Clifford: Dream Big – written by Meredith Rusu, illustrated by Jo Anne Davies, inspired by Norman Bridwell’s Clifford the Big Red Dog seriesScholastic, 2026 Clifford’s dreams could only be big, given his dimensions.  The consistently likable qualities of Norman Bridwell’s (1928-2014) Clifford books is their utterly unpretentious character.  The text is simple. The pictures are … Continue reading What Other Kind of Dreams Could He Have?

Oh Brother: A Graphic Memoir – written and illustrated by Georgina ChaddertonTundra Books, 2026 Sibling relationships are never free of problems, and books for children and young adults have always addressed that fact. Georgina Chadderton’s graphic memoir relates her experience growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum. He has significant disabilities, and he … Continue reading Sibling and Self

Pockets for Two: A Collection of Girlhood – written by Lindsay Ward, illustrated by Brizida MagroHarper, 2024 If you have ever shopped for women’s and girls’ clothes, you know that pockets are considered highly desirable and disappointingly rare.  Men and boys get pockets; women and girls get pocketbooks. Pocketbooks are terrific, but sometimes you need … Continue reading Keeping It Close

Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story (Delicious Duos series) – written by Michael Benner, illustrated by Alison HawkinsOrchard Books (Scholastic), 2026 How did two items, specifically food, become indelibly associated with one another? The premise behind Mac & Cheese is that a series of encounters had to take place before this culinary combination happened. It … Continue reading Edible Twists and Turns

Henri & Miko: Winter in Bosk Olivette – written and illustrated by Rebecca GreenTundra Books, 2026 Henri and Miko’s celebration of autumn’s colors, sights and sounds in their first book now has a successor for those who love winter. This second volume makes the two books an embarrassment of riches. Rebecca Green’s down-to-earth poetic language … Continue reading But First, Pancakes

Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem – written and illustrated by Christy Mandin Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2026 Millie Fleur’s Worst Day Ever – written and illustrated by Christy Mandin Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2026 Millie Fleur is a an appealing child: sincere, driven, and a bit anxious. She finds ways to counteract a bad mood that sometimes surfaces as perfectionism.  … Continue reading Perfection Problems

Find the Sun – written and illustrated by Andy HarknessBloomsbury Children’s Books, 2026 Eddie seems to have had a bad dream, although, as often sometimes happens in children’s books, that explanation for his confusion is not certain. He wakes up on a day of the week that he hates; naturally, this day is Monday. When … Continue reading Monday Dreams

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