We All Love: kisakihitonaw, written and illustrated by Julie Flett. Greystone Kids, 2026. $23.95 ages 2 and up

"To be nestled with you, 
under the sea, 
I'll protect you, 
and you'll protect me."

Julie Flett's dedication is both heartfelt and inspiring for those who hear its quiet words:

One night when my son was around five years old and
I was putting him to bed, I told him about my great 
love for him. He became concerned for a moment and 
asked, "But do you love all the children?" He thought 
that would only be fair. I did and do, beyond measure. 
I told him this, and we both sighed a sigh of relief.

It could not be more important for you to know that 
you are loved. This book is dedicated to you.

A baby bear is asked if it is stuck in a tree. The illustration shows a bigger bear on its way to give aid. A little duckling is asked if it is lost in the sea, as a fish returns it to shore and its delighted family. A large turtle comes to the rescue of a smaller one lying upside down. The following scene in this first part of the book shows children showing the same love as the animals have shown each other.

That love is everywhere little readers look as the book is shared. Between parent and child, between the community and the earth, support is given from one to the other. The stunning artwork, done in pastel and pencil and then digitally completed, invites attention and comment for the beauty found on all of its pages. 

Just right for bedtime, or any other time of the day. Feeling the love that is spread throuoghout makes it a book that will be shared many times. It's a simple message, but perhaps most important is that simplicity. 

A glossary of Cree animal names is added, as well as a letter from Julie to the reader. So lovely!

Good Golden Sun, written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. Little, Brown and Company. Hachette, 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Good golden sun, 
          does your belly ever ache? 

All the world is 
filled with sweetness. 

Would you like a little taste? 

Good golden sun, 
          tell me, how'd you get so big?"

The shadowed darkness of the opening endpaper hints at the sun's rise. Turn to the title page and a flower bud responds to the sun's light. The flower opens, the shadows begin to fade, and the sun pokes higher in the sky. A narrative voice welcomes the sunlight, asking where it has been. The text continues in a series of questions concerning every day events happening on earth. 

As a bee takes flight from darkness to light, it lands on the opened flower, taking its collected pollen back to the beehive where it is met by other bee friends. The narrator wonders if the sun is lonely on its own in the sky.  From flower to bee, from bee to hive, from the hive's honey to bear, its role is important in the earth's life. It doesn't stop at the bear. That bear is bitten by a mosquito that flies away to be eaten by a bird. The bird drops an egg just in time for a mouse's meal. So it goes, from morning till night, with the sun providing the energy and warmth needed at every moment along the way.  

The cut paper, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil and crayon artwork is digitally created, and stunning. The sun's path is a constant as it bathes each and every creature it encounters in a warm glow that is sure to delight readers. Brilliantly detailed art, as we have come to expect from Mr. Wenzel, fills each spread with a glow as the sun moves across the sky. 

"Good golden sun, 
            there is nothing more to ask.
Every day's the same - 
            you stay silent as you pass."
                                                                                     

I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf, written by Danielle Daniel and illustrated by Matt James. Tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"I'm so hungry, said the squirrel. 
I will feed you, said the nut. 

I'm so shy, said the turtle. 
I am too, said the rock." 

This gentle reminder that we are connected, the world over, provides inspiration to those who read it. A child awakens from a quiet sleep under the shade of a leafy tree, as the sun rises. A wolf companion wanders off. The sun spreads its glow across the surface of a nearby body of water. A single leaf, carried on a gust of air, lands near the child and expresses its fear. 

As the child watches, the tree reminds the leaf that it is not alone. The child listens to the tree, and notices a bird in a nest on one of its branches. The bird worries it might fall; the wind comforts with a promise to provide the lift it needs. As the day moves forward, the child is aware of the emotions described from spread to spread, and the support provided. She drinks from the stream, swims with sea creatures, runs in the sunshine with a horse, and enjoys every single part of her adventure.

Young listeners are sure to respond to the call and response design of the text, and imagine themselves enjoying all the simple pleasures of the child's day. Each worry is met with kindness and understanding. Matt James' illustrations share the emotions clearly in vibrant color and a natural setting. They comfort the worriers, while also encouraging conversation. As the story comes to a close, the child voices a personal wish. The answer consoles. 

Sea Without a Shore: Life in the Sargasso. Written by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Katherine Roy. Norton Young Readers, 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"They swim. And never stop - 
through cloudless calms and 
shocking storms. Day by night by 
day teeth sharpen, fins toughen, 
tails grow powerful. 

Changing with the weed, 
which keeps floating, 
around and around
turning into 
a unique place ... "

What an amazing story of nature in action! As readers watch a group of people at the beach gather seaweed, the text explains that it is Sargassum, an algae that grows in the middle of the ocean. It has no roots, no seeds, no flowers; yet, it continues to begin again. If the seaweed breaks, a new young seaweed will live and thrive. 

"It tumbles. Surfing the waves. 

Circling with the currents, 
floating around and around
turning into 
a sturdy place ... " 

An entire community of sargassum grows in the Sargasso Sea. It is “the ocean’s floating golden rainforest.”  All it needs is the tip of an old weed for a young seaweed to begin. It lives, it spreads, it provides a place for tiny creatures to become part of the sea, and that allows for more creatures to grow and feed on the Sargassum. They clean up the seaweed which flourishes and provides a space for even bigger creatures. Each plays a part in ensuring that the Sargasso Sea remains their means of survival.

"In the middle of nowhere, a community thrives. 
Season by season. Year after year. Age to age. Life into life." 

The interdependence is unique and complex. The writing is clear, while also brilliant, and makes for a most enjoyable read aloud. The glorious watercolor artwork is perfect for sharing with a group and provides a close look at an unexpected ecosystem. Back matter is extensive, beginning with a map of the Sargasso Sea and its currents, as well as thumbnail sketches of the marine life it sustains. That is followed by an afterword from Dr. Sylvia Earle, photographs, a research note, a concern about the abundance of Sargassum, acknowledgements, and finally a list of sources.    

Exceptional!                                                                              

West Coast Wild Rainforest, written by Deborah Hodge and illustrated by Karen Reczuch. Groundwood, 2024. $21.99 ages 7 and up

"Bears, wolves, and eagles feast on the 
spawning salmon. They carry their 
catch into the forest, eating the best 
parts of the fish, and leaving leftovers
that decompose and fertilize the 
plants and trees. In this wonderful 
cycle of nature, the trees protect the 
salmon and the salmon feed the trees."

This is the fourth book in an inviting and informative series by this very successful team. The first three are: West Coast Wild: A Nature Alphabet, West Coast Wild Babies, and West Coast Wild at Low Tide. Each is a worthwhile way for young readers to learn about the West Coast of Canada, and its many delights. 

The coastal rainforest is worthy of attention. Its lofty trees, pictured on the opening endpapers inspire awe and only partially tell the story of this wondrous habitat. The 'lush green' is appealing to all who choose to wander there. There is a lot to see. With each turn of the page, Ms. Hodge introduces its wonders in titled double-page spreads that also include an enlightening look at such things as rain, a forest of conifers, a forest home, salmon streams and trees, the cycle of life, and so on ... 

The descriptive paragraphs are conversational in tone and easy to understand for the target audience, giving just enough information to pique their interest, and perhaps to lead to further learning. Readers will meet the many animals who find food and shelter within this ecosystem, and learn just how important the salmon are to the balance of nature there. Karen Reczuch has once graced the pages with spirited watercolor images that offer respect for and wonder at the diversity of life found there. 

Back matter expands on what has been shared in earlier pages, and explains that "almost half of North America's coastal rainforest is found in British Columbia. In addition, the province holds nearly 25 percent of the remaining temperate coastal rainforests in the world." Astonishing!

Protection from logging these rainforest trees is necessary and of concern to many people. Working together is the only sure way to ensure this critical habitat can be saved. A list of websites and books is provided for further study.                                                                               

I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf, written by Daneille Daniel and illustrated by Matt James. tundra, Penguin Random House, 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"I'm so thirsty, said the skunk.

Have a drink, 
said the stream. 

I'm so lonely, said the crab. 

Come and join us, said the fish."

As the sun rises, a small girl plays in sand on the beach. A lone leaf floats nearby, expressing fear at its predicament. A tree reminds the leaf it is not alone. As the child takes note of all that is happening around her, other statements are made by one thing and allayed by another. The wind will lift a tiny bird afraid of flight. The sun will warm a chilly horse. A nut will feed a hungry squirrel. 

The call and response format offers assurance for young readers that things are going to be okay. Matt James uses bold colors and powerful spreads, created with his signature acrylic paints, to further enhance those feelings. The child is ever-present, discovering the many ways that nature is a generous companion. The worries are real, the needs are obvious, the solutions are quite lovely. 

After a long day of observation and travel, the child has a concern of her own; she is very tired. The moon offers solace. What are you doing for others? 

In an author's note, Ms. Daniel explains that we all 'need each other for support and survival'. 

"We are better and stronger together, which is why
it's important we take care of our planet and each 
other. We are all one big family."