Drawing Is ... Your Guide to Scribbled Adventures, by Elizabeth Haidle. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $26.99 ages 9 and up

"Drawing is ... FEELING

Let's dip below the surface now. How can 
drawing hint at what's inside? 

What emotions do these faces express? 
The eyebrows say a lot.

Here's an exercise I've tried. 
Fill a page with circles. Add noses, 
eyes, mouths. Adjust the eyebrow
positions slightly to create different 
expressions."

This is the book I needed when I was a classroom teacher and trying to help my students learn about the strategies illustrators used to help tell the wonderful stories we were reading in the books we shared daily. I do not have an artistic bent, so I was learning along with my students. I was constantly searching for techniques that would inform my teaching. This book would have helped tremendously. 

The author begins with what drawing is NOT. It is NOT a contest, it is NOT right or wrong, it is NOT just for the "talented ones", it is NOT a waste of time, and it is NOT exercise. Rather, it is a way to 'explore, think and feel, experiment and question'. When readers can recognize that, they are ready to get at it. The table of contents offers Ms. Haidle's idea for what drawing is. It is traveling, wondering, focusing, feeling, growing, not-knowing, and magic. 

She explains to those sharing her ideas that what is needed to get started is a dot and a line that takes you somewhere. No need to rush; there are questions to be considered. From there she suggests that aspiring artists proceed forward on scribbled adventures that take into account scale, texture, pattern, and contrast. Her observations and instructions are filled with helping her readers pay attention to the processes they are using, rather than the final product. She encourages at every turn, with no expectations only a willingness to give it a try. It isn't until the last six pages that repeatable exercises are suggested. 

Now, get out a sketchbook and see what happens! 

Oh Dear, Look What I Got! Written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.50 ages 3 and up

 

"I went to the shop 
to get me a coat. 

Oh dear, they gave me ...

a goat! 

Oh dear, 
look what I got! 

Do I want that? 

No, I do NOT!"

Seeing the beautiful images on the front cover of this book took me right back to 1989 - the first time I ever read aloud We're Going on a Bear Hunt in my early years classroom. It was a hit, and has been ever since then. I expect this one will be the same; the same joyous text, the same appeal in the watercolor and pencil artwork. I couldn't wait to get started reading it aloud. 

The opening endpaper shows a young child with a tote bag over the arm, whistling while setting out on an errand. Readers learn immediately that the child is on the lookout for a carrot. At the first shop, the grocer offers a parrot. Those two pages set the tone for the rest of the book. The challenge for listening children is to guess what the next rhyming word could be. After each mistaken exchange, a repetitive response is: 

"Oh dear, 
look what I got!

Do I want that? 

No, I do NOT!"

It takes no time at all for little ones to start the guessing game and take part in repeating the child's response. Such fun, as page after page, the invitation is clear. Instead of a hat, the milliner offers a cat. Both parrot and cat are companions for the next stop. Along they go to the tailor where, instead of a coat, the child gets a ... 

The child and three assistants move on to another three establishments, each time surprised by the animal offered. The wriggly pup from the cup shop rewinds the earlier encounters to create chaos on a grand scale. While thinking about what to do next, there is a knock on the door ... I wonder who might be there? It's a delightfully positive ending for an entertaining and memorable romp. 

Get ready to read it again and again! What additional rhymes might the children hearing the story add?

The talents of two remarkable artists, whose words and pictures are as heartwarming and enduring as they have ever been, is a new source of wonder for children and their families.                                                                                        

POP! Goes The Nursery Rhyme, words by Betsy Bird and pictures by Andrea Tsurumi. Union Square Kids, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Patty-cake, patty-cake, baker's man, 
Bake me a cake as fast as you can! 

Roll it and pat it and mark it with a "B",
And put it in the ... 

POP! GOES THE WEASEL. 

A weasel IN A CAKE?
Who wants to eat baked weasel!?!

This is a book that I would have loved to read to little ones! If I close my eyes, I can hear their giggling at the page turns, and their need to make things right. Of course, it will have much more impact if the listeners have lots of experience with hearing and memorizing nursery rhymes. Are they shared in classrooms today? I know that the ability to rhyme has a dramatic impact as children take up the task of independent reading. Making rhymes a part of the day's learning is an important first step to future success. 

Taking familiar nursery rhymes and turning them upside down is a task the very wily weasel has given  himself. Readers will know from the get-go; it is going to be a rollicking ride. First, it's the donkey who feels the full effect. That success for the weasel is simply encouragement to keep doing what he's doing. Mary, of lamb fame, is on an adventure with a tiny lamb when she inadvertently pushes an elevator button only to unleash the spirited weasel, loud of voice and bursting with energy. 

A secretary bird interjects with a comment: 

"Wait, what? 
I'm sorry, but that is NOT how 
that rhyme goes. Let's try again." 

Jack and Jill are next. While Jack falls down as expected, Jill went - well, you know. As the weasel continues with his shenanigans, the bird keeps doing her best to bring decorum to the familiar rhymes. As the weasel gets evermore adventurous, the secretary bird becomes more annoyed. In a fit of anger, the bird calls LOUDLY for NO MORE WEASELS! The demand seems to be working; still, the tension is building for it to happen again. The quiet is seemingly endless. 

You know, and I know - we just don't know when or where. You will have to read it for yourself.  

Digital art, done in pastels with cartoon leanings, is filled with movement, facial expressions, drama, and a ton of fun. You will be charged with repeated readings and will always have help with the POP! What a performance piece this is!                                                                                   

Burst Your Bubble! Outsmart the Algorithms and See What You're Missing. Written by Joyce Grant and illustrated by Jan Dolby. Owlkids, 2025. ages 9 and up

 

"BLUE SPACE HELMETS

 Find a buddy or a family member you're 
connected to on social media. Have them 
think of a product that's really unusual 
and specific, like "blue space helmets". 
Ask them to watch a few videos about 
space helmets and search for "blue 
space helmets" in their search engine. 
  Wait ten minutes and then type the 
word "blue" into your search engine.
Did space helmets come up? Are they 
coming up on your friend's phone now? 
And maybe other things about space, 
or perhaps bicycle helmets?
  Your phone wasn't listening to you -
but an algorithm did take note of what
your friend was interested in."

I think that this is a book kids should read with their parents. There is much to learn in its pages about how information bubbles work. I am certainly happy to have learned what I did while reading it. It immediately engages its target audience with the way algorithms frame what we see online. The author also does her best, in accessible and real-world text, to help understand how better choices can be made. The interactive opportunities for moving from one place to another make the learning both enjoyable and informative. It works a bit like a choose-your-adventure-book that many will have experienced. 

The challenges are useful for parents and teachers to help young readers navigate just what happens when search topics are chosen. These lead to much of what the user will be guided toward in future searches. The illustrations are brightly colored and cartoon-like. Their design is crucial to adding meaning to the text in a playful and understated way. 

For those adults who haven't thought much about their own online presence, it provides the proof that whatever you might click on, or search out, will determine much of what you see in future searches. Too soon what is seen has a much narrower focus and you see less and less of other topics and interests. That's the bubble children find themselves in. It keeps them from having access to other different points of view, other people, and even limits their experiences on the internet. 

We don't want our kids or ourselves to see only one side of any story. It's important to learn ways to break out of those bubbles and find other ways to inform ourselves. There are ways to be smart about getting beyond our own small bubbles and expanding thought, knowledge, and the importance of being well-informed. As a beginning, this book will definitely help with that. 

 A table of contents, glossary, index, and bibliography are included.

Polecat Has a Superpower, written by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Bob Shea. Putnam, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"It's true that polecats are smaller 
than our striped cousins. 
But we can do things they can't. 

Like what?

Like climb really fast. 
Watch this. 

See? You blinked, and -ba -da - bing! - 
I'm way up here."

I have shared other books in this series. Kids love them for the information they provide, and for the very appealing artwork and humor. The fact that the critter speaks directly to them is a bonus. The introduction is clear; they are meeting a spotted skunk, aka Polecat who has a DOOZY of a superpower. 

Before letting readers in on that secret, Polecat is quick to describe itself. It lives in the woods in hidden places where it feels safe. If they can't find the perfect spot, they can dig their own. They forage for food at night, and are always on the lookout for predators. The mention of predators worries a nearby Porcupine, who needs to be reassured that he is in no danger. 

Polecat goes on to explain to Porcupine the differences between himself and the skunk, its cousin. Polecats are fast climbers, have unique spot patterns which provide camouflage, and are omnivores. They like food of all kinds. Although these are interesting attributes, they are not a superpower. Porcupine is convinced he knows what it is, and he blurts it out. The polecat can 'spray stinky stuff' to protect itself. Polecat is disappointed that Porcupine has spilled the beans. But that is not the real superpower. 

It's what is done before the squirty thing - it makes itself look scarier by springing into a handstand! The final scene will have readers chuckling, just before they turn their attention to the TRUE or FALSE quiz that ends the book. 

Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes. Written by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Fiona Woodcock. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 2 and up

 

"I Can Tie My Laces

I can tie my laces. 
This is the way I know. 

First you make a knot.
Then you tie the bow. 

I think I've done it right. 
And I'm feeling rather clever, 

until I realize ...
I've tied my shoes together!"

If you are a parent or caregiver interested in getting little ones moving about and finding inspiration from the world around them, this is the book for you. There are 35 strong and telling rhymes here that look to the everyday experiences that inspire young children to play with language, create dramatic scenes, and engage in fully from one page to the next. 

Beginning with friends sharing fun in a variety of ways and places, the first verse encourages counting to 5, movement, and a wish to go back to the beginning and say it all again. As the verses are shared, little ones will find favorites that they will soon be repeating on their own. Comparing size in fingers, baking a cake, watching soap bubbles float and pop, Sean Taylor moves from humor to delight as he encourages his readers to think and react. 

"The Wind

Here comes the wind. 
The trees swish and sway. 

Hold onto your hat! 
Or it will blow away! 

Great gusts of wind
whirl their way on through.

Hold onto your pants! 
Or you might lose them, too!"

Accompanying these witty and full-of-movement rhymes are Fiona Woodcock's brilliant mixed media images that provide pointers and hints for the kinds of actions to be taken. The subjects are far-reaching and offer plentiful opportunities to stop and talk. What a truly exceptional gift for a new baby, a happy toddler, or a kindergarten classroom! 

We need more books like this ...                                                                                   

Take a Breath, Big RED Monster! Written and illustrated by Ed Emberley. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2025. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"But ... 

you can take a breath!
Count with me: 

ONE, 
close those mean green eyes."

I cannot begin to guess how many times I read Go Away, Big Green Monster! to my kindergarten classes or in the library. Once was never enough; each time the reading ended, a call went up for reading it all over again. Such wonderful memories. 

So, I was delighted to see that Ed Emberley is back with a companion book to that best seller. There are fourteen page turns here that provide an interactive look at the anger felt by a big red monster. The two mean green eyes get readers started, with a peekaboo page. 

Each turn adds an angrier look with added features that include a mouth, two ears, hair, and a very angry face. Then, the tables turn as the reader attempts to calm the monster with a deep breath and encouragement to first close the mean-looking eyes. Once that is done, the angry monster is persuaded to keep breathing deeply. All the while, a sense of calm is the focus. Finally imagining a gentle rain to cool his firecracker hair brings the peaceful feeling needed to reopen the eyes and find the angry face has disappeared. 

Another count to five and the warmth of a big smile brings the book to a close. 

What a pair of books to share with little ones! 

The Bear Out There, written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan. Quill Tree Books, Harper. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"If you want to know, too, I can tell you, 
but be prepared. You may be chilled to 
the bone. 

Are you ready? 

Come closer. 
You must promise not to scream. 

I know for a fact that there is a BEAR out there."

A knock brings a tiny girl with a big mouth and a very loud voice to answer the door. She is apologetic when speaking to readers; she was expecting someone else. She wonders if the readers are avoiding something scary. They are invited in, and she prepares to tell them what is 'out there'. She knows they will be terrified when they learn the truth. 

There is a BEAR out there; she is sure of it! She reminds them of the no screaming rule. She explains that the bear is watching the house (and the illustration proves that to be true). When asked if she has seen the bear, she is quick to point out that she KNOWS it is there. She even explains the three signs that let a person know a bear is near. 

She continues on, sharing her knowledge and feelings about what is happening. She even draws a picture of said bear.  As outside noises ramp up, she does her best now to reassure anyone worried about the bear. A loud noise finally has her checking outside where she sees no bear. Or is it there? Yes, it is! Time for her to hit the road, and for readers to take care of themselves! 

As the bear explains that he has returned to his home, he warns that inviting oneself into his home is bad manners and happens too often. In fact, he will gladly welcome any visitor who asks first.  

I did love Jess Hannigan's Spider in the Well (Quill Tree, 2024), and will now happily add this sophomore title to my favorites shelf as well. The storytelling engages readers at every turn, and the tension created for them only ups their enjoyment. The twist at the end offers a chance to chuckle at the poor bear's indignity. Kids will love it, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Hannigan does next! 

So much fun on every page!                                                                                   

Six Little Sticks, written by Tiffany Stone and illustrated by Ruth Hengeveld. Greystone Kids, 2025. $23.95 ages 4 and up

 

"No little sticks. 
Six sticks are gone. 

Is Mama worried? Is Mama mad? 

No. Look, Mama is really ... glad!"

Mama stick bug has set herself a task. She wants to teach her six children how to hide. That way they will always be safe when they are not with her. The counting begins. Mama can only see 5! Then, only 4. The number continues to change as Mama carefully checks to find each of her tiny tots. 

When she cannot find any of them, she realizes just how bright they are. They have already learned a most important life lesson. They know how to hide! Wait! Mama's not done yet. Now, she wants friends and cousins to join in a game of hide-and-seek. A careful search will have eagle-eyed readers finding 20 bugs!!! 

Ruth Hengeveld uses digital media to create a world where stick bugs can be incredibly hard to find. Initially, along with Mama, readers will get a clear picture of all six as they play nearby on the leaves and branches. They have pencil crayons, binoculars, a pinwheel, a lantern, a scooter and a pear to keep them occupied. With each turn of the page, their number dwindles until they have all found a place to hide. When the new game begins, they are there to be found again. Observant kids will delight in finding each missing stick bug. It might take a while, and some patience. Back matter includes 'six little facts about stick bugs' and an introduction to some of the other tricky critters that can hide in plain sight, and can be found in the pages of this attractive and full-of-fun picture book. 

                                                                                          

Super Ocean Weekend: The Ultimate Underwater Adventure. Written and illustrated by Gaelle Almeras. Translated by David Warriner. Greystone Kids, 2024. $29.95 ages 8 and up

 

"Even super predators are part of 
the chain. Like all living beings, 
when they die their bodies decompose
and nourish smaller organisms. 

Every link in the chain 
is important for the 
balance of marine life. 

When humans catch too 
many fish in the ocean, it 
messes up that balance."

For the four young creatures who have come together to learn about the world ocean, it is clear there is a lot to learn. First off is to learn that ocean covers 71% of Earth's surface. Pretty fascinating for our young learners. 

Their Science Adventure Club makes camp on a tiny island, conducive to enjoying their time together and learning as much as they can. In twenty numbered sections, facts and conversation lead to being better informed about such subjects as plankton, the water cycle, climate change, waves and winds, tides, coral, camouflage, buoyancy, whales, ocean depths and underwater exploration.  

Material is presented in easily understood bits at a time, allowing all four participants the opportunity to consider and digest what is being shared. The narrators are drawn from place to place through conversational text that encourages them to observe, speculate and have a say in what is being taught. Now knowing the biodiversity of the ocean, the four become aware of the amount of waste that is there. A time line for breaking down the marine debris is presented in a chart that encourages the four to get involved in helping clean up their island's beach. As they do that, they learn they are joining a growing number of people who want to make the differences needed to protect our oceans from further damage. 

"People are setting up "Hope Spots" and keeping them free of fishing and tourism.
The goal is to protect one-third of the world's oceans by 2030." 

Possible? We can only hope! 

This book is published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.

Still Life, written by Alex London and illustrated by Paul O. Zelensky. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"A still life might have a thimble 
with needle and thread. 
A pen and an inkwell resting on 
a piece of paper. 

Shadows stay where the light 
throws them. 

In a still life, nothing moves. " 

As much as caregivers will enjoy reading this book, their listeners will not be able to contain their joy in hearing it. The artist is bent on explaining just exactly what a still life is, sharing that nothing moves in it. By giving the explanation full attention, observant listeners will note that what the painter is saying is absolutely not true. 

The objects that are collected to be painted are not meant to move at all. Items gathered are an interesting bunch - a thimble, needle and thread, a piece of cheese and spreader, a jam pot, a candle with a flickering flame, and plates and bowls that hold fruits and vegetables. As listeners follow the spoken text and keep their eyes keenly focused on the tableau in front of them, they will begin to notice tiny differences. They are not likely to contain themselves; soon, they will be shouting that it is, indeed, not a still life. 

Sure to see the tiny mouse ears that appear behind the cheese, they will want the painter to know. What is real and what is art? The mice make their presence known in the spilled jam and sticky footprints that track across the cheese and its plate. They are not the only characters to appear. Soon, a dragon makes its way across the table with a knight following closely behind it. That is not the end of their story. 

As the painter explains what is NOT happening, readers and listeners can see that he is decidedly wrong! So much is happening here. It's a great book for helping young readers understand that things they hear are not always true. It's funny and full of entertainment while also trying its best to explain an artist's interpretation of one art form. Paul O. Zelensky perfectly complements the text with elaborate artwork in varied visuals that are full of fun and very detailed to keep the audience involved in every turn of the page. Lovely to see a book that is so successful at showing opposing points of view. Bravo! 
                                                                                  

Don't Think of Tigers, written and illustrated by Alex Latimer. Random House, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"ANOTHER TIGER? 

We all make mistakes. 

Just look how many mistakes 
I made drawing that tiger. 

IT'S GOT EIGHT LEGS! 

But enough tigers, all right? 

You'll get it this time." 

This is one of those books! I know very well that reading it just once will never satisfy listeners. Even the jacket flap is an invitation to fun when it describes what readers are not to be doing while reading the book. So, don't think of tigers! 

The narrator explains early that the book is all about MAGIC. It will only work with the reader's imagination. To start, try thinking of a 'cow doing ballet'. It works like a charm! There's only one warning: Don't think of tigers! The artist cannot draw tigers. 

The proof is in the pudding. As the next drawing shows, the first attempt at a recognizable tiger leaves much to be desired. Time to try again ... and this result is even worse than the last. The reminder is repeated, resulting in yet another hard-to-describe tiger-looking image. After repeating the word tiger a good number of times, the listener is asked to try again. Still hopeless! 

Tiring of the endless refusals to follow instructions, the artist shows just how adept his talent for drawing tigers is. Egad, the deconstructed tiger image that follows is interesting to say the least. What about asking the person who is reading the book to not think about tigers. Nope! They are no help at all. 

The book is coming to an end.  You will have to read it yourself to see the solution ... and a grand one it is! 

A final suggestion only ups the fun for all involved. 

"Find a piece of paper and a pencil. 
Okay. I'm going to close my eyes and 
think of something for YOU to draw. 

Can you guess what I'm thinking of?"         

An absolute winner!                                                                               

Hello, I'm A Sloth, written by Hayley and illustrated by John Rocco. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.50 ages 5 and up

 

"Scientists have discovered 
that the algae and fungi 
in my fur can fight certain 
human diseases, like cancer. 

You're welcome."

Kids are often intrigued by the slow-moving sloth. To have it speak directly to them only ups the interest. This one lets them know right away that it was in the middle of a nap; not to worry, napping is the way it spends most every day. As it hangs from a tree branch, it becomes clear that its love of trees is quite natural for an animal that mostly sleeps, and sometimes eats and climbs. 

To keep readers involved, it often asks them questions that refer to what the sloth is saying about its life. 

"Don't you just love climbing trees?" 

The sloth talks about the claws that help when hanging about in trees, the trip down from the tree to poop once a week, and its need to get back up to avoid predators on the ground. It talks about falls that don't really hurt, 'walking' on the ground which isn't easy, and swimming as a means of moving more quickly. Did you know that when a sloth eats, its stomach fills with gas and that helps it float in water? 

Its most feared predator is the harpy eagle. Luckily, the green algae that grows on its fur makes it hard for the eagle to spot it from above. The sloth mentions six different species, all living in tropical rainforests in Central and South America. The one narrating the book is a brown-throated three-toed sloth ... easy to see why. 

Each following double spread continues to inform readers about friends (bugs), food, senses, and loss of habitat. Survival is dependent on helpers who plant trees and construct rope bridges to make life better for the sloth. 

"Well, that was a lot of talking, 
and I'm pretty tired. 
Let's hang out again soon. 
Until them, YAWN ... 

           Good niiiiiiight."

The easy conversational text and its inviting questions, the rainforest setting created by John Rocco, and back matter that includes even more about sloths and the organizations that are making a difference for them makes this a welcome addition to Meet the Wild Things, The first in this series from the wife-husband team is Hello, I'm a Pangolin. 

I will look forward to seeing the third one. 

animal countdown, by laura vaccaro singer. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 2 and up

 

"nine 
       elephants 

eight 
       giraffes"

It's hard to describe the beauty found in the graphics Laura Vaccaro Seeger continues to create, while helping our youngest readers learn about concepts such as counting. In this new book, she takes her readers from ten down to one, while also presenting them with images of animals of the world that are either threatened or endangered 'due to exploitation, pollution, vulnerable habitats, and climate change'. 

She well deserves the regard given to her many exemplary books. The layout is familiar and always engaging. She begins with the word ten on the left- hand side of the spread; a die-cut on the right shows the number ten created in a hazy blue background. Lift the flap and the reader sees two hug-worthy otters at the front, and eight more in the ocean water behind them. 

Each new spread follows the same pattern, the printed word, a cutout that shows the numeral and a flap to lift to discover if the reader has made a good guess about the next animal. Moving down from ten to one seems the perfect choice for presentation when wanting to bring attention to the plight of each of these creatures. Their numbers constantly dwindle. 

In back matter, thumbnail sketches present the animals again, along with a list of information about each that includes: where are they from?, what are they like?. what do scientists call them?, how do they live, and what are they threatened by?. A list for further reading is added. 

These exceptional animals deserve our attention in this most wonderful way! 

Mr. Fox's Game of "NO!", written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 

"If you accidentally say "YES,"
then you will have to go all the way back 
to the beginning of this book 
and start over. 

Are you ready to play?"

David LaRochelle writes books I cannot wait to read aloud. They are a barrel of fun! This one again hits all the right notes with a look at how powerful the word 'no!' can be. 

The premise for the game is set up for the reader on the first page, with the picture of a dappper fox and his ringmasteresque invitation to readers. He wants to test the brain for a game called "No!" All the reader must do is answer every question asked with a resounding "No!" Seems pretty straightforward, right? 

The first question: "Are you ready to play?" 

If the answer is yes, you know what happens; the answer must always be a negative one. The "did you say yes!" reminder is asked each time, and the need to return to the beginning is repeated. As the game moves forward, the stakes become higher and more persuasive. Offered are a giant sundae, a beach party, or a million billion dollars. Still in the game?

The questions then come faster and are a lot more personal, making it almost impossible to answer negatively. The last straw is a slobbery kiss from a really stinky water buffalo. OOPS! That's not quite the end expected. There is still one final question that can, and should, be answered with a resounding YES for those who have kept their cool, have played the game with great success, and have been the gigglers from start to finish! 

What a fun time! 

https://youtu.be/CwOylDgjjD0?si=XwcTZU39wWv-QJPw

Wildlife Crossings: Protecting Animal Pathways Around the World, written by Catherine Barr and illustrated by Christiane Engel. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024, $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"There are lots of ways to welcome hedgehogs. 
Wilder yards and gardens offer places to hide, 
a shallow bowl of water provides a welcome 
drink, and HEDGEHOG CROSSING! signs 
on roads help alert drivers to keep hedgehogs
safe.

Away from the traffic, these popular, prickly 
creatures prefer unplowed field boundaries, 
pesticide-free farms, and shelter in thick, 
shady hedges." 

There are 8.7 million species in search of 'food, water, mates and safe places to breed'. Of these, the wild ones need space to move freely. As humans have encroached on their natural habitats, they have been forced to find new and often dangerous routes to find what they need to survive. Today, it is important to find ways to build crossings that will help them live and prosper. 

Seven animals at risk (elephants, hedgehogs, birds, gibbons, fish, bears, and cougars) and their new pathways to safety are described here in two double spreads each. The first of the two spreads provides information about the animal itself and the difficulties faced in an ever- changing world. Their habitats are shown in detail-rich, captioned illustrations. Problems are evident. On the second spread, solutions are shown as they are being developed in various world communities; a simple counting game is included to invite participation and further attention. 

These animals are found in Europe, Asia, and North America. The safety corridors include animal highways, stopovers, bridges, fish ladders, and crossings. Each is shown as part of the solution to living with these animals who must move for survival. These actions are postive ways for humans to have a role in making certain they will be protected as they do so. 

In a final spread, Catherine Barr adds brief descriptions of seven other animals who are finding their way, with human help, along disrupted ancient pathways. 

The Book That Can Read Your Mind, words and pictures by Marianna Coppo. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2024. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Oh, no! 
That's not fair! 

During 
intermission
everyone 
changed places!

Can you please 
tell me which row
they are in now?"

Lady Rabbit is quick to let her audience know that they are welcome to the show. She also explains that it's a tough task to make magic in a book. Really, can't any book make magic happen? She sets out to prove that this book can read the mind of its audience. It's because of that magic.

She reveals that with concentration and purpose, she will be able to connect with the audience present and show that what she says is absolutely true. The turn of the page reveals six rows of six audience members and readers are asked to choose just one of the 36. She will need to know what row they are in. Whichever row is chosen, there is an instruction for the reader to go to a certain page to see them again. 

"If they are in this row, 
go to pages 22-23."

During the intermissions, the audience members change places! Obviously, that creates a bit of a dilemma. Not to be deterred, readers are asked to choose again, and move forward as before. With each new turn, the same thing happens, the instructions remain the same, and on they go. 

It takes persistence and a careful response to each of the given instructions. Only then, does she instruct each reader to move 'to page 39'. What? Lady Rabbit has made real magic? She's right!

"TA-DA!" 

There's fun in the illustrations, and great fun in the resulting magic. Who could ask for more? I am absolutely sure it will be read again and again!

In an afterword, the author explains the origin of the magic shared. 

Go and Get with Rex, written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"Great! When I count to three, 

GO and GET 

something that begins with the letter 

                      F!

One ... two ... three! 

ZIP! ZAP! ZOOM!

Back already? That was fast!
Let's see what you found."

That is the premise for this terrific new book by a veteran pair of collaborators. Jack, Jill and Rex (a dog) are taxed with finding something that starts with a given letter of the alphabet. Jack and Jill follow the rules to the 'letter'; Rex, who has a grand love for ducks, is always able to explain why a duck is his go-to answer for each letter provided.

The game continues. Kids will absolutely love the search results. With each new letter, the resulting text becomes wordier and more descriptive. 

"a MOUSE! 
And the way she's making a meal of
that Muenster, she must be hungry!
Mouse does indeed begin with the 
letter M!"

The surprise ending is perfect. Asked to find something that begins with D is certain to lead readers to expect that Rex is sure to return with a duck. Rex, as with every other search, has a perfect explanation (WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!) for the choice he makes. The final spread is a culmination for this apt lesson in the sounds that letters make. 

Mike Wohnoutka's artwork is familiar and exactly right for bringing meaning to the text and providing all that young readers need to make this experience the best it can be. 

When you are looking for books that insert phonics into learning to read in a meaningful way, this is exactly what your kids need. It holds their attention, it is full of energy and enjoyment, it is creative, and it will definitely encourage them to take what they have learned here and try it for themselves.  
                                                                             

Pelican, written and illustrated by Brian Wildsmith. Star Bright Books, Fitzhenry and Whiteside. 2023. $17.95 ages 4 and up

"The speckled hen wasn't very pleased. 
But it was an egg, so she sat on it. 
After a while all her own eggs hatched.
At last, the large egg cracked, and out 
came an unusual bird."

Paul is a young farm boy who loves climbing his favorite tree to watch what passes by on the road beneath his high roost. When a truck hits a bump as it passes by, it dislodges a small box with a message on its top - FRAGILE KEEP WARM. Picking it up, Paul takes it home to show his father. 

The two are surprised to find a large egg inside. Neither knows what kind of egg it might be; his father suggests having the speckled hen hatch it along with her own eggs. The hen reluctantly sits on this new and unwelcome egg. Eventually, a most unusual bird hatches. While her chicks grow fluffy and strong, the new one eats little and doesn't change much at all. It will not eat the chicken feed.

When Paul's father returns with trout for the supper table, the bird shows a renewed interest in food. While Paul's mother is off feeding the chickens, that greedy bird gobbles the fish. It happens again and again. Finally realizing the bird is a pelican, Paul is asked to take it to the river to catch its own meals. When that doesn't work, the pelican eats the day's catch at the dock. Big trouble! 

A trip to the supermarket is another bad choice. The pelican wreaks havoc trying to get to the fish in the freezer. Hearing his father say he will take the pelican to the zoo, Paul sneaks out that night with the pelican, to stow away on a big ship. Discovered before leaving port, they are returned home. Paul's worried parents agree that the pelican can stay if it learns how to fish and helps on the farm. That arrangement is mutually beneficial until the pelican, who has learned to fend for itself, flies off to never be seen again. 

Well, readers will know what happens. 

Published anew last year, following Mr. Wildsmith's death in 2016, this book reminds readers of his incomparable ability to create stories and artwork that survives the test of time for its beauty and relevant storytelling. Children will be intrigued as well by the half-page flaps that hide the next part of the tale. 
                                                                                   

 

Have You Seen An Elephant, written and illustrated by Elina Ellis. Kids Can Press, 2024. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Did you know that elephants
have poor digestive systems? 

That's why they are always full of gas! 

Have a look in my journal."

Wouldn't you think that an elephant would be easy to spot? Apparently not! 

Alex is a young explorer with a penchant for elephants; she knows a great deal about them. Since she has not seen a real one, she is preparing for a search. Backpack full and armed with her elephant journal. she sets off. She is bold in her meetings with a giraffe, meerkats, even a snake while asking for help in spotting an elephant. 

It won't take young readers long before they catch on to the joke being played on Alex. While she is intent on speaking with a rhino, observant readers will be quick to point out that there is an elephant right behind her - and it's walking away into the forest! 

When the rhino appears perplexed with the question, Alex pulls out her journal and offers a look at two pages of highly interesting information about elephants, both African and Asian. Three such spreads are shared as she searches. Moving ever onward, she perches herself in a vulture's nest, not knowing that a herd of elephants is walking beneath her. Nothing stops her in her quest, while all the while elephants can be seen on every spread. 

When she is finally ready to give up, Alex offers a clear hint at what's up next. Since elephants are so hard to find, she tells a monkey that she might just start looking for a tiger. 

"I LOVE TIGERS!

I know everything about them."

Only then does Alex ask an elephant if she has seen a tiger! Kids will be roaring. 

Digital illustrations engage readers with a myriad of details certain to tickle their funny bones. Back matter offers suggestions for creating a journal. Once finished the first, it's easy to start on another. 

Be on the lookout in September for Is This a Tiger? the second book in this promising series.