March 9 – National Reading Month

About the Holiday

The month of March is dedicated to reading! National Reading Month was designed to encourage children and adults to read every day and celebrates the joys and benefits that reading together can bring. When you spend time reading with your child, you’re helping them develop the language and literacy skills that will promote future success in school and beyond. Even if your child isn’t talking yet, they’re listening and learning about their language as you read to them. Older kids also love being read to—or reading to you! Setting aside time to read together builds strong bonds that can last a lifetime. The month is typically marked with special events in schools, libraries, bookstores, and communities that bring authors, illustrators, and educators together with kids.

You’ll find book lists and recommendations, monthly reading theme ideas, tips for reading and for guest readers, and places to find free books and resources on the National Education Association website.

Disco Dave

Written by Jody Jensen Shaffer | Illustrated by Yana Kozak

Dave the walrus loved everything about disco, from the beat of the music to the hip clothes, sparkly décor, and the groovy dances. “Especially the dances!” He thought The Bump, The Funky Chicken, and The Robot were “‘far out!’” But Dave was not a natural dancer. In fact, when he hit the dance floor his moves were more of a natural disaster. Dave decided to take dance lessons.

He was doing pretty well until his flipper tripped him up. Still, when Dave received an invitation to a birthday dance, he was excited to bust the moves he’d learned in class. But things didn’t quite go as planned. Dave’s friends tried to let him down gently: “‘Maybe you groove to different dance moves,’ said KC.” But Dave adored Disco with all his heart, and when he saw an announcement for a Disco dance contest, he was ready to boogie down. But once again, his flippers failed him, and he had to admit Disco wasn’t for him.

“Dave boxed up his bell bottoms and platform shoes and made his way to the donation center. On his way there, though, he passed by Disco Heaven and saw that it was closed! His friend Donna told him that the disc jockey had quit. How would Dave and his friends groove to the beats without the club? Then Dave had an idea! He might not have all right the moves yet, but he did have Disco in his soul. He got behind the soundboard and started experimenting. It turned out Dave had just the right stuff to keep the music alive so he and his friends could keep on truckin’ to their own funky beats.

The story is followed by a detailed discussion by Silvi Guerra PsyD on the nature of learning new skills and how children can find joy in the process while developing perseverance, confidence, and resilience that will benefit them throughout their life. Using the example of dance, Guerra also gives parents and other caregivers tips on how they can make any learning journey fun and meaningful.

Jody Jensen Shaffer channels the Disco era in her story that envelops kids in a caring community of friends as Dave tries again and again to master the dances he loves so much. As Dave comes to accept that he has two left flippers—for now—Shaffer offers new perspectives on practice, perseverance, keeping an upbeat outlook, and being open to alternate opportunities to shine. Her storytelling is peppered with puns, 1970s’ slang, and you’ll want to check out the names of Dave’s friends for some back-in-the-(Disco) day references.

Yana Kozak lets kids in on all the glitter and groove of Disco, from mirrored Disco balls and multi-hued floors to rad fashions and hair styles to all those iconic dances. Children will also appreciate Dave’s enthusiasm for Disco and empathize with his mishaps. Dave’s ability to turn disappointment into triumph is clearly demonstrated and inspiring.

Ages 4 – 8

Magination Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1433848582

Jody Jensen Shaffer is an award-winning poet and the author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction for children. Jody’s poetry and fiction have been published in magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, and Clubhouse Jr. She lives in Liberty, Missouri. Visit her at jodyjensenshaffer.com.

Yana Kozak is a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator living in France. She loves to create funny, emotional characters who are exploring the world. Follow her on Instagram.

National Reading Month Activity

Reading Fun Bookmarks to Color

Mark where you’ve stopped reading or your favorite page with these bookmarks you can color and make your own!

Just One More Page Bookmark | Happy Reading Bookmark

You can purchase Disco Dave from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

March 6 – National Women’s History Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Women have been inventing, discovering, questioning, challenging, and changing the world just as long as men have—but often without recognition, the ability to take jobs in their fields of expertise, or equal (or even any) pay. Established by the United States Congress in 1987, National Women’s History Month serves to educate people on the amazing women who have blazed trails in the past and those who are continuing that tradition today.

This year’s theme is Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future and encompasses a wide understanding of sustainability, including climate change, economic and financial sustainability, community resilience, healthcare disparities, leadership succession, intergenerational equity, and threats to democratic participation. In all these areas, women are at the forefront of sustainable transformation that will carry us into a supportive future for all. To learn more visit the National Women’s History Alliance website.

Thanks to Beach Lane Books and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me this book!

Mary Morland in the Time of Dinosaur Discovery

Written by Jane Kurtz | Illustrated by Giselle Potter

In the early 1800s, when Mary Morland was a child, girls were seen as “dainty, delicate decorations” who embroidered, arranged flowers, and played with dolls. Mary Morland had other ideas. From the first page, Jane Kurtz allies readers with the spirited Mary through cleverly posed questions that contrast the stifling conventions of her time with the freedoms of today: “Did [Mary] perch on her chair like a prim little miss?” Kurtz posits. “Well what would you do if the whole world was waiting outside? Mary tromped around, exploring. Wouldn’t you?”

“Of course!” kids will say, and off they go, following Mary as, following the death of her mother, her father sends her to live with family friends who encourage her curiosity and teach her to study nature and fossils. From there readers view her drawings of “everything that fascinated her,” and discover that instead of calling herself a “cork-brain” and spending mannerly afternoons sipping tea in a fancy hat, Mary tooled around in her donkey-pulled carriage to “collect shells and fossils.”

Did teenage Mary keep her discoveries to herself? No! She corresponded with Georges Cuvier, a famous French scientist, impressing him with the drawings and specimens she sent. And instead of trying to find a husband, Mary spent her time with old fossils, labeling and mending them. Then one day, she did meet the man she would marry: William Buckland, England’s best fossilist. In fact, it was he who had theorized that a collection of bones had come from a “giant land reptile,” named it Megalosaurus (before the word dinosaur was even created), and asked Mary to draw them for an important meeting of England’s geologists.

After Mary and William were married, did she give up drawing and studying to keep a tidy house? Not at all! She kept exploring, writing, and drawing. She helped William turn his work into books—with her illustrations—and served as a curator for his collections of fossils. And, oh yes! She raised and taught their nine children and welcomed a menagerie of creatures—including a pony her the kids rode around the dining room—into their home! You might wonder: after all this, “did William say, ‘I am so fortunate that my wife is not a cork-brain?'” or acknowledge her contributions on his papers? Well, this was a time when women could not vote, own property, or go to college. So, what do you think? But that didn’t stop Mary from learning and using her gifts wherever she could throughout her life.

Back matter includes an Author’s Note highlighting other women intrinsic to the discovery and understanding of dinosaurs as well as how scientists came to accept that dinosaurs once existed, further resources for young readers, and a selection of resources.

Jane Kurtz combines pluck, humor, and illuminating cultural mores of the past to weave an absorbing biography of Mary Morland, a brilliant paleontologist, writer, and illustrator with whom children will immediately connect. Mary’s personality and intelligence shine from each page, drawing children not only into her life, but into this incredible time of scientific discovery. Readers will be inspired by Mary’s example of self-confidence to set their own path, buck the norm, and prevail over obstacles on their way to success.

Giselle Potter’s illustrations are always a delight, and here she perfectly captures Mary Morland’s singular affinity for exploration, scientific thought, and illustration. In her folk art, watercolor paintings, Potter recreates the fashions, transportation, and traditions of the 1800s as well as Morland’s and her husband’s work. Readers will envy Mary’s children when they get a glimpse of the rambunctious Buckland home. In several instances, Mary’s and William’s facial expressions eloquently (and comically) reveal their innermost thoughts.

Biographical storytelling at its best, Mary Morland in the Time of Dinosaur Discovery will captivate children with its verve and beauty. The book is a must for classroom, school, and public libraries and will become a favorite on home bookshelves as well.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665955546

Jane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, but spent most of her childhood in Ethiopia. Jane speaks about being an author at schools and conferences and helped start Ethiopia Reads (EthiopiaReads.org), a nonprofit that has opened the first libraries for children in Ethiopia. She is the author of many books for children, including The Bone Wars, illustrated by Alexander Vidal; What Do They Do with All that Poo?, illustrated by Allison Black; Do Kangaroos Wear Seat Belts?, illustrated by Jane Manning; Anna Was Here; Clara the Triumphant Rhinoceros, illustrated by Claire Messer; and the American Girl book Lanie. You can visit her to learn more at janekurtz.com.

Giselle Potter has illustrated many books, including Once Upon a Fairy Tale House by Mary Lyn Ray, Try It! by Mara Rockliff, All by Himself? by Elana K. Arnold, and Kate and the Beanstalk by Mary Pope Osborne, as well as her own Tell Me What to Dream About, This Is My Dollhouse, and The Year I Didn’t Go to School, about traveling through Italy with her parents’ puppet troupe when she was eight. She lives in Rosendale, New York, with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at gisellepotter.com.

National Women’s History Month Activity

Women’s History Month Coloring Page

Celebrate Women’s History Month with this coloring page! In the letters write the names of women from history and today that you admire!

Women’s History Month Coloring Page

You can purchase Mary Morland in the Time of Dinosaur Discovery from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

March 3 – National I Want You to be Happy Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

With everything going on in our lives it can be easy to focus on ourselves, our work, and the next task to be done. National I Want You to be Happy Day reminds us that joy can be found by simply noticing and acting on moments when we can “do something small, sincere, and specific” to make someone else feel happy. Perhaps this is expressing thank-you for a job well done, doing someone a favor, or sharing a smile, compliment, or cup of tea. One of the best ways to celebrate the day is to take a moment to tell someone how much you appreciate them. Bringing joy to someone else is sure to make you happy too!

When You Dream Big!

By Peter H. Reynolds

Charley’s class was celebrating Dream Big Week, and their teacher, Miss Rayna, had asked her students what they wanted to be when they grew up. She’d even given each of them a pair of wings to decorate and display their dream job. Everyone had gotten right to work, but Charley had no idea about her future. When Miss Rayna asked if anyone would like to share their dream, many hands shot into the air. Hazel was going to travel to Mars and invited others to join her. Martin was “going to be a famous actor,” and when Anya became an engineer, she said she would “build a bridge across the ocean.” None of these appealed to Charley; the whole thing made her nervous. Miss Rayna smiled at Charley and told the class it was okay if they needed more time.

After school, Charley walked home, feeling anxious, droopy. Then she looked down at her sandaled feet. She thought for a moment and “gave her toes a good wiggle.” Charley took a deep breath. “She felt grounded” and determined to move forward. The next morning Charley woke up with ideas she couldn’t wait to share. In class, Charley wore her wings and raised her hand first, but when she stood to talk, she froze. She wiggled her toes then began slowly, revealing a new perspective on her future. Her ambitions may not have touched on fame or fortune or the seemingly impossible, but as Charley talked more and more of her classmates joined in with dreams they could attain now, ones that would carry them into a bright future.

An inspirational message for children from Peter H. Reynolds follows the story.

Children frequently hear the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?,” and as they enter school, they’re often asked to write or draw about their hopes and dreams for the future. For some children this focus on a far-away time period can be daunting. In his reassuring story, Peter H. Reynolds brings this question closer—to today, tomorrow, and each step forward. Charley’s dilemma is clearly stated (“she had no idea” what she wants to be), and although trying to answer the question makes her anxious, she remains grounded in her belief in herself. Charley’s display of confidence and her thoughtful answer the next day in class offers welcome insight and gives adults and children a meaningful way to talk about personal growth and staying true to yourself.

Peter H. Reynolds’ immediately recognizable and always charming illustrations replicate the excitement of a classroom celebrating a special project while also highlighting Charley’s growing anxiety. From the moment that Charley wiggles her toes, Reynolds’ pages are bathed in the golden light of her ideas and eagerness to share. The final class Big Dream photo is inspirational in its joyful diversity.

Stirring, affirming, and comforting, When You Dream Big! is a must for all school, classroom, and public library collections and will be requested often from home bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1339000350

About the Author

Peter H. Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of many books for children, including Happy Dreamer, The Word Collector, Say Something!, Be You!, Our Table, and All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow! He is also the illustrator of When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left and The Reflection in Me by Marc Colagiovanni. His books have been translated into over 25 languages around the globe and are celebrated worldwide. In 1996, he founded FableVision with his brother, Paul, as a social change agency to help create “stories that matter, stories that move.” He lives in Dedham, Massachusetts, with his family. Visit him at peterhreynolds.com.

I Want You to be Happy Day Activity

When You Dream Big Activity Guide

In your classroom, library, community center, or at home, you can hold a Dream Big event with this When You Dream Big! Activity Guide from Peter H. Reynolds and Scholastic! Full of ideas, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, this kit gives you everything you need to celebrate the power of imagination and self-reflection with your children.

You can purchase When You Dream Big! from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

February 26 – 18th Anniversary of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault Opening

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

In 2008, after more than 20 years of discussion and planning, The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, opened its doors to deposits of seeds from around the world. The vault’s mission is one that encompasses both history and the future as the facility safeguards both heirloom and modern varieties of seeds for future planting in the event that farmland, plants, and seeds are lost due to natural and/or human-created events. Each year, the seed vault typically accepts deposits during a few days in February (around its anniversary date), June, and October. Today’s book brings the story of this important global resource to children.

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me this book for review!

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Written by Megan Clendenan | Illustrated by Brittany Cicchese

Imagine a vast vault carved into the heart of an arctic mountain where priceless treasure is kept safe from dangers like fire, floods, storms, war, and climate change. Sounds like a movie plot, doesn’t it? But there is such a vault—the Svalbard Global Seed Vault that protects perhaps the world’s most valuable resource: seeds.

Before Megan Clendenan and Brittany Cicchese take children on a tour of the Svalbard Seed Vault, they plant a wide range of knowledge about seeds themselves. Kids learn world-wide traditions for saving local crop seeds, in both fortress-like seed banks and “simple community spaces with jars of seeds on shelves,” that each variety of seed has a “unique genetic code” that determines everything about it, and why some seeds may face extinction.

Then it’s off to Norway to see where a group of engineers, scientists, and architects designed the vault that was to be built “in the middle of a frozen mountain.” Step by step, kids join the crew to see equipment arrive, hear the blast that facilitated the digging and carving of the tunnel, and even meet a hungry arctic fox they befriended.

Readers learn about security at the vault, witness the care with which farmers, gardeners, and collectors from around the world contribute seeds to the vault’s shelves, and discover that in the vault’s “first five years, 80,000 unique crop varieties arrived . . . !” They also see how crucial the seed vault is through the story of the first withdrawal of seeds from the bank that helped a war-torn country recover their crops. Today, “inside the vault, a walk down the aisles becomes a walk through the world” with “more than 580 million seeds. / For you, for me / for everybody. / Just in case.”

Back matter extends the discussion of some issues presented in the text, including the difficulty of keeping seeds safe, the vault itself, the need to continually update crop seeds to reflect evolutionary changes, and an author’s note.

With the allure and story-building of an adventure about hidden treasure, Megan Clendenan draws readers into the frozen, underground world of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, where the survival of crucial food crops is protected. Her clear and lyrical text (“steel doors open and beckon into the belly of a mountain,” “walls of ice shine like stars.”) keeps readers riveted to the historical and current facts about farming, seed harvesting, and this global facility that may be unknown to many. Easy-to-understand sidebars illuminate particular aspects of Clendenan’s subject, including, information on local seed banks around the world, varietal differences and the threat of extinction of some seeds, vault design and construction, seed storage conditions, and the first seed withdrawal.

Brittany Cicchese’s lovely illustrations take children to the arctic north to view the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, with it’s ethereal sculptural entrance, and its shelves lined with boxes of seeds before transporting them to various farms, gardens, markets, and seed repositories around the world. Cicchese’s detailed and realistic depictions clearly connect readers to those who grow and sell food, the design and construction of the vault from the meeting room to the mountain tunnel, the scientists and families who provide the seeds, and the plants that grow to feed us all.

An absorbing look at one of the world’s most important resources that also offers a sense of hope in its example of global collaboration, Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a must for school, classroom, and public libraries as well as for children who love gardening, farming, science, and food.

Ages 5 – 8

Charlesbridge, 2025 | ISBN 978-1623544805

Megan Clendenan studied sociology, English, and environmental planning and has worked for nonprofit organizations focused on environmental law, women’s empowerment, mental health, and urban food security. As a children’s book author, she loves writing nonfiction that explores the connections between history, society, and the environment. She is the author of Design Like Nature: Biomimicry for a Healthy Planet, Fresh Air, Clean Water: Our Right to a Healthy Environment, and Cities: How Humans Live Together. She lives near Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family and two fuzzy orange cats. This is her first picture book. You can visit her at meganclendenan.com.

Brittany Cicchese enjoys capturing emotion above all else, from expressive portraits to moody illustrations. She is the illustrator of The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale and No More Señora Mimí. When Brittany isn’t sketching or writing, you can find her working at the library, reading a good fantasy or sci-fi book, or hiking around the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Brittany lives in Denver, Colorado. Visit her at brittanycicchese.com.

Anniversary of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault Opening Activity

Just in Case Activity Kit

Educators and families will enjoy using the comprehensive Just in Case Activity Kit from Charlesbridge, Megan Clendenan, and Brittany Cicchese! It includes Connection Activities for English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science; Discussion Questions; Tips to help children harvest seeds from their own fruit and vegetable plants; a garden planner; and a list of further resources. You can find the Just in Case Activity Kit on Megan Clendenan’s website and from Charlesbridge.

You can purchase Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

February 19 – Skate Shop Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday rolled onto the calendar in 2020, sparked by Chris Nieratko, a skate journalist and shop owner, and Scotty Coats, whose career was in music. They wanted to help skate shop owners survive the winter downturn in sales. Inspired by Record Store Day, which takes place on the third Saturday in April each year, the pair designed the holiday to draw attention to skate shops. They invited skateboarding brands to create unique decks, wheels, and shirts that could only be found in local shops to sell on that day. Skate shops aren’t just places to find gear, though. They’re warm, welcoming spaces where friendships are made over shared stories and tricks, local shopkeepers are supported, and community built. To celebrate today, visit your local skate shop, gear up for warmer weather, and feel the love!

Thank you to Scholastic for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

Selena the Sunflower Dragon (Dragon Girls #19)

By Maddy Mara

One sunny day while Selena and her friends Charlotte and Layla were at the skate park, Selena noticed a patch of beautiful sunflowers growing nearby even though it was winter. She then smelled a fragrant aroma of flowers all around her and heard a faint sound of singing: “Magic Forest, Magic Forest, come explore . . . .” She paid little attention as she was excited to begin skating. As she sped through the half-pipe, though, she didn’t change direction at the top but was magically transported to a forest full of flowers. The silent air smelled like warm hot chocolate. And Selena herself had become a Dragon Girl with powerful yellow wings and sharp talons!

Selena had hardly taken this in when she met a beautiful bug named Dottie who told her that she was Selena’s Questie and would be helping Selena on her quest. Dottie also revealed Selena had transformed into a Sunflower Dragon Girl. Dottie led Selena to the garden of the Tree Queen. Here, Selena discovered that Charlotte had become a Rose Dragon and Layla a Water Lily Dragon.

The Tree Queen revealed that the Fury Queen was using Pufferbugs to put everything in the Magic Forest to sleep with her chocolate-scented potion so that she could take over. The Flower Dragons are the forest’s only hope, the Tree Queen said. To break the Fury Queen’s spell, the Dragon Girls must find the right wake-up scent, a special liquid to dissolve it in, and a bottle to hold the potion.

The Tree Queen pointed them in the right direction, and when Selena, Layla, and Charlotte discovered that they could skate the air currents, allowing them to fly at top speed, they were off on an adventure! They met Fearcats, restored pollen-making power to moonflowers, and flew into a thunderstorm all while dodging Pufferbugs and finding creative ways to use their skateboarding skills and their friendship to make the perfect potion. But can the three best friends stay awake long enough to save the forest?

A sneak peek at Dragon Girls: Charlotte the Rose Dragon, #20 in the Dragon Girls series follows the story.

A new Dragon Girls book by Maddy Mara is always highly anticipated, and their latest story rewards the wait with the series’ signature combination of magical adventures, friendship, humor, and girl power that makes the series so popular. Lightly illustrated, the story invites readers to imagine the details of the Magic Forest and its inhabitants as well as Selena’s, Charlotte’s, and Layla’s transformations as dragons. Needing to solve problems to complete their mission, the three friends also model positive cooperation and critical-thinking skills. Of course, it’s all wrapped in the fun, fast-paced storytelling that delights fans and keeps them wanting more.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2026 | ISBN 979-8225018344

About the Authors

Maddy Mara is the pen name of Australian creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger. Hilary is a writer and former publisher; Meredith is a writer and teaches English as a second language. Together they have written or created many bestselling series for kids, including Dragon Girls, Dragon Games, and Forever Fairies. Dragon Girls has over 1.5 million copies in print and is available in multiple countries and languages. They live on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people in Melbourne, Australia. You can visit them at maddymara.com.

Skate Shop Day Activity

Design Your Own Skateboard Coloring Pages

Your skateboard can be as unique as you are with these skateboard top and bottom coloring pages!

Skateboard Top without border | Skateboard Top with Border | Skateboard Bottom without border | Skateboard Bottom with Border

You can purchase Selena the Sunflower Dragon from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

February 16 – National Bake for Family Fun Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Whether the weather is cold or whether the weather is warm, the weather is always perfect for the cozy goodness of baking sweet treats or savory dishes with family and friends! Baking cookies—or the perennial favorite mac ‘n’ cheese—together is a fun way to teach cooking skills and a little math while also having meaningful one-on-one time with your kids. Of course, one of the best parts about baking together is eating the delicious meals or treats afterward!

The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out (The Terrible Trio #2)

Written by Swapna Haddow | Illustrated by Minky Stapelton

When we last left our intrepid superheroes, they had found jobs at the Superheroes Café and finally embraced their slightly embarrassing but unexpectedly useful superpowers. Zeb the zebra discovered that his power to blend in with a crosswalk was applicable in at least one other place, Barry the lemur wrote enticing menu signs, and Margarine the penguin was whipping up mac ‘n’ cheese everywhere and from everything like a caped tornado. They were on top of the world! They were heroes!

But that was then and this is today, when Zeb came to work only to find a huge crowd outside the Superheroes Café and the doors locked. When Zeb got inside, he was met with a terrible, confusing scene: Marge was crying a waterfall and revealed “ILOSTMYPOWERICANTMAKEMACNCHEESEANYMORE!” Barry supplied the translation. This was BAAAD news! How bad? After causing a very hungry lion to stub his toe, Zeb saved his own skin by promising him an endless supply of mac ‘n’ cheese for his cub’s birthday party. If Marge can’t make mac ‘n’ cheese, they’ll all be eaten.

Thus begins the madcap search for an antidote to restore Marge’s power. She tries cooking her own mac ‘n’ cheese from scratch, tasting different cheeses down at the farmers market, and joining a meditation circle at the Mountain Goat Meditation Center, but nothing works. Zeb even gives him an apology card and hypnotizes him, but these things don’t satisfy the lion either, and now he’s so hangry that he ties a garlic-marinated Zeb to a grilling rack and heads for the barbecue. It’s at this very moment (well, soonish, anyway, after some mind-bending, dream memories; the revelation of Margarine’s sister’s name, and a heartfelt declaration of friendship) that the answer to Marge’s lost power becomes clear. But will Marge’s power stir to life? Will Zeb be cooked? Will Barry see the writing on the wall? There’s only one way to find out!

Swapna Haddow’s second book in her Terrible Trio graphic novel series charms with feel-good silliness that will have kids cackling at the clueless goofiness that makes these best friends so endearing. Zeb’s clever use of his power, which starts the plot rolling, is ingenious. Gentle pokes at a few current trends will also bring giggles. Haddow’s quick-witted dialogue keeps independent readers riveted to the story and also making this series a rollicking read aloud for younger children.

Minky Stapleton’s hilarious illustrations of Marge, Zeb, Barry, and the lion who needs his mac ‘n’ cheese NOW! show off Haddow’s characters at their bewildered, bothered, and bewitched best. The fun she has with each of the characters as they swing from shell-shocked to weeping to drifting into zany asides radiates from the page, making this story a laugh-out-loud gem. The lion’s super-roar power, depicted in all-caps, is especially funny as he fluctuates between the hangries and affability with no moderation in tone.

This smart, comedic The Terrible Trio series, powered by #1: The (Not So) Superheroes, #2: The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out, and the upcoming #3: The Mystery of the Lost Cape, will excite any young reader or graphic novel fan. With plenty of repeat readability, the books make an exciting gift and will enjoy super-standing on library and home bookshelves.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546183020

Swapna Haddow grew up in the UK and wrote her first book at age eight. She wishes she’d kept it, but it seemed like a good idea at the time to trade it for two stickers and a couple of marbles! Her first published book was the hilarious junior novel Dave Pigeon, which grew into a laugh-out-loud, award-winning series. She has since written many funny, colourful, and much-loved picture books as well as further junior fiction series. Swapna loves to write stories filled with boisterous animals causing mayhem, with friendship and humour consistently at the heart of her work. Swapna now lives in Dunedin, New Zealand, with her husband, son, and their dog. Her first homegrown tall tale with Scholastic New Zealand is But Then… the almost true story of an overdue book. Visit her at swapnahaddow.com.

Minky Stapleton is a multi-faceted illustrator with a range of styles, all with a dash of humour. An award-winning Art Director and Creative Director originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Minky gave up advertising to follow her first love, illustration. She now resides in Auckland, New Zealand, where she balances illustration projects with running classes for kids on how to design scary monsters. Minky has illustrated many titles for Scholastic, from hilarious picture books to historical fiction and high-energy, heavily illustrated junior fiction. Visit her at minkystapleton.com.

You can find my review of The (Not So) Superheroes: The Terrible Trio #1 here.

Bake for Family Fun Month Activity

Make Marge’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese

What’s your superpower? Making Marge’s mac ‘n’ cheese! With this recipe found on Swapna Haddow’s website, you’ll be taming your child’s roaring hangries in no time! You’ll also find lots of The Terrible Trio drawing, coloring, and activity pages too!

You can purchase The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out (The Terrible Trio #2) from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

February 11 – Formula One Pre-Season Testing Begins & National Inventors’ Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

If you’re a fan of Formula One racing, today may be one of your favorite holidays of the year as Formula One Pre-season Testing gets underway in Sakhir, Bahrain! This year teams have six days at the Bahrain International Circuit to watch their new cars prove their mettle on the track and view the competition ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 6. You can read more about this year’s F1 pre-season testing here. To learn more about the 2026 Formula One World Championship season, visit formula1.com.

Today also hosts a holiday that celebrates the innovative individuals behind such sports as Formula One as well as endless other industries, sciences, and arts—National Inventors’ Day! Honoring the birthday of Thomas Edison, the day recognizes the spirit of inventors from all backgrounds and experience who look at life a little differently and not only imagine “what if?” but make it happen. If you have a creative mind, spend some time today tinkering around with your idea!

Thank you to Phaidon Press for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Formula Fast: Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing!

Written by Matt Ralphs | Illustrated by Dragan Kordić

There may be no more thrilling call to play than Formula One racing’s “It’s lights out and away we go!” Bolstering this iconic phrase are the suspense, competition, innovation, pride, and history that define one of the world’s best-loved sports. In their stunning, oversized book, Matt Ralphs and Dragan Kordić take kids to the race track through 26 fast-paced, two-page sections to learn all about Formula One and what makes it such a favorite of spectators of all ages. First up are some basics about the sport, including how the name “Formula One” was devised.

Then it’s off to a Grand Prix race weekend for a peek at practice, qualifying, sprint races and, finally, Sunday’s race. But what about the cars? Turn the page and kids get to see the inner workings of a race car then view and learn about nine of the most distinctive cars over time from the 1950 Alfa Romeo 158 to the sleek 1977-78 Renault RS0 (“the first Formula One car sporting a turbocharged engine”) to today’s hybrid cars like the Mercedes F1Wo5. Along the way, some truly legendary cars Young fans then discover seven legendary cars that have broken the mold with their improvements to “create pure racing magic.”

Other sections discuss safety innovations at the race track, inside vehicles, and in the gear drivers wear. Sometimes, it might be said that designers get too creative and produce cars that are just kind of well . . . “weird.” Readers can decide for themselves which of the five cars presented is the strangest, from a car that used an airplane engine to one that rolled on six wheels instead of four! A glimpse into the cockpit leads to a detailed look at the game-controller-like steering wheel, that “can be programmed to do hundreds of jobs.” Kids also learn about Grand Prix tracks and get a primer on the meaning of each flag.

Think the Kentucky Derby at about 2 minutes is fast? That’s nothing compared to a Formula One pit stop! In 2.5 seconds or less, a 20-person pit crew changes tires and makes repairs and gets cars back on the track! Readers will love joining the crew to learn about the specialist mechanics and what they do. Young speedsters will be interested in the career path for Formula One drivers, starting with kart racing as children and transitioning to faster races with more powerful cars as teens.

Another section discusses the positive steps being taken to include women in the sport, including “an all-female annual F1 Academy racing series” begun in 2023 and the F1 Academy championship—a fourteen-race season with fifteen female drivers representing five teams. Readers are then introduced to nine iconic drivers and six famous teams throughout F1’s history. Before the photo finish, fans also discover more about what it takes to put a racing team together and efforts by Formula One to be more inclusive in their hiring across all aspects of the sport. A Glossary follows the text.

Matt Ralphs immerses young readers in Formula One racing from its inception in 1950 through today with captivating and easy-to-understand writing that gives children the feeling of being taken on a personal tour to sit in the cars, cheer from the stands, meet the personalities, and engage in all aspects of F1 racing. Ralphs’ comprehensive overview of the sport soars on his amazing attention to every detail and is presented in well-paced, bite-sized, illustrated paragraphs that reward short or long reading sessions. Educators and students will also find the book a valuable resource with a breadth of topics that can spark interest in and research for a wide range of creative STEM/STEAM projects.

Readers can almost hear the roar of the engines and shouts of the crowds as cars race across pages in a blur of color, power, and speed in Dragan Kordić’s exhilarating illustrations. Each concept is accompanied by one of Kordić’s astonishing, realistic depictions of cars, drivers, and equipment, which allows readers to fully appreciate the complexities, materials, and work involved in Formula One racing. Children will be enthralled with their inside views of a cockpit, race tracks, and garage. Kordić’s portraits of the people involved with F1 from its earliest days to the present will impress readers with the lessons and successes of the past that has led to today’s Formula One popularity.

A must for any Formula One fan—both children and adults—Formula Fast: Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing! will speed to the top of the favorites board in any home, classroom, or library collection. The book would make a much-loved gift for any child who loves F1 racing.

Ages 8 – 12+

Phaidon Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1837291243

Matt Ralphs is an author and editor. His children’s non-fiction credits include Spooky Celebrations Around the World, Beasts from the Deep, Transported, Automative, and Around the World in 80 Inventions. He has lots of interests, especially Formula One and fast cars and counts himself lucky that he gets to write books about them. Visit him at mattralphswriter.com.

Dragan Kordić is a Croatian illustrator and designer. His work ranges from illustrations for publishing and public spaces to visuals for startups, corporate clients, and advertising. He is inspired by nature, travel, and books. He lives in Rijeka, Croatia, with his wife and daughter. Visit him at dragankordic.com.

Formula One Pre-Season Testing Activities

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-truck-racing-game-wood

Racing Game

Here’s a game that kids will race to make and play! With poster board, paper, and chalk or other art supplies, kids can place their track in a stadium, city, the country, the desert, or even in outer space! Once the scene is ready, get out your own toy cars or trucks to play with or use the printable car or truck game pieces included below. Use a traditional playing die or the included printable 8-sided playing die. The first player to the finish line wins—or shake it up a bit and make the last person to the line the winner.

The track can be laid out on the floor and taped in place or created on poster board or paper with the supplies below:

Supplies

Black poster board or tri-fold display board. I used a 12-inch by 4-foot section of a tri-fold board in my example. This allows you to fold up the board for easier storing.
White paper
Chalk, crayons, or colored pencils
Glue or tape
Scissors
Toy trucks or cars
Printable Cars Game Pieces | Trucks Game Pieces (optional)
Printable 8-sided Playing Die

Directions

Cut 30 4- or 5-inch by 1½-inch strips from the white paper (or more for a longer track)
Have kids lay out a track on the board using the white paper strips (each strip is one space) leaving room in between the rows for scenery
Glue or tape the strips in place
Draw scenery around the track OR cut trees, buildings, landmarks, or other scenery from paper and color. Glue or tape to board.
Print and assemble 8-sided playing die with tape (optional)
Give each player a toy truck or car. Alternately, print and cut out included Truck Game Pieces. (To make them sturdier, print on heavy paper or glue them to cardboard)
Choose a player to go first
Players take turns rolling the die and moving the appropriate number of spaces
The first (or last) player to the finish line is the winner

Formula One Coloring Pages

Race to the finish with these three Formula One coloring pages from Monday Mandala! You can find more at MondayMandala.com!

Sunny Day F1 Racing | At the Track F1 Racing | Pit Stop! F1 Racing

You can purchase Formula One: Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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Formula Fast: Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing!

Written by Matt Ralphs | Illustrated by Dragan Kordić

Formula One Pre-Season Testing Activities

Racing Game

Formula One Coloring Pages

Share this: