Henri & Miko: Autumn in Bosk Olivette - written and illustrated by Rebecca GreenTundra Books, 2026 Rebecca Green has invented a world, building it with color, poetry, and companions dedicated to friendship and beauty. The high level of artistry in this new classic is a sign of respect for the children, along with adults, who … Continue reading Autumn Leaves, and More

Take Cover – Deborah HopkinsonScholastic Press, 2026 As World War II began, in anticipation of German attacks on Britain, many London families sent their children to rural locations where they believed bombing would be less likely.  Deborah Hopkinson, (see reviews here and here and here and here) a prolific author of both novels and non-fiction, … Continue reading Keep Calm and Carry On

This Is How To Spot Animals – written and illustrated by Aline Portman, translated from the Dutch by Laura WatkinsonEerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 This wonderful picture book is an inventive twist on the look-and-find genre, but also a gentle and sincere reminder to keep your eyes open.  You never can tell what you … Continue reading Keep Your Eyes Open. There’s a Lot to See

Love, Panda – written by Elaine Su, illustrated by Charlene ChuaOrchard Books, 2026 Whether you call it a “lovey” or a transitional object, a child’s favorite stuffed animal is one of her best friends. Elaine Su and Charlene Chua (I reviewed another book she illustrated here) tell the story of this profound connection from the … Continue reading Best Friends

Puma Concolor: In Search of Patagonia’s Wild Pumas – written by René Araneda, illustrated by Julio Antonio Blasco, translated from the Spanish by Lawrence Schimmel Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 The title of Puma Concolor refers to the puma’s uniform color.  But color, in the broader sense, relates to both the book’s graphic presentation and … Continue reading One Amazing Cat

Still Water: The Wonders of Ponds, Pools, Wetlands, and More – written by Valentina Gottardi, Maciej Michno, and Danio Miserocchi, illustrated by Valentina Gottardi, translated from the Italian by Sylvia NotiniEerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 The authors of Still Water point out (the same Eerdmans team that produced Who Hid the Stars), in their … Continue reading It Runs Deep

Cow and Sow – written by Matthew Farina, illustrated by Doug SalatiTundra Books, 2026 Cow and Sow are friends. Like Frog and Toad, George and Martha, Kat and Mouse, and Goat and Bunny, their compatibility is partly based on tolerance of difference, but also on abiding affection.  Matthew Farina’s text tells just enough of the … Continue reading Farm Friendship

Facing Feelings: Inside the World of Raina Telgemeier – Based on the exhibition at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, curated by Anne Drozd. Foreword by Jenny E. Robb, Introduction by Scott McCloudGraphix (Scholastic), 2025 How does Raina Telgemeier connect with readers? Her graphic novels convey the intensity of experiences shared, or remembered by, … Continue reading How Does Raina Telgemeier Get It Right?

My Tokyo Summer – written by Abby Denson, illustrated by UtomaruGraphix (Scholastic), 2026 Two girls, one American and one Japanese, share a love of comic arts, particularly manga. Abby earns a chance to study art in NYC, where she stays with her Grandfather, but also frequents the edgy and exciting world of zine publishing, clubs, … Continue reading NYC – Tokyo Connection

Max a Little Axolotl: Breaking Out – written and illustrated by Joey SpiottaGraphix (Scholastic), 2026 This is the second in the series about an endearing axolotl and his friends.  Max has become acclimated to his aquarium home. With pizza day, their teacher, Mr. Tecu, imparting crucial information about ecosystems, and his multiple species of aquatic … Continue reading  No Place Like Home