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! 

The Hockey Song, by Stompin' Tom Connors and pictures by Gary Clement. Greystone Kids, 2026. $14.95 ages 4 and up

"SECOND PERIOD! 

Where the players dash, 
with skates aflash, 
the home team 
trails behind. 

But they grab the puck, 
and go bursting up, 
and they're down across 
the line."

This book was originally published in 2016 as a hardcover. I did not see it then, and I again am grateful to Sydney for sending it to me in this board book format. It is inspired by our Canadian love for hockey, and written by Stompin' Tom Connors. It is routinely heard when crowds gather to watch a hockey game played anywhere in Canada. 

Gary Clement says that his "intention in illustrating this book was to basically ignore the references to professional hockey and instead focus on the game as a true, all-inclusive and very Canadian community activity". That he does, in spades. The game starts with two players on an outside city rink ... a father and son? In no time at all, two more players join, then two more, and on it goes until there are 11, with two waiting outside the boards. Spectators continue to arrive, waiting for a chance to join the contest. 

First period is done; second period is called. All the while, the words of the song play on pages filled with action and great enjoyment. In one spread, as all players race toward readers, the excitement and energy grow until a perspective change shows what the game looks like from above. When tied, a host of players face each other as play then moves into the third period. It's the last game in the playoffs! One final flick of the wrist and the game is won - just before every single player, young and old, men and women, girls and boys, finds a place together on the rink's surface for a final photo! 

“Oh! The good ol’ hockey game,
is the best game you can name.” 

There is so much to see and appreciate as readers pore over the pages that show a community coming together over the love of a national pastime. 

Once you listen to this, you will not be able to get it out of your head. 

https://youtu.be/v8zeB7b1uFY?si=Tcyf9o2YWpvi7IbC       

                                                                                 

                    

carrots make me suspicious, written and illustrated by Robin Mitchell Cranfield. Greystone Kids, 2026. $24.95 ages 3 and up

"My father likes to eat carrots sliced into
thick rings with a sprinkle of salt. He pops
them into his mouth: pop pop pop. 

My mother prefers carrots sliced 
into sticks. She dips them in dips:
dip dab dip. 

But I don't and I won't dip dab
dip or pop pop pop. 

That is just not my style."

I am indebted to Sydney at Greystone Kids for sending along a box of books that I am very excited to share with you. First up in this one about a rabbit who does not eat carrots for a mix of valid (to him) reasons. 

His parents encourage him to eat them because they are good for him, and they are sweet and crunchy. Rabbit likes quiet foods, and cannot be convinced to give them a try. He would rather eat the yummy dip than the carrots for dipping. When a party has nothing but carrots for food, he would rather be at home. While he may, at times, be curious about them, he keeps those feelings inside. He would rather know what they are like before ever trying them. His mother suggests an investigation. A notebook is provided for careful observation. Carrots are orange; do they taste like an orange? No, and not all carrots are orange. They are triangles; but not all carrots are triangular. 

It's time for further research. Rabbit learns something about gardening (and rosemary) from a neighbor. He discovers they are a root, but do not taste like root beer. Needing more data, he checks out a library book about carrots and learns a great deal concerning preparation, shape, and even finds some appealing recipes. One is for cinnamon carrot soup which is a big hit. Just don't suggest lettuce for dessert. 

"Lettuce makes me suspicious." 

Brilliant! 

The text captures a child's feelings about trying something new. The artwork is childlike, and perfectly matches the rabbit's narration. The color palette is dominated by orange images, in keeping with the rabbit's full attention to this unfamiliar taste. The parents show great respect and understanding for their child's reticence, encouraging without pushing, and offering ways to explore learning more. 

Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly's Classroom? Written by Chris Priestley and illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 6 and up

 

"But Grace did not see anyone along the way.
It just got darker and darker and more and 
more cobwebby. 

"This school is so big," said Grace, 
and her voice echoed down the corridor:
"So ... so ... so ... big ... big ... big ... "

Just then, a wooden door creaked open and
a pale figure stepped slowly forward. 

Grace gasped."

This is another truly exceptional book to read to your kids at home, or for a classroom read. Grace loves to volunteer for any task suggested by her teacher, Miss Flytrap. Asked to return a book to Mr. Grimly, Miss Flytrap wants reassurance that Grace does know the way. Grace is sure! Or is she? 

It's Grace's first week at her new school; a school that is decidedly stranger than her last. Grace does not know the way, and she has no idea who Mr. Grimly is. Having this information sets up listeners for an eerie walk through the school, always on the lookout for surprises along the way. Prepared to ask for help, Grace begins her journey. 

There is no one in the hallways. Finally, a door opens revealing Miss Endpaper, the librarian. She is happy to give instructions which Grace is not sure are all that helpful. Miss Endpaper is back to her work before Grace moves on. Now concerned that she will fail her assignment, Grace worries aloud, only to be heard by a woman in the shadows. Mrs. Nightshade, the head teacher, offers a more complicated answer to her query. 

Outside Grace goes and across the playground to an extremely high tower. The steps are steep and Grace, once again, worries aloud about finding Mr. Grimly's classroom. A bat offers help, and a zip line is marked by a finger pointing the way. Grace lands in a kitchen filled with delectable sights and smells. Mrs. Macaroon, the school cook, gives her final instructions. 

"You're almost there.
You just have to go through that door, 
down three flights of stairs, 
up two more flights of stairs, 
turn left, 
turn right, 
then left again, 
and there you are."

Finally meeting Mr. Grimly, Grace is faced with another dilemma. Her response to it is absolutely perfect!

Though lengthy, this is a book of wonder that I would first read without benefit of illustrations. It is told with a suspenseful tone, and hints of both mystery and humor. I would love to hear what listeners think once done, after asking what they have imagined throughout the reading. And then ... read it again with the breathtaking watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil artwork of Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Her meticulous images use light and shadow with perfection as Grace makes her increasingly complicated and daring journey in search of Mr. Grimly and his classroom. 
                                                                                 

Still Friends, written by Troy Wilson and illustrated by Mike Deas. Orca, 2026. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"No matter how wet he was. No matter how
dirty. No matter how stinky. 

No matter the crowd. No matter the load. 

                                       No matter what. 

She was always there for a quiet moment.

And always there to listen."

A visit to the local park with his person leads a young beagle to a meeting with a new friend. He sits at her feet and admires her quiet nature. She doesn't move; she doesn't talk. She is nothing like his owner whose constant care makes him feel grateful: a long walk, treats, warm greetings each morning, and compliments. He ignores this new friend, just as she ignores him. There is no chatter between them. There are even times when he chooses not to look at her. 

Despite the inability to be real friends, he notices her from season to season. She is always there when he returns to the park. She provides a happy space for leaning, jumping on, and even taking a nap on her head.  She doesn't mind if he smells. She lets children climb all over her. Best of all, she is always there to hear what he has to say. She does not make rules she expects him to follow the way his owner does. In the end, he realizes that the three of them - owner, dog, statue - are not perfect. In their own ways, however, they are just right for one another.  

Children are sure to fall for this charming pup whose attitude toward a new friend is genuine, despite their differences. Observant readers will find joy in the many exceptional details Mike Deas uses to add context. The story is simply told, and engaging. It's great fun to read.                                                                             

I Wonder If I'm Growing, written by Raffi and illustrated by Jon Klassen. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

"My mom says 

eat your sandwich

it will make you grow up tall"

What??? It's Jon Klassen again, and I am delighted to share this new book with you. I am often teased about my lack of knowledge when it comes to the music of the 80s. The way I explain it is to say that we had young kids then, and were listening to Sharon, Lois, and Bram, Raffi, and Fred Penner. This favorite song from Raffi will be added to my growing pile of new books for 'our' April baby. 

It is not unusual for little ones to wonder if they are growing. They can't see it, while their parents assure them that they are changing every day. In this song, Raffi offers reassurance that growth is happening in a song that speaks to the passage of time, and the knowledge that the child can do things now that he could not do in the past. The repetitive text encourages those sharing the book to sing it first together, and then alone as the words become more familiar. 

Jon Klassen's visual interpretation of these words is classic. Views of the wondering child show him from one page to the next looking pretty much the same. Readers can only see his eyes and the top of his head as he explains that he is being told he is growing, but sees little evidence of it. On the day he can reach the bathroom taps for the very first time, he is very pleased with himself and willing to admit that his mother is right ... he is growing! As the scenes repeat and he can finally see more of his face, he no longer worries. As happens when Jon Klassen interprets text through the eyes of a child, he is dead on with his illustrations. It's perfectly paced to show the passage of time that drags on for little ones. 

Emotional and reassuring, you will want to read it on repeat. 

To help, here's the song from Molly Whuppie:

https://youtu.be/MoHuQ3n5Dmw?si=nanKok4Ct7c6315V

Fritz: A Mushroom Story, written and illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"Then he and Pip meet up with friends
for a swim in the puddle pond. 

Next up, flower chains in the meadow. 
Then it's time to blow bubbles in the violet patch. 

"I wonder why having fun is so tiring?" thinks Fritz. 

"Who wants to play hide-and-seek?" shouts Pip."

If you have never imagined a mushroom's family and friends, here's your chance to make their acquaintance. A first page banner lets readers know that Fritz is a chanterelle mushroom who has a favorite red cardigan; loves hats, the taste of rose hips, and the sight of the wood anemone. The facing page allows that there are other things Fritz likes to do. His encounters with friends vary from many to one. He also very much likes being by himself. He craves quiet time to do nothing. 

His friend Pip is a fly agaric mushroom, whose favorite flavor is blackberry; who loves loud music; and whose favorite flower is the hepatica. He, like Fritz, likes other things as well. Pip is most happy in a crowd where everyone is paying close attention to him. Fritz sees that Pip is full of fun, and wonders if he should be more like that. Fritz makes the decision to follow in Pip's procession and spend one day as Pip does. It is adventurous, full of friends, and very tiring. 

While playing hide-and-seek, Fritz finds a perfect, quiet spot to be still and all alone. He is not prepared to be found that happens. Pip leaves him to savor what he loves the most before he returns to play, and  finish their day with rosehip ice cream. A perfect ending!  

Might we meet them again in the future? Maybe ...                                                                                   

If You Kiss A Kohkom, written by Tonya Simpson and illustrated by Mando Littlechild. Orca, 2026. $21.95 ages 3 and up

"When the ribbon skirt is done, 
she will want you to try it on!

As you twirl and whirl, she will 
sing her favorite song and ask 
you to dance with her." 

The relationship between Kohkom and her grandchild is special in every way. This book examines a day spent together and the many lovely ways that Kohkom shows her abiding love. Giving Kohkom a kiss results in a warm hug and a spoken truth about the love she has for her grandchild. Stroking her hair results in the joy inherent in brushing, and braiding. Kohkom also offers a listening ear for what the grandchild has to tell her. 

Kohkom's love for decoration shows when she teaches the art of making new earrings to add style for the new hairdo. Wouldn't a ribbon skirt look grand with those earrings? After the grandchild picks the colors that make her heart happy, Kohkom busies herself with another colorful creation. As she works, she shares family stories. When the skirt is done, it's time to dance! Near the end of the day, they make bannock. Gathering ingredients, Kohkom's memory for blending exactly what is needed results in a delicious piece to be served with raspberry jam. YUM!

Elders have a very important role to play in the lives of the young. The culture, traditions and knowledge they offer are passed on with love and in celebration. Mixed-media digital illustrations are filled with the warmth of the bond between grandmother and granddaughter. A list of Cree words shown throughout the reading are included in the final two pages, alongside thumbnail sketches of each.                                                                              

Ah Ma's Home, written by Gillian Sze and illustrated by Leah Hong. Groundwood, 2026. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Leaves drift in the pond, and I wonder what it
would be like to drink from it. But before I can 
dip my fingers in, Ah Ma takes my hand and 
pulls me close. She always knows what I am 
thinking. 

"The water I had was much, much clearer than
this," she points to the pond." 

Aiya, the young girl who narrates this story of her grandmother and the memories she has from growing up in China, is happy that they spend time together. On Saturdays, they walk to the park where they can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Aiya runs ahead and scares the geese that Ah Ma loves to watch. Aiya apologizes, then asks what her grandmother finds special about the geese. 

As they talk about the coming winter, Ah Ma shares that she didn't have geese or snow at home in China. Instead, they had a river with fresh, clear, and cold water from the mountains that they could drink. Ah Ma cautions Aiya against drinking the pond water in the park. The two continue to compare special memories from Ah Ma's childhood: rainbow birds, nests in walls of mud, watching baby birds cheep and grow, and nips from lizards that she liked to believe were really tiny dragons. 

Aiya loves to listen to Ah Ma's childhood memories. She wonders if her grandmother misses her home. Yes she does, Ah Ma tells her. In truth, while Ah Ma does miss her old home, her new home is the best place for her to be. She has a good reason for feeling that way. 

"Because home has always been with the people I love."                                                                                   

Leina and the Haunted House, written by Myriam Dahman and Nicolas Digard and illustrated by Julia Sarda. Kids Can Press, 2026. $23.99 ages 7 and up

 

"A thousand questions rushed through Leina's 
mind, but she treated the strange creature like
any other passenger. She punted through the 
storm and delivered him to the opposite bank.

                Without a backward glance, 
                                the toad entered the town."

Halloween will soon be here. If you are looking for a magical, slightly scary, new book to read to your kids or class, I recommend this one. It is an original fairy tale that has many of the elements we expect from such stories: magic, mystery, and a game with a welcome outcome. 

Leina pilots her ferry from the village side of the river to the forest where the villagers cut down trees for firewood and forage for food, despite warnings that the forest is haunted. One of her passengers is a young man named Oren. Leina has feelings for him, and is distraught when he fails to return to the dock to be ferried back to the village. She returns each day in hopes that he will be there when she arrives. 

When she is met by an elegant looking and human-sized toad who wants a ride to the village, she is surprised but accommodating. Mr. Spadefoot returns to the river in a furious state after villagers pelt him with rocks and treat him poorly. Upon arrival at the forest side, the weather turns and Leina is invited to have dinner with the toad. It is a remarkable feast in an equally remarkable place. Since the weather has not improved, Mr. Spadefoot suggests she stay and offers the choice between nineteen opulent bedrooms for the night. His only warning is that she should NOT enter the room with the black door. 

When she cannot resist checking it out, she finds cages filled with many different animals all staring at her, and able to share that Mr. Spadefoot has made them what they are. Oren is now a squirrel. When Mr. Spadefoot returns, he is suspicious of Leina's actions. Before retiring for the night, Leina challenges him to a game; he chooses TRUTH OR DARE. Through a series of questions and answers, Leina is able to trick him into revealing his true self and makes a threat he cannot refuse. The caged animals are freed from his spell. Returning to town with all the missing villagers brings a change to the way people treat the forest. Now when they take something, they leave something in thanks for the gifts it offers. 

This is a wonderful read, filled with compelling and intricate digital art that will inspire readers to go back and experience it once again.  

Meet Rosemarie Kuptana, written by Elizabeth MacLeod and illustrated by Mike Deas. Scholastic Canada, 2026. $18.99 ages 10 and up

 

"That summer, Rosemarie was allowed to 
go home. But she had trouble communicating
with her family. After being forced to speak 
English for months, Rosemarie was forgetting
Inuinnaqtun. She felt like a stranger."

I have an enduring attraction to picture book biographies for youth. They have introduced me to people whose lives I did not know, and I am grateful to those who tell their stories in ways that inform both children and adults. The Scholastic Canada Biography series by Elizabeth MacLeod and Mike Deas 
continues to inspire us with stories of Canadians whose contributions have had a lasting impact on readers. Since 2018, when they introduced us to Viola Desmond, there have been 15 books in this informative and fascinating series. I do hope their interest in and curiosity about others will keep the numbers growing. 

For this book, Ms. MacLeod worked directly with Rosemarie Kuptana to be sure her life is accurately presented in this very enlightening record of her many incredible accomplishments. Rosemarie has worn many hats since her birth on the Prince of Wales Strait, Northwest Territories in 1954. She went to residential school in Inuvik when she was eight and lived there for ten years. University in Ottawa called during the 70s, followed by years as an activist for Inuit rights, as well as broadcasting and journalism. 

Her countless efforts to preserve Inuit language and culture included protecting the climate, and speaking for self-government. Her work has taken her around the world and her support for Indigenous people in Canada helped lead to the formation of Nunavut in 1999. Rosemarie is the recipient of both the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals in recognition of her life's work.

Today, federal, provincial and territorial governments acknowledge the right of Aboriginal peoples to govern themselves. Ms. Kuptana has played pivotal roles in cultural and political advances, along with others, to make a difference for all of Canada. Her advocacy is a beacon for others, and has been rewarded with the honor and dignity she so deserves. Canadian school children and all those who read this new book are sure to be impressed by the legacy she is leaving through her hard work and consistent support of her people. 

The writing is accessible, a trait of this popular and well-researched series. The digital artwork is contextual for young readers, giving them an opportunity to see the beauty of the North, the workings of government and the purposeful life of a Canadian whose story is worth celebrating. Well done! 

Different Good, written and illustrated by Thao Lam. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

"It was odd. 

It was strange.

Most peculiar ... 

and perplexing." 

There was a time long ago when a man and a woman lived a very normal and unchanging life. Every day the same until ...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

What a surprise for them when a new baby arrived! It turned their world upside down. Small, loud and unlike its parents, it was befuddling to its parents as it grew and changed. It liked to sing, eat leaves, and draw with sticks. What about grunting, eating meat, and playing with rocks? 

Watching that growing child use sticks to create a project that soon crashed to the ground infuriated the father, and attracted the attention of a hungry woolly mammoth. The father quickly retreated while the child struggled to keep up. The father bravely faced the mammoth, as the child hid. Dad made a tasty snack! Seeing this, the child summoned up ingenuity and musical aptitude to distract the mammoth with the enticement of a thrown stick. The snack was forgotten.  

The surprise ending will bring chuckles and a new understanding for being different ... different good! As we have come to expect from Thao Lam, the cut-paper art is remarkable and ingenious, telling this story with little text, admirable drama and spirit. It's a great tale to be read aloud; listeners will love it.

The Only Way To Dance, written by Cristina Quintero and illustrated by Eugenia Mello. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"You're going to need music.

Your dance might require 
violins, trumpets and a 
guitar or two. 

It might need nothing more than
a simple drum, echoing out of
the very tips of your fingers. 

By telling this story directly to her readers, Ms. Quintero makes it feel very personal and uplifting as she shares the notion that everyone can dance if they find the music that speaks to their very soul. It is a lovely celebration of the world of dance and the value of movement in a child's life. 

A young girl steps out into her community as rain patters down on her umbrella. She and her mother have a destination in mind; the dance studio down the street. She is told that, if she wants to dance, she will first need any kind of beat; a space that suits her; music and sounds; perhaps speakers.

"Dancing could be a tradition that
tells where you come from
or a family ritual that reminds
you of where you belong."

As she makes her way past various studio spaces, she is witness to wide variety in the ways people celebrate dance. When she gets to her own dance class, her exuberance shows in the greeting she offers, and she is READY to dance her way! In this book that follows Ms. Quintero's The Only Way to Make Bread (tundra, 2023), she pays tribute to dance from around the world. Her text encourages readers to discover the joys and benefits ot finding their own path to the kind of dance that speaks to their souls.

Ms. Mello's artwork was drawn by hand on an iPad, and portrays the brilliant color and the glorious movement of each of the dance forms. Using black-and-white to show the child guide as she moves through the studio while watching the many dancers is a lovely touch. Changing perspectives is a wonderful way to ensure careful attention to the beauty and lure of dance for all. 

Backmatter adds cultural context and information for the sixteen dances represented here. There is also a lesson for learning the Columbian cumbia.  Readers will want to return to the start and find each dance described. It's a visual delight from start to finish, and a perfect book for music classes, or a great readaloud anytime. 

A Riddle of Eels, written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. Random House Studio. Penguin Random House, 2026. $27.99 ages

"It is easy to see how people might disagree
about the terrifying, isolated Komodo dragon, 
it's terrifying! It's isolated! 

rar!

It is less easy to see how people might 
disagree about the eel. 
The eel is not rare. The eel is not 
terrifying. The eel is not isolated.
The eel is all around us.

glub!"

Sibert medalist Nicholas Day begins by talking about all the books we read that give us facts that relate to what is familiar to many. He also presents some of what we know about eels; but adds 'the more we study it, the less we know about it.'  He then suggests that it would be helpful if the reader could suddenly become an eel and pass along all that is learned while being one. In that way, this picture book would tell us all we need to know about eels. 

Mr. Day moves on to report that the many who have studied the eel in the past have made statements that they felt were true from their observations. They presented their evidence and it was accepted until someone disproved it with another theory; on it went from one conclusion to the next. 

"All this disagreeing went on for centuries, because eels are both 
fascinating and bewildering, and after a while, everyone 
managed to agree on this: 

Eels are really easy to disagree about." 

It should be easier. People could stand at the mouth of some European and American rivers and watch as a billion eels swam up them. Even being able to touch and hold them did little to help with the learning. Where did they come from? Where were the babies? How did they make those babies if there were any? There were no easy answers. 

After many years and much study, Danish biologist Johannes Schmidt observed that all eels were born in the Sargasso Sea, migrated to the rivers of Europe and North America, and returned at the end of their lives to spawn new eels though he never saw a full-grown eel there. We are sure of those things, and that their migration journey is unimaginable. How do they know where they are going? As we come to the end of this remarkable book, what have we really learned about them? 

For all we do know about today's world, there is so much left to explore and reveal. 

Chatty and accessible for his target audience, Nicholas Day has done his research and presents it with questions in mind and few answers despite all the scientific study. It has humor and lively appeal. Cory Tabor's mixed-media digital artwork places readers in the middle of an eel's world with his agile, undulating forms and historical and contemporary settings. Illustrations are filled with motion and wonder, while adding context for the learning. The endpapers are brilliant and the book's case wrap offers a giggle. A closing note from the author further enlightens the text, while also focusing on the steep decline in eel populations. Sources are included. 

Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories: A Tall Tale Based on the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston. Written by Giselle Anatol and illustrated by Raissa Figueroa. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"By the time all those stories bubbled forth, 
and Jamie and Tea Cake had laughed until 
they cried, Small-Girl Zora wondered if she'd 
be able to lug the watering can all the way 
back home. 

But when she looked inside, it was almost 
as dry as a bone! Only a few drops!"

Small-Girl Zora is not the kind of girl who does what others expect of her. She likes to climb high in trees and 'play tag with the moon' to the consternation of all members of her family. She doesn't wear a hat when she's playing outside on a sunny day; she loses her sandals; and she likes to get messy when she's in the outdoors. She LOVES to tell preposterous stories, with encouragement from her listeners. There are those who do not encourage her plan for changing the world with her stories. Zora does not listen to their complaining. 

She expects to inspire tears of joy and laughter whenever she tells those stories. To that end, she takes a watering can with her to collect the tears and use them to help end the drought that is plaguing her small town. She begins with a rich farm family; they don't want to hear her stories. She persists with a story of a serpent which scares the farmer's wife, wakes the farmer from his nap and leads to Zora leaving their home as quietly as possible. Moving on to the general store, she tells a story of 'magically multiplying eggs' that have kept her full for days. Nothing stops her from embellishing that story with other details until the store owner sends her packing. 

She has so many stories to tell! No one is giving her a chance to make them cry and add their tears to her watering can. Her stories do work on Janie and Tea Cake; they laugh until they cry. The watering can is filling up and getting pretty heavy. When she looks inside, a few drops are all she sees. Sad and dejected, she sits herself down. Janie and Tea Cake offer encouragement as they say her stories wash their troubles away. On the way home, with rain falling gently, she is able to consider that her stories are being shared, bringing smiles of happiness. Suddenly and joyfully, Zora realizes a very important thing. 

"The drought was over! 
Her storytelling had worked!" 

Ms. Anatol's word choice in sharing the exuberance that was Zora Hurston's life is humorous and inspiring for the children who will have the good luck of hearing it. Raissa Gigueroa's artwork creates a setting that takes readers back to Zora's childhood home and the historical setting for her early life. She weaves the reality of Zora's life with the magic of her storytelling in spreads that will capture attention and inspire a closer look. An extensive author's note reveals Zora Neale Hurston's life story and her influences on the author. 

Tom Nancy: The Sheep Who Swapped Brains with a Boy, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by X. Fang. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The next morning Tom Nancy went 
back to school. Felix tried to go too. 

"Look at that!' The children pointed 
and giggled. "A sheep followed you 
to school! Just like in a storybook."

Felix tried to tell them he was actually 
a boy, but nobody listened to a sheep."

Kevin lives on a farm with his parents and an assortment of animals that include an arrogant sheep named Tom Nancy. Because Felix looks ready to have a conversation, Tom Nancy speaks to him one day. He has an important question. 

"Do you want to see a marvelous thing?" 

Felix, being Felix, says yes. With Tom Nancy in the lead the two are off to the old barn, where Tom Nancy shows Felix a brain-swapping machine he has built. He explains its workings and suggests they try swapping brains for the day. It's easy to see Felix's vulnerability, and Tom is quick to take advantage. 

BING! 

Tom becomes everything Felix, and Felix is suddenly a wide-eyed innocent sheep. Tom Nancy loves his day as a boy! Everything about it makes him happy. Felix does what sheep do; he spends his day in the pasture chewing grass, which he finds 'interesting.' When Felix is ready to switch back, he is distraught to learn Tom Nancy has no intention of doing so. Tom Nancy takes advantage of every opportunity to keep his new identity, while Felix tries to explain to the other animals what has happened. The other animals are perfectly content with Felix as he now is. They like him that way, and have no warm feelings for Tom Nancy. 

Tom was happy until he has to deal with the realities of school, and the expectations of him concerning homework. He complains to his dad who isn't open to letting him stay home since he hasn't been helping with the chores. With warnings from both principal and father concerning the work he will be expected to do in the future, Tom runs to Felix with a request to switch back. When they get to the barn, Tom Clancy is met with a very big surprise; a comeuppance from Felix and the other animals concerning his future. 

X. Fang drew her eye-catching illustrations with graphite and then added color in Photoshop. She keeps characters center of attention against all backgrounds. Tom Nancy is quite the individual; everything about him is big and outrageous. This is one terrific picture book from the very funny and irreverent Mac Barnett.  

Shake This Book, written and illustrated by Dave Whamond. owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"You're clearly VERY strong! 

I feel weird. 

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 

I think you may have shaken 
the book too hard. 

SOMETHING DOESN'T 
SEEM RIGHT ... "

Things in the animal kingdom seem just a little too quiet and mundane. A bright blue and bored-looking rabbit thinks it is time to 'shake things up'. A tiny caterpillar shows concern for upcoming nonsense. The rabbit knows just what to do. Get readers to give the book a shake! Why not? The other animals show concern - and well they should! 

A turn of the page and chaos ensues. All animals are strewn hither and you, with surprised and frightened looks for what is happening to them. Another turn of the page and each of the animals is now sporting another's body parts. The mayhem is described: 

"I'm half crab and half rabbit. 
I'm a CRABBIT!

I'm I guess I'm a 
LADY-PUG. 

Am I a KANGA-ROOSTER?"

There's only one thing to do now. Can you guess? Kids will know and will be tremendously happy to help the animals get back to their former selves, no matter how long it might take. Are you ready? 

Speech bubbles, bold colors, cartoonish and recognizable animals, and just the right amount of playfulness makes for a very appealing book for young children. You know you will be reading it often!  

Before You Came, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Nahid Kazemi. Peanut Butter Press, 2026. $17.95 ages 4 and up

"By night you filled my dreams - 
first steps and first words, 
sandcastles and swings,

rubber boots 
and mud
puddles, 
snowmen and 
toboggans."

If you are looking for a book to celebrate the birth of a new baby, this would be a lovely choice. In poetic language, the narrator speaks to the love and joy that is anticipated in the time leading up to meeting the little one. There is such love and emotion felt even before the baby's arrival. 

The words chosen to speak of both dreaming of and yearning for a child are beautiful and uplifting. It was a labor love for Anne Renaud who does not have children of her own, but wanted to capture the depth of the love and anticipation she was feeling for the coming birth of her niece. In an interview, she spoke of the powerful feelings she was experiencing.

 “That moment gave me a profound insight into what parental love must feel like: instinctive, fierce, and limitless. This book grew out of that emotional awakening and my desire to put words to a love that existed even before the child arrived.”

Nahid Kazemi's illustrations are wonderful. She captures all the feelings presented in Ms. Renaud's heartfelt words. Her color choices are warm and glowing through all the hopes and dreams expressed, while cooler colors give way at times to abstracts and even uncertainties. Many lovely scenes are created to expand meaning and to leave readers with the wonders of becoming caregivers.

Stray, by cale atkinson. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I don't need them. 
I don't need anyone. 

Better out here
on my own ... 

Most of the time, anyway."

The brown dog introduced on the cover loves his life of freedom. No one tells him what to do, where he can go, or fences him in. It's a grand life for him.. There are so many ways that confine other dogs he sees, when tied to family life. His nose is his guide; he knows where the best smells can be found and where dangers lie. There are no tricks to be practiced and performed, and a bath? NEVER! 

Seeing other dogs trapped inside houses while he is romping around chasing squirrels, rolling in leaves and peeing on fire hydrants must make them jealous. He has memories of the home he once had; it wasn't a lot of fun there. In fact, they stuck him in a box with a Free sign on it when they no longer wanted him. He's on his own now, and doesn't need anyone. 

He will admit there are downsides: rainy days, loss of friends, loneliness, hunger, fatigue, and always on the run. Most people don't like strays, and send him away. Does he belong anywhere? Does he want to be a stray forever? Maybe there is someone who would like to throw a ball for him. When he is picked up by animal control, he loses the freedom he craves. The stories he hears at the shelter are many. Will there ever be anyone who wants them? 

"For me, it's you." 

This emotional look at connection and past trauma tugs at the heartstrings and makes for a powerful read with children. They will sense the vulnerability as it outweighs the joy found in being free to do everything on his own. Finding true friendship is a great healer for both child and pup. 
                                                                                  

Willa and Wade Are Definitely NOT Spies, written by Judith Henderson and illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour. KIds Can Press. $16.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Here. Now let's 
practice reading the 
newspaper while keeping 
a lookout. 

Like this?

Almost. But 
don't move your head ... 
just your eyeballs. 

How did I do? 

Brilliant!" 

In this third book about them, a penguin named Wade and an ostrich named Willa read a story in their local paper about spies. As they discuss it, the two begin to make an assumption about spies being in their community. They decide to take their observation skills to the street to see if there is evidence to support their concern. Willa comes up with the idea that they should go undercover. 

How will they do that without anyone being suspicious? Willa has the answer; it's time to shop at Eye Spy Outfitters where everything is on sale. Clad in trench coats, sunglasses and fedoras, they pull up their collars and pull down their hats. It's time to practice their wily spy skills. They must be calm and casual ... and stealthy. Pointing their finger guns in classic style, they begin their reconnaissance with gusto. 

They have questions for community members who are frustrated by the birds' insistence they might be spies because of their actions. In fact, they are told, they are the ones who are the likely spies. Those questioned can tell by their appearance. Back where their day began, Willa and Wade get the feeling that far too many patrons are looking their way. Why, they wonder. 

This is fun, and kids will appreciate the storytelling and graphic format. It's a great new addition to a popular series.