The Side Pickle, written by Sarah Howden and illustrated by Sabina Hahn. tundra, Peguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

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"A curious earthworm had a harder 
question. "Why are we here?"

"I used to think I was meant to be a 
tasty snack. But now I am here, 
talking with you. Purposes can 
change." 

Day after day, the pickle sat there, 
shriveling in the sun. (It was a dry 
summer.)"

When a pickle lands next to a dry cleaners and speaks about his dilemma, resident animals have questions. As they gather, the pickle offers thoughts for them concerning his ability to communicate and why what he has to say is important. A bird asks why he considers himself so wise. Apparently, the pickle just knows it to be true. They continue to ask, and the pickle continues to provide clear answers. When a mouse asks about hunger, the pickle explains he is meant to feed not to be fed. 

A passing earthworm has a more philosophical question, wondering 'why we are here'. The pickle responds that, at one time, he was a snack and now he is talking with those who have enquiries about him. Seems the purpose in life can change. The question about his path to being where he is surprises with this answer. 

""I used to live underwater," began the pickle. "In a salty brine like the sea, 
but with more garlic. Then I was served beside a hot dog to a person ... who
hated pickles."

The summer days are warm and the pickle shrivels. A question about choice concerning his fate, leads to the answer that being eaten by a dog would be fine. His animal friends prepare to fulfill his wish, and call for a dog. Just when his fate seems set, another surprise adventure begins. 

Kids who hear this story will feel concern for the pickle and its dilemma, while the adults reading it may look at it differently. All in all, it is a fun read with humor and empathy clearly shared in illustrations created using black graphite pencil, watercolor and pickle brine. 

What are your big questions? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

and quite alike 
in more." 

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

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

"Nobody has her moves.

She doesn’t just swim to the bottom,

she dive-bombs.

She doesn’t just somersault,

she triple-doughnuts.

She doesn’t just ride the waves,

she makes them."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bring on Wombat Waiting. 

When Bryn's Ear Went Quiet, written by Nancy Hundal and illustrated by Ellen Rooney. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 5 and up

 

"Waiting, waiting. Then another nurse came, and 
it was time to go. 

He wheeled my bed down the center of the hall like
a plane on a runway. Mom held one hand. Dad held
the other. We taxied down more halls and turned 
many corners until we came to a halt in front of 
two wide doors."

Bryn was able to hear everything when she was 4; at 6, she suffered a number of ear infections that left her deaf in her right ear. A hearing aid helped; but it didn't solve all of her problems with hearing her mom's lullabies or wearing a helmet for skating. Another option was explained to Bryn by her parents. She could have an operation to implant a cochlear ear. It wouldn't be perfect, but it would help her hear with her right ear again. 

Nancy Hundal offers this lead up to Bryn's decision to have the cochlear implant. From then on, with gentle yet precise text, she explains for her readers the experiences that Bryn undergoes from talking with doctor, to the trip to the hospital and the preparation needed to be ready for surgery. Once in the OR, readers learn the procedures from arrival to recovery. After a long rest, Bryn is released to go home with her parents. One month later, her implant is turned on and Bryn can hear sounds in her right ear once more. 

This realistic explanation, accompanied by softly colored illustrations, has a calm and reassuring tone to explain hospital routines and provide relevant information for any family facing surgery for a child. First person narration allows for Bryn's thinking about the procedure, and reflects her feelings and questions. While it is a story about hearing loss, children experiencing other surgical procedures will find comfort in the information shared. 

Bitter Tea and Rock Candy, written and illustrated by Yan Gu. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"The first day, Mimi pretended to drink 
the tea, but instead she spat it down the sink. 

The second day, Mimi pretended to drink 
the tea, but instead she gave it to Ali under
the table."

Waipo is pleased to share her favorite tea with her favorite granddaughter; she knows it will be good for her. Mimi is not at all sure about even trying it. It looks and smells awful. Waipo insists that the traditional Chinese tea has been passed down through generations and has important cooling powers. 

When Mimi gives it a try, the tea is too hot and much too bitter to be consumed. Still, Waipo insists on her finishing it. Every time Mimi tries it, she determines never to drink it again. She finds ways to get rid of it. When Mimi is caught, her grandmother is very angry. Mimi cannot help herself; she tells Waipo exactly what she thinks of the tea. 

The next morning, she finds Waipo working in the kitchen with herbs and flowers. Waipo is making tea AGAIN. When the tea has steeped, she pours it into two bowls. Once cooled, Waipo suggested a piece of rock candy to help with the bitterness. She shares her memory of a time when she didn't like the taste of the liangcha, and her waipo did the same for her. While the tea still looks the same and smells awful, Mimi also sees the love and care that Waipo gives to creating a new tradition with her beloved granddaughter.

Lovely, and sweet! 

The Inquisitive Raven, written by Richard Wagamese and illustrated by Bridget George. D&M Kids, 2025. $24.95 ages 8 and up

"But if he could hold his wings motionless
in the sky and hang suspended above them 
all perhaps the other animals of the forest
would respect him. If he could soar like 
Migizi maybe they would regard him like
her. Surely there couldn't be all that much 
of a trick to it. After all, they were both
birds with wings and feathers. Surely with
a little pluck and practice a raven could 
soar like an eagle. So Rueben began to 
learn to soar."

This is the second book in the Storybook Collection by Richard Wagamese. It is a beautiful book, with stunning illustrations by Bridget George, that further introduces younger readers to his Ojibwe storytelling prowess. 

Rueben is a most inquisitive and engaging character who is considered nosy by many of his forest friends. Always amazed by the world around him, he is keen to learn about the wonders of that world.  
There are many stories from others about his curiosity and his ways of offering uncalled-for advice. Grampa Raven is encouraging in his support of Rueben and willing to answer questions he might have. When Rueben sees Migizi, an eagle with a wondrous ability to soar, his grandfather tells him that Migizi has many gifts.

Now, all Rueben wants to do is learn to soar. He dedicates his time, his patience, and his endless persistence to that end. After many tries and much practice, Rueben is ready to show the others what he can do. His attempt goes awry, and he plummets to the ground. Concerned that the others will not see his accomplishment with the same respect they have for Migizi, he needs his grandfather's reassurance that he has many of his own gifts. Rueben does not see them.                                                                             

"Migizi does. When she soars she sees the world. Her keen eye catches everything. She knows how 
powerful wonder and curiosity are. She knows how great a thing it is to be part of a community, and to take the time to investigate the things and the beings around you. She knows how special it is to be able to celebrate knowledge and to be willing to share it. She sees you do all of that and she carries deep respect for you."

Wise old grandfather ... so proud and respectful of his grandson and all he has accomplished. With a light heart, Rueben soon flies off to continue his studies of the world around him, always discovering something new. 

Thanks to Richard Wagamese and his wise storytelling, readers learn that they must look at themselves to see what they do best. 
                                                                                     

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

 

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

Helene observed. 
           Helene questioned. 
                     Helene had ideas. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

King of the Dump, written by Tim Wynne-Jones and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Groundwood, 2025. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"GRRRRRR

Got to make it small as can be. 

Squish! Squash! 

Why? 

Because there's soooo much!"

Teddy and his dad are busy at work when we see them for the first time. Carrying paper, recyclables, glass containers and even a ride-on toy, they are on a mission to get it all in the back of the car. On their way, Teddy wonders if he might keep the toy. Dad reminds him that he is too tall to ride it anymore. Their arrival at the waste management center is a revelation for the little boy.

As they begin to unload what they have brought, Teddy notices a plastic jug put in with the tins. The two retrieve it; Teddy tosses it into the proper place. As they prepare to leave their paper waste, Teddy runs around picking up what has blown outside the big bin. Machine noise captures his attention, and he watches the many machines at work compacting the mountains of trash. There is a lot! 

As a bin fills up with cardboard, a garbage truck comes along to transport it to another depot where it will be recycled to make new boxes. Finally, Teddy's toy is carefully carried from the car to an 'as is' shop for those who might use it. It's placed along with other salvageable items. As he hugs his toy goodbye, the shop lady places a gold crown on Teddy's head. Looks pretty good there. Just before they leave, a family with a toddler comes in. Guess what will work perfectly for them? 

This is a terrific look at all that happens in a waste management facility. Scot Ritchie's signature artwork, drawn in pencil and ink, is detailed and very appealing for all young children wondering what happens to those things we are ready to recycle. It's a great look!                                                                                  

Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas. Written by Michelle Cusolito and illustrated by Ellen Rooney. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2025. $22.99 ages 8 and up

 

"June 27, 1899
        Day 7 

Most people wouldn't enjoy staring at a jar of 
tiny larvae, but Maude studies them every day.
Some have attached to the jar! Will they become 
adults?

The year is 1899. The place is Ireland's rugged coast. Maude Delap is out for a row, collecting scientific specimens. Without any training in science (at the time she was expected to spend her life as a wife and mother), she has learned enough to be an expert about the marine life of the North Atlantic Ocean where she lives. 

On this particular day, Maude captures a compass jellyfish. Little is known about them, and no one has ever kept one alive through its entire life cycle. Maude wants to change that. Her lab (the Department) has a distinct marine odor. There, she conducts her work when she has nothing else of importance to be doing for her family. 

It is great good luck that Maude discovers tiny specks in the water. Larvae, called planulae, hold Maude's attention day after day. As she carefully watches, they become polyps while Maude sketches their changes. Through it all, she collects fresh seawater to keep their environment viable for growth and development. It is hard work. She learns about their preferred diet, and continues to keep them alive by rowing through the blustery winter and in freezing water. 

Nearly nine months later, they begin to change shape again. 

"She watches as one polyp shivers and wiggles. 
Its tentacles shrink and the tube turns pink. Five 
rings form like belts cinched too tight around the 
animal's body. The rings separate into a stack of 
lacy-looking layers."

They pump and pop! until a tiny jellyfish releases itself from the stack and pushes off. It happens again and again. Will Maude be able to keep them alive? Watching the biggest ephyra (adult jellyfish) eat all the smaller ones, Maude is astonished to be left with only one after all the work. After starting her diary and sketches on June 22, 1899 and watching the jellyfish grow from planulae to medusa, she continues to change the water daily and collect the kinds of jellyfish the medusa will eat. 

On July 8, 1900, the medusa has reached its full adult form; Maude is the first scientist to raise a jellyfish in captivity. She is not done yet. Next up - a blue jellyfish. The work begins once more. 

Back matter includes further facts about jellyfish, a short report on Maude's life and work, notes from both author and illustrator, a list of places for further learning and acknowledgements of those who helped with the research. 

One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them, written by Loree Griffin Burns and illustrated by Jamie Green. mit KIDS Press. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $22.99 ages 7 and up

"The people are Jean-Henri Fabre, 
a Frenchman how died in 1915, 

and Terrence Fitzgerald, an American
who was born twenty-six years later in 1941. 

The fascinating conversations? Wordless. 
Because caterpillars can't talk, of course. 
And neither can men who worked and 
wondered in different centuries." 

This is the first book in a new series of early chapter books from two star players in the nonfiction world for kids and their reading interests. They turn the spotlight on processionary caterpillars (have you heard of them?) and the way they march. Jean Henri Fabre was first to take note of their unusual movement; then much later, Terrence Fitzgerald noted the same thing. Both were very curious and intent on learning as much as they could. 

The fact that both scientists spent much of their lives working toward discovery, despite the many years that passed between their research is quite the intriguing story. Loree Griffin Burns' text is perfect for young readers. She writes conversationally, and fills the pages with a story that shows them exactly how the scientific process works and how being curious about the world around us leads to some remarkable discoveries. 

Readers learn that if a pine processionary caterpillar is hungry, it will travel untold distances to find the food it needs. To that end, along with others, it makes its way in long, single-file lines. The two men whose research is shared lived in two different countries at two different times in history. That in itself makes for the most fascinating coincidence. Each was meticulous in their observations, questions, and experiments. 

I had no idea how interested I would be. The text is appealing, and the design includes sidebars and illustrations that further enhance the learning. The conclusion encourages anyone interested to find out more by using the same principles of scientific research. Back matter includes an informative glossary, websites for learning about the scientists, a list for further reading, source notes and a bibliography. What an amazing start to a promising series! 

"This is a story about unusual caterpillars, curious people, and fascinating conversations."

What Will I Discover, written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated by Rachel Qiuqi. Greystone Kids, 2023. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"They know macaws have bones
inside their tongues to help them 
crack the toughest shells. 

And glass frogs have see-through
skin so they can hide in the leaves."

Do scientists know EVERYTHING? I think not, as there is something new to learn every single day. They do know A LOT more that I do. For that matter, they likely know much more than many of us do. 

The little one who makes the first statement about scientists goes on to share what scientists do know. Each statement made makes clear that there is much they know about otters, sea stars, desert sands and thorny shrubs. The list does go on from page to page and about many places, events, and even people. 

Soon there comes a time when; 

" ... I have questions. 
And no one - no one! - has the answers." 

Text that follows offers an opportunity to ask the questions that have no simple, obvious answer. They are exactly what inquisitive, thinking kids are keen to ask for themselves. Just imagine what thoughts reading this book to a group kids might spark. 

Digital artwork is warm and engaging. The settings are diverse, and encourage curiosity. A final page asks readers to return to their reading and find 10 different images from the book. 

What questions do you have? What might you discover if you are creative and curious?