Scritch Scratch: An Itchy Witchy Halloween Tale, written by Teri Sloat and illustrated by Zuzana Cupova. Random House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $20.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The steps are creaking
on the porch. 
The doorknob's rattling 
back and forth! 

She's out there
mumbling up her spell. 
Her cauldron's bubbling - 
what a smell!"

I rarely post holiday books. The only reason I can give is that budgets are tight and the need to be sure you are getting the best books for the money is paramount. In that case, it might be better spent on books that reach beyond one day a year. That being said, when a book like Scritch Scratch comes along, you don't want kids to miss the joy inherent in the telling.

Three terrified kids hear a sound they do not recognize, and worry that it is the witch who makes her home in the pumpkin patch. Inside they run, lock the door and hope that her spell comes nowhere near them. The sound happens again, and they are sure they see the witch's shadow 'swooping past'. Her doings are scary and unexpected, of course. 

"She's catching snails
and slugs to use
to cast a spell on 
me and you - "

By choosing perfect hiding places and waiting in silence, they avoid a confrontation. Soon enough, they see her shape on the face of the moon and their worry dissipates. No scritch! No scratch! They are safe. Or are they? 

Black ink and watercolor art offers a witch whose presence grows with the imaginings expressed by the terrified three. The only color (brilliant orange), beyond the contrast of light and shadow, is shown in the moon, the children's hair and cheeks, a lit match, spider legs, the witch's eye and the background for a tense scene inside the house. It definitely ups the drama. I love the rhyming storytelling that has all the 'feels' for Halloween. What a terrific read aloud it is! 

Go, Crow, by Tjitske Kamphus. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Dawn breaks. 

A crow waits. 

The wind blows. 

Away she goes!"

Crow's day begins as the glow of sunrise colors the dark sky. Glow is the first presented word, and from there each turn of the page adds a new rhyming word that describes a day's adventure in this crow's life. The sun rises; the crow also rises up through the clouds when daylight suggests she 'go'. 

Through blowing winds, she makes her way over treetops to a farm where a variety of crops are grown. Her bird's-eye view encourages her to take it slow and take a careful look at all she can see alongside a tilled field. The lower she gets, the more aware she is of the farmer sowing seeds in furrowed rows. Keen eyesight offers a chance to land and pluck seeds from one of those rows, while the farmer gives chase. The crow has 'no' business stealing from that farmer's field. 

Into the sky she again goes and flies back the way she came ... straight to the tree that she left earlier in the day. What an eye-opening surprise readers experience as three tiny heads pop up with gaping beaks, eagerly awaiting their mother's return. Darkness finds the family tucked in, fed, and ready for a good night's sleep. Their day is done. 

Word choice and a willingness to bring a brilliant idea to her audience makes this a book to be savored each time it is read. Accompanied by splendid digital art which offers fluid lines and a bold setting, listeners will delight in scenes that capture attention through careful observation. 

What a treasure!                                                                                       

The Selfish Sister, written by David Sedaris and illustrated by Bob Staake. A Toon Book, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Don't try to ride 
       her bright green trike. 
It's hers alone, 
       the un-kind tyke. 

It sits 

      un-used, 

            ignored, 

               forsaken

not peddled yet, no long rides taken."

I have always enjoyed David Sedaris' humor! I have read many of his adult books, and was happy to learn that he has turned his talents to writing for children. The first was Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (Little, Brown, 2011). Look for it at the library; you won't be disappointed. I told readers about Pretty Ugly (TOON Books, 2024) previously, and next up is this book about a sister who can only properly be described as both SELFISH and GREEDY! She is trouble at every turn ... taking on anyone who gets in the way of her belief that the world (and all in it) is her oyster. 

 In cheeky rhymes, the author is able to show readers just exactly what greediness in its purest form is. There is not a thing that doesn't belong to her and she makes sure that everyone knows it, especially her small and quite terrified brother. No amount of trying keeps her from taking everything in sight: cork, tuning fork. bed, towel, chair, stuffed animals. Then, she moves outside. 

Finally, in a fit of anger, her father shouts "Enough! When she continues in her selfish ways, he offers a deal. She refuses. When she has finally claimed ALL to be hers, she finds herself without only one thing: friends. So much for her self-centered ways! 

Bob Staake fills the spreads with digitally colored pencil and ink drawings that are sure to please young readers. He leaves plenty of white space in order to keep attention on her antics and expressions. Green skin and one tooth make her a real charmer. Get ready to giggle, and then read it again. 
                                                                            

A Cat Like That, written by Lester L. Laminack and illustrated by Nicole Wong. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 2 and up

 

"A cat that strolls 
from door to door.

A cat that takes 
time to explore.

What do you think 
she's looking for?"

This cat is on a mission. A trip through town has her strolling the streets of her home town, making many stops and observations along the way. She begins at the fire hall where she lives, with the tempting smells of food has her joyously partaking. Is that why she is a 'big, round cat'? Off she goes along people-filled streets where she is showered with attention by a little one in front of the bookshop. 

From one door to the next, her exploring continues. Readers will be enchanted by realistic and colorful digital illustrations by Nicole Wong of the people and the setting created for this relaxed and purposeful walkabout. Perspectives constantly change to keep readers aware of every step along the way - from close-ups to bird-eye views that map the town from above while showing the winding path taken. 

Making a stop on the pier where both she and a gull look longingly at fish in the water; she shares space with three fishermen willing to share part of their catch. Her trip continues at a pace that takes her to a big red door where patience is the key to a very happy reunion. Bravo, 'cat like that'! 

Perfect for reading aloud to little ones, this rhythmic story of an adventurous cat will quickly be requested again and again. Each repeated reading offers up opportunities for taking careful note of the charming details to be found in the artwork and a chance to soon be chanting parts of the tale told.       

The Wildest Thing, written and illustrated by Emily Winfield Martin. Randon House, Penguin Random House. 22026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"But she wanted to be noisy! 
She wanted to be free. 
She wanted to be wilder
than she was supposed to be.

So she 
fluttered ... 

... and she ran
and made her own kind of tracks.

Readers are immediately informed that Eleanor loves wild things. In fact, she surrounds herself with them. Inside, Eleanor believes she is one of them. The wildness is just waiting to come out. After being called inside one night at bedtime, she dreamed of 'things with fur and fin'. That dream was all she needed to release the Wild. 

Her bedroom and other rooms in the house welcomed rabbits, squirrels, green plants, and a bit of chaos. She had her breakfast on a brown bear sofa, and quietly made her house a wild place for a new day. She lived in joy in the wild running, and leaving drawings wherever she went. She hid from others and howled with a wolf. 

When she had a snack, she shared with the wild animals that gravitated toward her table and chose to be in her space. She did all of the things she had always wanted to do, rather than being composed and quiet. She came right 'out of her shell'. She gloried in the activities ... until she fell. Only then did everything grow quiet once more. After such a glorious day all she wanted was a bath and bed. 

"Then in the place between awake 
and dreams not yet begun, 
she heard a voice that loved her say, 
"Good night, my wild one.""

Every detail on the book's spreads celebrates the wildness that Eleanor covets. Her world brims with verdant green and constant motion. After the beauty and spirit of a day spent in wildness, she is content to return to the safety of love and a good night's rest; ever-changed and full of confidence.
                                                                                      

More Than A Million, written and illustrated by Grace Farris. Bloomsbury Children"s Books, Raincoast. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"Love you more than a million 
blueberries on the floor

Love you more than just one more
goodbye at the school door

Love you more than 365 lunch box notes

Love you more than a truly astounding 
number of fevers and sore throats"

I have long forgotten how many times I heard 'MOM' when the kids were young. My daughter lives in the midst of it whenever their kids are home from school or bike rides or being with friends. Anyone with kids at home will know what I mean.

Front matter begins with a worry from a pajamaed child while mom is trying to sleep: 'Mommm. I had a bad dream. I dreamed you didn't love me.' Oh, dear. That statement provides the impetus for every page that follows. Each one offers one more way that parents love their children. Each shared assurance begins with the words ... Love you more than ... 

In rhyming couplets, the child is reminded of the many ways that parents prove their love. There are no conditions that will change that. The experiences are those often shared in families: writing on the wall, illness, spills, art accidents, lost clothing, loud noises, constant questions. Who hasn't been there? Parents will understand the frustrations, while children may not even acknowledge the problem. They only want to remember how much they are loved. 

Illustrations are created digitally, filled with variety in the adults involved, and add context and interest for young readers. Funny at times, and mostly heartwarming, this is a book that will be read again and again. 

The Quiet Hunt: A Poem for Young Foragers, written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Risa Hugo. Groudwood Books, 2026. $21.99 ages

"Our ancestors wandered, 
tools in hand - 
         sticks for digging,
         knives for trimming, 
         baskets and slings and 
         bags made of skins -
gathering roots and leaves, 
mushrooms and berries, 
fruits, flowers,
nuts and seeds. 

I read this lovely book when it arrived in the mail, and then I read it again. This morning as I prepare to tell you about it, I have just finished reading it one more time. Each read brings new thoughts and feelings for its message to young children. 

Pairing her graceful words with the elegant colored pencils and watercolor artwork of Risa Hugo, Ms. Pendziwol tells her readers the story of how humans have always been able to forage for food that nourishes. She begins in ancient times when all food came from the wild. She explains how humans spend their time in nature wandering in search of what would sustain them: meat, birds, fish. 

She then describes 'the quiet hunt' which took the people into forests and fields, rivers and creeks, and under the earth to find what else they were looking for: roots and leaves, mushrooms and berries, fruits and seeds. What they foraged had many uses and kept hunger away. Their knowledge of what was safe for consumption was passed from one generation to the next. 

As they hunted, those looking for food left offerings to the wild for the bounty provided. Being in the wild to do their collecting provided them with sustenance for their souls. Today, things are quite different. Those who continue to quietly hunt are steeped in the knowledge passed along to them from those in the know; the people who advise on what is good and safe. The sounds and beauty felt outside on the quiet hunt continue to feed souls. What a celebration of our connection with nature.                                                                               

This Skirt Won't Work: How Women Athletes Changed Their Clothes and Changed the Game. Written by Jennifer Cooper and illustrated by Eva Byrne. Sourcebooks, Raincoast. 2025. $26.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Monday night hockey rinks were frigid 
in Canada during the First World War, 
but women's hockey teams were heating 
them up. 

Seventeen-year-old Albertine Lapensee,
a forward for the Cornwall Victorias,
was a star. People couldn't believe 
that a girl could play so well and thought
she was a boy in disguise!" 

Playing hockey with women who knew they could score more in the early 20th century was a pretty important time for Albertine. Her prowess on the rink was admirable. One can only imagine how much better all women were when they hiked up the long dresses they wore to a manageable length that allowed for much more freedom on the ice. 

This is but one of the ways women changed the sports they played throughout history. The young women who play sports today may not know what they missed. After reading this book, they will be in awe of the women who pushed for change that today affects all female players. This book looks back to a time when women were expected to cover their entire bodies. Beginning in 1890 with cycling, readers are introduced to Katherine Kittie Knox, who knew that knickerbockers held the key to success in bike races. 

Moving on to swimming, hockey, tennis and soccer, every change was inspiring and made a huge difference for those who played women's sports. Of course, they continue to impact play today. In back matter, the 'women who dressed to win' are introduced with a short paragraph and a thumbnail sketch. Following that, the story continues to recent times and further changes being made. 

Eva Byrne provides a historical look at the inanity of the clothing women were expected to wear. They are worthy of a giggle here and there, and of some surprise for those who have never considered what it might have been like for early athletes. 

Gather Grateful, written by Megan Litwin and illustrated by Alexandra Finkelday. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Gather tables. Gather chairs. 
Gather plates to pass and share. 

Gather stories to be told. 
Gather young and gather old."

The temperature dipped below 0 overnight here, and the leaves are quickly falling this morning. For Canadians, who will come together to celebrate Thanksgiving a week from today, it seems fitting. The stunning colors of fall, the harvest, and the slow march toward winter have many feeling grateful for earth's bounty. It is time to gather.  

Autumnal warmth in forest images, created in rust, gold and blue gouache with ink highlights, show creatures fully engaged in gathering food for coming days. White backgrounds invite young readers to pay full attention to what is happening in these natural surroundings; there is a lot going on here. Along with necessary needs, the author's rhyming text encourages safety and rest as the days pass. 

Moving on to a human family that gathers to spend time together sharing cuddles, hugs, good food and stories, Ms. Finkelday creates moving, detailed images filled with the warmth and delight that comes with being together. Two of my favorites spreads are the campfire that brings light to the dark night, and the cuddles shared between grandmother and grandchildren as they settle into bed together for a story.  

So lovely!                                                                                      

Embarrassed Ferret, written by Lisa Frenkel Riddiough and illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. Disney*Hyperion. Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Craft time was a tragic mess.
The glitter came out MORE than less. 

Gobs of glue got everywhere
and tangled up her fancy hair. 
Ms. Bunny said, 
There's nothing worse. 
We'd better go and see the nurse."

This first book in a new series called Forest School of Big Feelings, addresses the humiliating awkwardness that comes for a young ferret as she faces disaster after disaster at school. The morning begins with confidence, until she trips over a snail's backpack, slams the door and scares everyone in the classroom, spills her pencils, sings the wrong words in music class, and lands on her butt when she is supposed to be jumping. What else can go wrong? 

A glitter disaster during crafts leads to a trip to the school nurse to help remove the mess made on her head. Tree climbing at recess is halted by the urgent need to 'pee', a rush into the school, and torn pants. Lunch is no better. The soup is good; the hiccups are a disaster. Everyone's actions following lunch break are hilarious, ending with the teacher farting. That stops the hiccups and creates giggles for all concerned. 

Their teacher's response about etiquette following simple mishaps that happen to everyone at one time or another is fitting. But not an assurance that nothing else will go wrong. They will simply be more prepared to deal with it. 

Digital artwork is focused on facial expressions and common occurrences at school. It is both humorous and appealing when life in an early years classroom is explored realistically. Don't miss the endpapers, or the glorious portraits to be found under the dust jacket. 

A new book in the series is slated for Fall 2026. 

How to Tantrum Like a Champion: Ten Small Ways to Temper Big Feelings, written by Allan Wolf and illustrated by Keisha Morris. Candlewick Books. Penguin Random House. 2024. $ 24.99 ages 4 and up

"Sometimes you throw a tantrum
'cause you didn't get your way. 

You want that snack. 

You want that toy. 

You want to stay and play." 

Kids have strong emotions; everyone does. How those emotions are handled is the premise for this book that helps young children to understand what is going on with their bodies when seemingly intolerable feelings make their way to the forefront. It might be felt in the chest, or the head. Breathing becomes intense, the face gets hot, and hands become fists. Oh, boy - there is about to be an explosion! 

Powerful reactions come from a wide variety of places. They can be different from one day to another, and the feelings can vary in intensity. 

"No matter what the cause of it, 
with practice you can pause a fit
or stop a fit before it begins."

Mr. Wolf then offers viable suggestions for slowing a frenzied outburst. He suggests taking a deep breath, and counting to ten, before he provides ten potential ways to 'temper' those big feelings. The invitations are simply stated, and sure to have kids willing to try them out. Each is accompanied by digitally finished tissue paper collage illustrations that give guidance for settling into new degrees of calm.  

Days don't always go exactly the way we had hoped. The options shown will motivate readers to give some a try, and see what works for them. Practicing them will induce giggles, while also giving them a toolbox for quieting those big feelings that are a part of growth and learning. I dare to say they might also work for whoever is reading the book to a child.                                                                                

This Rock is Mine! Written by Kaye Umansky and illustrated by Alice McKinley. Peachtree Publishing. Penguin Random House. 2023. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"That rock's not right. 

That rock's all wrong. 

We should have known it 
all along." 

In anticipation of some of the arguments that could happen with the arrival of Santa's gifts on Christmas Day, I thought I would tell you about this book concerning ownership. Both frogs living on the same rock think it belongs to only one of them; neither knows that, on the other side of a bank of reeds, lives the other. It's snoring that wakes them to this delicate situation. 

One is quick to make a case for the belief that the rock is his. 

"I'm always here
    come rain or shine. 
             I saw it first. 
                    It suits me fine. 
                             This rock is mine!" 

The interloper begs to differ. He has an equally legitimate belief in who is the real owner. You will know where this is going, I'm quite sure. The conversation goes back and forth; each has perfectly good reasons for believing what is true to them. It appears there will be no end to the arguing. That is ... until a long-billed heron, alert to the noise emanating from the rock, shows a distinct interest in frogs for lunch. 

The rock is abandoned. The choice clear. Finally, they are in agreement. Finding another rock is sure to be the best solution for both of them. Will they find a new abode, and agree to make it theirs? 

Amusing in all the right places, and absolutely a delight to read due to the exceptional rhyming text, young listeners will be engaged from beginning to end. They will be privy to this type of argument, and the need for resolution. Mixed media digital images capture the humor, the dramatic personalities, and the pure enjoyment that makes it a book that can be read again and again. It would be perfect as a paired share for two voices between two emerging readers.
                                                                                  

                                                                          

round and round the year we go, written and illustrated by Carter Higgins. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2024. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"empty timber? 
no more splendor? 
almost near the end

november

colder weather?
need a sweater? 

no?"

So far November has been good to us. Despite some cloudy days, the daytime temperatures and a lack of snow have allowed for being outside without being bundled up. When the sun shines, I see people enjoying outdoor walks and continuing to get chores done for winter. 

Ms. Higgins invites readers to join her as she describes in spirited rhymes a year's passing. The differences that come with changing seasons are described from month to month. As well, readers are encouraged to note the differences in color, weather and what others are wearing to protect them from the elements. There is such fun to be had in the activities that accompany the transformation from one season to the next. What joy a year can bring! 

This is a perfect book for reading aloud, with a small group or a classroom full of kids eager to splash in muddy puddles, enjoy the lazy days of summer, watch fireflies dance in July skies, and hear the 'swirtly whispers' of snow as December brings another year to an end. The witty rhymes carry the reading along while helping little ones learn about color, seasonal joy, and change. 

Their delight in turning the book to the vertical for a look back at the year and its seasons end the story on a high note. 

"some things change
and some do not

let's play with 
all the time we've got

summer, spring, 
and winter, 
fall" 

Appealing and detailed artwork will have you stopping to talk about what kids are noticing as the book is read. That is a worthy pursuit, and this would make a truly splendid gift for someone you love. 
                                                                                 

Fox Is Coming. Co-written by James Patterson and co-written and illustrated by Joe Kukla. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Racing, racing! 
Steal a glance. 

Fox is trailing. 
Now's our chance!"

Fox is definitely interested in the goings-on at the farm. The wee chicks are aware of his presence, and are keen to find a place to hide. First, they hide by the cows. Fox can't see them, but is keen to find where they have gone. Attaching his neckerchief to a long stick, and throwing it over his shoulder, he continues his search. 

The other animals don't seem bothered by Fox being in their environs; the chicks are certainly concerned. It isn't long before Fox catches up with one little chicken. It is captured and stuffed in his hobo sack. Suitably scared, the others race away.  A hollow log offers no protection, nor does the pigs' mud bath. Fox continues gathering them up, despite their best efforts to escape. 

No matter where they hide, Fox seems to have special radar for hunting them down. The last one is headed straight for the chicken coop. 

"Last one! Last one!
To my pen! 

Almost there ... 
almost.
But then ... 

Fox picks the last one up. It's too late, or is it? I'll leave the last laugh for a captivated audience to discover. 

Simple rhyming couplets keep the action moving forward, while colorful artwork keeps up the suspense. Full of expression and action for both fox and chicks, the ever-changing perspectives assure careful attention and gleeful shouts for caution as the chase ensues. 

Just Because, written by Matthew McConaughey and illustrated by Renee Kurilla. Viking, Penguin Random House, 2023. $26.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Just because you're wailing, 
doesn't mean that you're a crier. 

Just because I lied, 
doesn't mean that 
I'm a liar. 

Just because they can choose, 
doesn't mean you have a choice. 

Just because they don't hear you, 
doesn't mean you have no voice."

I love many of the observations Matthew McConaughey makes in his first book for children. I am not always a fan of celebrity fiction; some work really well, while others often fall flat. It's difficult to write a book for kids that is meaningful and worthwhile. For me, he has done just that! 

As you can see from the opening quote, each phrase beings with two words - 'just because'. They make it clear to readers and listeners that each of us can be many things. I like to imagine the kinds of discussion reading them together might generate; it could be a memory, something that just happened, a new way of thinking. 

This father of three kids is aware of the many pressures that come from social media, and just being a kid today. He wants his children and others to realize certain events in life, that may not have gone as well as hoped, do not define them as a person. Often it takes time and effort to really understand each other. It is worth the effort. 

Reading this book together helps each participant grasp the differences in their thinking, and the value in considering other opinions. Winning digital artwork by Renee Kurilla adds to the overall effect that those thoughts have. The illustrations certainly help readers with full understanding of the remarks made. It is a book that encourages revisiting the many scenarios presented. Don't forget to take time to see what your kids have to offer - at school or at home. Let them start with 'just because'.                                                                            

https://fb.watch/p1xmwE17Ha/

Creep, Leap, Crunch!: A Food Chain Story. Written by Jody Jemsen Shaffer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. Alfred A. Knopf, Pernguin Random House. 2023. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"There was a red milk snake
that spotted the mouse. 
He slid from his house, 
and he sprang at that mouse. 

The snake slid and slithered 
and swallowed the mouse. 
The mouse from the thicket 
gobbled the cricket."

In lively rhyming text, this cumulative tale shows young readers exactly how the food chain works in nature. It begins on a sunny morning, early in the day. With each turn of the page, the author adds bits and pieces of information concerning creatures and plants found in this natural forest setting. 

The plants make their own food with help from the sun, and then provide food for forest creatures who nibble on grass and other goodies. One such creature is a hungry cricket that soon becomes a meal for a wee deer mouse, equally hungry for sustenance on the warm, sunny morning. The mouse is not safe from a red mill snake that slithers into the open with its eye clearly on a meal as well. 

As each animal appears looking for its next meal, the ever-growing cumulative text makes its presence effective in the resulting search for food (as you can see from the quote at the start of this post). A red hawk is keen on the snake; a red fox takes a particular interest in the satiated hawk; and the fox becomes a meal for a large and hungry black bear.

The author then turns the table and allows readers to see what might happen if the cricket is too quick for the mouse, and the mouse eludes the snake, and so on. What a turn of events that is! When the bear misses the fox, she makes a meal of flowers and seeds - another satisfying part of a different food chain. 

In final pages, a glossary is added to describe the food chain itself, a temperate deciduous forest, and a description of each of the forest inhabitants presented here. 

Digital mixed-media illustrations add interest and understanding to this tale about the way one food chain works. Kids, who love the way cumulative text grows a story, will also find much to learn about  the many wonders of the natural world. 
                                                                               

We Disagree About This Tree, written and illustrated by Ross Collins. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Your love of tinsel's plain to see, 
but it's not how a tree should be. 
If we had hired
a referee, 
I'm sure that they 
would side with me."

If you are looking for a Christmas gift for a young child with aspirations to learn to read, you cannot go wrong with this one. Hopefully, you have met Bear and Mouse in their previous stories - There's A Bear on My Chair (2016) and There's A Mouse in My House (2021). Should you go back to find these titles, don't miss out on any of his other books. They are just right for early readers: full of rhyme, humor, friends, brilliant colors and charming expression. 

We know Bear and Mouse have their differences; that does not change in this book about their Christmas tree. Bear drags the tree home and is greeted by a very pleased Mouse. Once inside, Mouse is quick to push Bear aside with a plan to do the decorating without any help. Mouse sets to work, adding cumbersome baubles that seem too large in Bear's opinion. 

Bear is quick to push Mouse to the side, and decorate the tree with brilliant glitter and bright, white lights. Blinding in Mouse's estimation, and costly in terms of electricity. Next comes tinsel - LOTS of tinsel and a big problem for Bear. On they go until it's almost too late. 

"Now what is this insanity?
Our tree's defying gravity! 
It's creaking quite alarmingly!

Quick!
Over here!
Stand back with me!"

Oh, the problems attached to disagreement! The solution comes with the gifts each has chosen for the other, or does it? This is what true friendship is really all about, isn't it? 

You will read this one again and again - sure to become a family favorite for years to come. 
                                                                             

It's Fall! Written and illustrated by Renee Kurilla. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2023. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Fuzzy socks and 
    cozy clothes. 

A scarf around 
my chilly nose. 

Collecting acorns when they drop.
I rake some crunchy leaves and - 

Flop!"

Changing seasons is always a delight for little ones. It is so exciting for them to watch as summer turns to fall with its brilliant colors, new things to do, and the celebrations that are an important part of the new season. 

The children here are asked by their teacher to share what makes fall special for them. Their answers are as varied as those things that make fall unique and anticipated every year. Being back at school with new school supplies and good friends, warmer clothes, leaf gathering, pumpkin patches ... it's all described here in rhyming language that will make reading accessible for young readers. 

Photoshop artwork shows a busy and friendly neighborhood where children take part in the many activities described. Orange, rust and gold are the predominating colors, and the many charming scenes are sure to appeal to those listening. Endpapers are filled with images that might have been created by the children themselves, and will encourage adding ideas to the list already mentioned. 

"Fall has treasures to be found
in colors, textures, smells and sounds. 

It's so much fun - we love it all."

What do you love about fall?                                                                                    

I Will Read to You, written by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Charles Santoso. Little, Brown and Company. Hachette. 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Come all Vampires, from the crypt,
through the mist and shadows slip,
curl up cozy in your cloaks ... 

and I will read to you. 

Skeletons, unearth your bones. 
There's no need to be alone. 
Rattle forth across the stones ...

and I will read to you."

Mom is ready to get her very active little one into bed for a storybook. He wants something spooky, with monsters. As he listens, he hears noises in the night. Those noises inspire a change of plans. His mother has a look of resolve, as she explains to him that beasts are beasts and need no one to care for them. It is evident this has happened on other nights. 

"But they need love and comfort too! 
How would you feel if it were you?"

I rise and take my mother's hand....

I know what we must do."

Off the two go on a trek through nearby trees, and up a high hill. The child calls to the many monsters and creatures he loves so well. Vampires, skeletons, dragons, ghosts, giants, and witches travel quickly to be in the audience for a bedtime reading. 

"As I begin, they close their eyes, 
and snuggle up - it's no surprise, 
for books and bed go hand in hand....

This I know is true."

AMEN! 

What a lovely, monstrous story of a child and his compassion for those creatures of the night who are often given a wide berth. Don't they have the same feelings and bedtime needs as children do? The little one is sure they do. His mother acquiesces (as I am quite sure she has done before), acknowledging his need to reassure others.   

Charles Santoso's digital art is filled with texture, rich color, lovely details, and moonlight. Perfect for upcoming Halloween reads, but also just right for any bedtime spent reading together. This book speaks volumes to the real joy that comes from sharing books at any time of the day or night. 

“Your work is done.... I am proud of you.” 

Full Moon Pups, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. G. P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2023. $25.99 ages 3 and up

 

"The older wolves come loping, 
gather pups up in their mouths, 
and take them far from danger, 
higher up and further south."

In opening images, Mama Wolf makes her way under a full-moon sky in search of a place to birth her five healthy pups. She cares for them as best she can, with the rest of the pack watching over her. The pups begin exploring and Mama keeps them close. When a sudden storm and rising waters threaten the den, something must be done! 

The older wolves help to carry the pups (in their mouths) to higher ground where they will be safe. They continue to grow, taking note of the moon's ever-changing face until it is completely gone. Then, unfamiliar nighttime noises evoke howling and barking throughout the dark night. Soon, they grow braver as they explore their world and find delight in their many discoveries. 

As happens, time passes quickly, they grow and flourish, and life has much to offer. 

"Each night brings new surprises - 
a wrestle or a roar, 
a bit of meat from Mama, 
and moonlight more and more."

Together, they await the rise of a full moon. 

The life cycle of the wolf is presented in conjunction with one lunar cycle. In rhyming text, young readers will see the pups grow and change as the moon does the same. Warm, moonlit artwork provide background for the birth and growth of the pups under the careful attention from the rest of the pack. There will be many more of those moons before the pups are grown. 

An author's note explains that Ms. Scanlon grew up in the Rocky Mountains where wolves were once plentiful. Human development changed that. Close to extinction, it took hard work from many scientists as well as government protection, to help their numbers improve. She has based the wolves in her story on gray wolves living near Yellowstone National Park. She also includes a note about a wolf's life cycle, the phases of the moon, and a selected bibliography with a list of internet sources.