Mac and Croc, written and illustrated by Jami Gigot. Kids Can Press, 2026. $16.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Hello, down there. 
Are you okay?

I'm tangled in the rope. 

Croc can help. Right, Croc? 

My hero!" 

This graphic novel for early readers features two friends. One is gregarious and outgoing; the other is quiet and reserved. When Mac leaves his lighthouse to walk to Croc's house, his mind is on convincing his friend to go on an adventure. Croc is not interested. Despite Mac's pleas, Croc is happy where he is. For every thought Mac has about the fun they might have, Croc has a rejoinder. Could they play chess rather than take on a dragon? Mac would rather bet on the results of a win. They agree. 

Croc is perturbed by Mac's newfound prowess at his favorite game. True to his word, Croc makes extensive preparations for their adventure at sea. When they find themselves lost, Croc's very active imagination results in foolish outcomes. Mac remains hopeful; Croc is doubtful and longs for home. Each of the following parts of their story begins with the pair facing difficulties. Croc remains skeptical and grumbly. Mac tries his best to keep them on track. 

Meeting a mermaid in need of assistance, facing a shark, and calling on a giant octopus for aid will have readers rooting for their success in finding the treasure, then making their way home. It takes a whale migration (Croc's reading has prepared him) to lead them straight home. Arriving at Croc's house, the tide has turned and the need for adventure has found a new fan!  

An excellent use of panels and told entirely in dialogue, this is an adventure that moves very quickly, introduces appealing new friends and humorous escapades, and has elements of courage, adaptation, and persistence. It's a charmer. 

Emilia Wishing, written by Belen Medina and illustrated by Magdalena Mora. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"She waits month after month
until her mother has enough 
to pay, 

imagining wearing her 
new clothes just like the 
other girls."

Emilia is filled with wishes, mostly concerning material things. Sugar cereal would be a treat compared to the toasted tortillas she has each morning. She would love to live in a new house, have a new car rather than their old truck, and even a bed of her own. Alas! It is not to be. 

When her mother takes her to a thrift store to find new clothes for school, Emilia wishes they were at the 'fancy mall' on the other side of town. They carefully search the rows of clothing; Emilia is excited to model what they find. Her mother 'whittles down' their purchase to what she can afford. Taking them to the layaway desk hurts Emilia's heart; nothing goes home with the family. 

The wait until her mama has the money to pay is endless. Each day as they wait, Emilia watches her mother work, work, work from morning until night to buy what the family needs. Poor mama, always tired. When the wait is finally over, the family piles into the truck once more. Mama can make the final payment; she beams with a happiness Emilia has never noticed. Finally, her mama can spin and dance in the one beautiful blue dress she has chosen for herself.  

Ms. Mora's artwork that blends pencil, charcoal, watercolor and ink is rich in color and gratitude. Emotions are evident and enhanced by the colors chosen to portray family life, as well as the different life imagined. This celebration of a hardworking mother's love for her children and their needs is powerful; it is also a hard look at poverty and its heartache.                                                                                 

Mountainous, written and illustrated by Julia Kuo. Greystone Kids, 2026. $24.95 ages 4 and up

 

"But mountains move 
and change, just like you. 

What if you could be like a
mountain, just for a moment? 

Mountains may appear still, but they are
constantly moving in big and small ways.
Over the years, all mountains will rise and then fall."

In this second book in Ms. Kuo's I Am Nature series, she explores the beauty and majesty of mountains which may seem always still to observers. In describing them, she uses her accompanying illustrations to show a child growing up. At first, as mother and child ride a train, they view a mountain in the distance which appears to be standing still. In additional scientific text, mountains are described for readers as 'the tops of our world as we know it'. 

A turn of the page shows a growing child who moves and changes, just as mountains are also moving in 'big and small ways'. Using parallel text to capture the child's growth, while also asking readers to imagine themselves as the mountains displayed in stunning digital illustrations from page to page, offers a chance to learn the science of the mountains as they change in many of the same ways children do.

"Or wiggle and shake
with groans and shouts!

Some mountains sit on the edges of tectonic
plates, or pieces of the earth's crust. These plates 
can shift and bump against each other, causing 
earthquakes of all sizes.'"

This book is a clear and careful look at mountains from around the world. In backmatter, the author charts 13 of them that include Mount Everest, the Matterhorn, Mount Fuji, and Mount Saint Helens. Their heights are shown at the left edge of the spread, and a note is added to explain many have more than one name, reflecting their Indigenous and colonial histories. Thumbnail sketches of each mountain mentioned encourage readers to go back on a search to find them in the book's pages.

I shall certainly look forward to the third book in this admirable series. 

Night Treasure, written by Allison Wortche and illustrated by Alison Farrell. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Now
outside Quinn's window
it was night
and the rain was gone. 
When Daddy came in for a bedtime hug, 
Quinn said, Tomorrow we'll go on a 
treasure hunt. 

Daddy peeked out the window and said, 
How about 
now?"

A rainy day ruined Quinn's plans for being outside. While Daddy was busy at his work, she spent the day inside pretending to be on a treasure hunt. It did little to distract her as the treasures were few and the house too familiar. As night fell, the rain stopped. Clad in his pajamas, Daddy offered a bedtime hug, and Quinn shared a wish for tomorrow. 

Rather than wait, Daddy suggested they head out into the dark, moonlit night. Still in their pajamas, the two put on their boots and warm jackets and set off. Warm light from nearby houses and streetlights helped to light their way in the dark. Everything seemed so much bigger as they explored dark corners and imagined the many animals in the woods they passed. They trudged on with treasure in mind. Quinn led the way past bushes, fences, old walls, berries and pine cones. They hurried forward until they came to the tall oak tree. Thanks to the rain, Quinn and Daddy found the treasure they were seeking ... wet ground covered with hundreds of acorns. 

"It felt like no one else had ever
been awake so late
    wandered so far
            made such a discovery
                         (especially in pj's)." 

Retracing their steps, they returned home, pockets filled with treasure and hearts full from being on a nighttime adventure with someone you love. 

Frog Face, written and illustrated by Blythe Russon. Ten Speed Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The thing was, Frog just had a frowny face.
It'd been that way since she was an itty, bitty 
little egg. There was nothing she could do 
about it. 

"I am not grouchy," said Frog. 
And she set off again."

How delighted she is when Frog awakens one morning. It's a rainy day, she's home and happy, and she has all that she needs. Or does she? When she finds her cupboard empty and herself in need of snacks, she heads out on a search, all the while hoping that she will not encounter any of her neighbors as she goes. Instead, she peeks out to see a plethora of them right outside her door. Not to be deterred, Frog pops out. 

Thus begins her encounters with many. Butterfly is concerned with Frog's long face. This happens too often. Comments are regularly made about the way Frog's face looks. Naturally frowny, Frog tries to reassure the others that she is happy and content. Every creature feels the need to comment on what they see when they look at her: long face, no smile, a need to cheer up, have some fun, relax, let loose. When she has had ENOUGH, Frog splashes into a nearby pond in frustration. 

A rotten mood settles over Frog, leaving her with no appetite for the food she out to find. Sugarbird stops to see how Frog is doing; Frog lets the bird have it. Sugarbird explains her concern for her friend, and Frog apologizes. A silly joke breaks the ice and sends the two into fits of laughter, then leads to a shared snack and a heartfelt compliment. 

""By the way, Frog ... 

I love your face exactly the way it is." 

Isn't that what true friends do? 

Amusing artwork puts emphasis on every emotion felt. The weather changes, the facial expressions of each creature with an opinion, and the dramatic movement across the pages will hold interest as the story is read, and then read again. 

Marian's Big Dig, written by Laura Bontje and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Groundwood, 2026. $22.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Mom held Marian's discovery up to the light.
"I'm not sure about that, sweetie."
Marian's mom knew a lot about rocks. But 
Marian knew a lot about determination. She 
needed to talk to a fossil expert."

Scot Ritchie always does a commendable job of bringing a sense of discovery to the books he has been tasked to illustrate. Case in point: the endpapers will have interested readers immediately considering the child protagonist and her sustained interest in dinosaurs and discovery. The opening illustration shows her pushing a wheelbarrow filled to the brim with a large tarped object. Her companion cat is riding shotgun. Only now, on the title page, are we witness to further evidence that Marian is intrigued by dinosaurs. 

Marian's mother is a collector of rocks, and has passed her passion on to her daughter who curates her own collection. She has one spot on her shelf for the 'best one of all'. At recess one day, she makes an unexpected discovery. It is a tiny fossil, and it is in a big boulder which she can not move, no matter how hard she tries. Right beside that boulder, she finds something even better ... a dinosaur tooth! Or is it? Marian's mother is not so sure; so, Marian searches for a fossil expert. 

She starts with a letter to Wendy Sloboda, asking her advice about the rock she has found. Wendy responds saying she can not be sure about it until she actually sees it. Marian is not willing to send it to Wendy. Thus begins her search for more fossils, starting in her own backyard. When she finds what she is looking for, her parents lend their support to a further search. Trying to piece together every found object is quite the task. Her tiny rock becomes part of a much larger 'dinosaur'. I wish you could see it. 

""What's it called?" someone asked.
Marian gazed up at the marvelous creature. |
Her dinosaur stared proudly back. 
"I was thinking ... Marianodon."
It really was her best discovery yet."

She doesn't stop there. 

Final pages discuss what a fossil is, and lists real-life kid scientists who have been adding to scientific discovery since 1811: Mary Anning, Ruth Mason, Wendy Sloboda, Diego Suarez, Lily Wilder, Julian Caners. Along with a list for further reading, those names will be enough to have interested readers do a deep dive into learning more about dinosaurs and other fossils. 

Bompa's Intertidal Adventure, written by David Suzuki and Sarika Cullis-Suzuki with Tanya Lloyd Kyi. Illustrations by Qin Leng. Greystone Kids, 2026. $24.95 ages 4 qnd up

"It doesn't stay a secret for long. Kaoru
can't wait. "We're going to the intertidal 
zone!"

By the time they park their bikes, they're 
out of breath. But Nakina tugs at Bompa's 
sleeves.

"Why are we in such a hurry?" he pants. 

"Did you forget? Nakina asks. "Low tide 
is RIGHT NOW!"

It's the last day of summer and twins Nakina and Kaoru are patiently waiting for an adventure with their Bompa. Their grandfather is a scientist and they love to learn from him. Finally, Bompa arrives on his new e-bike, and the three are off to explore another special place. On this final day, they have made the plan; so far, it's been a secret. 

They are taking Bompa to the intertidal zone, and they are pumped to show him low tide! They are walking on the bottom of the ocean, after all. They know they will find interesting things; maybe they will have to stay longer with their grandfather to study them. First up is a snail shell, which suddenly moves on. It turns out that the shell is inhabited by a hermit crab. It has adapted to find itself a new home. 

Bompa explains that adaptation happens when animals 'grow and change over time, so they perfectly suit their environments'. The three are soon off again; this time they find a tide pool where limpets and sculpins, and even a plainfin midshipman hides. There is so much to learn. Luckily, the children are equipped with a magnifying glass, a notebook, and a keen curiosity for exploration. Bompa's explanations for what they are seeing provide the answers they need as they continue their exploration. 

Bompa helps them understand the impact of climate change that comes with loss of habitat and pollution. Kaoru listens intently and suggests that the twins might be able to inspire change when they return to school. As much as the twins have changed up until now, Bompa says they will continue to make a difference throughout their lifetime. It is a very encouraging end to their final expedition with Bompa.  

This is the second book in the Nature Adventures with Bompa series, featuring David Suzuki and his grandchildren. Back matter includes a list of ways people can protect the intertidal zone, a Shoreline Search and Find puzzle using illustrations from the story, further Intertidal Facts, and a close-up look at a baby crab, limpets, a sculpin, and a holdfast seaweed.                                                             

                                                                                        

We Used to Be Friends, written by Marcy Campbell and illustrated by Aimee Sicuro. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Sometimes when I feel this way, I make 
myself even sadder. It's like my brain wants
to pile up every sad thing on top of each 
other at once. 

It reminds me of when I have a mosquito bite,
and Dad says to quit scratching, but I can't. 

It feels good. 

Until it doesn't."

Losing a friend for whatever reason, or reasons, is never easy. Yet, it happens. The two girls whose story is told here, were best friends for a long time. They had fights sometimes; then made up, or forgot to be mad at each other. When the fighting got really bad, the friendship ended. It happens. 

It's hard to get over the mad the narrator feels; and she's also sad. Once, they had fun together. Now, she plays with other kids, and avoids looking for her friend when she passes her house. Her dad tries to reassure her when he says that friendships occasionally end. Now, the two choose different activities, while still seeing each other at school. 

"I don't know if we will be 
best friends again. 

Or sometimes friends.

Or not friends at all."

I would love to be there for the conversations that this book inspires. It offers a different take on friendships, and how they work or don't. For those kids who have experienced the loss of a friend under similar circumstances, this book allows them to think more deeply about what happened and to talk about their feelings. Shifting emotions are captured in mixed-media art that explores the changes friendship can bring. It may make some kids feel less alone.                                                                                            

The Brunch Shift, written by Adrienne Thurman and illustrated by Mags Deroma. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"When it's finally time for Mama's break, 
I'm ready for one, too. 
Mama scans the hall ... 
Checks behind her back ... 
"The coast is clear," she whispers.
"We've got to catch these art 
thieves before they strike again."
I nod. "Everything could be a clue.""

Saturdays begin just as the sun is coming up. Our young narrator and her mother wait for the bus that will take them to the restaurant where her mother works the brunch shift. Mama can't afford to miss the work. The wait for the bus is worth it when Mama offers a daring mission. They must protect a dragon from a smelly prince! 

Once their mission is complete, they are off to Mama's work and a very busy day. Mr. Wong doesn't mind the girl's presence so long as she is not in the way. All day, she pretends to be invisible. When Mr. Wong makes sure she gets a stack of pancakes; when she and her mama take a break to track art thieves; or when Mr. Wong calls Mama back to her work, the child's day is long. Each and every task is made easier with her mama's imaginary adventures. At last, it's time to close the diner and head for home. 

A race worthy of an Olympic medal gets them to their bus on time. Two transfers, some rocket fuel for energy, and an expressed wish to have a Saturday like other kids results in one more special surprise from Mama's bag of tricks. Ms. DeRoma's mixed-media images offer fantasy and reality as the two spend their Saturday together. Using light and color to let readers know just how long the day is - from sunrise to sunset - she also inspires empathy for those who work long hours to make life better for their children. 
                                                                                 

Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, written by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and illustrated by Yas Imamura. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Little red faces
Peer out from brown, furry heads
Huddled together. 

They come to relax.
For clean fur and toasty soaks.
To be close to friends."

There was a time when I worked in elementary schools doing poetry workshops in classrooms. It was an opportunity to have kids experience the scope of poetry being published for them, and for them to try their hand at writing their own ideas in a variety of ways. One time, while talking with a grade four teacher, I did my best to divest her of the idea that the easiest kind of poetry for her students to try was haiku. In fact, in my mind then and still today, haiku is not easy at all. Traditionally, it is a poetic form with strict rules: 5-7-5 syllables per line, three lines, a distinct focus on nature, serenity, and brief moments. That is a lot to ask of a 9 or 10-year-old. That is not to say one shouldn't introduce children to the form; to expect them to replicate it is asking too much, I think. Others may disagree. 

Whenever I think back to that day, I am reminded of the brilliance of haiku and how it can focus attention on meaningful language. That is all to say: sharing this incredible book about a troop of nihonzaru (Japanese macaques) from the snowy Nagano mountains in Japan is a truly worthy pursuit. I would not have wanted to miss it. A hot spring is the ultimate location for a calm and quiet soak. Enveloped in the steam that rises around them, the monkeys are content ... until one tiny monkey splashes and wants to play. The others cannot wait for the little one to settle again, and leave them all to their grooming. 

"Come, baby monkey, 
Time to be mindful and hush. 
Enjoy the stillness."

Ms. Imamura's illustrations, created with gouache and pastel crayons, are textured and colored to enhance mood and setting. The warm glow of the mountains as the monkeys make their way to the steamy pool; then cool blues as the snow falls and they settle into its peace and warmth. Art provides a perfect setting for this ode to all being together. 

It is a soothing magical world, and a unique introduction to haiku. 
                                                                                          

I Am Indigenous, written by Anne Tenning, with art by numerous artists. Orca Book Publishers, 2026. $21.95 ages 5 and up

"I am connected to my 

Tribe, Nation, 

Community, Homeland, 

Traditional Territory, 

reserve or reservation. 

And though we come from different lands, 
I have Indigenous relatives all over the 
world! We are all unique, but we also have
so much in common."

In this poem written for Indigenous children by Anne Tenning, the author wants her readers to know that their Indigenous identity is worthy of celebration. Though the text is concise, it proves very appealing to the children meant to hear its strong message. Each child belongs and is invited to share in the pride deserving of their cultural experiences. 

It reassures children their value is honored, no matter their heritage, their language, their families, or their own experiences. Pages of text and art face each other; a new Indigenous illustrator brings their unique talent to the interpretation of the poem's verses. Ms.Tenning's inspiration came from young Indigenous students who shared their reluctance to identify themselves because they lacked confidence in what they did and did not know about their history and culture. 

The 13 Indigenous artists whose works are a brilliant addition to the positive and inspiring words are each mentioned in back matter with a photograph, a clear description of the artist themselves, and a personal statement concerning their art for this project. What diversity they represent in the people they are and the works they have created! 

"I know a lot about who I am, 
And there is much I still want to learn. 

What I do know is

I belong. 

I matter. 

I am loved. 

I am unique."                                                                                          

Stubby, written by Sydra Mallery and illustrated by John Hare. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Thankfully, the sparkly unicorn nail polish 
hands of Barbara Ann Brown chose me.

She threw the ten of us into her cart, along 
with two notebooks, one purple folder, and
an eraser shaped like a pig. 

On the first day of school, Barbara Ann 
put on her new outfit. The other pencils,
the pig, and I danced around in her 
pencil box."

Stubby the pencil tells his own story in this autobiography that begins in a forest. Stubby starts as a giant cedar tree there. He is home to birds and bugs; helps feed bunnies and mice; provides midnight snacks for passing foxes; and even feeds a mama bear and her cubs when they are hungry. It is a fulfilling life. That life takes a big turn when huge machines arrive and go to the work of felling the forest trees. 

Every step of the process is explained. Once completely ready for transport to the timber yard, Stubby is off. Further preparation is required there before he can be hauled to the next factory. Upon arrival, many machines and a conveyor belt complete the work that turn Stubby into a pencil. Boxed with nine friends, his journey continues to a store selling back to school supplies. There he stands waiting to be picked up. Finally, he is chosen by Barbara Ann Brown and taken with her to the first day of school. 

His life in the classroom is fraught with endless change. From one desk to another, one task to the next, the days pass in all the ways pencils are used and abused in their lifetime. Once relegated to the Sharp Pencils bucket, Stubby moves from one person to the next, constantly sharpened until he fears for his future.

Everything changes when he is chosen by 'you' and becomes the pencil he knows he was meant to be. 

John Hare's artwork is created with hand-drawn pencil that is digitally colored, and uses panels to great effect while allowing readers to witness the full life that transforms tree to pencil. The target audience will find much to hold their attention as they pore over this life story so effectively documented as both information and adventure.                                                                                     

                                                                                        

Landing in a New Pond, written by Marisa Ramel and illustrated by Jennifer Doehring. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"One day Mama holds my hand and says, 
"Soon the ducks will move, like we did.
They'll fly south for the winter to stay warm."

Then who will I play with?

The ducks can't leave. I make a plan. 
If I feed them enough, they won't go."

Moving requires resilience and patience; for this young boy and his family, it is quite a sad time. What makes him happy are the forty-one friends he now has. They are very different from the friends he left behind; they quack, waddle, and nibble on grasses. He's a good friend. He feeds them, offers extra for those who are hurt, and checks on them carefully every time the family visits the pond. His little sister is not helpful. 

There is not much he doesn't do to ensure the birds are healthy and happy. His sister wants to help, but she is pretty little to be responsible. All in all, it is a happy situation and life is good. When his mother explains that the ducks will soon need to fly south to a warmer place, the boy is consumed with the need to have them stay. Gathering plenty of food, he is hopeful. His mother's warning falls on deaf ears. With the sudden onset of freezing winter weather, the boy rushes to the park. He's too late. Sadness washes over him.  

""Moving is hard." Mama says softly. 
"For ducks, 
for kids, 
even for grown-ups.""

With the realization that his ducks are still together, he looks to his sister to help him pass the long days of winter. They pretend to be ducks, act like his old friends did, and wait together for spring when they will see the ducks again. 

An author's note explains that her story is based on the family's move from New York City to Colorado during COVID, and parallels their experiences. She adds a further note ... the dos and don'ts for feeding ducks in your neighborhood. Detailed digital drawings capture emotions, setting, and seasonal changes.
                                                                                         

Time Is Wild: The Life Cycles of Animals and YOU. Written by Erin Silver and illustrated by Samantha Dixon. Orca Book Publishers, 2026. $21.95 ages 6 and up

"A mother elephant gives birth every five 
years, to one baby at a time. Most moms 
have up to five babies in their lifetime. 

Elephant babies drink their mother's milk
for about two years. They suck their own 
trunks, just like a human baby might suck 
its thumb."

Orca continues to do a tremendous job of publishing nonfiction books that have real appeal to a wide range of readers. This very engaging and informative one compares animals and humans, by detailing the passage of time concerning stages of life. Each two-page spread explores differences and habits based on these topics: pregnancy, sleeping, breastfeeding, learning to walk, eating, bathing, pooping, dressing/undressing, losing teeth, moving, growing up, leaving home, and finally, dying. 

The design is concise and familiar. The verso (left) side introduces one animal in an enlightening paragraph. The recto (right) side offers THAT'S WILD! bulleted facts that feature additional material sure to surprise readers. At the edge of the recto side there is a comparison chart for the topic that includes the featured animal, a human, and two others. Illustrations are colorful, contextual, and pleasing. There is much to learn as readers consider the passage of time and the changes that happen. The book provides an invitation for readers to think about how the lives of animals compare to their own. 

New learning has me wanting to share with you some interesting facts. I will keep it to this list: a baby giraffe is born feet first and drops 5 feet to the ground at birth; alligators can go up to 3 years without eating; cats spend 13-16 hours a day sleeping; geese poop every 12 minutes; a peregrine falcon can spot small prey from up to 2 miles away; anacondas never stop growing; and one ocean quahog named Ming lived to be 507 years old! There is so much more for readers to share, and they will love passing new knowledge along to others. 

A useful glossary is appended. 
                                                                                  

STEVE, into the great unknown. Written and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Kids Can Press, 2026. $18.99 ages 4 and up

 

"OMG!
OMG!
OMG! 

Deep breaths. Don't panic, 
Bob. After all, you packed
some emergency supplies 
just in case. 

Okay. I've got some trail 
mix. A flashlight. First aid
kit. Field Guide. Walkie-
talkies ... 

C'mon, Bob. 
Surely you are overreacting."

Young fans will be thrilled to welcome Steve back! This terrific graphic novel starring Steve the Horse is much beloved by early readers wanting their own series of books to enjoy, while also tickling their funny bone. In this fourth book, Steve is tired of the incessant boredom. No matter what his friend Bob suggests to alleviate the ennui, Steve has a reason for not making any change. After doing his best to help, Bob heads off to read The Adventures of Bluebird.  

The title sparks an idea in Steve, who is now determined to seek his own adventure; he's ready to find a new land. Bob is very concerned about Steve's inexperience and lack of planning for this exciting new endeavor. Although Steve is raring to go, Bob takes time to prepare for their upcoming excursion. Once needed supplies have been gathered, Bob is ready and full of enthusiasm. Steve is showing signs of reluctance as the walk is long, before finally finding a place to stop for the night. 

Bob asks Steve to unpack the provisions Steve has been carrying all day; only then does he learn that Steve has abandoned the heavy pack 'hours ago'. All of their food and water is gone! Bob is furious that Steve is so nonchalant about the whole thing. As rain pours down, Bob is pleased to have carried an emergency tent - only meant for one. As he watches Steve whimper and cry, he finally invites him in for some shelter and an earnest conversation. Bob leaves Steve in charge of their campsite as he searches for a shortcut home. 

What are the odds that Steve will follow Bob's instructions? Final spreads are filled with the gentle humor we have come to expect from this exceptional series. What a pair of friends Bob and Steve prove, once again, to be. 

CAT NAP, written and illustrated by Brian Lies. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"No mouse here. Kitten is confused. 

"Are you stuck?" Kitten asks. 
The tortoise blinks. 
"We're all bound by something." 

Kitten nips the string. 
"Now you're not." 
"Arigato." The tortoise nods. "Thank you."

Tortoise slips into a rip, 
and Kitten is alone." 

A wee and sleepy kitten basks in fading sunlight on the back of a sofa. Other details of this opening spread reveal a poster for an exhibit of EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES to be shown at the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART from May 18 - June 24, 2006. A book about the art of the world lies open on the sofa seat where a young reader left it. 

A soft scritch awakens the kitten to the sight of a tiny mouse nearby. The chase is on, with the kitten leaping through the poster's edge. The mouse skitters away with the kitten in hot pursuit, much to the delight of close-at-hand rats. Off they all go at a run, destroying the equilibrium of the Egyptian background scene. Along the way, Kitten meets up with displayed artifacts that come to life wanting to play or help. Kitten has no time to stop as the chase moves forward. 

When Kitten stops to help a bound turtle, he loses sight of the mouse. Kitten realizes at that moment he is lost. Poor thing; scared and alone until he hears a friendly voice. A kind monk offers instruction, reminding Kitten to listen to a familiar sound. That sound leads him on a welcome return to where he began his fabulous journey. 

"And like a whisper of wind, Kitten is home -
back in the shadow-filled room." 

Breathtaking! This engaging and truly unique journey invites young readers to explore a fascinating museum of art that spans time and history. So much is included in a distinctly original style by master artist Brian Lies. In back matter, Mr. Lies includes information about how each of the illustrations was created. He explains the challenge of making each piece of art look like the original ones. His list of media used is extensive as are the techniques (both time-tested and brand new) that brought this wonderful book to publication for young readers. He encourages readers to find their own path to making things that they love. That happens with desire, and with practice for exploring their own ideas over time. There are also notes on the original artworks featured in the book.
                                                                                  

Cow and Sow, written by Matthew Farina and illustrated by Doug Salati. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Twirling turned into spinning. 

Hops grew into jumps.

Steps whirled into footwork. 

Unsteadiness gave way to flair. 

Days of skating passed at Shallow Pond. 

Before long, everyone had invented a 
special trick or two of their own."

Winter seems endless to Cow and Sow, who spend long days playing board games inside their home. Boring, and unproductive is how they feel about what is happening. Their interest has waned, and they are hungry for adventure. One chilly, cloudy afternoon, they go for a walk that leads them to the frozen pond at the edge of town. As Cow bends down to taste some winter wheat, she falls and lands on the ice. In trying to help, Sow loses her balance as well. 

They have never been on ice, and find its slippery surface quite enjoyable. Holding on to each other, they are able to stay upright while making their way across the pond. In quick time, they are can skim the surface without help, until they have to find a way to stop. The fallen snow offers a soft landing. The following day, their friends are happy to join in the merriment. Cow and Sow provide all needed instruction. With time to improve, the animals begin to find their own moves. Each is spending the days developing tricks while finding joy in this new adventure. 

When Sow is ready to show her new and very impressive move, she holds sway with the crowd. Cow is not as easily impressed. She refuses to let Sow take credit for the jump that was first hers. A real kerfuffle ensues. Before long, the arguing is louder than the sound of the ice cracking beneath them. Cow plunges into the cold water, and a rescue is quickly organized by Sow. Luckily, Cow is saved and the entire crew builds a fire at the edge of the pond in celebration. 

The disagreement is solved when the two finally consent to a favorable name for their signature move. Sure to be make readers giggle, I will leave it to you to make the discovery for yourself. 

The storytelling is filled with charm, and a great deal of fun for readers. The artwork, drawn in pencil and gouache and colored digitally, oozes emotion at every turn while also giving readers a close and careful look at a friendship that is meaningful and only slightly confrontational. Kids are going to love it. 
                                                                                     

The Girl Who Loves Trees, written by Nancy Cooper and illustrated by Hawlii Pichette. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"By now, the sun is high in the sky. 
I look way up and see the turkey 
vultures circling. And I hear 
chickadees chirping as they flit 
from tree to tree. 
"Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!
Cheeseburger!" calls Grampa." 

A visit with her grandfather on the reserve, and a chance to spend time together in nature makes for a very exciting weekend for a young girl. Their time together begins with a dinner of baked beans, Grampa's favorite. After a good night's sleep, the two welcome a new day with tobacco, and their grateful thanks. After Grampa, it's his granddaughter's turn to say her prayer of gratitude. 

"Meegwetch, Creator, for giving me my grampa and my 
family. And thank you for all the trees." 

They hold the tobacco for a moment, and then place it on the ground near a tree. The young one loves all trees and thinks of herself as 'a tree protector'. They return home with a task in mind; to prepare for a community feast. They will offer cedar to the drummers, causing the girl to worry. Grampa assures her that she need not worry. As they share knowledge of cedar trees, they head off to the forest for a visit to Grampa's cabin. The girl is pleased to let him know what she knows about the trees she so loves. 

Their time together is shared in clear language that offers young readers a chance to understand the connections the two have to the natural world that surrounds them and offers them peace. They note the trees, the birds, and the stream that are all integral parts of the forest. Grampa shares stories from his childhood to help his granddaughter understand why the trees are so important to their people. As she helps cut cedar branches for the celebration, she again offers her gift of thanks. 

Final pages hold an explanation for the learning that has taken place, and the connections made between humans and nature. Albert Dumont is described as the inspiration for Ms. Cooper's depiction of Grampa, and offers reasons why. There is also a short list of words to know as the story is read: Creator, Meegwetch, Nokomis and Tree Spirit. 

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