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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

because of a shoe, written by julie fogliano and illustrated by marla frazee. alfred a. knopf, Penguin Random House.2026. $26.99 ages 2 and up

 

"and even when 
you are never putting on another shoe
(even the loosest shoe
even the tightest shoe)
for the rest of your life
and you hate the shoe
you hate every shoe
and you want all the shoes
to go to the bottom of the ocean
and get eaten by a shark"

I have read this AMAZING book a number of times since it arrived, and could not bring myself to write about it until I could read it just once more. I love it so much, and it absolutely took me back many years to when my husband and I were dealing with cantankerous toddlers longing for independence and acknowledgement of their ever-changing feelings. 

The adult in this ongoing conflict about a shoe puts into words exactly what is happening as the red-haired child runs, screams and continues to express all the 'even when ....' things that are making putting on that shoe an impossible task. Mom knows the child doesn't want to be reacting in such a dramatic way. She's sure all the flopping and inability to stop is not really the reaction the child wants to express. She's even willing to accept that the child will remain on the floor for all future endeavors from eating meals, attending school, working in an office, and so on ... 

When Mom finally loses her own temper and shouts and threatens dire consequences if those shoes are not immediately put on, the two begin to find calm in the chaos. Mom reminds that neither one of them are the people they have become. 

"you are still you
(funny sweet you)
and i am still me
(funny sweet me) 
and we are not a shoe
(not the tightest shoe
or the loosest shoe)

and we are not the yelling 
and the flopping 
and the throwing 
and we are not our 
maddest faces
and our angriest eyes"

Finally, with the little one tucked in her enveloping embrace, they find time to smile and have a hug and take a clear look at those very favorite shoes that have them in such a conflict. Shoes donned, they are off on a new adventure. The final spread is the absolutely perfect denouement. 

Julie Fogliano knows young children, and does an incredible job of creating this warmhearted ode to a toddler's need to feel all the feels on this day. The text moves forward in one-continuous-sentence, effective and so telling. Marla Frazee's impressive colored pencil and paint artwork turns on a dime to perfectly match the child's escalating emotions. She moves from soft warmth to the darkness of the powerful emotions they are both expressing. Once catch their collective breath and recognize the love they feel together, Ms. Frazee returns to the earlier softness. Love for each other is always there. 

It happens; it's hard; many are dealing with exactly the same thing. It helps to remember that, and this wonderful book reminds us of that.  It's  one of my favorite books for this year.                                                                                  

I Built a Rocket Ship, written by Anna Lazowski and illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"Dad asked what I was doing.
When I told him, he got really quiet.

I get it. 
It's a big idea. 
One time you said people get nervous
around big ideas. 
But not me."

It's very clear from the first page that the story's narrator has a definite plan in mind. She is building a rocket ship with 'cardboard, tape and tinfoil, a cushion, batteries and Bernadette'. Even in the darkness, with flashlight at hand, she continues her work. Bernadette keeps her company. As she builds, she shares memories with an unseen other person. She says she has kept the materials from when the two built a robot. 

Dad is interested in knowing what's going on. While explaining, she notices that her dad is very quiet. She knows it is a big job; that's what makes it worth doing. She lets readers know that the person she is so dearly missing said she would always feel a presence. The child is not sure that is true; her rocket ship will offer the chance to see them again. She continues to add items to the ship that remind her of the one she misses so badly. She is preparing every day.  

"I built it because I made you a promise 
to remember. 
And I do. 
I remember everything."

Dad does his best to temper the anticipation. She won't give up. She thinks she has exactly what she needs; it doesn't seem just right yet. Only one more thing is needed: her loved one's favorite paint color so she can be seen as she rockets upward.  

Sad and lovely, yearning and hopeful, full of grief and love, it is a memorable look at a child's response to the loss of one so loved. Soft, quiet artwork ensures a warm and comforting feeling.                                                                                     

 

Bored, written and illustrated by Felicita Sala. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026.$24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"After a while, she started to wonder 
how many other bored people there were, 
out there in the world. 

She imagined that she and all the other 
bored people were invited onto a bus
that would take them to a special place, 
a non-boring place just for bored people."

Reading this book took me back to a memory of a kindergarten mother complaining to her son's principal that he wasn't much enjoying school because he was bored. With tongue in cheek, and quiet decorum, the principal suggested that many children who complained of boredom were often found to be quite boring. How true! 

The little girl who is the object of the reader's attention here shows just how she is feeling on the title page. With arms wrapped around a pillow, lying on the floor, and exhibiiting a totally disinterested face, one can almost imagine the complaining that is going on inside. Nothing interests Rita. Even her hunger has dissipated in the face of her boredom. That rarely happens. 

There are many ways to try to alleviate the ennui she is feeling. Erratic movements, complaining out loud, doing her best to surprise herself - nothing works. Her brother is unimpressed. There are many different options she tries, all encouraging readers to think of some of their own solutions. She soon tires herself out, leaving her to contemplate others who share those same feelings. Using her imagination, she thinks about how they might handle being bored. What an adventure they embark upon. In fact, it leads them to landing on Bored Island, where they remain disinterested in their new location. Or do they?

Very soon, that disinterest leads to trying new things: building with driftwood, starting a band, yodeling with a startling result, digging a deep hole, and even discovering new galaxies. Who knew? A surprise ending is just what the doctor might order for anyone experiencing boredom in the same way Rita does. 

Ms. Sala's artwork, created with watercolor, gouache, colored pencils and oil pastels, is filled with expressive characters (particularly Rita), plenty of action that holds attention while examining the many personalities, and many fine details. 

Perfect for sharing with the child full of apathetic drama. 

Maya Inside, written by Alison Hughes and illustrated by Brady Sato. Orca Book Publishers, 2025. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"It was calm and quiet inside Maya's box. 

The box kept her safe.
It kept everything out.

                 But ... 

the box kept her in."

Shy kids can be easily upset. Maya's friend hurt her feelings at school, causing Maya to choose to crawl inside her box and stay there. Classmates see her behavior as weird. and let her know that too many times to count. Those actions do nothing to encourage Maya to leave the plain cardboard box that offers the comfort she is craving. Inside the box she finds a peaceful place to soothe her soul. It feels like home, providing a spot where she can be who she wants to be and do what she wants to do. 

The box goes wherever she goes: riding her bike to the store, riding the school bus, and always at school. The children grow weary of making remarks about Maya and her box. Then, they forget there is anyone inside. Maya likes the quiet; until she isn't so sure anymore. She is always on the inside watching what is happening on the outside. The other children play games that are loud. It seems scary to the young girl. 

Then again, it also looks like fun and often feels exciting. Should she see what it is like outside her box? She takes a last look around her beautiful, friendly environment. It is time to try the outside. Blinking at the light of a bright sunny day, she takes the brave step to ask others if she might play with them. Friendly and welcoming, they three run together ... until Maya stops, checks carefully to see that her box is okay, and leaves it behind her. 

I AM MY NAME: A Girl's Journey to Finding Her Cree Family, written by Na'Kuset and Judith Henderson. Illustrated by Onedove. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2025. $26.99 ages 6 and up

 

"'This is your new name."

That name is not me. 
I do not want a new name.
I need to find my sister so 
she can tell them I have a name." 

In my first year of teaching in 1971, one of my Indigenous children was 'scooped'. I did not understand it at the time. I was told he had been adopted by a family in the United States; the adoption agency in whose care he was explained that it was thrilled that he had found a family. It took a long time before I truly understood that process.

In this book, a young Cree girl and her sister are removed from their beds at night; she wakes up in the morning in a new room with a new family. Her name has been changed. As she spends her days mourning the loss of her sister, she finds her new family cold and distant; but for Bubbie an older woman who is kind to her and shows her a gentle and loving spirit, her life would be impossible. Whenever Bubbie goes home, the sadness returns. 

As days pass, she finds happiness at the synagogue, when she is learning, and when playing with her new best friend. Still, the best place to be is with Bubbie, her new grandmother. She feels at home whenever they are together. On the day her best friend's mother calls her a 'little Cree girl', she remembers it to be true. That is exactly what she is. Confronting her adoptive mother and father does her no good. They tell her she is lucky to have this new life they have provided. 

"I don't feel lucky.
I don't 
I don't
I don't 
I don't
belong. 

I have come from somewhere else, where 
I am Cree and I have a big sister
and another name. 
Maybe my sister is missing me."

In timer she runs away to her Bubbie's house, where the time they spend together brings great joy. Bubbie gently reminds her that she will not always be there for her. Though fearful of that truth, Bubbie also reminds her that she is beautiful. Together, they search for her sister and she finally goes home. From an elder there, she is given her Spirit name ... Na'kuset. 

Notes from the three collaborators add important context for this story of love and family. Honest and personal storytelling, accompaniedd by emotional artwork, shows how connection to loved ones endures and impacts families everywhere. 

Squirrel and Bird, written by Laura Baker and illustrated by Stacey Thomas. tiger tales, Penguin Random House. 2025.$24.99 ages 3 and up

"The stage is set. 
        The crowd is waiting. 

Squirrel loves a crowd, so Squirrel is 
oh-so-easy-breezy. Look at that BIG smile. 
No nerves at all. 

Bird is not relaxed in the least. 
Look, Bird is freaking out!
Maybe Squirrel should perform alone."

The elegance and texture of the cover and the high spirits of the endpapers are a visual and tactile invitation for young readers to get to the business of enjoying this tale of two friends, whose personalities are polar opposites of each other. The two are introduced as what they are: a squirrel and a bird. In following pages, readers learn that Squirrel is LOUD while Bird hardly makes a sound. 

The narrator then gets in the way of Bird's quiet responses. 

"Did you say something, Bird? 
See? Silence. 

You didn't really give 
me a chance - "

At the next turn of the page, the audience is told that while Squirrel is always busy, Bird prefers doing nothing. Could that be true? Though the two are unlike one another, they are best of friends. Together, they are making preparations for a concert. All forest denizens have been invited to come and enjoy the event. As they ready themselves to perform, it's easy to see that Squirrel is filled with excitement and confidence while Bird is literally pulsating with fear. The comparisons are repeated. Now, it is Bird's turn to have a say: ENOUGH! 

Bird shares a thoughtful comment about who the two truly are. The forest animals are surprised as Bird goes on to share that each can be quite different from what they appear to be. The narrator concedes that the opinions shared have only been a small part of who the two are. 

"We are Squirrel and Bird. 
Sometimes we are loud. 
Sometimes we are quiet. 

And that's okay 
because we can be 
whoever we want to be."

The minimal text invites emerging readers to try their hand at reading independently once they have heard the tale a number of times. The warm and detailed artwork tells a parallel story to the narrator's observations. Using variety in presentation and engaging details, Stacey Thomas ensures that readers know exactly what is going on as the two friends work together in preparation for a most enjoyable performance for their friends. 

Rudy's Lullaby, written and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Philomel, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Rudy decided to take them out on a boat ride. 
The chicks were chirping and laughing. 
They were having a really good time. 

But Rudy wasn't quite ready to feel happy. 
He felt more like taking a nap. 
Didn't the chicks need one, too?"

Rudy and his best friend Bruno love the peaceful forest life they are living. Their home at the base of a protective and tall tree is just perfect for both. On the day Mama Charlie locates her Lullaby School to the tree above them, that serene life makes a huge change in Rudy's idyllic life. Bruno is OK with it. Rudy cannot believe the noise the numerous birds generate, disturbing his sleep and his abillty to think clearly. 

An invitation delivered to Mama Charlie causes surprise and a large measure of glee when it is revealed the school is going to perform in a Lullaby Concert. Unfortunately, she will not be able to take her five little chicks with her. Bruno offers to take care of the chicks while Mama is away. Taking on the role of nanny is going to last seven days. Bruno loves playing with them; Rudy chooses to watch. 

Feeling left out and unhappy leads Rudy to offer some support. To provide time to give Bruno a needed rest, Rudy takes the chicks on a boat ride. While caring for five, Alice is lost. Rudy comes up with the perfect plan for finding her again. The rest of that day is filled with fun, as is the rest of the time until Mama Charlie and the chorus return. It's a lovely new relationship ... until another surprise visitor shows up! 

The very lively watercolor, gouache and colored pencil illustrations create a setting that is full of whimsy and caregiving. Young readers will find much to like while they are listening.  

I'm Very Busy: A (nearly forgotten) Birthday Book, written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Harper, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"It seemed as though everyone 
was very busy today. 

Even Pearl, 
who had a list of things 
to write and then cross off!

Well, everyone was busy, 
except for Bridget. 

"I guess I'll just have to blow out my
birthday candles alone," she thought out loud."

Bridget is keen to celebrate her birthday with friends. It's such a lovely day; she wants to spend it with them. As she visits with each one, she wonders if they might have time to get together later in the day.  Royal is the first to say he can't be there as he's too busy with people and places to see. 

Undeterred, Bridget moves on. With each successive invitation, she is met with excuses from her friends for not being able to get together. The turnabout happens when Pearl, having made her own excuse, hears Bridget's quiet reaction to her refusal.

"I guess I'll just have to blow out my
birthday candles alone," she thought out loud."

Off Bridget goes to pour birthday tea for her stuffed animal friends. While she is doing that, Pearl is busy worrying that she is the only one who has forgetten Bridget's birthday.  As she speaks with each of the others, she learns that they now have a differeent response about the party. One is off to get a card; one is baking a cake; one is getting ready. 

This time their answers add humor to the their original responses. Readers will be giggling. Imagine Bridget's happiness when her friends do turn up to help her enjoy the birthday they had all forgotten. Luckily, they don't share that bit of news. 

 

Oliver Jeffers keeps readers' looking at the children involved in this funny tale by using plenty of white space on each and every spread. Details, visual jokes and expression-filled faces will hold attention, and add to their enjoyment of a story that elicits quiet, thoughtful conversation following the reading. 

A Fall Day for Bear, written by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Then he slowed. There was Mouse, sitting 
by himself on a stump. He didn't look like 
the usual Mouse. His tiny shoulders were 
slumped; his head was low. 

"Mouse?" said Bear. 

"Oh, it's you," said Mouse."

Bear is one of our favorite-ever characters! The fact that Bonny Becker's earlier six books about Bear and Mouse are on constant repeat for reading with my granddaughters, even as they get older, keeps me on the lookout for a new one. What a thrill to learn that this fall publishing season brings this one, and how happy I am to have received my copy from Evan at PRH! Thanks always Evan for your support of the blog and interested readers.  

Bear is in a quandary. He has been waiting and waiting for Mouse to knock on his front door. They are supposed to be off on a fall picnic, and Mouse always comes to Bear's house to begin a new adventure. Where can he be? Bear waits until he begins to worry. Then, he is off to meet Mouse on the path to Bear's house. Once outside, it is evident that it is a very windy day. Might that be the problem? Bear braves on until he spots Mouse sitting gloomily on a tree stump. Mouse explains that he is sad. Mouse in NEVER sad; what can it be? Mouse explains that his sadness comes in the wake of seasonal changes. The leaves, the birds, the flowers ... all are disappearing. 

Bear puts on a cheery face and does what he can to help Mouse feel livelier. Then, as Mouse relates all those things that are making him feel so sad, that sadness alters Bear's anticipation for the picnic they were planning. He decides to go home and be sad by the fire. Before he can leave, he slips on the muddy ground and falls, which makes Mouse giggle with delight. Bear is not impressed with Mouse's response and tells him so. 

Stomping moodily through the woods with Mouse riding on one of Bear's very dirty feet takes the two straight to Bear's house where they enjoy a cleansing bath, a soothing cup of tea, some delectable snacks - and a warm fire where they can be suitably sad together. Or are they?  

Kady MacDonald Denton has a special talent for keeping these characters full of love for each other, while also filling her spreads with expression and details that constantly encourage children to take a careful look at what is happening on every page. Look for drama, humor, and everlasting affection as you share this book with those you love.                                                                                 

Bob the Boo-Boo, written by Melina Schoenborn and illustrated by Sandra Dumais. Kids Can Press, 2025. $18.99 ages

"Hello! My name is Bob. 
What are you doing? 

I fell off my bike. I got 
hurt. "sniff sniff"

Do you have a boo-boo? 

No. 

Can I be your boo-boo? 
Please? Pretty please? 

Um ... okay."

Bob is quite the cute little boo-boo. He needs somewhere to be. On a blustery day, he sets out to find a place to land. When a girl on her skateboard loses her balance and tumbles to the ground hurting her elbow, Bob thinks he's in luck. The boo-boos she is already sporting are quite inhospitable, sending Bob packing. 

An old man with a sore toe has no need for Bob. Nor does a baby in a stroller being bothered by a wasp. Poor Bob! What is to become of him? Bob finds a needy companion in a boy whose knee is in a bad way. Bob jumps up, settles himself and is soon introduced to the boy's mother. After cleaning, she offers a bandage for Bob. Ah, cozy warmth and a new friend; what more can a boo-boo ask for? 

The new bandages every day will delight young readers, heal Bob, and lead to his disappearance. It's then time for moving on to help someone else in need. The final image shows that Bob won't be without employment for long.