prince. While dancing, the Prince talks only about himself and learns nothing about Axolotl-Ella. Back to the water, and back to the celebration, still without shoes, the Prince meets her at the door. Again, they dance and the Prince talks and talks about himself. There is still no time to ask her question. 

On the final night, she leaves another pair of difficult shoes behind and hurries to meet the Prince. This time she presses to ask her question; the Prince talks non-stop. At midnight, she must flee. Trying to restrain her, the Prince pops her arm off. (It is what happens with all axolotls, the narrator explains.) The Prince is distraught, and vows to find her. 

After many enquiries, he finally finds Ella while floating in the reeds. She doesn't need the arm he holds; she has already grown a new one. She does have a question. That question is a huge surprise to the Prince; as is her promise to help him grow a new heart. With the Prince's help, Axolotl-Ella is able to live a fulfilled life ... finally! 

Inventive and accompanied by detailed, colorful watercolor and ink illustrations, Ms. Messner pens a story based on her love of fairy tales and her scientific fascination with the axolotls of Mexico. In her author's note she includes further information about them, as well a list of books to read more.