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. 
                                                                                           

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. 

NIck the Sidekick, written and illustrated by Dave Whamond. Kids Can Press, 2026. $12.99 ages 6 and up

 

"HE DISLIKED CLICHES, SO HE DIDN'T
WANT TO BE A TYPICAL SUPERHERO.

Is it written somewhere that if you're a 
superhero, you have to wear spandex?

Hey, that's one of the reasons I got into
the biz. I get to wear a spandex onesie 
all day! 

Okaa-aa-aay ... 

And why the cape? It's just 
cumbersome."

The story opens with Nick, caped and determined, sitting on a garbage can. He knows he is no hero, but he could assist someone more heroic than he is. Just don't call him a sidekick! His huge ears result in teasing at school, but also in super hearing. It comes in handy at times; at other times, it's not so helpful. Once school is out, Nick is enlisted by Super Fantastic Guy to help solve crimes. His smarts, his grades and his hearing make him a good candidate for SUPERHERO. 

Nick has many questions about the traditions of superheroes, and has no plans to be like them. He is not thrilled with the purple-and-lime outfit or the fanny pack he is given. His lessons in flying do not go well, nor do the following training sessions. While Nick is not getting much attention at all, Super Fantastic Guy loves how people treat him. No matter what happens, Nick does not give up on himself - an extremely fine character trait for a superhero. 

The graphic novel is used to full effect with brilliant coloring and humorous retorts that keep readers entertained and moving forward. As Nick provides all the intel needed to solve crimes because of his  hearing and smarts, Super Fantastic Guy takes the credit. That is, until a final funny turnabout shifts the limelight in the right direction. Now, who's the superhero? 

The artwork is filled with movement and energy. Nick's character is fully relalised throughout the story and leaves readers with a new kind of hero. Perhaps we will meet him again, or someone like him.

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue, written by Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by Melissa Castrillon. Chronicle Bo;oks, Raincoast. 2025. $29.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Aristides hugged them more 
tightly than ever before and 
sent his sons and nephew 
home to Portugal. 

The radio announced the news -
German troops were only miles 
from Bordeaux."

This is a story I had not heard in any of the many books I have read about WWII. Aristides de Sousa Mendes worked for the Portuguese government, living as consul general in Bordeaux, France when the Nazis started pushing through that country. Always kind to his neighbors in need, Aristides turned his attention to helping refugees fleeing to safety in Portugal where they thought they would be safe and protected. The Portuguese government was not in favor of helping them. 

When faced with hundreds of travelers wanting visas, Aristides disobeyed government orders to hold them back. Over a period of 23 hectic and terrifying days in the summer of 1940, he worked endlessly to provide visas for as many people as he could. With help, he granted visas to everyone who asked, even setting up a table in the street to accommodate their requests. His disobedience led to conviction and a guilty charge. He was stripped of his job, and his home, his prestige and other repercussions for his family. At a soup kitchen where his family was being fed, he met some of those he had helped and others who had escaped. What a legacy he left.

"Over a period of 23 days, Aristides de Sousa Mendes rescued many thousands of people, including the painter Salvador Dali; the writers Margaret Rey and H. A. Rey; the entire Belgian cabinet; professors of medicine, biology, and physics who would go on to teach in America; and thousands of others whose lives are less known but no less precious." 

His story is told with honor and simplicity to hold attention and inform young readers interested in heroic people from history, and WWII specifically. What a rescue mission he commanded. It is estimated he helped upwards of 30,000 people, Digital pencil crayon illustrations offer a realistic setting and inspiration for the fine work he did. An extensive author's note provides further context, along with a timeline for the 23 days, a list of quotes and sources, and a bibliography. 

We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present, written by Wab Kinew and illustrated by Janine Gibbons. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Our love is so pure. 
it comes from the heart. 
If they hate, that's on them. 
We are who we are. 

We are who we are. 
There's strength in this too. 
We kept this place free, 
so you can be you."

In this companion book to Go Show the World (tundra, 2018), Wab Kinew extends the list of Indigenous heroes who have left a lasting legacy in Canadian history. There are 13 men and women included whose accomplishments are far-reaching and numerous. As he did in his first book, he introduces them in rhythmic language meant to inspire young Indigenous readers to learn more about what makes them who they are. 

It begins with the importance of the braid and the way it connects with strength, and through time. He then moves to a series of double-page spreads that honor heroes beginning with Mary Golda Ross, an engineer whose work helped launch jets, rockets, and NASA into space. From there, he writes about Chief Dan George, Steve Charging Eagle of the Lakota, Louis Riel, Thanadelthur, Tasha Spillett, N. Scott Momaday, Pine Leaf, Patricia Nez Henderson, Fawn, Tommy Prince, Phil Fontaine, and Mr. Bonga. 

Interspersed between, a repetitive refrain reminds readers of all that was done to allow people to be who they are, and to be proud. There is little information provided in the odes to the mentioned people. However, a section in back matter titled Biographies provides further relevant information about each and a winning sketch to accompany the paragraph. 

"TOMMY PRINCE (1915-1977) was an Ojibwe
war hero and soldier who fought during World 
Was II. He is one of Canada's most decorated 
Indigenous soldiers, recognized for his service
in the First Special Service Force, an elite 
American-Canadian commando unit. He was 
also a strong advocate for equality and Indigenous 
rights." 

Janine Gibbons' artwork is stunning and 'was created with acrylic paint on poster paper coated in clear sealant. The sketches were created with pencil, pen and ink on card stock'. Every spread is sure to inspire interest and close observation as the book is shared. The spreads are filled with the realistic beauty of every setting, and many familiar and respected symbols that speak to Indigenous culture. 
                                                                                    

iVIVA VALENZUELA: FERNANDOMANIA Erupts in Los Angeles, written by Nathalie Alonso and illustrated by John Parra. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House. 2026. $25.99 ages 7 and up

"Generations of Mexican American and Latino families in 
Los Angeles gathered around televisions and radios, 
tracking each pitch Fernando threw. And, in Mexico, 
many radio stations were tuned into Dodgers' games
for the first time. 
To these communities, Fernando was more than a 
baseball player. 
He was one of them."

Baseball is in full swing for the 2026 season, and many are tuned in night after night to watch and listen to their favorite teams. In Los Angeles, in April 1981, Fernando Valenzuela, a 20-year-old rookie from Mexico. made his debut as the Dodgers' opener. His team beat the Astros and Valenzuela goes on to win his first eight games. No one had heard of this youngest in a Mexican family of 12 children. No one knew the excitement that he would inspire in the 50,000 fans in attendance in those days. Few pitchers had ever thrown a screwball; it is exactly what he did game after game. 

For the first time, Mexicans and Latinos had a hero who looked like they did, and who was an immigrant as they were. They had often faced racism and rejection. Now, they had someone to cheer for and follow on TV and radio game after game. As the baseball world adjusted to Fernando, Fernando did his best to adjust to a new home, a new culture and language. It was difficult. Add to that, a players' strike in June. Fernando went home, not knowing if he would return. Two months later, the strike ended and Fernando was back on the pitcher's mound. His success waned. Would he still be able to help his teammates win an important game in the World Series. It seems he would! 

Baseball reporter Nathalie Alonso and artist John Parra have collaborated on another winning picture book biography from the baseball world. Back matter includes notes from both author and illustrator, a note about Latinos and the Dodgers, a description of the screwball and a bibliography. There is also an archival photo of Fernando as he prepares to throw one of his famous screwballs. 

Viva, #34!                                                                                     

On Our Way with MR. JAY, written by Chelsea Lin Wallace and illustrated by Thyra Heder. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"At Birdy's stop the children grin, 
as Noodle sprints and pounces in. 
He greets each kid with slobber-licks, 
then shows off all his doggy tricks. 

Noodle! Hey!

He took my seat! 

Here, let me offer him a treat."

Chelsea Lin Wallace begins this new series, School Heroes, with someone who is a mainstay in many schools. Mr. Jay takes his bus driver job seriously, arriving right on time on public transit to prepare for his early morning round. As he eats his breakfast, he carefully checks his bus before leaving the yard. 

The gas tank is full; he is happy to be on his way to pick up his eighteen riders on a sunny day. He has one hour and three minutes to make the journey across town, board his charges, and be back to the school so they won't be late. At each stop, events differ and often cause short pauses. Mr. Jay remains welcoming and familiar with each of his riders. He knows what they like, and helps them with their needs (including removing horse poo from Lulu Leo's shoes). 

Soon it's 7:20 and they must get on with it. It matters not what dilemmas arise along the way; Mr. Jay tackles them with help and humor. Time passes quickly. From country roads to city streets, he maneuvers them safely through whatever the route demands. Will a traffic jam stop them? No! Mr. Jay knows what to do. Their approach to school is steep and bendy ... still, they are ON THEIR WAY. They pull in at 8:05, just as the school bell sounds. As they depart, he gives his usual Good Day, Little Buddies, has a snack, cleans the bus and heads back to catch the bus home. The ending spread is so sweet: it's sure to make you smile. 

The rhyming text, the thoughtful and energetic Mr. Jay, the lively full-color mixed media artwork all add to the appeal this book will have for young readers as they pore over each page to see what they can see there. Speech bubbles assure that children have a voice in this morning routine. 

Can't wait to see who's up next. What's your guess? 

The Trouble with Heroes, written by Kate Messner. Bloomsbury Children's Books, Raincoast. 2025. $23.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Mom made excuses even when I was little.
The Towers took something he couldn’t get back.
No matter how fast he ran into flames.
No matter how hard he tried to forget.
Memories like that stick to your skin,
crawl deep inside you,
and curl up in corners
that still somehow smolder, all
metal and ash."  

Finn Connelly has gotten himself in some big trouble letting his anger get the better of him, and kicking over the headstone of an important local, Edna Grace Thomas. Ms. Thomas was a dedicated climber of the 46 Adirondack Peaks, and encouraged thousands of others to discover the beauty and peace found in nature while climbing them. Instead of pressing charges against the seventh grader, Ms.Thomas' daughter seeks reparation through Finn agreeing to scale all 46 High Peaks before Labor Day. He will take the Thomas dog, Seymour, with him as often as is possible. 

Finn also has unfinished work from school in English and Phys. Ed. to complelte during the summer. Whed two years ago. Finn is about to fail seventh grade and has never made headlines . . . until now. Caught on camera vandalizing a cemetery, he’s in big trouble for knocking down some dead old lady’s headstone. Turns out that grave belongs to a legendary local mountain climber, and her daughter makes Finn an unusual offer: she’ll drop all the charges if he agrees to climb all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks in a single summer. And there’s just one more thing–he has to bring along the dead woman’s dog. In a wild three months of misadventures, mountain mud, and unexpected mentors, Finn begins to find his way on the trails. At the top of each peak, he can see for miles and slowly begins to understand more about himself and his dad. But the mountains don’t care about any of that, and as the clock ticks down to September, they have more surprises in store. Finn’s final summit challenge may be more than even a hero can face. ile not enamored of the task, Finn agrees and is accompanied on his climbs by experienced volunteers who agree to help him face the summits. There is a lot for Finn to deal with, including his father's death and need to be a hero. In poetic verse, Kate Messner handles topics of grief, mental health, PTSD, friendship, identity, and growing up. She also includes founds letters, recipes, text messages between mother and son, school progress reports, and photographs taken of the many climbs.

Finn is a well-realized character whose growth and capability impress readers, as he moves forward despite difficulties and observed flaws to find out what he needs to know about himself.  Eventually, despite reservations and many complaints, Finn finds what he needs in nature and with kind support. There are many discoveries to be made and his story, though heartbreaking at times, is going to win some major awards. It's that good! 

AND THEN BOOM! Written by Lisa Fipps. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 10 and up

 

Reading this book took me straight back to reading Starfish, my first encounter with Lisa Fipps' remarkable storytelling. It's hard to find the right words to tell you about it. So, as I did then, I 
will include a few of the passages that made me gasp. I started reading, and could not put it down. 

 https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7130079189010543417/9068845498303028036

Joseph Oak's life is filled with sudden and inexplicable change. He immediately introduces the people in his life who make it bearable, for the most part. 

"I do have one thing in common
with superheroes. 
I have an origin story. 
So does Grandma, who's from England, 
Mom, who gets The Itch, 
my best friends, Hakeem and Nick, 
Uncle Frankie, who's not really my uncle, 
and my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Swan. 
Each of us has an origin story, 
the story of how we became who we are."

Meeting them, but for Mom, will fill your heart. What a phenomenal community they provide for each other. Joe's life with Grandmum is happy, if not easy.  Grandmum cleans houses and offices, owns the home she lived in with Grandpa, and manages to feed the two with food stamps. All that changes when Joe's often-absent mother is arrested, and Grandmum uses the house to pay her bail. When Mom jumps bail and leaves without warning, they lose the house and end up living in their old car, which has seen its best days. 

"We all have at least 
one day,

One day, 
I'm gonna be the world's best chef
at my very own restaurant, and 
the food's gonna be so good
that when Michelin reviews it, 
it'll create a fourth star just for me, 
Hakeem says. 

One day, 
I'm going to find a cure for depression, 
Nick says. 

One day, 
I'm going back to my beloved old England.
Everybody longs for home, 
Grandmum says. 

One day is 
a hope, 
a wish, 
a dream that gets you through 
ordinary days, 
hard days, 
the worst days. 

One day, 
I'll never be filled with 
the ache of hunger again."

With help from the generous, creative and kind Uncle Frankie, they are able to find an old mobile home to rent. Life is turned upside down when Grandmum dies, Mom returns, and then soon leaves. Joe is now fully on his own, and not wanting anyone to know. His best friends are always there for him, but don't know the depth of his poverty or the true nature of the life he is living. 

Being able to find the perfect words to tell this story in verse with emotion, humor and hope is Ms. Fipps' superpower. I will forever remember every character, every scene, every bit of courage displayed by Joe as he navigates unsteady ground at every turn. Using his journals and the lessons he has learned from his superheroes gives him a way to keep his head above water. AND THEN BOOM ... a tornado! 

"It's amazing 
how long you can live 
without anyone realizing 
how you live"

Meet Frederick Banting, written by Elizabeth MacLeod and illustrated by Mike Deas. Scholastic Canada, 2025. $18.99 ages9 and up

"Fred trained to become a surgeon. 
That's a doctor who can perform 
operations. Fred trained at the Hospital 
for Sick Children in Toronto. 

There Fred saw many children who were
sick or dying. He wanted so badly to help
them, especially the kids who had diabetes
like his friend Jennie."

The book opens on the day that Dr. Fred Banting was about to inject his first patient with the newest form of insulin. He had been working for months, with one aim in mind: to find a cure for diabetes, a disease that had killed his friend when both were very young. Fred was determined to make a difference for people all over the world who were living with diabetes. Could he save this scared little girl? It was his fervent hope. 

Ms. MacLeod then looks back at Fred's early life on an Ontario farm. Much younger than his siblings, Fred turned to caring for the animals and learning to observe and diagnose problems that arose with them. His father provided constant support and encouragement. Fred's school friend, Jennie, loved animals just as he did. They spent a lot of time together. Jennie's health began to fail, and soon she was not able to attend school or play with Fred. Jennie had diabetes. It broke Fred's heart when she died. 

After school, Fred headed to university without really knowing what he wanted to study. In his second year, he chose medicine. After graduation, Fred travelled to Britain to care for WWI soldiers who had been wounded in action. While there, Fred's arm was shattered by a bomb and he came close to losing it. Luckily, he was able to care for himself. After the war, he returned to Canada where he began teaching. It was the beginning of his education about diabetes and its causes.

Biochemist John Macleod, a professor at the U of T, offered Fred a lab and an assistant to do the serious work of finding a way to help the many people with diabetes. They worked diligently to develop the insulin that they believed to the be the answer. It worked on a young teen named Leonard Thompson, and the rest is part of our history. For the rest of his life, Fred worked to make the world a better place, and he also spent time painting with his friend A.Y. Jackson. A plane crash near Gander, Newfoundland took his life in 1941; his legacy lives on in the millions of people who have benefitted from his hard work. 

A  timeline of his life and archival photos bring the book to an end.  

Elizabeth MacLeod and Mike Deas have done a remarkable job of bringing important Canadians to the forefront in their series called Scholastic Canada Biography. This is the 14th book in this exemplary series. 
                                                                               

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World), written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Crow waits at his spot
on the wire. 
Alone. 

When suddenly ... 

RING - RING
RING - RING"

Crow is sitting on a telephone wire when Squirrel comes along to share some good news. Crow shows no interest; Squirrel scurries away. Hummingbird is interested in playing games. No response, but one loud "KAW!" The same happens with Rat and then Bat. Cat has been watching, and lets Crow know he's putting himself in a bad place ignoring his friends. Crow treats Cat in exactly the same way as the others. 

Still alone, Crow finally receives the message he has been expecting. Asked if he has cleared the area and offering a positive response, Crow can finally begin his mission. Descending on an elevator inside the telephone pole, he reaches his secret lair and finds what he needs to spring into action. He dons the spacesuit, climbs aboard a waiting rocket ship, and zooms toward a gigantic meteor headed straight for Earth. Crow's training bodes well for the task at hand: to dash the meteor into small pieces before it reaches the Earth's atmosphere. Success! Only then does Crow invite his fine friends to join him on the wire: he has a spectacular surprise for them. 

Readers will be delighted to find a secret code on the final spread, which is sure to help them decipher a message found on the endpapers. It's a hit! 

T Is For Terry: An ABC of Courage, written by Denise Dias and illustrated by Noemie Gionet Landry. North Winds Press, Scholastic. 2025. $18.99 ages 5 and up

                                   

"Nn is for notebook.

Every day was an adventure. 
Terry wrote about his 
thoughts and progress in 
a notebook. He wanted to 
remember everything."

It's been 45 years since Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. This book will be published on July 28, Terry's birthday. Terry's legacy lives on in the Terry Fox Foundation and the many yearly runs still undertaken in his honor. 

Many young people today don't know his story. This book sets out to change that, telling the story of Terry's life from his adventurous and happy childhood spent with his siblings to the energy and passion he brought to making a difference for those dealing with cancer. 

Terry loved sports, especially basketball and he worked hard at getting better all the time. When he was diagnosed with cancer at 18 and lost part of his right leg, he spent time with other people who were suffering as he was. He made his decision right then to run across Canada in hopes of drawing attention to the need for more research and learning. He worked hard to gain strength and relearn how to walk and run. 

Terry's friends were great supporters of his dream. Doug decided to travel with him through long days. They started at the Atlantic Ocean in St. John's Newfoundland and spent every day meeting people along the way, keeping in touch with his family, and running close to a marathon every single day (42 kilometres or 26 miles). It took no time until crowds gathered to cheer him on, and make their donations to his Marathon of Hope. He ran for 5,373 kilometres. No matter how tired he was, he knew that millions were watching and wishing him well. 

As the team reached Thunder Bay, Terry had to stop his run due to further illness. His cancer had returned. People from around the world, who had watched his run, made the decision to run for Terry to carry on with his dream, and that has not changed. Many runs in his honor are organized every year. Before Terry died, he had achieved his dream of raising $1 for every Canadian. Since then, the Terry Fox Run has raised more than $850 million to help bring hope and healing to so many.  

Royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to the Terry Fox Foundation to continue the work he started so long ago. Terry's legacy lives on.  

https://youtu.be/70WbeqNOJQs

SUPERMOMS: Animal Heroes. Written by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper and illustrated by Jamie Harper. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"An American alligator's mighty mouth makes 
the perfect super stroller. Mom scoops up her 
hatchlings and shuttles them safely to the water."

Most kids know that their moms really are superheroes - if they think about it seriously. Moms do so much for their kids on a regular basis that it comes to be expected of them. In this book, readers will be astounded at the lengths some animal mothers go to for their young. 

In this first book in an anticipated new series about animal heroes, the authors explore the habits of many of nature's species and how these super moms manage to keep their babies safe from harm and raise them to be independent. There are 18 different animals who inspire the world with their remarkable powers. They are grouped in categories that show their prowess at making a home, making sacrifices to feed their babies, being creative when moving their young from place to place, protecting them from dangers they encounter, and teaching them what they need to know to survive. 

"With powerful instincts and extraordinary skills, 
these moms give their youngsters everything they 
need to go out into the world and thrive."

 

Every one of them is introduced with relevant text and cartoon illustrations that shows habitat, and also includes speech bubbles that are telling and often humorous from the little ones. A final double-page spread provides a thumbnail of each mother, her superpower, a personal note about where she lives with her family, and a 'guess what?' tidbit of further information. 

"I LIVE in rivers, swamps, and lakes, and 
I EAT fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and small 
mammals. 

GUESS WHAT? I cover my eggs with a giant
mound of vegetation. My nest temperature
determines the gender of my hatchlings!"

Back matter provides lists of books for children, online resources, audiovisual resources, and the authors' website addresses for additional resources and activities. 

This is excellent nonfiction for children, presented in a way that informs, holds attention, and invites conversation. Well done!                                                                                

                                                                            

Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport. Written by Caren Stelson and illustrated by Selina Alko. Carolrhoda Books, 2023. $26.99 ages 7 and up

 

"The train lurched forward. 

We stuck out our hands and waved. 

Our parents waved back. 

The train clattered faster. We settled into
worn leather seats and looked around. 
The entire train car was filled with 
children. It didn't matter where 
we were from. We were all 
refugees."

Beginning in 1938, many Czech children from Jewish families were saved by riding the Kindertransport from Prague to England. Once they arrived, they lived with British foster families until the conflict ended. When they were allowed to return home years later, they found that many of their families had perished. 

669 children were saved ... all of them through the courage and hard work of a man named Nicholas Winton. Nicky quietly went about doing the work that organized those trains, and making sure the children had necessary forms to assure their safe passage. The children who escaped the Nazi atrocities did not know his name until many years later . Thankfully, after decades, he was honored by the Czech president and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his courage and humanity. 

The narration for this heartfelt book is written in the voices of the children saved. Personal and candid, they talk about their life before the war, about the decisions made by their parents to send them to safety, the terror of being stopped and inspected by German police, and their arrival in London. They were almost adults when they returned home to discover the awful truth. 

"Fifty years passed. 

We grew up. We made new homes. We started new jobs.
We found hope and courage. We had children. We had 
grandchildren. We whispered to the stars of the night
and the sun of the day our gratitude for being alive. 

Still, we did not know the name of the man who saved 
us - until one day."

They were invited to meet him after so much time; each one filled with gratitude for 'the man who wanted to save children.' 

A timeline for the Kindertransport movement is appended. As well, there is further information about a few of the children he saved, an author's note, an illustrator's note, source notes, a selected bibliography, and recommended reading for further learning. 

"There will be times when you'll feel lonely and homesick. 
Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the 
messenger of our thoughts and love."

Wombat, the Reluctant Hero, written by Christian Timmer and illustrated by Rachel Gyan. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"She lumbered back 
to the water hole 
and got to work. 

She dug 

and dug 

and dug. 

and at long last, 
she struck water." 

I have read a few picture books about wombats in the past few years. All have to do with the devastation wrought by wildfires, brought on by drought and strong winds. Those bushfires have threatened many communities and humans, and have ravaged the animal population causing untold deaths in their wake. With the loss of their homes, many animals were left to try and find shelter while the fires raged on, the wombat proved to be an unusual hero for many. 

In this tale, we learn that Wombat likes order in her home. Nothing is out of place. That was not true of her neighbors; Wombat was duly unimpressed. She left them to it. In the heat of the summer, while roaming outside her tunnel, she noticed that her neighbors were suffering. Their water hole was close to dry. Back home she went to get what she needed to dig a tunnel in search of water. Find it, she did. What a relief for everyone; they even brought gifts of thanks. 

The heat remained; more animals sought relief at the water hole. Wombat set to work again. It took a deeper dig this time. The next day, trouble came to her door. The fires were spreading; the animals were in a panic. Orderly as ever, Wombat gave guidance to all to her tunnel entrance. It was crowded, but safe for all.

"The animals sat in silence, slowly 
sipping the water Wombat gave 
them and nibbling on the snacks
she shared."

Stepping outside to see that the fire has completely destroyed their neighborhood, Wombat and her friends set right to work!

Both author and illustrator add notes at the conclusion of their story. Christian Timmer provides additional facts about the wombat, while Rachel Gyan, whose digital artwork adds extra depth to the storytelling, lets readers know that she has seen bushfires and the harm they cause firsthand.                                                                            

They're Heroes Too: A Celebrarion of Community, written by Pat Brisson and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan. Tilbury House Books, Fitzhenry and Whiteside. 2022. $24.95 ages 4 and up

"The heroes in their great big trucks, 
who take our trash away; 
the driver of our school bus 
who greets us every day.

Heroes bring our mail to us. 
They work at cutting hair."

As the epidemic kept so many inside for the first year, we all counted on heroes for the work they were doing to keep us safe, allay our fears, and provide the services needed that we could not do for ourselves. In the past two years, we have returned to a more normal life and have often forgotten the work done by the people who make our community a better place to be. 

In schools there was a time when we celebrated all those community workers who make life better. Pat Brisson reminds us that there are heroes among us at every turn. They don't resemble Superman or Batman, they don't perform extraordinary feats of strength, and they too often don't really sense the  appreciation that we feel for the work they do day in and day out. It's easy to forget about them when we don't cross paths. But they are there, and they are making a difference for each one of us in one way or another. 

These heroes show the world they care by the work they do. It might be feeding food scraps to hungry animals. They teach in our schools, and make sure that children are safe when crossing streets. They take care of us when we are sick, and serve us when we are hungry. What would we do without them? We need to think about that. Watching a little girl and her caregiver make their way through their community, readers will note the many people whose jobs make them real heroes to each of us. 

Don't forget that kids can be heroes, too. What have you done today to make your world a better, kinder place? 

“You be there for me. 
and I’ll be there for you.”

Me and Muhammad Ali, written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by AG Ford. Penguin Random House, 2022. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"Like most folks, Langston looked up to the champ
because of his strength, speed, and confidence. But 
Langston loved him just as much for his poetry. He
was thrilled when Ali promised to float like a butterfly
and sting like a bee."

When Langston, a young and earnest fan, sees a poster for a meet and greet with Muhammad Ali, he also takes note of the Wall of Respect mural that features the faces of many Black heroes. While Ali inspires for a number of reasons, Langston is especially impressed with hearing him speak. He loves his way with words. 

Langston loves Ali's boasting; he even tries some his own rhymes while out on the playground. He excitedly waits for the day he will be able to see his hero in person. His mom is impressed with Ali's work to make the world a better place. A trip to the barber shop provides a haircut shaped to match Ali. There in much talk there and pride in the champ. Soon, it's time to go to school and fulfill a dream. When they get there, they are turned away by the guard who tells them it is for school students only, not for neighbors of the school. 

And then ... up walks Muhammad Ali! Once told the problem, Ali escorts Langston and his mother inside. What a hero for the young boy! 

"I'm quick and I'm strong. 
I'm Black and I'm free. 
I'm brave and I'm bold, 

like Muhammad Ali!"

In an author's note Jabari Asim makes it clear that Ali was a hero to his entire community. In their St. Louis neighborhood, Ali was an athlete, fearless in taking a stand for what was right, and not afraid of the press it would bring. The event described in this story is literally what happened for his mother when Ali visited her neighborhood school. 

AG Ford creates images in acrylics and colored pencil to welcome readers into an African-American community inspired by the grace, dignity, power, and athleticism of a great legend. The excitement felt by all jumps off the page at every turn. Energetic and emotional, this is a book that makes a terrific read aloud for early years classrooms. 

                                                                                  

The Adventures of ROBO-KID, written and illustrated by Diane deGroat. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Boy - am I glad to see you! 
I have to swim in deep water
today, and I'm scared. 
Can you use your superpowers
to help me?"

What an adventure for a boy whose comic book hero is Robo-Kid! 

Opening pages show Robo-Kid saving the city from a dangerous asteroid; it is what he is accustomed to doing. In accompanying illustrations which help frame the story, Henry with his canine pal providing close comfort is reading his Robo-Kid comic book. Mom calls; Henry needs a minute to finish. He slams the book shut as his mom becomes impatient. 

The slam causes discomfort for Robo-Kid and his own robot canine pal. In parallel stories, Henry heads uneasily to his swimming lesson while Roby explains to his family that saving the day (every day) has become routine and quite boring. Something's missing. Roby notices Henry in the real world and climbs up and out of the comic to check on him. The adventure then turns to spreads in the here and now. 

"Yes - it's me! 
The famous superhero! 
I'm here to save the day. 
You look worried. 
How can I help?"

Henry can't believe his great good fortune; the two spend the swimming lesson supporting one another - in a role reversal of sorts. What a confidence builder for Henry! The final page shows the end result of their time together within their own nuclear families. What a day! 

Ms. deGroat does a fabulous job of artfully creating dual worlds based on a shared experience. Her engaging, detail-rich illustrations invite careful consideration of every spread. The contrast between the two worlds makes for a warm-hearted read. In the end, young readers will understand that both Henry and Robo-Kid have proved their worth when it comes to the work of superheroes. 
                                                                                     

                                                                               

Cher Ami: Based on the World War I Legend of the Fearless Pigeon, written by Melisande Potter and illustrated by Giselle Potter. Little, Brown and Company. 2022. $23.99 ages 6 and up

 

"She flew fast with the urgent message. 
only this time the enemy spotted her. Shots
echoed over land like a thunderstorm as 
bullets whizzed past Cher Ami, one after
another. 

                    Pow!"

An author's note lets readers of this true story from WWI know that her tale is "a blend of truth and legend". She then chronicles the life of Cher Ami, a pigeon born on an English farm. Her early days were filled with enjoyable flights with other pigeons and adventures that took her far from home. She always knew exactly how to find her way back. When war broke out, Cher Ami and other homing pigeons were called to duty. They were tasked with carrying messages to help the US Army. They trained in France, where Cher Ami proved her mettle; she worked hard and quickly proved her worth. Sent to the front line where it was noisy and dangerous, Cher Ami continued doing the work she was meant to do. Though tired from her many assignments, she could be counted on to make risky journeys.

When things became unbearable for front-line soldiers who were unintentionally being fired on by their own men, and other pigeons had failed to deliver the message concerning their whereabouts, it was up to Cher Ami to deliver the urgent message. In doing so, she was shot down by the enemy. Though badly wounded, she fought to carry on. Arriving at her destination, wounded and minus most of her leg, she completed her assignment. 

It was now up to others to take of her. She even got an artificial leg from a concerned and grateful soldier. Declared a hero, she became a mascot for the US Army. 

Taking some poetic license, readers see the events from a bird's-eye view. The clear and dramatic text imagines the bird's experiences. The watercolor and ink illustrations ensure that readers always focus on Cher Ami because of her coloring. Notes from both author and illustrator (mother and daughter), and a list of sources are included in back matter. 

Kunoichi Bunny, written by Sara Cassidy and illustrated by Brayden Sato. Orca Book Publishers, 2022. $19.95 ages 3 and up

 

"FLING

SQUISH!

Kunoichi!

Saya and her dad are out for a sunny walk when she notices an altercation between two cats. Selflessly, she throws her stuffed bunny into the fray. That bunny's name is Kunoichi, the Japanese word for female ninja. It works. The two cats spring apart, and then contentedly move back together to have a good sniff at the interloper. Saya calls out, letting her dad know she needs her bunny. 

On they walk to catch the bus. Once they are seated, Saya notices a young woman with her little one in a stroller climb aboard. As she reaches into her purse for payment, the stroller begins to roll toward the open door. It's Kunoichi to the rescue once again! Alertly, Dad saves Kunoichi for his young daughter. Then it's to the park where they meet their friends. While the adults talk, Saya explores. As she watches a mama duck and her ducklings waddle past, she notices one duckling tries to jump over the storm grate and falls through an opening. 

Saya's quick thinking, with Kunoichi's help, has her rescuing the duckling. What superheroes they are! As happens with many superheroes, their work goes mostly unnoticed by others; that is the way they like it. One more accident averted and it's time for Dad and Saya to make their way home. Kunoichi is recovered once more, and the two catch their bus for the ride home. Kunoichi's final act of the day is to bring a smile to the face of a lonely, older woman who shares the bus with them. 

As they walk back the way they came, Saya falls asleep and drops her bunny on the sidewalk. Dad notices, and saves Kunoichi once more. A quick launder and the battered bunny is ready for a bedtime snuggle and a grateful kiss from Dad. 

The design, using a graphic format, is appealing for children. The story is charming from start to finish, and the pencil artwork finished digitally is exceptional. While there is the drama of the many heroic actions, the father-daughter dynamic is loving and invites careful attention. Those who share this fine picture book will find much to discuss, and will enjoy mimicking its many sounds.