Canada: We Are the Story – written by Richard Wagamese, adapted by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-SteckleyTundra Books, 2026 One of the most fascinating features of Richard Wagamese and Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley’s picture book is equilibrium between two overlapping themes. Dedicated to celebrating Indigenous peoples of Canada, it offers specific information about their diversity and their … Continue reading Listening to Our Ancestors
Author: Emily Schneider
Emily Schneider is a writer and educator living in New York City. She has published on children's literature, feminism, and politics in Tablet, The Foward, Jewcy, and Family Reading at The Horn Book. She is a regular reviewer for The Jewish Book Council.
They Strut By Night and Day
Cats in Jerusalem – written by Tammar Stein, illustrated by Menachem HalberstadtGreen Bean Books, 2026 If you would like to take a child on a short, but exciting, trip to Jerusalem, this board book by Tammar Stein and Menachem Halberstadt have a clowder of cats ready to accompany her. In a square volume filled with … Continue reading They Strut By Night and Day
More Than Dinosaurs
What Do People Do at the Science Museum – written by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Qin LengChronicle Books, 2026 Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Qin Leng’s picture book introduction to science museums is outstanding. There are many informative and nicely illustrated books on the subject, and at least one gentle parody worthy of the fiction of Borges … Continue reading More Than Dinosaurs
Toad’s Tough Choice
Toad on the Go – written and illustrated by Jashar AwanTundra Books, 2026 As I have observed before, it isn’t easy to write a children’s book that expresses a message without reducing a potential work of art to a didactic bore. In Toad on the Go, Jashar Awan’s follow-up to Towed by Toad, the central … Continue reading Toad’s Tough Choice
Endearing and Fun Creatures
Funjeepups: A Beautiful Song – written and illustrated by Michael SlackFunjeepups: A Star Wish – written and illustrated by Michael SlackTundra Books, 2026 Three small creatures, named Dot, Button, and Dollop, live in the woods in relative harmony. Their adorable appearance is somewhere between a mushroom and an acorn, with pleasant human-like features. Urban life … Continue reading Endearing and Fun Creatures
But, Seriously
This Book Is Seriously Silly – written and illustrated by Ben ClantonTundra Books, 2026 You may have originally met Narwhal and Jelly in their raucously funny graphic novels (see here and here) or in their board book. This Book Is Seriously Silly is Ben Clanton’s second picture book featuring the duo. Similar in premise to … Continue reading But, Seriously
What’s in the Satchel?
Frog’s Day Out (A Lift-the Flap Book, Tales from Acorn Wood) – written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel SchefflerScholastic, 2026 Frog’s Day Out combines the undeniable appeal of lift-the-flap books with the category of books about animals who live harmoniously in friendly villages (for example, here and here and here and here and here). … Continue reading What’s in the Satchel?
Ciao, Bella
My Roman Summer – by Bruna de LucaScholastic Press, 2026 Fiction that fits into a comfortable genre, including a romance where a potential conflict metamorphoses into love, needs to be elevated into to hold the reader’s interest. My Roman Summer succeeds, with believable characters, a carefully placed plot, sensitivity, and humor. As in introduction, or … Continue reading Ciao, Bella
Mixed Media, All Up to You
The Creative Playbook: 365 Activities to Supercharge Your Imagination – written and illustrated by Georgia PerryHardie Grant Books, 2026 I have many art books, drawing and painting guides, illustrated journals, and meditations on how to create (and I have reviewed some here and here and here and here). Georgia Perry’s illustrated drawing book and journal … Continue reading Mixed Media, All Up to You
A Change of Season for the Acorn Villagers
A Cozy Summer Day – written and illustrated by Eliza WheelerNancy Paulsen Books, 2026 The residents of Acorn Village, introduced in A Cozy Winter Day, are back, this time set to enjoy the summer. The snow is gone, as are the seasonal decorations and warmth-inducing foods. While it may have seemed that winter defined this … Continue reading A Change of Season for the Acorn Villagers