Phoenix, written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 9 and up

 

"After a bit more discussion, but not much, 
Miss Chelsea and Harper's mom agreed to 
table the conversation. It meant they'd wait
to decide about Harper keeping Phoenix - 
though how long they would wait, Harper
didn't know. At least it gave her time to 
show how hard she could work, and how 
excellent Phoenix could be once he'd
gotten healthy again. As long as he got 
healthy quickly enough."

What an admirable start to a new series this is! Harper has just been hit by a BOMB. She learns through middle school gossip about her father's affair with her best friend's mother. Now, her parents are divorcing and her mother has decided that the two of them will move to a new place for a new start. Their move from urban Knoxville to the small rural town of Sommer Springs is a shocker. Their new home is a tiny house, cramped for the two of them and very unappealing to Harper. It is located close to a riding barn, owned by Miss Chelsea who is renting them their new accommodation. Harper cares about none of it. 

When a starved and terribly neglected horse is dropped at the stable from a kill truck, life changes for both horse and girl. Harper names him Phoenix, and determines to do all it takes to bring the horse back to good health. She does not know that she needs rescuing as much as Phoenix does. Her mother and Miss Chelsea don't want her to get her hopes up as Phoenix is very sick. It's too late for that advice. Harper works around the barn, takes lessons, learns what she needs to know to care for Phoenix as best she can. As Harper deals with the pain of betrayal and divorce, she helps her horse deal with mistreatment and his own pain. 

There's an admirable cast of characters: Miss Chelsea, the barn owner; Dante and Night, both riders at the stable and classmates of Harper; Emma, a young rider with great confidence, Harper's mother and eventually her father, and her former best friend, Cat. So much is broken; only time can help mend the hurts.  Real and relatable, the story is compelling and a powerful introduction to a brand-new series. It will find many fans beyond those who love stories about horses. 

Who's Making That Big STINK?, written by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Eric J. Chen. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2026. $21.99 ages 6 and up

 

"MMMM ... 

Who's making that big STINK?!

It smells like buttered popcorn?

A binturong.

Binturongs give off a strong 
popcorn smell. They produce
the same chemicals that give 
popcorn its pleasant smell. 

Not every animal with a 
strong odor smells bad."

This is just the kind of book that kids love to read. It provides well-researched facts that can be quite unexpected, and even elicit some giggles. After reading it, interested kids have surprising (and somewhat gross) conversation starters to share with anyone who will listen. 

The text describes 13 different plant and animal species whose aromas cause a stir. The format is easy to follow: a reaction to the smell, a question about who is responsible for it, an apt description of the smell itself, and a short and revealing answer to the original repeated question. The skunk and stinkbird may be familiar to readers; the sea hare and bombardier beetle may not be. The variety makes for new learning for the many who will read this with a few ewws of their own.  

In follow-up quick facts, Mr. Lunde addresses the scents of beavers, spadefoot toads, ring-tailed lemurs, hippos, grey kangaroos, hyenas, and even humans whose 'pungent odor' tends to attract mosquitoes. Erica Chen's digital illustrations are colorful, placed in accurate settings, close-up and very expressive. Kids will love the swirling funky smells that each creature emits.
                                                                                     

https://youtube.com/shorts/1tccKR_BL4A?si=BpNYHJ5clrj2GAhn

Eon: my pet tardigrade. Written by Cybele Young, with illustrations by Cybele Young and Nell Jocelyn. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I kept a keen eye on my pet tardigrade. 

But one day I lost sight of him! 
I thought Eon was gone forever. 

I searched 

and searched ... "

Do you know the word tardigrade? I did not; it turns out that it is an invertebrate that is barely visible to a child's eye. A young girl with her eye to her microscope makes the discovery while looking for something else. Imagine her surprise when he showed up there! Tiny and pink, with two visible eyes, he plodded slowly under her careful observation. He was barely a tickle when she held him on her palm. Oh, she wanted to hug him. 

She would do her best to take care of him. Could she? How? She had so many ideas. As she watched and imagined she gave him the name Eon. Through research she learned about tardigrades, also known as water bears. There was so much more to learn than that; 'he is a master of extremes', having the ability to live in the coldest ice, the hottest volcanoes. And even more: 

"The tallest mountains
and the deepest oceans. 
The tangliest woods 
and the ooziest muds." 

Tardigrades are even found in outer space. Could she create that kind of space in her bedroom for her tiny pet? It was very easy to lose sight of him. After a very long search, the tardigrade she found was completely changed. His big secret lay in his ability to tuck in, curl up and become like a speck of dust to blow away and find a new place that was just right. She did that for him, and hoped for the best.His new world would be perfect for him, and the new friends he found. Might she see him again one day? 

An author's note connects Cybele Young to her encounter with a tardigrade, and all that she learned from it. She also introduces Nell Jocelyn and her exceptional artwork as a collaborator in creating the imaginary world of a young girl and her desire to keep the bearlike creature safe. You will need plenty of time to carefully observe and appreciate the delicate and engaging work done to create a world, specially meant for a tiny tardigrade.

Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 8 and up

 

"XII.
By the numbers.
Nearly four thousand jellyfish species;
only fifty with venom deadly to humans. 

Bodies 95 percent water. 
Lifespans from a few weeks
to eighteen months. 
One mouth serves two purposes:
eating food and expelling poop. 
Before you kiss a jellyfish, think twice."

Here are 14 Roman numeral numbered poems that explore the wonder of these ancient ocean dwellers in every possible way: history, biology and even mythology. The poetry is remarkable from first to last entry, sharing facts through rhythmic language that mirrors the ways jellyfish move and live in their ocean home. About the only things I thought I knew about the jellyfish were what they look like and how dangerous they are. I had no idea about their names, their astonishing and beautiful forms, or that they date back to before the dinosaurs. All that by number III!

Moving from one exceptional spread to the next, I quickly discovered there is much I didn't know. Now, I do. Bioluminescence glows through them in numerous colors; in the dark they appear blue, violet, yellow, and red. Scientific classifications are as varied as their shapes. Ms. Weatherford suggests that instead of trying to remember all that, it's okay to 'just call them jellies'. I will take her advice. The fact that they are made of nerve bundles helps to explain the lack of other organs and bones. 

The life cycle is made clear for young readers, although it differs at times and the results of a boom in the births can end up with there being too many in one place with no room for all; causing them to wash ashore to their certain demise. While I have great admiration for every Bagram Ibatoulline 'watercolor, acrylic gouache, pen, pencil, colored paper and digital tools' work of art, I found myself poring over the accompanying image for this poem. A large jelly invites rapt attention from numerous ocean creatures with a detailed drawing of the jellyfish life cycle. It's quite wonderful! 

Even more impressive is how the artist shifts from one style to another to offer perspective for the variety in the poems presented. IX describes the hugeness of two jellyfish in terms of length and size; the image created allows readers to compare both to a nearby diver. Graphic panels are sharply diagonal to show the danger for a child stung by a jellyfish and the pain felt before transfer in an ambulance. 

Each spread shows a different way to consider the jellyfish, both narrative and illustrative. The poems speak to the wonders of learning about something elusive and little known to most people. Each spread is a surprise to its readers as shown through the careful observation of the artist. It is sure to inspire awe in readers and listeners. This tribute to jellyfish is exactly the book I would love to share in classrooms for years to come. 

A bibliography and further resources close this sensational collaboration.
                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                               

Summer Book Club with Sicily (July and August 2026).

The calendar has turned to September, and I thought I would share with you what happened here in July and August. One of the great joys of my life is spending a month each year with my daughter Erin and her two daughters ... Sicily and Chelsea. They arrived on June 27 from Vancouver Island and were meant to leave August 1. Due to strike action at WestJet, they were unable to catch their return flight, which has afforded Sicily and I the opportunity to add another book to our list of books read while we were together. We fashioned our reading time on something Erin does with both girls throughout the year. They each choose a book a month to read ... together or apart. The purpose is to encourage reading outside of school, keeping up a reading habit, and discussing that reading with each other. It might be more than one book; the aim is to read at least one book each month of the school year. Chelsea was not so keen when she was here; so, she kept reading with her mom. 

I will begin by telling you that over the years I have saved some of my favorite books to read again (never happens), or to share with grandchildren should I have them at some point in my life. I've been waiting for the time to be right. I should also tell you that Erin helped us choose the books that might appeal by reading them herself again before Sicily and I got started. 

Our first book was Stargirl (Knopf, 2000) by Jerry Spinelli, a book I read more than 20 years ago. Every scene remains a part of my reading history. I was astonished by the power of Stargirl's persona. She is bright, friendly, a loyal friend, and different. Too different to be quickly accepted in a conformist high school setting; many students and teachers feel she is just too happy, and too weird for words. Her taste in clothes is bizarre, she plays her ukulele in the cafeteria, and she has a pet rat named Cinnamon. Leo falls in love with her as they spend time together. Can he hold onto those feelings against the tide of criticism and unpopularity that she faces every day? Will conformity force him to give her up and choose a different path? Thoughtful and heartbreaking, we agreed that we give it a 10 out of 10 for our book club. Deservedly, we were off to our favorite coffee shop for a treat and a short talk about its effect on us. 

Moving on, we next chose Rain Reign (Feiwel and Friends, 2014) by Ann M. Martin. This is another of those books that I have never forgotten. Ms. Martin created such a cast of memorable characters to tell her story. Rose Howard is a 12-year-old with high functioning autism. Her main focus lies in prime numbers, rules, and homonyms. Life with her father is not easy, but her Uncle Weldon is a kind and supportive person in her life. Finding a rescue dog she calls Rain (reign, rein) makes her life happier; they are always together. When her father lets Rain out during a terrible storm, the dog disappears. Trying to find him, with the help of her uncle, Rose must live outside her comfort zone concerning rules. It takes time and a great deal of patience, but their search finally comes to a happy conclusion, or does it?  Once found, Rose discovers that Rain has a microchip that names his owners. What will she do? It was a book that was more difficult to read unless we were both focused on the printed text together, as the constant mention of homonyms made reading it aloud without seeing the text more difficult. The story itself was powerful, and provided much food for thought and discussion at out next outing. 

Our third book was Orbiting Jupiter (Clarion. 2015) by Gary D. Schmidt. It is the agonizing story of a young boy named Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never been allowed to see his daughter, Jupiter. His story leading up to his coming to live with Jack and his family is heartbreaking: almost killed a teacher, incarcerated at a place called Stone Mountain, and desperate to find his baby girl. As the foster family gets to know Joseph, and finally hear the story he is reluctant to tell, they come to love and respect him, realizing that the circumstances of his life are almost unimaginable. His past cannot be forgotten. As the family works together to help Joseph, old wounds are reopened and place huge demands on everyone. Most especially for Joseph.  Beautifully written and heartbreaking! It opened our hearts and made us cry. We gave it a 10 and had a pretty subdued conversation about misunderstandings and their effects on many lives. 

Our fourth book was Katherine Applegate's Home of the Brave (Square Fish, Macmillan, 2007). I have loved it since I first read it, and this was my fourth time. It is a novel in verse about Kek, a Sudanese refugee who comes to Minnesota for a better life with his aunt and cousin after his father and brother died in the war and his mother was lost to him during a raid at their refugee camp. Everything is new to Kek and easily misunderstood as he tries to learn a new language in a new land where nothing is familiar to him. His cousin Ganwar is angry with all there is to learn in this country. Ever an optimist, Kek makes the best of this new life as he longs for his mother to find him again. He forms new friendships, helps an old woman named Lou with her farm work, and begins to appreciate the life he is leading. There is much to love about this book; we enjoyed the characters, the funny misunderstandings that Kek faces and his grit and determination to live a better life away from the war that ravaged his country. We gave it a 9 out of 10. 

Our last book to read together was meant to be Tig (Tundra, 2024) by Heather Smith. Oh, I love this book! Tig has lived her short life with insecurity and abuse. Her mother has abandoned Tig (and her brother Peter), leaving them in a house with no electricity and with no means of caring for themselves. Her new home with her Uncle Scott and his partner Manny is everything her life has not been up until now. Peter is there to help her adapt; the two men do all they can to provide comfort and safety for her future. Tig rages constantly and does her best to make everything difficult. When they adopt a dog, named Guten Morgen, she finds comfort and unconditional love. New friends and a goal help her find community and acceptance. Tig's first-person voice is authentic and heartbreaking. She is reluctant to trust, causing issues with her caregivers who show patience, understanding, and love to help her through the trauma she has faced. It hurts to learn that Peter is imaginary, and has been the rock Tig needed from the time she was six. It is not an easy read, but worth the wonder and the tears. It led to a long discussion as we drank our chai lattes at Forbidden Flavors. 10, for sure! 

When the strike led to a longer stay, we decided we would read another and chose The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise (Henry Holt, Macmillan, 2019). Unfortunately, we could not finish it this year. It is top of the pile for next summer. In the meantime, we will continue to add to our TBR Book Club books throughout the year. I have already started a pile for Chelsea, in hopes that she will be happier to read with me next time. 

There is a constant concern these days that both children and adults are losing their love for reading. Tablets, phones and television provide distractions for many, and that is understandable. I cannot imagine a world where we don't turn to books for all they bring to our learning, our compassion, our ability to see and understand what is happening around us. There are many types of book clubs being formed for those who have a shared love for the written word. Ours is but one way to share some really special and memorable time together during a summer vacation. 

Ritu in the Sun, written by Moniza Hossain and illustrated by Merce Lopez. Crown Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

*

"Ritu loves the sun in the evening, when it 
splashes up streaks of orange and pink. 
Abbu and Ammu are busy finishing their 
chores for the day, so Ritu gets to spend
time with just her nani. 
Ritu helps Nani shell peas for dinner. When
she presses on the pods, the peas shoot into 
a bowl in Nani's lap."

You can see by the smile on her beautiful face that Ritu loves the sun. She loves how it shines through the window in the morning. Ritu is going to help her grandmother make aloo bhaji and roti for breakfast. Before she gets up to help, Ritu takes on the persona of a cat who loves the sun as much as she does. Ritu loves to swim in the afternoon sun with her parents. Nani worries about the sun's effect on Ritu's skin, and the tanning that happens when she is in sunlight for too long. Nani sit alone in the shade of a nearby tree; Ritu gets out of the pool and joins her. In the evening sun, Ritu sits alone with Nani and helps her shell the peas they will have for dinner. Nani is sitting in the shade. 

Ritu asks why. Nani explains that when she was a child, her mother warned her that her skin would grow very dark if she spent too much time in the sun. Nani remembers it as a lonely time in her life; all of her friends were outside playing. Ritu shares that she likes her Nani's skin. 

"Nani looks at their hands intertwined.
They are the rich brown of henna and of
tea steeped just right." 

After a change of heart, Nani plans a surprise for her granddaughter the following morning. They are going to take a breakfast picnic outside to share ... and they are going to sit in the morning sun to enjoy it. 

Illustrations created using acrylic paint and graphite inspire readers to carefully observe both light and shadow on each of the lovely pages. They allow those sharing the story to move from present to past and back again, as Nani explains why she stays out of the sun. An author's note discusses Ms. Hossain's inspiration for writing her story. She wants children to know that being in the warmth of the sun, and the beauty found in skin of all colors are just part of life's many wonderful experiences. Finally, recipes for Nani's aloo bhaji and roti are appended. 
                                                                                  

Have a BITE! How Food Connects Us, written by Heather Camlot and illustrated by Ally Jaye Reeves. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 9 and up

 

"THE THREE SISTERS

Working in harmony with nature is hardly new. 
It's how Indigenous Peoples have practiced 
agriculture for thousands of years. Called the 
"three sisters" in the United States and Canada, 
and the "milpa" system in Central America 
and Mexico, corn, beans, and squash are planted 
together because they help one another grow 
healthy and strong. They also provide a 
complete meal!"

Food is the great connector. No matter our culture, our country, or our circumstance, food plays an important role in all daily lives. Double-page entries introduce readers to the fact that 'food is steeped in history, tradition, culture, religion, celebration, trade, and geography'. Because food is a big part of our lives, it's important to learn as much as we can about it. Ms. Camlot sets out to help readers learn just that. 

She begins with diet and the essential ingredients that foods provide. Food history is discussed, going back six to seven million years and what our ancestors ate at the time. Moving forward, she explains that what we eat today is heavily influenced by our families and their histories. The format for the entries is similar with each new topic. An introduction, followed by short and pertinent paragraphs concerning certain aspects of each subject. Additional material is presented in side bars, entitled Chew on this, Food for thought, and Hungry for history. 

She refers to many traditional dishes, while also including recent developments in new foods enjoyed by many. Whether it's Hawaiian pizza (a Canadian addition to the already plentiful variants) or the 21 different types of regional breads shared by people throughout the world, the author fills the pages with facts that are sure to surprise. Her discussion of food waste should give all readers pause. 

"Every day around the world, the amount of food wasted equals more than one billion meals."

That might happen because of a lack of workers to pick the crops, foods that rot where there are no proper storage facilities, or food being thrown away. With so many people going hungry each day, wouldn't it be something if that food could be saved? Ms. Camlot suggests that eating more like our ancestors did, and trying new foods would help. 

Sharing engaging nonfiction with middle grade readers invites them to think more clearly about so many things. In this case, it fires their interest in knowing more about the food they eat and what is available if they are willing to go outside their comfort zone to try something new and different. Back matter includes a glossary, a list of sources, and an index. 

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. 
                                                                                           

No Ungapatchka, written by Deborah Kerbel and illustrated by Yaara Eshet. Owlkids. 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"WEDNESDAY was gusty and blustery. Sarah dressed
like a swirling puff of wind. 

Whooosh - she breezed out the door past her sisters. 

On THURSDAY, Sarah dressed like a shower of 
twinkly raindrops. 

"Hello, glitter!"

"Don't you think that's a bit shiny for school?" asked 
Rachel. 

No, Sarah did not."

It is time - time for Sarah to make her own decisions about what she will wear to school. She knows she can do it. Her sisters, who have been choosing their own clothes for many years, have some tips for their little sister. Sarah does not understand what the NO UNGAPATCHKA! rule means. The girls explain that it is a Bubbie word and means "something that is too bright, too busy"; also "Too weird. Too loud." Sarah loves her Bubbie's words; she hears them every Friday when the two walk home from school together. 

Each day of the week, Sarah chooses an outfit, matched with the weather and the way she feels that day. Her sisters' establishment views lead to their telling Sarah on Friday that she must change what she is wearing. 

"Sarah's heart felt as heavy as the clouds outside."

After making the change, Sarah feels less. She is consumed by the blahs when she meets Bubbie for their walk home. Sarah explains that her sisters insisted she change that day - no ungapatchka! As they sit to talk, Bubbie asks Sarah what she wants when her sisters' rules don't suit her. Sarah explains that she wants to be loud, and bright, and busy, and weird. Once home, Bubbie removes her coat to show off her 'splendiferous' outfit. Together, the two make a new list, only for Sarah!  

I love the encouragement offered by Ms. Kerbel to be yourself, and the delightful artwork created by Ms. Eshet that perfectly matches the rousing and powerful message that making your own choices is a worthy pursuit. 

Nora At Night, written and illustrated by April dela Noche Milne. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"For brunch, Nora would help her papa make eggs, 
rice, bacon, grilled tomatoes, and (sometimes) 
empanadas.

It wouldn't have been so bad if her 
papa didn't also watch nature and 
animal shows at the same time."

It takes no time at all after Nora wakes in the morning for her ears to be inundated with the sounds of her very noisy family. Even the cat scratches at her door for entrance. Her parents are up and having coffee, her twin sisters are rising filled with excitement for a new day. It is a cacophony of loud sound! 

Once breakfast is consumed, the noise continues with phone calls, the vacuum, her family in the bathroom getting ready for the day while she is trying to take a comforting shower. The afternoon means a trek to the park and the endless noise of people at the pool there. A quick stop at the grocery offers squeaky cart wheels, loudspeaker information, chat with friends, and the endless beep as groceries are scanned for payment. Outside again, it's traffic noise, and talking. Poor Nora. Upon arrival at home, she has had all she can take and lets everyone know it is just too LOUD for her. 

Evening is decidedly different. She goes to her room where there is no sound. She can listen at the window to the sounds of the coming night. 

"There were no clamorous 
cars: only raccoons scrounging 
for food in the bushes outside, 
the branches brushing against 
the windowsill." 

Nora reads quietly on the floor, away from TV shows, laptop sounds, visitors, and sisters playing quietly together as the day winds down. Later, Mama comes in to share lullabies as Nora settles in to sleep and dream. Waking in the middle of the night to share the soothing sounds of everyone's snoring is perfect. 

Ms. Milne's artwork is 'rendered in pencil and Procreate' and invites readers to share in the chaos of a busy and bustling family whose days are full. Plentiful onomatopoeic sounds add appeal and empathy for Nora as she navigates a day that is an assault to her ears and her head. Discussion following reading this story will lead to focusing attention on listeners' experiences and their response to the world's sounds around them. 

Mooz/Moose, by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere. Groundwood, 2026. $22.99 ages 2 and up

 

"Gaawii bmaadgaa-sii
dbishkoo mooz.
Enji-shpashkaak bmi-
giimoodzi, dbishkoo
gnebik.

She doesn't walk through
water like a moose. 
She sneaks through tall 
grass like a snake." 

Mooz is the Anishinaabe word for Moose. In truth, Mooz may not have much in common with the moose, but the comparisons by the author make for a fine book for toddlers. She certainly doesn't look like a moose; she is more like a lynx. She is not as tall as the moose; she is small like the marten. She is doesn't bound like the moose; she races like a hare. She doesn't rub against trees; rather, she climbs them like a raccoon. She doesn't yawn like a moose; she yawns like a coyote. 

In truth, Mooz doesn't have much in common with the moose; she does compare to other animals in the great lakes region where Mangeshig grew up, and where he adopted the tiny kitten to take her on a road trip with him to Vancouver where the two live today with her Pawis-Steckley family. This second book in a series, following the publication of Boozhoo! / Hello! (Groundwood, 2024), is meant to introduce the Anishinaabemowin language to a young audience. Neither one tells a story; their connection is the language, and I look forward to seeing more in this series. 

If you have seen other books illustrated by this fine artist, you will recognize the bright colors and its striking beauty. Black-outlined images of Mooz keep her front and center for little ones as the book is shared with them. Actions are appealing and make for a most enjoyable read. Mooz is a character; sure of herself in every situation and cat owners will recognize that. 

Text is presented in both English and Anishinaabemowin. Notes from both author and translator add to the book's charm.  It will be read aloud repeatedly and thoroughly enjoyed each and every time.                                                                                     

Mr. Chow's Night Market, written by Emily Sun Li and illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

"Mr. Chow doesn't know what to think.
Outside, city lights glow. Cicadas buzz. 
Inside, the fridges hum with energy. 
"I should get ready for bed," Mr. Chow
reminds himself. "I have to get up in a 
few hours!"

But dread pricks his stomach like fish bones."

Mr. Chow and I have something in common; we don't like to get up early in the morning. We would rather stay up late. Our circumstances are very different; he owns a grocery store where patrons line up early to make their purchases and I am a retired teacher with few commitments in the early morning. 

When he sleeps in one morning, despite calls from his grandchildren, angry customers are waiting in a long line for him to open; he has done no cleaning or organizing for the start of the day. His grandchildren offer needed help, but it is not a great day. Mr. Chow turns to his friends for advice. There is little help until someone suggests that he should 'try something new'. That is exactly what he does!

With help from those same grandchildren, he does all the work needed to open a night market. It is a welcome idea, offering a place to shop at night with games, bright lights, and food booths for customers to enjoy. The real bonus for Mr. Chow is that he now has more time to spend with his grandchildren, and the opportunity to sleep in every morning. 

Using lovely, descriptive language, Ms. Li pens a story that is fun to read aloud and informative. Yu Ting Cheng's brightly-colored and expressive illustrations add much to the appeal of the story. The spreads are filled with expression, movement, and so much to see. In an author's note, Emily Sun Li tells her readers about the night markets in Taiwan. Those markets are famous for their snacks, beverages, and sweet desserts, while also attracting many community members on a nightly basis.                                                                                         

The Stuffie Stand, written and illustrated by Maddie Frost. Hippo Park, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Moose had no time to waste on annoying children. 
He was in over his antlers.
And he had a case of NOODLE ARMS - a crafter's 
worst nightmare.

He couldn't pick anything up. 
He couldn't put anything together. 
Sewing was impossible!" 

Moose has a lifetime love of stuffies! As he grew, he learned how to make his own. What an artist! Every one he made was perfect; finally, he decided to open a stuffie stand and sell them locally. Mabel, whose love for stuffies was akin to the way Moose felt about them, wanted all he had to sell. She was loud and very excited to let Moose know that. 

Mabel also made stuffies; bedazzled and accessorised. She showed an interest in selling her wares at Moose's stand. Moose does not need to sell such stuffies, and sent Mabel on her way. He wanted only 'simple stuffies'. His stand was so busy that he had to take special orders. My, he was busy! The sewing never stopped; the waiting lines were endless. He began to make mistakes. Mabel was worried. 

Wanting to help, she checked in with him. Moose wanted no help. In fact, he was quite rude to her. Only when he could no longer do all the work did he turn to Mabel. It was very difficult for him to ask for help, and Mabel grew impatient. Having a partner didn't solve all of the problems, but Moose was okay with that. Their new business was a huge hit! 

Digital illustrations add visual appeal for young readers, who are sure to appreciate the variety in the offerings at the stuffie stand and have a giggle at Moose's attitude toward Mabel. 

Goodbye, Koi, written and illustrated by Jack Wong. Orchard Books, Scholastic. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"At home, Dad fed our koi their meal 
pellets, and I fed them the snacks. 
They loved oranges and watermelon. 

I wonder what they'll eat now. 
I'll miss watching them nibble. 

I hope they get along with the other fish."

As a father and child work together to get ready to move to a new home, an important task is what they will do with their koi. They also need a new home. Together they watch as the koi are released into a park pond. On the way home, the child thinks solemnly about how the koi will adapt. Moving from a fish tank to an open pond with blue skies above them is a big change in environment. 

Dad is reassuring, telling his son that the fish will know what to do under their new circumstances. The child wonders what they will now eat. What about all the other koi that will share their pond? Will they remember their previous home and miss it? As the child shows concern for the koi and their new setting, Jack Wong's impressive illustrations tell another part of the story. He shows what father and son are doing themselves in preparation for leaving: donating clothing, buying a winter coat, purchasing food for a family farewell gathering, collecting their suitcases from a moving box-filled home before departing by plane for their new home. Despite thoughts concerning what this change will bring for the family, they are ready. 

In a stirring author's note, Mr. Wong shares that, as a 6-year-old he and his family moved from Hong Kong to Canada, and his memories of that time include one of watching his father net their koi. He did not know what happened to them. He also explains that he learned ancient Chinese brush painting in order to bring the koi to life. He adds an informative note about koi. 

Another Tongue, written and illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Different countries
have different mother tongues.

When you come to a new country,
you may not understand its language
at first. 

Your ears may get tired of listening 
to the new language."

Countless people who emigrate from their home countries to a country where the language is different have much to learn before they can communicate effectively with those who live there. In this new and playful look at language learning, Yevgenia Nayberg takes on the task of helping preschoolers and adults alike begin to understand the ins and outs of learning a second language. 

In simple text, sporting eye-catching artwork, she explains that the mother tongue is the first language learned. The words you hear as a baby, and the words used to make sense of the world around you. Often, those words can be difficult and will need to be heard again and again. Despite the complexity and long list of words needed to communicate, the language becomes your own. Mother tongues are different, according to where you live. 

Moving to a new country where another language is spoken is hard. There is no understanding of what is being said; ears get tired of listening to unfamiliar words. Some words may seem familiar, while others have never been heard. With context, the task is easier; seeing a chicken and being told it's a chicken imprints on your brain. 

It does take time and patience to continue learning. Speaking with others will begin to change. Soon, you will be bilingual ... what a feat! 

An author's note is of great interest as readers learn just how difficult it was for Yevgenia to understand, then speak English following emigration. Even for her today, it has its obstacles. Just wait for the conversation when the reading is done! 

A VERY GOOD PARADE, written and illustrated by Eleanor Davis. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Gabby was very good 
at getting people to join 
the parade. 

FEEL THE CITY BREAKIN'
AND EVERYBODY SHAKIN'
AND WE'RE STAYIN' ALIVE
    STAYIN' ALIVE "

The title page shows a little one, all decked out with a starred cape, a crown, a tutu and a spatula; what is she ready to do? The opening page shows just exactly what she has in mind. Gabby announces loudly to her gramma that it is time for a parade! Out she goes, calling out to all the neighborhood kids to join her. Miguel says he has no skill to bring to the parade but his dad's horn which he can't play. Gabby thinks it's a fine horn even if he doesn't play it. Miguel joins. 

Everyone is invited to join the parade, with whatever they have.  Anthony worries that he has nothing but his aunt's big cowboy boots. Gabby encourages him to wear them in their grand parade. Everyone she meets is convinced they have an important role to play, including Noah who's pushing a stroller. By putting the baby on his shoulders, Noah becomes the Tallest Baby in the World! What more could one ask? 

Gabby even rescues a young boy from two bullies; he is asked to join, they are not. Only nice people are to be included in Gabby's parade. As they go, there are more and more interested in joining. Finally, they reach the park and it's time to stop and PERFORM. Spatula in hand, Gabby leads all paraders in a cacophony of sound and performance that ends with Miguel finally coaxing a BAROOMPA out of his horn! The crowd of adults that has gathered to watch is spellbound. When Gabby's gramma, who has been following since Gabby stepped outside, announces dinnertime, the parade is over. In the darkness, the participants head for home. What a success!  

Gabby is one superb parade marshal. She leads with conviction and encouragement, and accepts all participants (except the bullies). Digital art creates a perfect accompaniment to the text, adding a familiar setting and impressing with the energy and enthusiasm that one little girl sparks. Speech bubbles, onomatopoeia, and regular text tell this story with humor and delight. It's simply wonderful!   

How Not To Rescue a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Owlkids 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Even though
the new trail feels 
like a little change to 
Grammy Slug, it feels 
like a big change to Snail. 
And big changes make 
Snail feel anxious. 

We can play I Spy 
along the way. It'll 
be fun! 

I do love I Spy ... "

I do hope you have met Snail prior to today. This book is the fourth in a series and fans will know that Snail is happy to live a life without much change. He likes to call it 'living a little'. There are things he loves: a tv that's not too loud, reading with a best friend, staying up a bit late when Grammy Slug comes by. Life is good. 

Whenever Grammy visits, they follow a set routine as they catch up on each other's news. Grammy is much more adventurous than Snail is. She likes to talk about old times; she also likes to try new things. Seeing a new and unexplored trail is very exciting for Grammy and she encourages Snail to try it with her. As they play I Spy to distract from Snail's reluctance to take part, they suddenly spy a HAND!

That hand is determined to rescue Snail. It takes him away from Grammy and plops him on a bed of moss. Not able to see Grammy and scared, Snail retreats into his shell. In the meantime, the hand is doing the same for Grammy. Fortuitously, Grammy is plopped down on Stump, Snail's best friend. While Snail stays inside, he hears outside voices belonging to his neighbors and tells them his story which is exactly what has happened to them. They are all just wanting to be home. It's Snail to the rescue! Despite a small setback, Snail takes his task to heart and all's well that ends well. 

Readers will cheer for Snail as they enjoy the tender, detailed and humorous images created by Kelly Collier. 

In One Whale's Breath, written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Cinyee Chiu. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 8 and up

"with ten minutes left before 
the whale's next breath ... 

a bold shark cuts through the 
water with a 
swish-swash, 
always moving 

Some sharks, such as the great white, 
must swim with their mouths open 
so that water continuously reaches 
their gills. If they stop swimming, 
they stop breathing!"

Did you know that a humpback whale can hold its breath for fifteen minutes? If you didn't, you will be astonished to learn all that it can do within that amount of time while making its way through its ocean environment. As it inhales through its blowhole, it prepares to dive. It can then swim underwater for 15 minutes, even longer when it is at rest. As it dives, it scares a school of sardines, causing them to make a rapid exit from its path. A nearby octopus breathes in and out, crabs make their way to a safe place in the sand. 

With ten minutes of breath left, it meets other sharks that cannot stay underwater as long as it does. It also passes a camouflaged sea turtle quietly in hiding until the threat is gone. Other creatures of the ocean must absorb the oxygen they need as they have no lungs or gills for breathing. Soon, there are only five minutes before the humpback must surface. Passing a kelp forest and coming near mama otters with their babies, the humpback reaches upward, where sea gulls fill the sky, to exhale, breach, and catch another breath.

"and now that time's up ... 

an EXHALE
turns into 
a leap, 
a spin
and spray, 
carried away on the wind
like a song " 

The smaller font information provided concerning each phase of the whale's underwater adventure is very helpful, giving readers a chance to learn about other denizens of the deep and how they breathe. The illustrations were created with gouache and pastel, then finished in Photoshop. They offer a clear picture of  the underwater world and the creatures found there. The importance of oxygen and breathing techniques will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about ocean life. Back matter shares an author's note, further information, and a list of resources. 

Off The Wall: Making Stuff Together, by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Look how dirty my hands are! 

Wait!

Let's pick up this chalk.

Let's put them on the wall! 

Our handprints look like pigtails! 

Look who we made! 

She's beautiful!"

Oh, what fun! Two dear friends write a book about friends making art together! The five kids, one dog and one cat love to make stuff and to play. As one starts a tic-tac-toe game, another joins, and then the cat shows an interest. The children include the cat in their fun, just as a leashed pup and another kitty-loving child arrive at a brisk pace. Chaos ensues. Two other participants arrive to lend their helping hands and add to the 'making stuff' event. Perhaps together they can make everything even better. They do! 

The backdrop of Brown Kraft paper gets more and more beautiful as they discover what colors look good with each other. The more they add, the more excited they get about the resulting artwork. By using everything they have at their disposal, their imaginations can run wild. And then ... an accident that changes the tone of their encounter. One group of children takes umbrage and threatens to leave with various parts of the work they have done. Such a rumble they create. 

Finally a brave and very loud voice makes itself known with the command to STOP! 

"All of this is OURS. 
Remember?"

They do remember and life becomes better again. With everyone helping, their masterpiece is the best they can make it. BRILLIANT!

Two artistic styles, skin colors Green, Chartreuse, Vermillion, Robin, and Bubblegum for the kids and orange and pink for the pets, double-page spreads that showcase movement and action, and charming dialogue between characters will have readers basking in the joy shown in the creativity shared.  Art truly is for everyone here!
                                                                                         

Indigo Hands,nwritten by Sita Singh and illustrated by Maithili Joshi. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 7 and up

"And so we head to the studio at last. 
In front of its carved wooden doors, 
we take off our shoes
and step inside. 

I've never seen so many shades of blue! 
Hanging on the walls are fabrics the 
color of the sunny sky, of the little 
flycatcher that sings outside my 
window, of the vast ocean."

Once her eyes open, Neela is excited to realize it is the day she and her Dadu are going to her grandfather's indigo studio. It's a long walk. As they go along, they pass the indigo patch where women in colorful saris work at trimming the branches of the tamarind trees. They carry those branches to the water tanks at the farm where the leaves will be soaked: it is a process Dadu calls fermentation. 

Neela does not understand where the beautiful blue comes from. Dadu explains oxidation which is the second part of the process. As they eat the lunch Dadu has brought along, they listen to the men singing and watch them work. After a nap, Neela and her grandfather press on to the studio where she sees the many wondrous shades of blue hanging all around them. It's time to get started creating Neela's own indigo cloth. It takes time again; the end result is magical. 

With indigo hands, the two show patience. Dadu tells his granddaughter about all the people around the world who grow indigo as they have done. When the cloth is finally ready to carry, it is time to make their way home after a very exciting day. It is a gift for her baby brother, given knowing that one day Neela will introduce him to dipping his hands in a pot of indigo as she has done. 

This is an important cultural tradition in Neela's family. That is evident as her grandfather leads her (and the book's readers) through every step of the process. Told from a child's perspective shows the importance of being introduced to an age-old tradition. Digital artwork does real justice to the many facets of the work done to create the depth and beauty of the lasting blue color. Backmatter includes an author's note, facts about indigo and its history, a glossary and a list of resources for further reading.